AN audit, tax and consulting firm has topped the Experian league table of the most active merger and acquisitions advisers in the South East in the first half of the year.

This is the second year running that RSM, which has offices in Gatwick, has topped the table.

RSM advised on 18 deals in the region in the first quarter despite a decline in the market overall.

According to the Experian report, there were 486 deals in the South East in the first six months of 2018, a 14 per cent fall on the 565 deals recorded during the same period in 2017.

Kirsty Sandwell, head of corporate finance in the South East said: “Despite the political and economic uncertainty that we are currently facing, deal volumes are still holding up and I’m delighted that we were able to retain our position as the most active adviser in the region.

“‘Despite the slight drop in deals in the South East over the first half year, there remains strong interest from investors for well-presented businesses.

“For those that prepare well, great deals can still be done.’