Following a period of reduced activity, the M&A and private equity markets are showing strong signs of recovery. In this video, Simon examines current market conditions and explores why 2025 could be the breakthrough year for dealmaking that many have been waiting for.

At Scaled, we’re seeing growing interest from both buyers and sellers across the market. Business owners are increasingly exploring exit opportunities, motivated by stronger revenue pipelines, more resilient operations, and in many cases, a desire to move on after several demanding years. On the other side of the table, acquirers, including private equity firms, are actively seeking quality opportunities, driven by significant capital reserves and limited deal flow in recent quarters.

Sellers Regain Confidence as Multiples Hold Firm

What’s clear is that M&A activity is no longer reserved for a select few verticals. Multiples are trending upward across sectors – particularly for well-built, service-based businesses. At Scaled, we’ve seen agency businesses secure valuations of 10x EBITDA or more, while companies with £750K to £1.3M EBITDA are consistently achieving 6-8x, provided they’re built with the right foundations.

The market rewards businesses with strong fundamentals, clean operations and clear growth potential. And for many owners, 2025 could represent an ideal window to realise that value.

Buy-and-Build Remains a Powerful Growth Strategy

For acquirers, the opportunity to create value through arbitrage remains compelling. Buying smaller businesses at lower multiples, integrating them effectively, and then exiting at a higher multiple is a proven strategy – especially in fragmented industries. With PE firms holding record levels of dry powder and seeking strategic acquisitions, there is a clear demand for well-positioned businesses ready for scale.

We continue to advise clients on both sides of the transaction – working with PE firms to identify acquisition opportunities and supporting founders preparing to go to market. What’s evident across the board is a surge in inbound interest for quality businesses and a renewed urgency to transact.

Demystifying M&A for Founders

Despite the opportunity, many founders still view M&A as a complex or inaccessible path. That’s where Scaled plays a crucial role – bridging the gap between ambition and execution. The process can be intimidating, particularly for founders unfamiliar with corporate finance or private equity language, but with the right guidance, it becomes a clear and navigable journey.

Whether a business is being built to sell, considering acquisitions to drive growth, or simply exploring future strategic options, now is the time to start the conversation.

Looking Ahead

2025 will be a landmark year for M&A and we can already see this reflected in live market activity. For founders and leadership teams considering their next move – be it growth, exit, or acquisition – there has rarely been a better time to engage with the market.

For organisations interested in deeper insights, Scaled will be hosting webinars and roundtables in the coming months to explore these trends in more detail.

To discuss how these developments might apply to your business, or to explore support for your M&A strategy, get in touch here.

Now is the time to think bigger. Let’s scale.