Brabners’ corporate team recognised as one of the most active UK firms for M&A

Over the first half of this year, we have been the UK’s 11th most active legal team for merger and acquisition activity, according to the latest Experian MarketIQ league table for H1 2024. 

The rankings list the most active law firms across the UK and Ireland for mergers and acquisitions, in order of the volume of deals completed. 

Illustrating our national reach, we rank:

• Fifth in the North West.
• Tenth in Yorkshire (up from 23rd).
• Ninth in the South West and Midlands.

Commentary from our experts

Mark Rathbone, Partner and Head of Corporate, commented: “Being recognised as one of the most active legal teams for M&A activity is a great achievement and we’ve jumped up eight places from H2 2023.

We’ve seen a significant increase in M&A activity over the last six months across all sectors and the team has completed 38 transactions during H1. We have seen a notable improvement in underlying conditions, with a mix of relatively strong economic performance, a better interest rate outlook and a continuation of funds deploying capital across the regions. We are also seeing strong national and international transactional activity from a number of acquisitive clients.”

Paula McGrath, Principal and Head of Deal Advisory, added: “The high level of M&A activity is partially driven by businesses returning to pre-pandemic levels and the uncertainty with regard to BADR (Business Asset Disposal Relief) in the upcoming Budget. This currently stands at 10% on the lifetime limit of £1m and thereafter CGT (Capital Gains Tax) applies for selling shareholders. 

In a number of sectors, we’re still seeing the full effect of Brexit flowing through, as this was largely masked by the impact of the pandemic. Corporates are now discussing M&A activity with more positivity to accelerate growth or dispose where they recognise that they’ve taken the business as far as they can. 

Additionally, we’re seeing an uptick in management buy-outs, as business owners are deciding to sell to management rather than approach the market for an exit, recognising that this can provide more certainty on the future of the business.”

Talk to us

As one of the North West’s most active deal advisers across all sizes of transaction, our corporate team understands the nuances and complexities of deals. We can help you to build and implement your strategy, grow your business, achieve your objectives, negotiate terms and fulfil your legal obligations.

Our deal advisory team of specialist accountants uses expertise, experience, tenacity and instinct to tactically guide businesses and management teams through a range of complex, multi-million-pound corporate transactions.

If you need any advice or assistance with a merger or acquisition, talk to us by completing our contact form below.