The total value of private equity deals in Scotland rose 5% in 2019 to £2.3 billion.

That’s according to latest figures from the Centre for Management Buyout Research (CMBOR), sponsored by Equistone Partners Europe and Investec Specialist Bank.

Significant deals included the sale of Howden by Colfax Corporation to KPS Capital Partners for £1.4 billion and the £400 million purchase of whisky firm Loch Lomond Group by Hillhouse Capital Management from Exponent Private Equity. 

While deal value increased, the number of deals this year remained the same as 2018 at 10 — a 25% increase on 2017. 

Scottish private equity transactions accounted for 10% of total UK deals (186) this year, up from 3% in 2018.

Andi Tomkinson, partner at Equistone Partners Europe, said: “While the overall value of UK transactions fell again in 2019, this is perhaps unsurprising considering the recent unstable economic outlook, and it is encouraging to see the value of Scottish deals climbing.

“With the general election over, it will be interesting to reflect on how this impacts investment in 2020 – this may lead to a jump in both value and volume of deals in the Scotland and the UK as a whole.”