Corporate Finance Advisory Firms in the UK: Guide to Providers (2026)
AC
Acumon Chartered Accountants·12 min read
For businesses looking for corporate finance advisory services in the UK, the market includes everything from specialist advisers working with owner-managed companies to large firms handling complex cross-border transactions. The companies below cover areas such as acquisitions, disposals, fundraising, valuations, due diligence, debt advisory and transaction planning. This is a practical overview of different providers rather than a ranking.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants providing corporate finance and specialist advisory services to businesses, owner-managed companies, growing organisations, larger corporate groups, and international structures.
The firm supports clients through the full transaction lifecycle and related strategic decisions. This includes mergers and acquisitions (M&A), buy-side and vendor due diligence, business valuations, management buy-outs (MBOs) and management buy-ins (MBIs), financial modelling, company demergers and group restructurings, succession and exit planning (including Employee Ownership Trusts), and related tax structuring.
Advisory engagements are partner-led, scoped and quoted with fixed fees upfront, and delivered by a team of over 90 UK-based professionals. The firm combines technical accounting, tax and commercial expertise, drawing on real-world transaction experience (including the firm’s own acquisitions and a partner’s prior private equity background) to support practical deal execution, risk identification and value optimisation.
Acumon works with finance teams, boards, owners and management teams to help navigate acquisitions, disposals, ownership transitions and complex one-off corporate decisions while strengthening financial reporting, governance and deal readiness.
Corporate Finance Advisory Capabilities:
Acumon provides corporate finance and specialist advisory services across a wide range of situations and client types.
These include:
Buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory (from target identification and valuation through negotiation, funding support, due diligence and post-deal integration)
Financial, commercial, tax and vendor due diligence
Indicative and formal business valuations (using DCF, earnings multiples, asset-based and hybrid approaches) for transactions, tax planning, disputes and succession
MBO and MBI advisory, including tax optimisation, funding structures, due diligence, contract negotiation, management incentive plans (such as EMI schemes) and post-completion support
Financial modelling for business plans, fundraising, M&A and strategic decision-making
Tax-efficient company demergers and group restructurings
Succession and exit planning, including family transfers, management buy-outs and Employee Ownership Trusts
Support for owner-managed businesses, growing companies, UK corporate groups and international structures
Acumon provides specialist corporate finance advisory services across a wide range of organisational structures and sectors.
Regulatory Licences and Registrations:
Acumon holds several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
These include:
UK statutory audit registration
Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
Jersey audit licence
Isle of Man audit licence
Cayman Islands audit licence
British Virgin Islands audit licence
These registrations allow the firm to provide audit services to groups that include entities in both the UK and key international financial centres.
Core Services:
In addition to statutory external audit, Acumon provides a range of services that support financial reporting and governance.
These include:
Statutory external audit
Group and subsidiary audits
Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
Charity and not-for-profit audit
Audit of international group structures
Internal audit and governance reviews
Risk management and compliance support
Audit work is often delivered alongside discussions with management and boards regarding financial reporting processes and governance frameworks.
Many organisations initially encounter statutory audit requirements as they grow and exceed the audit exemption thresholds set out in the Companies Act.
Acumon works with businesses that are:
Approaching their first statutory audit
Preparing for external investment
Expanding into international markets
Operating within corporate group structures
Early engagement with an audit firm can help ensure that financial reporting systems and documentation are aligned with statutory audit requirements.
Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
Grant Thornton UK
Grant Thornton has a dedicated corporate finance practice covering both business sales and acquisitions. Its work also extends into private equity, debt advisory, fundraising, equity capital markets and IPO readiness, which gives clients access to different financing and transaction routes through the same wider deals practice.
For acquisitions, the team can help identify, value, fund and manage potential transactions. Sell-side work includes preparing companies for sale and running the transaction process, while separate specialists cover due diligence and related deal analysis.
AAB’s corporate finance work covers selling a business, fundraising, M&A advisory, transaction management and business valuations. Its team works with companies ranging from start-ups and family businesses to larger corporate organisations, with transaction support tied into AAB’s broader tax, finance and advisory capabilities.
On acquisition projects, AAB can help with strategy, valuation, financial modelling, due diligence, financing and deal structuring. Its M&A advisers also support business owners preparing for a sale, including buyer identification, negotiation and project management through the transaction.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Owner-managed companies, family businesses, management teams and larger corporate clients
Core services: M&A advisory, business sales, fundraising, valuations and transaction management
Transaction support: Acquisition strategy, modelling, due diligence, financing and negotiation
Address: Kingshill View Prime Four Business, Park Kingswells, Aberdeen, AB15 8PU
Phone: +44 (0) 1224 625111
KPMG UK
KPMG’s UK corporate finance practice focuses heavily on M&A. It advises businesses and private equity firms on acquisitions, disposals and wider transaction strategy, including preparation for exit, buyer identification and transaction execution.
