The latest Enterprise Software M&A report from Hampleton Partners, the international M&A and corporate finance advisory firm for software and technology companies, reveals that 892 deals took place in 1H2024. This was only fractionally less than what was seen in the previous reporting period and indicates that the Enterprise Software sector has retained momentum.

Miro Parizek, Founder and Senior Partner at Hampleton Partners, said: “The sector maintained momentum, with Enterprise Software tools playing increasingly vital roles in allowing businesses to meeting mission-critical objectives and realize efficiencies.”

Another notable M&A driver helping to keep the sector resilient has been the deployment of AI solutions by Enterprise Software providers. Much of the activity within the six Enterprise Software subsectors identified by the report has targeted companies which are leveraging AI across an array of use cases, including data analytics, quality management, and digital twin creation.

Just as the subscription-based SaaS model, with its potential to generate recurring revenues, has long been regarded as a green flag for acquirers, so too is the incorporation of AI now boosting companies’ viability as transaction targets. Commenting on this trend, Miro Parizek said: “It will be interesting to see if the rapidly accelerating AI gold rush will help propel deal activity back up to the heights seen in 2022 and 2023.”

The top three most prolific buyers within Enterprise Software over the past 30 months have been:

Visma – 52 acquisitions, including MyCompanyFiles SAS (accounting documents & information exchange software), InvoiceXpress Lda (electronic invoicing software) and Chaintrust SAS (accounting entry automation software)

Valsoft – 45 acquisitions, including Progitek Dev inc (dental practice management software), Trendex Information Systems Inc (industrial ERP software), and Servico BV (travel industry ERP & CRM software)

Harris – 31 acquisitions, including Modyo SpA (frontend application development software), MEDHOST Inc (EHR management software), and Dexco Corporation (legal practice & ERP management software)

Download the full Hampleton Partners Enterprise Software M&A Market Report 2H2024, which discusses trends shaping the sector and takes a close look at pivotal deals within six key segments: Enterprise Applications, Vertical Applications, Business Intelligence & Customer Analytics, Information Management, Infrastructure Management, and Design, Testing & Simulation.

Hampleton Partners’ M&A Market Reports are compiled using data and information from the 451 Research database (www.451research.com); Capital IQ, CB Insights, Gartner, IDC and more.

Hampleton Partners advises technology company owners on M&A and growth financing transactions with strategic buyers or financial investors. Hampleton’s experienced deal makers have advised hundreds of tech industry shareholders and provide hands-on expertise and unrivalled advice to entrepreneurs looking to sell their companies, partially exit, or to accelerate growth.

With offices in London, Frankfurt, Stockholm and San Francisco, Hampleton offers a global perspective with sector expertise in: Enterprise Software, Digital Commerce, IT & Business Services, Artificial Intelligence, Autotech, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Healthtech, HR Tech, and Insurtech. 

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