Groups based in the US acquired 22 UK-listed companies last year, an increase of 83 per cent on the number of US-led deals completed in the previous month, research by City law firm Wedlake Bell finds.

Tim Bird, a partner at the firm, says that US buyers have been “better able than most” to take advantage of the buying opportunity presented by the recession.

“US companies have been making acquisitions of UK companies right across the board, but particularly in technology, renewable resources and media companies, where Britain is seen as a great incubator for new ideas and technologies.”

M&A activity in the UK continued to be subdued last year, with only 86 deals completed in the twelve months to June – this is 23 per cent down on the previous year.

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