ONS M&A data on UK companies: April to June 2026
- Value of inward M&A (foreign companies acquiring UK companies) was £25.4 billion during Quarter 2 2026, £9.7 billion more than in Quarter 1 2026 (£15.7 billion), and £15.7 billion higher than in Quarter 2 2025 (£9.7 billion).
- An estimated 162 completed inward M&A transactions involving a change in majority share ownership in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026, 21 fewer than in the previous quarter (183) and 41 less than in Quarter 2 2025 (203).
Commenting, Patrick Sarch, Head of UK Public M&A at White & Case, said:
“Albeit volumes are slightly down on the last quarter, foreign takeovers of our world-class public companies continue at pace as the UK public markets remain a highly attractive hunting ground for international bidders who see significant value which is not reflected in current trading valuations. With UK-listed companies continuing to trade at persistent discounts to their international peers, this shows no signs of slowing down.
“While there are concerns about what continued foreign takeovers mean for the future of UK public markets, we view this as welcome inbound investment into our open economy from buyers who see opportunities to unlock greater value under private ownership. An absence of international demand would be far worse.
“Activity remained hot over the summer and we expect a bumper increase in deal flow in the run up to year end. We anticipate activity in parts of the market where there is strong appetite for businesses with unique technology capabilities, particularly defence tech, as well as financial institutions and fintechs. Persistent valuation discounts are also likely to encourage more aggressive approaches from bidders, including bear hugs, stake building and, in our view, an increase in quasi and overtly hostile deals.”
