Founded in 2008, SILICON operates in the US, UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, and is trusted by corporations across Europe, Japan, Australia, and the US. The company specializes in sourcing hard-to-find materials, including:

• Rare earths
• High-purity oxides, fluorides, and specialist chemicals
• Specialty metals
• Advanced materials and semiconductor inputs

Through the partnership, SILICON and KLEAR support high-consequence supply chains by aligning operational sourcing with financial execution, helping clients manage complexity, mitigate geopolitical risk, and maintain continuity across global operations.

Under the partnership, clients benefit from:

• End-to-end visibility across sourcing, funding, and delivery
• Access to verified global supply options, including pricing, lead times, and alternative jurisdictions
• Secure and confidential procurement structures, including importer of record services
• Managed execution across procurement, logistics, and risk
• Transparent, cost-based sourcing fees

The partnership is expected to support more than $100 million in new contracts in 2026, representing a growth trajectory exceeding 225 percent compound annual growth for SILICON.

Chris Hale, Chief Executive Officer of KLEAR, commented:

“The partnership with SILICON brings together operational sourcing and capital intelligence in a way that directly addresses the challenges facing critical minerals supply chains. Clients gain clarity, confidence, and control across both execution and finance.”

Reece Adnams, Chief Executive Officer of Eaton Square, added:

“This partnership strengthens SILICON’s ability to support multinational clients operating in complex, high-risk supply environments. By integrating sourcing and finance, we are enabling more resilient, predictable, and accountable supply chains.”

How the Partnership Works

Clients provide specifications for required critical minerals or advanced materials. SILICON identifies verified global supply options, presenting pricing, lead times, and alternative sourcing locations. In parallel, KLEAR structures the appropriate payment and finance strategy to support execution. Eaton Square manages procurement, confidentiality requirements, logistics coordination, and delivery, applying a transparent sourcing fee based on product cost.

Supporting Energy Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing

Critical minerals are central to energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and national security. The SILICON and KLEAR partnership is designed to address supply concentration, geopolitical exposure, and execution risk by providing integrated operational and financial oversight across high-value supply chains.

A senior European supply chain and energy infrastructure partner at Deloitte noted that platforms integrating sourcing execution with intelligence-driven finance are increasingly critical to maintaining resilience and agility in global supply chains.

Global Operations and Expansion

SILICON operates across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, supporting multinational clients across energy, industrial, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The partnership with KLEAR further strengthens SILICON’s platform as it expands its presence in Europe and continues to support globally distributed supply chains.

About SILICON

SILICON is Eaton Square’s global sourcing platform, supporting multinational clients with the procurement and execution of critical minerals, specialty metals, and advanced materials across complex and regulated supply chains.

About KLEAR

KLEAR is a capital intelligence platform providing financial visibility, liquidity management, and payment intelligence for complex global trade and procurement environments.

About Eaton Square

Eaton Square is a global M&A advisory and capital services firm with over 100 senior professionals across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The firm advises on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic growth initiatives for technology, services, and industrial businesses.

Founded in 1979, The Vann Group is a multi-generational, family-owned business that provides M&A transaction advisory services, strategic facilitation and training, to the owners and leaders of privately held companies. The Vann Group offers the advice, guidance, and execution capabilities that owners need to build, maximize, and realize the value in their businesses.

Michael Vann, President of The Vann Group, brings over two decades of expertise in strategic consulting and transactional advisory. Michael advises companies in various industries, including manufacturing, professional services, industrial services, insurance, financial services, construction, and food & hospitality.

Michael has established himself as a trusted strategic and transactional advisor to the owners and leaders of privately held companies. His practical and personable approach, coupled with his ability to simplify complex business challenges into actionable plans, has been highly valued by his clients. His areas of expertise include strategic facilitation, succession/transition planning, and both sell-side and buy-side transactions.

“We are delighted to welcome Michael and The Vann Group to the Eaton Square network and look forward to the enhanced expertise and opportunities this partnership will bring to our clients especially in the US. Their presence on the East Coast will also allow us to link clients from across the US and around the world,” – Reece Adnams, Eaton Square CEO.

“The Vann Group is excited to be part of the Eaton Square Team. By partnering with Eaton Square, we can leverage our knowledge and expertise with a talented global M&A team that will extend our reach, broaden our capabilities and create more opportunities for our clients.” – Michael Vann, Vann Group President

This strategic expansion underscores Eaton Square’s commitment to delivering exceptional advisory services across the US.

