Sydney – Insolvency expert, Cathro & Partners, has today announced a strategic expansion with international business advisory firm, Quantuma. The partnership will enable the firms to work together on global assignments for clients requiring cross-border restructuring, insolvency and turnaround assistance.

According to Cathro & Partners Principal, Simon Cathro, the new partnership is an important step in the firm's growth plans.

"Throughout 2022, we have seen gradual growth in the demand for insolvency services, in Australia and globally, and we expect this to accelerate in 2023 as the rising interest rates and cost of living impact businesses.

"The alliance we are announcing with Quantuma today is an important milestone in our growth strategy for the restructuring and insolvency practice within Australia. It builds on the alliance we signed with Perth-based Auxilium earlier this year.

"Partnering with an international firm will ensure we have full access to global opportunities and talent and will help us continue to service our in-country clients. Of course, when forming an affiliation, it's important for both parties to share the same values and client base objectives; something we feel confident we have found with Quantuma," said Simon.

Headquartered in London, Quantuma specialises in cross-border restructuring and insolvency, corporate finance, forensic accounting and investigations and cross-border asset recovery. Its operations span Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

Luke Furler, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific at Quantuma, said "I am delighted to be joining forces with Simon Cathro and his highly regarded team.

"With challenging international headwinds, demand for our services in Asia Pacific has grown exponentially, having a presence in Australia through the alliance with Cathro & Partners strengthens our position across the region.

"We have intentions to develop our alliance network in APAC, with likeminded firms across the region with an immediate focus on key markets including China, which together with Cathro & Partners, will allow us to become a major force in APAC," said Luke.

Cathro & Partners was launched last year by industry expert Simon Cathro to offer SMEs and mid-market companies access to deep expertise and industry experience. The firm leverages its skills to help clients create survive financial distress and preserve business value. Andrew Blundell joined the firm as Principal in 2021 with the business now 15 employees across NSW, Queensland and the ACT.

Specialising in restructuring, turnaround, insolvency, safe harbour, secured enforcement services and refinancing services, Simon Cathro said that market conditions meant SMEs were increasingly in need of specialist advice to navigate their options when faced with difficult financial situations.

"If the huge spike in insolvencies globally is any indication, businesses in Australia will continue to need good advice next year. Our aim is to guide them through these challenges and provide them with practical advice to help them achieve the best outcomes possible," said Simon.