There has been a recent spate of acquisitions of major UK defence companies by US firms. Notable examples include the Cobham’s sale to Advent International in 2020 and the acquisition of Meggitt by Parker-Hannifin. These deals all have high values, both in terms of deal price and in terms of what the intellectual and information ownership that the UK defence industry will lose; the UK Government continue to walk a tightrope between their neoliberal principles and appeasing a pro-British business voter base.
Madeline Wild, associate defence analyst at GlobalData comments: “At a time of national uncertainty and strain as the UK tries to rebuild after Covid-19 and Brexit, any hits to the industry resulting from loss of business ownership will be keenly felt. The National Security and Investment Act (NSI Act) that was introduced this year aims to safeguard UK industry against potentially malicious foreign investment. However, due to the fact that the US are close allies and share sensitive information with relative freedom, the NSI Act will likely do little more than slow down the acquisition process. Both the acquisition of Meggitt and Ultra Electronic, which were initiated after the introduction of the NSI Act have been referred for further investigation by the UK Government. This has been to counteract the threat of possible malicious investment from foreign entities looking to acquire UK defence company’s intellectual property for their own gain, which in turn could then be used against the UK. In the past, the neoliberal policies of the UK have meant that foreign direct investment (FDI) screening is less rigorous than its European counterparts, however, increased FDI scrutiny will change this.
“Several factors have facilitated the uptake in US acquisition of UK companies in the defence sector as well as in other industries. Firstly, the price of the stock has been relatively cheap this year owing to Covid-19 and post-Brexit financial struggles and secondly, current government policies have encouraged foreign investment into the UK. The slogan ‘Global Britain’ represents the idea being pushed by Boris Johnson’s government that the UK is ‘open for business’. Subsequently, investment into the UK, be it through M&A practices or other means, is being actively encouraged, at the expense of UK owned industry. This is at odds with their European neighbours, where having partial ownership by the state is common, large defence companies such as Thales, Hensoldt and Nammo all have some form of state ownership. The recent flurry of M&A activity in the defence industry has been subject to investigation thanks to the NSI Act, demonstrating the fine line being walked by the government between upholding their neoliberal FDI principles, whilst appeasing their voters who would rather promote British-owned business first.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData
