Snapshots

The number of software M&A transactions in Q3-24 totalled 200 with the total disclosed deal value in Q3-24 amounting to £8.5bn. The volume of strategic trade acquisitions has remained strong throughout 2024 and we expect volumes to increase as serial acquirers in the market return to their high acquisition volumes.

M&A transaction activity was on a par with the previous 18 months, reflecting the ongoing cautious nature of deal making in the sector since the deal rush of 2021 and early 2022.

Transaction activity during the first half of 2024 reached a total of 136 deals, marking a 14% decline compared to the second half-year period of 2023, but in line with the long-term average of 138 deals per half year.

Over the last twelve months to August 2024, 22 deals were completed in the Debt Collection sector. Of these 22 deals, 11 occurred in the calendar year to date (8 months to August 2024).

Deal volumes in H1 2024 amounted to 61, with the majority of transactions falling in the Alcoholic Beverages subsector. Deal volumes were at similar levels to the comparative period last year, although slightly down on H2 2023.

The number of ICT Services M&A transactions in H1-24 totalled 137, decreasing from 209 in H2-23, with the total disclosed deal value amounting to £10bn

The number of Software M&A transactions in Q1-24 totalled 231, increasing from 160 in Q4-23, with the total disclosed deal value in Q1-24 amounting to £7.4bn.

M&A deal activity improved slightly in the second half of 2023, with 32 deal completions compared to 29 in H1 2023.