Consumer and Retail
The Consumer and Retail industry is diverse, dynamic, fast-paced and far-reaching. Technological opportunities and risks, heightened competition, globalisation; the sector faces a range of challenges. We can help you navigate these complexities.
We understand the business demands and drivers in this evolving sector and are committed to forward thinking to help you stay ahead of the curve, identifying opportunities whilst managing uncertainty.
We work with a range of businesses making a mark in the industry, be it consumer goods, consumer health, food and beverage, electronics, e-commerce, luxury brands or cosmetics - we are in a position to be your global partner and help you achieve your business goals.
From strategic partnerships, M&A, financing, regulatory, commercial transactions, restructuring, through to cybersecurity, data protection and brand protection, we offer a broad range of legal services, working in tandem with your business.
Recognised for the breadth and depth of our industry knowledge, our dedicated consumer and retail group spans borders, offering you our global network as well as pragmatic and commercial solutions, where and when you need us.
Representative experience
on its EUR25bn merger with Delhaize to create Europe’s largest listed food retailer by market capitalisation and the fifth largest retailer in the U.S. with more than 6,500 stores globally.
on its EUR7.30bn acquisition of the Central & Eastern European business of SABMiller by way of auction.
on the USD3.25bn disposal of Allegro Group, the no. 1 e-commerce platform in eastern Europe with more than 14 million monthly users, to Cinven, Permira and Mid Europa.
on the USD7.1bn purchase of the Winston, Kool and Salem cigarette brands and the blu e-cigarette brand from Reynolds American, Inc and its related Class 1 shareholder approval.
Meet our lawyers
News & insights
Publications: 08 JULY 2020
U.S. M&A: the land of opportunity meets challenges
The impact on U.S. transactions has been severe, with activity unlikely to recover until market conditions stabilise. But opportunities are emerging for certain players.
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Publications: 19 JUNE 2020
European Commission targets foreign subsidies causing market distortions
As part of a broader effort to reshape the EU’s trade policy, the European Commission (EC) proposes to expand its toolbox to tackle foreign subsidies undermining the level playing field in the EU’s…
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News: 19 JUNE 2020
Global trends in private M&A: Covid-19 update
We have recently produced an updated client presentation on global trends in private M&A. Over the last eight years, we have analysed almost 1,300 private M&A deals that Allen & Overy advised on…
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Publications: 04 OCTOBER 2019
Outstanding performance by A&O in global M&A league tables
A&O has marked the end of Q3 2019 with an outstanding performance in the M&A league tables; the result of advising on a number of complex, high-value transactions in a wide range of sectors and…
Read moreRecognition
Solid knowledge of the dynamics of transactions and international exposure which enables the team to easily address cross-border issues.
Chambers Europe 2018
Corporate M&A - Band 1
Chambers Europe 2018
Restructuring/Insolvency - Band 1
Chambers UK 2018
Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - Band 1
Chambers UK 2018
Food beverage and restaurant technology sector
