Businesses are shaping the future through M&A
Deal activity I Q4 2024
As 2024 came to a close, our clients demonstrated their strategic agility and forward-thinking leadership, successfully completing 90 transactions in the last quarter across a wide range of industries and markets. This impressive achievement reflects their ability to navigate an increasingly dynamic and challenging business environment.
The transactions included 43 sell-side, 17 buy-side, 20 fundraising and 10 other advisory deals — each was tailored to meet the unique goals of our clients, from securing growth opportunities to building long-term partnerships.
Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) remained at the forefront with 16 deals, emphasizing the continued drive for innovation and digital transformation in the business landscape. Healthcare followed with 15 transactions, highlighting the importance of investment in medical advancements. Consumer & Retail completed 11 deals, as businesses work to adapt to evolving customer demands.
Construction & Engineering Services saw 10 deals, reflecting growing momentum in infrastructure projects, while Financial Services and Industrial Machinery each closed eight deals, showcasing resilience and adaptability in competitive markets.
In the following section, we delve deeper into these successes and provide client testimonials that highlight the impact of these transactions. Our role remains the same: to provide expert, tailored guidance to help our clients seize opportunities and position themselves for long-term success in an ever-changing global market.
A selection of deals closed in Q4
The team applauded spontaneously after the kick-off, setting an uplifting tone for the entire listing project. Under the expert leadership of Oaklins’ Finnish team, the same energy and momentum carried through every stage of the process. They seamlessly combined deep expertise with a passion for excellence, making this strategically significant project a resounding success. I am delighted to award the Oaklins team in Finland an NPS score of 100 for their outstanding contribution.JAAKKO HEIKKILÄ, CEO, TEKOVA OYJ
We found our collaboration with Oaklins to be both highly professional and pleasant. The jointly coordinated approach allowed us to carefully navigate the process. Moreover, the speed at which they took action really pleased me, and their strategic guidance was crucial in successfully completing the transaction. The global Oaklins team ensured that we found a suitable American partner in Heniff Transportation Systems, whose cultural values and ambitions align perfectly with those of Combo Group. This gives me great confidence as I pass my company on to its new shareholder, and I wish them every success moving forward.JAN VAN ERP, FOUNDER AND OWNER, COMBO GROUP
With the Oaklins team on board, we had the right partner to access the German market, both in initiating the dialogue as well as handling the challenges of the actual acquisition process. We are very satisfied with the team’s work and look forward to collaborating on future projects.JOOST VAN DER SLUIS, INVESTMENT DIRECTOR, BOLSTER INVESTMENT PARTNERS
We are pleased with the support and expertise provided by Oaklins throughout this transaction. Their deep knowledge and experience in the biogas industry, strategic guidance and commitment ensured a smooth process and an attractive outcome for Hærup Biogas.ALLAN MIKKELSEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, HÆRUP BIOGAS
Selling Goldlight was an important decision, and I am grateful to Oaklins Latvia for their consistent support throughout the process. Their expertise, dedication and guidance were key to achieving a successful outcome.TATJANA PAULANE, SHAREHOLDER AND CEO, GOLDLIGHT
Oaklins’ team in Belgium provided us with invaluable guidance during the entire process of finding the right partner for Jeco Energies. Their expertise in process management, resolute communication and strategic advice were instrumental in providing us with the necessary comfort and support, ultimately leading to a successful result. We are highly satisfied with their ability to link us with the right partner to enhance our ongoing growth trajectory.JEF VAN DEN BRANDE, SHAREHOLDER, JECO ENERGIES
Thank you Oaklins Cavendish for all your M&A and debt advisory expertise in helping us make this investment. Your travel sector expertise and insight were invaluable, and on the debt advisory side, we are delighted with the advice and execution you gave us — we have secured the debt package and relationship that we wanted, and it was all executed within the tight timescales laid down. We look forward to working with you further as we execute our growth plan with Inside Travel Group.DAN STERN, PARTNER, PIPER PE
Our acquisition of Thinkmax marks a pivotal step in Talan’s expansion in Canada and North America. The Oaklins team in Canada played an essential role in identifying Thinkmax as a strategic fit, forging a strong relationship with Thinkmax’s owners and skillfully supporting us through every stage of this transaction. We appreciate their strong expertise in our industry and commitment to bringing this partnership to fruition.NICOLAS RECAPET, EVP M&A, TALAN GROUP
