45 DEALMAKER WINNER


OF THE YEAR (OVER £25m) AWARD


SPONSORED BY THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE Kirsty Sandwell of Baker Tilly


Above: Kirsty Sandwell of Baker Tilly


Left: Kirsty Sandwell with David Murray (right) of sponsor The Business Magazine


Three of the best-known and most experienced names in the CF world – Ian Barton from HMT, Simon Davies from Spectrum Corporate Finance, and Duncan Lamb from Grant Thornton lined up for the title alongside relative newcomer to the region, Kirsty Sandwell from Baker Tilly.


Although Sandwell has been with Baker Tilly since 2001, she only moved from London to lead the CF team in the south in 2011, growing it “significantly”, to the point it is now one of the largest in the region.


Nominations from clients applauded her experience, dedication and tenacity, describing her as “determined, knowledgeable and driven” and said she takes time to truly understand each of the businesses she works with.


Sandwell is a mid-market M&A and private equity transaction specialist, with particular expertise in technology, specialist manufacturing and human capital sectors. Recent deals she has worked on include the sale of international premium food brand Rhubarb to private equity backers ECI Capital Partners.


Lamb, who heads the Grant Thornton team in the Thames Valley, was shortlisted for the third time of the night. Specialising in private equity work in the mid-market sector, he has completed transactions with a total value in excess of £500 million.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – MAY 2013


He was nominated for a wide range of transactions, including the £32m acquisition of Frontier Silicon by Toumaz, and was praised for retaining a “hands-on, partner-led approach”, as well as being described as “really well networked”.


Ian Barton, now with HMT, received nominations for his role in deals including the disposal of B2B exhibition organiser CloserStill to its management team, and the MBO of travel industry software provider Intuitive.


One nomination said: “Ian’s move to HMT underlines his desire to promote and execute mid-market deals with Thames Valley advisers and funders, and HMT’s desire to grow and expand their practice further.”


A founding member of start-up boutique Spectrum Corporate Finance, Davies’ hard work and expertise has helped to establish Spectrum as a leading player in a short time.


Despite the economic backdrop, it has had a successful year, including deals led by Davies, such as the £35m MBO of Leisure Pass Group, mentioned earlier in the evening. In addition to supporting and advising the management team throughout the process, Davies and his colleagues provided buy-side support and debt advisory services to Primary Capital.


The winner of the category, sponsored by www.businessmag.co.uk


The Business Magazine, was voted for by the audience and there were loud cheers as Durden-Smith revealed the winner as birthday girl Kirsty Sandwell, giving her an extra special reason to celebrate.


A thrilled Sandwell said afterwards: “Since the team’s formation in 2011 we’ve worked hard on building our presence and reputation in the Thames Valley, so we’re delighted to receive this recognition. What is particularly pleasing about this award is that it was voted for by members of the local Corporate Finance community. It’s great to see that the relationships we’ve built with local intermediaries are highly valued, and we look forward to seeing these relationships flourish as we continue to grow our presence in the region.


“This award is a great start for Baker Tilly’s Corporate Finance team in the Thames Valley and we are excited about making the most of future opportunities on offer in this vibrant market place.”


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