Bargain Britain lures foreign buyers as hostile takeovers surge
International capital is driving a surge in public takeovers in the G7’s fastest-growing economy.
TL;DR
- Public merger and acquisition deals in the U.K. topped £75 billion by the end of Q3, almost double the total for 2025.
- International investors accounted for 72% of transaction volume and 94% of deal value.
- The number of hostile approaches has quadrupled, with four recorded this year compared to one in 2025 and none in 2024.
- Foreign capital underpins the largest deals, involved in seven of the eight £1 billion-plus transactions in Q3.
- A 'prolonged valuation gap' between U.K. and global peers is a key driver for foreign buyers.
- Surveys indicate strong momentum for U.K. M&A, with 87% expecting an increase in the next 12 months.