South East M&A Barometer: High growth business trends
The acquisition and sale of companies is an important indicator of growth when assessing the health of the UK economy. We take a closer look at the M&A activity of high growth companies in our South East M&A Barometer.
When there are high volumes of acquisitions, it is indicative of a dynamic and growing economy. However, when there are slower volumes, there can be a negative feedback loop for the wider economy.
The South East M&A Barometer 2024: Q1 update
In Q1 2024 there were slightly more M&A transactions involving high growth companies compared to Q1 2023. We had hoped to see a greater uptick for the first quarter, but despite this not yet coming to fruition, optimism remains.
Read our South East M&A Barometer 2024: Q1 update.
Key findings
The key findings highlighted in the Q1 update are:
- Optimism remains for 2024, with expectations of increased M&A activity in the South East
- Global conflicts and key elections in the UK and US contribute to a cautious outlook
- Valuation discussions are causing some deals to take longer to execute
- Private equity deals are also under pressure to reflect current market sentiment.
The South East M&A Barometer 2023 report
Our first report, dated January 2024, looks at the M&A activity of early stage high-growth companies in the South East in 2023. It’s a snapshot of the UK market focused on ambitious businesses. We assess the current trends and what that could mean for the year ahead.
Read our South East M&A Barometer 2023 report.
Key findings
Understanding market conditions and what investors are looking for help inform decisions and manage risk. The key findings highlighted in the report are:
- The South East is the most active region for high-growth M&A outside of London
- 11% of high-growth activity was completed in the technology sector, making it the most active sector
- Food and drink processors saw a higher proportion of activity than elsewhere in the UK
- We expect more M&A activity in the South East in 2024 compared to that of 2023.
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Our mergers and acquisitions experience
Cripps advise Strata Creative on acquisition of Trinity Event Solutions
Cripps advise Holiday Extras on their acquisition of Kent-based Future Generation Services Limited
Cripps advises Green Power Conferences on its sale to S&P Global Commodities UK
Cripps advises BAMUK Group Limited on the acquisition of Custom Wytelyne Powder Coating Limited.
Cripps advise Holiday Extras on their acquisition of Amsterdam-based Quick Parking
Cripps advise Active Management Solutions on sale
Cripps advise Getlink SE on the acquisition of ChannelPorts Limited
Cripps advise TransGlobal Freight Management on its acquisition of Crocodile Stores
Cripps advises B.P. Marsh on its investment in new marine MGA
Cripps advise on the sale of InRoads to Swanton Care & Community Limited
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