Matt McErlane

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT MATT MCERLANE

I work with companies, sponsors and key stakeholders in challenging times - usually good businesses going through a bit of stress and/or distress. Sector generalist, but with a particular interest in retail and consumer facing businesses.I thrive when working on complex, high-pressure problems - using collaboration and empathy I aim to create or preserve value where it’s all too easy to lose it. Solving challenging problems is not just what I do – it’s what I enjoy.Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work on a wide range of projects, including:> Supporting a number of UK sponsors deal with their lender group and implementing turnarounds on underperforming portfolio assets.> Leading the Restructuring Plan for River Island > Leading the wilko trading administration process, one of the largest retail restructuring projects in over a decade. This involved coordinating 200+ specialists across PwC (Restructuring, Legal, Tax, Pensions, Corporate Affairs, and more) to trade 398 stores, manage a 400+ property portfolio, handle supplier relationships, and communicate with employees, the media, and politicians.> Advising the board of a listed UK retailer on restructuring options, including a CVA and restructuring plan.> Completing a successful ABL refinancing for a UK white goods manufacturer.> Supporting a £1bn+ business spanning retail, travel, healthcare, energy, and funeral services to refinance debt facilities and secure additional liquidity.> Undertaking a CEO/CRO secondment, where I developed and delivered a turnaround plan involving asset disposals, cost savings, and working capital improvements.> Managing the successful sale of the Smiffys business, a leading fancy-dress retailer.> Advising an overseas parent on options for its non-core UK retail business.> Overseeing M&A transactions (solvent and insolvent) across sectors including retail energy, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.> Assisting management teams with MBO spin-outs from stressed groups.> Delivering sell-side financial diligence, contingency planning, and trading insolvencies.I\'m based in Harrogate having migrated to the North after spending 10 years working for PwC in London. A couple of young kids (and a bit of tennis when I can!) keeps me busy at the weekends.