BDO advises on over £1.2 billion worth of deals across the Midlands and East of England in first half of 2026
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 12 August 2026
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has advised on 41 deals across the Midlands and East of England in the first half of 2026, with a combined value of over £1.2 billion.
During H1, across the Midlands and East of England, BDO’s Deal Advisory teams advised on 24 buy-side and 17 sell-side deals. Just over half of all transactions (24 deals, 59%) involved private equity, with a further 14 deals (34%) involving corporate/trade. Three deals were capital markets related.
Deal activity spanned 10 sectors, including industrials, technology, aerospace & defence, business/professional services, life sciences & healthcare, transport & logistics, financial services and real estate.
Vinod Patel, Partner, Deal Advisory – Transaction Services - said:
“In the first half of the year, M&A activity in the Midlands and East of England has reflected wider UK trends, demonstrating resilience despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop.
“Higher interest rates, inflationary pressures and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty initially dampened activity with overall market conditions remaining mixed. The market has since adjusted and this has contributed to a degree of stability, and a modest increase in deal flow, regionally and nationally. Overall, this suggests a gradual improvement in confidence among buyers and sellers.”
He added:
“The diversity of the economy across the regions has helped to maintain a steady flow of M&A activity. Core sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology, and professional services, have continued to attract both strategic and financial buyers. This breadth has proved crucial in sustaining deal flow, as many industries continue to face cyclical or cost-related pressures.”
Standout BDO deals across the Midlands and East of England in the first half of the year include: the management buy-out of K.B. Event backed by H2 Equity Partners; the sale of Anochrome Group to Endless LLP; Radiocoms’ management buy-out backed by Total Capital; investment in Rapid Energy by Baird Capital; Higgs LLP’s acquisition of Vialex backed August Equity; LDC’s investment in Eagle Eye Innovations; the acquisition of Cambridge-based Blue Scientific by Belgium-based Aptco; Frasers Group Plc’s acquisition of York and East Midlands Designer Outlets; and the transfer from AIM to Main Market for Mortgage Advice Bureau Plc.
Roger Buckley, Partner, Deal Advisory – Mergers & Acquisitions - added:
“Mid-market transactions have been the backbone of activity across the regions. Strategic acquirers (UK and international) have continued to pursue bolt-on acquisitions, often targeting complementary capabilities, geographic expansion or operational efficiencies. At the same time, private equity investors have remained active, though with a sharper focus on asset quality than in previous years. Businesses demonstrating strong margins, recurring revenues and clear growth potential have commanded the greatest interest.”
He concluded:
“The last six months have marked a period of transition for the M&A market. After a phase of uncertainty, we are now experiencing a gradual recovery. The recent uptick in activity at BDO highlights growing confidence and improved market alignment.
“As the political landscape continues to evolve and tax considerations come into sharper focus, the year ahead is likely to present both opportunities and urgency. For owner-managers, early preparation and engagement are more important than ever and will be key to navigating a more active and increasingly competitive M&A environment.”
