Private equity backed mergers and acquisitions in the manufacturing sector jumped by nearly a third last year, despite a fall in M&A activity generally, according to new figures.

Data from national law firm Irwin Mitchell revealed a 29.2 per cent increase in private equity-backed transactions in the sector, but a six per cent drop in deals overall.

M&A activity was most apparent in the South East, with nearly a third of all deals happening in this part of the UK. Lowest was the North East, with just a four per cent share.

Andrea Cropley, head of Irwin Mitchell's Corporate team in the North of England, said: "Although deal levels reduced, there were some encouraging signs in relation to private equity.

“The manufacturing sector is clearly attractive at the moment.”