M&A activity in the UK has picked up in the past month after a third quarter decline, according to research by business advisory firm Deloitte.

M&A activity in the UK has picked up in the past month after a third quarter decline, according to research by business advisory firm Deloitte.

Its findings reveal that the number of completed deals reached 99 in September, up from 83 in August. During the same period, the number of announced transactions was up to 162 from 121.

This recovery follows a decline in completed deals during the third quarter of 41 per cent on the previous three months, while the volume of announced deals dropped by almost a third.

Andrew Grimstone, head of corporate transaction services at Deloitte, says: “September traditionally bucks the summer trend with a revival of activity following the lull of the summer months. It is interesting that this was true in 2008, notwithstanding the ongoing difficulties in financing deals.

“Whilst the landscape has changed and businesses are being more cautious, those with strong balance sheets will be looking to take advantage of lower prices, and others will be forced into disposals or mergers to survive.”