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New data has shown a huge surge in UK companies being bought up by overseas investors over the past decade. A study by CompanyData.com revealed the number of foreign-owned UK companies rose from 56,346 in 2015 to 156,084 this year, a dramatic increase of 177%. The US's business tycoons own the largest number and have grown their influence from 14,557 businesses in 2015 to 36,032 in 2025. The Office of National Statistics defines 'foreign-owned companies' as a UK-registered business where a significant ownership portion is held by an individual, company, or other entity based outside the UK. Entities based in Luxemburg (13,971), Germany (9,838) and France (9,807) follow the US as having the most UK businesses under their control. Experts at Price Bailey Chartered Accountants believe the fall in the value of the Pound Sterling could be key to the uptick in foreign investment. They say 'discounted' trading of shares in UK businesses offer investors 'more for their money'. It's also claimed they hope to benefit from growth opportunities that could arise from new deals the UK forges outside the EU . CompanyData.com (formerly BoldData) is a global company data provider established in 2013 which has supported more than 5,000 clients in 81 countries with verified, structured company data. Price Bailey Chartered Accountants website says: "Over the past ten years the value of the Pound Sterling has depreciated significantly compared to its US Dollar and Euro counterparts. "This makes the UK attractive for international investors, who can get more for their money and make the most of the ‘cheap’ deals. UK shares are known for trading at a huge discount to US and European peers, with this difference exacerbated since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Financials, energy and real estate sectors have been trading at a discount of c.40-50%, compared to 12-20% historically. Whilst this may be indicative of a lack of demand and overall pessimism from international investors, this also presents an opportunity to ‘buy cheap’ and benefit from a reversion to normal levels. "A key promise of the Brexit campaign was the freedom of the UK to negotiate new trading agreements with non-EU bodies. "Whilst talks with the US, Australia, Mexico and India among others are ongoing, with some skepticism surrounding the success of these, overseas investors are positioning themselves within the UK to benefit from any growth opportunities that may arise from this. "Despite the noise surrounding Brexit, the UK is still one of the biggest economies in Europe, second only to Germany. The UK continues to provide a key gateway to Europe for US and Asian purchasers and for US purchasers, it can also sometimes offer an easier language and cultural fit than other parts of Europe. "Whilst some markets are experiencing challenging and uncertain conditions; many sectors continue to experience growth that is likely to be sustainable. To take full advantage of this, companies need a physical presence in the UK, and overseas buyers need to acquire established local businesses, increasing their international footprint to benefit from that growth." Foreign owned companies in the UK span a diverse range of sectors with the top industries being Holding companies (90,322), business services (62,329) and property developers (58,026). One high profile example of foreign takeovers is delivery app Deliveroo being bought by its US rival Doordash in a £2.9 billion deal. Another is US private equity firm Apollo Global Management taking over British parcel delivery service Evri in a £2.7 billion deal. Foreign owned companies in the UK span a diverse range of sectors with the top industries being Holding companies (90,322), business services (62,329) and property developers (58,026). TOP TEN COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN (2025) United States of America - 36,032 Luxemburg - 13,971 Germany - 9,838 France - 9,807 Netherlands - 9,230 Ireland - 7,519 Cayman Islands - 5,640 Japan - 5,594 Virgin Islands British - 4,913 Switzerland - 4,361 TOP TEN INDUSTRIES (2025) Holding companies - 90,322 Business services - 62,329 Property developers - 58,026 Real property lessors - 53,784 Elementary and secondary schools - 32,894 Real estate agents and managers - 27,693 Eating places - 24,431 Management consulting services - 20,529 Computer related services - 20,468 Individual and family services - 18,446
