Takeovers are shrinking the UK stock market at the fastest
pace. In more than a decade, about 45
companies have delisted from the London market this year due
to mergers and acquisitions. That's up 10% from the
tally for all of last year. According to data
compiled by Bloomberg, we're seeing the highest number of
firms leaving the market since 2010 as the volume of
deals targeting UK companies jumps 81% this year to more
than$160 billion. Private equity firms have been among
the most active with us based Starwood Capital Group closing
its$852 million acquisition of London listed balanced commercial property
trust. While Toma Bravo finished its$5.3 billion purchase
of cybersecurity software provider, Darktrace, the moves show
how the British stock market remains popular with bargain hunters
with UK equities. Now trading at a record discount
of more than 40% to all these deals combined with
a dearth of initial public offerings in London mean that
the total number of listed companies in the UK continues
to shrink. 11 companies have completed London ipos this
year. To raise a combined$1 billion down 11%
from the amount raised during the same period. In
2023. Analysts warn that if London wants to keep
its place as the financial center of Europe, major
reforms are needed.