What our clients say - in their own words…

“Dow Schofield Watts has been our sole Corporate Finance adviser for almost ten years, a period in which our turnover and profits have risen more than fivefold. The team provided invaluable support and advice during our MBO, and have subsequently assisted us with two re-financings and a successfully integrated acquisition.

They continue to provide robust advice in respect of our corporate strategy, and we look forward to working with them closely in the years ahead.”

Gareth Hughes
Deputy Chief Executive

“Multisol’s long term relationship with DSW has enabled them to add substantial value. In the 2008 buyout, DSW recognised the requirements of the selling shareholders as well as the buyers. They took this into account and structured a deal that was totally outside the box and highly advantageous because it didn’t involve a VC.

DSW’s flair for original, innovative deal structuring ultimately resulted in millions of pounds worth of benefits for our shareholders. No one else came close to this sort of imaginative thinking. DSW were intent on putting together the best possible deal for our shareholders. They did this very successfully. It was a genuine win/win outcome.”

Paul Oliphant
CEO of Multisol

“DSW were brought in to act as advisers to the independent directors of our family company, facing an acquisition approach from a competitor. The directors had to find a solution, which would satisfy a core group of shareholders anxious to gain some liquidity, an equally large group determined to resist the approach and a loyal management-team wanting to continue an independent option.

DSW, having reviewed a number of options, including a possible MBO counter-bid, quickly devised an elegant solution, making use of the company’s substantial surplus cash to buy-out a number of shareholders in a tender offer. Turning this proposal into reality involved months of negotiation with key shareholders, which the team from DSW completed with patience and good humour; they understood how to deal both with shareholders interested solely by money and also with those, whose motivations were more complex. At the end everyone felt that they had won.

I would certainly use DSW again, if the opportunity arose. They were quick but solid; serious but agreeable; patient but determined – in short, a joy to work with.”

Philip Percival,
Chairman of John Wainwright & Company Limited

“They did a good job for us, flexible and easy to deal with, worked at our level.

I would definitely use their expertise again.”

Martin Jones
Managing Director, PH Jones

“DSW were very good at taking the emotion out of the negotiations and fought well on behalf of us, the owners. They engaged with the purchaser early in the process and took the deal through a group of logical steps to a successful conclusion.

They were a very professional boutique organisation with some outstanding employees who really understood their marketplace.

I would absolutely recommend Dow Schofield Watts, with no hesitation.”

Steve Dalton
Director, BAS

“A team with fantastic depth and quality, clear straight-forward and very importantly impartial advice.”

They bring considerable experience in deal-doing added to which they stay close to all the detail to ensure they are always one step ahead. They have worked on many deals from many perspectives and they use this experience to highlight the perspective of others which brings good insight.

They are also very good at keeping that dispassionate overview which can be lost in the heat of the deal. They spend time getting to grip with the all the facts, which they stay on top of which means they can always advise with good and accurate insight.

I have known the team a long time and have the highest regard for them. I would recommend them.”

Tim Smallbone
Investment Director, Inflexion Private Equity

“Dow Schofield Watts have been my corporate finance advisor for almost 5 years during which time I have been involved in looking at and completing a number of transactions both as a direct investor and as a co-investor alongside private equity.

DSW have assisted me throughout these transactions and continue to provide advice on corporate strategy, potential acquisitions and re-financings to these companies.

DSW provide a total project management service which allows me to focus on the strategic issues. DSW are able to clearly present complex issues in a straight forward manner which enables issues to be resolved quickly and efficiently.DSW combine experience, competence and professionalism with a personal approach. I have really enjoyed working with them. I would certainly recommend them.”

Lord Daresbury

“GB Group plc appointed DSW as retained financial adviser in 2010. James and his team have played an influential role in agreeing commercial terms and equitable structures with a number of target companies since we embarked on our acquisition strategy.

DSW has built an in-depth understanding of our business and work well with the people across our organisation.

They provide valuable strategic and analytical support for the decision making processes and are a strong partner when we are in discussions with principals and their advisers.”

Richard Law
Chief Executive Officer

“DSW are Elan Homes’ trusted advisors as they always give dispassionate advice.

There is a wealth of talent, knowledge and technical capability in the team; I continue to tap into their imagination and creative solutions on an on-going basis.”

John Kendrick
Group Managing Director

DSW bring to the party many man-years of deal experience across a wide range of sectors. They recognise different scenarios and are able to advise on the appropriate strategy to be followed or actions to be taken. Their most valuable support is in their ability to focus challenging questions at every stage of the transaction with sniper-like precision, and to offer professional and well thought through likely answers to those questions.

They guide without leading. They took the time to fully understand our business model and became fully integrated members of the team without being intrusive. They explained complex issues in easy to understand language. They coached members of our team for whom this was a new experience.

I had worked with them on an earlier transaction and found them to be really very good. The MD of our target company was heard to say “Why haven’t I got advisors like them!” Frankly I wouldn’t contemplate an M&A transaction without them.”

Henry Shirman
Managing Director, MTL Group

“I have known the DSW team for many years and am happy to recommend them. I have found their corporate finance skills to be of the highest quality and they bring cool heads, common sense and pragmatism to what are often stressful and difficult times.

Across the DSW team there are committed and experienced people who are prepared to be innovative and creative in solving problems.”

Mike Hancox
Chief Executive Officer