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Corporate Finance Faculty

Topical articles on mergers and acquisitions

Initiating deals, managing sale processes, devising acquisition strategies and applying techniques in global and local M&A.
Displaying 1-50 of 178 results
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
Where carve-outs can go wrong
  • Article
  • 04 Jun 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
Carve-outs are an important part of the global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, but they can often be complicated to complete. Here are some of the core considerations when pursuing a successful carve-out.
Statistics images illustrating 'In numbers' article
In numbers
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (68kb)
  • ICAEW
CFO confidence hit a low, amid geopolitical turmoil, but VC investment bounced back in Q1, with two UK businesses raising more than £1bn.
Image of South coast area
Roadshow: Ups and South Downs
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (979kb)
  • ICAEW
From Brighton to Bournemouth and beyond, the lure of the south coast encompasses beaches, nightlife and so much more. Rachel Willcox discovers an advisory community holding firm against a national backdrop of challenged activity.
Image of floating solar panels in dam
Trendwatch: Eye for Infra
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (923kb)
Boasting solid commercial fundamentals, UK infrastructure M&A – traditionally the preserve of large-cap funds – has piqued mid-market dealmakers’ attention. Nicholas Neveling looks at the innovative investment strategies firms are adopting to get involved in the sector.
Image of three tennis balls on court
Simply capital
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (714kb)
  • ICAEW
The FCA and the Takeover Panel have introduced changes to regulations around UK capital markets over the last year aimed at providing easier, faster and more efficient access to capital. Will these changes alone significantly change the prospects for UK capital markets?
Image of Indian food banquet
Insider dealing: Just for starters
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (1,537kb)
  • ICAEW
Challenges come thick and fast for the hospitality sector – so why has a Canadian-Indian insurance billionaire snapped up a UK restaurant group? Jason Sinclair reports on MW Eat’s global plans.
Image of corporate finance team at Gerald Edelman
Faculty news
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (384kb)
  • ICAEW
The latest from ICAEW’s centre of professional expertise in corporate finance.
Image of red cinema seats
Cover story: Sequel opportunities
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (509kb)
  • ICAEW
Flush with money to invest, private equity firms are increasingly seeking out targets on the public markets. David Prosser asks whether private ownership is a logical plot development for many listed companies.
molecule blue bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections
Connections
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (681kb)
  • ICAEW
Who’s on the move in the world of corporate finance, private equity and legal
Henry Whorwood headshot
Tech-tonic shifts
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
  • PDF (43kb)
  • ICAEW
Non-AI software companies led a wave of exits, while AI firms dominated a strong year for first-time investments. But keep one eye on bankruptcies too, warns Beauhurst’s Henry Whorwood
Dan Wright
Trendwatch: Businesses on the move?
  • Article
  • 01 May 2026
  • ICAEW
Flourishing e-commerce led to a boom in pandemic-era logistics, that’s since been tempered by insular policy making and shortening supply chains. David Prosser asks if the sector will be going places this year.
Coastline
Roadshow: Western promise
  • Article
  • 01 May 2026
  • Rachel Willcox
Off the radar for many deal-makers, the South West boasts M&A stats that buck stuttering national trends. Rachel Willcox investigates what makes the region tick and whether its strong growth can be maintained.
Window panes
Insider dealing: Growing panes
  • Article
  • 01 May 2026
  • Jason Sinclair
After a four-year hold period, BGF sold specialist windows manufacturer Victorian Sliders for £60m at the end of last year. Jason Sinclair reports on how its Swedish acquirer could open new markets for the south-west Wales business.
Image of several oil painting style portraits, to illustrate 'The Family Way' article
Cover story: The family way
  • Article
  • 01 May 2026
  • ICAEW
As wealthy family businesses look to secure their legacies for future generations, family office investment vehicles are becoming a growing source of deals for advisers. Jo Russell finds out what makes them a different breed of investor.
Yellow AA van parked on the grass
On the road again?
  • Article
  • 01 May 2026
  • ICAEW
It started as a charitable organisation, went private in 1999, became PE-owned in 2004, listed in 2014, and reverted to PE ownership in 2021. Is The AA now heading to a new home?
