Seasonal M&A Review / Autumn 2025

Seasonal M&A Review
Written By Simon Lloydbottom

Seasonal M&A Review / Autumn 2025

Welcome to Alinea's latest quarterly M&A update / Q3 2025

In the dynamic world of M&A, staying ahead creates possibilities. This quarterly review, developed with data from our partner MarktoMarket, transforms data into actionable insights that map today's deal landscape. Our analysis uncovers market dynamics that can help release your ambitions, whether selling, buying, or growing.

Volumes & Trends

  • Deal activity demonstrates continued strength with 1,270 transactions in Q3 2025, maintaining robust momentum

  • Deals up to £50m drive market activity (56% of Q3 deals), demonstrating strong mid-market activity

Key Market Features

  • Trade buyers represent 72% of acquisitions in Q3 2025 showing sustained strategic appetite

  • UK buyers dominate with 82% of deal activity, while selective international participation (8% USA, 7% EU) demonstrates continued cross-border confidence in the market

  • Technology (9.1x) and Consumer (6.8x) sectors demonstrate valuation resilience with strong EBITDA multiples

Notable Transactions

  • Levenseat Renewable Energy's £26.3m acquisition by Gladsmuir Resource Recovery at 7.92x EBITDA, highlighting appetite for renewable energy assets

  • Surgical Holdings' £7.7m purchased at 7.7x EBITDA, demonstrating industrial strength in specialist manufacturing

  • Pennington Choices' £9.5m acquisition by Mears Group at 6.33x EBITDA, evidencing demand for property consultancy services in the housing sector

Whether you're considering selling, buying, or growing, this quarter's data reveals clear opportunities across sectors and deal sizes. Our analysis provides the insights needed to navigate your next strategic move with confidence.

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Some of our most recent deals…

Featured
LPW Group / Continues strategic signage portfolio growth with acquisition of Impact Signs
LPW Group / Continues strategic signage portfolio growth with acquisition of Impact Signs

Alinea has advised LPW Group on their latest strategic acquisition as they welcome Impact Signs to their growing portfolio of signage companies, marking another significant step in the group’s ambitious expansion into the signage & branding industry.

Wade Building Services / Builds foundation for growth through management buyout
Wade Building Services / Builds foundation for growth through management buyout

Alinea has guided the shareholders of Wade Building Services through a defining management buyout that empowers the next generation of leadership while building upon the company's strong foundations in construction supply.

Margetts Wealth Management / Embraces Ambitious Next Chapter with Management Buy-In
Margetts Wealth Management / Embraces Ambitious Next Chapter with Management Buy-In

Alinea has guided Kevin Smith, the owner of Margetts Wealth Management, through a meticulously planned management buy-in, creating perfect alignment for continued success while reinforcing the firm's thriving independent culture.

Clarion Wealth Planning / Charts new chapter through defining management buyout
Clarion Wealth Planning / Charts new chapter through defining management buyout

Alinea has guided Ron Walker, the owner of Clarion Wealth Planning through a defining management buyout that preserves the firm's independence and values while setting the foundation for its next phase of growth.

Weedon / Boxes up a deal with Zeus Packaging
Weedon / Boxes up a deal with Zeus Packaging

Alinea has advised the shareholders of The Weedon Group, on their successful sale to Zeus Packaging.

Hollingsworth / Unlocks engagement, growth and innovation through EOT ownership
Hollingsworth / Unlocks engagement, growth and innovation through EOT ownership

Alinea has advised the shareholders of Hollingsworth, a leading civil engineering group on their transition into employee ownership.

Cartor / First class sale of security printer to Spectra Systems
Cartor / First class sale of security printer to Spectra Systems

Alinea have advised the shareholders of Cartor Security Printers on their sale to AIM listed Spectra Systems Corporation.

Cope / EOT unlocks growth for electronics assembly experts
Cope / EOT unlocks growth for electronics assembly experts

Alinea has advised the founders of Cope Technology, a leader in electronic assembly on their sale of the business into employee ownership,

Our latest insights / news…

Featured
Seasonal M&A Review / Autumn 2025
Seasonal M&A Review / Autumn 2025

Technology (9.1x) and Consumer (6.8x) sectors demonstrate valuation resilience with strong EBITDA multiples

Seasonal M&A Review / Summer 2025
Seasonal M&A Review / Summer 2025

Deal activity demonstrates continued strength with 1,305 transactions in Q2 2025, maintaining robust momentum.

Sector Reflections / IT Services Summer 2025
Sector Reflections / IT Services Summer 2025

We conduct comprehensive industry-focused reflection reports across various sectors, examining the latest significant M&A transactions, powered by our data partnership with MarktoMarket. This edition spotlights the IT Services sector through to H1 2025.

Sector Reflections / IT Services Spring 2025
Sector Reflections / IT Services Spring 2025

We conduct comprehensive industry-focused reflection reports across various sectors, examining the latest significant M&A transactions, powered by our data partnership with M2M. This edition spotlights the IT Services sector through Q1 2025.

Simon Lloydbottom
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Seasonal M&A Review / Summer 2025