Cheltenham-based accountants Hazlewoods' Corporate Finance team saw transaction values rise by 42.6% last year to more than £1.5 billion.

And the Corporate Finance team is jubilant after cementing its position as a top 10 UK adviser.

Experian's newly published Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) review of 2022 ranks the award-winning team second in the South West and sixth overall in the UK.

The annual report, which places corporate finance teams according to the number of successful transactions completed, puts Hazlewoods third in the East of England, fourth in the South East and fifth in London, with top 10 positions in the Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire and Humber, and Wales.

It is the fifth year in a row that Hazlewoods has been named a top 10 adviser and it comes on the back of a record-breaking year for the Gloucestershire firm.

In the 12 months to 31 December 2022, the Corporate Finance team completed 165 transactions worth more than £1.5 billion.

Hazlewoods deal values rose by 42.6% on the previous 12-months, bucking the national trend that saw transaction values fall by 30% nationally, according to Experian.

Jane Turner, research manager at Experian Market IQ, said: "M&A in the UK slowed slightly last year amid challenging conditions, but deal flow remained healthy and market sentiment was by no means doom and gloom."

Overall, there was "resilience and flexibility" in the UK M&A market, as "deal makers adapted quickly to the new normal".

Hazlewoods' corporate finance director Rich Grover said: "2022 was a busy and rewarding year for Hazlewoods and we are delighted with our strong performance in all regions, which highlights our reputation for providing high quality, innovative solutions and excellent service.

"We continue to demonstrate our depth and versatility, working on transactions across all sectors, and 2023 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year in M&A."

Located in the heart of Cheltenham, Hazlewoods has a specialist Corporate Finance team made up of more than 40 professionals who offer a range of services and provide tailored advice on mergers and acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts and raising finance for growth, 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, please contact Rich Grover at rich.grover@hazlewoods.co.uk  or call 01242 680000.