UK M&A Activity Set to Break Records in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 18 2026
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
- Surge in M&A Activity: UK M&A deals have reached $192 billion so far this year, more than tripling from last year, indicating a robust market recovery and renewed investor confidence.
- Foreign Acquisitions Dominate: Foreign takeovers account for 86% of total UK M&A value, with U.S. bidders representing over half, reflecting sustained interest in the UK market and the attractiveness of its undervalued stocks.
- Market Stability Attracts Investment: The UK is perceived as a predictable takeover market, drawing significant strategic acquisitions as companies seek to make substantial business changes in the current economic climate.
- Historic Deal Potential: This year's M&A figures are nearing the 2025 total of $194 billion, underscoring the UK's significance in global M&A activity, particularly with foreign acquisitions reaching an all-time high.
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Analyst Views on INGR
Wall Street analysts forecast INGR stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 103.300
Low
119.00
Averages
125.50
High
136.00
Current: 103.300
Low
119.00
Averages
125.50
High
136.00
About INGR
Ingredion Incorporated is a global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in nearly 120 countries. The Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. Its segments include Texture & Healthful Solutions (T&HS), Food & Industrial Ingredients - Latin America (F&II - LATAM) and Food & Industrial Ingredients - U.S./Canada (F&II - U.S./Canada). Its product lines include starches and sweeteners, animal feed products and edible corn oil. Its starch-based products include both food-grade and industrial starches, as well as biomaterials and non-GMO (genetically modified organism) products. Its sweetener products include glucose syrups, high maltose syrups, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, dextrose, polyols, maltodextrins, glucose and syrup solids, high-intensity sweeteners, and various non-GMO products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Tate & Lyle Reports Decline in Revenue and Profit Amid Acquisition Talks
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- Acquisition Talks: The company is in discussions with U.S. rival Ingredion, which has proposed to acquire the British food and beverage ingredients maker for £2.74 billion ($3.68 billion), a move that could reshape the industry landscape if successful.
- Market Reaction: The combination of poor performance and acquisition news has led to a negative market response towards Tate & Lyle's stock, potentially diminishing investor confidence and impacting the company's future financing capabilities.
- Strategic Adjustments: In light of market challenges, Tate & Lyle may need to reassess its product portfolio and market strategies to adapt to changing demand and enhance competitiveness, ensuring long-term sustainable growth.
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- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Ingredion has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, consistent with previous payouts, indicating the company's stability and ongoing cash flow capabilities in the current economic environment.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 3.26% reflects the company's commitment to shareholder returns while attracting investors seeking stable income amidst market fluctuations.
- Dividend Payment Timeline: The dividend is payable on July 21, with a record date of July 1 and an ex-dividend date also set for July 1, providing investors with a clear timeline for their investment decisions.
- Management Change: Ingredion has appointed Jason Payant as interim CFO effective April 1, which may influence the company's financial strategy and future direction as it navigates current challenges and opportunities.
See More
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- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Ingredion's board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, payable on July 21, 2026, to shareholders of record as of July 1, 2026, reflecting the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Financial Performance Overview: In 2025, Ingredion reported annual net sales of approximately $7.2 billion, indicating its significant presence in over 120 countries and reinforcing its position as a leading global provider of ingredient solutions.
- Innovation Center Network: The company operates Ingredion's Idea Labs® innovation centers worldwide, leveraging the expertise of over 11,000 employees to co-create value with customers, driving product innovation and market adaptability.
- Market Service Scope: Ingredion transforms grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials into value-added ingredients for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing, and industrial markets, showcasing its diversified business model and market adaptability.
See More
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- Surge in M&A Activity: UK M&A deals have reached $192 billion so far this year, more than tripling from last year, indicating a robust market recovery and renewed investor confidence.
- Foreign Acquisitions Dominate: Foreign takeovers account for 86% of total UK M&A value, with U.S. bidders representing over half, reflecting sustained interest in the UK market and the attractiveness of its undervalued stocks.
- Market Stability Attracts Investment: The UK is perceived as a predictable takeover market, drawing significant strategic acquisitions as companies seek to make substantial business changes in the current economic climate.
- Historic Deal Potential: This year's M&A figures are nearing the 2025 total of $194 billion, underscoring the UK's significance in global M&A activity, particularly with foreign acquisitions reaching an all-time high.
See More
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- Acquisition Talks: Tate & Lyle is in discussions with U.S. rival Ingredion regarding a potential takeover valued at £2.74 billion ($3.7 billion), indicating strong market interest in food ingredient manufacturers.
- Shareholder Returns: Under the proposal, Tate shareholders would receive up to 615 pence per share, including 595 pence in cash and up to 20 pence in dividends, representing a 64% premium over the closing price on May 13, significantly enhancing shareholder returns.
- Background of Approaches: This proposal follows multiple approaches from Ingredion, although there is no certainty that a firm offer will be made, reflecting both parties' proactive stance in market consolidation.
- Market Reaction Potential: The acquisition discussions could prompt a reevaluation of the food ingredients sector, and if the deal is finalized, it may reshape the industry landscape and enhance Tate's competitiveness in the global market.
See More
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- Revenue Decline: The company reported revenue of $1.79 billion, a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.1%, which, while in line with expectations, suggests a lack of sales growth that may impact future market competitiveness.
