Yorkshire's Investment Landscape: Reflecting on 2024 and Navigating 2025 with insights from Paul Mann, Head of EMEA Private Equity at Squire Patton Boggs
This article explores key trends in Yorkshire’s investment landscape, highlighting M&A activity, private equity growth, and evolving market dynamics, while providing insights for navigating 2025.
Yorkshire's Investment Landscape: Reflecting on 2024 and Navigating 2025 with insights from Paul Mann, Head of EMEA Private Equity at Squire Patton Boggs
This article explores key trends in Yorkshire’s investment landscape, highlighting M&A activity, private equity growth, and evolving market dynamics, while providing insights for navigating 2025.
Yorkshire's Investment Landscape: Reflecting on 2024 and Navigating 2025 with Strategic Insight
In 2024, Yorkshire's investment environment demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, reinforcing its significance within the UK's economic framework. As we progress through 2025, early indicators suggest a continuation of this trend, albeit with nuanced shifts that warrant attention.
M&A - A Year of Notable Activity
The year 2024 saw approximately 115 M&A transactions in Yorkshire, reflecting a dynamic yet cautious market. This number aligns with the broader national trend of steady deal activity but emphasises that Yorkshire continues to attract investment despite broader economic uncertainties.
This uptick in M&A transactions shows a clear pattern: Yorkshire’s businesses are being increasingly targeted by national and international players, reflecting confidence in the region’s economic stability and growth potential
Private Equity and Venture Capital : Sustained Investment Amidst Global Challenges
In 2024, private equity investments in Yorkshire reached £8.6 billion, marking a 4.1% year-on-year growth. This growth highlights the region's enduring appeal to investors seeking stable returns amid global economic uncertainties.
However, venture capital activity exhibited fluctuations, with the final quarter seeing £30 million in investments—a 25% decrease from the previous quarter. This decline suggests a cautious approach from investors amid global uncertainties.
MBOs/MBIs: Empowering Local Leadership
MBOs and MBIs have remained pivotal in Yorkshire's corporate landscape. The region also witnessed a significant number of management buyouts and buy-ins, with over 25 MBOs/MBIs completed in 2024. These transactions empower local management teams, fostering innovation and sustained growth, and reflect a healthy and active market for business leadership transitions.
CFO Appointments: Navigating Change with Strategic Leadership
Over 300 CFOs were appointed across the region in 2024, reflecting the critical role of financial stewardship in navigating complex deals and driving business success. In 2025, the CFO market has remained stable, with approximately 45 CFO appointments from December to February . This stability indicates a steady demand for financial leadership amidst evolving market conditions.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Outlook for 2025
As we advance through 2025, Yorkshire's investment community remains vigilant yet optimistic. The past year's activities underscore a landscape rich with opportunities, tempered by the need for strategic caution. For investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, the coming year offers a canvas to build on past successes, learn from challenges, and continue driving Yorkshire's legacy of innovation and resilience.
“Activity levels in Yorkshire remain high and appetite seems to be there for the right business to get growth and further funding, including on the public markets. With so much regulatory change, in particular in Europe, together with the new administration in the US, businesses are exploring opportunities and how they can continue to grow their businesses whilst navigating the changes. Add this to the cycle of the strong PE investments that were made in 2020 through to 2022, many of which will have an eye on the next exit or bolt-on opportunities in 2025, it feels like a great platform for strong transactional and investment activity as the year continues.” Paul Mann, Head of EMEA Private Equity at Squire Patton Boggs.
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