European TICC (testing, inspection, certification and compliance) deal activity continues to accelerate, driven by strong regulatory demand, recurring revenues and ongoing investor appetite for high-quality assets.
In a recent interview with Mergermarket's Dealspeak EMEA, Mark Maunsell, Managing Director and adviser on several of our notable TICC credentials, including ICA Group's partnership with CERTANIA, the successful exit of Obsequio Group to Warren Equity Partners and the sale of BGF-backed BB7 to CERTANIA Group, shared his perspective on the trends shaping the sector and what investors are looking for as the next wave of transactions emerges.
Key takeaways:
- TICC remains highly attractive to investors, supported by strong regulatory drivers, recurring revenue streams and resilient earnings
- The market is shifting towards greater specialisation, with investors increasingly focused on building leading positions within specific TICC verticals rather than broad, diversified platforms
- Strategic focus and integration are becoming more important, as buyers look for businesses with a clear equity story and identifiable value creation opportunities
- Private market valuations remain strong, with leading private equity-backed TICC businesses continuing to command strong multiples
- Portfolio optimisation is expected to increase, with more carve-outs, secondary buyouts and consolidation opportunities across the sector
- AI is expected to play an increasingly important role, driving automation, new service offerings and greater differentiation between digital leaders and traditional operators
Looking ahead, Mark expects the sector's strong fundamentals to continue supporting M&A activity as businesses adapt to evolving market, regulatory and technological demands.
Read the full Mergermarket article to explore the trends shaping TICC M&A and what they mean for investors, founders and management teams across the sector.
"AI is driving automation, predictive capabilities and new service lines, while increasing structural differentiation between scaled digital leaders and traditional operators."
Mark Maunsell, Managing Director, in Mergermarket
AUTHOR
Mark Maunsell
Managing Director
I have worked in corporate finance for over 15 years, originally at a regional boutique before joining Clearwater in 2014, as part of the Business Services team. My experience is almost exclusively working with owner-managed businesses and private equity, I have been involved in over 40 transactions across testing inspection certification, facilities management, human capital management, education and training, and professional services. Out of work, I am a keen hockey player, and a family man, and try and keep fit when I can find the time.
Recent transactions
Specialist built‑environment compliance provider partners with a major platform to accelerate growth
Adviser to ICA Group on joining CERTANIA’s Buildings & Infrastructure Segment
Investment primes national TICC platform for continued growth, accelerating its buy-and-build strategy and enhancing operational scale
Adviser to management and Beech Tree Private Equity on their successful exit of Obsequio Group to Warren Equity Partners
Strategic exit of UK fire and façade engineering consultancy delivers strong investor returns and reinforces attractiveness of wider TICC sector
Adviser to BGF-backed BB7 on its sale to Certania Group
Recent insights
