Why is the current UK economy great for distressed M&A deals?
High energy costs and inflation make a perfect storm for more deals. The effects of the pandemic, plus less help from the government, add to this. Sectors hit hard include retail, manufacturing, and healthcare, making them ripe for investment.
The Burges Salmon advisory team stresses quick action is key. They advise favouring asset deals over share sales. This way, buyers can avoid certain liabilities and make more from the deals.
Interested buyers should look into pension and legal issues first. They also need to do their homework well and be smart about any restructuring plans. This approach can turn distressed businesses into golden opportunities.
Investors in the know are ready to jump on these chances. Having the right legal and financial advice is critical. It turns a good opportunity into a winning move.
The Current UK Economic Climate and Its Impact on Distressed M&A
The UK’s current economic state has varying energy costs and growing inflation. This mix makes distressed M&A both a challenge and an opportunity. Although the pandemic in 2020 didn’t create many distressed M&A chances, some businesses face tough times due to supply chain issues, few workers, and high borrowing costs. These conditions are perfect for those exploring the distressed M&A market.
Sectors like retail and hospitality are hit hard, with shops and restaurants fighting to survive. The energy industry also adds risk for investors. As the economic future remains unclear, companies in trouble must carefully consider their financial status, preparing for potential insolvency.
The scene is also affected by high interest rates, which have been a big issue for over 20 years. These rates raise the cost of borrowing, putting extra strain on many businesses. In 2023, the healthcare field, along with retail and real estate, saw many bankruptcies and restructurings. This turmoil creates a ripe environment for those looking for distressed M&A opportunities and can meet the challenge with capital and a smart strategy.
The legal framework plays a key role in distressed M&A dealings. With laws like the National Security and Investment Act, making sure to follow rules exactly is vital. The number of companies going insolvent in England and Wales is at a high not seen since 2009. The situation worsened due to the end of government support after the pandemic, increased debts, and the rise in interest rates.
In the process of buying or selling in distressed M&A situations, checks and due diligence might be shorter. Sellers might not have all the info buyers need. This means buyers must carefully balance value against potential risks. Today, smart and quick decision-making, plus good planning, is crucial for success in the distressed M&A world.
Market Climate for Distressed M&A Transactions
The UK’s market for distressed M&A deals is seeing a big jump in activity. This is powered by factors like the ongoing pandemic and the end of government aid. Strategic buyers are looking to restructure or sell non-essential parts of their business. At the same time, financial investors with a lot of money are ready to jump on good opportunities.
Changes in how loans are given out are also playing a big role. Economic factors, like high inflation and increasing interest rates, have made the lending landscape tough but competitive. This is good news for deals that are smartly structured. Certain sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and technology, are showing more signs of distress. This opens up chances for buying assets at a good value.
In the current market, buyers face more risks as there’s less time for thorough checks and sellers are offering fewer promises. This means buyers have to be smart in how they approach these deals. They might need to change the deal price, delay some payments, or use special insurance. Sellers, on the other hand, want deals to go through smoothly. They work to avoid clauses that might allow the buyer to back out.
Legally, the UK has a well-set path for these kinds of deals under the Insolvency Act 1986 and the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020. Those wanting to buy businesses must work with officials like the UK Competition and Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority. They make sure everything is done legally and ethically.
Key Considerations in Distressed M&A Deals
Distressed M&A deals are unique, needing a sharp eye on many factors. There’s been a big increase in these deals for 2023. This increase is because of tough economic times and challenges in moving goods. Factors like tight deadlines, not much information, and few guarantees affect these deals.
Choosing how to structure a deal in distressed M&A is key. Buyers usually prefer buying just the assets, not the whole company. This means they can pick the best bits without the bad debts. It’s hard to figure out who owes what, making deals tricky.
In distressed deals, checking things out properly is full of risks. Often, there’s not enough financial info to be sure. This means buyers have to be super careful and smart about how they deal with risks. They might use things like Warranty and Indemnity (W&I) insurance to help.
Deals must also pass strict checks by authorities. Some, like the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), make sure the deal is fair and legal. Also, laws like the National Security and Investment Act 2021 must be followed. Starting these checks early can avoid problems later.
The UK might see more distressed M&A deals soon, especially in some key sectors. Rising energy prices and inflation are big reasons for this. Being quick with a solid plan and money ready can make a buyer stand out.
Yet, there are risks even after a deal is done. Sellers might want their deal reviewed if they think they sold too cheap. Good deal planning, thorough checking, and clever risk management are vital for success in these deals.
