Gambit has been named the most active mergers and acquisitions (M&A) adviser in Wales by Experian.

It comes after the Cardiff-based corporate advisory firm acted on 12 transactions in the first nine months of 2021.

High profile transactions it orchestrated included Veezu鈥檚 funding from MML Capital, Premier Forest Group鈥檚 sale of its Irish business (comprising Brooks Timber & Building Supplies and Dublin Plywood & Veneer) to Murdock Group, the cross-border sale of Heahtpak to Centerbridge-backed Solidus, the management buyout (MBO) of Learna with Harwood Capital and the MBO of Just Love Foods with the Development Bank of Wales.

The value of deal it advised on during the period was 拢250m.

Gambit partner Frank Holmes said of the top ranking in Wales from Experian: 鈥淭his builds on being the most active M&A adviser in 2020. Gambit has received the accolade, which is a testament to the team鈥檚 extensive experience, the creativity and tenacity that add to every deal for our valued clients. We are thrilled to have been recognised on this accomplishment and continue to build upon this positive, upward trajectory as our 30th anniversary approaches in 2022.鈥

Experian鈥檚 MarketIQ report shows that M&A market in Wales has experienced an upsurge so far this year. The number of transactions rose by 25% and transaction values reached just under 拢1.7bn, a sharp increase on the 拢590m total for the corresponding period in 2020.

Figures were buoyed by 20 mid-market deals generating transactions of 拢540m - significantly higher than the previous year when 12 deals contributed just 拢265m to the overall deal values.