In its latest deals survey covering January to March 2009 it recorded the lowest deal value in six years - at £59m. Other notable announcements was Frutarom’s intended purchase of Hartlepool’s Oxford Chemicals for £8.25m. The largest recorded regional transaction in the period was the £32.5m buy-out of Prudhoe pharmaceutical company Quantum Specials by its founders, who were supported with a funding package from Yorkshire Bank and LDC.Read