The number of M&A transactions at the start of 2022 decreased sharply compared to previous quarters, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict led to a worsening outlook and delayed decisions.
There were 371 completed M&A transactions in Q1 2022, compared to 570 in Q4 2021 and 610 in Q1 2021. Perhaps most strikingly, the total value of deals made by foreign firms acquiring UK companies dropped by a third from £16.3bn in Q4 2021 to just £11.2bn last quarter. Just two acquisitions accounted for half this figure, both by American companies: API Group Corporation acquiring Chubb Limited and ICU Medical Inc acquiring Smiths Medical 2020 Ltd. As well as value, there was also a drop in the overall number of UK companies acquired by foreign companies, with 145 acquisitions last ...
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