UK M&A deals on the rise as Manchester lawyer hails signs of North West momentum
New figures from the Office for National Statistics show a rise in mergers and acquisitions across the UK between April and June, and one of Manchester’s leading corporate lawyers says the North West is poised to benefit.
Commenting on the data from the ONS, Karen Procter, Corporate Partner at Knights in Manchester, said her team has already seen a notable increase in client activity this year, with buyers and sellers showing more willingness to progress deals.
Karen says, “Over the last year or so, those of us advising on North-west mid-market deals have been acutely aware of a build-up of momentum.
“We’re told the funding is available; we know there remains a massive appetite for innovative businesses and new technologies, and PE houses are under pressure to realise returns for their investors. Yet deals have continually been held back or moved unusually slowly. Are we finally seeing the long-awaited upswing in activity?
“Latest ONS data shows that the number of completed UK mergers and acquisitions increased in Q2 (April to June) 2025. The combined number of M&A deals in the period was 501; this is 89 more than during Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2025 (412).
“The trends we’ve seen with our clients at Knights reflect the latest results in the ONS data released today. Corporate Clients have built up cash reserves, and we are having talks with them about restarting strategic acquisition plans. Meanwhile, we’ve seen an unprecedented number of auctions and sale processes over the summer, which is setting things up for a busy Q3.
“Those considering selling are beginning to see greater confidence in their valuations and are encouraged to kick-start their processes ahead of budget reforms and ongoing uncertainties around the future taxation landscape.
“Overall, we think it’s safe to be optimistic about the remainder of 2025 and lots of deal activity to look forward to in 2026. There are plenty of acquisitive buyers now actively seeking targets, and previously hesitant sellers are now putting themselves out there. But all of us M&A advisers in the region will need to continue to monitor fluctuating economic conditions and changes of government policy that could either be the wind beneath the wings of this fledgling recovery or bump us back down to earth.”
With 1,350 professionals working collaboratively across 32 offices nationwide, Knights is ranked within the top 50 UK law firms by revenue, providing multiple services to business clients alongside premium advisory services to private individuals.