Deal values skyrocket 55% for advisory group Dow Schofield Watts

Dow Schofield Watts, the North West advisory group, acted on 55% more deals during the first half of the year than it did during H1 2015, according to new figures.

Between January and June, the Daresbury-headquartered firm was involved in 22 deals worth £194m, in comparison to 16 deals worth £124.8m in the same period last year.

According to DSW, the growth reflects a rise in business confidence ahead of June’s EU referendum.

Key North West deals during the six months included the £50m buyout of Knutsford-based leisure operator The New World Trading Company, which owns The Botanist and The Oast House bar and restaurant brands.

DSW also acted on the sale of the Manchester-based rubber compounder Berwin Group to the Swedish listed firm HEXPOL AB, as well as Beech Tree Private Equity’s investment in the Bolton-based online loans broker Fluent Money Group.

Elsewhere, DSW advised multidisciplinary environmental consultancy RSK Group on its acquisition of Dynamic Sampling, and leading milk logistics business SJ Bargh Group on its purchase of Stoke-based haulage company RG Bassett & Sons.

Mark Watts, the director of Dow Schofield Watts’ North West corporate finance team, said: “Confidence has been improving progressively with businesses being able to raise finance for strategic transactions and values at pre-recession levels.

“Brexit undoubtedly has created some uncertainty which we hope will dissipate as the political landscape stabilises and a clear strategy emerges that is positively received by our trading partners.”

He continued: “Importantly, a lower Sterling exchange rate will present opportunities for exporters and inbound acquirers and the funding landscape, from banks to alternative debt funds to equity investors, remains diverse and open for business.

“Business owners should, therefore, be able to address a wide range of short and longer term objectives. Our pipeline of future deals reflects this diversity and the breadth and depth of experience that our team can provide.”

Ed Bentnall, a director within DSW’s transaction services team, commented: “We are delighted with the increase in both deal volume and value, which shows not just the appetite of our private equity, corporate and banking clients during the first half of the year, but also the quality of opportunities across the North of England and the continued growth in Dow Schofield Watts’ reputation for its advisory and due diligence work.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →