Round up of Retail and Consumer Sector Deals: April/May 2025

Over April and May, several firms announced their involvement in a wide range of transactions — from global food delivery mergers to strategic private equity investments across the consumer landscape.

Here’s our basket of deals that we picked up and the law firms that were involved:

Big-Ticket Transactions

Latham & Watkins and White & Case LLP & Case advised on one of the largest deals this year – the £2.9 billion acquisition of Deliveroo by US food delivery giant DoorDash. Meanwhile, Linklaters, Sidley Austin and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP Weiss were on hand for the DHL–Evri merger, with DHL taking a minority stake in the combined delivery business and Apollo providing backing.

UK-Focused Corporate Moves

A number of firms acted on transactions involving well-known UK brands. Herbert Smith Freehills advised WHSmith on the sale of its UK high street operations and separately supported Jet2 on its first-ever share buyback. Shoosmiths advised Hilco Capital on the acquisition of homewares retailer Lakeland, and Macfarlanes advised the shareholder of kitchen manufacturer Symphony Group on a sale to W&R Barnett.

Private Equity and Strategic Investments

Private equity was active in the food and beverage space. CMS UK advised Piper on its investment in Yard Sale Pizza and Charles Russell Speechlys supported Puma Growth Partners’ investment in snack brand LOVE CORN. Stephenson Harwood LLP Harwood advised Phoenix Beverages on acquiring a majority stake in Seychelles Breweries from Diageo.

Brand Expansion and Global Franchising

BCLP advised Carrefour on re-entering the Indian market via a franchise partnership with Apparel Group, while RPC supported Frasers Group in a strategic partnership to grow the Sports Direct brand.

Other Notables

Charles Russell Speechlys assisted Cake Box in its £22 million acquisition of Ambala Foods. Shakespeare Martineau advised on the sale of AluNet Group to Eurocell. Travers Smith acted for RPM International on its acquisition of the Star Brands Group.

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