Boldest, cleverest deals in our sights

Mar 19 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

DEALS are central to the growth of the North East economy and now The Journal is to reward the talent, skill and ingenuity of the professionals who make them happen.

We have launched the Deal Awards to recognise the value of the takeovers, sales and buy-outs at companies of all sizes and across all sectors in the North East – and the people who bring them to fruition.

The Journal’s editor Brian Aitken said: “The North East has a fantastic wealth of talent in its professional services sector. These awards will highlight the very best.

“Deals are fundamental to business growth. We will be looking for the boldest, quickest, cleverest and most efficient. While deals often hit the headlines, the entrepreneurs and professionals behind them do not always get the credit they deserve – now they will.”

And it’s not just the big stock market buy-outs that will get all the attention – we will also be rewarding the takeovers and management buy-ins at small and medium-sized companies.

And there are awards to recognise the individuals who make the most impressive contribution to the region’s dealmaking.

Award categories are: Acquisition of the Year, Sale of the Year, MBO/MBI of the Year, Small/Mid-Size Company Deal of the Year, Emerging Dealmaker of the Year, Dealmaker of the Year and Deal of the Year. The winners of the four awards looking at deals themselves will be pitted against each other for the overall Deal of the Year prize.