FRP launches Corporate Finance practice in Leeds

We have launched a new Corporate Finance practice in Leeds following the appointment of Partner Chris Archer.

Chris has worked in corporate finance, banking and private equity for more than 20 years. He joins our Leeds office from Grant Thornton where he was a Director in corporate finance. Prior to this, he held senior positions at Yorkshire Bank, Investec Bank and in Big Four corporate finance teams in Leeds, London, Singapore and Sydney.

Chris specialises in originating M&A activity, debt advisory and private equity transactions, and he will be responsible for identifying and executing opportunities across Yorkshire. This will include helping owner-managed and private equity-backed clients across a broad range of sectors to implement their strategic growth plans.

His appointment reinforces our commitment to businesses across Yorkshire, further strengthens our national Corporate Finance and advisory practice and sees us provide on-the-ground corporate finance services from seven of our 19 nationwide offices. In Leeds, he will be assisted by Director Greg Carr and they will work closely with corporate finance colleagues across the North.

Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “Our national corporate finance team is highly regarded for its depth of expertise and human approach to transaction advice, and the launch of a new practice in Leeds is a clear indication of the firm’s commitment to its clients. This is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with the team as we support the growth ambitions of businesses across the region.”

Chris’ appointment follows the recent expansion of the Restructuring Advisory team in Leeds with the arrival of Administrator Ryan Marsh and Trainee Administrator Emma Noble.

Phil Pierce, Partner at our Leeds office, added: “Firms are continuing to invest and drive M&A activity, so it’s vital we have a team that can provide the full spectrum of corporate finance and advisory support on the ground in Leeds. By investing in our people we’re able to ensure businesses across the region receive the highest-quality support. Chris’ wealth of experience and in-depth understanding of the local business market makes him the perfect candidate to launch our corporate finance offering in Leeds.

“We’ve had an exciting 10 months following the merger between FRP and BWC in Leeds and Teesside, and with a 25-strong Advisory team now in situ we’re in an even stronger position to support our clients.”