Commercial Due Diligence Provider of the Year
EY
EY-Parthenon is a leading CDD provider in the UK, as evidenced by the successful completion of over 150 high-quality CDD projects for more than 40 mid and large-cap PE accounts this year alone. This has been reinforced by the deep expertise within our sector-specific teams, the cohesive integration of our due diligence services with FDD, Technology, and Ops DD, and the enhanced application of innovative tools and data analytics.
From a sector point of view, we have created a global market leading Education practice, a rapidly expanding TMT, CPR, HSW, B2B services and Energy transition practice. We have continued our seamless global team integration to bring deep specialist skills, technical knowledge, and senior industry experience, leveraging the benefits of experience in markets and on assets across the network.
Together with our market leading FDD, Tech and Ops practice, we have developed integrated solutions to simplify and enhance our clients' due diligence processes. For instance, our seamless integration with Tech DDs on TMT assets has led to more powerful commercial insights and identification of opportunities for technology to drive business success. Our ongoing collaboration with FDD teams ensures efficiency in data analysis and drives deeper insights for clients.
Fairgrove Partners
Analysis of Mergermarket’s adviser league tables reveals that Fairgrove Partners was the #2 CDD adviser (by volume of completed transactions advised) for UK and Irish buyout-type deals in the judging period. This means we have now been one of the top two advisers for three consecutive years. We have achieved this feat with a team of 20-25 professionals, testament to our perennial ability to punch above our weight and evidence of the value we add to the industry. We worked with 8 new UK PE funds in the judging period, as we continued to gain share in a challenging market. We continued our sponsorship of Women In Business societies at leading universities, underlining our commitment to DE&I in the private equity industry, and became a certified partner for Strategy In Action, an innovative and disruptive programme to accelerate value creation in PE portfolio companies. Additional data on our deal activity can be found elsewhere in our submission.
GRAPH Strategy
In a year marked by increased turbulence and complexity, GRAPH Strategy thrived. We continued to take share in the UK private equity market, assisting with over £1bn of deals, adding new core client relationships, and delivering over 25% growth in CDD fee income versus the same period last year. GRAPH’s growth, despite the market downturn, is a testament to the quality and value of our boutique offering, as well as the adaptable, innovative, and forward-thinking approach we take to running the business.
Our success is underpinned by consistently taking a long-term view towards growth. In the face of challenging market conditions, we differentiated from our competitors by continuing to expand our team, adapting our diligence offerings in response to increased demand for flexibility from our clients, and investing in long-term relationships with those we work with.
Our approach has paid off. We enter the second half of 2024 with a very strong team, high referral rate from clients, an exceptionally robust pipeline, as well as awards and industry recognition for our work with Apadmi, The 55 Group, Pareto FM, UniHomes, and others in the past year.
Luminii Consulting
Over the last twelve months, Luminii Consulting has continued to disrupt the Commercial Due Diligence (CDD) landscape through the refinement and delivery of innovative and pragmatic commercial advice, underpinned by unparalleled collaboration, enabling each of our clients to navigate a complex 2023/24 environment and invest with confidence.
With offices in London and Manchester, we continued to invest in establishing a national presence and supported PE and VC transactions of varied sizes, highlighting our versatility in tailoring services to meet the distinct needs of clients of various scales.
We innovated CDD delivery, introducing pioneering primary research methodologies to suit evolving market needs, winning new clients.
In a year where deals faced significant obstacles, we demonstrated an ability to steer deals to success, even adjusting fees when clients faced financial pressures, ensuring mutual success and long-term partnerships. Clients praised this flexibility, solidifying our reputation for navigating challenges collaboratively.
We also pledged 7% of our profits to charities, sponsored community sport, contributed to mentoring, internships and university incubator initiatives, reinforcing our dedication to make an impact in the community.
Through ongoing collaboration, passion for value, innovation and excellence we are committed to contribute towards our clients’ and the private equity industry’s success.
Voting Closed
To find out who won, book a table at the Mergermarket British Private Equity Awards on 01 October 2024, by contacting Chris Coe.