M&A activity involving e-retailers takes a leap

The value of UK merger and acquisition (M&A) deals involving e-retail businesses has soared, new research today shows.

Deal values totalled £461 million in 2017/18, up from just £31m the previous year, according to RPC, a professional services firm based in the City of London and offering both legal and consultancy advice.

The firm said that the M&A activity had been driven by deals targeting luxury fashion e-retailers, as both luxury brands and retailers look to rapidly expand their online sales presence.

Japanese luxury group Onward Holdings acquired British online luxury shoe designer/retailer, Charlotte Olympia, in 2017. Outside the UK, global giant Richemont acquired luxury fashion e-retailer Yoox Net A Porter earlier this year.

Private equity is also active in the sector, with Apax Partners acquiring a majority stake in Matchesfashion during 2017.