M&A activity boosted in Q2
Mergers and acquisitions in UK show small rise but huge increase in value in second quarter
The number of M&A deals in the UK in Q2 rose marginally by 7% but hit
£8.9bn – an increase of 154% on the previous quarter, according to figures
published by the Office of National Statistics and analysed by Grant Thornton
corporate finance.
For the first time there were also more acquisitions in Britain by foreign
companies than by UK companies abroad.
David Brooks, head of M&A at Grant Thornton corporate finance said:
‘Overall, UK M&A activity has been very resilient during the second quarter
of 2005. Despite a small rise in the number of UK M&A deals, the value of UK
deals has gone through the roof.
‘In terms of cross-boarder M&A, it is clear that the UK is still an
attractive place for foreign companies to buy.’
