ThinCatsnamedLeadingDebtProviderforM&ATransactionsin2024
- ThinCats is the leading debt provider nationally and in London, the North West and Scotland
- Following a lag in transaction volume for most of 2024, there was a surge in deal activity in the final quarter of 2024, leading to growth territory year on year
- Total UK deal value is up 44% year on year to £287bn after an uptick in high-value M&A
Read the full 2024 M&A Experian Market IQ report here
The full year Experian report, covering UK M&A transactions for 2024 reveals a strong surge in deal activity with the UK M&A market seeing an 11% rise in deal volume compared to 2023 and its highest annual volume since 2018, signalling a strong return to growth.
A more stable financial outlook contributed to a 24% increase in the number of deals supported by newly agreed debt. ThinCats funded 63 transactions to rank as the UK’s leading source of acquisition funding. This marks the second time we have topped the national rankings, surpassing last year’s top lender HSBC’s 57 deals in 2024.
Our leading market position is reflected in our debt provider rankings across the UK including:
- Number 1 debt provider in London
- Number 1 debt provider in the North West
- Number 1 debt provider in Scotland
- Number 1 non-bank provider in the Midlands
- Number 2 debt provider in the South East
- Number 2 debt provider in the South West
- Number 2 debt provider in the North East
It is great to see the UK M&A market bounce back so strongly in the final quarter of 2024, underscoring the market’s positive outlook with strong demand for acquisition funding continuing into 2025Ravi Anand, Managing Director, ThinCats
"The return of investor confidence, particularly in mid-sized businesses, has been a key factor in driving the increase in deal activity and the rise in deals backed by newly agreed debt highlights the vital role alternative finance providers play in supporting growth and facilitating deals in the mid-market. As we look ahead to 2025, there are challenges in the market as companies adapt to challenges at home and abroad, but we remain committed to providing tailored debt solutions to help businesses scale and succeed in an evolving market.”
In 2024, UK businesses experienced both challenges and growing stability, with lower inflation, interest rates, and key events like the general election and the first Labour budget in 14 years. While concerns about rising NI/PAYE and minimum wage impacts on SME growth persist and mid-sized businesses navigate these changes, we remain committed to providing tailored funding solutions.
During 2024, we provided over £335 million in funding, bringing total lending to over £2 billion, strengthening our market presence and dedication to helping UK SMEs thrive.
