UK, 12 October 2026 - Run of completions demonstrates continued appetite for high-quality businesses
Debrett’s has completed 12 transactions in as many weeks, marking a significant period of activity for its Advisory team and continued momentum for the business.
The transactions span technology, infrastructure, property, healthcare, engineering and business services. They include the sale of Mway Communications to Equans, part of the Bouygues Group; YFM Equity Partners’ investment in BE Design; the sale of Forge Care to Endurance Capital; the sale of Tandem to Audria; MML Capital Partners’ investment in IFOS Group; the MBO of AIC, backed by Foresight Group; the sale of WhiteSpider to AUREOS Group, backed by EMK Capital; and the sale of Organica UK to Holiferm.
A further four undisclosed transactions have also completed during the period.
The run comes against a more selective dealmaking backdrop. Experian MarketIQ reported UK M&A volumes down 30% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, while aggregate disclosed deal values rose 36%.[1] Yet competition for quality assets remains strong. Dealsuite’s latest UK&I M&A Monitor found that the average number of serious buyers for each mid-market business brought to market rose to 8.5 in the first half of 2026, up from 7.9 a year earlier.[2]
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, said:
“For good-quality assets, the market is extremely active. Buyers are more selective, but when the right business comes to market, we are seeing real competition.
What has changed is the level of scrutiny. Buyers are asking harder questions around earnings, resilience and where future growth is going to come from. That puts even more emphasis on preparation and making sure a business is positioned properly before going to market.
For shareholders with a strong business, there is significant appetite from both trade and financial investors. Our job is to create genuine competition and make sure it translates into the best possible outcome.”
James England, Managing Partner at Debrett’s, said:
“The summer is supposed to be our quiet time! Completing that many deals in such a short space of time is extraordinary. I’m grateful to the team for their hard work and to Clive for his exemplary leadership.
Even more encouraging is our pipeline, which suggests this is just the beginning. Our Advisory, Investments and Wealth Management offerings have been built for entrepreneurs who value the old-fashioned decency and care synonymous with our brand, combined with the latest tools and innovations to deliver in the most efficient way.
Our activity levels and client feedback tell us that Debrett’s is becoming the investment bank for SMEs and their entrepreneurs.”
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s is a 250-year-old institution which, in more recent times, has been reimagined as a full-service investment bank for entrepreneurs. It has a team of 60 professionals working across offices in London, Birmingham and Reading, specialising in M&A Advisory, Investments, Wealth Management and Heritage services.
The business is chaired by former LDC CEO Darryl Eales, with a Board including Inflexion Senior Partner Richard Swann and others with successful careers across finance, private equity and banking. Its Advisory team is led by Clive Hatchard, alongside an expanding team of experienced M&A professionals.
Sources
[1] Experian MarketIQ, Mergers and Acquisitions Review: Q1 2026, published 5 June 2026. Figures compare UK deal volumes and aggregate disclosed deal values with Q1 2025.
[2] Dealsuite, UK&I M&A Monitor: H1 2026, published 17 August 2026. Based on responses from 102 M&A advisory firms covering UK and Irish businesses with revenues of £1 million to £200 million. Buyer numbers compare H1 2026 with H1 2025.
London, 30 September 2026 – Debrett’s has advised the shareholders and management team of Tandem Property Asset Management (“Tandem”), a UK property and asset management business, on its investment from the Audria Group (“Audria”), the international real estate services group established by Swedish investors Pejoni and Fidelio Capital.
The transaction marks Audria’s entry into the UK market, providing a platform for its planned expansion and support for Tandem’s next phase of growth.
Founded in 2017, Tandem has built a strong position in the UK market, combining deep property expertise with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach and a clear focus on its customers. Headquartered in London and with a presence in six cities across the UK, the business comprises 108 professionals and is led by co-CEOs John Jones and Lisa Riva.
Tandem’s core services cover asset and property management, financial management, ESG and destination marketing. Its clients include M7 Real Estate, Martley Capital Group, Frarran, XLB, Cube RE and Eric Wright Group.
Tandem becomes the fifth company to join Audria, alongside Newsec, Novier, Sveaviken and Avy. Audria’s existing businesses bring together more than 2,600 professionals across the Nordics and Baltics, managing real estate assets totalling more than €100 billion.
Joining Audria brings new opportunities for Tandem to develop its business, invest in technology and innovation and draw on the capabilities and expertise of a growing international group. Tandem will continue to operate under its own brand and management team, backed by Audria’s scale and resources.
John Jones, co-CEO of Tandem, commented:
“We are very positive about the future and excited to be joining Audria. We have built Tandem around our people, our customers and our entrepreneurial approach, and we believe Audria shares our long-term perspective. Becoming part of Audria gives us new opportunities to develop the business while continuing to build on the strengths that have made Tandem successful.”
