Experian names Cheltenham finance firm one of UK’s top five advisers

Hazlewoods has been named one of the UK’s top five advisers for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in a new report from Experian.

After securing a spot in the top 10 in 2024, the Gloucestershire-headquartered firm has now made it into the top five of the Experian Market IQs half-year league table after a particularly strong first half in 2025.

Reflecting its growing national presence, with offices in Cheltenham, Bristol and Cardiff, Hazlewoods was ranked second in the south west, south east and east of England respectively; third in the north west; and fourth in London and Wales, based on the volume of M&A activity it has completed over the last six months.

The firm, which has a corporate finance team of almost 50, has seen deal volumes increase by a third and total deal values increase by two thirds compared with the same period in 2024, with momentum continuing to build as it goes into the second half of the year.

Hazlewoods transaction services partner, James Whittaker, said: ‘Our success comes down to the dedication of our people and the trust our clients place in us.

‘This recognition reinforces our position in the market and we’re committed to helping even more business owners or investors achieve their goals as the year continues.’

Lead advisory partner, John Lucas, added: ‘With deal activity remaining resilient despite wider economic pressures, we see plenty of opportunity ahead for ambitious businesses to grow, acquire, or sell.’