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Jun 2025 | Customer intelligence | Marketing Solutions

Download the latest M&A review for Q1 2025

As a key partner to the M&A and equity capital markets, Experian publishes regular reports on M&A activity in the UK. This is compiled using data from Experian MarketIQ, which reveals new layers of market insight by combining our global M&A database with comprehensive Companies House data and our market leading business, financial and risk databases. The reports cover UK M&A activity with commentary on trends and values in the market plus regional advisor league tables.

Experian MarketIQ is the essential market intelligence platform for any organisation or professional involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or requiring direct access to comprehensive and high-quality business and financial data.

MarketIQ report thumbnailDespite expectations of a global M&A surge following the inauguration of the new US administration, the UK market began 2025 with a more measured pace.

Transaction volume declined 24% year-on-year to 1,306 – the lowest since mid-2020 – while aggregate deal value fell 40% to £40bn. However, this figure was underpinned by a series of high-profile megadeals and sustained overseas interest, signalling continued investor confidence. Inward investment rose by 11%, led by global bidders such as KKR, Stonepeak, Brookfield, and Meiji Yasuda, driving transformative acquisitions across real estate, healthcare, and energy. The private equity landscape remained active, with a 17% increase in buy-out activity and a 5% rise in PE-backed deal value to £11.5bn, even as early-stage funding moderated.

Sectorally, technology, media, and telecoms (TMT) continued to lead the market, driven by rapid advancements in AI and digital transformation – particularly in software development. The mining and health sectors also posted year-on-year growth, while real estate saw a 340% surge in value, bolstered by landmark transactions such as the Ministry of Defence’s £6bn acquisition of military housing. Overall, the UK remains an attractive destination for strategic and financial investors, with high-value activity laying the groundwork for renewed momentum in the mid-market segment in the months ahead.

Mergers and Acquisitions review – Q1 2025

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