From Bristol 24-7
Takeover deals are “there to be done” but are not being driven by the economy, according to accountancy and investment management services group, Smith & Williamson’s Bristol-based corporate finance team.
It secured three major takeover deals last month, two involving South West businesses, which it says show an appetite for transactions.
Smith & Williamson’s Bristol director of corporate finance David Roper said: “Businesses are keen to sell and corporates want to continue with their growth strategies, despite the economy.
“But I believe the economy itself isn’t driving the deals, there are simply deals out there to be done and we as a business are identifying them and positioning ourselves at the forefront of these transactions.”
David oversaw the recent acquisition of Midsomer Norton-based civil, mechanical and electrical engineering group Damar by Staffordshire heavy equipment group Finning (UK) in a deal which included Damar’s Hampshire-based Murray Control Systems subsidiary.
Smith & Williamson helped Bristol-based wholesale food business Charles Saunders complete its acquisition of local businesses Good Morning Foods and Good Morning Disposables.
The firm also oversaw the takeover of a division within one of Europe’s largest printing companies, German-based Manroland by British engineering group Langley Holdings.
