US-based M&A professionals Carlo Porreca and Helen Dixon have joined the London- based mid-market M&A advisory firm as partners. Porreca brings nearly two decades of experience in deal origination, investment banking, private equity origination, and M&A. He will lead LAVA’s US sponsor coverage, focusing on B2B, healthcare, and technology-enabled services.

Dixon has more than 20 years’ transaction advisory experience and has held senior roles at Grant Thornton and BDO. Originally from the UK and based in the US since 2017, she will leverage her expertise in cross-border financial due diligence to expertly position LAVA’s clients for international transactions.

The move marks the next stage of its international expansion following its recent £8m funding agreement with Beechbrook Capital. The New York office will connect US investors with the firm’s work across UK and European transactions.

The pair will be responsible for building on the firm’s existing work with US private equity investors acquiring businesses across the UK and Europe, leveraging their expertise and networks in building LAVA’s presence in North America.

The new partners’ arrival further boosts the number of LAVA partners, which has grown from two to six in under 18 months, following Paul Joyce’s announcement as Partner in July 2025 and the internal promotion of Tom Rowe-Jones in July 2026.

Carlo Porreca, Partner at LAVA Advisory Partners, said: “I’ve spent much of my career connecting business owners with investors, often across different markets. LAVA’s deep understanding of the UK and European business landscape, combined with my US sponsor relationships and knowledge, gives us an unprecedented opportunity to put the most relevant opportunities in front of the right people, for the best possible results.”

Helen Dixon, Partner at LAVA Advisory Partners, said:  “Having spent much of my career working across UK and US transactions, I’ve seen first-hand how differently buyers in each market can assess opportunities and approach a transaction. I’m excited to bring that perspective to LAVA’s cross-border work, helping our clients anticipate how they will be viewed by international investors and ensuring they are positioned to make the most of those opportunities.”