<div class="gn-article"><div class="gn-hero gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-hero__image"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fa70a4602b92ce25efcdfa_mergers-september-banner-68f0f4b6eb1dc469547270.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: September 2025</h1> <div class="gn-meta"> <strong>The GO Network</strong> <span class="pip"></span> <span>1 October 2025</span> <span class="pip"></span> <span>5 min read</span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="gn-body"> <p class="gn-lede gn-reveal">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'll be tracking investment and deal activity each month to help agencies stay commercially informed.</p> <div class="gn-stats gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-stat"><span class="gn-stat__num">£42<em>bn</em></span><span class="gn-stat__label">Anglo American and Teck Resources all-share merger value.</span></div> <div class="gn-stat"><span class="gn-stat__num">£19<em>bn</em></span><span class="gn-stat__label">Global Payments acquisition of Worldpay.</span></div> <div class="gn-stat"><span class="gn-stat__num">£4<em>bn</em></span><span class="gn-stat__label">Combined annual revenue of Greencore and Bakkavor group.</span></div> <div class="gn-stat"><span class="gn-stat__num">£300<em>bn+</em></span><span class="gn-stat__label">Client assets under the Corient combined wealth entity.</span></div> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <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">Greencore to acquire Bakkavor in £1.2 billion fresh-food merger</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Greencore; Bakkavor</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Food Production / FMCG / Retail</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 26 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Business Quarter / IMAA Institute</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Irish food producer <strong>Greencore</strong> is set to acquire <strong>Bakkavor</strong>, one of the UK's largest prepared-food manufacturers, for <strong>£1.2 billion</strong>. The combined group will generate more than £4 billion in annual revenue and dominate chilled food supply to UK supermarkets including Tesco and M&amp;S. For agencies, this signals major potential for retail brand repositioning and new campaigns across convenience, health, and sustainability.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa032a_69fcb05013e99c4ab74f0576_untitled-design-7-68f0f3ed3253b189538630.png" alt="Greencore and Bakkavor fresh-food merger"></div> <figcaption>Greencore's £1.2 billion acquisition of Bakkavor creates a chilled food group generating more than £4 billion in annual revenue.</figcaption> </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">Mining mega-merge: Anglo American and Teck forge £42 billion copper giant</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Anglo American; Teck Resources</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Mining / Natural Resources</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Merger</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 9 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Anglo American</strong> and <strong>Teck Resources</strong> have agreed to merge in a landmark <strong>£42 billion</strong> all-share deal, creating one of the world's largest copper producers. Retaining a London listing, the new group capitalises on surging copper demand from renewable energy and AI sectors. For agencies working in B2B, ESG, or industrial markets, this offers opportunities around sustainability communications and investor storytelling.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa02ed_69fcb051812765e0764fb654_multimedia-normal-8341e3f48e735a70-bm9ybwfslndlyna-68f0f3ecb721e613458706.webp" alt="Anglo American and Teck Resources copper merger"></div> <figcaption>Anglo American and Teck Resources merge in a £42 billion all-share deal, creating one of the world's largest copper producers.</figcaption> </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">DoorDash completes £3.1 billion takeover of Deliveroo</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> DoorDash; Deliveroo</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Tech / Food Delivery</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 8 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Business Quarter</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">U.S. delivery platform <strong>DoorDash</strong> has completed its <strong>£3.1 billion</strong> acquisition of <strong>Deliveroo</strong>, marking one of the year's biggest UK tech exits. The deal gives DoorDash a powerful foothold in Europe through Deliveroo's 150,000-restaurant network. For agencies, this heralds a fresh wave of performance, loyalty, and localisation campaigns as the brand integrates global and regional marketing operations.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb076f0a49dc27eaa02e6_69fcb0510affb2d47aa2576b_deliveroo-x-doordash-68f0f3ecbedca878877154.webp" alt="DoorDash acquires Deliveroo"></div> <figcaption>DoorDash completes its £3.1 billion acquisition of Deliveroo, gaining access to a 150,000-restaurant network across Europe.</figcaption> </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">Global Payments buys Worldpay in £19 billion fintech consolidation</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Global Payments; Worldpay</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Fintech / Payments</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 16 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">U.S. processor <strong>Global Payments</strong> has agreed to acquire <strong>Worldpay</strong> for around <strong>£19 billion</strong>, combining two of the largest payment platforms. The merger underscores ongoing consolidation in fintech as players seek scale and full-stack capabilities. For agencies, it points to intensified competition for brand trust and merchant partnerships within digital payments.