Francis Clark named top deal adviser in SW

The corporate finance team at chartered accountants Francis Clark has been recognised as the leading financial adviser in terms of South West deal volumes.

The authoritative Experian Deals Review and League Tables H1 2014 study examines transactions including mergers and acquisitions, and equity capital markets completed in the first six months of 2014. It showed that league table topping Francis Clark was the most active deal adviser with 12 deals in the first half of the year, a third ahead of their nearest rival.

Francis Clark Corporate Finance partner Andrew Killick said: “We have supported deals across a range of sectors including advising on the recent management-buy-out for James Tobias, a leading furniture manufacturer and also providing specialist advice in the renewables sector involving both solar power and anaerobic digestion, including a public share issue on behalf of Plymouth Energy Community.

“We’re delighted that we have a large number of completed deals in the region particularly at a time when overall deal volume is down.”

Phil Jones, Managing Director of James Tobias commented: "The management team are very excited to have completed the deal to acquire a company with a fantastic product range and great potential. Francis Clark’s experience and knowledge was invaluable in helping us deliver the deal."

Dave Garland, Founder Member and Chairman of PEC Renewables Ltd, said: “It’s been great working with Francis Clark. Their expertise and flexible approach was essential support for me and my fellow directors as we finalised the prospectus.”

The Experian report revealed that the South West experienced 149 deals– an 18 per cent year-on-year drop. Deal values were steady at £2.6bn over the same period.