Deal activity was only slightly up in the third quarter of 2009, but there is a new-found sense of optimism in the Greater Manchester market. “Private equity is back,” is how one relieved corporate financier put it. Date provider Zephus … Continue reading →

Whether fans like it or not, football is more than just a sport, but is there a danger our big two clubs could be left behind in the money stakes? Everton and Liverpool have to compete in the Premier League … Continue reading →

Scores of jobs have been axed after north west TV rental and sales business Martin Dawes underwent a pre-pack administration. The £11m-turnover company, based in Warrington, has been bought back by a management team led by Mr Dawes but its … Continue reading →

Martin Dawes Ltd, which claims to be the UK’s largest independent TV rental company, has undergone a pre-pack administration. It was put into the hands of Les Ross and David Riley, from the Manchester office of Grant Thornton, before being … Continue reading →

British firm, Dow Schofield Watts, has raised £4.68 million on the first closure of its debut private equity fund, AltAssets reports. The PHD Equity Partners Fund No 1 will target buyouts in the £2-10 million range in established businesses with … Continue reading →

PHD Equity Partners, a new private equity fund based in the north-west of England, has reached a first close of £5m (EUR5.5m) on its debut fund.

Football industry finance expert James Dow expects the sector to face some difficulties, but will be assisted by the long-term television deals in place. Mr Dow, the owner of Warrington corporate finance firm Dow Schofield Watts, was involved in takeovers … Continue reading →

Building Automation Solutions (BAS), the Altrincham-based building management systems company bought out from Siemens in 2006, has secured a £5m funding package from the Manchester office of Yorkshire Bank. BAS, installs and maintains building management systems, which control services such … Continue reading →