<div class="gn-article"><div class="gn-hero gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-hero__image"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67210a732d77571a596_editors-choice-may-2026-banner-6a2803cf3bdd3580985645.jpeg" alt=""></div> <div class="gn-hero__head"> <span class="gn-kicker"><span class="dot"></span>Intelligence</span> <h1 class="gn-title">Mergers &amp; Acquisitions: Round-Up: May 2026</h1> <div class="gn-meta"> <strong>The GO Network</strong> <span class="pip"></span> <span>1 June 2026</span> <span class="pip"></span> <span>8 min read</span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="gn-body"> <p class="gn-lede gn-reveal">Welcome to the May 2026 edition of our UK Mergers &amp; Acquisitions Round-Up, created for agency leaders looking to stay close to shifts in brand ownership, group structure, and market strategy. May was defined by a surge in inbound international bids.</p> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#01</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Intertek backs £10.6bn takeover by EQT</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> EQT (Sweden), Intertek</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Industrial / Lab Testing</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Public-to-private takeover</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 22 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> FT</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">UK lab testing group Intertek backed a £10.6bn takeover by Swedish private equity firm EQT, one of the largest PE-led buyouts of a British public company this cycle.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67210a732d77571a5da_6a292eac8d35d1e932358ee6_intertek-6a2801034fcc2590415369.webp" alt="Intertek"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#02</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Unilever combines food division with McCormick</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Unilever (Foods), McCormick</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> FMCG / Food</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Cross-border combination</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Unilever confirmed the combination of its food division, including Hellmann's, Knorr, Marmite and Colman's, with US flavours giant McCormick to create a global flavours powerhouse. The transaction cleared critical transitional milestones during May.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a628_6a292ead896fa391e5181d9c_unilever-6a2801035d33e554294530.jpeg" alt="Unilever and McCormick combination"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#03</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Vodafone agrees £4.3bn deal for full ownership of VodafoneThree</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Vodafone Group, CK Hutchison (VodafoneThree)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Telecoms</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Stake acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 21 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Vodafone agreed to acquire CK Hutchison's 49% stake in VodafoneThree for £4.3bn, taking full operational control of the UK's largest mobile operator. The deal is scheduled to complete in the second half of 2026.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a611_6a292eae600689d2de35f3fc_vodafone-6a2801036212d923203437.jpeg" alt="Vodafone and VodafoneThree"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#04</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Tate &amp; Lyle agrees £2.7bn takeover by Ingredion</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Ingredion (US), Tate &amp; Lyle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> FMCG / Food Ingredients</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Recommended all-cash acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> The Guardian</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Historic British food and beverage ingredient maker Tate &amp; Lyle agreed to a £2.7bn all-cash takeover by Chicago-based rival Ingredion, at 595 pence per share plus up to 20 pence in special distributions.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67210a732d77571a5d5_6a292eae896fa391e5181e2e_tate-and-lyle-6a2801034f759694016598.jpeg" alt="Tate and Lyle takeover by Ingredion"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#05</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Publicis to acquire LiveRamp for $2.17bn</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Publicis Groupe (France), LiveRamp (US)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Marketing / Adtech</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Recommended all-cash acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 17 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Publicis Groupe agreed to acquire US data-collaboration platform LiveRamp for a total enterprise value of $2.167bn in an all-cash transaction. The deal reinforces Publicis' identity and customer-data infrastructure against the other holding companies.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a600_6a292eaee2b0f0e890167fb4_liveramp-6a28010361ddd817981943.jpeg" alt="Publicis acquires LiveRamp"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#06</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Aegon UK sold to Standard Life for £2bn</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Standard Life (Phoenix Group), Aegon UK</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Retirement</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Business unit acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Standard Life advanced its integration of Aegon UK's historic 200-year-old British business following its £2bn acquisition agreement, materially bolstering its retirement franchise.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a5f4_6a292eaffb3d52b68996397c_aegon-uk-6a2801035251a512578040.webp" alt="Aegon UK acquired by Standard Life"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#07</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Bodycote receives £1.52bn takeover proposal from Apollo</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Apollo Global Management (US), Bodycote</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Industrial / Engineering</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Public takeover proposal</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">UK engineering and heat treatment group Bodycote received a £1.52bn (around $2.04bn) takeover proposal from Apollo Global Management. Bodycote shares rose 19% on the announcement and the company entered a formal offer period.