If you’re interested to speak with our team in Massachusetts, please contact:

• Michael Vann – michael.vann@eatonsq.com
• Reece Adnams – reece.adnams@eatonsq.com

We are delighted to share that John Zayac, our Principal from Colorado, received the Top M&A Source Award for 2023.

IBG Business co-founder and Eaton Square Principal, John R. Zayac has received the prestigious Darrell Fouts Award for “visionary leadership and contributions” in the M&A profession.

The award was presented October 18 at the M&A Source 2023 fall conference in Charlotte, NC.

The managing partner of IBG’s Colorado office and a principal with the international M&A firm Eaton Square, John Zayac has been an instrumental leader since 1985 in the advancement of the M&A profession. He has taught, served on boards, and helped create goodwill and interfaces among groups in the profession.

Through his long-term role as chairman of the M&A profession’s Business Intermediary Education Foundation, John helped lead the successful effort in gaining Congressional approval of a federal registration exemption for M&A brokers and advisors (HR 2617: “Registration Exemption for Merger and Acquisition Brokers”). John and other industry leaders worked for two decades to educate and persuade Congressional leaders and regulators regarding the importance of this change, which was passed in December 2022.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize John’s pivotal role in shaping the future of M&A. Congratulations on a well-deserved recognition, and here’s to the continued impact of your leadership”, Reece Adnams, CEO.

About John Zayac

John Zayac is a Principal at Eaton Square. He founded International Business Group in 1986 to provide the mid-market business seller with the high-quality resources and sophisticated M&A service traditionally reserved for firms valued over $100 million.

From IBG’s inception, John’s vision was to build it into the merger and acquisition industry’s most comprehensive provider of acquisition advisory services for mid-market business sellers. His oversight of handling each client from start to finish built a record of success as a business intermediary, including hundreds of completed transactions in manufacturing, distribution, and service industries.

Learn more about John Zayac here.

About the Darrell Fouts Award

The Darrell Fouts Award has been presented annually since 2001 to an M&A professional who has led visionary advances and made exceptional accomplishments to uplift and expand the mergers and acquisitions profession.

In 1992, Darrell Fouts founded the M&A Source as a specialty section of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). His purpose was to enhance the professionalism and success of brokers and advisors engaged in middle market business transactions. Since its founding, the M&A Source has become a leading M&A professional association, providing education, benefits, conferences, support programs, and networking opportunities. In addition, the M&A Source grants to qualified advisors the Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary® (M&AMI®) designation.

In a landmark celebration of women’s achievements in the financial sector, eight remarkable women who traded on the London Stock Exchange during the 1970s and 1980s were awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. Their exceptional accomplishments have paved the way for gender diversity in the world of trading and finance. This is an incredible milestone and we would like take a moment to congratulate one of our very own principal, Michelle Underwood, who was part of this historic moment.

A Milestone in the City’s History

The trading floor of the London Stock Exchange, a historic institution, saw a groundbreaking transformation in March 1973 when women were first allowed entry. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a shift towards inclusivity in the world of finance and trading. Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons aptly noted that the women who entered the trading floor at that time had to face “appallingly sexist behavior.” Nevertheless, their resilience, tenacity, and pioneering spirit made way for progress.

Michelle, third from left

Recognising Tenacity and Achievement

The Freedom of the City awards, an ancient tradition dating back to 1237, are a testament to the enduring legacy of these women traders. Rt Hon Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons commended these awards as a small but significant step towards recognising their remarkable contributions and achievements in a predominantly male-dominated industry.

Breaking Barriers

The women who entered the trading floor of the London Stock Exchange during the 1970s recall encountering laddish and misogynistic behavior. This, however, did not deter them from breaking the mold and shattering the glass ceiling for countless other women in the City. Their determination, skill, and courage have allowed the financial sector to become a more inclusive and diverse space. Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange, rightly acknowledged their impact, stating that these women “broke the mould and, in doing so, they broke a glass ceiling that many, many women in the City have been able to benefit from ever since.”

“It made me feel very proud that, in a small way, we were trailblazers for other women to follow in our footsteps and pursue careers in the city.” – Michelle Underwood

Congratulations Michelle Underwood

Principal of Eaton Square and Director of M&A Advisory

As we reflect on the remarkable achievements of these pioneering women traders, we can’t help but extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Principal from London, Michelle Underwood, who has been an integral part of our team and is a shining example of the spirit of these remarkable women. At Eaton Square, we actively support women in M&A.

