• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Wednesday August 6 2025

South West bucks national trend with private equity interest rising

Mid-market private equity investment in the South West increased in the first half of this year, bucking the national trend, according to KPMG UK’s mid-year private equity pulse.

The mid-year study into private equity deal activity found that interest in the region’s mid-market grew, with 28 deals completing and deal volumes boosted by 27 per cent compared to H1 2024.

The findings come despite a backdrop of economic uncertainty, influenced by ongoing geopolitical developments and concerns surrounding the potential impact of trade tariffs.

Bolt-ons remained the largest component of mid-market private equity activity across the South West, making up more than half of all deals. Minority investments were the second largest deal type, followed by traditional and leveraged buyouts.

The South West’s mid-market private equity interest accounted for more than seven per cent of the total mid-market private equity backing in the UK. Deal activity in the mid-market slowed down across all regions in the UK, except the South West.

John Levis, head of corporate finance in the South West at KPMG UK, said: “It’s heartening to see the South West bucking the UK-wide trend of falling private equity values in H1 2025.

“We’re hoping that the region is buoyed by these stand-out stats, achieved against ongoing challenges in the UK market, and continues to attract significant private equity interest over the next six months.

“We know that the South West boasts a strong reputation for technology, media and telecommunications businesses, so many should be able to capitalise on the boom in this sector and achieve further investment.”