Deal activity was only slightly up in the third quarter of 2009, but there is a new-found sense of optimism in the Greater Manchester market. “Private equity is back,” is how one relieved corporate financier put it. Date provider Zephus lists a total of 110 deals in Crain’s coverage area during the three months to … Continued

Whether fans like it or not, football is more than just a sport, but is there a danger our big two clubs could be left behind in the money stakes? Everton and Liverpool have to compete in the Premier League against teams funded by some of the wealthiest people in the world, and that means … Continued

Scores of jobs have been axed after north west TV rental and sales business Martin Dawes underwent a pre-pack administration. The £11m-turnover company, based in Warrington, has been bought back by a management team led by Mr Dawes but its nine shops – including those in Manchester, Bury, Stockport and Wigan – have closed, with … Continued

Martin Dawes Ltd, which claims to be the UK’s largest independent TV rental company, has undergone a pre-pack administration. It was put into the hands of Les Ross and David Riley, from the Manchester office of Grant Thornton, before being bought back by the management team, headed by serial entrepreneur Martin Dawes. The business, which … Continued

British firm, Dow Schofield Watts, has raised £4.68 million on the first closure of its debut private equity fund, AltAssets reports. The PHD Equity Partners Fund No 1 will target buyouts in the £2-10 million range in established businesses with enterprise values of about £50 million. The fund will make its initial investments between £250,000 … Continued

PHD Equity Partners, a new private equity fund based in the north-west of England, has reached a first close of £5m (EUR5.5m) on its debut fund.

Football industry finance expert James Dow expects the sector to face some difficulties, but will be assisted by the long-term television deals in place. Mr Dow, the owner of Warrington corporate finance firm Dow Schofield Watts, was involved in takeovers at Manchester City and Everton in the 1990s and has also advised Ajax, Celtic and … Continued

Building Automation Solutions (BAS), the Altrincham-based building management systems company bought out from Siemens in 2006, has secured a £5m funding package from the Manchester office of Yorkshire Bank. BAS, installs and maintains building management systems, which control services such as heating, security, access, audio-visual systems, ventilation and filtration. Its customers include Asda, Total Fitness, … Continued