International investment bank Altium has completed 54 consumer deals worth in excess of GBP8.5 billion over the last five years.
The firm has enjoyed a buoyant 2015, completing 13 deals in the sector, including two of its largest-ever transactions. In May, Altium advised the Singh Family Trust on the GBP1.9 billion sale of UK retail business New Look to South African private equity house Brait and in June, Altium advised on the purchase of European cosmetics giant Douglas Holding by CVC Capital Partners.
With disposable income and consumer spending on the rise since the recession, Altium has maintained a strong deal flow in the sector in recent years. The number of consumer transactions has been in double figures for the firm in four of the last five years, with this year’s total of 13 matching the high seen in 2012.
In particular, the firm has witnessed significant success in the casual dining sector. Last year, Altium advised on transactions including the the GBP303.7 millio acquisition of Prezzo by TPG Capital, as well as Living Bridge’s GBP9.8m investment into Le Bistrot Pierre last month.
Sam Fuller, Head of Consumer at Altium, says: “The strong and consistent performance of Altium’s dedicated consumer and eCommerce team over the last five years is extremely encouraging and reflects the growth witnessed in the sector.
“Our UK offices have completed a number of high profile deals in the last five years. This culminated in an excellent 2015, advising on transactions including New Look, Prezzo, Pacific Direct, sofa.com and Le Bistrot Pierre.”
