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SPECIALISTS IN CONSUMER & RETAIL M&A

The Consumer & Retail markets are in flux by nature. Successful companies must constantly adapt to changing lifestyles and preferences, while constantly uplevelling the value they offer to customers. In the digital age, these shifts are ever-more rapid, as new players and direct-to-manufacturer models challenge this traditionally consolidated sector.

With the right contacts and knowledge, change becomes an opportunity. The strategic decisions needed to sustain market position and leverage economies of scale in this context open up exciting doors for M&A. IMAP advisors combine deep industry experience and contacts with executional excellence, to navigate the most lucrative and strategically smart deals in this sector.

We advise clients operating in:

Broadcasting Entertainment

Casinos & Gaming Products, Facilities & Services

Clothing & Accessory Retail

Diversified Retailing

Food & Drug Retailing

Garden Supplies & Accessories

Home Product Retailing

Home Products, Appliances & Furnishings

Hotel, Resort, Lodging, Cruise Operators

Leisure & Recreation (Facilities, Services, Products)

Personal Products & Personal Care

Personal Services

Pet Products, Pet Food & Care

Recreational Products

Restaurants & Bars

Sporting Goods

Textiles & Apparel

Industrial M&A Market Trends and Insights

2024 recorded 1,750 deals, marking a decline from 2,592 transactions in 2023 due to economic uncertainty.

The median transaction value in 2024 was €17M, aligning with the trend of mid-market acquisitions.

85% of completed transactions involved majority stake acquisitions, while 15% were minority deals, asset purchases, or spinoffs.

Geographical Market Trends

North America and Europe dominated M&A activity, contributing to 83% of total deal volume between 2019 and 2024.

The US (45%) led transaction volumes, followed by the UK (9%), China (4%), France (4%), and Germany (4%).

Cross-border transactions accounted for 30% of total activity, while 70% remained domestic.

Buyer Type and Investment Trends

Strategic buyers dominated the space, accounting for 80% of all transactions.

Financial buyers (20%) have maintained a steady presence, focusing on larger assets with an average deal size of €85M, compared to €17M for strategic buyers.

Private Equity (PE) activity remains robust, with 52% of European PE fundraising coming from the UK & Ireland in FY23.

Latest trends:

Industrial M&A Market Trends and Insights

The industrial sector remains a cornerstone of global M&A activity, recording over:

18,000 completed transactions between 2019 - 2024

combined reported value exceeding

€580 billion.

Key Investment Trends

Industrial M&A continues to evolve amid shifting economic conditions, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid technological change. Although deal volumes have fluctuated, investor appetite, particularly within the mid-market, remains strong.

Impact of Macroeconomic Conditions

Higher interest rates and inflationary pressures contributed to a decline in total deal value, from:

€69B in 2023 to €57B in 2024.

Geopolitical instability has introduced caution among investors, leading to slower deal flow compared to previous years.

Shift Toward Mid-Market Transactions

Mid-sized transactions now dominate industrial M&A, reflecting investor focus on strategic growth opportunities and operational synergies that deliver faster value creation.