People: Alvarez & Marsal; Lodders; Debrett’s

Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) continues to strengthen its Corporate Finance practice in the UK with the appointment of Ian Birch as a Managing Director in Birmingham. At A&M, he will build out the practice’s technology M&A capability across Europe.

Prior to joining A&M, Mr Birch spent 20 years at PwC, where he most recently served as the firm’s technology services M&A leader. He has experience across IT services, software and digital platforms with particular specialisms in technology consulting and managed services, capitalising on the growing demand for cloud, data, security and AI-related services.

This hire follows the recent news that Andy Moody joined A&M as its first Corporate Finance Managing Director in the Midlands and demonstrates A&M’s continued commitment to growing both sector and regional coverage.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian Birch said: “The technology M&A market is showing positive signs of a revival which runs deeper than a budget-related push and the sector will play a key role in driving technology efficiencies and much-needed economic growth.

The innovation and growth of entrepreneurial technology businesses and sheer market fragmentation continues to attract interest from both larger corporates and private equity. Whilst the longer-term outlook is positive, the last six months have also demonstrated just how important transaction preparation and execution are to successfully delivering technology transactions in what remains a more selective market.”

“A&M is a proven disruptor with an incredible entrepreneurial spirit. The combination of this with A&M’s deep industry expertise and global reach make it the perfect place for me to build a technology M&A practice. I’m delighted to join the leadership of this exceptional firm.”

Jonathan Boyers, Managing Director, and Head of Corporate Finance EMEA said: “I’m proud to welcome Ian as a Corporate Finance Technology Managing Director, it’s a key part of the market and of our strategy. Ian will spearhead the practice’s technology M&A capability, both here and across EMEA. He brings a significant network and specialist sector knowledge which will combine powerfully with the other sector and regional teams.”

Andy Moody, Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ian to the Birmingham office and to further strengthen our Corporate Finance offering with his extensive technology expertise and network. We have ambitious plans to continue building momentum and supplementing our presence in the Midlands, this appointment really demonstrates our commitment.”

Michelle Gavin

Midlands and South West law firm Lodders has announced the appointment of estate planning specialist Michelle Gavin as a partner in the firm’s Private Client team.

With more than 23 years’ experience in private client law, Michelle joins Lodders from Coventry-based solicitors Band Hatton Button where she was a partner and head of wills, trusts and probate. Prior to this, she worked at SGH Martineau in Birmingham, and Standley and Co Solicitors in Solihull.

Michelle is a fully qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and an accredited member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly known as Solicitors for the Elderly). In addition, she is a ‘Dementia Friend’, an initiative run by the Alzheimer’s Society which aims to change people’s perceptions of dementia.

At Lodders, Michelle will work across the firm’s Stratford and Birmingham offices.

“It is a really exciting time to be joining the well-respected and highly regarded Private Client team at
Lodders,” Michelle says.

“In my role, I will use my experience to help a broad range of clients to put their personal affairs into good order, from making wills and preserving family assets and businesses through the generations, to putting in place lasting powers of attorney and navigating complex estate administration matters to support personal representatives in carrying out their duties. I look forward to supporting clients in making informed decisions about their futures, building strong relationships, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for them and their families.”

Louise Igoe, partner and head of the Private Client team at Lodders, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Michelle to Lodders. Recognised as a leading lawyer by Chambers and Partners, she will be a fantastic asset to the team as we help a growing number of clients navigate their personal affairs. Michelle’s empathetic and personable approach, as well as her experience and knowledge of working with vulnerable individuals, will be of great benefit to our client base. As a firm, we are well-positioned for further regional growth and Michelle will help to support these plans.”

Zoe Hacking and Anzelika Blachovskaja

Debrett’s has announced the appointment of two recruits and the completion of four significant deals.

Zoe Hacking is an experienced M&A adviser, having qualified with a big 4 firm and spending time at the Corporate Finance team at Azets where she worked with several other individuals now in the Debrett’s Advisory team. Zoe joins as a Principal and will be advising clients alongside the Partners, on all deal types.

Anzelika Blachovskaja is an Accounting and Finance graduate from the University of Birmingham and joins as an Analyst. She will be responsible for research work, transaction analysis and deal origination activities.

The four deals, which include the investment in Fusion Landscaping and Facilities by South African-based, Servton, as well as two MBOs and a restructuring (not yet disclosed for regulatory reasons), completed in the days leading up to the recent budget.

James England of Debrett’s commented: “Its been an intensely busy period for the Business with the Government Budget driving much M&A activity. With relief we note the changes to the tax regime shouldn’t hurt future M&A overly and we welcome Zoe and Annie to the business to therefore help us continue our expansion.”