Capital flows in motion: What SME owners should watch in October 2025
Capital is moving with intent this week. From disciplined asset rotation to renewed exit activity and infrastructure plays linked to AI demand, the market is signalling a shift in how investors and operators are deploying funds. For SME owners, this is a moment to assess whether your business is positioned to attract capital, exit at a premium, or partner for growth.
Why this matters now
The market is rewarding clarity. Investors are favouring businesses with clean balance sheets, resilient assets, and scalable infrastructure. Whether you're holding industrial property, considering a sale, or operating in a sector adjacent to energy or data, the current environment offers opportunities, but only for those prepared to act.
This matters for:
SME owners with capital-intensive assets
Founders considering an exit in the next 12–18 months
Operators in logistics, energy, or tech-adjacent sectors
Professional services firms exploring private equity partnerships
Three Themes Reshaping Capital Deployment
1. Balance-Sheet Discipline
REITs and resource players are recycling capital into core or higher-yield assets. Dexus Industria REIT’s $47.5 million acquisition of Melbourne industrial sheds reflects a broader appetite for transport-adjacent, rent-resilient assets. Berkshire Hathaway’s trimming of OxyChem debt shows that even large players are prioritising financial clarity.
For SME owners, this is a signal to review asset portfolios. Non-core holdings may be better deployed elsewhere. Sale-leasebacks, refinancing, or divestments can unlock capital and improve valuation.
2. Exit Pipeline Warming
Private equity is back in the market. KKR is circling MYOB again. EMR Capital is weighing options for its Kestrel coal asset. Grant Thornton Australia is exploring global PE partnerships. These moves suggest that buyers are ready to engage, but they’re looking for businesses with strong fundamentals and clear narratives.
If you're considering a sale, now is the time to prepare. Buyers are selective. They want clean financials, operational transparency, and strategic clarity. MSA’s EBITDA+ SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS™ helps owners align these elements to maximise sale price.
3. Infrastructure Convergence
Energy and data infrastructure are converging. SunCable is in talks to support data centres in the Northern Territory. Uber’s acquisition of Segments.ai highlights the growing demand for scalable AI services. These developments are creating new capital corridors for businesses that support or enable infrastructure growth.
SMEs in logistics, energy, or data services should explore partnerships, carve-outs, or capital raises that align with this convergence. The opportunity is real, but timing and positioning are critical.
How MSA Helps Navigate This Landscape
At Morgan Shaw Advisory, we guide SME owners through:
Exit readiness assessments to prepare for buyer scrutiny
Valuation benchmarking using current market comps
Capital structuring for asset-heavy businesses
Strategic positioning for infrastructure-linked growth
Our advisory process is built around clarity, preparation, and execution. Whether you're selling, raising capital, or repositioning, we help you move with confidence.
Actionable Takeaways
Review your asset mix. Are there underperforming or non-core assets that could be recycled?
Assess your exit readiness. Would your business stand up to PE-level scrutiny today?
Explore infrastructure partnerships. Could your business benefit from energy-data convergence?
Benchmark your valuation. Use recent deals like MYOB and Kestrel to recalibrate expectations.
Engage early. The best deals are made before the market gets crowded.
Let’s Talk
If you’re considering a sale, recapitalisation, or strategic partnership, MSA can help you prepare, position, and execute. https://www.morganshawadvisory.com/contact or explore our latest insights on exit strategy planning.