Hazlewoods Corporate Finance team is celebrating a sterling performance having completed an impressive £1.5 billion of transactions in 2022.

Deal values were up 42.6% on 2021, and it is the second year in a row that the Gloucestershire-based accountants and business advisers have beaten their best ever results.

During the 12 months to 31 December 2022, 165 transactions were completed, with deal value at an all-time high for the firm, totalling £1.531 billion.

While a quarter of the deals in 2022 related to South West-based companies, the firm also has a national and international reach - 75% of transactions had a UK-wide or overseas connection.

As well as sustained transactions in the general market, the Corporate Finance team also advised on a notable volume of deals in key sector specialisms, including:

• Health, social care and specialist education
• Veterinary
• Dental
• Pharmacy
• Legal
• Insurance brokers

Hazlewoods partner Paul Fussell said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the team and firm as a whole, despite the challenging macroeconomic conditions during the second half of last year.

"We have been working on projects that are increasingly large, complex and high-value, with our 2022 performance reflecting the confidence that business owners have in us to deliver a quality service."

James Morter, partner, added: "It underpins our hard work, dedication and innovation across the sectors. 2023 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year in M&A, with our specialist Corporate Finance team helping even more clients to buy and sell businesses."

Rich Grover, director, commented: "Stability is returning to the market more quickly than many anticipated. Whilst interest rates are higher than we have been used to in recent years, they are not exorbitant in comparison to long run averages.

"Trade acquirers with cash on their balance sheets are seeking strategic acquisitions, and private equity houses are compelled to find attractive acquisition targets to deliver a return for their investors."

Located in the heart of Cheltenham, Hazlewoods' growing Corporate Finance team is made up of more than 40 professionals.

They offer a range of services, providing tailored advice on mergers and business acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts and raising finance for expansion, supporting business-owners throughout the M&A journey to completion.

If you are considering selling your company, buying a business, or are looking for ways to finance your growth plans and would like to find out more about the process, please get in touch with a member of the team on 01242 237661.

With 430 employees, Hazlewoods features in 34th place in Punchline's recently-published Top 100 Employers in Gloucestershire. The company also sponsors the Punchline Talks! Business Breakfast Briefers show.