Today’s news in brief – 19/2/2025

Grant Thornton UK has appointed Debbie King as a partner in its Restructuring, Pensions, and Debt Advisory practice. A respected insolvency practitioner, King has advised businesses on contingency plans and complex cases. She will focus on growing RPDA’s market presence, working with lenders and legal advisers in the UK and internationally. King will also support team development, championing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Partner Kevin Coates highlighted her technical expertise, while King emphasized Grant Thornton’s strong reputation and global reach as key reasons for joining. She looks forward to expanding the firm’s restructuring capabilities and international presence. Evelyn Partners International has moved to a new office at No. 1 Grenville Street in St. Helier. The relocation aligns with the firm’s upcoming sale of its professional services division, expected to complete in Q1. The Jersey office has expanded its wealth management team with experienced hires, including investment directors Craig McGuire and Rod Sallis. Andrew Blake was promoted to investment director, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to growth. Managing partner Matt Falla emphasized the firm’s entrepreneurial focus and strengthened advisory capabilities. The move supports Evelyn Partners' plans to enhance its wealth management services and succession planning. Gerald Edelman’s corporate finance team has advised Flegg Projects on its majority sale to Ainscough Industrial Services (AIS). Flegg Projects, a UK logistics and engineering provider, specializes in factory relocations and system installations. AIS, an international engineering group, operates across 15 sites in the UK and Europe, serving key sectors like energy, aerospace, and automotive. The deal, AIS’s largest to date, strengthens its medical equipment logistics capabilities. Managing director Jayson Flegg praised Gerald Edelman’s support in securing a strategic partner that aligns with Flegg Projects' values, while Gerald Edelman’s Sam Barr highlighted the synergy between the two companies. Quantuma has facilitated the sale of Leeds-based Invenia Group to XT Group Limited. Invenia, a global search firm specializing in life sciences and technology recruitment, entered administration due to financial difficulties following a failed CVA. Despite reporting a £3.5m turnover in 2023, market challenges led to a sharp decline in revenue. The sale ensures job security for 21 employees, who will transfer under TUPE regulations. Joint administrator Rehan Ahmed expressed satisfaction with securing the company’s future, allowing Invenia to continue operations under new ownership. The transaction marks a fresh start for the firm in a competitive recruitment market.