After a torrid pace of merger and acquisition activity in 2014, expect more consumer and retail deals in the year ahead. The pet segment saw plenty of action in 2014, including the year’s largest leveraged buyout of retailer PetSmart. Following that trend, a leading IPO or auction block candidate in 2015 is pet food maker Blue Buffalo. Leveraged buyouts akin to PetSmart could extend to apparel in 2015. Both Ann, parent of Ann Taylor, and Destination Maternity have attracted activist investors. Ann in particular is being courted by private equity firm Golden Gate. A multibillion-dollar deal for Dillard’s is also possible. The department store operator is not only well-operated, but it has valuable real estate that make it attractive. And in the restaurant segment, keep an eye on Bob Evans. The food chain hired investment bank Lazard to review its cost structure. A sale of the company’s manufacturing unit BEF Foods is likely, setting the table for a larger deal to buy the rest of the company. With so many potential deals in the works, don’t expect 2014’s deal pace to abate in the new year.
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