London's investment bankers and lawyers make more than £1bn in takeover frenzy

London’s investment bankers and lawyers have taken home more than £1bn from deal fees during a takeover boom, stoking anger amid the cost-of-living crisis. The London Stock Exchange says mergers and acquisitions involving UK-listed companies surged 175% in 2026 to $132.9bn (£100bn), driven by overseas buyers and a surge of private equity. Fees for investment bankers, lawyers and accountants topped £1.2bn, according to filings. JP Morgan advised on the most deals—14 worth $89.4bn (£67.6bn)—while Slaughter and May led law firms. The year’s biggest deal was EQT’s £10.6bn Intertek takeover, expected to generate over £370m in fees.