- Guidance Adjustment: Ingredion adjusted its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $9.60 to $10.30, with adjusted EPS guidance set at $10.45 to $11.15, falling short of the $11.33 consensus, reflecting a cautious outlook on future performance.
- Stock Reaction: Following the earnings report, Ingredion's shares fell by 4%, indicating market concerns regarding the company's performance and future prospects, which may lead investors to reassess their investment strategies.
See More
Tate & Lyle Reports Decline in Revenue and Profit Amid Acquisition Talks
- Performance Decline: Tate & Lyle reported a decrease in full-year revenue and profit, primarily due to subdued demand for processed foods and lower product pricing across major markets, which puts pressure on profitability and future investment decisions.
- Acquisition Talks: The company is in discussions with U.S. rival Ingredion, which has proposed to acquire the British food and beverage ingredients maker for £2.74 billion ($3.68 billion), a move that could reshape the industry landscape if successful.
- Market Reaction: The combination of poor performance and acquisition news has led to a negative market response towards Tate & Lyle's stock, potentially diminishing investor confidence and impacting the company's future financing capabilities.
- Strategic Adjustments: In light of market challenges, Tate & Lyle may need to reassess its product portfolio and market strategies to adapt to changing demand and enhance competitiveness, ensuring long-term sustainable growth.
See More
Ingredion Declares $0.82 Quarterly Dividend, Consistent with Previous Payouts
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Ingredion has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, consistent with previous payouts, indicating the company's stability and ongoing cash flow capabilities in the current economic environment.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 3.26% reflects the company's commitment to shareholder returns while attracting investors seeking stable income amidst market fluctuations.
- Dividend Payment Timeline: The dividend is payable on July 21, with a record date of July 1 and an ex-dividend date also set for July 1, providing investors with a clear timeline for their investment decisions.
- Management Change: Ingredion has appointed Jason Payant as interim CFO effective April 1, which may influence the company's financial strategy and future direction as it navigates current challenges and opportunities.
See More
Ingredion Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.82
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Ingredion's board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, payable on July 21, 2026, to shareholders of record as of July 1, 2026, reflecting the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Financial Performance Overview: In 2025, Ingredion reported annual net sales of approximately $7.2 billion, indicating its significant presence in over 120 countries and reinforcing its position as a leading global provider of ingredient solutions.
- Innovation Center Network: The company operates Ingredion's Idea Labs® innovation centers worldwide, leveraging the expertise of over 11,000 employees to co-create value with customers, driving product innovation and market adaptability.
- Market Service Scope: Ingredion transforms grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials into value-added ingredients for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing, and industrial markets, showcasing its diversified business model and market adaptability.
See More
UK M&A Activity Set to Break Records in 2026
- Surge in M&A Activity: UK M&A deals have reached $192 billion so far this year, more than tripling from last year, indicating a robust market recovery and renewed investor confidence.
- Foreign Acquisitions Dominate: Foreign takeovers account for 86% of total UK M&A value, with U.S. bidders representing over half, reflecting sustained interest in the UK market and the attractiveness of its undervalued stocks.
- Market Stability Attracts Investment: The UK is perceived as a predictable takeover market, drawing significant strategic acquisitions as companies seek to make substantial business changes in the current economic climate.
- Historic Deal Potential: This year's M&A figures are nearing the 2025 total of $194 billion, underscoring the UK's significance in global M&A activity, particularly with foreign acquisitions reaching an all-time high.
See More
Tate & Lyle in Talks for $3.7 Billion Takeover by Ingredion
- Acquisition Talks: Tate & Lyle is in discussions with U.S. rival Ingredion regarding a potential takeover valued at £2.74 billion ($3.7 billion), indicating strong market interest in food ingredient manufacturers.
- Shareholder Returns: Under the proposal, Tate shareholders would receive up to 615 pence per share, including 595 pence in cash and up to 20 pence in dividends, representing a 64% premium over the closing price on May 13, significantly enhancing shareholder returns.
- Background of Approaches: This proposal follows multiple approaches from Ingredion, although there is no certainty that a firm offer will be made, reflecting both parties' proactive stance in market consolidation.
- Market Reaction Potential: The acquisition discussions could prompt a reevaluation of the food ingredients sector, and if the deal is finalized, it may reshape the industry landscape and enhance Tate's competitiveness in the global market.
See More
Ingredion Q1 Earnings Miss Expectations with EPS Guidance Adjusted
- Earnings Performance: Ingredion's Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $2.34 missed expectations by $0.13, indicating pressure on profitability that could undermine investor confidence and stock performance.
- Revenue Decline: The company reported revenue of $1.79 billion, a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.1%, which, while in line with expectations, suggests a lack of sales growth that may impact future market competitiveness.
- Guidance Adjustment: Ingredion adjusted its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $9.60 to $10.30, with adjusted EPS guidance set at $10.45 to $11.15, falling short of the $11.33 consensus, reflecting a cautious outlook on future performance.
- Stock Reaction: Following the earnings report, Ingredion's shares fell by 4%, indicating market concerns regarding the company's performance and future prospects, which may lead investors to reassess their investment strategies.
See More
