Some 55% of companies that sought to make a transaction in the last 12 months failed to do so, according to BDO’s annul M&A survey, which polls the views of CEOs and Financial Directors of mid-market companies.
The survey fund that on average one transaction has been completed for every eight considered in the last 24 months, while 84% of businesses believe that mergers and acquisitions they have completed over the last 24 months have met or exceeded expectations.
In addition, 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%.
Acquisitions meanwhile, are part of business strategy for three quarters of companies [76%], with a particular desire amongst publicly quoted and Private Equity backed companies. Of the companies looking to make acquisitions, 54% consider diversification into a new sector as a focus, with 25% highlighting TMT as the most attractive.
Roger Buckley, Partner, BDO LLP says: “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. 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.
“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.”
