With eight M&A transactions completed in Q1 alone, Dains was the third most active corporate finance team in the Midlands and 20th in the UK, according to Experian’s M&A review for Q1 2025.
Headline deals include Linnaeus’ acquisition of Rutland Veterinary, the sale of Kolkem to US chemicals giant Quaker Houghton, a management buyout (MBO) of Freshview, and a significant fundraise for chartered surveyor firm Greenhatch with Virgin Money, building on Dains’ earlier advisory work on its Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transaction.
Consilium Chartered Accountants, which became part of the Dains Group in January, marked its debut deal under the new group by advising on the successful sale of food-to-go producer PJs Foods to Tiffin Sandwiches.
It has also advised HVAC specialist Cleartech Group on its acquisition of ECB (Water Solutions).
This surge in deal activity comes hot on the heels of the Dains Group’s strategic acquisition of Barnes Roffe - its largest to date and the second since securing private equity investment from IK Partners.
The move adds 29 partners and more than 200 professionals in London, pushing the Group’s total headcount past 1,000 and strengthening its national footprint.
It accelerates Dains’ bold ambition to become a top 20 national firm by the end of 2025, enhancing its client proposition in corporate finance, audit, corporate tax, and financial advisory.
With four key regional hubs now established across the South-East, Midlands, Scotland, and Ireland, Dains is focused on delivering even greater value to clients whilst continuing to invest in the growth and development of its people.
Roy Farmer, corporate finance partner at Dains said: "Q1 has been a fantastic start to the year for the Corporate Finance team and the wider Dains Group.
“The momentum we've built - both in deal volume and the quality of transactions - is a testament to the talent and dedication across our business.
“It's an incredibly exciting time to be part of the Dains journey, as we continue to grow our national presence and deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.
“With a strong pipeline and the support of our expanded group, I’m optimistic about what the rest of the year holds."