Predicting Patterns: How Do Consumer Market Trends Influence M&A Activity?

Consumer spending and consumption patterns are constantly evolving in response to several interrelated factors determined or influenced by political, social, economic, cultural and technological shifts in the market resulting in a number of consumer trends, including the growth in e-commerce shopping, investments in distribution infrastructure and forward integration of supply chain, as well as the consumer spending preferences on lifestyle and leisurely services over material products. At the same time, we have also seen the consolidation of trends in environmental and sustainability focused consumption and holistic health awareness. Consumers increasingly seek out personalised or customised products and services and expect suppliers to use innovative technology to meet their demands. But how does this ever-changing pattern influence trends and opportunities within M&A?