Strategic steps, global reach: mid-market M&A in Q1
Deal activity I Q1 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, our clients completed 44 transactions across a broad range of industries and geographies. Activity remained focused and purposeful, with business owners and investors using M&A to take concrete steps forward in their development, from entering new markets to strengthening existing positions.
The quarter included 22 sell-side mandates, 13 buy-side acquisitions, six fundraising assignments and three other advisory engagements. This balance reflects a market where both sellers and buyers remain active, supported by continued demand for quality assets and targeted growth opportunities.
Cross-border activity was a defining feature, with more than half of all M&A transactions involving international counterparties. Many of these deals were driven by the need to expand capabilities or secure access to new markets, rather than purely financial considerations.
TMT led activity with 11 transactions, while Consumer & Retail, Construction & Engineering Services and Business Support Services also saw steady deal flow. Across these sectors, deals often combined technology, specialized expertise and geographic reach, highlighting how companies are positioning themselves for their next stage of growth.
Looking more closely at the transactions, the variety of deal structures stand out. Several involve minority investments, refinancing or phased ownership changes. These approaches allow companies to continue operating seamlessly while adding capital, expertise or strategic support. At the same time, many acquisitions are part of broader platform strategies, with buyers building scale through targeted add-ons, often across multiple markets.
In the following section, we highlight a selection of these transactions and share client perspectives on what made the difference in their process, from preparation and positioning to execution and partner selection.
A selection of deals closed in Q1
We have been hugely impressed by the Oaklins S&W debt advisory team’s expertise, drive, innovation and client-focused approach in this complex transaction, which involved raising multi-currency facilities to fund B&H’s operations and planned expansion across Asia, Europe and the USA.GABRIEL DANIELACHVILI, PRINCIPAL, SUN EUROPEAN PARTNERS
Oaklins brought entrepreneurial spirit, ambition, energy and strong execution throughout the process. Their pragmatic and results-driven approach ensured a well-structured and highly competitive process and helped find the right growth partner for Dolmans, fully aligned with our entrepreneurial values, passion for craftmanship and growth ambitions. Throughout the process, the Oaklins team proved to be a trusted partner, enabling us to make well-informed decisions while keeping full focus on the business. On top of that, the Oaklins team was simply great to work with; we had fun along the way and I truly enjoyed the process.ERWIN JANSSEN, CEO AND SHAREHOLDER, DOLMANS LANDSCAPING GROUP
This transaction marks a key milestone in our growth trajectory. It strengthens our ability to provide lasting support to local authorities on essential territorial issues, particularly those related to childcare and family services.NEBOJSA JANKOVIC, PRESIDENT, GROUPE JVS
The team at Oaklins Cavendish were instrumental in helping us to navigate a complex transaction and identify Myllium as the ideal partner for our next chapter. We gave them a tough mandate: find a partner who could deliver strong value while truly understanding and respecting our culture. They achieved exactly that balance. The team were terrific throughout, ensuring the shareholder group felt confident and happy with the result. That was harder than it sounds, and ‘impressed’ doesn’t quite cover it!SIMON URSELL, FOUNDER, TYLER GRANGE
The Oaklins team worked seamlessly, always one step ahead in the process. This is our second acquisition with Oaklins and we are delighted with the collaboration.KARL KRISTIAN SUNDE, CHAIRMAN AND OWNER, GUARD AUTOMATION AS
In our search for a long-term partner that would share our commitment and our values, we chose Oaklins to help us due to their solid track record in M&A processes, international reach and experience in cross-border transactions. Oaklins provided invaluable support throughout the process, and we are grateful for their dedication and contributions that led to a very positive outcome for us. They are also a pleasure to work with. We are very excited about Banyan Software as our new owner and look forward to their expertise and support in developing and growing Presight in existing and new markets.PETTER HOLST JOHNSEN, CEO, PRESIGHT SOLUTIONS AS
Joining Nion provides the perfect platform for us to accelerate our growth as specialists in big data and AI, without losing sight of the hands-on value we deliver to our customers. On a personal note, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Oaklins Sweden. Their guidance was instrumental, and the entire management team truly appreciated the commitment and deep understanding they brought to this transaction.BÅRD HAKKESTAD, CO-FOUNDER, MIDDLECON
Oaklins S&W provided invaluable advice and support every step of the way on this key transaction, working with the superb team at HSBC Bank to secure facilities that will underpin our ongoing exciting growth and investment.ALASTAIR THOMPSON, FOUNDER, GSP GROUP
I am very grateful that, together with my brother, I have been able to reunite Dutch Protein & Services as an independently operating company within the Verstegen Spice Group. This is a significant step that will stimulate further growth across the entire group. We both always look at least one generation ahead, and even over the long term we see substantial additional strength and potential emerging. Oaklins guided me step by step through every phase of the process. The team provided clear insights into the available options and the key decision points, enabling me to make well-informed choices. All this allowed me to go calmly through the process and to come out of it with a positive feeling.CHRIS DRIESSEN, ADVISER, FORMER CEO AND OWNER, DP&S
Ecohz is a company we have built from the ground up in close collaboration with a fantastic management team, together with leading Norwegian renewable energy companies as co-investors. I am proud of the journey the company has taken. Ecohz has been a long-term investment for us for two decades, and history shows that investing in people with a clear vision and strong execution capabilities creates solid growth and successful companies. I am confident that Caely Renewables will continue the company’s journey and further strengthen its position as a leading player in European sustainable energy solutions. I would also like to thank our advisors at Oaklins and Arctic Securities for their highly professional support, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction process throughout.PETTER A. STORDALEN, OWNER, STRAWBERRY EQUITIES
We experienced Oaklins’ team in Switzerland as a competent buy-side advisor who clearly understood our strategic objectives and implemented them consistently. The combination of deep financial expertise, pragmatic support and confident management of the process was a key factor in the successful completion of the transaction.URS WÄLCHLI, GROUP CEO, SWISS SOLAR GROUP AG
Oaklins Cavendish played a key role in advising us on the financing to support our investment in SecurityHQ. The team ran a highly competitive process, generating strong interest from banks and credit funds and ultimately delivering a robust and well-structured funding solution with NatWest. Oaklins Cavendish’s commercial approach and ability to navigate the nuances of an ARR-based structure were instrumental in achieving an excellent outcome.RAVI MONTEIRO, PARTNER, GROWTH CAPITAL PARTNERS LLP
For both Lindenhofgruppe and LabPoint, the collaboration with Oaklins was a key success factor in this transaction. Thanks to the profound, hands-on advice and professional support throughout the entire M&A process, we were able to implement a solution that aligns with our strategic objectives and supports the sustainable development of LabPoint.ANDREAS SCHAFER, CHAIR OF THE BOARD, LINDENHOFGRUPPE AG AND LABPOINT MEDICAL LABORATORIES AG
