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Manchester Roundtable: Market Perspectives H1 2026

23 Jun 2026

Welcome to BZ’s Manchester Roundtable briefing.

This paper brings together insights from senior advisers, restructuring specialists and investment leaders who met in Manchester to discuss conditions across the M&A and lending markets in the first half of 2026.

Inside you'll find:

  • Why mainstream M&A activity and special situations markets are moving in different directions
  • How uncertainty is driving greater focus on management quality, commercial diligence and operational resilience
  • The growing importance of flexible funding structures and liquidity management
  • Perspectives on buy-and-build activity, integration challenges and valuation expectations
  • Why the North West continues to attract investment and where opportunities are emerging
  • What borrowers are prioritising when selecting funding partners in today's market

Thanks to our expert panel for your contribution:

Ben Wildsmith – EY
Chris Roberts – Squire Patton Boggs
David Grassby – Clearwater
Dean Stoyanov – PwC
Joe Frew – DLA Piper
Oliver Wright – FTI
Rob Worsnop – Teneo
Stuart Bates – FRP

Download Manchester Roundtable - Market Perspectives H1 2026 for insights from around the table.