Confidence booster as M&A activity bounces back

Hand holding a tablet showing charts and analytics in a bright office lobby

Following a difficult period, the latest Experian Market IQ report offers reassurance that deal volumes and values in the UK and Ireland are returning to normality, if not surpassing pre-pandemic levels.


Year to date, the total value of UK Mergers & Acquisitions stands at £255bn - the highest Q1-Q3 figures since 2018 and a hugely encouraging sign that activity has bounced back following Covid-related uncertainty last year.


In terms of volume, the Infocomms, Manufacturing, and Wholesale & Retail sectors are up by 16%, 14%, and 28% respectively. 


Deal Volumes:

Sector YTD 2021 YTD 2020 % Change
Infocomms 1,430 1,236 16%
Manufacturing 1,071 941 14%
Wholesale and Retail 877 683 28%

Data provided by Experian MIQ Reports


These increases aren't localised to any one area. Every region of the UK and Ireland has also registered double-digit increases in the number of concluded deals.


Looking at deal values, the health, construction, financial, professional, and support services sectors have all seen increases, with several by triple-digit percentages.


Deal Value (£m):

Sector YTD 2021 YTD 2020 % Change
Health 7,251 885 719%
Construction 10,712 7,631 40%
Financial Services 65,148 40,953 59%
Professional Services 53,038 22,349 137%
Support Services 19,057 8,091 136%

Data provided by Experian MIQ Reports


While the technology and health sectors were the quickest to recover from the pandemic, the latest figures paint a much more positive picture across the board.


For any company owners toying with the idea of exiting or disposing of shares, this report should offer the reassurance and also be factored into any ongoing exit strategy planning.


For assistance with your company exit strategy planning, or to get an insight into M&A activity within your sector, we are happy to have an initial chat to answer any questions.


Our network of private equity contacts and trade buyers are constantly seeking a variety of opportunities, perhaps a company like yours.


Contact a member of the La Salle team today.


More News & Deals...

August 4, 2026
Prepare your business for future sale with expert strategies. Contact us for personalized exit guidance today!
July 30, 2026
UK Financial Services, Consolidation Enters a More Selective Phase
By Mark Whiteside July 21, 2026
The right price means little without the right fit. Learn why alignment between seller and buyer is central to a successful outcome.
Notebook on wooden desk with pencils, overlaid with “LA SALLE Corporate Finance” logo
By Mark Whiteside July 14, 2026
Learn how to navigate life after selling your business. Get expert advice on identity shifts, financial management, & relationship changes.
Hands gripping a baton over a dark banner with “LA SALLE Corporate Finance” text
By Mark Whiteside July 7, 2026
Learn key steps for handover, integration & earnouts after a sale. Contact La Salle Corporate for expert M&A guidance.
Aerial view of stacked shipping containers with “LA SALLE Corporate Finance” text overlay
By Mark Whiteside June 29, 2026
Stay informed on active M&A in UK logistics. Contact La Salle Corporate for expert advisory services.
LA SALLE corporate finance logo over interlocking gears in metallic gray and gold
By Mark Whiteside June 22, 2026
Learn key traits of successful sellers in the lower mid-market. Trust La Salle for expert guidance on your selling journey.
Hands pointing at financial charts on a desk with a “La Salle Corporate Finance” banner.
By Mark Whiteside June 16, 2026
Understand how financing conditions shape M&A deals, including deferred payments & earnouts. Get expert guidance for your exit strategy.
Small green sprout emerging from cracked dry soil, with “La Salle Corporate Finance” text overlay.
By Mark Whiteside June 9, 2026
Learn how mid-market M&A thrives in uncertainty. Get expert guidance for your exit strategy today!
Show More

Our 'Focus On' Resource Series...

Sailboat on calm pink water at sunset, with a distant shoreline and soft sky reflection
By Mark Whiteside January 9, 2018
Understand key factors in selling your business, including timing & valuation. Get tailored advice from expert M&A advisors.
Person in a blue plaid shirt sitting on a log in a wooded area.
By Mark Whiteside January 8, 2018
Understand key pre-sale considerations for selling your business. Prepare effectively with expert M&A guidance for better outcomes.
Close-up of interlocking metal gears with silver teeth and dark circular holes
By Mark Whiteside January 7, 2018
Learn proper business valuation methods for M&A advisors. Enhance your strategy with insights on key value drivers and buyer perceptions.
Rowing boat viewed from above gliding through dark rippled water
By Mark Whiteside January 6, 2018
Learn how Private Equity can enhance your business growth. Contact La Salle for expert M&A advisory services today!
Upward view of glass skyscrapers converging around a dark sky bridge
By Mark Whiteside January 5, 2018
Understand trade buyers' role in M&A. Get expert guidance for successful transactions. Contact La Salle Corporate today!
Close-up of a gray audio mixer panel with an illuminated yellow mute button and red indicator lights
By Mark Whiteside January 4, 2018
Explore La Salle Corporate's off-market M&A advisory services for lower mid-market businesses. Contact us for a tailored approach today!
Close-up of scattered jigsaw puzzle pieces on a dark surface, with a shallow depth of field.
By Mark Whiteside January 3, 2018
Learn how La Salle Corporate customizes deal structures in M&A. Contact us for tailored strategies that meet your goals.
Two people sitting outdoors at sunset, one gesturing while facing the lake and trees.
By Mark Whiteside January 2, 2018
Master negotiation in M&A with La Salle Corporate. Get expert guidance to secure favorable deals and maintain buyer relationships.
Magnifying glass focusing sunlight to ignite a match on a wooden surface
By Mark Whiteside January 1, 2018
Understand the due diligence process in M&A. Get expert guidance from La Salle Corporate for a smooth transaction.