South West deals market swings back into action

This week has seen a number of deals completed in the South West from the acquisition of a bespoke chutney and jam firm to the sale of one of the city’s best known brands.

DAS Insurance has long been associated with the city thanks in large part to its long-running association with Bristol City.

And as the week drew to a close the  biggest deal of them all was announced with the proposed sale of Wiltshire haulier Wincanton to a French owned business for £566m.

Over the last year the deals market in the South West has cooled somewhat after enjoying its busiest ever period.

Despite the impact of the pandemic in 2020 there was a frenetic burst of activity in the region at the start of the decade.

But sadly that activity started to slow down over the last 12 months. The turbulence in the national and global economy and the ongoing squeeze on consumer spending as clearly had an impact on the markets.

Even though there is still plenty of cash around there has been a marked reluctance from investors to splash their money around.

There has definitely been a more cautious feel to the market and many of the private equity firms and the investors appear to have adopted a wait and see approach.

But as we start a new year there is a definite feeling that there has been a shift in attitude.

There are plenty of deals to be done and plenty of good companies in need of investment to take them to the next stage of their development.

Lets hope that feeling of renewed positivity and confidence is here to stay.