Consumer Markets M&A Deals Newsletter May 2026

Sustained margin pressure is increasingly prompting companies to divest non-core businesses, creating new opportunities for strategic buyers. If you want to understand how AI is shaping M&A strategy and business growth, we recommend two of our latest insights: ‘AI’s Growing Impact on M&A’ and ‘Accelerate Your Growth with AI.’  

Investors have become more selective, with a stronger focus on asset quality and the resilience of business models. Pricing power is the key differentiator, while large transformational deals remain on hold in favour of smaller bolt-on acquisitions, where synergies can help offset macroeconomic headwinds. 

Two interesting reads on these topics are our M&A Trends in Consumer Markets, which examines the key deal drivers in today’s market, and our perspective Navigating the Energy Price Challenge, which outlines the targeted actions needed from companies and government to safeguard industrial competitiveness. 

Deal activity in April totalled 130 transactions, representing an increase of nine deals year on year. A few notable examples include: 

• Jess Optiek BV (NL) and Poul Stig Briller A/S (DK) were acquired by EyeCare Group BV and EyeCare Group BV and Iconic Holdco ApS, respectively. 
• Leading Aesthetics Group BV acquired Transhair. 
• International Holding Co PJSC acquired Troia (UK) Restaurants Ltd.  

The most active sector in April, by number of deals, was Accommodation with 20 transactions, including:  

• Blackstone Inc and Colony Investment Management acquiring a 30.6 percent stake in Essendi SA. 
• The acquisition of Hotel Saint Aldgate by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co KG.
• The acquisition of Radisson Blu Leicester Square by CLI Dartriver Ltd and Ferrado UK Ltd. 

Several potential acquisitions and exits are also being explored. A few examples are: 

• Dutch sponsor Bencis Capital Partners is finalising information. memorandums (IMs) for the sale of food manufacturer Prinsen Berning. 
• KKR is considering the sale of Flora Food Group. 
• Dutch supermarket chain Plus is exploring potential takeover targets.