It found that deal volumes surged in 2024 for high growth companies compared to 2023, with the South East, which saw 290 transactions, continuously being one of the most active regions outside London.
• M&A activity in the South East outperforms: The South East, with a 24% increase, outperformed most UK regions, with London showing a modest 3% growth. However, deal volume remains 11.3% lower than its five-year peak in 2021.
• Technology deal volume soared in the South East: Tech remained the dominant driver of M&A activity in the South East, with tech-related transactions comprising 82% of total M&A activity in 2024, a sharp rise from 48% in 2023. This demonstrates that the South East is still on track to becoming a ‘hub’ for technology companies as many firms move out of London.• Domestic corporate buyers dominate South East M&A activity in 2024: In 2024, domestic investors dominated M&A activity involving high-growth companies in the South East, representing 82.4% of transactions, an increase from 80.8% in 2023. In contrast, in a year dominated by key elections worldwide, US investment experienced a decline, accounting for only 4.1% of deals in 2024 – decreasing from 5.6% in 2023.
Rebecca Glazebrook, Corporate Partner at Cripps, comments: "In 2024, the South East demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, solidifying its position as a key hub for M&A activity in the UK. The anticipation of tax changes drove significant deal activity, and at Cripps, we saw this firsthand, completing over 22 deals in October alone. Looking ahead, the region is well-placed for continued growth in 2025, supported by a strong US economy, government incentives for tech innovation, and sustained interest from both trade buyers and private equity investors.”
“At Cripps, we are committed to supporting the ambitions of businesses in the South East, providing expert guidance on expansion options, whether through debt, equity finance, M&A activity, or international expansion.”
To access the full report, please visit https://cripps.foleon.com/ma-report/south-east-ma-barometer-2025/.
