Q3 2023 – QUARTERLY M&A MARKET RECAP
- In Q3-23, M&A activity in the US Industrial Distribution sector slowed, with 77 transactions closed – a 22.2% decrease from the Q3-22. Looking at the trailing twelve months ending September 2023, a total of 352 deals were completed. This figure remains nearly unchanged when compared to 2019 pre-pandemic volumes of 356 transactions, signaling stabilization in the Industrial Distribution sector from the record volumes seen in 2021 and 2022.
- Q3-23 Global Industrial Distribution M&A deal volume trends closely align with those seen in the US, declining 32.4% compared to Q3-22. TTM Sep-23 global deal volumes also declined, however, similar to domestic activity, remained consistent with pre-pandemic levels. Despite slowed M&A activity during Q3-23, conditions remain viable for a market rebound with global PE dry powder at $1.4T, just 9.7% below its record high.
- Positive trends emerged in macroeconomic indicators during Q3-23. The US Industrial Production Index recorded a year-over-year increase of 4.6%. Additionally, as of September 2023, the US ISM Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), a key monthly gauge of economic activity in the US manufacturing sector, rose to its highest level since November 2022, reaching 49.0; whereas any value above 50 signals expansion.
Read Industrial Distributor M&A Pulse Q3 2023 Full Report
Flow Control Market Update Q1 2026
The flow control industry continues to experience robust consolidation activity, driven by companies seeking greater scale, expanded geographic reach, and broader product offerings. Strategic acquirers and private equity investors remain active buyers, supported by attractive long-term industry fundamentals, including aging infrastructure, recurring aftermarket revenue streams, and increasing automation and monitoring requirements.
Distribution M&A Pulse – Q1 2026
U.S. distribution M&A activity remained relatively stable in Q1-26, with 78 announced transactions compared to 82 in the prior-year period, reflecting a resilient domestic backdrop despite a somewhat uneven macroeconomic environment.
Distribution M&A Pulse – Q4 2025
Q4 2025 reflected lower transaction volumes alongside sustained strategic engagement. Global distribution M&A activity declined 36% year over year during the quarter, with U.S. volumes exhibiting a similar contraction.
Distribution M&A Pulse – Q3 2025
In Q3-25, the market saw 138 Distribution transactions close worldwide.
Distribution M&A Pulse – Q2 2025
Globally, 149 Distribution transactions closed in Q2-25. Strategic buyer activity declined meaningfully from Q2-24 as many companies shifted focus toward operational improvements and organic growth instead of pursuing acquisitions amid tariff-related uncertainty.