May 2023

Our lead story this month is debt – a binary issue for deals when it is either there or it isn’t, and when it is the cost will impact pricing and valuations. Meera Shah and Anna-Louise Shipley of Buzzacott discuss diversity in corporate finance, and David Prosser puts the Manchester corporate finance network under the microscope.

fish orange koi water ICAEW Corporate Financier Big Fish Big Pond private debt

Long read

The rise of private debt

Private debt is an asset class that’s risen meteorically – and looks set to grow further. But tough economic conditions and a flexible approach to covenants mean there may be challenges, too. With major flux in banking and lending markets, Andy Thomson looks at who will provide debt for mid-market deals.

News and views

Faculty news

May 2023

Secure your place at Liverpool’s second Innovation Investment Summit, plus two new representatives join the faculty’s Middle East panel.

brief encounter

The lowdown on L’Oréal

In April, L‘Oréal bought Aesop, its biggest acquisition in decades. What does this mean for the French cosmetics giant’s strategy?

opinion

Jon Moulton: Politically exposed

Voluntary work may be rewarded with a title. Jon Moulton did the time, but feels it’s being treated like a crime.

Connections

Corporate finance advisory

Promotions and those on the move in corporate finance advisory.

Legal advisory

Who’s on the move or been promoted in legal advisory.

Private equity

Recruitment and promotions in private equity.

Global investment and M&A

propeller fan workers high vis orange ICAEW Corporate Financier infrastructure investment

long read

Insight: infrastructure

Investment in infrastructure is vital for the UK to remain competitive. Jason Sinclair examines government initiatives and speaks to infra advisers about where they expect the deals to be.

Innovation and sustainable recovery

Roadshow: Manchester

Manchester has its own corporate finance and investment community – but M&A is not a closed shop, says David Prosser.

Insight: venture debt funds

More common in the US, venture debt funds are being launched in Europe. David Prosser asks, is now their time?

Future advisory professionals

profile

Meritocracy challenge

Meera Shah and Anna-Louise Shipley, senior corporate financiers at Buzzacott, discuss the challenges of their multi-pronged approach to encouraging diversity.

on my cv

Heat of the deal

RSM corporate finance partner Steve Hubbard talks about his role in the sale of Heatmiser to FTSE 250-listed IMI, a complex multi-jurisdictional transaction.

career paths

Eyes on the prize

Eleanor Lothian, now a manager at Price Bailey, on how having longer-term views has helped her develop her career, and why the ACA has set her in good stead.