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corporate finance roundup 29


needed, and you’ve got a proposition that’s hard to beat.“


As well as being Reading’s only corporate finance boutique, Spectrum is also the UK’s sole member of the Alliance of International Corporate Advisors (AICA), a body whose global connections complement Spectrum’s regional expertise. With AICA’s support, around half the firm’s disposals have been done cross-border.


“Although the average value of deals in which we’re involved has gone up, it’s quality rather than the size of deals that’s important to us,“ adds Milne. “We’re still seeing a strong market for smaller deals but big ticket opportunities are becoming increasingly feasible too. It’s fair to say there’s uplift across the board.


“Conditions are now moving towards a much more positive outlook and we anticipate a pent-up appetite among owner-managed businesses to be acquired. At the same time, we’re seeing an improvement in liquidity and lending appetite that’s helping businesses command a higher price.“


Spectrum’s track record, featuring an unprecedented number, range and variety of deals, speaks for itself. The firm is now investing in building its Reading team and establishing a second office in Southampton, ensuring Spectrum has the resources to continue accelerating the south central’s corporate finance renaissance.


Bringing new focus to Solent markets


Spectrum has just announced that highly respected corporate financier Darren Miller has been recruited to head up the firm’s new office in Southampton.


“With the recession behind us and better times ahead, I couldn’t pass up the chance to work with a firm that’s established itself as a go-to brand for corporate finance lead advisory,“ explains Miller.


Having worked in the region’s markets for over 20 years, Miller has accrued a comprehensive knowledge of its needs and wants. “More than ever, we’re finding that clients demand to be served by geographically local advisers who are genuinely passionate about the south coast market. Firms that stretch a small team over a wide area or field a disproportionate number of junior staff just aren’t able to meet the expectations of successful owner managers looking for the best return on years of hard work. That’s where Spectrum’s network, expertise and credentials really come into their own.“


From the position it occupied in the 1990s as a stand-alone corporate finance market, Miller has seen Southampton become underserved as many professional service firms relocated to London. Now he and the Spectrum team are aiming to recharge the region with energy and skills.


Adds Davies “This is the age of the boutique. The big-name international professional services firms do a great job, but corporate finance is just a tiny part of what they address. It’s much more difficult for them to provide the attentive, hands-on approach of a specialist boutique firm like Spectrum. We’re actively creating more deal activity in the Solent area and stopping leakage to other regions, particularly London. We’re really excited about the prospect of adding more dedicated resources here in Southampton with Darren, and using our relationships and knowledge to serve the local economy.“


Details: Spectrum Corporate Finance 0118-9502269 info@spectrumcf.co.uk www.spectrumcf.co.uk


Some of Spectrum’s recent deals


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – DECEMBER 14/JANUARY 15


www.businessmag.co.uk


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