UK Healthcare M&A Remains Strong in 2026

The UK Healthcare sector has remained one of the most active areas for M&A over the past 12 months, supported by non-discretionary demand, demographic tailwinds and long-term funding visibility.

Sub-sectors including specialist care, mental health services, primary care, diagnostics and outsourced healthcare provision continue to attract strong interest from both strategic operators and private equity investors.

Buyers remain highly engaged, with consistent appetite for scalable, quality care platforms that can demonstrate strong occupancy, stable commissioning relationships and robust regulatory compliance.

Fragmented markets, particularly in specialist care and community-based services, continue to drive buy-and-build strategies, with acquirers seeking to expand regional footprints and service offerings.

Valuation levels have remained resilient. Well-positioned healthcare businesses are achieving high single-digit and above EBITDA multiples, with premiums for operators that can demonstrate strong margins, high-quality earnings and clear opportunities for expansion or operational improvement.

Over the last 12 months, transaction activity has remained steady across both platform and bolt-on deals, reflecting continued investor confidence in the sector’s defensive characteristics.

While regulatory scrutiny and staffing pressures remain key considerations, these factors have not materially dampened buyer interest in high-quality assets.

Some deal highlights for 2025 were:

• Venture Life Group acquired by Biodue with a 10.82x EBITDA multiple
• Cloudrx Holdings acquired by Vulcan Two Group with a 10.29x EBITDA multiple
  
• PAM Healthcare acquired by Optima Health with a 12.2x EBITDA multiple
  
• ADHD360 acquired by Keys Group with a 8.81x EBITDA multiple
  
• Surgical Holdings acquired by Stile AB with a 7.7x EBITDA multiple

As we move through 2026, many healthcare business owners are reviewing their strategic options. For those considering a transaction in the next 12 to 24 months, early preparation remains critical to achieving optimal outcomes.

This includes reviewing corporate structures, ensuring regulatory and compliance frameworks are robust, and positioning the business clearly for buyer due diligence. Taking a proactive approach can significantly enhance both valuation and deal certainty.

At La Salle Corporate, we have remained active in the healthcare sector, advising on transactions across specialist care and broader healthcare services.

We previously advised on the sale of Vivre Care to Elsyium Healthcare and also Values In Care acquired by Swanton Care. 

Our experience allows us to support owners in preparing for sale, navigating regulatory considerations and achieving successful outcomes in a competitive market.

If you would like to discuss current buyer appetite, valuation benchmarks or preparation for a future transaction, we would be pleased to share our perspective.

Reach out today to arrange an informal, confidential call.