The survey covers the quarter ending July 31, 2024, and includes data on valuations as well as deals completed.
The quarter saw another drop in overall goodwill values, now at their lowest level since 2018. Overall, goodwill values were at 113 per cent as a percentage of gross fees, down from 124 per cent in the previous quarter. NHS goodwill values stayed reasonably steady at 129 per cent of gross fees, slightly down from 134 per cent in the previous quarter. Private practices fell from 119 per cent as a percentage of gross fees to 111 per cent. The big drop was in the goodwill value of mixed practices, previously at 131 per cent as a percentage of gross fees, they fell to 107 per cent in the quarter ending July 21,2024.
Mike Blenkharn, partner and head of dental at UNW LLP who compiled the goodwill survey, said, “From a positive point of view, I don’t expect the market to fall any further. It has to be remembered that the completions are reflecting deals that were done probably 12 months ago. If we think back to August 2023, we had higher interest rates and banks were being very conservative with lending in terms of affordability.
“If we move to where we are today, inflation is under greater control, base rates are moving in the right direction and banks are keen to lend. I am seeing a confident market returning and it is a good time to buy.
“Following the budget, I don’t expect the CGT rise to lead to a huge increase in deals though - if a practice wasn’t on the market before the budget, it is unlikely to be able to complete before April 2025! It may speed up those transactions already in process though.”
Johnny Minford, commercial and development director at DJH Mitten Clarke and NASDAL media officer, said, “The fall in values is following a trend, and instability always causes weakness. There remains some economic uncertainty. There will be some local fluctuations as always, and we expect to see some frantic activity around the capital gains tax change deadlines, as sellers rush to achieve lower rates. However, the reasons to own a dental practice haven't changed, and we will continue to see solid, profitable practices attracting interest.”
The goodwill figures are collated from accountant and lawyer members of NASDAL to give a useful guide to the practice sales market. It said these statistics should be treated as a guideline only.