Experienced corporate financier returns to the North East to join UNW

Newcastle-based independent chartered accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has announced the appointment of former KPMG Director Chris Wilson as Partner and Head of Corporate Finance.

An experienced corporate financier, Chris previously led on KPMG’s Mergers & Acquisitions activity in the East of England, advising both private and public companies on a range of transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, equity and debt financing, restructurings, and other corporate transactions.

Originally from Durham, Chris studied Economics at The University of Edinburgh before joining KPMG. After qualifying, he moved into corporate finance, holding positions in Newcastle, Leeds, London and most recently in Cambridge as Director of M&A business.

A former Insider Central and East region Dealmaker of the Year, Chris’ recent deal highlights include the sale of Goodfellow to US technology-focused investment firm Battery Ventures, the carve out and £100m sale of AB Volvo’s construction equipment dealership network in Great Britain to SMT, and the sale of Cardinal Healthcare’s care home portfolio to Optima HCI.

Speaking of his motivations for joining the business, Chris Wilson said: “UNW is a firm I have long been aware of, with a strong brand that is embedded in heart of the region’s business community. The firm has grown incredibly successfully over the years simply by doing what it does very well: delivering service excellence, achieving the best results for its clients in a thoughtful, considerate way, and consistently supporting the development of its people.”

“There is an excellent culture here, and the potential for even further growth. The future looks incredibly bright, and I personally feel like it’s the perfect time for me to join the firm and move back to the North East.”

UNW’s Corporate Finance team has a significant track record both in the North East and nationally. Over the last two years, the team has completed more than a dozen mergers & acquisitions advisory mandates across a range of sectors, in addition to its market leading work on government grants and disposals in the dental sector.

Chris Wilson added: “I am joining an already well-established and successful corporate finance business at UNW with a broad and varied client base, a strong pipeline of work, and some real strength in depth in the team. We have capabilities here across virtually all aspects of the deal cycle, from talking through early ideas to implementing strategy. Looking to the future, we have ambitious growth plans for the business which will create opportunities at all levels as we expand the team further.”

Paul Mankin, Chair of Corporate Finance at UNW, said: “Chris has a passion and track record for building lasting, long-term relationships with clients and colleagues alike, and we are delighted to have him join the firm at an exciting time for everyone. His highly impressive professional background means that he is an excellent fit not only for UNW’s Corporate Finance team but for the wider firm and its clients.”