When business owners start planning their exit, they often picture selling to a trade buyer — a competitor, a strategic acquirer, or a larger company in the same sector. And while trade sales remain an important part of the M&A landscape, our data tells a very different story.

At EvolutionCBS, 66% of the transactions we’ve completed over the past three years have involved private equity investment — either as the primary buyer or as part of a broader buy-and-build growth strategy. Even more importantly, 50% of those deals included a partial fundraise or equity rollover for our clients.

If you’re a business owner in the £5m–£50m EV range, understanding how private equity operates — and why they are so active — could transform your exit strategy and significantly increase your final return.

1. The Rise of Private Equity in UK M&A

Private equity (PE) has become a driving force in the UK mid-market. With record levels of “dry powder” (uninvested capital) and mounting pressure to deploy funds, PE firms are actively seeking well-run, profitable businesses to add to their portfolios.

They’re not just looking for acquisitions — they’re looking for platforms: scalable, well-managed businesses that can serve as a foundation for future growth. If your company fits that profile, the chances are high that you’ll attract interest from private equity investors.

2. More Capital, More Options

One of the biggest advantages of a PE deal is flexibility. Unlike many trade buyers, private equity investors are often willing to structure deals in ways that suit your long-term goals.

This might include:

• Partial exits — allowing you to take significant capital off the table while retaining a stake.
• Equity rollovers — giving you the opportunity to share in future value growth when the business is sold again, often at a higher multiple.
• Growth capital — enabling rapid expansion through acquisitions, new markets, or product development.

With this kind of structure, owners can “de-risk” their wealth today while remaining part of the company’s future success.

3. Strategic Growth: More Than Just a Sale

Private equity investors don’t just buy businesses — they build them. They typically operate on a 3–7 year investment horizon, with a clear goal: grow enterprise value and exit at a significantly higher multiple.

That means they bring:

• Strategic guidance and board-level expertise
• Investment in infrastructure, systems, and people
• Support for bolt-on acquisitions and international expansion

For many business owners, partnering with PE can turn a single transaction into a multi-stage wealth creation opportunity.

4. Proven Success: Why Our Clients Choose PE

Our experience and network make this possible. Since our founding in 2011, we’ve completed over 360 successful transactions worth more than £2bn, delivering an average of 9.5x adjusted EBITDA (11.1x pre-adjusted) for our clients.

We achieve this through our Premium Guided Service model, investing an average of 1,500 hours on every client project. And with a success rate approaching 80%, we consistently deliver outcomes that exceed expectations.

We also maintain one of the UK’s largest buyer networks — over 2,800 active relationships with financial investors, private equity funds, corporate acquirers, lawyers, accountants, wealth managers, and advisors. This reach ensures that your opportunity is seen by the most relevant, motivated buyers on the market.

5. What This Means for You
   

If you’re considering selling your business, private equity should not be an afterthought — it should be a central part of your exit planning. With the right preparation, positioning, and advisory support, a PE transaction can:

• Maximise valuation and deal terms
• Provide flexible exit structures
• Deliver a “second bite of the cherry”
• Accelerate business growth post-sale

At EvolutionCBS, we know how to position your business to attract the right investors, negotiate favourable terms, and turn buyer competition into enhanced value.

If you’re considering selling your business in the next 12–24 months, now is the time to start building competitive interest. The earlier you plan, the stronger your position when you go to market.

fraser.hodgkiss@evolutioncbs.co.uk
www.evolutioncbs.co.uk
07957 834506
0118 959 8224

*******************************************

If you would like a no-obligation consultation on the sale of your business or would like to discuss our Business Valuation Service, click here.

As a long-established premium provider of business sale advisory services to UK businesses, EvolutionCBS offers business owners a complimentary and confidential discussion on how their specific objectives could be met and provides them with pragmatic, practical advice on how to begin preparing both themselves and their businesses for future sale or investment.

EvolutionCBS works with owners of UK businesses in any sector, finding buyers from around the world through highly targeted research and supporting clients with dedicated Director-led teams, at every stage of their journey to a successful sale or investment, we boast a market leading success rate with 14 year average above 75%.

If you are an owner or shareholder of a business and would like a no-obligation consultation on the sale of all or part of your business, please email: info@evolutioncbs.co.uk or contact us on Tel: 0118 959 8224.