Gambit Corporate Finance’s Human Capital M&A Market Review demonstrates a resurgence in M&A deal values and volumes to their highest levels in eight years, providing optimism for the remainder of 2024 as the global economy continues to show signs of recovery.
Key Points in Focus:
- Human Capital average deal values increased by 178.3% from H223 to H124 as acquirors continue to seek quality assets within the Human Capital sector, servicing a broader range of end-markets as the global economy continues to recover.
- The UK has once again solidified its position as a significant force in the Human Capital M&A market, with the UK representing 11.5% of global M&A activity in H124.
- EV/EBITDA multiples for publicly traded recruiters have demonstrated sustained and stable growth as confidence in the sector from international investors increases, with multiples increasing by 5.5% from H223 to H124.
- Although M&A activity in the sector reached eight-year highs in H124, anticipation of further interest rate cuts will encourage a new wave of activity including a return of Private Equity investing in the Human Capital sector, with the UK remaining at the forefront.
- As sectors typically exhibiting high levels of cyclicality continue to recover and exhibit growth, acquirors are broadening their horizons and appetite is increasing for a broader range of sub-sector leaders.
- With expectations of an increase in Capital Gains Tax to take effect early 2025, Human Capital business owners should focus on enhancing KPIs and driving increased profitability to attract multinational acquirors during the next wave of consolidation in the sector.
To read the full report, click here.
