M&A analysis
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Analysis & FeaturesThe cottage cheese comeback and why demand is ‘in overdrive’
Broader shifts towards eating more protein, reducing intake of highly processed foods, and increased awareness of the importance of gut health have contributed to the growing popularity of the creamy cheese
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Analysis & FeaturesWill 2026 be the year food & drink dealmaking comes back?
What do the dealmakers in the City think of the M&A prospects in food & drink for 2026?
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Analysis & FeaturesThe top 150 UK food & drink supplier rankings and report 2025
After a series of crises, the UK’s biggest 150 food & drink manufacturers have shifted their sights from survival mode to the pursuit of greater profitability and investment in automation
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Analysis & FeaturesPrinces: what’s the strategy and the risks of IPO move?
A £1.5bn Princes flotation would create a ‘wave of confidence’, believe experts, as the business lines up a major acquisition spree
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Analysis & FeaturesIs a strong year for dairy M&A a sign of a healthy sector?
Dairy’s ability to play into key consumer trends has heralded a busy year of deals, usually a sign of a sector in good health
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Analysis & FeaturesFree at last, but what next for Boots after Walgreens demerger?
It’s a much-loved institution but will Boots benefit from $24bn demerger and new private equity owners Sycamore?
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Analysis & FeaturesAs a sale of Costa brews, why is it an attractive target for a private equity buyer?
A sale of Costa Coffee is on the cards and suitors have been named. Who else might be interested, and what are the growth opportunities?
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Analysis & FeaturesWhy Merchant Gourmet deal is a ‘good fit’ for Premier Foods
The latest deal is expected to follow the same Premier ‘playbook’
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Analysis & FeaturesCan a Hovis and Kingsmill combo stop the rot in sliced bread?
ABF hopes merger will pull both Hovis and Kingsmill back from the brink amid a decline in sliced bread. What are the chances?
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Analysis & FeaturesWhat does Dr Squatch acquisition say about Unilever’s big turnaround?
A push for premiumisation is central to Unilever’s growth strategy
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Analysis & FeaturesWhich brands could Diageo sell as part of ‘substantial’ portfolio shake-up?
Diageo wants to raise funds by being ‘more rigorous’ in pursuing disposals. Which brands could be on the chopping block?
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Analysis & FeaturesWho are the private equity firms in the race to snap up Poundland?
What are the credentials of Endless, Hilco, Modella, Gordon Brothers and Alteri?
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Analysis & FeaturesThe Top 150 UK Food & Drink Supplier Rankings & Report 2024
Almost half the UK’s 150 biggest food and drink manufacturers increased sales by 10% or more in 2023 – but margins are still being squeezed. What next for the ‘recovery phase’?
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Analysis & FeaturesOC&C Global 50: how have fmcg giants fared in yet another stormy year?
The major multinationals saw sluggish growth in a turbulent 2023 and, despite falling inflation, are struggling to regain momentum
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Analysis & FeaturesWho holds the power in UK dairy?
UK dairy has become ‘more polarised towards the bigger players’ over the past five years. Here’s a look at the 15 biggest and how they’ve risen to the top
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Analysis & FeaturesWhy is Unilever selling its ice cream business?
Unilever wants to spin off its £7bn-sales global ice cream business. Why? Who wants to buy it? And will it work?
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Analysis & FeaturesWhy has the ‘Chicken King’ sold poultry arm to himself?
2 Sisters’ European poultry business will now be run separately
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Analysis & FeaturesMars’ $36bn deal for Kellanova is a vote of confidence in snacking
Mars’ blockbuster deal is a huge bet that the shift towards snacking is here to stay – even across HFSS food. Will it inspire more M&A in fmcg?
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Analysis & FeaturesWhat are the challenges for Reckitt’s sell-off strategy?
The group is planning to sell non-core brands and focus on ‘Essential Home’
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Analysis & FeaturesWhy has Carlsberg tabled a £3bn bid for Britvic, and why was it knocked back?
The Danish brewer’s bid has set Britvic shares racing. But who stands to benefit most from a potential pairing?