4th of July M&A Report

With the impending celebration of America’s 248th birthday this Thursday, we thought it would be fitting to take a deep dive into the M&A deal activity of industry categories associated with the July 4th holiday.

For each category, we’ve shared the following five data points:

• Deal Volume: Number of deals brought to market via Axial in the past 12 months
• Advisors: Number of unique M&A advisors that have represented those deals
• Pursuits: Axial buyside members express initial interest in a deal by clicking “Pursue,” after which they can access and sign the NDA
• Average Revenue of all deals brought to market in that time period
• Average EBITDA of all deals brought to market in that time period

Enjoy the report, and have a happy and safe Independence Day!

Fuel Up

Travel group AAA predicts 70.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the July 4th week, with 85% driving to their destination. Whether it’s across state lines to procure fireworks legally or a long weekend celebration at the lake, this record-setting travel will surely keep things busy at the pumps!

Source: Axial Platform Data L12M

Everything Red, White & Blue

It doesn’t matter if you’re staying home or hitting the road this week; a star-spangled tablescape never disappoints. You don’t need Martha Stewart’s skills for party perfection; just make sure to stock up on those essential Independence Day decorations.

Source: Axial Platform Data L12M

Eat, Drink & Celebrate

With an estimated spending of $9.4M on food and $4M on alcoholic beverages, the grocery and liquor store parking lots will be packed ahead of the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing patriotic Jell-O shots, or simply helping keep July 4th as America’s top beer-drinking holiday, we recommend getting the shopping done early.

Source: Axial Platform Data L12M

Don’t Forget The Dogs

According to WalletHub, 66% of Americans will attend a cookout, barbecue, or picnic for the 4th, and an estimated 150 million hot dogs will be consumed. No offense to 16-time Hot Dog Eating Contest Champion Joey Chestnutt, but I think we can all agree that hot dogs fresh off the grill are far superior to his speed-eating style.

Source: Axial Platform Data L12M

Level Up Your Block Party

If you’re in the greater Philadelphia area, a bounce house, dunk tank, or slip-and-slide could be the perfect addition to make your block party unforgettable. Check out the 50 options from Jason Jumper’s, a PA party inflatable rental company acquired via Axial earlier this year. The kids will love it, and the parents will appreciate having their little ones entertained and worn out.

For more on the acquisition of Jason’s Jumpers by individual investor Isaac Rose, click here.

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Hitting The Beach?

If you’re taking your celebrations to the shores, chances are there will be sports involved. Nothing brings people together like a friendly game of beach volleyball – you might even bump, set, and spike a Tachikara ball. Check out the Q1 acquisition of this 100+ year-old company.👇

The DVS Group advises TACHIKARA in acquisition by Gauge Capital-backed company RIP-IT

Looking to exit your business? Explore Axial’s Advisor Finder.

When Accidents Happen…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that an estimated 9,700 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023. With 73% of those annual injuries occurring in July, let’s aim to keep our fireworks in the sky and ourselves out of the ER. Don’t become another spark in the statistics!

Source: Axial Platform Data L12M

Staying In?

If you’re planning on keeping your Independence Day celebrations more low-key, then you’re probably looking for some great lower middle market M&A content to occupy some of that free time. And we’ve got you covered!

• 5 Military Veterans Investing in SMBs
• The Winning M&A Advisor [Vol. 1, Issue 1]
• Devising your Exit Timeline: Start with your Ideal Exit Date
• eBook ~ The Dealmaker’s Playbook: Business Development
• Podcast ~ Rafa Quinn – Building A Diversified Lower Middle Market Holding Company