Companies in the UK have great talent, great technology and great intellectual property, according to EY

Britain has become the most attractive hunting ground for global companies to make acquisitions for the first time in at least a decade, according to a study of senior managers’ dealmaking intentions.

It has risen to be the foremost destination in the world for future acquisitions, displacing the United States from the top spot, in spite of uncertainty over Brexit, according to the survey of chief executives and finance bosses from 47 countries by EY, the consulting firm.

Consumer products, retail, industrials and financial services were said to be the most sought-after sectors. US companies were the most enthusiastic about buying assets in the UK, followed by British firms looking to do domestic deals and then German groups.

Steve Krouskos, EY’s global vice-chairman for transaction