Member Article

Report reveals eight-year high for North East corporate deals

A new report published by information services group Experian has revealed that the number of corporate deals completed in the region has reached an eight-year high.

Between January and June this year 112 deals, valued above £500k, have generated £1.7bn - a 36% increase from the same period last year.

The report highlights positive trends for the region which has seen the number of deals and overall value reach the highest half-year periods for eight years and five years, respectively.

Newcastle-based law firm Muckle LLP has completed 13 transactions worth a total of £151m during the period, advising on more mergers and acquisitions than any other law firm in the region.

Andrew Davison, partner and head of Muckle’s corporate team, commented: “We are delighted that the North East has generated so much activity in the first half of the year and that we have retained the top spot in the latest rankings provided by Experian.

“The corporate team has worked closely with clients and business partners to achieve a fantastic year so far, concluding some significant transactions, including the recent Kitwave Wholesale, Fairstone Group and Avid Technology Group deals.

“However, this league table, which records deals over £500,000, only shows one part of the work we undertake on behalf of businesses. We have also advised on many more deals below the £500,000 threshold for our growing client base during the same period.

“We have worked with many businesses, each with its own set of challenges, whether this involved helping a company acquire another business, enabling growth through new investment, succession planning to move the business on to the next generation or the ultimate realisation of value through sale.

“We will continue to work with local firms, as well as national and international clients, delivering their business needs as we look to strengthen our position as the leading law firm in the region for business.”