Financial advisor launches new division to boost entrepreneur funding

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

Clearwater Growth will provide 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.

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

The division is aiming to support around £600m worth of deals over the next three years and take an increasing share of the SME transaction market, as well as supporting growth strategies.

It is being headed by Sam Miller who joins as partner. For the past 18 years Miller has been an investor or lender to fast-growing businesses with direct experience of debt, equity and venture capital.

He has sat on several boards of entrepreneurial businesses as a non-executive director, and raised and managed investment funds.

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 £3m 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.”

Miller added: “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.”

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