People on the move: GCA Altium; United Utilities; Hill Dickinson; Fieldfisher

Global investment bank GCA Altium has appointed Stuart Warriner as senior adviser as the business continues to build its corporate finance team in the North of England.

Warriner joins from PwC, and has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, leading the firm’s corporate finance team across Leeds and Manchester since 2007.

He has led transactions with an aggregate value of more than £2bn, and has established strong relationships with many of the region’s businesses and private equity firms.

Key deals in the last few years include the sale of vehicle rental business Nexus to private equity firm Bowmark Capital, the sale of lighting and electricals supplier Volvox to Rubicon Partners, the sale of milking equipment manufacturer Fullwood Packo to the Verder Group and the sale of vehicle rental business Access Hire to Elysian Capital.

Most recently, Warriner was appointed a non-executive director at discount retailer The Works, which was backed by private equity house Endless in 2008.

This follows a period of strong growth for the investment bank, which announced record revenues of £148m for the year to 31st December 2017, successfully completing 133 deals. This includes advising JayZ on the investment by Stream in Tidal, the sale of Urban Engines to Google and the acquisition of Pretty Little Thing by £2.0bn listed company boohoo.com.

Last month, GCA Altium acted as exclusive financial adviser on the high profile sale of an 80 per cent stake in  Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling to private equity house CVC Capital Partners.

Altium chief executive Phil Adams said: “I have known Stuart for more than 10 years and I am delighted that he has chosen to join GCA Altium for the next phase of his advisory career. He brings a wealth of experience in the Northern regions, as well as many long-standing relationships, which will be invaluable.”

Warriner said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to advise within a leading independent global investment bank and to access its deep sector insight and global network for the benefit of clients.”

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Warrington-based United Utilities Group has announced the appointment of Paulette Rowe as a non-executive director with effect from July 1. On appointment, Rowe will become a member of the audit and nomination committees.

United Utilities chairman Dr John McAdam said:  “We are delighted to announce Paulette’s appointment as a non-executive director.

“Her first-hand regulatory experience will provide the board with additional perspective and her experience of technology driven business transformation will contribute to United Utilities’ customer experience programme and Systems Thinking approach.”

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Commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has made several promotions following a strong year for its business services group.

In Liverpool Michael Murphy has been promoted to partner in the corporate team following a further substantial period of growth.

The team was recently ranked by Experian as the second most active corporate legal advisers in the North West region for 2016 by volume of completed transactions.

Murphy’s particular expertise includes advising on mergers and acquisitions, corporate disposals, private equity transactions and joint ventures.

Having joined Hill Dickinson in 2008 as a trainee Christopher Tyrell has also been promoted to partner in Manchester’s commercial litigation team.

Tyrell operates in Geraldine Ryan’s commercial litigation team delivering complex contractual litigation work for corporate clients such as Peel Holdings, Bibby Group and Halewood International. He also works across the healthcare sector with key clients including NHS England and the Department of Health.

Head of BSG David Chinn said: “Congratulations to both Chris and Mike on thoroughly well-deserved promotions.

“Their hard work and experience in delivering an exceptional client service has played a significant role in helping the group deliver a strong performance this year.

“We are committed to investing in great talent to support the firm’s growth ambitions and Chris and Mike will now be at the forefront of our drive over the coming years.

“In addition to Mike and Chris’s promotions other members of the business services group have also been promoted to the position of legal director and I would like to congratulate each of them for their excellent service and commitment to the Group’s vision.”

Legal director promotions are: Linda Glover in Manchester and Michael McNally; Suzanne Nulty; Philip Parker and Caroline Prosser in the Liverpool office.

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European law firm Fieldfisher has made two additions to its Manchester dispute resolution team.

Daniel Sheehan joins the department as associate following almost seven years at DWF, while Victoria Madsen has been recruited after qualifying last September as a solicitor at Hill Dickinson.

The Manchester office, headed up by Fieldfisher managing partner Ian Austin, now boasts almost 100 staff.

Sheehan, a lawyer who undertook his training in Manchester, said: “Fieldfisher is a European law firm which advises some of the world’s most successful businesses.
With a strong reputation in London, the firm is committed to establishing itself as a key player in the North West market and it is very exciting to be a part of that growth.”

He added: “The Dispute Resolution team in Manchester is leading some of the most complex and interesting claims I’ve worked on. It is a really exciting time to be joining the Manchester office and a fantastic opportunity for me.”

Madsen, who studied law at The University of Manchester, said: “I am happy to have joined an ambitious firm and to hold an exciting role in a fast-growing team.”

Fieldfisher Partner James Lappin, said: “Dan is a fantastic recruit for the Dispute Resolution team in Manchester. We have worked together for a number of years previously; he has an incredible eye for detail and is a tenacious opponent.

“Victoria joins the team as a junior solicitor having turned down several top tier firms which is testament to her and Fieldfisher’s ability to attract the best emerging talent.”