Boutique mid-market adviser makes triple hire

Mid-market boutique adviser Knight Corporate Finance, with offices in Warrington and London, has strengthened its team as private equity activity has driven record levels of investment for the company during 2017.

Significant increases in the level of funding in the sector has created a booming M&A market, with Knights deal count approaching 90 transactions.

The firm has now made three key appointments to support and enhance the service it provides to clients.

Neeraj Dhuna and David Middleton, both chartered accountants, join as corporate finance manager and corporate finance executive respectively. Together they bring a wealth of experience to help support deals and increase Knight’s operational output.

Dhuna joins from Wilson Partners Corporate Finance where he worked on a number of deals including company acquisitions and disposals, MBOs, fund raisings, financial due diligence and strategic reviews.

Middleton has arrived from Grant Thornton’s North West Audit department, with specific experience in leading audits of owner managed business in a variety of sectors such as renewable energy, media, import and distribution and motor retail.

Ajay Shah completes the recruitment drive, joining as marketing and business development manager. Prior to joining Knight, Shah was responsible for bid management at ACC Liverpool where he oversaw millions of pounds worth of international bids and proposals.

Meanwhile, Tom Jones has been promoted to associate director. He has worked at Knight for more than two years and has been instrumental in some of Knight’s key deals this year including the YFM investment in 4net, the sale of Nexus to Elite Telecom, the investment by Maven in Hiring Hub and the sale of Freedom Communications.

Founder and director of Knight Paul Billingham said: “We are very happy to have secured the services of Neeraj, David and Ajay – the success of the business allows us to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre that will ensure that we can drive the business forward.”

“Tom has an excellent understanding of M&A in our key markets and a clear vision of what our clients are looking to achieve. His background in financial due diligence and technical accounting provides him with necessary skills to add real value to business owners.”