Consumer goods
Selling a consumer goods business
Companies that make, brand or distribute products people buy. Buyers here focus on the brand, the routes to market and how dependable the margins are.
What buyers will ask about
Whether the buyer is a larger consumer company, a distributor or an investment group, they’ll want to understand why customers choose your products, how those products reach them and what could change that.
Knowing these questions a year or two ahead gives you time to prepare good answers.
Brand and products
How well known the brand is in its market, how loyal customers are and which products drive most of the profit.
Distribution and retailers
Which retailers, distributors or online channels account for most sales, the terms you have with them and how secure those relationships are.
Margins
Gross margins over several years, and how exposed they are to input costs, freight, currency and pricing pressure from large customers.
Suppliers and manufacturing
Whether you make products yourself or use contract manufacturers, and how dependent you are on a few suppliers.
Inventory
How much inventory the business carries, how quickly it turns over and whether any of it is slow-moving or obsolete.
Trademarks and contracts
That trademarks, product registrations and key agreements are owned by the company and can transfer to a buyer.
Selected transactions in this industry
Consumer goods
Leading FMCG Company
Deal value $25,000,000
Sold
Kingston advised on the acquisition of a fast-growing FMCG enterprise supplying consumer goods across global markets, with an established brand presence and distribution network.
View detailsConsumer & retail
Consumer Goods Liquidation & Discount Retail Operator
Published value $850,000
Sold
View detailsConsumer & retail
Specialty Pet Nutrition Retail Business
Published value $525,000
Sold
View detailsConsumer & retail
Fuel Retailing & Automotive Car Wash Operator
Deal value Undisclosed
Sold
View detailsConsumer & retail
General Merchandise & Discount Retail Operator
Deal value Undisclosed
Sold
View detailsFrom a client
More testimonialsKingston used its network and resources to attract a range of prospective buyers for my niche business, resulting in multiple offers. Their prompt communication and organized approach gave both parties confidence as the transaction progressed toward a timely closing.
Useful reading
What Is Your Business Worth, Even If You’re Not Selling?
Knowing roughly what your business is worth helps with planning long before a sale. Here’s how buyers arrive at a number, and why it comes as a range.
How to Explore a Sale Without Employees, Customers or Competitors Finding Out
No sale can be kept perfectly quiet, but a careful process makes a leak much less likely. Here’s how confidentiality works in practice.
Comparing Offers: Why the Highest Price Isn’t Always the Best Deal
Two offers at the same price can leave you in very different places. Here’s how to read the terms around the number before you choose.
Confidential conversation
Thinking about selling, now or in a few years?
Start with a confidential conversation. You don’t have to be ready to sell. We can help you understand what your business might be worth and what your options are.