Appetite returns
BDO's latest annual mid-market M&A
survey shows some interesting results. The CEOs and FDs polled gave
an overall picture of a market where appetite for deals was keen,
although potential activity was reduced in practice by the difference
in outlook between buyers and sellers.
Key findings included:
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• 55% of companies that sought to make a transaction in the last 12 months failed to do so.
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• On average one transaction has been completed for every eight considered in the last 24 months.
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• Encouragingly, however, 84% of businesses believe that their mergers and acquisitions in the same period have met or exceeded expectations.
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• Acquisitions are being sought as drivers for growth; 85% of respondents have growth targets in excess of inflation, with over a quarter [28%] targeting turnover growth of over 25%.
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• Acquisitions are part of business strategy for three quarters of companies [76%], with particular desire amongst publicly quoted and Private Equity backed companies.
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• 54% of companies looking to make acquisitions consider diversification into a new sector as a focus, with 25% highlighting TMT as the most attractive.
- Roger Buckley, Partner, BDO LLP commented: “In the midst of these turbulent market conditions, it is encouraging to see that the majority of companies are actively looking to grow, rather than simply remain afloat.
“The survey results show that there is a high degree of optimism and ambition in the market which is expected to drive future M&A. By using readily comparable data, based on metrics adjusted for accounting items, potential acquirers are better able to ascertain the value of their target and whether it fits the acquisition profile that they are looking for. The senior management, who take the care necessary to correctly evaluate the opportunities, would appear to be 'getting it right.' Such ambitious growth targets might be achievable after all.
“Obviously challenges remain. With many companies sitting on cash, there is less pressure to make divestments and it is clear a ‘valuation gap’ exists between buyers, who are targeting acquisitions for growth purposes and sellers, who are in no rush; vendor price expectations have been the greatest hurdle for acquisitive businesses, but financing, processes and finding opportunities are also significant.”
Other findings included:
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• More than a third of companies [37%] are anticipating making divestments as the market recovers, with most of these expecting to do so in the next two years.
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• Of those companies considering divestments six in ten [59%] believe that valuations will stay the same over the next 12 months, and the same proportion [59%] think they will increase after this point.
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• 85% of companies consult their non-executive directors in the consideration process for M&A activity, with almost a third of companies (32%) giving them full involvement throughout the transaction including the assessment, approval and sign-off process.
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• Over seven in ten acquisitive companies [71%] will look to advisers to source deals.
Roger Buckley continued: “There is evidence to suggest that companies looking to divest are expecting to become more comfortable with valuations in the next year, which should help with supply. However, increased supply does not necessarily translate into value for money for potential acquirers. This explains why the views of advisers and non-executive directors are increasingly being sought, with companies appreciating the value of independent opinion in getting the deal right.”
