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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 134 results
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.
On Scroby Sands beach, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk UK, kayaks wind turbines
Roadshow: East of England
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • Jo Russell
The East of England provides a bountiful supply of deals across many sectors. Jo Russell speaks to M&A advisers in Cambridge and around the region.
Various high heel womens shoes piled on shoe boxes
Trendwatch: M&A in the fashion sector
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
Fashion may not be the easiest of markets to stitch up, even when shopping for luxury brands, but M&A in the apparel sector is picking up. Jason Sinclair reports.
looking through a periscope view of sea ocean water horizon
Long read: Debt markets
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • David Prosser
The good news for business, and businesses looking to grow through M&A, is that the lending environment has turned the tide and moved back to a borrowers’ market. David Prosser talks to the debt advisers overseeing the shift.
3D illustration of a pie chart made of wood painted in pink blue
Analysis: investment in numbers
  • Article
  • 09 Apr 2025
  • ICAEW
Disruption on a grand scale may be the outlook for the world economy, but when we step back from the noise, what is the outlook for M&A and investment in the UK?
baby infant with food sauce smeared around mouth face orange background
Insider dealing: 3i invests €145m in WaterWipes
  • Article
  • 09 Apr 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
WaterWipes were born of necessity and have become a new parent’s must-have. We look at the impact 3i’s investment will make.
head office TDR Capital-backed EG Group, the petrol station with convenience store operator co-founded by brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa in Blackburn almost 25 years ago
Brief encounter: Mohsin and Zuber Issa, EG Group
  • Article
  • 09 Apr 2025
  • ICAEW
Beginning with a single petrol station in 2001, Mohsin and Zuber Issa, together with TDR Capital, have built EG Group into a global business with an estimated value of $13bn.
multiple many security cameras pointing at a skyscraper building glass purple background
Insight: ESG due diligence
  • Article
  • 09 Apr 2025
  • David Prosser
ESG due diligence has evolved from a tick-box exercise focused on mitigating downside risk into a key lever for value creation that’s at the heart of deal processes.
miniature office in a briefcase rooms employees blue background
Trendwatch: PE targets accountancy firms
  • Article
  • 09 Apr 2025
  • David Prosser
Private equity is targeting UK accountancy firms, attracted by potential for growth and reliable income streams. What deals have been done, and what does the future hold?
rowing team blue water river sport
Long read: Private equity co-investment
  • Article
  • 09 Apr 2025
  • David Prosser
Private equity co-investment arrangements come in many forms. There are benefits for all parties, enabling investors to manage risk and reduce their cost – but there are downsides, too. David Prosser looks at the options.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
Stricter M&A takeover rules demand clear post-offer plans
  • Article
  • 08 Apr 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
One year on from the Takeover Panel’s implementation of a more rigorous approach to post-offer intentions, we take a look at how it is bedding in.
china porcelain statue breaking smashing into tiny pieces pink background
Insight: Post-offer intention statements
  • Article
  • 10 Mar 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
We are one year on from the Takeover Panel’s implementation of a more rigorous approach to post-offer intentions. Jason Sinclair looks at how it is bedding in.
photo of a protein powder scoop blue pink
Insider dealing: Applied Nutrition’s London listing
  • Article
  • 10 Mar 2025
  • Nicholas Neveling
Applied Nutrition’s London listing has shown that investor appetite for high-quality companies is as healthy as ever, says Nicholas Neveling.
illustration of Cyborgs inside pharmaceutical pill
Long read: Life sciences and biotech M&A
  • Article
  • 10 Mar 2025
  • David Prosser
M&A in 2024 might not have given the life sciences and biotech sectors the boost that was expected, but the drivers remain and 2025 is getting off to a good start. David Prosser looks at how the predicted dynamics are now coming into play.
digital image of a piggy bank with a red umbrella above it on an orange background
Insight: warranty and indemnity insurance
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW
M&A inherently has risks that investors want to mitigate through a deal process. It’s no surprise that warranty and indemnity insurance uptake is seeing an uptick.
digital illustration of fibre optic waves geometric blue teal pink purple
Trendwatch: utilities and resources M&A
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
From water to energy, there’s a perfect storm driving M&A in the utilities and resources sector. Jason Sinclair looks at what’s in the pipeline.
fire safety sprinkler red on a blue background
Insider dealing: Alpine Fire Engineers MBO
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
  • Jason Sinclair
What happens when an MBO hits targets well ahead of schedule? Jason Sinclair speaks to WestBridge about how Alpine Fire Engineers went back to the drawing board and added M&A to its plan.
aerial birds eye photo of people meeting shaking hands on a painted geometric floor
Insight: employee ownership trusts
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW
Employee ownership is often seen as an appealing exit route for business owners. But the sale itself is not the end. Price Bailey corporate finance partner Simon Blake explains the role of trustees post-sale.
digital illustration of a high striker bell fun fair game pink yellow lights against a blue sky
Long read: women in corporate finance
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
  • Marc Mullen
Around the deal table, female representation among corporate financiers has historically been poor. Retaining women and promoting them into senior M&A advisory roles is a long-term mission – and a journey firms are still on.
Displaying 1-50 of 134 results

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