The UK is experiencing a significant increase in takeover activity, with £74 billion in bids made in the first half of 2025. Both domestic consolidation and aggressive overseas private equity moves, especially from the US, are driving this trend. Public-to-private deals and strategic acquisitions of undervalued UK assets are noteworthy. US firms account for over a quarter of bids, while UK acquirers have increased to 63% of buyers. The weakening pound and depressed equity valuations also make UK firms attractive, raising regulatory concerns over deal leaks before official announcements.
The UK is on pace for its busiest year of takeovers since 2021, with £74 billion in bids tabled for British companies in the first six months of 2025.
Contested takeovers are at their highest levels in five years, signalling a more competitive and heated M&A environment.
US firms have played a major role in the resurgence, accounting for over a quarter of bidders so far this year.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating a sharp rise in deal leaks, with 40 percent of takeovers reported in the media before official announcement.
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