Mid-market advisory firm Clearwater Corporate Finance has advised on four deals in the first three weeks of the New Year.
This builds on a landmark 2013 for Clearwater, which saw the company complete 27 transactions with a total value of GBP750m – more than a 50 per cent increase on 2012.
The deals closed in 2014 comprise:
· The cross-border sale of UK kitchenware supplier Kitchen Craft (formerly known as Thomas Plant) to New York-listed supplier Lifetime Brands;
· The sale on behalf of ISIS Equity Partners of workplace vending supplier Kafevend, to European water and coffee provider Eden Springs; and
· The cross-border sale of Lincolnshire-based fruit distributor Empire World Trade to Belgian fruit supplier Univeg, in a deal that saw the global fruit supplier extend its influence into the UK; and
· Clearwater advised on the sale of a healthcare consultancy business to a global healthcare technology company.
Phil Burns, managing partner at Clearwater Corporate Finance, says: “2013 was a fantastic year for Clearwater, and we are delighted that this form has continued into the New Year. A common trend running through these deals is the involvement of overseas investors. As the economy continues its recovery, the UK is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for global investment with companies recognising the growth potential in strong British businesses.
“As a result, the UK M&A market continues to build momentum. It is an exciting time to be operating within in the industry, and we are confident that 2014 will see an increase in both volume and value of deals.”
Clearwater Corporate Finance has offices in Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham and London and employs 55 staff across the UK.