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a60e_6a292eaff0f1da95bc33497b_bodycote-6a2801035b6be451961258.avif" alt="Bodycote takeover proposal from Apollo"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#08</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">CloserStill Media sold to Searchlight and Providence in $1.77bn deal</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Searchlight Capital, Providence Equity Partners, CloserStill Media</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Events / B2B Media</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Co-control sale</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 1 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Bloomberg</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Searchlight Capital Partners agreed to co-control UK B2B events group CloserStill Media alongside existing investor Providence in a deal valuing the company at $1.77bn. The transaction is one of the largest trade-show sector deals on record.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a5ed_6a292eaf8d35d1e9323591cd_closerstill-media-6a2801035bea1831646598.jpeg" alt="CloserStill Media sold to Searchlight and Providence"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#09</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">E.ON to acquire OVO Energy</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> E.ON, OVO Energy</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Energy / Utilities</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 26 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> FT</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">E.ON is set to acquire OVO Energy in a move that creates the UK's largest residential energy supplier. The deal centres on integrating OVO's Kaluza smart-energy platform, with plans to roll it out across E.ON's wider European operations.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a5ea_6a292eb0671bad3d59283031_e-on-6a28010360b67240858101.jpeg" alt="E.ON acquires OVO Energy"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#10</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Evoke (William Hill) agrees £243m takeover by Bally's Intralot</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Bally's Intralot, Evoke</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Gaming / Betting</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Public takeover</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">The owner of William Hill, Evoke, agreed terms on a £243m takeover by Bally's Intralot, the combined casino and lottery operator created by Bally's Corporation's tie-up with Intralot.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a615_6a292eb08cdf13e162de7d19_william-hill-6a28010347df4059566204.jpeg" alt="Evoke William Hill takeover by Bally's Intralot"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#11</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Frasers Group acquires York and East Midlands Designer Outlets for £400m</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Frasers Group, Aviva Investors</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Retail / Property</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 29 April 2026 (announced)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Place Yorkshire</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Frasers Group acquired the York Designer Outlet and East Midlands Designer Outlet from Aviva Investors for approximately £400m. The deal gives Frasers control of around one fifth of the UK outlet market and adds nearly 8 million annual visitors, advancing CEO Michael Murray's Elevation Strategy.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a61a_6a292eb1be3fd1326929ed83_frasers-group-6a28010360117386075510.png" alt="Frasers Group acquires Designer Outlets"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#12</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Estée Lauder takes minority stake in 111SKIN</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Estée Lauder Companies, 111SKIN</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Beauty / Clinical Skincare</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Minority stake investment</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 29 April 2026 (announced)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Estée Lauder press release</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Estée Lauder Companies announced a minority investment in luxury clinical skincare brand 111SKIN, reinforcing its focus on science-driven, treatment-inspired skincare. CEO Vanessa Goddevrind continues to lead 111SKIN alongside founders Dr Yannis and Eva Alexandrides.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a604_6a292eb137551c5485a5537c_estee-lauder-6a28010378ad6436172147.jpeg" alt="Estée Lauder minority stake in 111SKIN"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#13</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Finsbury Food Group acquires Flower &amp; White</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Finsbury Food Group, Flower &amp; White</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> FMCG / Healthy Snacking</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> The Grocer</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Finsbury Food Group acquired better-for-you snacking brand Flower &amp; White, expanding its direct-to-consumer platform and entering lower-calorie bakery categories. Flower &amp; White is currently growing at 30%, with founders Leanne and Brian Crowther remaining for integration.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a60b_6a292eb2fb3d52b689963c02_finsbury-food-group-6a28010359512068300792.png" alt="Finsbury Food Group acquires Flower and White"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#14</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Tory Burch buys back PE stake from General Atlantic</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Tory Burch, General Atlantic</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Fashion / Luxury Accessories</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Stake buyback / Ownership restructuring</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 4 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Business of Fashion</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Tory Burch agreed to repurchase General Atlantic's minority stake (around $346m / £255.6m) more than a decade after the original 2012 investment. The fashion brand is funding the buyback via a £520m leveraged loan led by Bank of America and a new £220m revolving credit facility.