Six targets initiated either a private sale process, formal sale process or strategic review in the first quarter. We also saw shareholders pushing back on recommended deals. In the latest podcast, Harry, Maria and Jade unpick the reasons behind the uptick in target-led sale processes and the increase in defensive mandates.

The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly publication which is available on our website. The publication looks at key highlights and market developments in the first quarter of 2026, as well as relevant legal and regulatory developments. The publication also includes tables summarising the key features of firm offer announcements made during the quarter.

To listen to this and to subscribe to future episodes in our Takeover Talks miniseries search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Six targets initiated either a private sale process, formal sale process or strategic review in the first quarter. We also saw shareholders pushing back on recommended deals. In the latest podcast, Harry, Maria and Jade unpick the reasons behind the uptick in target-led sale processes and the increase in defensive mandates.
The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly publication which is available on our <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/2026/Apr/UK-Public-MA-Update-Q1-2026/">website</a>. The publication looks at key highlights and market developments in the first quarter of 2026, as well as relevant legal and regulatory developments. The publication also includes tables summarising the key features of firm offer announcements made during the quarter.
To listen to this and to subscribe to future episodes in our Takeover Talks miniseries search for &ldquo;Ashurst Legal Outlook&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

The commercial world is always changing and the legal landscape never stands still. Keeping pace with all those changes, and knowing how they affect your organisation, is a big responsibility and a challenging task. Ashurst Legal Outlook will keep you at the forefront of the most pressing legal issues, offering insights from legal experts across our international network.

The commercial world is always changing and the legal landscape never stands still. Keeping pace with all those changes, and knowing how they affect your organisation, is a big responsibility and a challenging task. Ashurst Legal Outlook will keep you at the forefront of the most pressing legal issues, offering insights from legal experts across our international network.

A podcast series that will keep you across the global trends and local issues that are shaping the legal landscape and impacting organisations.

Ashurst Legal Outlook Podcast

Ashurst Legal Outlook

Six targets initiated either a private sale process, formal sale process or strategic review in the first quarter. We also saw shareholders pushing back on recommended deals. In the latest podcast, Harry, Maria and Jade unpick the reasons behind the uptick in target-led sale processes and the increase in defensive mandates.