Advisory group Dow Schofield Watts says an uptick in deal volumes ahead of last year's Budget helped it to a "significant" year when it worked on £809m worth of deals - up 36% on the £594m worked on in 2023.
The group says the year saw it advise on "22 significant transactions" in sectors including technology, food and facilities management.
Dow Schofield Watts, which is based in Daresbury and has offices across the Ƶ, says the year saw "challenging market conditions" but that there was an uptick in the lead-up to the Budget in autumn. It said 10 of the deals completed saw i work with private equity investors.
It advised on transactions including the sale of Ruth Lee to Protect Medical, Three Hills' investment into Operam Education, Alpine Fire Engineers’ acquisition of DAS Fir, Survey Solutions' acquisition of JWG Survey & Engineering, and Summa Equity’s investment into EA Technology.
Dow Schofield Watts announced last November that co-founder James Dow would stand down as CEO from April 1, to be succeeded by deputy CEO Shru Morris. Mr Dow will stay on the board as executive director and the company says he will "continue to play a vital role in attracting new businesses and partners to the network".
In 2024 Dow Schofield Watts moved teams in Leicester, Leeds and London to new offices. The group said: "The new offices not only enhance their presence in key regions but also pave the way for further expansion across the Ƶ." In November, Dow Schofield Watts also announced the acquisition of Guildford-based law firm DR Solicitors.
Shru Morris, CEO designate at Dow Schofield Watts, said: “2024 has been an incredibly strong year for Dow Schofield Watts, and we are extremely proud of the progress we’ve made supporting businesses across the Ƶ, particularly during a period of economic uncertainty. It’s been especially rewarding to see the continued collaboration with private equity firms, as the advisory and private equity sectors work together to unlock value and drive growth.
“The ramp-up in activity around the Budget towards the end of the year gives us confidence that the market will continue to stabilise into 2025. We are well-positioned to continue supporting ambitious business owners with the guidance they need to unlock new opportunities and continue growing.”
Gregg Pendlington, partner in the corporate finance team at Dow Schofield Watts in the North West, said: “This year has been a remarkable one for our team, marked by a flurry of successful deals. As we look ahead to 2025, our priority remains steadfast: delivering exceptional results and guiding our clients seamlessly through every stage of their transactions.”
Koo Aseeley, partner in the corporate finance team at Dow Schofield Watts in Cardiff and the South West, said: “Following a year of significant changes affecting businesses across the board, we’re optimistic about the opportunities 2025 will bring. Confidence is steadily returning, and we’re eager to help our clients navigate the road ahead.”
Roger Esler, partner in the corporate finance team at Dow Schofield Watts in Yorkshire and the North East, said: “This has been a highly successful year of dealmaking for our Yorkshire and North East team. With businesses gaining greater certainty following the budget, we are optimistic that 2025 will usher in another strong year of activity.”
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