Aim of this survey
The Mergers and Acquisitions Surveys (M&A) UK companies involve five separate surveys collecting information on the timing, value and method of funding of mergers, acquisitions and disposals involving UK companies. This information is then used to monitor the changes of company ownership in the UK and to measure the level of investment between the UK and the rest of the world. The survey also forms an input into the compilation of the capital account of the UK Balance of Payments.
What you need to know
To complete the survey, you will need the following information:
completed deal information
formal press release(s) announcing the terms and details of the acquisition
scheme offer document or tender document (if applicable)
All information you provide is strictly confidential.
Survey information
Selection criteria: UK trading businesses registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
Population: the whole of the UK economy
Frequency: quarterly
Dispatch dates
Dispatched throughout each calendar quarter (January to March, April to June, July to September and October to December) depending on the deal completion date.
Return-by dates
Three weeks from the date of dispatch.
Dispatch and return-by dates are a guide. They are subject to change due to national holidays and weekends.
Why you were selected
Your business has been identified as recently having undertaken an acquisition or merger of shares and/or assets of a foreign company. Your response ensures that we represent your business within the data that measure mergers and acquisitions activity between the UK and the rest of the world.
The Acquisitions of Foreign Companies, Shares and Assets by UK Companies Survey is conducted under the provisions of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947. Once selected, your business is legally obliged to comply. You cannot appeal your selection.
Why you have received this survey
Your business has been identified as recently having undertaken an acquisition or merger of shares and/or assets of a foreign company.
How to complete this survey
Please complete and return the questionnaire following the guidelines on the front page.
Reminders are issued three weeks after the dispatch date, so you may receive one if you submit data just before or after the return date.
At the moment, this survey is not available to complete online. We are currently developing a secure online collection platform. You will receive a letter notifying you when you can complete the Acquisitions of Foreign Companies, Shares and Assets by UK Companies Survey on our new platform. We appreciate your patience.
Editable PDFs are available for this questionnaire. To request a PDF please contact the person named on the front of the questionnaire providing your company name, reference number and the survey ID code 090.
If you need help
If your question is not answered on this page, you may be able to find the answer in the About Office for National Statistics (ONS) business surveys section.
You can call us on 01633 456223 or 01633 651712. Please quote the three-digit survey ID: 090.
From outside the UK: +44 1633 456223 or +44 1633 651712.
Er mwyn gwneud cais am ffurflen Gymraeg (to speak to someone in Welsh): 0300 1234 921