One of the south west's largest independent accountants and business advisers, Hazlewoods, has revealed that it had a £1 billion year in 2024.
Its corporate finance team completed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) worth £1.2 billion in 2024, with 134 deals across multiple sectors spanning health and social care, education, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, insurance, legal and technology.
There was a 20 per cent increase in the number of deals compared to 2023 for the Gloucestershire-based team, marking a 'significant milestone' for the firm, which has offices in Cheltenham, Bristol, Cardiff and London.
20 per cent of the transactions related to companies in the south west, while the other 80 per cent had a national or overseas buyer or seller, cementing Hazlewoods reputation both locally and internationally.
Richard Dade, corporate finance partner at Hazlewoods, said: 'Our achievement in 2024 is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unparalleled expertise of our growing corporate finance team, which now numbers close to 50 professionals.
'Reaching over £1 billion in deals not only underscores our commitment to excellence but also demonstrates our ability to adapt and deliver quality tailored advice and support across a diverse range of sectors.'
The firm also believes that 2025 will be a positive year for mergers and acquisitions, despite the challenging economic climate, now that there is clarity over taxation following the Autumn Budget.
Corporate finance director, Rich Grover, added: 'This achievement is a reflection of the collective effort and strategic vision of our team, with the transactions contributing to job creation and retention, economic growth and stability across the regions.
'Whilst the wider economic environment is not without its challenges, 2025 looks set to be an excellent year for M&A as buyers and sellers now have clarity on the taxation landscape.
'Significant appetite for acquisitions remains from private equity houses who are keen to deploy cash and trade buyers looking to consolidate market share.
'As business owners take stock of their circumstances at the beginning of the year, many are looking at growth capital or exit opportunities and we are experiencing a high number of enquiries.'
For more information about buying or selling a company, or financing your growth plans, call Hazlewoods corporate finance team on (01242) 680000.
