M&A analysis
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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?
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Analysis & FeaturesCan St Tropez and Nigeria exits fix PZ Cussons’ woes?
Long-suffering shareholders have backed the new action plan
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Analysis & FeaturesOut of the ashes: Why pre-pack deals have left drinks suppliers raging
A spate of pre-pack administration deals have left hordes of suppliers out of pocket. How ethical is this so-called ‘phoenix-ing’?
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Analysis & FeaturesWhen will the price be right to get deal volumes moving?
Newlat’s exit from Princes takeover talks reflects a market in which deals are not getting done. What’s stalling activity, and will it pick up?
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Analysis & FeaturesHow Britain’s 150 biggest food and drink suppliers are faring
Big or small, own-label or branded, the UK’s food and drink suppliers are struggling to balance cost inflation recovery with volume and share, finds the OC&C 150 report
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Analysis & FeaturesIs private ownership just what Finsbury Food needs?
Suitor DBay wants to build a bakery powerhouse through M&A