Key facts
- The total value of offers for UK companies has reached over $231 billion so far in 2026.
- This figure represents a 210% increase compared to the same period last year.
- Foreign takeovers account for $197 billion of the total M&A value, the highest year-to-date since 1980.
- U.S. bidders are the most active foreign acquirers of UK targets.
- Cheaper UK stock valuations and a predictable regulatory environment are driving the M&A surge.
Foreign bids for UK companies have significantly boosted merger and acquisition activity, putting Britain on track to surpass previous records. The total value of offers for UK targets has surged by 210% from the previous year to over $231 billion so far in 2026.
Key deals contributing to this surge include bids for Intertek, Schroders, and Unilever's food unit, alongside U.S.-listed Ingredion's offer for Tate & Lyle. Intertek's board agreed to a £9.4 billion ($12.7 billion) takeover by private equity firm EQT, marking Britain's largest private-equity takeover since 2007.
Several factors are driving this trend. UK shares are trading at a discount compared to European and U.S. markets, making them attractive acquisition targets. Additionally, the UK is viewed as a predictable and well-established market for takeovers, according to legal experts.
By value, UK-targeted M&A now accounts for over 8% of total global M&A announcements year-to-date, the highest proportion since 2015. Foreign takeovers, totaling more than $197 billion, are the primary driver of this year's figures, representing an all-time high for year-to-date activity since records began in 1980. U.S. bidders have been particularly active, accounting for over half of these foreign acquisitions. Foreign takeovers now represent 86% of all UK M&A by value, a record high.