Deal makers at Browne Jacobson have demonstrated that it's not all doom and gloom in the region's corporate finance market by completing a number of high profile deals in the first six months of 2009.

The firm's specialist banking team provides advice on property finance, acquisitions, mergers and corporate restructuring. Despite the economic recession the team have completed over 20 deals across the region in the last 12 months.

Amongst the deals it has advised on in the first half of 2009 include the £17million management buy-out of Cranswick Pet & Aquatics, acting for Yorkshire Bank on its £22m facilities for the funding of a £50m private equity-backed acquisition, The Royal Bank of Scotland on the buyout of Performance Windows and acquisition of timberwindows.com and Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance on its supporting of the sale of the DBC Foodservice Group, by its continuing provision of a £20m receivables facility.

Paul Ray, head of banking at Browne Jacobson, comments: "This is a great result for our specialist banking team which has continued to put away deals in an incredibly challenging marketplace. 

"Due to the current market conditions and cash flow constraints facing businesses, we anticipate increased levels of activity over the next year as more businesses look to restructure borrowings or refinance and some businesses take advantage of acquisition opportunities.

"There's no knowing when the economy will pick up, so organisations must be realistic with their business strategies, ensuring they reflect the unprecedented economic conditions we are facing."

The firm has also continued to invest in the banking team with the addition of Faizal Bhana who joined Browne Jacobson in 2008 to help further strengthen the firm's expertise and knowledge.