“Clive, Will and Adam at Debrett’s have been a tremendous support throughout the transaction. Their practical advice, attention to detail put us in the strongest position with Audria and their calm approach throughout the process guided us to a successful completion. Having them on board allowed us to stay focused on our clients and the day-to-day running of Tandem.,
Lisa Riva, co-CEO of Tandem, said:
“There is a strong fit between Tandem and Audria, both in terms of our approach to the market and our ambitions for the future. Joining a growing European group gives us access to new perspectives, expertise and capabilities, while allowing us to continue developing Tandem and our offering in the UK.”
Björn Annwall, CEO of Audria, added:
“We are very pleased to welcome Tandem to Audria. This marks a significant milestone in our international development and establishes Audria in the UK for the first time. The UK is an important and dynamic real estate market, and Tandem gives us a strong local presence and a platform for further growth. Expanding into new markets is an important part of our strategy. We believe the strength of Audria comes from combining local expertise and relationships with the opportunities that come from being part of a broader group. With Tandem joining us, we can start building those connections in the UK while also creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across our markets.”
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, commented:
“John, Lisa and their team have built an exceptional business, with strong client relationships and a clear ambition for its future. Audria brings the international experience, technology and backing to support that ambition, while preserving the people and entrepreneurial approach that has made Tandem successful.
“It has been a pleasure working with the shareholders and management team to deliver this transaction. Tandem provides Audria with an excellent platform for its entry into the UK, and we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow as part of the group.”
The Debrett’s advisory team comprised Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory, Will Mason and Adam England. Legal advice to the shareholders and management team was provided by Adam Dowdney and Harriet Jones of Knights, with tax advice from Rebecca Jones, Paul Miller and Harry Cook of Dains.
Eight Advisory and Osborne Clarke were engaged by Fidelio to undertake due diligence and advise on the transaction.
The transaction builds on the Debrett’s advisory team’s extensive experience across the property management sector. Its collective track record includes Centrick’s partnership with PHM Group, IFOS Group’s significant minority investment from MML Capital Partners and the sales of Encore Estate Management, Vegner Group and Trinity Property Group to Odevo.
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s is a professional services group specialising in Advisory, Wealth Management and Investments.
Debrett’s advisory team provides corporate finance, M&A and debt advisory services to entrepreneurs, management teams, corporates and investors. Combining deep sector expertise with an extensive network of relationships across the UK and internationally, the team provides senior-led advice throughout the transaction lifecycle.
Leeds, 21 September 2026: Debrett’s has advised Foresight Group (“Foresight”), a leading regional private equity and real assets investment manager, on its £12 million investment into Automotive & Industrial Consumables Limited (“AIC”), supporting a management buyout and the Company’s next phase of growth.
AIC is a leading importer and distributor of automotive, electrical and industrial consumable products, supplying over 6,100 products to more than 5,500 customers across the UK, Europe and the USA.
Based in Leeds, AIC serves the automotive aftermarket, electrical installation, construction and general industrial sectors. AIC has built a leading market position through long-standing supplier relationships, broad product availability and high levels of customer service. The Company has a diversified customer base, recurring demand and established international sourcing capabilities.
The investment will support the next stage of AIC's development, including further investment in sales and marketing, website optimisation, product expansion and enhanced use of data and AI-driven analytics.
The management buyout will be led by the existing senior management team, headed by Prakash Patel, Managing Director, Jake Bury, Finance Director, Neil Hodson, Sales Director, and Raj Patel, Procurement Director. Foresight will work closely with the management team to help accelerate growth, increase market share and drive operational improvements.
As part of the investment, Andrew Wakelin will join the business as Chair. Andrew brings more than 35 years' experience in industrial distribution, most recently as Group Operations Director at Aspen Pumps, a private equity-backed industrial distributor. He has significant expertise supporting operational improvement and growth, including international expansion.
Prakash Patel, Managing Director of AIC, said:
“The management team has been driving the business for many years and is excited to take this next step. With Foresight's backing, we can invest behind a clear growth strategy, strengthen our market position and unlock opportunities that were previously out of reach.”
Richard Ralph, Investment Director at Foresight Group, commented:
“AIC combines many of the qualities we look for – a strong management team, highly recurring revenue, excellent cash generation and a market-leading position from which it can grow further. We believe there is significant opportunity to accelerate growth through entering new product and geographic markets, and are excited to support Prakash, Jake, Raj and Neil as they deliver the next chapter of the business's development.
“Debrett’s provided excellent support throughout the transaction. Their commercial approach, responsiveness and understanding of both the business and the deal dynamics helped us navigate the process efficiently, and we greatly valued having them alongside us.”
