The Energy & Utilities sector operates at the intersection of tech advancements and regulatory complexities. The increasing urgency for sustainable energy solutions and the challenges of transitions continue, keeping the industry in flux and offering unique, time-sensitive opportunities for those with access to the right advice at the right moment.
At IMAP we use our deep understanding of industry trends, specialist regulatory experience, and invaluable international connections to give our clients an exclusive advantage in this rapidly changing and highly profitable sector.
2024 recorded 1,750 deals, marking a decline from 2,592 transactions in 2023 due to economic uncertainty.
The median transaction value in 2024 was €17M, aligning with the trend of mid-market acquisitions.
85% of completed transactions involved majority stake acquisitions, while 15% were minority deals, asset purchases, or spinoffs.
North America and Europe dominated M&A activity, contributing to 83% of total deal volume between 2019 and 2024.
The US (45%) led transaction volumes, followed by the UK (9%), China (4%), France (4%), and Germany (4%).
Cross-border transactions accounted for 30% of total activity, while 70% remained domestic.
Strategic buyers dominated the space, accounting for 80% of all transactions.
Financial buyers (20%) have maintained a steady presence, focusing on larger assets with an average deal size of €85M, compared to €17M for strategic buyers.
Private Equity (PE) activity remains robust, with 52% of European PE fundraising coming from the UK & Ireland in FY23.
The industrial sector remains a cornerstone of global M&A activity, recording over:
combined reported value exceeding
€580 billion.
Industrial M&A continues to evolve amid shifting economic conditions, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid technological change. Although deal volumes have fluctuated, investor appetite, particularly within the mid-market, remains strong.
Higher interest rates and inflationary pressures contributed to a decline in total deal value, from:
Geopolitical instability has introduced caution among investors, leading to slower deal flow compared to previous years.
Mid-sized transactions now dominate industrial M&A, reflecting investor focus on strategic growth opportunities and operational synergies that deliver faster value creation.
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