Warrington-based advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts advised on 42 deals worth over £770 million during 2016 — an increase in value of almost £500 million on 2015.

The firm said 2016 was a landmark year for dealmaking in the north of England.

“There was strong deal activity driven both by strategic trade buyers and private equity investors and, while the Brexit vote introduced an element of uncertainty, companies had taken the attitude that it was business as usual while they awaited further tangible news,” said Dow Schofield Watts.

Key deals advised on by the firm included the acquisition of ADAS by Cheshire-based environmental consultancy RSK Group; LDC’s sale of the Waterfall Catering Group to Paris-based multinational Elior Group SA; the £50 million buyout of the New World Trading Company, the pub and restaurant business behind The Botanist and Oast House brands; and the sale of Manchester-based rubber compounder Berwin Group to the listed Swedish company HEXPOL AB.

James Dow, founder of Dow Schofield Watts, said: “During 2016 we have continued to build our capabilities and expand our offering in line with our goal to become the independent advisor of choice for commercial and private equity clients …

“With a plethora of new private equity and debt funds and some significant developments in advisory firms, the North West now has the capacity to handle even larger international deals capably and confidently.

“Manchester has firmly established its position as a leading centre for financial and professional services.”