Chinese investment in UK business up by 500 per cent

China’s investment in business and infrastructure in the UK is up by 500 per cent in six years, according to analysis from financial markets platform Dealogic.

Figures showed that companies from China have spent a total of £3.8 billion on mergers and acquisitions this year, up from £2.1 billion last year and a 470 per cent rise on the £666 million spent in 2010.

Largest

Separate data from the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation showed that China has already invested £29 billion in the UK since 2005, with £9.5 billion being invested into real estate. This is followed by finance, energy and agriculture.

Other sectors that the Chinese have invested billions into include entertainment, transport, metals and technology, with technology and energy receiving the largest investment this year.

According to a 2014 report from Pinsent Masons and the Centre for Economic and Business Research, China will invest £105 billion in UK infrastructure by 2025.

Vital

China’s investment in the UK has been embraced by business leaders, who said that it will be more vital than ever after the vote for the UK to leave the EU.

A spokeswoman for the Institute of Directors commented: “The vote to leave the EU signalled a change in direction for trade. There is now an even greater emphasis on striking new deals with countries around the world, and our long-term success is only going to be enhanced if we embrace such investment.”