UK Private Equity and M&A in 2025: What We Saw and What Comes Next
2025 was a year of adjustment for UK Private Equity and M&A. Deal volumes eased from 2024, but activity never stopped. Together, we navigated a changing market with confidence.
Vista remained right at the centre of it. In the second half of the year alone, we supported 105 transactions, spanning sectors shaping the future, from AI and tech to healthcare and renewables.
The way deals were done evolved too. Earn-outs and retained stakes became key tools for bridging valuation gaps. Transactions were typically smaller and took longer to complete, reflecting a more cautious, selective approach. Even so, private equity held its ground, and inbound interest from the US and Europe stayed strong.
What stood out in H2 2025?
Cautious momentum
Economic uncertainty slowed mega-deals, but fundamentals remained solid. The pipeline heading into 2026 looks encouraging.
Sector hotspots
AI, education, healthcare, cyber, defence and renewables continued to attract the most attention.
Global interest
Strong inbound activity from the US, Sweden, Ireland and France underlined the UK’s ongoing appeal.
A word from our CEO
Gavin Ruben, CEO of Vista Insurance Brokers, comments:
“Thank you to our partners for the trust and collaboration throughout 2025. If we haven’t worked together yet, we’d welcome the opportunity to show you why Vista is the UK’s busiest and most trusted independent M&A insurance due diligence provider.”
Want the full picture?
Download our latest Deal Round-Up to see the trends, sectors and transactions shaping the year, and where the next opportunities are likely to emerge.
