A operate that was as soon as buried deep inside IT departments, cyber safety is now firmly making its means up the boardroom agenda. 72% of UK companies now classify cyber security as a excessive precedence, with that extending to 96% of huge companies.
As latest high-profile breaches at M&S, Co-op and Harrods have proven, cyber resilience is now central not solely to operational integrity but additionally to model worth, regulatory compliance and investor confidence.
Director at Arrowpoint Advisory.
Greater awareness has emerged as businesses shift from short-term solutions adopted during the pandemic to long-term, strategic partnerships with specialist cyber security providers. Increasingly, organizations recognize that cyber security requires an integrated approach involving continuous monitoring and proactive risk management.
The growing complexity and specificity of cyber threats mean that a bespoke, tailored approach is necessary, driving demand for advisory-led solutions delivered by experienced, security-cleared professionals.
That shift in perception is now being reflected in dealmaking. In the second quarter of 2025, the UK cyber market saw a flurry of M&A activity, much of it led by private equity platforms executing bolt-on acquisitions. These transactions may not always grab headlines, but they are sending a clear signal – cyber security is a strategic growth priority.
A new kind of risk
The cyber threat landscape has evolved. Today’s attacks are more frequent, more sophisticated and more damaging. The recent incidents involving the “Scattered Spider” group are just the latest reminder of the long-term impact these attacks can have, beyond the legal and financial consequences, but to customer trust and brand reputation. That’s why boardrooms are starting to reassess their cyber readiness.
In sectors such as public services, infrastructure and education – where the risks of failure are especially high – strong cyber defenses are no longer optional.
In addition, the rapid advancement of AI will accelerate cybersecurity risks, as it lowers the barrier for executing sophisticated attacks and enables threat actors to automate, scale, and personalize their tactics with unprecedented precision.
Regulation is raising the stakes
At the same time, government regulation is putting company directors firmly on the hook. The UK’s proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will make senior executives directly accountable for managing cyber risks and ensuring operational resilience, bringing the UK closer to European frameworks like the NIS2 Directive and DORA.
This is changing how cyber security is viewed at the top. It’s not just about ticking boxes or passing audits. It is now a central part of good governance. For investors, strong cyber capabilities are becoming a mark of well-run companies. For acquirers, it’s becoming a critical filter for M&A, particularly when dealing with businesses that hold sensitive data or operate critical systems.
This regulatory push is part of a broader global shift towards greater accountability. In response, businesses are increasingly adopting governance models that embed cyber risk management into their strategic decision-making processes. Boards that fail to adapt not only risk regulatory penalties but also stand to lose investor confidence and market competitiveness.
Private Equity steps in
While overall deal values are still below long-term trends, deal volumes are rising. In Q2 alone, there were 114 cyber-related deals across Europe and North America, well above average. In the UK, activity is particularly strong in the small to mid-sized market, with private equity firms at the forefront.
Cyber security is a highly fragmented mission critical sector with strong recurring revenues, sticky customer relationships and a compelling margin profile. In an setting the place traders are more and more centered on resilience over development, these are engaging attributes.
From product to partnership
The post-Covid shakeout is also playing a role. Many companies quickly adopted off-the-shelf solutions during the pandemic to meet urgent needs. Today, with greater familiarity and a clearer understanding of risk, boards are opting for more tailored, enterprise-grade services.
This is not just about technology, there is a growing premium on advisory-led solutions. Highly qualified, security-cleared professionals providing bespoke assessments and continuous monitoring. In different phrases, shoppers need experience and repair, not simply software program.
From a valuation perspective, this issues. Whereas public market multiples proceed to fluctuate, uncovered to macro shifts reminiscent of US tariff bulletins earlier this yr, premium valuations proceed to cluster round suppliers with diversified choices and deep consumer integration. As PE patrons weigh bolt-ons and platforms, these traits are driving acquisition rationale.
Players need to stay ahead
The forces pushing cyber up the corporate agenda aren’t going away. Threat actors are growing bolder, regulators are getting tougher and the risks remain high.
The result is a market in transition. What began as a compliance arms race is evolving into a sophisticated, services-led ecosystem. For dealmakers, this creates opportunity but also demands discernment. Not every cyber asset will command a premium.
The winners will be those with deep expertise, defensible margins and client relationships that extend beyond the server room.
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