From 2022 to 2023, the UK Life Sciences industry experienced notable growth. Investment from the sector surged, with M&A activity reaching over £43 billion in 2023, up from £35 billion in 2022.

In our latest industry report, Corporate Finance Partner Nick Wallis, and Director Sam Barr, provide a comprehensive review of the Life Sciences landscape, spotlighting recent M&A activity, as well as the current trends and outlook for the future.

Key takeaways from the report include:

• A notable trend in the Life Sciences industry is the rise of international collaborations, aimed at enhancing research quality and outcomes. In May 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim’s c. £1 billion partnership with Oxford-based biotech firm, Ochre Bio exemplified growing interest in collaborating with R&D-focussed enterprises.
• A challenge to the UK’s competitive position in this sector is the decline in foreign direct investment (FDI). Inward investment into the UK in 2023 totalled £0.8 billion, reflecting a 21% decrease compared to 2022.
• The global Life Sciences industry has seen a resurgence in major deal-making, with M&A investment reaching £191 billion in December 2023.
• Under the new Labour government, the industry is expected to benefit from pledges to a more certain funding environment and an increasingly streamlined funding process.