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BTG Advisory, part of Begbies Traynor Group, has expanded its restructuring services in the West Midlands with the appointment of Vijay Merchant as partner.
Merchant, who will be based in the firm’s Birmingham office, brings nearly 20 years of experience in business turnaround, restructuring and advisory. His work focuses on supporting companies and stakeholders in stressed and distressed situations.
He advises lenders – including major banks, specialist finance firms and non-bank providers – as well as corporates and small to medium-sized businesses. His support includes solutions and implementation strategies such as asset-based lending, alternative finance, equity investment, and options for sale or divestment.
Merchant also has experience delivering options reviews, independent business reviews, and pre-lend and viability assessments for lenders and investors.
The appointment further develops the firm’s regional offer, with offices in Birmingham, Dudley, Shropshire and Stoke.
It follows a year of expansion for Begbies Traynor Group, including acquisitions and senior hires across BTG Advisory’s forensics and debt advisory teams.
Recent appointments include partners Kate Beckett, Sannan Khan, Greg Forde, Nick West and Jack Clitheroe; directors Katie Alldrit-Rose and Dan Trinham; and senior manager Phil Sandland.
Julian Pitts, national regional managing partner at Begbies Traynor Group, said: “Vijay is another partner that brings significant knowledge and expertise to the growing advisory offering we are building in the Birmingham office.
“In the past year alone, the firm has made a significant investment in the team and it is paying off with a wealth of knowledge for clients to lean on. Bringing Vijay to the firm not only enhances the team in Birmingham, but also the network and range of disciplines across the UK, giving clients access to more services and to an even larger pool of knowledge to deliver the best and most successful advice.”
Merchant added: “I’m really looking forward to getting started as a partner at BTG Advisory. It is clear that this firm has a strong brand and its performance is reflected in the results.
“Despite this high profile, I know I am joining a firm with untapped potential. There has been sustained investment in knowledge and expertise, and having met the team, I know the standard is high. I look forward to helping grow our presence in Birmingham and supporting businesses across the West Midlands and beyond to restore viability, unlock growth and avoid failure.”
Craig Povey, managing partner for the West Midlands, concluded: “The expansion of advisory services in Birmingham complements the restructuring and insolvency work that our team is already known for.
“Begbies Traynor has become the first port of call for many businesses in distress across the region. Vijay – alongside his advisory colleagues in forensics – is a talented and experienced operator, and we’re all looking forward to our clients benefiting from his advice.”
