M&A in the channel: Who’s at it, what’s causing it, and what does all the PE investment mean for partners?

Christine Horton, Contributing Editor

March 3, 2022

6 Slides

We’re witnessing a record volume of tech M&A activity throughout the world, but particularly in EMEA. Fuelled by a tidal wave of private equity (PE) money, it’s a trend likely to continue.

In 2021, more than a third of all technology exits in Europe were private equity-funded investors rather than corporate acquirers. According to tech-focused investment bank ICON Corporate Finance, that’s an increase of 38% on 2020, and almost three times as much as in 2015.

Recent examples in Europe include TA Associates’ $2 billion-plus acquisition of the Dutch enterprise software firm Unit4 NV, as well as the majority buy-out of Irish Fintech unicorn Fenergo by PE funds Bridgepoint and Astorg.

Growth capital and buy-out firms have never faced more competition as significant numbers of funds actively seek tech opportunities in Europe, creating a sellers’ market for high-quality businesses. Indeed, two-thirds of UK CEOs plan to accelerate M&A in 2022.

In the slideshow above, tech leaders share their thoughts on what’s behind the M&A activity, and how partners can capitalize on the trend.

Want to contact the author directly about this story? Have ideas for a follow-up article? Email Christine Horton or connect with her on LinkedIn.

 

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About the Author(s)

Christine Horton

Contributing Editor, Channel Futures

Christine Horton writes about all kinds of technology from a business perspective. Specializing in the IT sales channel, she is a former editor and now regular contributor to leading channel and business publications. She has a particular focus on EMEA for Channel Futures.

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