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa031d_69fcb05281da058e023c8e43_untitled-51-68f0f3ed1de44320406124.png" alt="Global Payments acquires Worldpay"></div> <figcaption>Global Payments agrees to acquire Worldpay for around £19 billion in a major fintech consolidation move.</figcaption> </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">L'Oréal acquires majority stake in UK skincare brand Medik8</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> L'Oréal; Medik8</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Beauty &amp; Personal Care</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition (Majority Stake)</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 9 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>L'Oréal</strong> has taken a majority stake in British skincare brand <strong>Medik8</strong>, valuing the science-led company at roughly <strong>£860 million</strong>. The acquisition strengthens L'Oréal's dermatological portfolio and brings clinical-grade credibility to its consumer lineup. Agencies in beauty and wellness should watch for new positioning, product innovation, and increased investment in brand education campaigns.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb8ff6575a95fa9693fff_69fcb8fc40f49a4e6b994f45_20240618-brand-audit-banner-top-10-retinaldehyde-questions-answered-1-6a05e6b9-9.webp" alt="L'Oréal acquires majority stake in Medik8"></div> <figcaption>L'Oréal takes a majority stake in Medik8, valuing the British skincare brand at roughly £860 million.</figcaption> </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">Corient acquires Stanhope Capital and Stonehage Fleming</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Corient; Stanhope Capital; Stonehage Fleming</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Wealth Management</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 5 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Business Quarter</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">U.S. adviser <strong>Corient</strong>, backed by Mubadala, has bought <strong>Stanhope Capital</strong> and <strong>Stonehage Fleming</strong> in a twin deal creating the world's largest non-bank wealth manager. With more than £300 billion in client assets, the combined entity plans significant brand and technology investment. For agencies, consolidation among wealth firms points to globalised branding and high-net-worth audience engagement opportunities.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa02fe_69fcb053753dab0d451414f2_corient-office-wall-68f0f3ecedf90858352475.webp" alt="Corient acquires Stanhope Capital and Stonehage Fleming"></div> <figcaption>Corient's twin acquisition of Stanhope Capital and Stonehage Fleming creates the world's largest non-bank wealth manager.</figcaption> </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">Bain Capital backs Jensten in UK insurance expansion</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Bain Capital; Jensten Group</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Insurance</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 1 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Bain Capital</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Bain Capital</strong> has acquired UK-based <strong>Jensten Group</strong>, highlighting growing private-equity interest in insurance distribution. The move will fund acquisitions and brand unification under Jensten's umbrella. Agencies in financial and B2B comms can expect briefs around brand consolidation, regional rollout, and digital client-engagement strategies.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb8ff6575a95fa9694004_69fcb8fd6abf9d57deb413e4_d01b70b0-872e-11f0-9f7c-85931267ef26-bain-capital-jensten-shutterstock-com-15549.jpeg" alt="Bain Capital acquires Jensten Group"></div> <figcaption>Bain Capital acquires Jensten Group, highlighting growing private-equity interest in UK insurance distribution.</figcaption> </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">Exponent to take Treatt plc private in £156 million flavour deal</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Exponent Private Equity; Treatt plc</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Food &amp; Beverage / Ingredients</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Take-Private Offer</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Lexology</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Exponent Private Equity</strong> has launched a <strong>£156 million</strong> offer for <strong>Treatt</strong>, a UK-US flavour and fragrance specialist serving global food brands. The deal demonstrates investor appetite for ingredient innovation and premium natural extracts. Agencies may see new storytelling opportunities around science, provenance, and B2B ingredient branding.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa0301_69fcb053fda8211fa387f4b9_treatt-2-1440x720-crop-q70-68f0f3ecda5d4259996828.jpeg" alt="Exponent Private Equity take-private offer for Treatt plc"></div> <figcaption>Exponent Private Equity launches a £156 million take-private offer for Treatt, a UK-US flavour and fragrance specialist.</figcaption> </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">CMA CGM acquires Freightliner UK to extend intermodal reach</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> CMA CGM; Freightliner UK</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Transport / Logistics</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 22 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">French shipping giant <strong>CMA CGM</strong> has acquired <strong>Freightliner UK</strong>, one of Britain's largest rail freight operators. The deal supports CMA's plan to integrate land-based logistics with maritime services. For agencies, this highlights increased marketing around end-to-end transport, sustainability, and supply-chain resilience.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa030d_69fcb05427c2321f3d4aa92b_freightliner-ffag-wagons-arrival-jpeg-68f0f3ed19b60286552549.webp" alt="CMA CGM acquires Freightliner UK"></div> <figcaption>CMA CGM acquires Freightliner UK, one of Britain's largest rail freight operators, to extend its intermodal logistics reach.