Outsourcing industry faces M&A boom

One-in-five companies in the UK's business process outsourcing industry could be acquired in the current economic climate.

That is according to a new study by the financial analyst Plimsoll, which forecasted a rise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the industry as cash rich companies prepare to purchase rivals at discounted valuations.

The Plimsoll Industry Analysis, which researched the health and prospects of 462 outsourcing firms, identified 100 organisations within the sector that have a sizeable cash reserve on their balance sheets.

David Pattison, author of Plimsoll, explained that change management skills will be in high demand over the next 12 months.

He said: "With many directors eyeing the exit doors and highly leveraged buyouts consigned to history for the time being it really is a buyers market out there for cash rich companies."

Earlier this week, an Ernst & Young's transaction advisory services revealed that one-third of international businesses are likely or high likely to acquire other companies in 2010.

Categories: Program & Project Management