UK
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This week’s UK M&A spanned energy, finance, transport, and more. Consolidation, global investment, and IP expansion defined the landscape, from battery storage to wealth management. Together, the deals highlight the UK’s ongoing role as a hub for cross-border acquisitions.
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Economists urge Bank of England to slow quantitative tightening. Long-term borrowing costs have surged, raising concerns over the UK fiscal outlook and prompting calls for the Bank of England to reconsider its quantitative tightening strategy to avoid further market disruption.
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Train drivers at CrossCountry have voted to strike on 3 October. The row centres on alleged misuse of grievance and disciplinary procedures, with union leaders accusing management of repeated bad faith. A refusal to work overtime begins 21 September, with a full walkout planned.
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UK start-up loan demand rises as PG insurance uptake grows. A growing number of start-ups are securing finance with personal guarantee backed loans, as new data points to increased risk appetite and lender support among early-stage UK businesses.
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Most UK CEOs opt to stay away from Reform’s conference. Senior leaders cite reputational risk, while policy watchers attend. The contrast frames an emerging playbook in corporate-political strategy.
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The Bank of England signals limited interest rate cuts ahead. Officials suggest interest rate cuts may not continue indefinitely, citing inflation concerns and market expectations. The central bank faces challenges with inflation and borrowing costs, impacting future monetary policy decisions.
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Palmer Energy Technology has acquired Oxford spin-out Brill Power. The deal, alongside a £5 million Series A round, will support deployment of Brill’s battery management systems across UK energy storage projects.
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UK services growth surged to a 16-month high in August. The S&P Global/CIPS PMI rose to 54.2, signalling stronger demand across business services, hospitality, and transport, as inflationary pressures eased and overseas demand picked up.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present her first full autumn budget. The Treasury has announced the date as 26 November, with speculation over potential tax increases to address a public finance shortfall of up to £40 billion.
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Wood Group nears Sidara takeover as Boots goes private. The UK M&A market saw high-profile transactions this week, spanning energy, retail, fashion, infrastructure, and leisure. From Wood Group’s contested future to Boots’ transition into private ownership, the breadth of deals underscores both sector diversity and investor appetite.
