Most NZ brand exits happen without VC. This part explains what acquirers want and gives real NZ case studies.
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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
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
Mini-Case Studies: NZ Consumer Brand Acquisitions
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
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
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
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
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
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