According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (www.ons.gov.uk), the estimates for the values of both inward and domestic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving UK companies saw notable increases in Q2 2019 (April to June), while outward M&A saw a notable decrease when compared with Q1.

The value of inward M&A (foreign companies abroad acquiring UK companies) was £18.4 billion in Q2, a sizeable increase of £10.8 billion on the £7.6 billion recorded in Q1.

Inward disposals were £0.4 billion, the lowest total since the £0.1 billion seen in Q1 2013.

The value of domestic M&A (UK companies acquiring other UK companies) in Q2 2019 was £2.8 billion, a £1.0 billion increase on the value recorded in Q1.

Meanwhile, the value of outward M&A (UK companies acquiring foreign companies abroad) was £1.5 billion in Q2, a notable fall of £4.6 billion compared with £6.1 billion during Q1.

Outward disposals were £0.6 billion, the lowest total since the £0.5 billion seen in Q4 2017.