The wider offering includes private equity, public-to-private transactions, special situations M&A, non-core divestments and debt and capital advisory. KPMG also has a separate equity capital markets practice for IPOs, capital raisings, shareholder sell-downs and other public-market transactions.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Corporates, private equity firms and businesses considering larger or more complex transactions
Core services: M&A advisory, acquisitions, disposals, private equity, debt and capital advisory and equity capital markets
Transaction scope: UK and international deals across multiple sectors
Moore Kingston Smith concentrates much of its corporate finance work on owner-managed and founder-led businesses. Its published focus includes companies with valuations of roughly £5 million to £150 million, giving the practice a defined position in the lower mid-market.
Its advisers handle business sales, acquisitions, private equity investments and growth capital raises, alongside transaction services and debt advisory. The firm also supports buy-and-build strategies, including target identification, due diligence, financial modelling, valuation and acquisition finance.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Founder-led and owner-managed lower mid-market businesses
Core services: Deal advisory, business sales, acquisitions, growth capital, transaction services and debt advisory
Typical transaction focus: Strategic M&A involving businesses valued between about £5 million and £150 million
BDO provides corporate finance through its wider Deal Advisory practice. The service covers M&A strategy and planning, due diligence, fundraising, transaction execution and post-deal value creation, allowing clients to bring several stages of a transaction under one advisory relationship.
The practice works across corporate and private equity transactions and also supports companies preparing to access capital markets.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Mid-market companies, management teams and private equity-backed businesses
Core services: M&A, fundraising, due diligence, deal planning and post-deal advisory
Additional capability: Capital markets and wider transaction support
Address: 2 Atlantic Square, 31 York Street Glasgow, G2 8NJ , United Kingdom
Phone: 0141 248 3761
Shaw & Co
Shaw & Co is a specialist corporate finance adviser focused on UK privately owned SMEs. Its offering is deliberately centred on three situations business owners commonly face: selling a company, buying another business and obtaining finance.
Sell-side work includes exit planning, valuations, buyer searches and negotiations. For acquisitions, the firm advises on strategy, funding and deal negotiation, including management buyouts and buy-ins. Its financing specialists cover equity raising, debt raising, refinancing and acquisition funding. Shaw & Co has offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London and Manchester.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Owners and management teams of privately owned UK SMEs
Core services: Business sales, acquisitions, MBOs, MBIs, valuations, equity raising and debt financing
UK presence: Five offices across Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London and Manchester
PwC’s Lead Advisory practice brings together corporate finance, debt and capital advisory, restructuring M&A and valuations. The corporate finance team advises on acquisitions and disposals for corporates and private equity clients, as well as fundraising, management advisory and public company transactions.
The scope also extends into infrastructure and portfolio advisory, making the firm relevant where financing and transaction structures are more complex. Its current deal activity includes UK sell-side mandates, acquisitions and private equity investment transactions across sectors including utilities, infrastructure, technology and business services.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Corporates, private equity firms and businesses dealing with complex or multi-service transactions
Core services: M&A, fundraising, debt and capital advisory, valuations and restructuring M&A
Additional focus: Infrastructure, portfolio advisory and public company transactions
Contact Information:
Website: www.pwc.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PwCUK
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pwc-uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pwc_uk
Address: 2 Glass Wharf, Bristol BS2 0FR
Phone: +44 (0)117 955 7779
MHA
MHA’s corporate finance team works with corporates, private equity firms and owner-managed businesses. Its lead advisory offering covers disposals, acquisitions, debt and equity fundraising, management buyouts and other ownership transactions.
The broader practice includes financial and tax due diligence, valuations, financial modelling, completion accounts and post-deal planning. MHA also has capital markets capabilities for companies that are listed or considering a flotation, giving the firm a wider remit than private-company M&A alone.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Owner-managed businesses, corporates and private equity firms
Core services: M&A lead advisory, acquisitions, disposals, fundraising, due diligence and valuations
Additional capability: Capital markets, financial modelling and post-deal planning
RSM’s deal services practice supports entrepreneurs, corporate organisations and private equity investors across business sales, acquisitions, carve-outs and fundraising. The firm combines corporate finance work with transaction and due diligence capabilities, which can be useful when a deal involves several financial workstreams.
