Foreign Bids Drive UK M&A to Record $192 Billion YTD in 2026

Foreign bidders have propelled UK M&A to $192 billion year-to-date in 2026, already more than triple the level at the same point last year and nearing the full-year 2025 total. Inbound deals, led by U.S. acquirers accounting for over half of foreign activity, reached an all-time YTD high of $165 billion and represent 86% of total UK M&A value. Notable transactions include EQT’s proposed £9.4 billion ($12.7 billion) takeover of Intertek and Ingredion’s offer for Tate & Lyle. Cheaper UK equities relative to U.S. and European peers, combined with a predictable takeover regime, are fueling opportunistic deals that now equal 14% of UK GDP in Q1 and 10% of global M&A announcements.