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Knight Expands Team on Increased M&A Activity

The mid mid-market UK Technology and Telecoms sector has experienced record level of investment in 2017 with over 270 deals announced, according to Knight Corporate Finance. Private Equity investment has been a key driver in this activity, significantly increasing the level of funding in the sector which has created a prosperous M&A market.

Knight Corporate Finance, a boutique advisor based in Warrington and London, has strengthened its team in line with an increase in deal activity. Following a sustained period of growth, which sees Knight’s deal count approach 90 transactions, the firm has made three key appointments to support and enhance the service it provides to clients.

Neeraj Dhuna and David Middleton, both ICAEW chartered accountants, join as Corporate Finance Manager and Corporate Finance Executive respectively. Together they bring a wealth of experience to help support deals and increase Knight’s operational output.

Neeraj joins from Wilson Partners Corporate Finance where he worked on a number of deals including company acquisitions and disposals, MBOs, fund raisings, financial due diligence and strategic reviews.

David joins from Grant Thornton’s North West Audit department, with specific experience in leading audits of owner managed business in a variety of sectors such as renewable energy, media, import and distribution and motor retail.

Ajay Shah completes the recruitment drive, joining as Marketing and Business Development Manager. Prior to joining Knight, Ajay was responsible for bid management at ACC Liverpool where he oversaw millions of pounds worth of international bids and proposals.

Ajay commented “The team at Knight are all highly ambitious and the company is at an exciting time in its development. I am looking forward to helping take Knight to the next level by growing its client base and ensuring delivery of key messages through digital and traditional channels”.

Reflecting the increasing level of deal expertise within the business, Tom Jones has been promoted to Associate Director. Tom has worked at Knight for over two years and has been instrumental in some of Knight’s key deals this year including the YFM investment in 4net, the sale of Nexus to Elite Telecom, the investment by Maven in Hiring Hub and the sale of Freedom Communications.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of Neeraj, David and Ajay - the success of the business allows us to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre that will ensure that we can drive the business forward” says Paul Billingham, Founder and Director of Knight.

On Tom Jones’ promotion, Paul added “Tom has an excellent understanding of M&A in our key markets and a clear vision of what our clients are looking to achieve. His background in financial due diligence and technical accounting provides him with necessary skills to add real value to business owners”.

Founded in 2008 by Paul Billingham and Adam Zoldan, Knight serve clients across the UK specialising in the telecommunications, media, technology and e-commerce sectors.