Midlands deal activity soars
The value of deals in the Midlands almost doubled in 2011 as the volume of transactions grew 8 per cent, according to new statistics.
Data provider Experian Corpfin revealed that the total value of the mergers, acquisitions, flotations, rights issues and placements in the region was £10bn, up from £5.79bn in 2010. The volume also increased from 527 to 571.
Overall UK figures revealed an 11 per cent increase in deal values in 2011 to £229bn despite the volume of transactions dropping 2 per cent to 4,286.
Nottingham-based Experian said BDO International has been the most active financial adviser by volume with 83 deals, while Citigroup topped the value league with deals worth a total of £48bn. The leading legal advisers were DLA Piper (126 transactions) and Sullivan & Cromwell (£43bn total deal value from 13 transactions).
Wendy Smith, business development manager at Experian Corpfin, said: "A 20 per cent increase in the volume of private equity backed buy-outs means that UK M&A deal activity has remained relatively robust in 2011, with a notable increase in the total value of deals – especially at the large end – against stable volumes.
"There still appear to be good opportunities for investment and growth across the country."