Throughout all phases of this transaction, Oaklins’ Canadian team supported Berger-Levrault in executing the disposal of the SOFE division in a complex asset deal corporate carveout. With professionalism, expertise and constant dedication, the team played an essential role in closing this transaction to the full satisfaction of Berger-Levrault.GALLIANE TOUZE, CFO, BERGER-LEVRAULT
The Oaklins Cavendish team were excellent in their tireless efforts from start to finish during our transaction. They were resilient and meticulous, leaving no stone unturned in identifying the best possible purchasers for PiLON, culminating in an outstanding result for the shareholders and company going forward. I would highly recommend Oaklins Cavendish to other business owners considering an exit.VLAD NEDELCU, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PILON
At this time, we would also like to thank our advisors at Oaklins Cavendish. Your counsel and dedication, not to mention stamina, over the course of the deal have been immense. We look forward to continuing to build our newly merged business in the same commercial and entrepreneurial spirit as we have for the previous eighteen years.CAMERON GUNN, SENIOR PARTNER AND CO-FOUNDER, RESOLVE
We appreciate the exceptional support from the Oaklins team, who ensured that our interests were always at the forefront throughout the sales process. Their deep industry expertise and international buyer access were instrumental in achieving this transaction, where we are teaming up with a leading European player and strengthening our ability to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. We are confident that Infra Group is the perfect home for LM Gruppen, and we look forward to a successful future together.SØREN KNUDSEN, OWNER AND CEO, LM GRUPPEN A/S
This transaction marks the end of the Meade family’s ownership of Holyhead Towing after almost six decades. The business is passing into good hands with the Fortuna team, and the Meade family will remain active supporters of the marine services business in Holyhead, which they retain. We appreciate the hard work of all concerned including our advisors, Oaklins Cavendish and DLA. We wish Fortuna and the Holyhead Towing team the best of luck for a bright future in their development of the company.STEWART GRAVES, CHAIRMAN, HOLYHEAD BOATYARD LIMITED
I am delighted to be joining forces with Supraero. In addition to the complementary nature of our offerings, it will provide Aero Equipement with the support, resources and momentum it needs to strengthen its foothold in its Asian markets. I would like to thank the Oaklins team for their effective support throughout this project, which fully met my expectations. I particularly appreciated the kindness and professionalism of the teams, who were always attentive.CÉCILE CHOI, CEO, AERO EQUIPEMENT
We selected Oaklins TM Capital due to their deep industrial manufacturing and engineering experience, aerospace and defense sector knowledge, strong relationships with likely buyers and senior-level commitment. From the outset, the team took the time to deeply understand the differentiated elements of our business and our long-term vision as well as our shareholder transaction objectives. Oaklins TM Capital’s unwavering commitment to finding the right partner — one that is culturally and strategically aligned with our family’s objectives — resulted in an extraordinary outcome. We are extremely excited about beginning our next chapter together with HEICO Corporation, a business with the resources to support our long-term growth strategy.RICK HEMPHILL, FOUNDER, MID CONTINENT CONTROLS, INC.
The team at Oaklins Evelyn Partners was able to successfully navigate us through what turned out to be an incredibly complex and challenging transaction process. The level of attention, communication and availability exceeded our expectations. The Oaklins team which led the deal was invaluable to us and provided the required support and advice while keeping the momentum of the deal going. Their drive and determination to get the right deal for the shareholders was exceptional. I look forward to working with the team again in the, hopefully, not too distant future.DR CLIVE LAYTON, FOUNDER, HD CLINICAL
Oaklins’ team in Germany was a valued partner throughout the entire sales process. With their exceptional dedication and international experience, the team skillfully navigated the various unexpected challenges of this cross-border transaction. We thank the team for their strategic leadership, execution and tireless effort, and we look forward to our next collaboration.GEORG ALTENKIRCH, INVESTMENT DIRECTOR, PETER MÖHRLE HOLDING
Oaklins was a valuable partner in facilitating this transaction. Through close collaboration, the Oaklins team helped us navigate all stages of the transaction, and they anticipated and handled the challenges throughout the process.MONA JUELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING (NORWAY)
