A Cumbrian law firm has advised on over £100 million in transactions over the last 12 months.
Kendal-based Harrison Drury say the market has been driven by opportunistic buyers seeking scale-up opportunities, and maturing business owners readying for exit following the pandemic.
The major deals they have been involved in include the sale of petrol Cumbria-based forecourts operator AUK Investments to Motor Fuel Group and the sale of Lancashire-based lubricants business Broughton Lubricants to Certas Energy..
Jack Stephenson, senior associate solicitor in Harrison Drury’s corporate team, said: “We’re seeing many different drivers of M&A activity coming together to create a sustained period of deal activity.
“It’s true that the pandemic has made many business owners re-evaluate their options, including whether they want to continue doing what they’re doing. At the same time, other businesses are capitalising on opportunities for growth through acquisition.”
Mr Stephenson believes the healthcare, tech and renewables sectors are well positioned for major investment and increased deal activity.
“The pandemic will lead to a new wave of innovation in the healthcare and tech sectors as society looks for long-term solutions to Covid, be that medical interventions, productivity software, or anything that helps with infection control,” he said..
“There will be a lot of growing businesses requiring investment to scale up. Businesses with strong management teams and clear plans for post-pandemic growth will be most likely to attract investment.”
