Manchester dealmakers capitalise on London links 

MANCHESTER-based corporate finance professionals are forging stronger links with London, according to new figures. 

Research released by pro.manchester, in association with Corpfin/Experian, show that, since the beginning of Quarter 4 2009, outside the North West, the majority of work for Manchester-based advisors has been in London and the South East, with 27 deals represented with a combined value of £337m.

In Manchester, 29 deals took place totalling £127m.

Acquisitions remain the most popular deal type in Quarter 3 for Manchester-based advisors, with the largest deal being the £48m acquisition of Opus Homewares Ltd by B&M Retail Ltd.
For the second quarter in a row, advisors were most active in the manufacturing sector, working on a total of 11 deals, with a combined value of more than £28m.

pro.manchester chief executive John Ashcroft said: 
“Quarter 3 has been a difficult period for the UK economy as a whole. There is some uncertainty in the market as the impact of the comprehensive spending review  begins; however it is encouraging to see deals are still taking place and that Manchester professionals continue to have a strong presence outside the North West, reinforcing our position as a leading centre for financial and professional services outside of London.
The work we’re doing to help Manchester advisers do more business with London is paying off.”

Visit www.pro.manchester.co.uk for further details.