Back in 2017, we realised a market need for a specialised, personalised M&A / brokerage for food & beverage transactions. Our goal was to offer a more tailored, hands-on approach where the owner receives direct attention from an experienced broker who understands their specific goals, industry nuances, and emotional investment in the business.
Strategic Transactions do not treat the transaction as a process, delegating key tasks to junior staff. —We provide continuity, discretion, and deep buyer network relationships, resulting in a more confidential, strategic, and emotionally intelligent sale experience, prioritising fit as much as financial return.
We understand the dynamics and challenges of the Australian food & beverage sector and tailor strategies to align with our client’s goals. We offer insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape and use them to deliver personalised solutions to enable success.
Food & Beverage advisory services are managed by Mark Ostryn, who will consistently provide you with practical, commercial advice and support throughout our engagement.
Mark Ostryn has over thirty years of experience as a business entrepreneur, mergers & acquisition authority, business valuer and advisor for business value creation.
With a deep understanding of business buyers’ requirements, Mark’s experience has achieved optimal outcomes for his clients across more than 50 industry sectors, including food and beverage.
As a business owner, Mark has built companies in financial software, road safety technology, marketing services and IT distribution. As a venture capitalist, he has evaluated and developed businesses, managed sale transactions, and pioneered the development of online shopping in Europe.
Mark holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and has lectured on subjects ranging from Business Valuation and Due Diligence to Competitive Intelligence. He has also lectured on Corporate Acquisitions at Macquarie University. In addition to his practical experience, he has analysed Australian merger and acquisition transactions over several years and developed programmes for his clients that help them achieve the best sale or acquisition outcome.
Mark’s clients appreciate his creativity in formulating ideas, his informality and depth of understanding and empathy for his clients’ challenges.
We reviewed the operations of an innovative, family-owned food company that was in the process acquiring another hydroponic food business as well as seeking supermarket distribution, launching a range of indigenous foods, and improving their cash flow. We undertook a market study and advised on a robust, low risk strategy that enabled the business to gain market share and profitability through Covid-19.
Prior to our involvement, our client has developed some highly innovative online shopping technology, but was a product group seeking a market.
We facilitated several brainstorming sessions with the management team and undertook competitive analysis that considered the likely future demands of global eShopping participants. This gave the development team a clear set of goals that resulted in an eventual multi-million-dollar acquisition.
Development and in-depth analysis of strategic options for a mid-sized poultry producer exploring diversification into value-added products—to drive sustainable growth, reduce risk, and maximise long-term enterprise value.
Strategic guidance on expanding into a broader range of healthy snack options—reducing reliance on limited SKUs while tapping into high-growth niches such as plant-based, protein-rich, and allergen-free segments to enhance resilience and market appeal.
Restructuring a wine and spirits wholesaler to boost market share through an expanded product portfolio, strengthened supplier relationships, and targeted geographic growth—positioning the business for greater competitiveness and long-term scalability.
Advising on and negotiating multiple merger opportunities for an online beverage wholesaler—unlocking economies of scale, streamlining operations, and enhancing buying power to drive profitability and competitive advantage in a consolidating market.
valuating five-year pre-exit expansion strategies for a leading state-based bakery—focusing on profitable growth through new channels, operational efficiency, and brand positioning to enhance valuation and attract high-quality acquirers.
Advising an Australian point-of-sale equipment manufacturer on international expansion via strategic alliances and potential mergers—unlocking access to new markets, shared R&D, and scalable distribution channels to accelerate global growth.
Leading complex, high-stakes negotiations on behalf of a multi-product Australian food hygiene distributor—balancing commercial interests and supply security in dealings with a key manufacturing partner to strengthen terms, margins, and long-term collaboration.
Advising on the acquisition of established non-perishable food manufacturers to support the growth of a food and gift hamper producer—enhancing supply chain control, broadening product offerings, and boosting margins through vertical integration.
Comprehensive review of product development pathways and international import challenges for a cereal producer—supporting scale-up through diversified ranges tailored to specific diets such as gluten-free, low-sugar, or high-protein, while navigating regulatory and logistical hurdles.
Developing a five-year strategy for a wine and fruit producer to leverage their scenic location—integrating accommodation, dining, and cellar door experiences to tap into the growing beverage-as-a-destination niche and boost diversified revenue streams.
