Corporate finance advisory firm launches division for entrepreneur funding

Birmingham-based corporate finance advisory house Clearwater International has launched a division which it believes could unlock £250m of new domestic and international investment for high-growth businesses over the next three years.

Clearwater Growth will provide a range of transaction services tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and owner managers of businesses with turnovers up to £40m and equity cheques up to £15m.

It aims to meet demand from owner managers for corporate finance advisors capable of providing cost-effective access to international investors, deep sector expertise and sophisticated transaction processes.

With Clearwater International’s backing, the growth team can provide a suite of tailored service lines to clients, including raising investment, selling a business and strategic business planning.

This includes full project management of a transaction – from the initial preparation phase through to key negotiations and completion.

The Clearwater Growth team will be based out of the UK’s key regional centres including Birmingham but will leverage the firm’s international network of more than 300 professionals, based in 17 offices.

The new division is aiming to support around £600m of deals over the next three years and take an increasing share of the SME transaction market.

The Clearwater Growth team is being headed up by Sam Miller who joins as partner.

Michael Reeves, managing partner at Clearwater International, said: “The needs of ambitious entrepreneurs with international outlooks and complex funding requirements have not been well-served historically.

“Despite the current economic outlook, globally there’s a huge amount of capital available to be invested in innovative, well-run businesses. We are making an investment of more than £3 million in Clearwater Growth over the next three years to help high-growth businesses unlock that funding.

“The team will provide corporate finance services equivalent in quality to Clearwater International, but geared toward the specific requirements of smaller businesses.

“The entrepreneur’s growth journey is intrinsic to the roots and heritage of Clearwater International. Twenty years ago, we founded Clearwater International which has grown in size and position in the market, it’s going to be exciting to work with businesses starting on the same road.”

Miller said: “For the UK’s ambitious entrepreneurs, a lack of high-quality corporate finance advice can limit their access to investment.

“Management teams want the best advice and access to specialists who understand the unique dynamics and pressures of running owner-managed and high-growth businesses.

“Clearwater Growth has such a strong proposition for SMEs, giving them access to the quality and capabilities that might otherwise be beyond their reach, but which are vital to their long-term success.

“I am thrilled to be heading up this team of talented people to deliver a truly quality service to the UK’s most exciting and dynamic entrepreneur-led businesses.

“With the backing of Clearwater International we will leverage sector expertise, access to global investment and excellence in transaction process. I have been surrounded by growth businesses for almost all of my working career and working with them is my passion.”