Origin Merchant Partners acquires consumer investment bank Consensus

What's the deal? Origin Merchant PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, an independent Toronto-based investment bank, has acquired Boston and New York-based ConsensusDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a consumer-focused advisory firm. The deal creates Consensus Consumer, a dedicated division serving founder-led, family-owned, and PE-backed consumer and retail brands in the middle market. The transaction value was not disclosed.

Who's joining? The acquisition adds 20 professionals to Origin — eight senior bankers and 12 senior industry advisors — led by Consensus founder Michael A. O'Hara, a 30-year veteran of the US consumer sector. O'Hara becomes chair of Origin US.

What Consensus brings: More than two decades advising on mergers, restructurings, and capital solutions across branded consumer, retail, apparel, beauty, luxury, and wellness sectors. Past clients include Nine West, Timex Group, Toys 'R' Us, Lenox, and Kohl's.

Past mandates include advising L CattertonDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and other sellers on Everlane's sale to SHEIN, and The Brandhouse Collective on its sale to Bed, Bath & Beyond.

What's the endgame? The combined firm expands cross-border coverage across the US, Canada, and globally, with offices in Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Vancouver. It aims to pair deeper sector expertise with a boutique service model.

The signal: The tie-up reflects consolidation among independent advisory firms racing to offer both sector depth and cross-border reach as the North American consumer market integrates. "Together, we will offer clients unmatched cross-border reach, senior-level attention, and truly independent advice," said Jim Osler, co-chair of Origin Merchant Partners.

Read more: PR Newswire