</figcaption> </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">Weir Group buys Fast2Mine to accelerate digital mining transformation</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Weir Group; Fast2Mine</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Industrial Technology / Mining Software</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 26 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Business Quarter</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Scotland's <strong>Weir Group</strong> has purchased Brazilian mining software firm <strong>Fast2Mine</strong>, expanding its automation and fleet-management capabilities. The deal enhances Weir's data-driven offering to miners seeking productivity gains. For agencies, this demonstrates how legacy industrials are rebranding around innovation and digital performance.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa0325_69fcb0550a7b35485c1787d0_775bf27809b17c134b2c812d5dc6e78c5c8dcc1a-68f0f3ed32324765251960.png" alt="Weir Group acquires Fast2Mine"></div> <figcaption>Weir Group purchases Fast2Mine, expanding its automation and fleet-management capabilities in the mining sector.</figcaption> </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">Antin Infrastructure Partners acquires Aquavista marinas</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Antin Infrastructure Partners; Aquavista</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Infrastructure / Leisure</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 26 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Business Quarter</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Antin Infrastructure</strong> has acquired <strong>Aquavista</strong>, the UK's largest inland marina network, from LDC. The investment reflects growing appetite for lifestyle infrastructure and regional regeneration. Agencies may see new opportunities around destination marketing, placemaking, and sustainability communications.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa02fb_69fcb055a255783551e605cf_spm-300321-74-68f0f3ecdb1de879882122.jpeg" alt="Antin Infrastructure Partners acquires Aquavista marinas"></div> <figcaption>Antin Infrastructure Partners acquires Aquavista, the UK's largest inland marina network.</figcaption> </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">IG Group enters crypto market with £90 million Independent Reserve buy</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> IG Group; Independent Reserve</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Fintech</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 19 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Reuters</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>IG Group</strong> has acquired Australian crypto exchange <strong>Independent Reserve</strong> for <strong>£90 million</strong>, marking its first move into digital assets. The purchase extends IG's trading ecosystem and accelerates its Asia-Pacific expansion. For agencies, this reinforces the mainstreaming of crypto and the need for trust-led financial comms.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa02f4_69fcb056f82008235ce6a42e_default-68f0f3ecbedca810825245.png" alt="IG Group acquires Independent Reserve crypto exchange"></div> <figcaption>IG Group acquires Independent Reserve for £90 million, marking its first move into digital assets.</figcaption> </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">Pepper Advantage acquires Computershare's UK mortgage servicing arm</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Pepper Advantage; Computershare Loan Services UK</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Financial Services / Mortgages</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 25 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Business Quarter</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Pepper Advantage</strong> has agreed to buy <strong>Computershare's UK mortgage servicing business</strong>, boosting its portfolio to £50 billion in loans under management. The move reflects a wider fintech-driven race for scale in servicing infrastructure. Agencies should anticipate brand and platform repositioning briefs as financial firms digitalise customer journeys.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa02f1_69fcb056f82008235ce6a476_1758754122-68f0f3ecd8c40503365625.jpeg" alt="Pepper Advantage acquires Computershare UK mortgage servicing"></div> <figcaption>Pepper Advantage acquires Computershare's UK mortgage servicing business, boosting its portfolio to £50 billion in loans under management.</figcaption> </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">Modella Capital rescues Claire's UK &amp; Ireland from administration</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Brand:</strong> Modella Capital; Claire's UK &amp; Ireland</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Sector:</strong> Retail / Fashion Accessories</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Type:</strong> Acquisition from Administration</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Published:</strong> 29 September 2025</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Source:</strong> Retail Week</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">U.S. investment firm <strong>Modella Capital</strong> has acquired <strong>Claire's UK &amp; Ireland</strong> out of administration. Known for reviving retail brands, Modella plans to reposition Claire's for Gen Z audiences through digital-first branding and new retail concepts. Agencies in fashion and youth marketing may see upcoming briefs focused on rejuvenation and omnichannel engagement.</p> <figure class="gn-fig gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-fig__media"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fcb077f0a49dc27eaa02f8_69fcb066f0a49dc27ea9f585_claires-accessories-merseyway-via-google-maps-68f0f3eccda07760252578.webp" alt="Modella Capital acquires Claire's UK and Ireland"></div> <figcaption>Modella Capital acquires Claire's UK &amp; Ireland out of administration, with plans to reposition the brand for Gen Z audiences.</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div></div>