Original content by BDO in the UK

The first six months of 2023 saw $31bn in transactions globally, a significant drop on the $90bn in deals disclosed over the same period in 2022.

Taking megadeals out of the picture, the average deal size in the first half of 2023 was up 12% on the same period in 2022, but that is hardly consolation as volume was down 22% and private equity, which had been playing a growing role in the sector, is in retreat.

However, appetite remains strong for digital media companies, and in particular those involved in gaming. Corporate buyers have stepped up to fill some of the space left by private equity but the market’s true return to form will depend on the macroeconomic outlook, which could be improving but remains hard to judge.

This report provides a useful benchmark if you are looking to find out how your media peers are staying on top in trying times and what their next moves are.

Get analysis from our specialists in Corporate Finance, as well as predictions for the months ahead in the UK media market.