Strong drop in M&A activity, although private equity remains stable

After experiencing a robust M&A market in the first half of 2023, deal volume declined significantly by 16% in Q3 2023, showing signs of a cooling down M&A market in the Netherlands.

M&A activity in the Netherlands

The volume of PE-related transactions remains relatively consistent, showcasing the strong resilience of Dutch PE firms. When examining deals in terms of deal size, it can be concluded that the share of €5m-€50m and €50m-€100m deals have remained relatively stable in Q3 2023. Looking into 2024, we believe the downfall in the number of deals is a temporary trend and anticipate a catch-up in the Netherlands. Deals shelved will be dusted off and private equity firms will catch up on exiting their investments.

Bron: Oaklins