In a bold move to redefine financial advisory in Africa’s largest economy, Stransact, the premier accounting firm in Nigeria, has launched its new Deals and Advisory Services unit.
This strategic expansion positions Stransact, which is leading Nigerian accounting firm as a comprehensive partner for businesses navigating complex capital markets, mergers, acquisitions, and growth opportunities.
Complementing this milestone, the firm has appointed Kalu Uwagwu as Director of the new unit. With his illustrious career spanning decades in banking and asset management, Uwagwu brings unparalleled expertise to spearhead this initiative, promising to unlock new avenues for corporate success in Nigeria’s dynamic economic landscape.
Stransact has long been a cornerstone of financial integrity and excellence in Nigeria, offering robust accounting, auditing, tax advisory, and compliance services to a diverse clientele that includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and government entities.
Founded about two decades ago, the firm has earned its reputation through meticulous attention to detail, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s regulatory environment—from the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) standards to the evolving demands of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
However, as Nigeria’s economy grapples with post-pandemic recovery, infrastructure deficits, and the push toward sustainable development under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), businesses are increasingly seeking holistic advisory that goes beyond traditional bookkeeping.
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Enter the Deals and Advisory Services…
It is a bespoke division designed to bridge the gap between financial strategy and execution, empowering clients to thrive in an era of opportunity and uncertainty.
The scope of Deals and Advisory Services is expansive, encompassing a full spectrum of transaction advisory tailored to the unique pulses of the Nigerian and West African markets.
At its core, this unit will specialize in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), where Stransact’s experts will guide companies through due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and integration processes.
“Imagine a mid-sized agribusiness eyeing expansion into neighboring Ghana; our team will dissect financial synergies, mitigate risks from currency fluctuations, and structure deals that maximize shareholder value while complying with cross-border regulations. Beyond M&A, the services extend to capital raising—whether through equity offerings, debt instruments, or hybrid structures.
“In a market where venture capital inflows reached $1.8 billion in 2024 according to the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA), Stransact’s advisory will demystify the fundraising journey, from crafting compelling pitch decks to selecting the right investors, ” said Eben Joels, Managing Partner at Stransact.
He further noted that, “Private equity and venture capital advisory forms another pillar, addressing the funding crunch faced by innovative startups in sectors like fintech, renewable energy, and e-commerce. Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, valued at over $5 billion, is booming, yet many founders struggle with valuation disputes or exit strategies.
“Stransact’s Deals unit will act as a navigator, offering portfolio management insights, deal sourcing, and performance optimization to ensure investments yield sustainable returns. Debt advisory rounds out the offerings, helping firms structure syndicated loans, green bonds, or sukuk issuances in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monetary policies.
“This holistic approach isn’t just transactional; it’s transformative, incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors to align deals with global sustainability trends, thereby attracting impact investors and enhancing long-term viability.
“What truly sets this unit apart is its role as a vital pipeline for companies seeking to secure capital and access capital markets. In Nigeria, where access to affordable financing remains a perennial challenge—exacerbated by high interest rates hovering around 25 percent and a non-performing loan ratio of 4.5 percent as per the latest CBN reports.
“Stransact’s advisory services will streamline the path from ideation to execution. The unit will serve as a conduit, connecting SMEs and corporates with domestic and international funding sources. Through meticulous financial modeling and market intelligence, we’ll prepare clients for initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) or the JSE in South Africa, ensuring robust prospectuses that comply with SEC guidelines and appeal to institutional investors like pension funds and foreign portfolio investors.
“This pipeline begins with diagnostic assessments: a deep dive into a company’s financial health, growth potential, and market positioning. From there, Stransact crafts customized roadmaps—be it a bridge loan to tide over cash flow gaps or a full-scale equity raise for expansion. We’ve seen the impact firsthand in preliminary consultations; one manufacturing client, burdened by supply chain disruptions, leveraged our preliminary advisory to secure a multi million dollar debt facility from a development finance institution, unlocking working capital that propelled revenue uptick.
“By integrating our core accounting prowess with deal-making acumen, the unit eliminates silos, providing end-to-end support that reduces costs, accelerates timelines, and minimizes risks. In essence, Deals and Advisory Services isn’t just a service line—it’s a growth engine, funneling Nigerian enterprises into the capital markets and fostering economic resilience,” Joels further added.
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What to know about Kalu Uwagwu…
At the helm of this ambitious venture is Kalu Uwagwu, whose appointment underscores Stransact’s commitment to world-class leadership. Uwagwu, a chartered Stockbroker and a COREN registered Civil Engineer, boasts over 25 years of experience in the financial sector.
His career trajectory is a testament to strategic foresight and operational excellence. Until recently, he served as Managing Director of BGL Asset Management Services, a subsidiary of the renowned BGL Group, where he oversaw a multi billion Naira portfolio. Under his stewardship, BGL navigated volatile markets, delivering double digit annualised returns for clients while pioneering innovative products like real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure funds.
This role honed his expertise in asset allocation, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Prior to BGL, Uwagwu spent a decade at leading Nigerian banks, where he rose through the ranks.
His portfolio included several landmark transactions such as bond issuance and trasaction advisory for Telecoms and the Energy Sector.
Uwagwu’s banking tenure equipped him with a nuanced grasp of credit analysis, structured finance, and stakeholder engagement—skills that are indispensable in today’s deal environment, marked by geopolitical tensions and naira volatility.
A pivotal moment…
“Joining Stransact at this pivotal moment is an honor,” Uwagwu remarked during today’s launch event in Lagos. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how capital access can catalyze transformation. Our Deals unit will democratize these opportunities, ensuring that Nigerian businesses—from Lagos startups to Abuja conglomerates—aren’t left behind in the global race,” Joels said.
His vision in Deals and Advisory business…
Uwagwu’s vision for the unit emphasizes inclusivity and innovation. He plans to leverage technology, such as AI-driven valuation tools and blockchain for secure transaction ledgers, to enhance efficiency. Collaborations with international partners within the RSM network and other AfCFTA-aligned networks, will broaden the pipeline, opening doors to diaspora funding and multilateral loans from Development Banks.