DJ UK Companies More Than Double Spending Overseas In 4Q Vs 3Q

LONDON, Mar 04, 2008 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) --

U.K. companies spent significantly more on acquisitions abroad in the fourth quarter of 2007, according to data Tuesday from the U.K.'s Office of National Statistics.

Expenditure on acquisitions abroad by U.K. companies rose to GBP25.8 billion in the fourth quarter from GBP10.2 billion in quarter three, boosted by Rio Tinto PLC's (RTP) GBP18.5 billion takeover of Alcan Inc.

But acquisitions by foreign companies in the U.K. fell to GBP8.2 billion from GBP15.3 billion over the same timeframe. Significant deals of this type included Advent International PLC buying Domestic and General Group PLC for a reported value of around GBP500 million.

Expenditure on acquisitions by U.K. companies in their home market fell to GBP2.7 billion from GBP7.8 billion. Deals of this nature included the management buyout of Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd. for a reported value of around GBP200 million.

Company Web site: http://www.statistics.gov.uk

-By Victoria Howley, Dow Jones Newswires; 44 20 7842 9261; victoria.howley@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-04-08 0527ET

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