Preferred Structures for Distressed M&A Transactions
In the UK, the number of distressed M&A transactions is likely to increase. This rise is due to higher energy costs and inflation. These issues are causing recessions in various markets. The preferred way to structure these deals changes depending on how financially troubled the businesses are.
For businesses with a lot of debt and little value, buyers prefer asset deals. This way, buyers can pick and choose valuable parts without taking on the debts.
As the economy faces challenges, some buyers are planning to sell non-essential parts of their business. This will likely reduce the number of buyers looking to make deals. However, financial investors who have a lot of money are ready to buy. They will be active in buying distressed companies. This includes companies in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and more.
There are different ways to structure distressed M&A transactions. They can be run as if the company is still solvent or through insolvency procedures. A key strategy is buying the debts of distressed companies at a discount. This lets the buyer have a big say in how the company is restructured. So, buying debt is an important part of these deals.
There will be more restructurings and similar actions moving into 2023. To make a successful deal, buyers will face challenges. These include less time for checks on the company and fewer promises from the seller. Liquidators could also question the deal if they think it’s unfair to debtors. This all means buyers need to plan very carefully and execute their deal well within tight deadlines.
The best way to structure a distressed M&A transaction depends on the situation. It’s important to plan with a clear strategy for the specific industry’s problems. This ensures issues like pension rights, regulation, and jobs are handled well. In a tough economy, these structures can help businesses maintain or grow their value.
Due Diligence and Warranty Considerations
Many experts predict more distressed business sales in the UK after Autumn. This is mostly because of the long-lasting effects of the pandemic. Also, the support from the Government is decreasing. So, doing thorough research before buying a company is vital. However, finding all the needed information and time is hard. This makes it very challenging.
Buying only the assets is better in these difficult sales. It helps reduce the risks and debts that the buyer takes on. Still, not having full access to important documents and data is a big issue. This makes deciding on warranties very important. Buyers might see that the warranties offered are very basic. They likely won’t address specific risks unique to the business.
To lessen risks, it’s smart to look into getting Indemnity insurance. This can be a traditional or ‘synthetic’ Warranty and Indemnity (W&I) insurance. With these, if there’s a warranty problem, the insurance steps in. This adds another layer of protection, making deals stronger. But, synthetic W&I insurance needs more research upfront. It can cost more, but it makes buyers feel more secure.
Dealing well with the challenges of little information and short time is key to a good deal. Acting early with a smart plan can make a big difference. It helps buyers be more informed. This way, they can make acquisitions that bring true value.
Regulatory Issues in Distressed M&A
In the world of distressed M&A, following the rules is very important. Companies have to be careful with competition law. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) watches closely. Since the pandemic started, the CMA looks at business mergers more critically. It means companies need to check the rules very early in the deal.
Now, there’s a global push to keep things less global. This change affects deals that cross borders, especially in healthcare and security. The NSI Act 2021 lets authorities look into deals that might harm the UK’s security. It’s important for all investors, both local and from abroad, to know and handle these rules when thinking about buying struggling businesses.
When businesses are in trouble, the team managing them faces hard times. They might not have much money and could worry about breaking the law. It’s crucial they sort things out quickly to stop the business from getting worse. This makes dealing with rules even more of a challenge.
There are ways to help in these tough situations. The law offers ways to deal with money problems, like pre-pack deals and certain debt collections. Using these tools can help keep a business worth buying. It’s vital to know the UK’s rules well, including those about competition and who can invest. This knowledge is key to making these deals work.
Board Considerations and Restructuring Tools
Running a struggling company means board decisions are very important. This is especially true when there’s a risk of insolvency. Directors have more duties now, thanks to the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020.
This act started a new Moratorium to help companies in trouble have time to think. Insolvency rates in England and Wales are at their highest since 2009, showing why it’s so important to manage these situations well.
When buying a struggling business, knowing about certain tools can help a lot. For example, using pre-packaged administrations and Scheme of Arrangements can increase the business’s value. The government has looked into sales like these in the past, seeing their effects on buyers.
But, even with tools like these, selling a company quickly is not easy. It’s vital for buyers to understand the company’s financial structure to make sure everyone involved gets fair value. The number of distressed company sales in October 2023 highlights how important quick, well-informed decisions are in these situations.
Directors need to keep good records, look at future cash flow, and be good at talking to those involved. This is to avoid getting into trouble with how they treat debts. Using these tools well can help companies get through hard times, keeping their value strong.
Opportunities in Key Sectors
After Brexit, the UK’s market is changing a lot. Now, there are more chances to invest in certain areas. The retail, manufacturing, and transport fields are good for this. They’ve been hit hard but are slowly getting better.
