Napthens confirmed as one the leading M&A legal adviser in the UK in the north west, in 2024

Napthens has once again been confirmed as one of the UK’s leading legal advisers on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the UK in the north west region in 2024.

The data from Experian Market IQ shows the firm advising upon an impressive 53 deals during the period, finishing second in the region for overall deals last year.

Among the notable activity Napthens’ worked on in 2024 was the fifth largest deal in the north west in 2024, advising the main board of RSK Group on its £800m private equity and debt fundraise.

Other deals include acting for the sellers of PAR Group on its sale to R&G Fluid Power Group, a subsidiary of Diploma Plc, for £38m, advising the owners of Wirral-based Tipografic, a manufacturer of a wide variety of wet glue labels, including for products in the food and drink sector, on its £multi-million sale to private equity backed Royal Sens Group of Holland and supporting the £multi-million sale of GBM Digital Technologies Group, one of the UK’s largest resellers of IT equipment into public and private sector bodies, to XMA Limited.

The team also advised the minority shareholders of Sapphire Utility Solutions Limited on their exit to Lanes Group as part of an investment by Global Infrastructure Partners (part of BlackRock), acted for the sellers on the disposal of environmental consultancy group Wardell Armstrong to Ares-backed SLR Group, and guided the sellers of Star Tissue on its sale to German buyer WEPA Professional.

Keith Melling, partner and head of corporate, said: “Last year was another significant 12 months for the firm, and clearly demonstrated the knowledge, experience and dedication of the corporate team in supporting the completion of a significant number of deals, particularly within the north west.

“As a firm we are a staunch supporter of businesses and deals across the region, providing strategic advice to allow people and companies to forge a future for themselves, their employees and the regional economy.

“The changes in the October budget meant some businesses accelerated their decisions, and the team working tirelessly to complete 24 deals before the Autumn Statement.

“This surge in decisions from businesses is expected to occur again in March, and we know as a team we’re ready for this influx of work.

“I’m incredibly proud of the efforts made by everyone throughout 2024, working around the clock and showing huge commitment, which is clearly demonstrated in the Experian data.

“Given the start to 2025 and expected deals in the coming weeks and months, I am confident that we will continue to be one of the most active advisers in the region into 2025.”