Date: Thu 13th November, 2008
Venue: Manchester Central, Lower Mosley Street, M2 3GX
The Co-operative Group's acquisition of Bristol-headquartered retailer Somerfield for £1.57bn was named Deal of the Year at the Insider Dealmakers Awards held at Manchester Central in November.
Chief executive Peter Marks said his team was "the best in UK retail" and that the Co-op was now firmly one of the "big five" alongside Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's.
Finance director Martin Wates told Insider he received superb advice from Manchester-based teams at Addleshaw Goddard and Deloitte.
Meanwhile, Deloitte corporate finance partner Andy 
Westbrook fought off competition from one colleague and two peers from Barclays Private Equity to scoop the coveted title of Dealmaker of the Year at the event, which was compered by Gyles Brandreth.
A close contender many years before, Westbrook was described as a “relentless and determined dealmaker, easy to work with, trustworthy and very hands on.” It was his second win of the night after he clinched the Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year award. His deals over the past year have included the sale of ATP Travel and Endless’ buyout of Crown Paints.
The Dealmaker of the Year award was sponsored by Roland Dransfield PR and the shortlist comprised Paul Lupton of 
Deloitte and Steve O’Hare and John Walker of Barclays Private Equity.
Picking up the award on behalf of Westbrook, Lupton, Deloitte's head of corporate finance, said Westbrook won because: “I taught him everything he knows.”
A charity raffle held at the event raised £8,426 for Mencap.
Click here for Sponsors and Winners
