Corporate advisory firm Clearwater Corporate Finance has set up a dedicated team to work on the expected surge in M&A activity between China and the UK.
Partners at the Birmingham-based firm said that many Chinese investors are eyeing up the European mid-market for future deals, while European businesses are keen to complete more transactions in the world’s second largest economy.
The move follows Clearwater’s attendance at the Global Investment Summit in Beijing earlier this year. The event was organised by IMAP, the global partnership of M&A firms, of which Clearwater is the UK partner.
Clearwater’s China Desk will be headed up by partner Constantine Biller and will offer a personalised service to corporates, owners and entrepreneurs looking to access the fast-paced and developing Chinese markets.
It will also advise Chinese-based companies looking for acquisitions in the UK.
Mr Biller said: “Our experience at the summit in Beijing was fascinating in that it demonstrated the appetite among Chinese investors to step up their interest in the European mid-market. There is certainly a feeling that the M&A space between China and Europe will become more active.
“We are seeing more UK businesses that are much keener on grasping the opportunities in China. For these deals to happen, investors need specialist support. Our experience and links with international advisers through our IMAP membership will provide that.”
Phil Burns, managing partner of Clearwater in Birmingham, said: “Many Chinese firms have huge trading surpluses that they want to invest overseas. Our team will provide the right support to help make that happen and we are confident that this new service will deliver unique opportunities to our clients.”
