Retail Conference ’25: investment and lending

Join us to discuss merging opportunities in a polarised landscape

Shifting consumer priorities, rising costs combined with challenging and uncertain economic conditions are reshaping the capital environment for retailers, polarising the M&A market and redefining how investors and lenders assess opportunities in the sector.

In a slower and uncertain economic environment, all business lending is under the microscope. But, in the wake of recent tax rises for businesses, particularly National Insurance, many retailers are encountering reluctance from ‘traditional’ financers, who have historically extended debt against what are now diminished earnings. In every case, brands seeking finance are being subject to increasing due diligence, leading to lengthier pre-lend processes, and more scrutiny on asset valuations.

Acquisitive firms are still in the market for brands that they see as a strong strategic fit – consumer and retail M&A has had a record of bigger, albeit fewer, deals in H1 on both sides of the Atlantic. Just the personal care and beauty space counted nearly half a dozen of $1bn transactions with more promising to close by year-end. . Companies are also using this time to rationalise and rebalance their portfolio of assets, looking to swap less performing assets for higher growth once and thus turnaround investors continue to be ready to acquire distressed assets, with the likes of Hilco, Gordon Brothers and Modella all investing in the sector in the first 6 months of 2025. And asset-based lenders continue to show strong appetite for lending to the retail sector – unlocking a potentially new source of debt financing to support day-to-day operations, and investment for future growth.

It’s with these factors in mind that we’ll be co-leading a workshop on the investment and lending landscape for retailers at FRP’s upcoming Retail Conference in Central London on 1st October.

Together with Matt Goode, Head of Consumer and Managing Director at Cavendish Capital Markets, we’ll explore recent trends in M&A, debt financing, and public market activity, practical steps for preparing a capital event and share insights into the future of raising capital in the retail sector.

In difficult operating conditions, having the tools and strategies to adapt and thrive becomes more important than ever. Join us as we present what will make the difference.