UK buyer landscape: What every company owner should know
When you’re planning to sell your business, it’s essential to understand the buyer landscape. This is why it is useful to instruct a company sales specialist, as they bring immense market knowledge and allow you to focus on running your business throughout the sale process.
A renewed surge in inbound investment
In the first quarter of 2025, the ONS reported an increase in overseas interest in UK businesses – investment surged to £19.2bn, which was up significantly from Q4 2024. This underlines the fact the UK remains a compelling target for international acquirers, which is fuelled by market access, legal protections and resilient business models that UK companies offer.
In addition to this, national law firm Browne Jacobson highlighted that interest has been particularly high within technology, healthcare, renewables and specialist manufacturing. For owners, the message is clear: now is the time to position your business accordingly.
Why overseas buyers are returning
Strategic market access: UK companies often provide access to Europe and global markets, with established regulatory and legal frameworks.
Sector readiness: Acquirers are looking for scalable operations, proprietary technology, strong IP and growth potential.
Capital availability: Private equity and international funds are increasingly allocating to UK mid-market businesses, recognising long-term value.
It is clear that cross-border M&A remains strong and that to capitalise on all possible opportunities, UK business owners should prepare for international investment.
What this means for company owners
For owners preparing to exit or seeking investment, the current climate offers significant upside, but it is vital to prepare to make the most of the opportunity.
Some key areas to cover include:
Governance & reporting: Clear, audited financials, up-to-date contracts and robust operational frameworks matter even more in a cross-border deal.
International positioning: A business that can demonstrate export potential, proprietary systems, or scalability will stand out.
Due-diligence readiness: Overseas buyers often perform deeper scrutiny of ESG standards, financial controls and risk profiling.
Advisory support: Engaging advisers with international reach like KBS Corporate ensures your business is presented to the right global buyers — not just domestic ones.
By preparing now, business owners can unlock a much larger buyer pool and greater valuation later.
Looking ahead to 2026 & beyond
The outlook remains positive. Deal activity in 2025 and into 2026 is expected to remain resilient, particularly as interest rates stabilise, financing improves, and buyers seek quality assets.
That said, owners should monitor factors that could weigh on deals, including regulatory scrutiny under the UK’s National Security and Investment regime, currency fluctuations and sector-specific headwinds. For those who act now, the next 12–24 months may well represent a strategic window to maximise value.
How KBS Corporate can help you achieve a successful business sale
As a founding member of K3 Capital Group and a consistent market leader in UK mid-market M&A, KBS Corporate has helped numerous UK businesses secure exits and investment in both domestic and cross-border contexts.
Our strong performance and global reach provide you with the credibility and buyer access that matters when international acquirers are involved.
Conclusion
The inbound M&A momentum into the UK is real, selective and accelerating. For business owners with growth-oriented, export-ready or scalable businesses, the time to prepare is now.
By focusing on governance, international appeal, and a readiness mindset, supported by expert advisers, you can position your business to engage global buyers and capture maximum value.
Discover how your business can attract the right overseas investors and achieve a standout exit. Contact KBS Corporate today for an initial confidential consultation.