Azets Corporate Finance deals up nearly 40% year-on-year
In the year to 30 June 2025, our UK Corporate Finance team advised on 37% more completed deals, closing a total of 141 disclosed transactions – 38 more than in the last financial year.
Lee Humble, Head of Corporate Finance, said: “Our teams across the UK have delivered a tremendous volume of deals in what has been one of the most turbulent periods for mergers & acquisitions (M&A) for many years.
“National and international political changes, fiscal realignment, ongoing global disruption and general volatility have all affected the market, but we’ve continued to advise on and close deals despite this and have managed to achieve on average 70% of funds on completion for our clients.”
“We are determined to build on this momentum as we come into the final months of this calendar year – and have an exciting pipeline for this period and beyond.”
Sector and transaction trends
- The largest amount of deals in FY25 came from the manufacturing, professional services and construction industries, closely followed by the healthcare and technology sectors.
- The most common transaction type was acquisitions (53), with disposals (47) a close second.
- The team also noted an increase of 29% in Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transactions and a notable increase in debt-led transactions.
On EOTs, Lee Humble said: “Employee Ownership Trusts have been becoming increasingly popular since they were introduced 11 years ago – and this year’s figures show that popularity is continuing to rise.
“This kind of transaction provides a useful means of succession planning and allows those who have helped a business become successful to take it over and drive it forward.
“That’s what’s at the heart of a good deal: both parties being complementary and well-aligned so the end result is right for the business – whether that’s growth, diversification, market entry or market exit.”
For more information on our Corporate Finance services, visit our dedicated page.
