EQT Buys UK’s Intertek for £9.3 Billion in Latest LSE Exit
EQT AB agrees to buy Intertek Group for £9.3 billion, marking another UK company leaving the London Stock Exchange amid concerns over market attractiveness.
Private equity firm EQT AB has agreed to acquire Intertek Group Plc, a UK-based testing and certification company, for £9.3 billion ($12.3 billion). The deal will result in Intertek being delisted from the London Stock Exchange, continuing a trend of British companies being taken private or moving listings abroad.
The acquisition reflects ongoing concerns about the valuation and liquidity of the London market compared to other global exchanges. For equity traders, the deal highlights the persistent discount at which many UK-listed companies trade relative to their international peers, often driven by sector rotation away from value-oriented markets and toward growth-heavy indices like the S&P 500. This dynamic can affect fund flows and sector performance, particularly in industrials and business services. Traders tracking the UK market should monitor whether this trend accelerates, as it may signal broader weakness in UK equities and influence cross-border M&A activity. For current pricing on UK stocks and related indices, check NowPrice's stocks page.
Looking ahead, investors will watch for regulatory approvals and any competing bids. The deal also raises questions about the future of London as a listing destination, with policymakers under pressure to address structural issues. Key data to watch include UK IPO activity and foreign direct investment flows, which may provide clues on market sentiment. Additionally, the performance of other UK-listed testing and certification companies could be affected by the premium paid in this transaction.