Consumer

Automotive and Mobility

Education

We advised Well Pharmacy, now Bestway Healthcare.... Read more

We advised Well Pharmacy, now Bestway Healthcare (a subsidiary of Bestway Group), on its acquisition of Lexon, a leading family-owned pharmaceutical wholesaler and generic medicines manufacturer. Lexon operates nationally, serving independent community pharmacies across the UK as well as operating over 40 community pharmacies of its own.

The transaction strengthens Bestway Healthcare’s growth momentum to bring enhanced benefits to its customers and patients across the UK.

Lawyers in our London office led the transaction, with support from our commercial, employment, finance, insurance, intellectual property, pensions, privacy and cybersecurity, tax, real estate, and regulatory practices.

We advised Sovos Brands, Inc., a maker... Read more

We advised Sovos Brands, Inc., a maker of premium branded food, on its sale to Campbell Soup Company, representing a total enterprise value of approximately US$2.7 billion.

The transaction adds a high-growth, market-leading premium portfolio of brands to diversify and enhance Campbell’s Meals & Beverages division.

Lawyers in our Silicon Valley office led the transaction, with support from our Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. offices and our antitrust, banking, capital markets, employee benefits, employment, privacy and cybersecurity, regulatory, securities, and tax practices.

We advised Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies.... Read more

We advised Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, on its strategic partnership with Protix, a Netherlands-based leader in global insect ingredients.

The strategic partnership, which represents Tyson Foods’ commitment to continuous innovation, business growth, and working towards sustainable solutions, is expected to accelerate Protix’s international expansion.

Lawyers in our Amsterdam office led the transaction, with support from our Baltimore office and our tax practice.

We advised Walmart Inc., a tech-powered.... Read more

We advised Walmart Inc., a tech-powered omnichannel multinational retailer, on its strategic partnership with SES-imagotag, a French technology company and global leader in digital solutions for physical retail.

The strategic partnership allows Walmart to deploy the latest generation of SES-imagotag’s VUSION platform to further digitize its shelves in hundreds of stores across the United States and enhance the customer experience.

Lawyers in our Paris office led the transaction, with support from our private equity and tax practices.

Sector performance

Driven by macroeconomic factors, geopolitical challenges, and continued supply chain disruptions, 2023 consumer M&A deal activity failed to bounce back from its decline in 2022. High inflation and other cost pressures facing consumer companies also hindered a more robust recovery.

As dealmakers navigated regulatory hurdles and high interest rates, the beginnings of a rebound emerged. Led by established corporates, particularly in the food and beverage space, along with players in luxury fashion and pet care, the second half of 2023 provided glimpses of a more active M&A market.

Hogan Lovells activities

In 2023, our Consumer team supported clients to achieve significant digital advancements, navigate ever-evolving regulatory landscapes, and develop strategies to deliver on ESG goals and commitments.

We helped clients around the globe navigate critical issues impacting consumer companies, such as increased regulation of cosmetics and personal care products, the utilization of NFTs and AI in the luxury space, and workforce, privacy, and supply chain issues. We also contributed to the global guidebook Getting the Deal Through – Luxury and Fashion.