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Grant Thornton’s number one financial adviser ranking reflects dynamic approach

A strong year in the Northern Ireland mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market resulted in leading business advisory firm Grant Thornton being named as the top-ranked financial deal adviser in the region.

The firm was the busiest in the local market, working on 13 deals in 2018, topping the financial adviser league table in Experian’s latest report on the M&A market.

Richard Gillan, Managing Partner and Head of Advisory at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland said:  “Last year was another exceptional one for our Corporate Finance Team as we advised on more transactions than any other firm, covering a broad spectrum of deals across a range of industries.

“Transactions, when successfully executed, play a major role in accelerating growth at some of our most ambitious companies. Our team takes great pride in the part they play in helping to make them happen.”

Overall, it was a strong year for deal makers across Northern Ireland as transaction numbers remained broadly in line with 2017, levels and well ahead of the average recorded over the last 10 years.

The average value of deals meanwhile increased, with the total value of merger and acquisition activity throughout 2018 reaching £2.2 billion – the highest ever recorded in Northern Ireland by Experian.

Richard added:

“The level of activity at Grant Thornton shows that our dynamic approach is having a major impact, as our corporate finance advisers use their breadth of skills and experience in M&A, transaction advice, valuations, capital raising, and business planning to lead the market.

“It comes at an exciting time for Grant Thornton in Northern Ireland. We recently announced plans to recruit 48 new staff in a £4 million expansion while we continue to see increased demand across all service lines.

“Revenues have more than trebled in the past four years and we anticipate yet more growth in the future.”

The league table was published in Experian’s United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland M&A Review.

For further information or advice, Richard Gillan can be contacted on +44 (0)28 9587 1050 or at Richard.gillan@ie.gt.com

Grant Thornton (NI) LLP specialises in audit, tax and advisory services