Deal activity in the Retail & Consumer (R&C) sector has been positive compared to 2011, particularly amongst larger multi-billion dollar deals. Consumer sentiment has been improving and approached the highest levels seen since 2008, contributing to positive underlying business performance and willingness of R&C companies to invest. We expect R&C deal activity will continue its positive momentum during 2013 as companies look to focus on avenues to grow core operations, expand their capabilities to execute across the rapidly developing omnichannel landscape, and increase their global footprint to access higher growth markets.