Consumer Products & Services
Winter 2025
Contract Manufacturing M&A Update, Winter 2025
The contract manufacturing sector is navigating a period of near-term normalization while remaining well-positioned for long-term growth driven by outsourcing demand, SKU proliferation, and increasing production complexity across consumer end markets. In 2025, M&A activity declined approximately 32% year-over-year as buyers and sellers adjusted to macroeconomic uncertainty, tariff dynamics, and shifting trade policies; however, deal activity is expected to rebound in 2026 as strategic acquirers and financial sponsors pursue scale, expanded capabilities, and geographic diversification. Across personal care, supplements, food, beverage, and pet products, manufacturers with advanced automation, value-added R&D, regulatory expertise, and remaining capacity continue to command premium valuations. Public market performance and valuation benchmarks underscore investor confidence in differentiated platforms with diversified customers, strong margins, and long-term growth visibility.
Trends Driving M&A for Contract Manufacturing
Report Summary
The contract manufacturing sector is navigating a period of near-term normalization while remaining well-positioned for long-term growth driven by outsourcing demand, SKU proliferation, and increasing production complexity across consumer end markets. In 2025, M&A activity declined approximately 32% year-over-year as buyers and sellers adjusted to macroeconomic uncertainty, tariff dynamics, and shifting trade policies; however, deal activity is expected to rebound in 2026 as strategic acquirers and financial sponsors pursue scale, expanded capabilities, and geographic diversification. Across personal care, supplements, food, beverage, and pet products, manufacturers with advanced automation, value-added R&D, regulatory expertise, and remaining capacity continue to command premium valuations. Public market performance and valuation benchmarks underscore investor confidence in differentiated platforms with diversified customers, strong margins, and long-term growth visibility.
Contract Manufacturing M&A TRENDS
Key Highlights
- Industry Trends & Benchmarking
- Contract Manufacturing M&A Activity and Valuation Trends
- Meridian Consumer Practice Overview
