May 2 (Reuters) - Business payments firm Corpay Inc ( CPAY ) said on

Friday it was in talks with Alpha Group International about a possible

cash offer for the UK-based financial services provider.

Corpay ( CPAY ), which offers tools that allow businesses to make payments to

vendors, is required by law to announce a firm offer for Alpha or walk away by

May 30.

UK companies have seen a rise in M&A activity recently. A survey last

November showed private equity firms expect increased deal activity in the UK in

2025.

Alpha, which provides fintech and consultancy services to clients

internationally, reported a 10% jump in its full-year underlying pretax profit

to 47.4 million pounds ($62.96 million) in March.

Shares of Alpha rose up as much as 6.4% to 2,920 pence on Friday and were up

more than 17% so far this year as of Thursday's close. Corpay's ( CPAY ) shares were up

2.1% by 1638 GMT.

Alpha did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

($1 = 0.7528 pounds)