Foreign Bidders Launch Record £150 Billion Takeover Spree in UK This Year
Overseas investors, primarily from the US, have made offers totaling £150 billion for British companies in the first half of 2026.
Foreign investors have initiated a record-breaking wave of takeover bids for British companies, with offers amounting to £175 billion in the first half of 2026, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). This figure represents more than a threefold increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Overseas suitors accounted for £150 billion, or 85%, of the total offers, marking the highest level of inbound mergers and acquisitions since records began in 1980. The remaining £25 billion in bids came from domestic British investors. Notably, over half of these international offers, 58%, originated from the United States, as American dealmakers actively sought opportunities within the UK market.
The surge in foreign bids has amplified concerns that valuable British companies are being acquired at undervalued prices. City analysts have characterized the UK as a "hunting ground" for international buyers.
This trend follows a series of high-profile targets. Warehouse and data center group Segro recently became the latest FTSE 100 company to attract a significant offer, with a £12.6 billion bid from U.S. rival Prologis. Other prominent firms such as Intertek, Schroders, and Beazley have already agreed to be acquired this year. Additionally, DCC has indicated its inclination to accept an offer from U.S. private equity firm KKR. Beyond the largest companies, businesses like easyJet, Tate & Lyle, William Hill-owner Evoke, and Spire Healthcare have also been targets.
The substantial volume of takeover activity is also poised to generate significant fees for financial and legal advisors. Deals valued at £60 billion alone could result in advisory payouts between £300 million and £600 million, reflecting typical fees ranging from 0.5% to 1% of deal value. For the total £175 billion in deals, advisors could collectively earn up to £1.75 billion. Goldman Sachs currently leads the financial advisor rankings for the year, according to LSEG.