While 2024 saw subdued activity overall, the January edition of UK Private Company Director features Jim Keeling’s insights on how the M&A Market might shape up in 2025.

Business owners now know the full scale of the challenges from the first Labour Budget in 15 years. But for anyone considering a sale of their company, the good news is that the feared changes to Capital Gains Tax have largely not materialised – for now, at least.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the re-election of Donald Trump – the self-proclaimed master deal maker – could spark increased interest from American buyers. A strong dollar and the pound’s recent weakness make UK businesses particularly attractive acquisition prospects.

And while 2024 drew to a fairly quiet close for UK private company M&A activity, those of us in the thick of it saw a market alive with opportunities for well-prepared businesses. Encouragingly, market sentiment is improving, with more participants expecting an increase in business sales this year. As we look ahead, a cautious but positive resurgence seems likely.

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