Congratulations again, Michelle! We are proud to have you as part of Eaton Square, and we celebrate your achievements alongside these trailblazing women.

Learn more about Michelle here.

Lexington Corporate Finance has clinched the prestigious title of Corporate Finance Advisory Team of the Year, in addition to winning the highly coveted awards for Deal of the Year and Private Equity Deal of the Year. These well-deserved accolades reflect Lexington’s unwavering dedication to excellence and their pivotal role in advising the Idwal Marine Services Management Team on a substantial investment facilitated by Lloyds Development Capital.

The Insider’s Wales Dealmakers Awards celebrates excellence in funding, sales, and acquisitions. Lexington’s outstanding performance in this arena underscores their remarkable abilities and commitment to delivering top-tier results.

Under the adept leadership of Gary Partridge, the Lexington team has achieved outstanding milestones over the past year, leading and advising on ten transactions totaling over £200 million. Gary Partridge’s leadership and the team’s dedication to providing exceptional, impartial advice have truly set them apart as industry leaders.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Lexington Corporate Finance for this well-deserved recognition. We eagerly anticipate continuing our successful partnership and achieving even greater milestones together in the years to come. Congratulations once again on this outstanding achievement!

Learn more about our Principals from Cardiff

Gary Partridge

Lexington is led by Gary Partridge, who has over 30 years leading transactions and delivering outstanding results for his clients. Mr Partridge founded Lexington in 2015 because he saw the opportunity to build a new Corporate Finance advisory practice focussed on the UK Mid-Market. He is passionate at building long-term, trusted client relationships and to provide results focused advice. Gary previously led PwC’s Corporate Finance team in the West of the UK and also held a global Acquisitions role in British Telecom’s M&A team. He is a previous winner of Insider Wales Dealmaker of the Year and a triple award winner for Corporate Finance Team of the Year.

Nigel Griffiths

Nigel is a Chartered Accountant of 30 years standing, having originally trained with EY, and joined Lexington’s leadership team in 2020. Previously, he had been a shareholder in businesses across the Technology sector for 25 years and led numerous acquisitions and disposals in his time on the “client” side of the advisory relationship as principal. In particular, in 1999 he was the co-founder of Fifth Dimension Systems (FDS) which grew from a start-up to £15m turnover via a combination of organic growth and a successful buy and build strategy until FDS was successfully sold to K3 PLC. In 2012, he invested in Certus Technology Group which quadrupled its turnover under his leadership, which he then exited in 2019 to SysGroup PLC.

Thomas Edwards

Thomas is a Director of Lexington and has significant experience in both Lead Advisory and Transaction Services. He has led a variety of key transactions both in the UK and Europe across a variety of sectors. He specialises in both trade sale and Management Buy Out transactions and has worked with a number of Management teams to lead them through to a successful transaction conclusion. Thomas has a first class honours degree in Accounting and Finance and is a Chartered Accountant. He also holds the prestigious ICAEW Diploma in Corporate Finance.

Sinead Johnson

Sinead joined Lexington as a Director at the start of 2022 following 20 successful years supporting growing SME and mid-market businesses in the UK Banking sector. She is a Chartered Banker and spent most of her career within some of the UK major Clearing banks (Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest) lending for growth, whether that be for M&A, succession planning or natural expansion. She has built up an enviable reputation in the UK and has recently advised businesses in the US and Europe. She is tenacious in delivering the best outcome for her clients and is passionate about building long term relationships where she can bring relevant parties together to find the best solutions.

Tom Coombes

Tom joined Lexington from KPMG and has more than ten years’ experience advising owner managed businesses. Tom is a Director in the Lexington team and has significant experience in Corporate Finance lead advisory and specialises in Trade and PE Sponsor backed buy-side and sell-side transactions. He has recent relevant deal experience in a range of sectors across the mid-market, advising on deals ranging from £5m to £125m in value. He is a Chartered Accountant and has a degree in Economics from the University of Bath.

Pablo Shorney

Pablo is an Associate Director at Lexington, having joined the team in 2019. He achieved his Chartered Accountant qualification with PwC where he previously worked in its audit practice, focusing on its private sector clients across its region in the West of the UK. Pablo has recent trade disposal and mid-market private equity experience, advising on both buy and sell side transactions. Pablo is a Spanish speaker and holds a first class honours degree in Economics from the University of Birmingham.

