The Surge in M&A Activity — What Does It Mean for the Channel?

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.