The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• Respect given by peers
• An ability to streamline the deal process according to circumstances
• An imaginative approach to legal issues; thinking outside the box for the client
• Consummate negotiating skills, keeping all parties on side
• A high level of client satisfaction, with a particular focus on due diligence.

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The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• Good project management
• Good liaison with financial PR
• Solid financial risk assessment
• Good financial modelling
• The respect given by peers
• An ability to streamline the deal process according to circumstances
• Innovative financial solutions
• Relevant intra-industry valuation comparisons.

The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• The deal has brought added value to the business, post-acquisition
• The deal has given the company an enhanced position in its sector
• A deal offering good cost savings/synergies
• A deal where the price paid was appropriate
• The deal brought about a satisfactory exit for the vendor/shareholders of the acquired business (this may include businesses that are acquired from administrators)
• In the case of a deal on the public markets, the transaction created shareholder value.

The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• Serial deal-making ability
• Negotiation skills during the deal
• Ability to spot targets
• Ambition and being prepared to take risks
• Understanding of pre- and post-deal issues.

The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• A firm that delivers high-quality, innovative transactions
• A boutique that has developed long-term client relationships, which have led to further deals
• A boutique that creates and maintains invaluable networks in local and national business circles
• A boutique with the ability to punch above its weight.

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The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• A proven track record in innovative funding measures
• A flexible ability to work with other funders and advisers
• Ongoing financial advice for long-term clients when required
• Timely decision-making.

The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• A proven track record in innovative funding measures
• A flexibility to work with other funders and advisers
• Ongoing financial advice for long-term clients when required
• Timely decision-making.

The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• The provision of good commercial solutions
• An innovative provider that pushes the boundaries for clients
• An excellent grasp of the relevant regulatory environment and best practice
• A growing client base with high levels of referral
• An ability to draw-out hidden risks.

This award is given to an AIM float completed between September 2006 and September 2007. The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• A management team that has adapted quickly to public life
• A clear strategy behind the IPO – to raise funds, finance acquisitions and further growth
• A performance post-IPO that reflects market expectations
• Sufficient money raised at appropriate prices
• The business has been valued fairly for all investors (original and new).

The judges will be looking for evidence demonstrating a combination of any or all of the following:

• Lifetime achievements in deal-making
• A solid industry-wide reputation
• An ability to create and develop opportunities
• A deal-maker's deal-maker.

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