If you’re interested to speak with our team in Cardiff team, please contact:

• Gary Partridge – gary.partridge@eatonsq.com
• Nigel Griffiths – nigel.griffiths@eatonsq.com
• Thomas Edwards – Thomas.edwards@eatonsq.com
• Sinead Johnson – sinead.johnson@eatonsq.com
• Tom Coombes – tom.coombes@eatonsq.com
• Pablo Shorney – pablo.shorney@eatonsq.com

Founded in 1993, Strand Hanson is one of London’s foremost, long standing independent advisory boutiques, and is a leading adviser to companies in both developed and emerging markets. Strand Hanson services companies across all sectors, with a particular focus on:

• TMT
• Life Science & Healthcare
• Energy (Traditional and Renewable)
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Financial

Leading the London office is Simon Raggett, Chief Executive at Strand Hanson. Simon joined Strand Hanson in 1999, became Chief Executive in 2006 and led the management buy-out of the business in 2009. Simon has been responsible for the Company’s international expansion through the development of global strategic relationships. He acts as lead adviser to a broad range of domestic and international clients, sovereign wealth funds and global private equity investment organisations.

This strategic alliance will enable Strand Hanson to leverage Eaton Square’s extensive global network and deep industry expertise across technology, services, and growth companies. In return, Eaton Square will benefit from Strand Hanson’s renowned advisory services and strong reputation in the UK, European and African markets.

“Partnering with Eaton Square aligns with our aim of delivering a comprehensive suite of services to our clients globally,” said Simon Raggett, Chief Executive of Strand Hanson. “We are pleased to join a network of firms that share our commitment to excellence and client success.”

Reece Adnams, CEO of Eaton Square, echoed this sentiment. “We are excited to have Strand Hanson join us in London. Strand Hanson has deep sector expertise, and is a market leader across natural resources in the UK market and will provide many opportunities for our North American and Asian clients.”

This partnership marks a significant step in both firms’ growth strategies, bolstering their service offerings and enabling them to provide an enhanced level of service to their clients worldwide.

With this alignment, Eaton Square has grown to 190 senior M&A specialists across the globe with 23 offices in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Spain, Japan and Malaysia. This is an important milestone for Eaton Square as we continue to grow our team and further reinforce our cross-border capabilities especially in Europe.

For more information, please visit www.eatonsq.com and www.strandhanson.co.uk.

If you’re interested to speak with our team in London, please contact:

• Simon Raggett – simon.raggett@eatonsq.com
• James Spinney– james.spinney@eatonsq.com
• James Dance – james.dance@eatonsq.com
• Daniel Arques – daniel.arques@eatonsq.com
• Iek van Cruyningen – iek.vancruyningen@eatonsq.com
• Warren Pearce – warren.pearce@eatonsq.com
• Bertie Collins – bertie.collins@eatonsq.com
• Ana Ercegovic – ana.ercegovic@eatonsq.com
• Reece Adnams – reece.adnams@eatonsq.com

Prairie is a leading investment banking firm specializing in ownership transition strategies for middle market companies and provides M&A, ESOP, and valuation advisory services to clients nationwide. With over 750 closed transactions, Prairie brings sound advice and focused strategies to help their clients monetize or grow their businesses. For more than 25 years, business owners, investors, trustees, and boards of directors have placed their trust in us to guide their strategic decisions and optimize the appropriate path forward.

Prairie’s M&A advisory services are primarily focused on the industrial products and services, business services, consumer products & retail, and food & beverage industries. Prairie’s ESOP advisory and valuation practices have diverse experience with a range of industries and company sizes.

“Prairie Capital Advisors is excited to join the Eaton Square team! This partnership will enable Prairie to combine our expertise with that of Eaton Square’s global M&A advisory professionals to better serve our clients,” Timothy Witt, Prairie Capital Advisors Managing Director.

“I am delighted to welcome the Prairie team to Eaton Square. Prairie has invaluable client experience especially in the industrial, consumer and food & beverage, , sectors which nicely complements our existing key areas of focus. Prairie’s presence in the mid-west will also allow us to link clients from across the US and around the world to this significant commercial centre,” – Reece Adnams, Eaton Square CEO.

