<aside>

Most NZ brand exits happen without VC. This part explains what acquirers want and gives real NZ case studies.

• Outline
• Tools </aside>

1. Acquisition Prep Steps

• Set up financials for due diligence
• Separate IP into a holding company
• Record founder roles and responsibilities
• Capture partner relationships clearly e.g. distributor contracts

2. What Acquirers Want: Exit Prep Checklist

<aside>

• [ ] Product differentiation and portfolio fit
• [ ] Sales momentum, market share
• [ ] Proven repeat customer base
• [ ] $3-10M+ revenue
• [ ] Clear growth path - local / international
• [ ] Healthy margin structure
• [ ] Potential synergies/efficiencies
• [ ] Exit potential (depending on acquirer)
• [ ] Clean ownership structure - documented, easy to engage with, aligned
• [ ] Registered trademarks & IP ownership </aside>

Mini-Case Studies: NZ Consumer Brand Acquisitions

<aside>

Manuka Health (Honey & Wellness)

Acquired by Quadrant Private Equity, then Hong Leong Group

• https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/hong-leong-said-have-acquired-new-zealandbased-manuka-health
• https://mergr.com/transaction/hong-leong-group-acquires-manuka-health-new-zealand </aside>

<aside>

Em’s Power Cookies (Biscuits)

Acquired by Cookie Time

• https://supermarketnews.co.nz/news/ems-power-cookies-acquired-by-cookie-time
• https://powercookies.com/blog/2021/10/31/ems-sale-to-cookie-time-announcemen </aside>

<aside>

Earthwise (Cleaning, Laundry & Personal Care)

Acquired by Henkel

• https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/491144/german-company-allowed-to-purchase-nz-cleaning-products-firm </aside>

<aside>

Natural Pet Food Group (Premium Pet Food)

Acquired by KKR

• https://media.kkr.com/news-details?news_id=e8cc48eb-ec0e-489b-8a83-de46e1c1ce79
• https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/kkr-completes-acquisition-of-natural-pet-food-group-2021-05-02 </aside>

<aside>

Bostock Brothers (Organic Chicken)

Acquired by Inghams

• https://supermarketnews.co.nz/news/inghams-acquires-bostock-brothers
• https://www.just-food.com/news/inghams-to-buy-new-zealand-peer-bostock-brothers </aside>

Back to:

How to Kick-off and Fund a NZ Consumer Brand Startup

Consumer Brand Case Studies:

Six Barrel Soda: Building New Zealand’s Craft Soda Brand

Ārepa: Building New Zealand’s Brainfood Brand

FTN Motion: Building New Zealand’s First Electric Motorcycle Brand