ThinCats regains top spot as leading debt provider for M&A transactions in 2024
ThinCats, the UK’s leading alternative finance provider to mid-sized SMEs, has regained its position as the top debt provider for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the UK, according to Experian’s latest MarketIQ report. The report, covering transactions up to the end of Q4 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, with ThinCats funding 63 transactions to rank as the UK’s leading source of acquisition funding. This marks the second time ThinCats has topped the national rankings, surpassing the previous year’s top lender HSBC’s 57 deals in 2024.
ThinCats’ strong market presence is reflected in its ranking as the top debt provider in multiple key regions across the UK including London, North West and Scotland, while securing second place in South East, South West, Midlands, and North East. ThinCats was the leading lender of more than 75 firms operating in London alone, funding 26 deals, with HSBC and Triple Point trailing with 17 and 16 transactions, respectively.
Ravi Anand, managing director, ThinCats: “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 2025.
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.”