The merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in the retail sector were valued at $108 billion in 2020. The deal value grew by more than 50% in 2021. Retail accounted for the largest share of deal value and volume in 2021, recording a growth of more than 45% in terms of deal value and over 5% in terms of deal volume. All regions except APAC and China reported a year-on-year increase in deal value and volume in 2021.
Overview of the global M&A deals in the retail sector
For more insights on this report, download a free report sample
What are the market dynamics in the retail sector?
E-commerce gives retailers the ability to reach more customers than traditional retail. The swift increase in e-commerce platforms has created opportunities for retailers and has introduced new competitors into the market. COVID-19 further accelerated this online shift as brick-and-mortar stores around the world closed and retailers had no choice but to shift online. The volume of M&A deals targeting private companies increased in 2021, while the volume of deals targeting public companies decreased. The retail sector recorded more than 950 domestic M&A deals.
Which are the key regions in terms of M&A deal activity in the retail sector?
The key regions in the mergers and acquisitions deal activity in the retail sector are North America, Europe, China, South & Central America, Middle East & Africa, and APAC Ex-China. North America had the highest value of deals in the year 2021 followed by Europe, APAC Ex-China, Middle East & Africa, South & Central America, and China.
Global M&A deals in the retail sector, by region
For more regional insights, download a free report sample
What are the key sub-sectors in M&A deal activity in the retail sector?
The key sub-sectors in the mergers and acquisitions deal activity in the retail sector are retail, consumer goods, wholesale, and fuel retailing. Retail accounted for the largest share of deal value and volume in 2021. It recorded a growth of more than 45% in terms of deal value and more than 5% in terms of deal volume.
Global M&A deals in the retail sector, by sub-sector
For more sub-sector insights, download a free report sample
What are the biggest themes driving global M&A deals in the retail sector?
E-commerce, digitalization, and health and wellness were the top 3 themes driving global M&A deals in the retail sector in 2021. Geopolitics, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, personalization, e-commerce, internet of things, overcapacity, connected consumer, COVID-19, digital media, and mobile are the biggest themes that will drive global M&A deals in the retail sector in the future.
Which were the key companies in the global M&A deals landscape in the retail sector?
The key companies involved in the global M&A deals in the retail sector in 2021 were The Blackstone Group, Asbury Automotive Group, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Stanley Black & Decker, Hellman & Friedman, Authentic Brands, IMM Private Equity, Thoma Bravo, Zhongsheng Group, EMART, Pershing Square Tontine, 7-Eleven, Prosus, Tata Digital, and Wendel.
Global M&A deals in the retail sector, by company
To know more about key companies, download a free report sample
Market Report Scope
| Deal Value (2020) | $108 billion |
| Key regions | North America, Europe, China, South & Central America, Middle East & Africa, and APAC Ex-China |
| Key themes | Geopolitics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cybersecurity, Personalization, E-commerce, Internet of Things, Overcapacity, Connected Consumer, COVID-19, Digital Media, and Mobile |
| Key sub-sectors | Retail, Consumer Goods, Wholesale, and Fuel Retailing |
| Key companies | The Blackstone Group, Asbury Automotive Group, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Stanley Black & Decker, Hellman & Friedman, Authentic Brands, IMM Private Equity, Thoma Bravo, Zhongsheng Group, EMART, Pershing Square Tontine, 7-Eleven, Prosus, Tata Digital, and Wendel |
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the following:
- Overview of merger and acquisition activity globally in 2021 in the retail sector
- Themes driving most notable deals announced in 2021 in the retail sector
Key Highlights
M&A deal value in global retail sector grew by 55% from $108 billion in 2020 to $168 billion in 2021. In terms of deal volume, 2021 recorded 1,395 deals compared to 1,329 in the previous year, recording a growth of 5%. There were 30 billion-dollar-plus M&A deals in the retail sector in 2021, compared to 24 in the previous year.
Reasons to Buy
- Understanding the themes that drive this industry
- List of recent mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
- List of the most notable deals in retail sector for our clients to get a view of themes disrupting the sector and prepare for the future
Key Players
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
The key regions in the mergers and acquisitions deal activity in the retail sector are North America, Europe, China, South & Central America, Middle East & Africa, and APAC Ex-China.
E-commerce, digitalization, and health and wellness were the top 3 themes driving global M&A deals in the retail sector in 2021. Geopolitics, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, personalization, e-commerce, internet of things, overcapacity, connected consumer, COVID-19, digital media, and mobile are the biggest themes that will drive global M&A deals in the retail sector in the future.
The key sub-sectors in the mergers and acquisitions deal activity in the retail sector are retail, consumer goods, wholesale, and fuel retailing.
The key companies involved in the global M&A deals in the retail sector in 2021 were The Blackstone Group, Asbury Automotive Group, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Stanley Black & Decker, Hellman & Friedman, Authentic Brands, IMM Private Equity, Thoma Bravo, Zhongsheng Group, EMART, Pershing Square Tontine, 7-Eleven, Prosus, Tata Digital, and Wendel.
