Print
	Email
	Text size
	Comment

Amongst the strain of last year, deal volume rose in some regions, and aside from archetypal activity in London, the North West is bustling.

Statistics released by the Centre for Management Buyout Research put the average deal in the North West last year at £33 million, up from £25 million during 2006. The North West has fared well in the last 12 months; overall deal value for 2007 was £2.49 billion, compared to £2.33 billion generated in 2006.

The impact of creditors tightening their purse strings was felt in the second half of 2007, with only one deal exceeding £100 million – the £255 million MBO of Wigan-based Ainscough Crane Hire in October.

Paul Lupton, head of Corporate Finance for Deloitte in the North, said: "Overall, the North West had a successful 2007, despite completing fewer deals, they were of substantially higher value than in 2006. In total, nine deals beyond £100 million reached completion, compared to just six the previous year.

"The largest deal in the region was the public-to-private of car hire brand Enterprise for £486.4 million, followed by Ainscough, Focus DIY Group and Liverpool Football Club. Appetite for deals at the smaller end of the market has waned a little over recent months, so it is testament to the quality of the region's businesses and advisers that 2007 was such a successful year."

Comments [0]