Deal-making down, but floats rising

Whilst the stalemate in Brexit negotiations appears to have dampened appetites for deal-making in the City, the IPO market seems to be unfazed.

According to Thomson Reuters, September proved the quietest month for deal-making in three years, with just 149 takeovers of British firms totalling £4.7 billion – two-thirds of last September’s total.

However, city analysts have reported an increase in the number of firms looking to list, as buoyant markets start to spur domestic and international demand and more business leaders come to terms with Britain’s unexpected decision to leave the EU.

12 companies listed on the FTSE 100 in the past quarter, compared with just three over the same period last year. AIM also saw a rebound in recent months, with 15 company flotations in the third quarter of this year, compared to just six in the same quarter of 2016.

At Beavis Morgan, we provide specialised services to a range of business sectors including acting as the reporting accountant on IPOs and leading financial due diligence teams reporting to private equity houses, banks and corporate entities. We have also acted on a significant number of M&A deals for SME and owner-managed businesses and are able to assist in both the buying and selling of businesses.

Our strong corporate finance and advisory offering, as well as our understanding of priorities for all stakeholders in the often challenging sale process, positions us well to assist in both the buying and selling of businesses.

For further information about how we can help you achieve your business ambitions, contact Paul Ashton or your usual Beavis Morgan Partner.