Why UK stocks are being targeted for takeovers

The UK stock market takeover boom is gathering pace in 2026, with companies including Tate & Lyle, Intertek and Legal & General linked to bids or takeover speculation.

In this video, AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould explains why takeover activity across the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 is accelerating — and what it could mean for UK investors.

The video explores whether UK equities are genuinely undervalued, why foreign buyers and private equity firms are targeting British companies, and whether investors should see the latest M&A wave as an opportunity or a warning sign.

Topics covered include:

• Why UK takeover activity has surged in 2026
• The role of private equity and overseas buyers
• What takeover premiums reveal about UK valuations
• Risks for long-term income investors
• The shrinking size of the UK stock market
• Why buying shares purely for takeover speculation can be risky