Beacon Roofing Supply on Tuesday adopted a poison pill defense to prevent a $11 billion hostile takeover by billionaire entrepreneur Brad Jacobs through his company QXO. The defense strategy creates a roadblock for Jacobs' attempt to become a big player in building products distribution through QXO,

Beacon Roofing Supply Inc. has adopted a poison pill defense as the building products company pushes back against a hostile takeover approach from QXO Inc.

M&A specialists are eyeing a robust list of U.S. takeover candidates, with a buoyant economy, strong buyer appetite and a potentially looser regulatory regime seen driving more deals.