Katherine Broadhurst, corporate finance partner, discusses what the Azets Corporate Finance team is seeing in relation to the merger and acquisition (M&A) market:

"We continue to see high levels of activity across the UK, with our pipeline suggesting this will carry on well into 2024 at a minimum. While economic uncertainty has undoubtedly created some concern, our experience has shown that a large number of cash-rich buyers and funders remain keen for business, albeit their due diligence and selection processes have intensified. Businesses capable of demonstrating a clear level of underlying performance, with a story to match, are finding new partners at high frequency."

Azets maintains fifth most active advisor ranking

In Experian's M&A review for the third quarter of 2023, the Azets Corporate Finance team has maintained its ranking of fifth most active UK advisor.

Jane Turner, research manager at Experian MarketIQ, noted on the report: "The slowdown in UK and Irish M&A that took hold in the second half of 2022 has persisted deep into 2023, as companies adjust to headwinds driven by inflation and escalating interest rates inflate the cost of financing deals. However, a silver lining has emerged in the form of a resilient small deals market, and we've seen both corporate and private equity buyers still prove keen to deploy mounting cash reserves in this area."

The Azets team has been supporting a large number of business owners looking to either sell, buy or raise funds. This increased coverage, provided via ongoing recruitment and significant investment, has provided Azets with a fantastic platform.

The full Experian report can be viewed here.

We are here to help

If you are considering a transaction or would like to discuss the options available to your business, please get in touch with a member of our Corporate Finance team or your usual Azets advisor. 

Katherine Broadhurst can be contacted by email katherine.broadhurst@azets.co.uk or call 02920 549939.