Harrison Drury advises on £100m of deals in 12 months

Preston-based Harrison Drury has advised on £108m of merger and acquisition transactions over the last year.

Examples of the deals include Preston-headquartered Walker Fire’s acquisition of South West-based Fire Crest Fire Protection Ltd; the sale of lubricants business Broughton Lubricants to Certas Energy; and the sale of petrol Cumbria-based forecourts operator AUK Investments to Motor Fuel Group.

Now the law firm is predicting that market conditions will remain favourable with opportunistic buyers seeking scale-up opportunities, and maturing business owners readying for exit following the pandemic.

The healthcare, tech and renewables sectors in particular are predicted to see increased deal activity.

Jack Stephenson, senior associate solicitor in Harrison Drury’s corporate team, said: "We’re seeing many different drivers of mergers and acquisition activity coming together to create a sustained period of deal activity.

"It’s true that the pandemic has made many business owners re-evaluate their options, including whether they want to continue doing what they’re doing. At the same time, other businesses are capitalising on opportunities for growth through acquisition."

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.