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a5fa_6a292eb2600689d2de35f832_tory-burch-6a2801034ba4d041851806.jpeg" alt="Tory Burch buys back PE stake from General Atlantic"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#15</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Radley receives formal acquisition bid from Auralis</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Auralis (Total Capital Partners), Radley London</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Retail / Accessories</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition bid (submitted)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 8 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Drapers</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Auralis, the owner of Weird Fish, submitted a formal offer to acquire premium accessories brand Radley London. The move forms part of a "buy and build" strategy by parent Total Capital Partners to establish a UK lifestyle retail group.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a61d_6a292eb378edfda9f45a59f3_radley-6a2801035dcc9275279122.png" alt="Radley receives formal acquisition bid from Auralis"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#16</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Associated British Foods to demerge Primark from FoodCo</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Associated British Foods, Primark, FoodCo</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Retail / FMCG</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Demerger (board-approved)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 21 April 2026 (announced)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> ABF press release</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Associated British Foods announced board approval of a demerger of Primark from its food operations, creating two separate FTSE 100 companies. Eoin Tonge will lead an independent Primark, with George Weston heading the food-focused FoodCo. Completion is expected by end of 2027.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb1c01a476cbc93542718_69fcb1ba45317e8ddc9f873a_associated-british-foods-69ca9978f3ef7685585014.webp" alt="Associated British Foods demerger of Primark and FoodCo"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#17</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">C&amp;C Group merges Matthew Clark and Bibendum</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> C&amp;C Group, Matthew Clark, Bibendum</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Beverages / Distribution</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Internal merger / Brand consolidation</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 25 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> The Drinks Business</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">C&amp;C Group merged Matthew Clark and Bibendum into a single integrated entity called Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB), simplifying UK on-trade distribution and creating a unified specialist wine list. Full implementation is scheduled for summer 2026.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a5f7_6a292eb4e2b0f0e89016854d_c-and-c-group-6a2801036243c986645201.webp" alt="C&C Group merges Matthew Clark and Bibendum"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#18</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman terminate £25bn merger talks</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Beverages / Spirits</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Terminated merger</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman confirmed termination of discussions regarding a proposed £25bn business combination. Brown-Forman is now prioritising geographic footprint expansion. Pernod Ricard is exploring an IPO for its Indian subsidiary and focusing on its standalone operating model.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a5f0_6a292eb5f31e3100ab7e395d_pernod-ricard-and-brown-forman-6a2801035d207858650534.jpeg" alt="Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman terminate merger talks"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#19</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Frenkel Topping / Irwell Bidco take-private regulatory extension</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Irwell Bidco, Frenkel Topping</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Specialist Advice</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Take-private (long-stop extension)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 29 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Stock Exchange Announcement</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Frenkel Topping and Irwell Bidco secured a second long-stop date extension to 29 May to clear final regulatory Change in Control approvals before completing the public-to-private transaction.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a5fd_6a292eb5c8fcc7da040fffd9_frenkel-topping-irwell-bidco-6a2801035cd45973340056.webp" alt="Frenkel Topping and Irwell Bidco take-private extension"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#20</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Isio acquires AI investment consultancy Collidr</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Isio, Collidr</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Wealth Management</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 6 May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reed Smith</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Independent advisory firm Isio agreed to acquire Collidr, a UK fintech and AI-driven investment consultancy. The deal adds Collidr's co-manufacturing capabilities and AI-driven portfolio tools to Isio's adviser-facing proposition.