Rickitt Mitchell changes guard with new managing partner
Independent M&A advisory firm, Rickitt Mitchell, has appointed Neil Mitchell as its new managing partner.
Joining Rickitt Mitchell in 2004 and promoted to partner in 2014, Mitchell is one of the North West’s most influential figures in professional and financial services with a corporate finance career spanning over 20 years. Throughout his career Neil has advised on transactions valued in excess of £1.75bn and has led countless disposals, acquisitions and IPO processes to a successful conclusion, many of which have been private equity-backed or had international involvement.
During his time at Rickitt Mitchell, Neil has advised on some of the firm’s most notable deals. At the beginning of 2025, he advised Zelus Sport on its investment from London-based private equity firm, Sullivan Street Partners. As Nike Inc.’s exclusive authorised Global Licensee for Team Sports, Neil advised Zelus’ shareholder and management team throughout the investment, ultimately securing the backing of Sullivan Street Partners to help drive its next stage of growth.
Other notable deals include, leading a triple track process delivering the £80m flotation of Van Elle Holdings, advising Veincentre on deals involving investment from Palatine and CBPE, the £30m disposal of Vision Support Services to US-based WestPoint Home, the sale of Talbot and Muir to Curtis Banks plc, the sale of private equity-backed Antler Luggage to Australia based Strandbags and the £49m disposal of Fredericks Dairies.
Neil also brings a global perspective through the firm’s international partners, as part of M&A Worldwide. Leading the UK market’s efforts in the Healthcare sector, Neil works with fellow M&A experts in 35 countries across 6 continents.
Neil has been instrumental in shaping and steering the development of the team, driving the wider firm’s objectives forward. As managing partner, he will continue to focus on building enduring relationships with high-growth businesses and the global sponsor community, driving the firm’s M&A practice forward. Dedicated to developing the next generation of corporate finance experts, Neil will also be focused on building out the team, having recently announced three senior promotions at the firm.
Neil said: “We have always been one of the most active independent players in the UK M&A space. We’ve built an industry leading team that has delivered fantastic results for business owners, where our advice has not just benefited our clients, but contributed to the wider economic performance of the region.
“After what has been a more subdued deals market recently, we’re beginning to see signs of recovery as strong, high-growth businesses are increasingly coming back to market. Having built enduring relationships with businesses and sponsors alike, coupled with our deep sector knowledge and a unique global perspective, we’re well placed to capitalise on this momentum, and I look forward to leading the charge on this.”