HMT’s credentials
The HMT team has a range of credentials in this broadly defined space including
M&A activity in the UK travel sector remains active, supported by resilient demand for leisure travel and continued investment in differentiated customer experiences. Strategic buyers and private equity investors continue to target businesses with strong brands, specialist propositions, loyal customer bases and technology-enabled platforms. Companies operating in attractive niches, offering differentiated experiences or demonstrating opportunities for international expansion are particularly appealing, while continued digitalisation and market consolidation are creating further opportunities for strategic investment and growth.
M&A activity in the UK leisure sector remains active, supported by resilient consumer demand for experiences, wellbeing and entertainment. Strategic buyers and private equity investors continue to target businesses with strong brands, differentiated propositions, loyal customer bases and opportunities for geographic expansion. Companies benefiting from recurring revenues, scalable operating models and evolving consumer trends are particularly attractive, while the fragmented nature of many leisure markets continues to create opportunities for consolidation and buy-and-build strategies.
M&A activity in the UK events and hospitality sector remains active, supported by demand for high-quality experiences, corporate events and specialist hospitality services. Strategic buyers and private equity investors continue to target businesses with strong brands, established customer relationships and differentiated propositions. Companies with recurring corporate revenues, scalable operating models and opportunities to broaden their service offering or geographic reach are particularly attractive, while the fragmented nature of the market continues to support consolidation and buy-and-build strategies.
Even in a period of high inflation and much discussed cost of living challenges, niche offerings in the travel, leisure and hospitality sectors offer opportunity for investors and acquirers.
The consumer purse continues to be vast and while fashion plays an unhelpful part in the short term success of B2C businesses, it is possible to see long lasting trends which will underpin longer term growth of businesses with the right business model and brand. Trends such as those for plant-based dining, low cost gyms and slow travel for example seem set to have longevity based on a widespread focus on ESG.
The TLG sectors are, however, risky for investors and acquirers given the confluence of consumer sentiment and (often) high fixed costs in the form of rent and staffing. Appetite for such businesses is likely to be more subdued during periods of low consumer confidence and investors and acquirers will be looking for sustainability and down side risk protection.
We understand how investors and acquirers assess consumer-facing businesses, the questions to ask and answer about sustainability and risk mitigation and the level of evidence required to support contentions of growth. Where businesses in this sector can offer barriers to entry, sustained evidence of traction, opportunity for scale up and downside risk mitigation there will be continued interest in investment and acquisition and we can help businesses in the travel, leisure and hospitality sectors to understand how attractive they are and what they need to work on in order to achieve their funding or M&A objectives.
Why HMT
Passionate
We are passionate about delivering an optimal outcome for our clients and helping them achieve their personal objectives. We understand entrepreneurial businesses because we are one.
Our Deals
Personal
Partners are supported by high-calibre professional staff who share our core values of enthusiasm, energy, entrepreneurialism and empathy to our client's objectives.
Our Team
Proven
Our Partners have unparalleled deal experience in the mid-market and are supported by a team of dedicated deal-doers with specialist capabilities and experience.
About Us
Connected
We have an extensive network of acquisitive corporates, institutional investors and debt providers both in the UK and internationally through our membership of our global network Cognos.
Our Network
