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EXPERT M&A ADVISORS FOR THE FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

The Food & Beverage sector is ripe with diverse players – from global giants with extensive brand and product suites, to small and medium specialists offering niche products. Evolving consumer palates and an openness to new product and service formats mean infinite innovation opportunities, as well as the challenges of establishing and maintaining a sustainable market position.

The road to rapid growth and resulting organizational realignment offer clear M&A opportunities and necessities. As experienced advisors, IMAP specialists have insider knowledge and contacts in the ever-shifting dynamics of the Food & Beverage Industry. We partner with clients to navigate the complexities, seize lucrative opportunities, and create the perfect recipe for strategic success in this vibrant industry.

We advise clients operating in:

Agriculture & Farming

Brewers, Distillers & Wineries

Food Processing, Labelled & Packaged Goods

Livestock & Fishing

Natural/Organic/Health Foods & Ingredients

Non-alcoholic Beverages

Tobacco

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.