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67310a732d77571a620_6a292eb5f31e3100ab7e39dd_isio-acquires-ai-investment-consultancy-collidr-6a280103c2c27490634497.jpeg" alt="Isio acquires Collidr"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#21</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">AAB Wealth acquires BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> AAB Wealth, BpH Wealth Management, Jane Smith Financial Planning</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Chartered Financial Planning</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Multi-firm acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Professional Adviser</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Aberdeen-based AAB Wealth continued its strategic growth plan with the simultaneous acquisition of BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning, expanding its reach to over 2,500 client families.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67410a732d77571a670_6a292eb61d94c35f648fbc4b_aab-wealth-acquires-bph-wealth-management-and-jane-smith-financial-planning-6a28.jpeg" alt="AAB Wealth acquires BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#22</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Advies Private Clients acquires St Andrews Financial</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Advies Private Clients, St Andrews Financial</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Private Client Advice</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> MarshBerry</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Advies Private Clients announced the acquisition of London-based advice firm St Andrews Financial, which manages £200m of assets, consolidating its private client book.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67410a732d77571a658_6a292eb638bcb42c490358e2_advies-private-clients-acquires-st-andrews-financial-6a280103b8006112758764.avif" alt="Advies Private Clients acquires St Andrews Financial"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#23</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Pelican Capital completes majority investment in Steplab</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Pelican Capital, Steplab</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> EdTech / Teacher Development</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Majority growth investment</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> PwC UK</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Private equity firm Pelican Capital completed a majority growth investment in Steplab, the UK's leading EdTech professional development platform for teachers. The deal was advised by PwC Corporate Finance.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67410a732d77571a65d_6a292eb7f31e3100ab7e3ac6_pelican-capital-6a2801035e473466973777.png" alt="Pelican Capital majority investment in Steplab"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#24</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">CGEN Care Group acquires St Matthews Healthcare</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> CGEN Care Group, St Matthews Healthcare</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Healthcare / Specialist Care</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Caring Times</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">CGEN Care Group acquired Northampton-based specialist provider St Matthews Healthcare, a Midlands business with 10 sites including hospitals and care facilities, materially expanding CGEN's UK social care footprint.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67410a732d77571a66d_6a292eb7fb3d52b689963fe8_herncliffe-nursing-home-6a2801036524b650078333.webp" alt="CGEN Care Group acquires St Matthews Healthcare"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#25</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Cera Care acquires My Care</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Cera Care, My Care</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Healthcare / Homecare</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Cera HQ</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Digital-first homecare provider Cera Care completed the acquisition of homecare provider My Care, deepening Cera's reach in the UK home-based care sector.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67410a732d77571a663_6a292eb778edfda9f45a5d3b_cera-care-acquires-my-care-6a2801036edcf990374429.webp" alt="Cera Care acquires My Care"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#26</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Downing-backed Fortava Healthcare acquires Nottingham dementia care portfolio</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Fortava Healthcare (Downing PE), Nottingham dementia care portfolio</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Healthcare / Dementia Care</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Portfolio acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Caring Times</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Downing-backed Fortava Healthcare completed the acquisition of three dementia care facilities in Nottingham, scaling its specialist dementia platform.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67410a732d77571a673_6a292eb8d468156df167895a_fortava-healthcare-6a280103b5619625540910.jpeg" alt="Fortava Healthcare acquires Nottingham dementia care portfolio"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#27</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Nineteen Group acquires Plantworx exhibition</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brands:</strong> Nineteen Group, Construction Equipment Events Ltd (Plantworx)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Events / Exhibitions</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Asset acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> May 2026</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Trade Show Executive</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">UK event operator Nineteen Group acquired PlantWorx, the major UK construction and infrastructure trade exhibition, from Construction Equipment Events Ltd for an undisclosed sum.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/6a29d67410a732d77571a66a_6a292eb88d35d1e9323598ca_nineteen-group-6a2801035dac5814811187.webp" alt="Nineteen Group acquires Plantworx exhibition"></div> </figure> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <p class="gn-reveal"><em>If your clients operate in or around these sectors, this month's movements may signal fresh challenges, shifts in budget priorities, or new partnership opportunities. We will be tracking investment and deal activity each month to help agencies stay commercially informed.</em></p> </div></div>