The disruption of 2021 led to an active deals market
2021 produced a strong South East M&A market, with successful, high performing businesses targeted by large trade buyers, private equity (PE) investors and private equity-funded groups, all looking to grow through acquisition. Buyers have pushed for quick deals, and prices have been high; this has in turn put pressure on sellers to be well prepared. The greatest activity has been in the £10m to £50m space and successful deals have been run by well organised/experienced deal teams able to manage the disrupted business environment.
In 2021 professional services (financial advisory/insurance broking), digital services (communications and marketing), technology and SAAS, pharmaceutical/health sector, and builders merchants/construction related businesses have seen high deal volumes.
2022 will bring more opportunity
As we move into 2022, there is still consolidation in financial services, although now at the sub-£10m level and for insurance broking. Professional services in the form of accountancy and legal are continuing to see new entrants and pressure for consolidation.
Looking forward, I expect digital and online marketing/SEO to be in high demand reflecting the BD “pivot” required by many businesses. Less expected, is increasing interest for quality retail and leisure businesses. Whilst traditional retailing was hard hit in 2021, many online retail businesses surfed a wave of surging demand through lockdown. A market with this level of disruption creates opportunity for trade and PE buyers to build new businesses, as the market adjusts to a “new normal”. Expect businesses with quality brands to be in demand.
Logistics and infrastructure are sectors well set for M&A and investment. Moving goods around the world continues to see demand exceeding supply. Acquisition offers an opportunity to improve margin for large manufacturers and luxury goods companies. Securing a reliable route to market will remain important in protecting reputation. Meanwhile, large Government infrastructure projects, such as HS2, offer businesses who have secured tender contracts significant growth and opportunity.
Businesses able to successfully navigate these challenging markets, will be in
high demand
The New Year also brings with it some significant threats to business, which has the potential to disrupt, or to stimulate deal activity. Any business putting itself on the market needs to deliver to a growth plan, or face pressure on price. Logistics challenges combined with labour shortages and rising labour costs will all add pressure. Just as these macro economic factors can be a threat to business, they can also produce pressure for merger and consolidation as businesses seek to protect themselves from a challenging market. Those who successfully navigate the challenges are likely to be in high demand.
Will there be an increase in distressed deals?
Perhaps one surprise of the last 20 months, is how few restructuring/distressed deals the mid market has seen. As Government Covid loans end and tax suspension winds down there will be an increase in distressed deals. Commercial banking has been relatively quiet over the last 20 months, due to the pressure of servicing Government support loans, but this is returning to
a more normal pattern now. Some business will be successful in securing growth finance but others may find they run out of time or capacity in the commercial lending market.
Will inflation play a role?
Some of the inflationary pressures faced by businesses has been extreme, with the cost of shipping goods rising by up to 40% and salary inflation for “hot” sectors reaching similar levels. Some of these costs will inevitably be passed onto UK manufacturers needing raw materials and to consumers buying imported goods. Whilst the Bank of England seems reluctant to increase interest rates rapidly, this seems inevitable, as a response to growing inflationary pressure. Highly leveraged businesses will face increasing costs and pressure.
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Client quote, Chambers 2022
If you are considering preparing your business for sale or are actively looking to diversify, contact enquiries@dmhstallard.com
