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.


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