About Us
ARA Advisory is a specialist consultancy firm, based out of Manchester and London. We provide strategic and practical financial management support to Private Equity investors and their portfolio companies.
Working with us
We operate as an extension to the GP team and portfolio CFO teams, working with investors, management teams, and their direct reports.
Due to a background across the Private Equity value chain, working in high growth and fast paced environments. we are acutely aware of the timing and resource pressures on GP’s and their portfolio CFO teams especially during periods of change within their investments.
We are experienced in operating at Board level, as well as partnering with their direct reports, and therefore understand the outputs required for this audience. Typically we operate as a bridge between GP’s and their portfolio CFO’s, to support on the execution of transactions, partnering transformation projects, and to develop and professionalise the reporting and analysis of business performance. We help to bridge the gap between investors and their portfolio management teams.
Why we’re different
ARA Advisory provides a combination of diverse strategic finance experience with a strong focus on navigating value creation as a Private Equity backed business
Therefore we use our diverse experience in this sector, having partnered both investors and their portfolio companies, to support our clients on their specific requirements during the lifecycle of investment.
Due to an extensive finance background operating within the Private Equity environment we understand GP and management information requirements, how information will be used, and its likely interpretation by the varying stakeholders.
Get to know us
Ali Raza Ahmed
Founder - Senior AdvisorAli is a Big 4 trained ACA and a member of the ICAEW. Ali has over 15 years experience in finance, initially starting his career at KPMG. Since then he has developed a strong career within industry working in a range of sectors, including Software, Financial Services, Investment Banking, Technology, Payments, and Healthcare.
- Over 15 years of diverse and progressive finance experience across PE backed and Corporate businesses.
- Strong experience, and a keen interest in the analysis and interpretation of the key drivers of value, supporting organic and M&A growth.
- Strong experience in Buy and Build, Refinancing, and Exit transactions. Buyside transactions ranging from £10m-£500m, and supported 3 Exit processes (mixture of Trade and PE).
- Leveraging his experience and becoming a trusted advisor supporting management and investors in value creation and growth in entrepreneurial, high growth business environments.
Denis Khakimov
Senior AdvisorDenis is a CFA Charterholder and seasoned investment banker with 12 years of experience in leading complex transactions from beginning to end at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and BNP Paribas.
- Denis is experienced in delivering results across various sectors, with his primary focus being on transactions in Banking, FinTech, Wealth & Asset management across Corporates and Private Equity backed businesses.
- He has a solid track record in originating and executing M&A, capital raising, and providing strategic financial advice for transactions. As part of his transaction experience, Denis advised C-level executives on transaction readiness and prepared all required documentation, such as Teaser and Information Memorandum, assessed investor attractiveness, ensured business plan readiness, and managed many other aspects of M&A transactions.
- Denis has a solid track record in both buy-side and sell-side transactions, with a focus on managing valuation expectations and understanding investor views on valuation.
- Denis graduated from Bocconi University with an MSc in Finance and also holds a CFA qualification.
- A natural leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Denis has the ability to build strong relationships with investors, management, and other stakeholders alike.
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