New figures show UK mergers and acquisitions activity

Posted 01/03/2011

New figures have been released showing mergers and acquisitions activity during the final quarter of 2010.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the value of acquisitions in Britain increased from £3 billion in quarter three to £3.8 billion in quarter four, representing the largest value seen since the first three months of 2009.

During the whole year, the value of acquisitions in the UK was £10.1 billion, with 61 takeovers made up of firms worth more than £1 million.

This could mean more businesspeople in Britain are again willing to take on new companies and expand existing ones following a period of stagnation during the recession.

Meanwhile, transactions involving foreign companies buying businesses in the UK decreased from £12.1 billion to £9.8 billion between the third and fourth quarters.

Last month, KPMG speculated that the technology sector could see a large amount of mergers and acquisitions this year because it offers good returns for investors.