Low prices and currency weakness are encouraging buyers looking for value in UK M&A, according to accountancy firm RSM.

A report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found the value of inward M&A (foreign companies acquiring UK companies) rose to £18.4 billion in Q2, an increase on the £7.6 billion registered in the first quarter and £7.1 billion in the same quarter last year.

In total, there were 126 completed inward acquisitions in Q2, a slight fall on the 129 reported in Q1.

The value of domestic M&A in Q2 also rose to £2.8 billion, £1.0 billion higher than in the previous quarter, ...