Dow Schofield Watts’ Leeds branch reports ‘strong’ deal activity

Dow Schofield Watts has reported a “strong” year for its Leeds branch, resulting in 69 deals being approved worth £966m.

Transactions include a £220m sale of food packaging specialist Prodeal in Cheshire as well as 11 acquisitions by environmental consultancy RSK. The deal also includes the sale of utility contractor Aptus Group in Bolton. 

Dow Schofield Watts also reported it completed 68 deals worth £1.7bn in 2018.

Director, Gregg Pendlington said: “We have seen strong activity across all sectors and, against the backdrop of a quieter deals market, are pleased to have bucked the trend.

“There are two key factors that have helped – firstly, businesses appear to be more resilient to the political uncertainty we have had in recent times. Business owners recognise that they can’t continue putting their strategic plans on hold indefinitely and have been pressing ahead.”

He added: “Another factor is the abundance of funding available, which has been really important to counter the macroeconomic factors at play. If funders are competing hard for your business it gives owners the confidence to press ahead with their objectives.”