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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 153 results
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.
Image of emojis illustrating cover story
Long read: Commercial explosion
  • Article
  • 10 Oct 2025
The use of commercial due diligence has been on the rise for private equity buyers in particular. But more than a risk mitigation exercise, it feeds directly into post-acquisition strategy. Jason Sinclair looks at a service line increasingly in demand.
Aerial view of mountain with lush-green vegetation on it
Insider dealing: Business for all seasons
  • Article
  • 10 Oct 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
Mobeus Equity Partners’ investment in Active Travel Group was rooted in a conviction that active travel is not merely a trend, but a reflection of changing consumer priorities. Jason Sinclair reports.
Laptop with key infront of screen hanging off hook
Insights: In line online
  • Article
  • 10 Oct 2025
  • Nicholas Neveling
Cyber attacks targeting M&A processes can have financial, reputational and opportunity costs for vendors, buyers and advisers. Dealmakers cannot afford to ignore the risks. Nicholas Neveling reports.
Image of jet plane
In security we trust
  • Article
  • 10 Oct 2025
  • David Prosser
After a year in power, the Labour government has published a review of the National Security and Investment Act. Will changes to the regulation help the flow of investment into the UK without compromising our security? David Prosser reports.
Image of historical building
Brief encounter: Banking bonanza
  • Article
  • 10 Oct 2025
It’s been a long time coming, but when Coventry Building Society finally acquired Co-op Bank, it created the UK’s second-largest building society with £90bn of assets under management.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
AI in deals: how to reap rewards and mitigate risks
  • Article
  • 19 Sep 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
In M&A, the accessibility and rapid evolution of AI is bringing amazing functionality to the masses. But mitigating risks, devising new processes and honing new skills is key, explains Graham Dotchin.
digital 3D illustration of a pie chart with different textures colours wood
Analysis: M&A for 2025 in numbers
  • Article
  • 09 Sep 2025
  • ICAEW
CFOs are feeling cautious – prioritising cost reduction and investing in continuation funds.
Dubai city skyline Middle East red orange hazy sunset sky
Roadshow: Middle East
  • Article
  • 09 Sep 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
The resource-rich Middle East has long been attractive to investors, but energy transition is now putting M&A activity in the fast lane, as Jason Sinclair reports.
two engineers employees working inspecting inside a large tunnel construction high vis hardhats
Trendwatch: manufacturing
  • Article
  • 09 Sep 2025
  • Nicholas Neveling
M&A in manufacturing and engineering has felt the force of macroeconomic instability, but subsectors are generating steady deal flow at attractive multiples.
photo of an air traffic control tower building with a plane taking off behind orange sunset glow
Insider dealing: 15below’s first M&A transaction
  • Article
  • 09 Sep 2025
  • David Prosser
Software developer 15below has soared to new heights with its first M&A transaction, the acquisition of communication platform Airport AI, bolstering its aim to deliver seamless travel. David Prosser reports.
A pair of hands typing on the laptop keyboard
ICAEW and CIPFA explore potential merger
  • Article
  • 30 Jul 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Both chartered accountancy bodies have signed a landmark agreement to examine a merger, aiming to boost member benefits and strengthen the accountancy profession. Find out what’s in the agreement.
digital illustratoin of two sticks of dynamite ignited on a yellow and red background
Insight: why accelerated M&A is on the rise
  • Article
  • 10 Jul 2025
  • Nicholas Neveling
Accelerated M&A is emerging as a valuable tool in uncertain markets – helping companies and investors respond to constantly shifting market conditions.
digital illustration of three white ladders against a pink background corporate climbing
Insider dealing: MHA’s public listing
  • Article
  • 10 Jul 2025
  • Jo Russell
Despite private equity interest and consolidation in its sector, MHA has chosen another path for growth – raising £98m with a public listing on the AIM market.
digital illustration of a game show spinning wheel prizes numbers multicoloured
Insight: valuations
  • Article
  • 10 Jul 2025
  • Vicky Meek
Dealmakers have had to cope with uncertainty for several years, but the constantly changing US tariff levels are creating new levels of unpredictability. How is that flowing into M&A valuations?
two large cargo ships on the ocean seagulls shipping containers water sea
Long read: Mitigating supply chain risk
  • Article
  • 10 Jul 2025
  • David Prosser
Resilience and ESG in supply chains have long been a focus for acquirers, but the US tariffs and Middle East troubles have thrust complex issues into the spotlight. David Prosser looks at how firms are mitigating global supply-chain risk in choppy waters.
John R Hughes, founder and director of management consulting firm Radical Strategy and co-founder of Farnham Mediation
John R Hughes on M&A people skills
  • Article
  • 06 Jun 2025
  • John R Hughes
People skills are absolutely key to successful working in M&A. John R Hughes of Radical Strategy gives pointers for career development.
Birmingham city skyline high rise building and old buildings
Roadshow: West Midlands
  • Article
  • 06 Jun 2025
  • Jo Russell
The West Midlands had a great 2024 for deal volume, but what’s on the horizon? Jo Russell takes the pulse of dealmakers and advisers across the region.
aerial photo of farming machinery ploughing land with a topical pattern
Trendwatch: agriculture
  • Article
  • 06 Jun 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
Agriculture has been thrust into the spotlight with security of food supply and inheritance tax changes fuelling media interest. But what is going on with investment in the sector?
molten gold production pouring refinery industrial
Long read: Secondary share sales
  • Article
  • 06 Jun 2025
  • David Prosser
An alternative route to cash-out for younger businesses, secondary share sales are gaining momentum in Europe as tech companies look to provide liquidity for early-stage investors and employee shareholders.
Business of buy-outs in ICAEW Corporate Financier May 2025 analysis
Analysis: The business of buy-outs
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • ICAEW
Amid current uncertainty, management teams want expert investors and there’s no shortage of private equity in the UK mid-market looking for good returns.
Marshall Awake speaker held under a boy's arm standing in front of the Unisphere globe, Queens, New York
Insider dealing: Marshall
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
Amplifier designer and manufacturer Marshall must be one of the loudest brands globally, which explains why it’s getting a lot of international attention.
Displaying 1-50 of 153 results

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