With this alignment, Eaton Square has grown to 165 senior M&A specialists across the globe with 20 offices in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Spain, Japan and Malaysia. This is an important milestone for Eaton Square as we continue to grow our team and further reinforce our cross-border capabilities especially in the US.

Prairie’s senior management team joining Eaton Square are:

Dan DeLap

Dan DeLap specializes in advising middle-market companies on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital formation and other investment banking transactions. Dan’s expertise includes involvement in every aspect of an M&A transaction from developing deal strategy to navigating his clients through all phases of the process to reach their unique objectives. He has worked with businesses in a wide variety of industries and has participated in numerous successfully closed transactions representing over $700 million in aggregate value. Dan has also written extensively about the food and beverage industry.

Anthony Dolan

Anthony Dolan joined Prairie Capital Advisors in 2005 and is a shareholder in the firm. He has significant experience advising middle-market companies and shareholders on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and strategic advisory engagements. Anthony’s expertise includes involvement in all aspects of the M&A process including relationship management, developing deal strategy as well as strategic and tactical decisions. His unique ESOP and M&A expertise allows him to address concerns critical in a successful third party sale process of ESOP-owned companies.

Anthony frequently presents at industry conferences and webinars, including those presented by The ESOP Association and the National Center for Employee Ownership, on topics including ownership transition planning, preparing companies for sale, ESOP transactions, debt financing and valuation. He has also authored a number of articles on these subjects.  Anthony was a recipient of the 8th Annual Emerging Leaders Award of 2017 presented by The M&A Advisor.

Timothy Witt

Timothy Witt joined Prairie Capital Advisors in 2007 and is a shareholder in the firm. He leads the mergers and acquisition (“M&A”) team at Prairie and specializes in originating and executing M&A and capital raise engagements. As a trusted advisor, Tim works to navigate Prairie’s clients through the ownership transition process. Once he understands their unique situations and personal and business goals, he designs strategies that deliver the best possible outcomes for Prairie’s clients. From managing the preparation process to structuring, negotiating and completing a transaction, Tim directs the M&A and capital raising process from start to finish. He also works closely with companies nationwide to assist them with valuation and consultation across the entire spectrum of ownership transition alternatives.

John Waller

John Waller joined Prairie Capital Advisors in 2021 with over 30 years of investment banking experience and 25 years advising middle-market companies on the sale and acquisition of entire businesses and business units. At Prairie, John leads and co-leads transaction teams and develops business for the firm. As a trusted advisor to privately-held companies and large corporations, John works to understand a client’s business, develop various transaction alternatives and present multiple options to the client. He then navigates clients through ownership transitions, corporate divestitures and special situations. John is deeply involved in all aspects of transactions including managing the preparation process, contacting and meeting with potential acquirers or targets and structuring, negotiating and completing a transaction.

Terrel Bressler

Terrel Bressler joined Prairie Capital Advisors in 2012 and is a shareholder in the firm. He focuses on mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) and capital advisory engagements. In this role, Terry assists middle market business owners in understanding and assessing their strategic business alternatives and then developing and executing transaction solutions to meet the owner’s objectives. He works with family, management-owned and private equity-owned businesses and helps these clients address their growth and ownership transition issues, including executing recapitalizations, M&A, company sales and ESOPs.

Terry frequently speaks on and writes about M&A and financing topics. He also authors Prairie’s quarterly M&A and financing topics newsletter, the Prairie Middle Market Perspective. Terry was announced as a 2017 Thought Leader of the Year Finalist by the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA).

If you’re interested to speak with our team in Chicago, please contact:

• Dan DeLap– dan.delap@eatonsq.com
• Anthony Dolan – anthony.dolan@eatonsq.com
• Timothy Witt – tim.witt@eatonsq.com
• John Waller – john.waller@eatonsq.com
• Terrel Bressler – terry.bressler@eatonsq.com
• Reece Adnams – reece.adnams@eatonsq.com

BGX Advisory is a national, full service, middle-market investment bank based in Washington, DC. The principals of BGX provide M&A advisory services, valuation services, strategic planning and exit readiness planning to entrepreneurs, owner/founders and other business owners. The firm has significant transaction experience with companies operating in Healthcare, Technology, Defense and Government Services, Franchising, and Business Services. In addition, BGX has advised companies in ESOP transactions and other non-traditional sell-side transactions.

Joe Golden will lead the Eaton Square Washington DC office.

