Latest Trends in Technology and Media Mergers and Acquisitions in London

Jamie Smith our consultant managing the role
London has always been a hub for technology and media companies, attracting both established players and innovative start-ups. In recent years, the city has witnessed a significant increase in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity within this sector, driven by various trends that are shaping the industry.
In this article, we will discuss the latest trends in technology and media M&A in London, highlighting key factors such as digital media synergy, tech start-ups and acquisitions, global content expansion, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and ESG factors.

Digital Media Synergy

With the rise of digital media consumption and the growing importance of online presence for companies, there has been a notable trend towards M&A deals that focus on digital media synergy. This involves the acquisition of companies that can complement and enhance a company’s existing digital media capabilities.
Over the past ten years we have seen major tech giants such as Warner Media, Amazon, Google and Facebook acquiring smaller companies with specific expertise in areas such as online video streaming, data analytics, and social media management. These acquisitions not only strengthen their own digital media offerings but also allow them to enter new markets and expand their reach.

Tech Start-ups and Acquisitions

London has been hailed as Europe’s tech capital, with a thriving ecosystem for start-ups and entrepreneurs. This has led to a trend of larger tech companies acquiring smaller start-ups, either for their technology or talent.
In the past few years, we have seen a number of high-profile tech start-up acquisitions in London, including Deliveroo by Amazon and Shazam by Apple. These deals not only provide significant financial returns for the start-up founders but also allow the acquiring companies to tap into new technologies and innovations.

Moreover, with London’s tech start-up scene continuing to grow, we can expect to see more of these acquisitions happening in the future.

Global Content Expansion

As technology continues to connect people across borders, there has been a growing trend towards global content expansion through M&A. This involves companies acquiring or merging with international media and entertainment companies to expand their content offerings and reach a wider audience.

In London, the number of very high-profile deals has cooled slightly. But in there has been some significant moves in the past decade, which promise to pave the way for global content expansion. We have seen notable deals such as the acquisition of Sky by Comcast, allowing the American telecommunications giant to expand its presence in Europe. We have also seen British production company Endemol Shine being acquired by Banijay Group, a French media conglomerate, to create one of the world’s largest independent production and distribution companies.

Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny

The technology and media industry has always been subject to regulatory scrutiny, but in recent years, we have seen a heightened focus on M&A transactions. This is mainly due to concerns around data privacy, anti-competitive practices, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech giants

In London, we have seen this play out in deals such as the proposed acquisition of Sky by Fox, which faced intense regulatory scrutiny before being approved. This trend is likely to continue as regulators aim to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests.


ESG Factors

In today’s business landscape, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors play an increasingly important role in decision-making processes. This has also been reflected in M&A deals within the technology and media industry.
Companies are now expected to consider ESG factors when evaluating potential acquisitions or mergers. For example, a company with strong sustainability initiatives may be more attractive to potential buyers.
In London, we have seen this trend in action with the acquisition of online marketplace Shpock by Norway’s Adevinta ASA, which had a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility. We can expect to see more companies considering ESG factors in their M&A strategies as they strive to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices.

Conclusion

The technology and media industry are constantly evolving, and with that comes new trends in M&A activity. In London, we have seen a significant increase in deals driven by digital media synergy, tech start-ups and acquisitions, global content expansion, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and ESG factors.
As the city continues to attract both established companies and innovative start-ups, we can expect this trend to continue. With a strong focus on technology and digital media, London remains an exciting hub for M&A activity in this sector. So, stay tuned for more developments and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and media mergers and acquisitions in London.
22/02/24
posts

Related articles

What's the latest on recruiting senior finance and accounting professionals?
What's the latest on recruiting senior finance and accounting professionals?

Teaser

Finance & Accounting

Content Type

General

25/04/24

Summary

Over the years, we have developed a strong reputation as a leading Senior Finance and Executive Search firm. We’re proud to have well-established teams of finance and accounting recruitment cons

Teaser

Our employment update for senior accounting and finance professionals.

Read full article
Neil Burton

by

Neil Burton

Neil Burton

by

Neil Burton

How technology is impacting the future of risk and compliance jobs
How technology is impacting the future of risk and compliance jobs

Teaser

Governance

Content Type

Fintech

18/04/24

Summary

The role of risk and compliance in financial services  As a sizeable, growing portion of the financial services sector, risk and compliance play a vital role in ensuring that firms conduct busine

Teaser

With no signs of slowing down, strong risk and compliance is now more important than ever.

Read full article
David Clamp

by

David Clamp

David Clamp

by

David Clamp

What does the future hold for private equity?
What does the future hold for private equity?

Teaser

Executive Search

Content Type

General

18/04/24

Summary

Private equity (PE) is a growing industry that has always attracted ambitious top talent due to its high risk/high gain capital investment. Pre-covid, we saw the global private equity industry b

Teaser

Learn about emerging private equity job opportunities and more.

Read full article
Tracey Alper

by

Tracey Alper

Tracey Alper

by

Tracey Alper

jobs

Related jobs

Senior Manager - Fund Controller (Private Debt) - 12m Contract

Salary:

+ Benefits

Location:

London

Industry

Private Equity

Qualification

Fully qualified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£100,000 - £125,000

Job Discipline

Qualified Finance

Contract Type:

Contract

Description

Senior Fund Controller (Private Debt Funds) - 12m Contract

Reference

BBBH177293

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Paul Roche

Author

Paul Roche
Paul Roche

Author

Paul Roche
Find out more
Financial Accountant - Tax/ Treasury

Salary:

£40,000 - £45,000 per annum

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£40,000 - £50,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH180144

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
Senior Credit Controller

Salary:

£27,000 - £30,000 per annum

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Industry

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Qualification

None specified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£30,000 - £35,000

Job Discipline

Part Qualified & Transactional Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Marks Sattin are currently recruiting a Senior Credit Controller on behalf of a well established £100million turnover business, based on the outskirts of Leeds City Centre.

Reference

BBBH179713

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Yasmin Clough

Author

Yasmin Clough
Find out more
Interim Accountant

Salary:

£60,000 - £70,000 per annum

Location:

London

Industry

Property and Infrastructure

Qualification

Fully qualified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£70,000 - £80,000

Job Discipline

Newly Qualified Finance

Contract Type:

Contract

Description

Interim Accountant required for a well established Property Group!

Reference

BBBH178975

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Jaden Alie

Author

Jaden Alie
Jaden Alie

Author

Jaden Alie
Find out more
Costing Manager

Salary:

£35,000 - £50,000 per annum

Location:

Grimsby, Lincolnshire

Industry

Manufacturing

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£50,000 - £60,000

Job Discipline

Part Qualified & Transactional Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Our Grimsby based food manufacturing client is looking for someone experienced in product costing to join them as a Costing Manager.

Reference

BBBH179883

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Dean Folland

Author

Dean Folland
Find out more
Interim Senior Financial Consultant

Salary:

£400 - £500 per day

Location:

City of London, London

Industry

Real Estate

Qualification

Fully qualified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£350 - £450

Job Discipline

Qualified Finance

Contract Type:

Contract

Description

Our client is a reputable real estate firm seeking an experienced Interim Senior Financial Consultant on an interim to perm basis for an initial 6 month basis!

Reference

BBBH179895

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Jaden Alie

Author

Jaden Alie
Jaden Alie

Author

Jaden Alie
Find out more
View all jobs