Armstrong Watson appoints financial due diligence partner

Stephen joins the accountants, business and financial advisers from RSM, where he was a Financial Due Diligence Partner operating across the North of England for almost 14 years.

Specialising in financial due diligence for 25 years, holding roles with BDO and KPMG in the earlier part of his Corporate Finance career, Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience having worked on deals ranging from £1m to £1bn across a wide variety of sectors.

As part of an already successful Corporate Finance team, Stephen will focus his skills and efforts positioning Armstrong Watson’s due diligence offering firmly in the mid-market, owner-managed business space, bringing an unparalleled enthusiasm to provide high-quality advice to companies on a strategic growth journey and to the financial investors and funders supporting them.

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Armstrong Watson. Our shared passion, and indeed mission, is to continue to deliver a value-added financial due diligence offering to the mid-market, providing acquisitive businesses on a strategic growth journey, and shareholders looking to realise value, with the confidence they need to transact.  

“The Corporate Finance team has an operating footprint covering Yorkshire, the Northeast, Scotland, and the Northwest, and I look forward to speaking with clients, contacts, business owners and investors across Armstrong Watson’s regional geography to discuss how we can add value and perspective in a transactional scenario."

Mike Kienlen, Armstrong Watson’s Head of Corporate Finance, said: “The Armstrong Watson Corporate Finance team has seen an increased demand for transaction services and financial due diligence over the last 12 months. I am delighted to welcome Stephen to the team to lead and develop this element of the Corporate Finance offering further.

“Stephen has a wealth of experience not only in this area, but also in leading and developing people to reach their full potential, something that is very much part of the Armstrong Watson culture.”

Paul Dickson, Managing Partner and Chief Executive added: “We’re really pleased to welcome Stephen to Armstrong Watson. The pragmatic and practical advice that Stephen can bring to a transactional scenario will add real value for our existing and prospective clients in both buy and sell-side scenarios, providing them with an enhanced level of confidence to transact.”