Seasonal M&A Review / Spring 2025

Seasonal M&A Review
Written By Simon Lloydbottom

Seasonal M&A Review / Spring 2025

Welcome to Alinea's latest quarterly M&A update / Q1 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 reveals evolving market dynamics that can help release your ambitions, whether selling, buying, or growing.

Volumes & Trends:

● Deal volumes returned to 1,175 transactions following Q4's Autumn Budget-driven spike

● Mid-market deals demonstrate resilience, with particularly strong EBITDA multiples in the technology sector (9.5x).

Key Market Features:

● Trade buyers dominate with 852 deals, showing continued strategic appetite

● UK leads with 81% of activity, complemented by EU (8%) and US (7%) interest

● Industrial (343 deals) and technology (193 deals) sectors maintain prominence in Q1 flow

Notable Transactions:

● Mid-market resilience evidenced by Knights Group's £30m acquisition of IBB Law at 6.38x EBITDA

● Specialist businesses commanding premium valuations, with BlakYaks' £27m acquisition at 18x EBITDA

● Quality smaller assets attracting strategic buyers, e.g. Brave Bison's £3.5m purchase of Builtvisible at 11.67x EBITDA

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 / Spring 2025
Seasonal M&A Review / Spring 2025

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

Richard Callis joins forces with Alinea to strengthen IT Services M&A focus
Richard Callis joins forces with Alinea to strengthen IT Services M&A focus

We are very excited to announce that Richard Callis has joined Alinea as Operating Partner, IT Services M&A - a pivotal appointment that significantly enhances our expertise in the sector.

Seasonal M&A Review / Winter 2025
Seasonal M&A Review / Winter 2025

In the dynamic world of M&A, staying ahead creates opportunities. This quarterly review, developed with data from our partner MarktoMarket, transforms data into actionable insights that map today's deal landscape. Q4 2024's analysis reveals evolving market dynamics. Whether you're selling, buying, or growing, our analysis provides the intelligence to match your ambitions.

Sector Reflections / IT Services Winter 2025
Sector Reflections / IT Services Winter 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 to the end of 2024.

Simon Lloydbottom
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Richard Callis joins forces with Alinea to strengthen IT Services M&A focus