Independent advisory firm Gleacher Shacklock enjoyed the second best year in its history in 2013, as roles on high-profile deals in a range of sectors helped propel profits up by nearly three quarters from the previous year.

Profits at the UK firm, founded in 2003 by former Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein deputy chairman Tim Shacklock, surged by 74% from £7.7 million in 2012 to £13.4 million last year, according to the firm's latest accounts filed at Companies House Thursday.