corporate finance 31
There‘s an increasing international appetite for UK acquisitions
Overseas buyers are looking to the UK to make strategic acquisitions and are prepared to pay a premium according to the latest Grant Thornton International Business Report on M&A. 31% of businesses worldwide plan to expand through M&A over the next three years
The UK economy continues to be a great place to invest for acquisitive overseas companies.
Many of these companies are actively seeking businesses or geographies to invest into, and the UK provides an excellent springboard for an entry or expansion into Europe.
The tax incentives available, combined with low inflation, skilled labour, a growing GDP and now a strong economy, make UK companies an appealing target for foreign businesses with an international acquisition strategy.
Grant Thornton‘s corporate finance team, which for the third year in a row has been confirmed as the number one financial adviser to UK companies by deal volume, continues to benefit from this positive market environment and international interest in UK businesses.
Recently the corporate finance team in the south advised on the sales of Rolling Luggage, the global airport luggage retailer, to the US-listed global luggage retailer Samsonite Inc for £15.75 million, which due to the global complexities of the deal required input from a number of Grant Thornton‘s international teams.
Nigel Le Bas (pictured), who recently completed a two-year secondment in the Grant Thornton international advisory team,
worked on the Rolling Luggage transaction and commented: ”There is no doubt that the UK market is currently seen as an investment opportunity for large global corporates, many of whom have significant cash resources available for acquisition. With continued economic and political risks elsewhere, the UK remains far more attractive than other geographies
and continues to benefit from being the ideal place for North American and Asian companies to take their first step into Europe.”
Grant Thornton‘s success is not only thanks to the increasing interest in UK business but also to the level of collaboration between the UK team and its international colleagues in the 130 countries that Grant Thornton has a presence in. This global reach and integrated approach, which draws on the strength of its network, both within the UK and internationally, continues to open doors and create opportunities for Grant Thornton‘s clients.
Details: Nigel Le Bas 023-8038-1172
nigel.lebas@uk.gt.com www.grant-thornton.co.uk
Rolling Luggage Limited
Sale of trade and assets to Samsonite Inc
Retail sector £15.75 million February 2015
Grant Thornton provided corporate finance advisory and tax services
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JUNE 2015
www.businessmag.co.uk
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