Founding father of North West corporate finance scene dies after short illness

Peter Rickitt

One of the best-known figures on the North West corporate finance market has died at the age of 72.

Peter Rickitt was founder of Rickitt Mitchell and played a major role in the North West from the 1970s. He died after a short illness.

He was a larger than life figure known for his love of cars and Bollinger champagne.

Peter lived in Crewe with his wife Jill and had four sons. The youngest son Adam found fame as an actor on Coronation Street.

Adam Rickitt

Adam posted a simple statement on Twitter in honour of his father’s memory.

A statement from Rickitt Mitchell said: “Peter was a larger than life character and those who knew him will remember him with great fondness.

“He was someone with natural charisma who created many amusing stories: from his racing Aston Martin to his double decker bus, he was someone with a real thirst for life, whilst working at the highest level professionally.

“Our very best wishes and condolences go to his family.”

Peter retired in 2006 due to ill health but continued to take on specific projects and non-executive roles.

He founded Rickitt Mitchell and Partners in 1976 and was the region’s first corporate finance adviser.

Previous to that he worked the merchant bank Henry Ansbacher and Co where he was on the board.

He worked in corporate finance for 50 years and particularly in disposals, acquisitions. buy-outs and fund-raising.

He specialised in of all aspects of the motor sector, as well as property, food beverage and hotels, financial and property services, rural businesses and engineering.

Originally from Formby he was educated at Sedburgh School in Cumbria.

He lived in Cheshire with his family and was a founder of the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power.

He was a lifelong supporter of Oulton Park and a former writer for Autosport in the 1960s.

Close