A standout year for our corporate finance team supporting our clients’ goals and ambitions

We delivered a landmark year in 2025, achieving record performance across our corporate finance services.

Despite a challenging financing environment and ongoing economic uncertainty, the firm advised on 28 completed transactions across 11 sectors, with a combined deal value of £1.9bn. This outstanding result reflects the team’s technical expertise, regional depth, and ability to navigate increasingly complex market conditions. 

Key highlights from 2025

• Successfully completed the firm’s first Alternative Investment Market (AIM) listing with the admission of Sundae Bar plc. 
• Supported multiple Management Buyouts (MBOs) and Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transitions across Kent and Sussex, helping long established local businesses remain under local ownership.
• Won the Kent Corporate Finance Alliance “Deal of the Year 2025” for advising Orchard Plumbing and its shareholder on the company’s transition to employee ownership via an EOT.

Key market trends observed in 2025

The year’s strong performance was underpinned by several notable market trends: 

• Late year acceleration in deal activity, following an initially subdued first half caused by inflation, regulatory complexity and geopolitical uncertainty. 
• Challenging financing conditions, with higher interest rates and tighter credit availability requiring more complex deal structuring and rigorous lender engagement. 
• Rebound in private equity activity, marked by significant increases in large buyouts and renewed momentum in exit markets.  
• Growing demand for succession driven transactions, including MBOs and EOTs, as business owners sought stability and continuity. 
• Rising influence of AI and digital transformation, shaping deal strategies and accelerating consolidation across tech enabled sectors.

Shortlisted for six major industry awards

We are proud to have been shortlisted for six prestigious categories at the upcoming Insider South East Dealmakers Awards 2026, taking place on Thursday 19th March. The nominations include: 

• Corporate Finance Advisory Team of the Year 
• Transaction Services Team of the Year 
• Emerging Dealmaker of the Year 
• Deal of the Year (sub £10m): Management Buyout of JS Air Curtains from Condair Ltd 
• Deal of the Year (£10m–£40m): Management Buyout of WW Martin Ltd 
• Deal of the Year (£10m–£40m): Sale of Orchard Plumbing Ltd to an EOT 

These nominations reflect the team’s hard work, technical excellence, and the trust placed in us by clients across the region.

Looking ahead to 2026

Corporate Finance Directors Darren Hurdle and Craig Dallender commented: 

“As we move through 2026, corporate finance continues to operate in a more confident yet increasingly complex era. While deal pipelines remain strong, recent geopolitical events have introduced new caution into the market. Improving financial conditions and renewed private equity momentum still underpin activity, while AI continues to reshape strategic priorities across every sector. The firms that will thrive this year are those that combine disciplined execution with the agility to navigate heightened geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly evolving market dynamics.”

With strong foundations and a record year behind us, we are well positioned to support clients through the opportunities and challenges that 2026 will bring. 

To find out how our corporate finance team can support you, contact us today.