ComCap Marketplaces in Europe Investment and MA Activity 2019

We are pleased to present our views on the marketplace landscape in Europe, doing so with the aim of helping increase transparency and communication between the companies themselves, as well as financial and strategic investors

The report highlighted that European marketplaces remain an attractive sector for investors due to barriers of entry, healthy margins, and proven business models across markets. It discusses the European e-commerce revenue growth potential and factors affecting the same. Further, the report highlights the conducive regulatory policies supporting the growth of the European marketplaces sector

The report concludes that Europe has a diverse set of proven marketplaces across a wide range of industries, representing an attractive investment opportunity for financial as well as strategic investors

Some of the other points highlighted in the report include:

  • European marketplaces received €7.3bn in investment since 2017
  • New marketplaces are emerging in mobile format, which could complement a company’s strategic shift from web to mobile and disrupt existing players.
  • Global VC investments has focused on mobility and food marketplaces, while PE investors have made notable investments in luxury marketplaces
  • Newer e-commerce markets such as Italy are expected to see growth driven by high levels of cross border e-commerce investment
  • Large strategic players such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Zalando represent viable exits, as they will continue to look for M&A opportunities to gain market share
  • M&A activity has been driven by deals targeting luxury fashion e-retailers, as both luxury brands and retailers look to rapidly expand their online sales presence