Valuations specialist joins FRP to build Financial Services practice

FRP has appointed Financial Services sector valuation specialist Stephen Skeels in its Financial Advisory team.

Based in London, Stephen will work with the wider Financial Services sector team to grow FRP’s Financial Services valuation practice, advising clients on transactions and contentious matters where an independent opinion is required.

With close to 40 years’ experience, he joins FRP from Forvis Mazars where he spent almost two decades, most recently as global head of valuations. Stephen’s work centred on mid-market corporates and public companies, specialising in regulated valuation matters including those arising under the Takeover Code and listing rules as well as acting as an expert witness in contentious matters.

Over the course of his career, Stephen has advised on privatisations, capital raisings, public takeovers and private company M&A, with significant experience of cross-border mandates. He has particularly focused on the financial services sector.

Stephen Skeels, consultant director in FRP’s Financial Advisory team, said: “The valuation world is going through a lot of change at the moment and I am excited to help FRP track its way through how we can deliver a quality service to clients.

“FRP is a growing organisation with a nationwide office network and, while financial services has traditionally been a London-centric sector, there are established and growing regional strengths in places including Leeds and Manchester. So, I’ll be getting out and talking to people around the country, as well as in the capital.”

Jim Davies, partner in the FRP Financial Advisory team, added: “Demand for valuations remains robust, both for live transactions and in contentious situations where a client needs an opinion that will stand up to scrutiny.

“Stephen has spent his career doing precisely that work at the complex end of the market and he brings with him the regulated experience and the relationships to help us grow the Financial Services side of the practice.

“This expertise and experience will be highly complementary to the existing team at a time when our valuation and related transactional services continue to see strong demand across a range of sectors.

“Stephen’s appointment reflects our ongoing drive to invest in senior talent to grow our specialist capabilities and serves to and strengthen our position in this important market. I look forward to working alongside Stephen, who adds outstanding skills and knowledge to our growing valuation offering.”