Mondi plc (LSE:MNDI) is considering a bid for rival DS Smith Plc (LSE:SMDS) in what would be one of the largest deals in the UK this year. Mondi has been speaking with advisers, reported Bloomberg. An acquisition of fellow bluechip DS Smith, worth over £5 billion, would add another 30,000 to Mondi's 26,000- strong global workforce.

Consumers have turned to online shopping amid the pandemic, boosting demand for packaging companies as retailers grapple with increased deliveries. A buyout by Mondi would add to the fastest start to the year for UK takeovers since 2008. The value of deals involving a British firm hit $38.8 billion (£28.2 billion) to Feb.

5, according to Dealogic. D S Smith's shares have risen over 10% in the past year - since before the pandemic - including 2.5% through 2021 so far, giving it a market value of £5.3 billion.