Stuart Moss, Managing Partner at Rickitt Mitchell, featured in a recent round table discussion for North West Business Insider.  Sitting on a panel comprising eight of the region’s leading dealmakers, the questions focused on year-to-date activity and the outlook for the future."

Stuart led the discussion on the health of the local corporate finance market: "It’s a weak market.  I think that deal volumes, particularly at the mid-to-small end, are relatively low, probably about a third of the level before 2007."

"Good businesses continue to be bought and sold, but those are the exception rather than the rule.  The technology and healthcare sectors are where growth rates will be much higher."

The conversation moved onto market trends and the international sector, where Stuart commented:

"The way I see it is that large corporations, many of them international, are looking to take advantage of lower valuations, less competition from private equity buyers and the availability of remarkably cheap finance to acquire companies that plug gaps in their geographic and product / service coverage."

With agreement from the other attendees the Chair moved the discussions onto macroeconomic behaviour, banks and the outlook for private equity.  Following the event Stuart concluded:

"There was a very mixed reaction in the room towards 2012, and even today the situation remains uncertain.  However, the fact remains that there are good businesses who are in an extremely strong position, whether they are looking at selling, acquiring or fundraising."

"With the right advice a good company can still maximise its potential, despite the economic uncertainty, and the wealth of experience within the Rickitt Mitchell team can help businesses achieve their financial goals."

The full article can be found on page 103 of North West Business Insider, September 2011.  To obtain a copy, please contact Insider on 0161 907 9711 or visit the website at www.insidermedia.com