Financial Deal Insights Consumer Markets - April 2008 - This month's Consumer Financial Deal Insights reveals that M&A in April 2008 was heavily focused on confectionery, health and nutrition, exemplified by the acquisition of Wrigley's by Mars and the sa

Financial Deal Insights Consumer Markets - April 2008 - This month's Consumer Financial Deal Insights reveals that M&A in April 2008 was heavily focused on confectionery, health and nutrition, exemplified by the acquisition of Wrigley's by Mars and the sa

Introduction

Datamonitor's monthly Financial Deal Insights series provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of M&A activity within Consumer Markets. It offers a unique insight into both deal activity, deal rationale and the market fundamentals driving the sector.

Scope

Insight into recent M&A activity in the Consumer Markets sector throughout the world. Detailed understanding of the market context behind factors driving both the sector as a whole and individual deals. An overview of deal trends on a historical basis and the progress of individual deals as they happen.

Highlights

The face of the global confectionery industry is set to change with the multi-billion dollar acquisition of Wrigley's by Mars. This deal will not only create a confectionery behemoth with leading brands in its portfolio, but will present a tough time for its competitors. It might pave the way for further consolidation with the industry, as competitors try to cope with the size and reach of a Mars-Wrigley combination.

Reasons to Purchase

Insight into recent M&A activity in the Consumer Markets sector throughout the world. Detailed understanding of the market context behind factors driving both the sector as a whole and individual deals. An overview of deal trends on a historical basis and the progress of individual deals as they happen.

DATAMONITOR VIEW 1
CATALYST 1
SUMMARY 1
ANALYSIS 2
The confectionery industry is to undergo a phase of consolidation 2
The difficult credit market is not a worry 2
The creation of a confectionery powerhouse 2
There is a need for competitors to strengthen their position 4
Food companies are focusing on the nutrition and health food segment to drive growth 4
Alcon sale fuels rumors about possible acquisitions by Nestlé 5
APPENDIX 7
Definitions 7
Ask the analyst 7
Datamonitor consulting 7
Disclaimer 7
List of Figures
Figure 1: Company shares in the global confectionery market, 2007 (%, value terms) 3
Figure 2: Map highlighting the post-merger extended geographical reach 4