Joe Golden has worked for over 40 years as an owner or adviser to middle-market businesses. He founded an Investment Banking firm over 20 years ago, and was an owner/founder/executive of four businesses operating in the healthcare, franchising, software, and business services sectors. As managing partner of an investment bank, he built industry practices and advised on numerous transactions in Healthcare, Technology, Government Contracting, Franchising, and Business Services. In addition, he has developed methodologies and delivered professional services in Growth and Business Development and Exit Value Optimization and Preparation. Joe graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Accounting.

Joining Joe are his Partners:

Anthony Beverina

Scott Kendrick

With this integration, our clients have access to more opportunities across sectors, especially in Defense and Government Services within the US and internationally.

“We are deighted to welcome, Joe, Scott and Anthony to Eaton Square. Their expertise in Healthcare, Government Contracting and Defense will further strengthen our ability to assist clients looking for M&A help in the US and for our clients in Asia-Pacific and Europe to grow in the US market,” Reece Adnams, Eaton Square CEO.

“Joining Eaton Square will broaden our client’s geographical reach and opportunities. Eaton Square’s capabilities in other key sectors will complement our team’s experience as well,” Joe Golden, BGX Advisory Managing Director.

 

If you’re interested to speak with our Washington DC team, please contact the following individuals:

• Joe Golden:  joe.golden@eatonsq.com
• Anthony Beverina: anthony.beverina@eatonsq.com
• Scott Kendrick: scott.kendrick@eatonsq.com

The AM&AA conference is an annual event that gathers investment banks and intermediaries, leading private equity investors, senior and mezzanine lenders, CPAs, attorneys, business valuators, consultants, and other M&A advisors, representing countries from all over the world. It’s an excellent venue to learn, talk about deal flow and network with colleagues in the industry. This year, the expected attendees are around 400 people, the highest ever since returning to in-person events.

Leverage in the Middle Market

Apart from being this year’s Registration sponsor, we are delighted to announce that Reece Adams, our CEO, will be one of the panelists for General Session #5 – Leverage in the Middle Market. There are multiple factors to consider when navigating the changing M&A landscape. The panel aims to help lay down the strategies to handle challenges such as rising interest rates and limited access to liquidity.

• This is scheduled on Day 2: Thursday, February 9^th from 11:00 to 11:50 AM
• Joining Reece are:
  • Marsha Zebley, Raymond James Investment Banking (Moderator)
  • Bob Colgan, Managing Director, Garringtonn Capital
  • Karen Small, SVP, Porter Capital
  • Blair Badham, Managing Director, Lafayette Square

Don’t miss this timely session! The full agenda can also be found here. If you’re interested to attend, you may register here.

If you’re attending, please drop by the exhibitor area.

Eaton Square is an international network of mergers and acquisitions and capital services firms and professionals. We are focused on helping clients to sell their businesses or grow through acquisitions. Our key sectors include: Information Technology: Saas, PaaS, Fintech, Social Media, Data Analytics and Security Technologies Services: IT Services, Management Consulting and Financial Services, Engineering Services, Health, Oil and Gas and Mining Industrial & Logistics: Manufacturing, Logistics, Distribution, Trading, FMCG Growth: Health, Medical Devices, Aged Care, Platform Businesses and areas relevant to our clients

Lexington Corporate Finance is a Cardiff-based boutique corporate finance specialist that provides expert advice and support to business owners thinking about exit and succession, or owners and senior managers with growth ambitions by offering strategic advice on fund-raising, mergers, acquisitions, company disposals, management buyouts and spin outs.

Lexington was named “Corporate Finance Advisory Team of the Year” at the 2021 Wales Dealmakers Awards and featured in the Wales “Fast Growth 50” for two consecutive years. Earlier this year, it tripled its office space and bolstered its staff count to 12 in a move to Columbus Walk, Cardiff.

Lexington is led by Gary Partridge, who has over 30 years leading transactions and delivering outstanding results for his clients. Mr Partridge founded Lexington in 2015 because he saw the opportunity to build a new Corporate Finance advisory practice focussed on the UK Mid-Market. He is passionate at building long-term, trusted client relationships and to provide results focused advice. Gary previously led PwC’s Corporate Finance team in the West of the UK and also held a global Acquisitions role in British Telecom’s M&A team. He is a previous winner of Insider Wales Dealmaker of the Year and a triple award winner for Corporate Finance Team of the Year.