A trend we see is more deals in tech, like in AI and cybersecurity. This tech boost makes these areas really interesting to investors. Plus, there are more chances for deals this year, up by 20%. Private Equity firms have lots of money ready to spend on these growing areas.
The healthcare and life sciences fields are strong and catching a lot of eyes. Buying into digital health can really pay off now. This is because people want more health services. Another good place to look is in clean energy. It’s getting a lot of support as we aim for zero emissions. Solar and battery projects are very popular now.
To wrap up, getting involved in these struggling areas could be a big opportunity. You can buy assets cheap and help them grow. This is where smart investors are looking right now.
Potential for Growth in Distressed M&A
The value of global deals fell by half, hitting US$2.5tn in 2023 from US$5tn in 2021. At the same time, the number of deals dropped by 17%. This points to a strong chance for growth in distressed M&A. Especially when the uncertain economy makes normal deals hard to pull off.
Not every sector saw a decrease, though. Aerospace, defence, and tech actually had more deals. But, the big deals above US$5bn plummeted by 60%. This situation is good for those looking to buy low and make a turnaround.
Investors are eyeing rare chances in a tight debt market. The UK, facing high energy costs and inflation, is still a good bet for some risks. Sectors like retail, manufacturing, and transport are set for growth with the right moves.
The market’s uncertain, but smart moves can still succeed. Buyers must analyse the distress in the market to find gems. Turning these buys around can make them profitable, tapping into the growth chances this year offers.
UK Distressed M&A Market Opportunities
The UK’s distressed M&A market is full of chances. Even with economic challenges, it shows signs of growth. MSCI data reveals a 20% rise in deals in 2022. Yet, overall M&A in the UK dropped by 18% in deal volume from the year before. This is nearly a third below the 2021 level.
Sectors like retail, hospitality, and energy face tough times. They deal with issues like supply chain problems and higher interest rates. This creates chances for distressed M&A deals.
The health sector, however, saw more deals in 2023 than in 2022. In the UK, private equity plays a big role in M&A, especially in distress. With a lot of money to invest, private equity is keen on certain sectors. It plans to focus on growth investments in 2024.
Businesses in financial trouble need careful checking. They need to avoid making bad choices. Companies have to act fast and smart, focusing on money coming in and future debts.
The UK is becoming a leader in eco-friendly deals. There’s a growing interest in green bonds and investing to help the planet. This interest also affects distressed M&A opportunities.
Directors of struggling companies must look after their creditors well. Their focus may need to change to protect the company. Quick and sure moves are key in troubled M&A.
For a successful deal, sellers must make the most of their offerings. They do this by managing risks well and keeping their team motivated. Understanding and managing environmental and social risks is vital today. Different deal structures, like selling assets instead of shares, can lower risks and meaningfully boost the deal’s value.
Technological Influence on Distressed M&A
Technological progress is changing how we handle distressed M&A deals. It’s making things smoother and clearer. High-tech solutions like advanced analytics allow investors to spot risks better. This is super useful in finding good investment chances, especially in healthcare, tech, and finance.
AI and machine learning are big helpers in these deals. They help investors and buyers figure out complicated data. Even when there’s not much info to work with, they make due diligence thorough. This means businesses get smarter about buying distressed assets, which improves their choices and how they set up deals.
Blockchain is making transactions more trustworthy and safe. It cuts down on fraud risks and speeds up secure asset trading. In risky M&A situations, it’s a big help. This is because it makes thorough checks possible even when time is short.
Fintech is changing these deals too. Digital services for refinancing and restructuring are making things better. They give investors and lenders powerful ways to handle struggling investments. This gives them a leg up.
Technology is completely changing the scene in distressed M&A. It offers new chances for market players. The impact of tech will keep making deals better and the market more resilient.
Conclusion
The UK market for distressed M&A deals is buzzing, thanks to an economic rebound from the pandemic. With government schemes ending, there’s a expected rise in these deals. This will be seen mostly in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and tech. It’s a good time for investors with money to spend.
Rules like the National Security and Investment Act 2021 are crucial for these deals. So is understanding the Insolvency Act 1986 and the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020. Investors need to be ready for fast-paced talks, little time to check everything out, and even possible pension costs. They should do careful risk checks and consider insurance to protect against seller pitfalls.
Corporate insolvencies are sharply up in England and Wales, reaching peaks since 2009. There’s also been a rise in Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs). This makes negotiation skills and knowledge of the Companies Act 2006 vital. When a company is close to going under, its directors must watch out. They need to protect both those the company owes and those it’s owed, avoiding mistakes like wrongful trading and fraud. This challenging situation can turn into a good chance for those who handle it right, with smart advice and strategy in line with the changing market.
