LDC’s acquisition of building materials supplier ARC is all about guiding the company through the next stage of its growth journey. David Prosser investigates what the future holds for the company – and why Newable decided the time was right to dilute its stake.
With gold and silver prices at an all-time high, and critical minerals such as lithium, copper and rare earths at the core of electrification, computing and defence systems, mining M&A is flying high.
Stark stats for deals in the North East belie a region brimming with optimism that's attracting private equity firms. But government investment in infrastructure is sorely needed, says Nicholas Neveling.
At the start of last year, James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog (with the sensibly more publicity-shy Martin Dickie), announced he was launching House of Unicorns, a reality show for start-ups with a £2m investment prize. It would be like Dragons’ Den, but for entrepreneurs identifying as punks.
With activist investors pushing corporates for more focus, and falling interest rates making valuations more appealing to buyers, carve-outs are firmly on the agenda. But the process is far from simple, says Jason Sinclair.
At 11 years old, the British Business Bank has a new strategic plan, more capital at its disposal, and a new statement of intent. Marc Mullen speaks to its first-ever chief investment officer, Leandros Kalisperas, about the bank’s renewed purpose.
Following substantial changes to the rules governing public-to-private transactions, ICAEW’s Corporate Finance Faculty has updated its guideline and is hosting an event with the Director General of the Takeover Panel.
One of private equity’s oldest recipes is to buy a platform for investments, then consolidate for an immediate uplift in the value of the acquisitions, says MarktoMarket’s Doug Lawson, and more and more firms are dining out on it.
Businesses that faltered during the pandemic have bounced back stronger than ever, and five years on new niches are opening up, says Nicholas Neveling.
Almost two decades on from the global financial crisis, Scotland’s big energy deals have signalled a return to form. With a strong pipeline of start-ups and high-quality mid-market businesses lined up for investment, it’s later-stage capital that is in high demand. By Nicholas Neveling.
Amid tariff changes, reversals of changes, and stockmarket wobbles, Enfuse Group remained a standout investment target for Agathos. Nicholas Neveling reports.
HR due diligence is rapidly becoming a vital element of deal due diligence, as buyers seek out more accurate valuations. As its scope broadens, David Prosser looks at how the value of – and risk associated with – a workforce is quantified.
For rehab business Providence Projects, it was all about finding the right buyer and the right price, says Oliver Aspinall, corporate finance manager at S&W.
As uptake of artificial intelligence increases, firms are reconsidering their recruitment practices. What does this mean for the role of the mergers and acquisitions professional?
An independent business for 200 years, Hill & Smith, a provider of solutions to the infrastructure and built environment sectors, received the much-coveted corporate development award at last year’s Annual Reception. Marc Mullen talks to Joel Whitehouse, group head of corporate development at Hill & Smith, about its M&A strategy.
From nursery buy-and-builds to private school consolidation and university mergers, each education sub-sector is responding to its own specific challenges. Jason Sinclair looks at what’s driving activity in this busy UK market.
The breakneck speed of AI development is disrupting the deal-making world. What are the guardrails and how can terms of engagement hope to hit this moving target? Jo Russell reports.
The UK sits in pole position for VC investment and global M&A is up in value, if not in volume, with dry powder reserves plentiful. Is the race to invest hotting up?
A new guideline from ICAEW’s Corporate Finance Faculty focuses on the cultural and people-related risks and opportunities that need to be considered in a transaction.
The healthcare sector has been busy this past decade. Private equity, corporates, and international investors have all been active – each responding to unique market drivers, regulatory challenges, and evolving public sentiment. Jason Sinclair looks at a resilient M&A sector.
ICG’s sale of Kee Safety to Inflexion and 65 Equity proves that a high-quality business, polished by successive private equity owners, will always command a good valuation, whatever the market conditions. Nicholas Neveling reports.
The Jon Moulton Charity Trust, which applies investment principles to clinical trials funding, has backed nearly 200 pieces of research. Marc Mullen speaks to Moulton and the trust’s technical specialist, Dr Helen Critchley, to get under the skin of the operation.
There have been positive signs for UK M&A so far this year, but what does the future hold? Marc Mullen gets the views of three Corporate Finance Faculty board members.
UK financial services continue to attract investment. Jason Sinclair looks at the drivers behind private equity interest in one of the country’s strongest-performing sectors.
The use of commercial due diligence has been on the rise for private equity buyers in particular. But more than a risk mitigation exercise, it feeds directly into post-acquisition strategy. Jason Sinclair looks at a service line increasingly in demand.
Mobeus Equity Partners’ investment in Active Travel Group was rooted in a conviction that active travel is not merely a trend, but a reflection of changing consumer priorities. Jason Sinclair reports.
Cyber attacks targeting M&A processes can have financial, reputational and opportunity costs for vendors, buyers and advisers. Dealmakers cannot afford to ignore the risks. Nicholas Neveling reports.
After a year in power, the Labour government has published a review of the National Security and Investment Act. Will changes to the regulation help the flow of investment into the UK without compromising our security? David Prosser reports.
