M&A Mixer and Market Update
04/03/2026
Kindly sponsored by
Join us for an evening of true knowledge-sharing and networking in the local corporate and commercial community.
Date: 4th March 2026
Time: 17:00 – 19:30
Venue: Cupra City Garage, 4-6 St Ann St, Manchester M2 7LG (find a map here)
Organised by our very own Corporate and Commercial Forum, our M&A Mixer and Market Update is the perfect opportunity to tap into the sector while also learning about key updates and developments in the corporate and commercial world.
After drinks and canapes, attendees are invited to listen to a speaker spotlight from Jenny Sugiarto, Director (Mergers) at the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Following Jenny’s expert discussion, we will then be hosting a panel session, joined by leaders in the local M&A, private equity, and corporate finance sectors. The panel will discuss PE/M&A in the region, how deals have been in 2025 and their expectations for 2026. Our panel speakers include:
- Seraphina Wilkins-Tolliday, Senior Associate, TLT LLP
- Courtney Walker, Investor, BGF
- Philip Whitchelo, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Sterling Technology
… with more to be confirmed – watch this space.
Event Programme
17:00 Registration and Welcome Drinks
17:30 Welcome and Introduction
Seraphina Wilkins-Tolliday, Senior Associate at TLT LLP & Co-Chair of the MLS Corporate and Commercial Forum
17:35 CMA Speaker Spotlight
Jenny Sugiarto, Director (Mergers), UK Competition and Markets Authority
18:00 Panel Discussion
Seraphina Wilkins-Tolliday, Senior Associate, TLT LLP
Courtney Walker, Investor, BGF
Philip Whitchelo, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Sterling Technology
18:40 Networking and Refreshments
19:30 Event Closes
About our speakers
Courtney Walker
Courtney joined BGF from Clearwater International, where she worked as an associate in the M&A team, advising on deals ranging from £50 million to £400 million, including the firm’s first IPO. Prior to this, she worked as an analyst at DC Advisory, predominantly focussing on buy-side transactions. In her previous roles, Courtney has worked alongside both entrepreneurs/management teams and private equity houses, with the shared aim of helping all parties achieve their strategic aims. She also has experience across a broad range of sectors, including industrial, consumer and business services. At BGF, Courtney is involved in all aspects of the investment process, from origination through to execution and completion.
Philip Whitchelo
Philip Whitchelo is the Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer of Sterling Technology and a visiting lecturer in finance at Bayes Business School, University of London. He started his career in corporate finance and M&A advisory 30 years ago, and has worked at Deloitte, NatWest Markets and Dresdner Kleinwort Benson as well as for FTSE 100, NYSE and private equity-backed firms. Philip is a graduate of the University of London, with Masters degrees in computer science and finance.
About Sterling
Sterling Technology is the provider of premium virtual data room (VDR) solutions for secure sharing of content and collaboration for the investment banking, legal, private equity, corporate development and capital markets communities engaged in high-stakes M&A dealmaking and capital raising. Sterling Technology has been supporting the M&A and capital markets for over 30 years, initially with financial printing services. Since opening our first VDR in 2010, we have helped customers from 187 countries and 90 industries successfully complete more than 11,000 deals. With offices in all major financial centres on six continents, Sterling Technology is trusted by its users to deliver exceptional levels of service on their most critical transactions.
Cost to attend:
MLS Members: £10.00 plus VAT (£12.00)
Non-members: £25.00 plus VAT (£30.00)
*Included in your ticket are a selection of canapes, an arrival drink plus two drinks during the event (soft-drink/non-alcoholic alternatives can be provided)
How to book:
Please register for this event by emailing [email protected]. Once processed, we will send you an official booking confirmation with an invoice attached.
Please let us know of any dietary requirements at the time of booking, so we can pass this on to the venue.
Our online booking system is currently broken, please DO NOT attempt to book via the form below as this will not be processed. All bookings and payments are processed via email at [email protected]
By booking a place at this event, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions details of which can be found here.