Annual deals value hits £839m at Dow Schofield Watts

Dow Schofield Watts achieved a 38% rise in the volume of deals advised on in 2017.

The Warrington-based advisory firm was involved in a record 58 deals last year, up from 42 the year previous.

Transactions had a combined value of £839m, compared with £773m in 2016.

During the year, Dow Schofield Watts launched Pangea M&A, an international network of corporate finance advisers, to help clients take advantage of global business opportunities.

The network now boasts representatives in 12 countries across Europe, North America and Australia.

Dow Schofield Watts also established an angel network in the summer boost the Northern technology sector, attracting more than 50 prospective investors within its first month.

The firm said its private equity arm PHD Equity Partners likewise stepped up in 2017, completing four investments.

Among the biggest deals Dow Schofield Watts advised on was the sale of the £102m-turnover motorhome manufacturer The Explorer Group to European company Erwin Hymer Group AG & Co.