CFI United Kingdom has won three awards at the Insider Dealmakers Awards

Geraint Rowe
Partner, Managing DirectorCorporate finance advisory team of the year – This is the fifth consecutive year in which the firm has received the award. The firm acted as a lead financial advisor on a range of M&A, debt advisory and management buy-out assignments during the period to 30 June 2020.
Notable transaction highlights included:
- The multi-million-pound MBO and refinance of Veezu and subsequent acquisition of Go Carz
- The sale of Pinnacle Document Solutions to Ethos Group
- The refinance of Inspiretec Group
- The refinance of Spectra Group
Frank Holmes, Partner said ‘’We are extremely proud to receive the Corporate Finance Advisory Team of the Year award for the fifth consecutive year. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and winning this award is a reflection of the hard work and tenacity that the team has shown. Despite the challenges we have faced during the pandemic, the firm continues to adapt and expand and we are optimistic for what 2021 can bring.’’
Dealmaker of the Year – Geraint Rowe
This is the fourth occasion that Geraint has received the award, having previously received the accolade in 2005, 2015 and 2019.
Geraint originated, led and advised on a significant number of transactions in the year to 30 June 2020 of Welsh based businesses with a total deal value in excess of £75 million, in addition to many other transactions outside Wales. He has a cumulative career deal value in excess of £1.3 billion.
In addition to M&A advisory, Geraint also provides strategic advice on value maximisation to several high growth companies throughout the UK and globally in conjunction with the firm’s international partnership Corporate Finance International.
Geraint commented, “It is a real privilege to receive this award. Working with a committed and hugely talented team, it highlights the value that CFI UK/Gambit adds to its clients. The firm has remained persistent and flexible to completing transactions and supporting our clients through the unforeseen circumstances of the pandemic and the momentum we currently have, supported by a significant pipeline, augurs well for the future.”
Small business deal of the year – Sale of Pinnacle to Ethos Group
Pinnacle is a leading print and document solutions provider in the UK with over 30 years’ experience and supporting over 3,500 managed devices. As a fellow Xerox Platinum and HP Silver Partner, the acquisition of Pinnacle helps expand the Ethos Group’s print portfolio, whilst complementing and expanding its geographical reach.
The transaction delivered a successful exit for the Development Bank of Wales, who provided debt and equity funding to support the management buy-out led by Pinnacle CEO Clive Hamilton.
CFI United Kingdom team was led by Geraint Rowe (Partner) and Nick Gallagher (Executive) who were responsible for identifying, negotiating and structuring the transaction.
Geraint Rowe commented ‘’Having previously worked with Pinnacle for many years, it was a privilege to advise on this deal. The acquisition by Ethos Group will enable both Pinnacle and Ethos to realise the next stage of their growth plans, with a greater service offering and customer footprint. We are delighted to receive this award for such a successful transaction’’.