How Changing Consumer Behavior and Digital Disruption Are Shaping M&A in Consumer & Retail

The Consumer & Retail landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by shifting consumer preferences and accelerating digital transformation. These forces are fundamentally reshaping M&A strategies as companies and investors look to position themselves for sustainable growth in a highly competitive market.

Today’s consumers demand seamless omnichannel experiences, personalized products, and sustainability—expectations that are redefining brand loyalty and purchasing patterns. As a result, traditional retailers and consumer goods companies are actively pursuing acquisitions that expand their digital capabilities, supply chain resilience, and direct-to-consumer reach.

Digital disruption has also lowered barriers to entry for innovative startups, attracting private equity and strategic buyers eager to integrate emerging technologies such as AI-powered analytics, e-commerce platforms, and subscription models. This trend has fueled a surge in bolt-on acquisitions and platform investments aimed at building agile, digitally native portfolios.

In this environment, successful M&A deals hinge on a deep understanding of consumer trends, data-driven insights, and the ability to rapidly scale digital assets. Forward-thinking organizations that embrace these changes will better navigate market volatility and capture new opportunities in the evolving Consumer & Retail ecosystem.

Key M&A Trends in Consumer & Retail

1. Consumer Expectations Are Driving M&A

• Demand for seamless omnichannel experiences

• Interest in personalized products and sustainable practices

• Companies are acquiring:

  • Digital capabilities

  • Resilient supply chains

  • Direct-to-consumer (DTC) platforms

    
    

2. Digital Disruption Is Reshaping Markets

• Growth of AI, e-commerce, and subscription models

• Lower barriers to entry for new players

• Increased interest from:

  • Private equity firms

  • Strategic buyers seeking tech integration

    
    

3. Strategic Acquisitions Are Accelerating

• Focus on bolt-on deals and platform investments

• Goal: Build agile, digitally native portfolios

• Aligning with evolving consumer preferences

  
  

4. Data-Driven Insights Power Success

• M&A strategies rely on:

  • Deep understanding of consumer behavior

  • Advanced analytics

  • Scalable digital assets

    
    

5. Expert Guidance Fuels Growth

• Advisory firms help navigate:

  • Market shifts

  • Regulatory complexity

  • Long-term portfolio resilience

    
    

Navigating the complexities of Consumer & Retail M&A requires sharp insights into consumer behavior and technology trends. FRG’s experienced advisors are your strategic partners in building resilient, future-ready portfolios.

Whether you're a corporate decision-maker, private equity investor, or founder preparing for growth or exit, our insights provide practical guidance and fresh perspectives rooted in real-time market activity.