Brand Growth Management’s first edition M&A roundup has been released. In it, principals Kelly Kovack and Scott Gurfein blend their right brain creativity and left brain logic, respectively, to review the year’s major takeaways. Overall, BGM predicts 2015 will be a volatile year and red hot for the beauty industry, one where the race is on between companies such as L’Oréal and Estée Lauder, with other major players following their lead in acquiring brands with strong niche followings, category opportunities that may lead to strong returns, and new technology platform and channel opportunities. To that end, brand lifecycles from inception to monetization are shortening, and the role of entrepreneurs and capital are becoming more pronounced with interests that are well aligned.

With strategic and financial investors looking at smaller deals more than ever before, BGM predicts that 2015 will be one of the most active M&A years in the beauty industry, while forcing founders and buyers alike to focus on execution and health.

To view the roundup, click here.