Nearly three out of four M&A deals are unsuccessful. More often than not, the difference between success and failure is the choice of counsel.
To help you choose wisely, we’ve designed an overview of the top M&A advisory firms in the UK.
The M&A advisors featured here were chosen using league tables, expert rankings, and market analysis. Also, we considered deal value and volume, sector expertise, cross-border capability, and UK presence.
Beyond this, the right counselor must also fit your transaction, its sector, size, and culture, since team chemistry and potential conflicts can influence outcomes just as strongly as experience.
Keep reading to evaluate the M&A consulting firms in the UK to make the best choice for your organization.
What are the best M&A advisory firms in the UK?
Choosing the right advisor can define the success of a transaction, so we’ve compiled a selection of leading M&A advisory firms in the UK, from global consultancies to specialist boutiques in London.
1. Deloitte
Deloitte is one of the largest providers of M&A advisory services and beyond. Their strength lies in full-lifecycle support from deal strategy and due diligence to post-merger integration. With sector specialists across technology, healthcare, and consumer markets, Deloitte is often the partner of choice for corporates and private equity investors seeking both scale and expertise.
2. OC&C Strategy Consultants
Known as a sharp M&A boutique in London, OC&C focuses on commercial due diligence and value creation strategies. They are especially active in consumer goods, retail, media, and technology transactions. For deals where strategic clarity matters more than sheer execution power, OC&C is a trusted partner.
3. L.E.K. Consulting
L.E.K. Consulting is a global player with a strong UK presence, providing deep market analysis and transaction support. Their M&A team works heavily in life sciences, healthcare, and industrials, making them valuable for investors who want sector-specific insight alongside financial expertise.
4. Equiteq
Equiteq specializes in advising professional services and knowledge-economy firms. They guide owners through valuation, growth planning, and exit strategies. With offices in London and international hubs, Equiteq is well-positioned for mid-market transactions in consulting, IT services, and digital sectors.
5. Strategy& (PwC Network)
Part of PwC, Strategy& combines top-tier strategy consulting with PwC’s execution resources. Their London team regularly supports large, cross-border deals where both market insight and operational integration are critical. For complex corporate transactions, they offer a balance of strategic thinking and execution discipline.
6. FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting is well-known for handling transactions that involve financial, regulatory, or reputational challenges. In the UK, they advise on due diligence, valuations, and restructuring. Their experience in distressed situations makes them a reliable choice when deals carry extra risk.
7. Grant Thornton UK LLP
Grant Thornton is a leading advisor in the UK mid-market, working on transactions typically valued between £10m and £500m. Their teams in London and across the UK help founders and private companies prepare for exits, while also supporting investors in growth-stage acquisitions.
8. EY-Parthenon
EY-Parthenon offers a strategy-led M&A consulting backed by Ernst & Young’s global resources. Their London office provides commercial due diligence, carve-out planning, and post-deal integration. They are particularly strong when deals involve complex tax, risk, or regulatory considerations.
9. Robey Warshaw
A high-profile M&A boutique in London, Robey Warshaw is known for advising on some of the UK’s biggest deals. Despite its small size, the firm has advised blue-chip clients on multi-billion-pound transactions. Their reputation is built on discretion, influence, and unmatched boardroom relationships.
10. Houlihan Lokey
Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank with a strong UK presence. Their London team is active across M&A, restructuring, and capital markets. The firm is widely recognized for its expertise in mid-market deals and debt advisory, making it a solid choice for corporates and investors alike.
11. Evercore
Evercore is one of the world’s leading independent investment banking advisory firms, with a strong presence in M&A. Known for advising on some of the largest and most complex transactions, they combine deep sector coverage with international execution capabilities. Evercore is a preferred choice for corporates and institutions handling multi-billion-pound or cross-border deals.
12. Lazard
Lazard is among the most established names in global investment banking. Their London office plays a central role in advising on UK and European public company transactions, particularly those involving equity capital markets. With strong sector teams and international connectivity, Lazard is a trusted advisor for large corporates, listed companies, and governments.
13. Rothschild & Co
Rothschild & Co is one of the most respected M&A consulting firms in Europe, with a leading advisory practice in London. They have an unmatched reputation in public M&A, equity capital markets, and cross-border deals. Their independent model and longstanding boardroom relationships make them a frequent choice for FTSE-listed companies and major corporates.
14. GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a specialist technology and growth advisory firm, widely recognized as a M&A boutique choice for tech founders and investors. Their expertise lies in software, digital platforms, and high-growth companies, advising on both fundraising and M&A transactions across Europe and the US.
15. Cavendish Corporate Finance (finnCap Group)
Cavendish focuses on mid-market founder exits, private company sales, and SME transactions. They provide M&A, debt advisory, and fundraising support for businesses typically valued between £10m and £200m. With a pragmatic, hands-on approach, Cavendish is often the right fit for entrepreneurs seeking a smooth exit.
16. Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP)
Perella Weinberg Partners is an independent advisory firm with a strong London office. They specialize in large-scale corporate transactions, financial restructuring, and cross-border M&A. Their boutique model ensures senior-level attention while maintaining the capabilities required for complex global deals.
Which M&A advisor fits your situation?
Not every transaction requires the same type of advisor. A founder-led exit looks very different from a public company takeover or a cross-border merger.
To help you cut through the options, we’ve mapped the most common deal scenarios to the M&A advisory firms in the UK that are best equipped to handle them.
Use this cheat sheet as a quick reference when deciding which firms to shortlist.
| Situation | Recommended firms | Why they fit |
| £10m–£100m founder exits & SME deals | Grant Thornton, Cavendish Corporate Finance | Mid-market specialists offering practical, hands-on support for founder-led businesses and SME transactions. |
| £100m+ & complex cross-border deals | Evercore, Lazard, Rothschild & Co, Perella Weinberg | Independent advisors with global reach, sector depth, and strong track records in complex, multi-jurisdictional deals. |
| Technology & software transactions | GP Bullhound, PCB Partners | Specialist M&A boutiques in London with deep expertise in tech, digital, and high-growth software markets. |
| Healthcare, consumer, industrials, financial services, energy/infrastructure | L.E.K. Consulting, EY-Parthenon, Deloitte | Sector leaders with deep industry focus, regulatory knowledge, and global networks. |
| Public company & ECM-led deals | Rothschild & Co, Lazard | Experienced in equity capital markets (ECM) and trusted advisors for listed company transactions. |
| Debt financing & refinancing | Houlihan Lokey, Cavendish Corporate Finance | Dedicated debt advisory practices supporting financing, refinancing, and restructuring strategies. |
| Post-merger integration & value capture | Deloitte, Strategy& (PwC Network), FTI Consulting | Consulting partners skilled in integration, synergy realization, and operational transformation. |
No matter which advisor you choose, every transaction largely depends on secure document exchange. An M&A dataroom provides a controlled environment for sharing sensitive financials, contracts, and due diligence materials with buyers, investors, and advisory teams.
- Learn more about how M&A data rooms benefit the transaction workflow.
Conclusion
The landscape of M&A advisory firms UK spans global banks, mid-market advisors, and boutiques, each suited to different deal types. The best choice depends on your transaction’s scale, complexity, and sector.
Thereby, large corporates may need cross-border expertise, while entrepreneurs planning exits in the lower middle market often benefit from mid-market advisors with hands-on support.
Overall, by aligning advisor capabilities with your specific deal requirements, you increase the likelihood of a smooth process and a successful outcome.
FAQ
What is an M&A advisory firm?
An M&A advisory firm provides expert advice to companies, investors, and family offices during mergers, acquisitions, and sales. They work closely with the management team to prepare a business for sale, identify potential buyers, and guide negotiations. From valuation and due diligence to structuring and completion, they help clients navigate the complex process of selling businesses and securing the best possible outcome.
Who are the Big Four advisory firms?
The “Big Four” are Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. Each has global reach and unparalleled access to international networks, making them trusted names for acquisition services. They combine deep sector knowledge with strong operations and integration capabilities.
Is advisory better than consulting?
Advisory and consulting serve different purposes. Advisory teams focus on transactions such as selling businesses, raising funds, or acquisitions. Consulting supports broader development, strategy, and operations beyond a single deal. Many companies use both to achieve the best outcome for the future deal.
How to choose an M&A advisor?
The right advisor depends on your deal size, sector, and goals. Look for firms with proven experience in your market, strong access to buyers and funds, and the ability to work closely with your management team. A trusted advisor should guide you through the complex process with hard work and commitment while delivering the best possible outcome.