Insider Media Limited

Corporate finance adviser Catalyst said it had its “best ever year” in 2010, having completed more than 20 deals worth a total in excess of £750m. The firm advised on Midlands-based transactions such as the buyouts of Synseal and AIM Aviation over the past year.

Catalyst, which has offices in Nottingham and Birmingham, said it would “continue to invest” in the Midlands having recently recruited a number of dealmakers in the region and relocated to a new office in Nottingham.

Last year, the firm advised on regional deals such as the sales of Minivator and Vision Security Group together with the buyouts of Synseal and AIM Aviation.

Andy Currie, managing partner at Catalyst, said he was “confident” that the firm would achieve further success in 2011, “particularly in the Midlands”.

Currie said: “Both Birmingham and Nottingham offices are currently working on some high profile deals that are due to complete in the first quarter of 2011. With an increase in opportunities and demand for UK businesses from overseas, I hope to be reporting another record year for Catalyst at the end 2011 as some of our exciting prospects become live mandates and then completed transactions.”

Currie added that he believed 2011 would be a good year for many funders and advisers.

He said: “M&A volumes in the UK mid-market will increase in 2011 for a number of reasons. There are many well financed corporates who need to focus on growth rather than cost containment which combined with the need for private equity to put their spending power to use will result in an increase in M&A activity.

"I also expect to see the UK benefit from overseas investment as Japanese, Indian and US buyers look to the UK as a means of expanding their business.”