Cityscape
Insider dealing: ARC de Triomphe
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
  • David Prosser
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.
Image of crane
Trendwatch: All back to mine
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
  • David Prosser
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.
Stockton-on-Tees’ Infinity Bridge
Roadshow: Build and more will come
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
  • Nicholas Neveling
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.
Image of horse carved in ice
Cover story: carving out beauty
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
  • Jason Sinclair
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.
Photo of Leandros Kalisperas
A busier business bank
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
  • Marc Mullen
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.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
Hear from takeover regulator at ICAEW guideline launch
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
Following substantial changes to the rules governing public-to-private transactions, ICAEW’s Corporate Finance Faculty has updated its guideline and is hosting an event with the Director General of the Takeover Panel.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
Five HR elements that shouldn't be overlooked during due diligence
  • Article
  • 10 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
HR due diligence is more than just liabilities – it’s about factors relating to culture and leadership, and the risks that might arise from them.
Headshot of Doug Lawson
Comment: You are what you eat
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • Nicholas Neveling
One of private equity’s oldest recipes is to buy a platform for investments, then consolidate for an immediate uplift in the value of the acquisitions, says MarktoMarket’s Doug Lawson, and more and more firms are dining out on it.
Image of skiers under blue skies
Trendwatch: Pack your bags
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • Nicholas Neveling
Businesses that faltered during the pandemic have bounced back stronger than ever, and five years on new niches are opening up, says Nicholas Neveling.
Image of Roslin Innovation Centre
Roadshow: Blue skies ahead
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • Nicholas Neveling
Almost two decades on from the global financial crisis, Scotland’s big energy deals have signalled a return to form. With a strong pipeline of start-ups and high-quality mid-market businesses lined up for investment, it’s later-stage capital that is in high demand. By Nicholas Neveling.
Pixellated image of purple figure
Insider dealing: Enthused for Enfuse
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • Nicholas Neveling
Amid tariff changes, reversals of changes, and stockmarket wobbles, Enfuse Group remained a standout investment target for Agathos. Nicholas Neveling reports.
Measuring tape in the shape of person
Cover story: To measure is to manage
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • David Prosser
HR due diligence is rapidly becoming a vital element of deal due diligence, as buyers seek out more accurate valuations. As its scope broadens, David Prosser looks at how the value of – and risk associated with – a workforce is quantified.
Analysis: On the horizon
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW
The outlook for UK deals in infographics
River Thames at Reading Bridge
Roadshow: Valley of the deals
  • Article
  • 30 Jan 2026
  • Jason Sinclair
Outside London, the Thames Valley is one of the busiest deal regions in the country. Jason Sinclair finds out what keeps it buzzing.
Oliver Aspinall
On a care hunt
  • Article
  • 30 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW
For rehab business Providence Projects, it was all about finding the right buyer and the right price, says Oliver Aspinall, corporate finance manager at S&W.
Puzzle pieces in the shape of a heart
Effecting causes
  • Article
  • 30 Jan 2026
  • Jo Russell
Growth in impact investing is outstripping all other forms of investment. Jo Russell reports on a strategy that balances profits and values.
Handcuffs on orange background
Fail to plan, plan to fail
  • Article
  • 30 Jan 2026
  • Nigel Watson, Francis Moore
Management incentive plans (MIPs) can be modelled to three decimal places, and breeze through HMRC approval, but if CFOs don’t trust them and the management team don’t believe in them, they’re doomed from the start. Burges Salmon partner Nigel Watson and Francis Moore of Wyvern Partners, explain how to plan to succeed.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
What AI means for deal doers
  • Article
  • 29 Jan 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
As uptake of artificial intelligence increases, firms are reconsidering their recruitment practices. What does this mean for the role of the mergers and acquisitions professional?
Joel Whitehouse
In for infra
  • Article
  • 26 Jan 2026
  • Marc Mullen
An independent business for 200 years, Hill & Smith, a provider of solutions to the infrastructure and built environment sectors, received the much-coveted corporate development award at last year’s Annual Reception. Marc Mullen talks to Joel Whitehouse, group head of corporate development at Hill & Smith, about its M&A strategy.