Ed Shurville-Darlington, Senior Director at Debrett’s, commented:
“AIC is a fantastic business with a strong market position, an impressive management team and plenty of opportunity ahead of it. It has been a real pleasure working with Richard and the Foresight team on the transaction, and we’re delighted to have helped them complete this investment.
“There is a great fit between Foresight and the management team, and we’re excited to see what they can achieve together as they take AIC into its next phase of growth.”
Debrett’s provided corporate finance advice to Foresight throughout the transaction. The Debrett’s team was led by Ed Shurville-Darlington.
The transaction further demonstrates Debrett’s experience advising private equity investors and management teams on transactions across the UK mid-market.
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s is a professional services group specialising in Advisory, Wealth Management and Investments.
Debrett’s advisory team provides corporate finance, M&A and debt advisory services to entrepreneurs, management teams, corporates and investors. Combining deep sector expertise with an extensive network of relationships across the UK and internationally, the team provides senior-led advice throughout the transaction lifecycle.
London, 30 July 2026 – Debrett's has advised the shareholders of IFOS Group ("IFOS"), one of the UK's largest independent residential block management businesses, on securing a significant minority investment from international mid-market investor, MML Capital Partners ("MML"), to support the next phase of its growth strategy. FRP also acted as joint financial adviser on the transaction.
Founded in 2000, IFOS has grown into one of the UK's leading independent managing agents through a combination of organic expansion and acquisitions. The Group operates through its established Urang and Warwick Estates brands and manages over 65,000 residential units across the UK. The business employs more than 450 people across the UK and South Africa and provides residential block management alongside a broad range of value-added property services.
MML will partner with Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Cleaver, and Group CEO, Emma Power, as the business continues to build its national platform through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
With MML's investment and under the continued leadership of Paul and Emma, IFOS is well positioned to build upon its reputation for market-leading client service, continue growing organically, expand its range of ancillary services and accelerate consolidation within the highly fragmented UK residential block management market.
Tom Biddle, Partner in MML's Enterprise Fund, commented:
"We are delighted to be partnering with Paul, Emma and the wider IFOS team. IFOS rightly enjoys an excellent reputation in residential block management and has demonstrated a strong track record of combining organic growth with successful acquisitions. As one of the UK's leading independent managing agents, the Group is well positioned to benefit from increasing demand for high-quality property management services and continued consolidation across the sector. We look forward to supporting the management team as they continue to build a national platform."
Paul Cleaver, Founder and Executive Chairman of IFOS Group, added:
"This investment marks an important milestone for IFOS. We were looking for a partner that shared our long-term ambition for the business and understood both our market and our culture. MML's collaborative approach and experience supporting founder-led businesses made them the right fit. Together we are well placed to continue investing in our people, expanding our service offering and pursuing attractive acquisition opportunities as we build one of the UK's leading independent block management groups.
I would also like to thank Clive Hatchard and the team at Debrett’s for their guidance and support throughout the process. Their advice and stewardship of the transaction enabled us to remain focused on running the business while delivering an optimal outcome for shareholders."
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, led the transaction on behalf of the firm, supported by Richard Boyden and Chris King. Debrett’s worked closely with the shareholders throughout the process to identify the right long‑term investment partner for the business.
Clive Hatchard commented:
"IFOS has built an exceptional business with a strong reputation, an experienced management team and a proven growth strategy. This investment provides the Group with the ideal platform to accelerate its long-term ambitions, combining access to growth capital with the strategic support of an experienced investment partner. We are delighted to have advised the shareholders on this important transaction and look forward to seeing the business continue its impressive growth journey."
About Debrett's
Debrett's is a leading UK mid-market corporate finance adviser, partnering with entrepreneurs, founders, management teams and investors to deliver exceptional outcomes across mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory and debt advisory.
Combining decades of transactional experience with the heritage and trusted reputation of the Debrett's brand, Debrett's Advisory provides commercially focused advice and execution to ambitious businesses throughout every stage of their growth journey, helping clients realise long-term value through strategic transactions.
The transaction reflects Debrett's continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, founder-led businesses and management teams on transformational transactions across the UK mid-market.
Joint Financial Advisers to IFOS Group: Debrett's and FRP Advisory
Legal Adviser to IFOS Group: Shoosmiths (Kiran Dhesi)
The MML deal team comprised Tom Biddle (Partner), Mani Minhas (Investment Director) and Georgia Freeman (Investment Associate).
MML was advised by MWS (Legal), Grant Thornton (Financial Due Diligence), GCS (Commercial Due Diligence), Crawford McMillan (Data Readiness), Sustainable Advantage (ESG), Crosslake (Cyber), and Outside In (Political Due Diligence).
