Demitri Diakantonis

M&A looks ripe in states like South Carolina and Tennessee due to low taxes and a lack of unions, deal advisors say.

A recent deal shows how restaurant tech has taken a new turn with an innovative way for establishments to develop deeper relationships with consumers via social media.

Favorable fuel margins and an extremely fragmented market are factors that could drive more deal activity in this space, says one banker.

Despite the sector's intrinsic challenges in the digital age, retailers that offer 'Amazon-proof' items, luxury products and novel customer experiences are all attractive to buyers.

AI can be an advantage for retailers to help them improve customer service. "Consumers are changing quickly," explains one investment banker.