Lightbulb image
Trendwatch: Back to schools
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2025
From nursery buy-and-builds to private school consolidation and university mergers, each education sub-sector is responding to its own specific challenges. Jason Sinclair looks at what’s driving activity in this busy UK market.
Birds flying
Long read: Capital flies home
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2025
  • David Prosser
Globally, listings have taken off this year – and while the UK has not reached the heights of other markets, IPOs could be back on the agenda. David Prosser reports.
AI headshot
Insight: Fully engaged
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2025
  • Jo Russell
The breakneck speed of AI development is disrupting the deal-making world. What are the guardrails and how can terms of engagement hope to hit this moving target? Jo Russell reports.
UK #1 for VC investment stats
Analysis: Shifting out of first?
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2025
The UK sits in pole position for VC investment and global M&A is up in value, if not in volume, with dry powder reserves plentiful. Is the race to invest hotting up?
Jon Moulton CBE
Future Advisory Professionals: 2025 Annual Reception
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2025
The Corporate Finance Faculty’s Annual Reception – one of the biggest in-person events in the ICAEW’s calendar – took place at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the heart of the City of London last month. More than 200 guests were greeted by a champagne reception, accompanied by a string quartet, at the Grade I-listed 190-year-old hall.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
Hill & Smith scoops top ICAEW corporate finance award
  • Article
  • 14 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
FTSE 250 engineering firm recognised for the most value added to shareholders by its effective mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strategy.
Liverpool pier
Roadshow: Pooled knowledge
  • Article
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • Jo Russell
Two-and-a-half centuries ago, Liverpool was a driving force behind the industrial revolution; now, it’s at the heart of a new movement. Jo Russell looks at how the city and wider region is spearheading the life sciences and technology revolution.
Dave Hilton, Forvis Mazars partner
On my CV: Healthy eating
  • Article
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • ICAEW
When you’re selling a family business with a strong culture, any old buyer won’t do, says Forvis Mazars partner, Dave Hilton.
Construction worker on site
Insider dealing: In safe hands
  • Article
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • Nicholas Neveling
ICG’s sale of Kee Safety to Inflexion and 65 Equity proves that a high-quality business, polished by successive private equity owners, will always command a good valuation, whatever the market conditions. Nicholas Neveling reports.
Image of roadsign reading 'Cyber security attraction'
Cover story: calculating a new route
  • Article
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • David Prosser
Continuation funds keep things straightforward for portfolio companies. But for private equity they are a diversion from the plan. Is it a failure of the model or a pragmatic change? David Prosser reports.
Headshot of Doug Lawson
Column: Doug Lawson
  • Article
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • Doug Lawson
Private equity-backed buy-and-builds of accountancy firms are not new, but the opportunities keep coming, says MarktoMarket’s Doug Lawson.
Meera Shah
Analysis: Uptick UK?
  • Article
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • Marc Mullen
There have been positive signs for UK M&A so far this year, but what does the future hold? Marc Mullen gets the views of three Corporate Finance Faculty board members.
A pair of hands typing on the laptop keyboard
More information on potential ICAEW and CIPFA merger
  • Article
  • 28 Oct 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW and CIPFA have shared more details on their proposed merger, including the rationale and a vision for the future. ICAEW is asking members and students to get in touch with their thoughts.
Acquiring another firm as a small firm: five crucial steps
  • Article
  • 13 Oct 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) isn’t just for large firms – as Chris Brown can attest. He shares his acquisition journey and dos and don’ts.
Stack of tokens
Trendwatch: The professionals
  • Article
  • 10 Oct 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
UK financial services continue to attract investment. Jason Sinclair looks at the drivers behind private equity interest in one of the country’s strongest-performing sectors.
Nicola Longfield speaking
Faculty news
  • Article
  • 10 Oct 2025
The latest from ICAEW’s centre of professional expertise in corporate finance.
Displaying 1-50 of 178 results

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