UK SME Mergers and Acquistions Register 

Live SME M&A opportunities curated for professional advisers and business owners.

Assynt Corporate Finance features selected UK SME acquisition opportunities sourced through The Corporate Finance Network.

These opportunities are circulated, amongst others, to  accountants, IFAs, solicitors, bankers and business owners and their consultants seeking credible deal flow for clients considering acquisition, investment or succession planning.

We work collaboratively with professional advisers to support transactions across a wide range of sectors, sizes and deal structures.

What is the relevance of this register

• Accountants & IFAs
  Succession planning, retirement sales, bolt-on acquisitions for clients
• Solicitors & Bankers
  Live transactions requiring legal, funding and structuring support
• Business Coaches & Owners
  Acquisition opportunities and exit benchmarks across sectors

Opportunities are updated regularly and span a broad range of sectors, sizes and deal structures.

View current opportunities in the box below.

Current market insight (January 2026):

• Buyer appetite remains strong for high-quality, profitable SMEs
• Earn-outs and deferred consideration are commonly used to bridge valuation gaps
• Increasing succession-driven exits due to tax and ownership planning changes.

As interest rates ease, transaction momentum is expected to build further. Deal structures increasingly include earn-outs, deferred consideration and vendor support, helping to bridge valuation expectations and facilitate successful outcomes.

We are also seeing increased engagement from owner-managers exploring succession and exit options, driven by:

• Retirement planning
• Evolving tax and estate planning considerations
• A growing focus on long-term business continuity rather than headline valuation alone

This environment continues to create opportunities for both buyers and sellers who are well prepared.

The Evolving Market: All Businesses are “For Sale”

Traditionally, a business was either officially for sale or not. Once an owner decided to sell, they would appoint a professional firm like Assynt to manage the process.

Today, especially following the pandemic, the market has changed—every business is potentially on the market, even if not formally listed. Owners are increasingly open to offers, strategic exits, or unsolicited approaches.

Buyer Tactics: Be Aware of Mystery Shoppers

A popular strategy used by potential buyers is to send in a mystery shopper to assess operational quality and customer service. Ask yourself:

How would your business perform under this type of scrutiny?

Maintaining professionalism, responsiveness, and quality service at all times can directly impact perceived value.

The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Are your processes documented? Do you have SOPs in place?

Many business owners excel at selling and operations—but struggle to delegate or replicate their methods. This becomes a major issue when planning for succession.

To achieve a smooth and profitable exit, especially when you’re no longer involved day-to-day, you need strong SOPs that make the business sustainable and valuable in your absence.

Do you have a client considering a sale or acquistion?

Professional Advisers

We work closely with:

• Accountants
• Independent financial advisers
• Solicitors
• Bankers and funding specialists
• Business coaches and consultants

If you have a client considering a sale, acquisition or succession strategy, we welcome collaborative introductions and joint advisory work.

Business Owners

If you are considering:

• Selling your business
• Acquiring another business
• Planning for retirement or succession

A confidential conversation can help clarify your options and timing.

Why Work with Assynt Corporate Finance

• Experienced UK SME corporate finance adviser
• Trusted member of The Corporate Finance Network
• Collaborative approach with professional advisers
• Focus on realistic valuations and achievable deal structures
• Discreet, confidential and relationship-led

We prioritise quality over volume and focus on transactions where we can add genuine value.

Next Steps

If you would like to:

• Discuss a live opportunity
• Introduce a buyer or seller
• Explore exit or acquisition options for a client
• Understand current market conditions in your sector

Contact Assynt Corporate Finance for a confidential discussion.

Business Sale Success Stories

We’ve successfully sold businesses in sectors including:

• Professional services (accountants, solicitors)
• Manufacturing
• Pest control
• Other niche service providers

These business owners typically reached a life stage where they preferred to sail the West Indies, start a new venture, play golf, or spend time with family, rather than continue growing the business themselves.

They recognized that the next phase of growth is often best suited to a younger generation or a new strategic owner.