Lexington is focused on:

• Consumer
• Business Services
• Healthcare
• Financial Services
• Industrial
• Technology

Gary Partridge and Nigel Griffiths

“I am very pleased to welcome the Lexington team to Eaton Square. Gary, Nigel, and their team have invaluable client experience and insight into southern England and Wales. This expands our capability especially in business services, industrial, and technology sectors. It further strengthens our ability to link investors and company sellers in the UK to opportunities and buyers around the world.” – Reece Adnams, Eaton Square CEO.

Gary Partridge, managing director of Lexington Corporate Finance, added: “As we have grown as a firm we have seen a considerable rise in cross-border requests, especially from the US as the dollar is currently so strong, so we knew we needed to partner with Eaton Square to capitalise on this and meet this demand. We anticipate that it will be a real catalyst for Lexington’s international growth and allow us to manage much larger deals – completing a handful of deals via Eaton Square this year will lead to substantial growth in our revenue.

“To be the first UK firm in the network opens us up to an array of exciting opportunities as we continue with our ambitious growth strategy.”

With this alignment, Eaton Square has grown to 150 senior M&A specialists across the globe with 23 offices in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Spain, Japan and Malaysia. This is an important milestone for Eaton Square as we continue to grow our team and further reinforce our cross-border capabilities especially in Europe.

Lexington’s senior management team joining Eaton Square are:

Tom Coombes | Sinead Johnson | Thomas Edwards

Nigel Griffiths

Nigel is a Chartered Accountant of 30 years standing, having originally trained with EY, and joined Lexington’s leadership team in 2020. Previously, he had been a shareholder in businesses across the Technology sector for 25 years and led numerous acquisitions and disposals in his time on the “client” side of the advisory relationship as principal. In particular, in 1999 he was the co-founder of Fifth Dimension Systems (FDS) which grew from a start-up to £15m turnover via a combination of organic growth and a successful buy and build strategy until FDS was successfully sold to K3 PLC. In 2012, he invested in Certus Technology Group which quadrupled its turnover under his leadership, which he then exited in 2019 to SysGroup PLC.

Thomas Edwards

Thomas is a Director of Lexington and has significant experience in both Lead Advisory and Transaction Services. He has led a variety of key transactions both in the UK and Europe across a variety of sectors. He specialises in both trade sale and Management Buy Out transactions and has worked with a number of Management teams to lead them through to a successful transaction conclusion. Thomas has a first class honours degree in Accounting and Finance and is a Chartered Accountant. He also holds the prestigious ICAEW Diploma in Corporate Finance.

Sinead Johnson

Sinead joined Lexington as a Director at the start of 2022 following 20 successful years supporting growing SME and mid-market businesses in the UK Banking sector. She is a Chartered Banker and spent most of her career within some of the UK major Clearing banks (Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest) lending for growth, whether that be for M&A, succession planning or natural expansion. She has built up an enviable reputation in the UK and has recently advised businesses in the US and Europe. She is tenacious in delivering the best outcome for her clients and is passionate about building long term relationships where she can bring relevant parties together to find the best solutions.

Tom Coombes

Tom joined Lexington from KPMG and has more than ten years’ experience advising owner managed businesses. Tom is a Director in the Lexington team and has significant experience in Corporate Finance lead advisory and specialises in Trade and PE Sponsor backed buy-side and sell-side transactions. He has recent relevant deal experience in a range of sectors across the mid-market, advising on deals ranging from £5m to £125m in value. He is a Chartered Accountant and has a degree in Economics from the University of Bath.

Pablo Shorney

Pablo is an Associate Director at Lexington, having joined the team in 2019. He achieved his Chartered Accountant qualification with PwC where he previously worked in its audit practice, focusing on its private sector clients across its region in the West of the UK. Pablo has recent trade disposal and mid-market private equity experience, advising on both buy and sell side transactions. Pablo is a Spanish speaker and holds a first class honours degree in Economics from the University of Birmingham.

If you’re interested to speak with our team in Cardiff team, please contact:

• Gary Partridge – gary.partridge@eatonsq.com
• Nigel Griffiths – nigel.griffiths@eatonsq.com
• Thomas Edwards – Thomas.edwards@eatonsq.com
• Sinead Johnson – sinead.johnson@eatonsq.com
• Tom Coombes – tom.coombes@eatonsq.com
• Pablo Shorney – pablo.shorney@eatonsq.com
• Reece Adnams – reece.adnams@eatonsq.com