DMH Stallard delivers impressive results for deals in the South East
Covid-19 has had a dramatic effect on the deals market in 2020, but we have seen positives as well as negatives.
The year started with a rush to close deals before the budget in March, including some high value deals. When the lockdown kicked in, activity slowed through April and May. As the shock diminished, from June we saw clients acquiring for growth, and those in strong sectors attracting buyers and investors; again we have seen some high enterprise values.
There has been continued consolidation in financial services and insurance broking, with overseas trade buyers active, particularly from the Far East.
Despite the complex trading conditions, the aggregate deal value for 2020 to date is £270m; £120m of that total has completed since the lockdown started in April.
As we look to 2021, our pipeline is strong, although Brexit remains uncertain at date of publication and we have a budget with potential changes to Capital Gains Tax and Entrepreneur’s Relief on the horizon. Shrewd investors and sellers alike will be appraising all their options as we approach year end. In a market where confidence can easily be threatened, preparation and deal management remains key, both to complete deals and hold value.
"... a leading player in the local market"
We were delighted that the team again retained its top tier rankings in the new editions of both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, two highly regarded and independently researched legal directories. All five regional corporate partners also received personal recommendations and accolades.
Our thanks to all those clients and contacts that spoke on our behalf.
