ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.

Corporate Financier

Analysis and insight from the Corporate Finance Faculty

April 2026

This month, we investigate how, with the right preparation, a carve-out can transform an also-ran into a thoroughbred. We also take a look at the soaring value of precious metals and critical minerals and a new focus on investments at the British Business Bank.

Image of horse carved in ice

Cover story: carving out beauty

With activist investors pushing corporates for more focus, and falling interest rates making valuations more appealing to buyers, carve-outs are firmly on the agenda. But the process is far from simple, says Jason Sinclair.
Read more

Views

Marc Mullen headshot
Editor's letter: Beyond the pale ale

At the start of last year, James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog (with the sensibly more publicity-shy Martin Dickie), announced he was launching House of Unicorns, a reality show for start-ups with a £2m investment prize. It would be like Dragons’ Den, but for entrepreneurs identifying as punks.

Read more
Jon Moulton
Column: State of the nation

Regional policy is far from easy. Directing too much money into disadvantaged regions can be as bad as investing too little, warns Jon Moulton.

Read more

Faculty news

Six people on a stage at a CFF event in Manchester
Faculty news: April 2026

The latest from ICAEW’s centre of professional expertise in corporate finance, including: corporate financiers of the future; Manchester CF networking; and dates for your diary.

Read more

Innovation and sustainable growth

Cityscape

Insider dealing: ARC de Triomphe

LDC’s acquisition of building materials supplier ARC is all about guiding the company through the next stage of its growth journey. David Prosser investigates what the future holds for the company – and why Newable decided the time was right to dilute its stake.
Read more

Roadshow: Build and more will come

Stark stats for deals in the North East belie a region brimming with optimism that's attracting private equity firms. But government investment in infrastructure is sorely needed, says Nicholas Neveling.
Read more
Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

Trendwatch: All back to mine

With gold and silver prices at an all-time high, and critical minerals such as lithium, copper and rare earths at the core of electrification, computing and defence systems, mining M&A is flying high.
Read more
Image of crane
Photo of Leandros Kalisperas

A busier business bank

At 11 years old, the British Business Bank has a new strategic plan, more capital at its disposal, and a new statement of intent. Marc Mullen speaks to its first-ever chief investment officer, Leandros Kalisperas, about the bank’s renewed purpose.
Read more

Future advisory professionals

Image of Nadege Serna
Career paths: Lessons in life science

Keen to build experience as a life sciences lawyer, there was only one place to go for Nadege Serna of Taylor Wessing. She talks about life in the Cambridge ecosystem.

Read more
Image of Meghan Phillips
On my CV: Electric dreams

Getting to know electronics manufacturer Arian’s business inside-out was key to finding a compatible acquirer, says UNW’s Meghan Phillips.

Read more

Connections

molecule blue bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections
Corporate finance advisory

Promotions and those on the move in corporate finance advisory.

Read more
molecule teal bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections
Legal advisory

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

Read more
molecule purple bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections
Private equity

Recruitment and promotions in private equity.

Read more

The archives

Browse Corporate Financier content from March 2026 and earlier.

lamp