Cross-Border M&A & Market Entry: UK ↔ India
For UK companies acquiring, partnering with or entering India, and for Indian groups investing in the UK — origination and structuring paired with SEBI-regulated Indian execution via Equirus Capital.
Why this corridor, now
The UK–India corridor is among the deepest India–Europe lanes, spanning financial services, technology, pharmaceuticals and consumer. It is reinforced by the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement concluded in 2025, which lowers tariffs and eases services access — a direct tailwind for UK–India deal-making and market entry.
London's role as a financial hub adds a capital-markets dimension. Within the broader ecosystem, Equirus has taken a strategic stake in London-based Cerno Capital — a signal of the group's growing UK reach that complements the corridor's advisory activity.
The UK–India corridor is most active in financial services, technology and software, pharmaceuticals, consumer, and industrials.
Who we work with
- UK corporates and mid-caps — market entry, joint ventures and acquisitions in India.
- Indian groups acquiring or expanding in the UK under the Overseas Investment Rules.
- UK financial and technology firms building India operations under the FDI framework.
- Sponsors and family groups pursuing JVs, carve-outs and minority investments.
What we do
IndoWest provides European-side origination, structuring and process management. Equirus Capital — a SEBI-registered Category I Merchant Banker that has advised on 315+ transactions worth over USD 14.9 billion — provides Indian execution, including the valuation a cross-border share swap legally requires. The combined structure delivers origination and Indian regulatory depth in a single coordinated mandate. See the full scope on our cross-border M&A advisory page, or the wider context in our guide to Europe–India M&A.
The regulatory map, in brief
On the UK side: the FCA where relevant and the National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) for sensitive acquisitions. On the Indian side: FEMA / NDI Rules, the Overseas Investment Rules 2022, and SEBI/CCI where applicable. The India–UK double-tax treaty may provide relief.
Frequently asked questions
What does the India–UK trade agreement change?
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (concluded 2025) lowers tariffs and eases services access, improving the economics of UK–India trade, investment and market entry across financial services, technology and consumer sectors.
How does a UK company acquire or enter India?
Through India's FDI route under FEMA / NDI Rules — by acquisition, joint venture or greenfield entry. IndoWest provides origination and structuring; Equirus Capital, a SEBI Category I Merchant Banker, provides Indian execution including any required valuation.
Does UK investment screening apply to Indian buyers?
The National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) may require notification for acquisitions in sensitive UK sectors. It is scoped and managed as part of the transaction process alongside UK counsel.
What is IndoWest's role versus Equirus?
IndoWest Capital provides origination, structuring and process management; Equirus Capital provides SEBI-regulated Indian execution. IndoWest does not provide investment management or SEBI-reserved activities.
Exploring a transaction or market entry along the United Kingdom–India corridor?
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