London, 18 September 2024
Management Discussion & Analysis statement for the financial year 2023-2024 : Verdier & Co. Reports Continued Growth in FY 2023/24
Verdier & Co. Corporate Advisory, an independent London-based firm specialising in M&A and capital raising services for its European clients, today announced for its eighth year of operations continued operational progress and growth for financial year ended March 2024.
Verdier & Co. continued its sustained growth trajectory, extending its reach beyond its Anglo-French roots to cement a significant presence across Europe with a multilingual team proficient in 12 languages. Despite challenging global economic conditions, the firm achieved a 25% year-on-year organic revenue growth, fuelled by increased M&A activity, new anchor clients, and the appeal of its proprietary acquisition mapping tool (“Extensive Mapping Intelligence SM ” or “EMI”) across the UK and Europe.
This year, revenue distribution was more balanced across regions, with significant activity in the UK, France, the Nordics, Southern Europe, and selected CEE countries. Verdier & Co.’s strategic focus areas remained Technology (e.g. Fujitsu, SCC / Rigby Group), Industrials & Sustainability (e.g. Tikehau Capital, Holcim, Investindustrial), and a fast-growing role in Business Services (e.g. Apleona).
The Company has further invested in its capabilities, namely welcoming new hires, promoting a select few team members, expanding the well-being program, upgrading office space, enhancing IT and digital capabilities and its operations and compliance processes, as well as elevating the brand through focused communication, a variety of high-profile client events (incl. its 14th Executive Breakfast) and participating in awards competitions.
Verdier & Co.’s investment in EMI has been fruitful, assisting corporate clients with their bolt-on acquisition strategies and securing several fee-paying mandates from renowned Financial Sponsors for their platform and buy-and-build initiatives. Over the past three years, this tool has enabled the Company to review over 10,000 targets, generating 23 live opportunities for clients, with deals of up to £250 million.
The Company’s strategic investments and operational enhancements this year have further supported client satisfaction: the 2024 client satisfaction survey showed that 80% of respondents were ‘very satisfied’ with Verdier & Co.’s services.
The team has grown significantly over the past eight years, whilst as at March 2024 reaching a gender ratio of 66% / 33% across seven nationalities, and further enhancing its international deal-making capabilities. The Company’s Advisory Board (www.verdierandco.com) has been strengthened with the promotion of Gracia Amico as Chair in September 2023 and the addition of Sir Andrew Likierman as Senior Adviser in October 2023.
As a certified B Corp since November 2022, Verdier & Co. remains committed to societal impact, actively participating in events to address inequality and conducting biannual audits of internal KPIs covering employees, clients, governance, community, and the environment.
Reflecting on the year’s successes, Jean-Philippe Verdier, Founding Partner of Verdier & Co., stated, “This year’s achievements underscore our unwavering commitment to our core values of “Excellence, Perseverance, Results” that not only aim to meet but exceed the expectations of our clients amidst challenging economic times. Our strategic expansion and continued focus on sustainable practices align with our long-term vision for global leadership in the investment banking sector.
Jean-Philippe Verdier
