Market Monitor: Apparel, Accessories & Footwear
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Market Monitor:
Apparel, Accessories & Footwear
Industry M&A Update
The Apparel, Accessories & Footwear M&A Market Monitor provides a data-driven overview of merger and acquisition activity, buyer behavior, private equity trends, and market conditions shaping the sector in 2025 and the outlook for 2026.
M&A activity in 2025 faced headwinds related to tariff uncertainty and broader economic pressures. Despite these challenges, strategic buyers and financial sponsors continued to demonstrate sustained interest in the sector. Market indicators suggest a potential increase in transaction activity in 2026 as financing conditions improve and investor appetite strengthens.
2025 Industry Observations
- M&A activity moderated amid tariff uncertainty and macroeconomic pressures
- Strategic buyers and financial sponsors maintained active interest in acquisition opportunities
- Private equity groups increasingly prioritized add-on acquisitions, rising approximately 33.3% year over year
- Sponsors remain well positioned to deploy capital, supported by available dry powder
2026 Market Outlook
- Sector rotation is contributing to improved public market valuations
- Private equity add-on activity is expected to remain supported by available capital
- Declining interest rates may improve acquisition financing conditions
- Consumer spending trends may support revenue stability and growth
- Strategic buyers may reprioritize acquisitions after navigating tariff impacts
How Hexagon Can Help?
Hexagon’s M&A team has experience in the apparel, accessories, and footwear sectors. We help businesses:
- Prepare for Sale: Position your company to attract the right buyers.
- Raise Capital: Assist with capital-raising efforts.
- Market Insights: Provide up-to-date M&A market trends.
For more information or questions, please contact our contributors:
Rich Anderson, Managing Director: [email protected]
Tyler Dale, Managing Director: tdale@
Brennan Anderson, Senior Vice President: banderson@