Capital raising is another significant part of the service. RSM advises businesses seeking private equity investment, debt finance or funding through public markets, while its buy-side specialists support companies throughout the acquisition process.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Entrepreneurs, corporates and private equity investors
Core services: Business sales, acquisitions, carve-outs, fundraising and transaction advisory
Financing options: Private equity, debt funding and public markets
Contact Information:
Website: www.rsmuk.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rsm.uk
Address: 4th Floor, G1 5 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DY
Phone: +44 (0)141 285 3900
Dow Schofield Watts
Dow Schofield Watts has a strong owner-manager focus and operates corporate finance teams across multiple UK regions. Its advisory work includes buyouts, growth capital transactions, acquisitions and management advisory, with partners remaining closely involved in individual engagements.
For acquisitions, the team can help define acquisition criteria, assess valuations, structure deals, negotiate terms and arrange associated financing. Buyout and growth capital work draws on debt, private equity and venture capital relationships, while DSW’s membership of Pandea Global M&A provides an international route for transactions involving overseas buyers or investors.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Owner-managers and management teams undertaking mid-market transactions
Core services: Acquisitions, buyouts, growth capital and management advisory
Coverage: Regional UK teams with access to an international M&A network
EY’s UK corporate finance work sits within EY-Parthenon and combines transaction advice with broader corporate finance decision support. Its corporate finance consultants address financing, capital allocation, investment decisions and strategic alternatives, while the wider transactions practice covers M&A and divestments.
Businesses can also access due diligence, valuation, integration and separation capabilities around a transaction. This breadth makes EY particularly applicable when corporate finance decisions form part of a larger strategic, financing or organisational change programme rather than a standalone company sale.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Larger organisations dealing with strategic finance decisions and complex transactions
Core services: Corporate finance consulting, M&A, divestments, capital allocation and financing advice
Related capabilities: Due diligence, valuations, integration and separation
PKF Francis Clark has a dedicated corporate finance practice supporting sellers, buyers and investors. Its services cover transaction advice alongside debt financing, due diligence and transaction tax, so clients can use the team for either a full deal process or individual parts of one.
The practice is particularly active in the UK’s regional and owner-managed business market. Its corporate finance specialists advise on debt and equity raising, management buyouts, acquisitions, disposals and valuations, with experience extending to companies considering public-market transactions.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Entrepreneurial and owner-managed businesses, buyers and investors
Core services: Business sales and acquisitions, debt advisory, equity finance, due diligence and valuations
Transaction types: MBOs, acquisitions, disposals, fundraising and selected capital markets work
Forvis Mazars provides corporate finance within a broader financial advisory practice covering deals, financing, restructuring and disputes. Its deals team supports acquirers, sellers and financial sponsors with deal sourcing, corporate finance advice, due diligence, valuations and post-deal integration.
Financing specialists add support for debt advisory, fundraising, capital markets and infrastructure finance. That combination allows the firm to address both the transaction itself and the question of how an acquisition, investment or wider strategic project should be financed.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Businesses, investors and financial sponsors requiring multi-disciplinary transaction support
Core services: M&A, corporate finance, due diligence, valuations and post-deal integration
Financing services: Debt advisory, fundraising, capital markets and infrastructure finance
Address: 100 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3DN, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 141 227 2400
Deloitte UK
Deloitte’s Corporate Finance Advisory practice provides financial advice from the early evaluation of strategic options through to transaction execution. Its work covers acquisitions, divestments, IPOs and other equity and debt transactions, supported by separate M&A teams with sector and regional expertise.
The firm works with public and private companies, private equity investors and management teams. Its corporate finance offering also includes specialist practices for areas such as financial services, technology and media, business and professional services, healthcare and other sectors where industry knowledge can materially shape an M&A process.
Key Facts:
Ideal for: Private and public companies, private equity firms and management teams
Core services: M&A advisory, acquisitions, divestments, capital raising, debt and equity advice and IPO support
Approach: Sector-focused and regional corporate finance teams supported by wider transaction specialists
Contact Information:
Website: www.deloitte.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deloitteuk
Twitter: x.com/deloitteuk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte
Address: 8th Floor, The Silver Fin Building, 455 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6DB United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1224 625888
Conclusion
Corporate finance advisory services in the UK vary considerably in scope. Some firms concentrate on owner-managed and mid-market businesses, where partner involvement, exit planning and access to buyers or funders are central to the engagement. Others combine corporate finance with large transaction-services, capital-markets, restructuring, tax and international advisory teams.
The right choice depends on the transaction itself. A privately owned company preparing for its first sale may need a different type of adviser from a corporate pursuing a cross-border acquisition, a private equity-backed business raising capital or a management team planning a buyout. Deal size, sector knowledge, financing requirements, geographic reach and the amount of due diligence or tax support required are all useful points to compare before appointing an adviser.
AC
Written by the Acumon team
Acumon is an ICAEW-registered firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors
based in London, with offices in Pitstone, Aylesbury and Bournemouth. Need advice on
anything covered here? Talk to us.
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