Dealmaking poised to grow in 2025 : Q4'24 M&A trends in C&R

Key trends and insights from Q4'24:

• The consumer health and wellness trend emerged as a significant driver, with companies modifying products and acquiring businesses to offer "better-for-you" options, reflecting consumers' growing interest in self-care, nutrition, and well-being.
• The convergence of beauty and health categories gained traction, presenting new opportunities for businesses to cater to consumers seeking products that enhance both cosmetic appeal and overall wellness.
• Retail deal activity outpaced consumer deals, with 1,112 transactions compared to 1,078 transactions. This highlights the sector's resilience and adaptability in the face of changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.
• Key considerations for 2025 include harnessing AI and data analytics to drive targeted investments, mitigating margin pressures, and executing strategic M&A to increase the probability of successful outcomes in the evolving C&R landscape.

The outlook for C&R M&A in 2025 appears promising, supported by factors such as interest rate stability, reduced inflationary pressures, and a more business-friendly administration. Buyers are expected to focus on complementary acquisitions that add brands, expand geographies, and enhance capabilities to create value in this dynamic sector.

Download our report, Dealmaking poised to grow in 2025: M&A trends in consumer and retail , to access in-depth insights and analysis on the future of M&A in the consumer and retail sector.