About Debrett's
Debrett's is a leading UK mid-market corporate finance adviser, partnering with entrepreneurs, founders, management teams and investors to deliver exceptional outcomes across mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory and debt advisory.
Combining decades of transactional experience with the heritage and trusted reputation of the Debrett's brand, Debrett's Advisory provides commercially focused advice and execution to ambitious businesses throughout every stage of their growth journey, helping clients realise long-term value through strategic transactions.
BIRMINGHAM, 24 August 2026 — Debrett's has advised the shareholders of Forge Care Limited, a specialist provider of trauma-informed residential care for children based in the West Midlands, on the sale of a majority stake in the business to Endurance Capital.
Forge Care was founded by the Miller family and latterly supported by an equity investment from Future Planet Capital, Forge Care has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality therapeutic residential care through its purpose-built campus, The Forge, in Warwickshire. The site comprises four Ofsted-registered children's homes, providing up to 24 placements supported by integrated therapeutic services.
The investment marks an important milestone in Forge Care's development, providing additional capital to support the next phase of growth, including the roll out and development of more homes. Gavin and Ryan Miller will continue to play key leadership roles alongside Managing Director Adam Wells, ensuring continuity for colleagues, local authority partners and the children in the company's care.
Gavin Miller, Director of Forge Care, said:
"Since we began building The Forge, our ambition has always been to create an environment where vulnerable children receive the highest standard of therapeutic care and support. We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved, and Endurance Capital shares our long-term commitment to that vision. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for the future and would like to thank the Debrett's Advisory team for their guidance and dedication throughout the transaction."
Martin Poole, Partner at Debrett's, said:
"Forge Care has built an outstanding reputation in a highly specialised and important area of the care sector. The business combines exceptional outcomes with a scalable operating model, making it an attractive investment opportunity. The Forge is an outstanding purpose-built facility, designed to deliver premium-quality properties and services for vulnerable children. We are delighted to have advised the shareholders on a transaction that delivers succession for the founding family while providing the investment required to support Forge Care's next stage of growth."
The Debrett's corporate finance advisory team was led by Partner Martin Poole, supported by Harveer Gill, Senior Principal, and Seb Rowlands, Executive.
Legal advice to the shareholders was provided by Higgs LLP, with tax advice from Edwards. The transaction was supported by debt funding from Rand Merchant Bank, the corporate and investment division of the FirstRand Group
Advisers to Endurance Capital included Browne Jacobson (legal), Alantra (Corporate Finance), Connell Consulting (commercial due diligence), Moore Kingston Smith (tax due diligence) and financial due diligence undertaken by Cooper Parry. Eversheds Sutherland advised lender Rand Merchant Bank.
About Forge Care
Forge Care is a specialist provider of trauma-informed residential care for children and young people aged 6–18. Founded by the Miller family, the business operates The Forge, a purpose-built therapeutic community in North Warwickshire comprising four Ofsted-registered children's homes. Forge Care works in partnership with local authorities across the UK to deliver high-quality residential care supported by integrated therapeutic services.
About Debrett's
Debrett's advises entrepreneurs, founder-led businesses, management teams and investors on company sales, acquisitions, management buyouts, growth capital and debt advisory. Combining Debrett's heritage with modern corporate finance expertise, the team delivers senior-led advice to clients across the UK.
London, 18 November – Debrett’s has announced a strategic partnership with Mulberry Bow, a leading chartered financial planning firm, in a move that expands the Group’s capabilities into investment and financial planning for high-net-worth clients.
Under the terms of the agreement, Debrett’s has acquired a significant minority stake and together the businesses will offer seamless personal and corporate financial services for entrepreneurs, business owners and partner level professionals.
Mulberry Bow, founded in 2015, provides bespoke structuring advice and independent financial planning.
Darryl Eales, Group Chairman, said:
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our strategy to provide a fully integrated suite of services for our clients — from growing and realising the value of their businesses, to managing and preserving that wealth across generations.”
Simon Bullock, Founder of Mulberry Bow, added:
“We are delighted to join forces with Debrett’s and combine our expertise to better serve entrepreneurs and families through every stage of the wealth creation journey.”
The partnership is further strengthened by the appointment of Andrew Blazye and Simon Bullock to the Debrett’s board, joining Darryl Eales, Richard Sanders, Richard Swann and other senior board members. Their addition brings deep expertise in wealth management and strategic growth, further enhancing the Group’s leadership bench.
The addition of Mulberry Bow establishes a wealth management arm within the Debrett’s Group, complementing its existing Advisory, Investments and Coaching services and reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals, founders and families.
