TSG provided an overview of trends in mergers and acquisitions in the food and beverage industry followed by a panel discussion with views from a selection of sector leaders. The discussion was hosted by Dr. Seth Taylor of TSG and highlighted two industry leaders who have utilized strategic M&A and partnerships to drive corporate growth.

At the Healthy Foods European Summit in London, on Wed Oct 6th, 2008 TSG led a panel discussion providing an overview of trends in mergers and acquisitions in the food and beverage industry with views from a selection of sector leaders. Members of the panel included Maurice Keane, General Manager EMEA of Glanbia Nutritionals, a division of Glanbia PLC, and Yigal Galli, CEO of Maabarot Products Ltd. The full presentation can be viewed at www.tsg-partners.com under Marketing Insights.

In light of recent turmoil in the global financial markets, Maurice Keane, commented that, ?Yes, the economic climate has changed, but the trends are similar and our acquisitions will continue, although there may be less involvement of banks and more partial acquisitions.? He is speaking from experience, as Glanbia recently acquired Optimum Nutrition and Pizzey?s Milling, which has been renamed Pizzey?s Nutritionals. Keane was optimistic about future acquisitions and said that his company?s ?fairly active acquisition strategy? along with tighter budgets could encourage consumer and government interest in functional and healthy foods; food categories Glanbia is best known for.

Yigal Galli, spoke of the acquisitions that have assisted in diversifying Maabarot?s product focus. Recently Maabarot entered into a global partnership with Nestle Nutrition around the company?s successful infant formula subsidiary. Other acquisitions have included a children?s vitamin company and an organic food company.

Both spoke on the importance of maximizing value of acquired companies by retaining their corporate culture. ?The acquisition should unlock the potential of the company and that won?t happen by crushing the company?s culture,? said Galli.

Despite current economic slowdown, the opportunities for strategic mergers and acquisitions are still needed and as Seth Taylor of TSG said, ?it is a good time to consider merger and acquisition activity.? TSG anticipates increasing M&A activity as dwindling investor dollars and cash flows encourage companies in the food and beverage industry to consolidate.

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by Meghan Betsch (few years ago!)