Just Eat. G4S. The London Stock Exchange. These are some of the UK-listed companies that have been targeted by hostile bidders in the past year, as foreign buyers took advantage of depressed valuations to expand their growth.

There were 12 hostile bids, including unsuccessful attempts, out of a total of 77 for British companies in the 12 months to October 31, accounting for 16% of the total, according to research from international law firm Pinsent Masons.