Dow Schofield Watts hits 500 deals milestone
We are pleased to share we have achieved a major milestone, surpassing 500 deals comprising £10bn in value since our inception in 2002.
In 2024 alone, DSW facilitated £809m worth of deals, advising on 22 significant transactions across a variety of sectors including facilities management services, technology, food brands, and more. This represented a 36 per cent increase in deal value compared to £594m in 2023, highlighting its continued growth in a challenging market environment.
The increase in deal value was driven in part by a supranormal spike in activity leading up to the Autumn Budget. DSW’s recent UK Growth Census also found that 73% of lower mid-market businesses in the North West are optimistic about current economic policies, with 90% expecting revenue growth. This suggests continued growth in M&A activity, with dealmaking being both a route to scale and a strategic imperative to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Notably, private equity collaboration remains a central focus, with 30 per cent of deals over the last two years involving close partnerships between Dow Schofield Watts’ corporate finance teams and private equity investors, driving strategic growth for businesses across the UK.
Some recent key transactions include advising on the sale of Ruth Lee to Protect Medical, Alpine Fire Engineers’ acquisition of DAS Fire, Survey Solutions’ acquisition of JWG Survey & Engineering, Summa Equity’s investment in EA Technology, and Three Hills’ investment in Operam Education.
Shru Morris, CEO of Dow Schofield Watts, commented, “Surpassing 500 deals and £10bn in deal value is a great launchpad for the next phase of our journey. It highlights the expertise and dedication of our teams across the UK and the trust our clients place in us”.
James Dow, Founder of Dow Schofield Watts, added, “When we founded Dow Schofield Watts in 2002, our vision was to create a group that combined deep expertise with an entrepreneurial approach to empower pioneers and deliver outstanding results for clients. Reaching 500 deals and £10bn in deal value is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work, talent, and commitment of our teams UK-wide.
I am so proud of how far we have come and the impact we’ve had over the past two decades. This milestone is not just about looking back – it’s about looking ahead to the next phase of growth”.
DSW also recently expanded its corporate finance team in Cardiff, while the North West transaction services team saw a trio of well-deserved promotions, further strengthening its capabilities to meet the demands of a growing client base.
The firm’s newest office openings in Leicester, Leeds, and London further enhance its national reach, positioning it to support even more owner-managed businesses across the UK.
