UK Industrials M&A Shows Strong Momentum in 2026

The UK Industrials sector has remained a core area of M&A activity over the past 12 months, supported by structural demand, infrastructure investment and supply chain realignment. Sub-sectors including engineering services, manufacturing, building products, industrial distribution and specialist contracting have continued to attract strong interest from both strategic acquirers and private equity.

Buyers remain disciplined but active, with clear appetite for businesses with specialist capabilities, strong customer relationships and exposure to resilient end-markets such as infrastructure, energy, defence and construction. Fragmentation across many industrial sub-sectors continues to drive consolidation and buy-and-build strategies, particularly among private equity-backed platforms seeking scale and geographic expansion.

Valuation outcomes reflect this ongoing demand. High-quality industrial businesses are achieving high single-digit and above EBITDA multiples, with premiums for companies that can demonstrate consistent earnings, operational efficiency and clear opportunities for growth or margin enhancement.

Some deal highlights for 2025 were:

• F M Conway Limited acquired by Vinci SA with a 7.98x EBITDA multiple
• Severn Glocon UK Valves acquired by Valmet Oyj with a 11.92x EBITDA multiple
• Trillium Flow Technologies acquired by Flowserve Group with a 12.3x EBITDA multiple
• Senior's Aerostructures acquired by Sullivan Street Partners with a 13.1x EBITDA multiple
• Davidson Holdings acquired by Genuit Group PLC with a 8.87x EBITDA multiple
• Omnia Projects acquired by Egis Group with a 8.45x EBITDA multiple
• Alunet Systems acquired by Eurocell Plc with a 7.84x EBITDA multiple

Over the past 12 months, deal activity has been supported by a combination of strategic acquisitions and private equity investment, with buyers targeting both platform opportunities and bolt-on acquisitions. While macroeconomic pressures and cost inflation have remained considerations, these have been offset by strong underlying demand in key end-markets.

As we move through 2026, many industrial business owners are reassessing their strategic priorities. For those considering a transaction in the next 12 to 24 months, early preparation remains critical to achieving a successful outcome. This often includes reviewing corporate and group structures, strengthening financial reporting, and ensuring the business is well-positioned to withstand detailed buyer due diligence.

We previously advised on the sale of Advantiv to Foresight and also Eurofilms to TrioWorld.

We are actively engaged with buyers and investors across the UK Industrials sector.

We support owners in preparing for sale, refining value drivers and navigating transactions to deliver optimal outcomes in the lower mid-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.