M
&A activity in the North American Food and Beverage sector for Q4 2013 through Feb. 1, 2014 included 160 deals announced or closed according to data provided by S&P Capital IQ. The sentiment is cautiously optimistic for an uptick in M&A activity in the food and beverage sector for 2014 based on an improving economy and the recent announcement of some large deals:
• In January 2014, Suntory Holding acquired Beam, Inc., for $15.9 billion.
• In October 2013, Campbell Soup Company sold its European soups and sauces business to private equity group CVC Capital Partners for more than 400 million Euro.