Strong start to 2014 as Clearwater continues trend from last year
BIRMINGHAM-based mid-market advisory firm Clearwater Corporate Finance has made a strong start to 2014, advising on four deals in the first three weeks of the New Year.
The firm said this built on a landmark 2013, which saw the company complete 27 transactions with a total value of £750m, up 50% on 2012.
The deals closed in 2014 comprise:
• The cross-border sale of leading UK kitchenware supplier Kitchen Craft (formerly known as Thomas Plant) to New York-listed supplier Lifetime Brands.
• The sale on behalf of ISIS Equity Partners of workplace vending supplier Kafevend, to European water and coffee provider Eden Springs; and
• The cross-border sale of Lincolnshire-based fruit distributor, Empire World Trade, to Belgian fruit supplier, Univeg, in a deal that saw the global fruit supplier extend its influence into the UK.
Clearwater also advised on the sale of a leading healthcare consultancy business to a global healthcare technology company.
Phil Burns, managing partner at Clearwater, said: “2013 was a fantastic year for Clearwater, and we are delighted that this form has continued into the New Year. A common trend running through these deals is the involvement of overseas investors. As the economy continues its recovery, the UK is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for global investment with companies recognising the growth potential in strong British businesses.
“As a result, the UK M&A market continues to build momentum. It is an exciting time to be operating within in the industry, and we are confident that 2014 will see an increase in both volume and value of deals.”
Clearwater has offices in Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham and London and employs 55 staff across the UK.
