London’s investment bankers and lawyers make more than £1bn in takeover frenzy
Bumper fees paid in the year’s mergers and acquisitions spark anger over high City pay during cost of living crisis London’s investment bankers and lawyers have made more than £1bn from a frenzy of takeover deals this year, sparking anger over high City pay during the cost of living crisis . The value of mergers and acquisitions of UK stock market listed companies has surged 175% in 2026 to…
UK investment bankers and lawyers amassed over £1 billion in fees from a surge in corporate takeovers over the past year, according to official filings by the London Stock Exchange. The value of mergers and acquisitions across UK-listed companies increased 175% to $132.9 billion in 2026, driven by overseas buyers snapping up British firms at an unprecedented rate.
The boom in deals has fueled hefty pay packets for legal and financial professionals, who have capitalized on the flood of private equity capital and American interest in undervalued British businesses. JP Morgan led the advisory business among banks, with 14 takeovers worth $89.4 billion, while Slaughter and May topped the list of law firms.
The pay rise comes as the government lifted the cap on bonuses, allowing each bank to set its own limit. Despite soaring bonuses, the cost of living crisis has left many UK households struggling, prompting trade union leaders to call for a windfall tax on banks' profits. Despite the mega-deals, UK shares have seen fewer listings this year, raising concerns about the future of the London stock market.
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