Aim of this survey

The Mergers and Acquisitions Surveys (M&A) 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:

  • completed deal information

  • formal press release or releases announcing the terms and details of the disposal

  • 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) or Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or both.

  • 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 because of national holidays and weekends.

Why you were selected

Your business has been identified as recently having undertaken a disposal or demerger of shares or assets of a foreign company, or both. Your response ensures that we represent your business within the data that measure mergers, acquisitions and disposals activity between the UK and the rest of the world.

The Disposals 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 a disposal or demerger of shares or assets, or both, 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.

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 Disposals 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 on our About Office for National Statistics (ONS) business surveys web page.

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.