Round table: East Mids market as good as 2006, says prominent dealmaker
The deals market in the East Midlands is as good as it’s been since 2006 – that’s according to one prominent regional dealmaker.
Speaking at TheBusinessDesk.com’s East Midlands Deal Forum, KPMG director Stuart Sewell said: “We’re looking at a situation similar to that of the height of the market in 2006. However, at the same time, we need to realise we are not living through normal times.
“What we have seen over the last year is that there has been definite staging points for vendors or buyer; first it was 31 March and now it’s 31 October.
“The time it’s taken to get deals over the line has also extended, but on the whole, the deals market continues to be really strong.”
Jon Cox-Brown of Eversheds is seeing a somewhat confused picture. He said: “There is loads going on. Some industries are doing very well, while other are under real stress. There is a lot of regulatory change too. There’s not a broad brush that covers all deal activity.”
The key to the success of buying a company, according to Sewell, is to have a clear strategy.
He said: “Buyers should be clear about what they’re trying to achieve and why they’re looking to acquire. Speed is often an issue; there’s nothing wrong with taking a couple of years to find the right deal.”
A full report from the East Midlands Deals Forum will appear later this week.
