We have over $50bn of transaction experience globally
We have over $50bn of transaction experience globally
If you’re looking to acquire an e-commerce business in Europe, you’re not alone. The European market is hot right now — fragmented, still under-digitized in places, and full of fast-growing brands across fashion, consumer tech, supplements, and beyond.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a fund building a portfolio, one thing is clear: deals aren’t just going to fall into your lap. You’ll need a strategy, a network, and a clear investment playbook.
Here are five things to lock in before you start deal-hunting. Nail these, and you’ll avoid time-wasting rabbit holes and be first in line when the right opportunities hit the market.
The #1 mistake we see new buyers make? Chasing every deal that looks interesting. No filters, no thesis — just reacting to whatever hits their inbox. That’s a fast way to burn out.
What to do: define your investment criteria early. This doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible, but it keeps you focused and credible when speaking to sellers and brokers.
Here’s what that might include:
When you show up to brokers or sellers with this level of clarity, you immediately stand out as a serious buyer — and you get shown better deals.
Europe is not one big homogenous market. It’s a patchwork of languages, regulations, and ecommerce behaviors. What works in Germany may fall flat in Spain. That’s what makes the region both tricky — and full of opportunity.
So where should you start?
Our advice: pick 1–2 core markets where you can operate post-acquisition. Germany and the UK are the biggest by e-commerce volume, but France, the Netherlands, and the Nordics are full of hidden gems with less competition.
Also, consider:
Start small, build local expertise, and scale region by region. Most successful buyers don’t go pan-European from day one — they expand based on traction.
Most buyers start on big listing sites. That’s fine — but if that’s your only source of deal flow, you’re seeing the same stuff everyone else is.
Here are platforms to bookmark:
Local Platforms:
Global Platforms with EU Listings:
Be prepared to move fast — especially on the platforms with high volume. Good deals go quickly. Having your funding ready and criteria defined helps you jump the line.
Pro tip from the DEX team: track sellers who withdraw listings — they often come back six months later, more motivated.
If you’re serious about buying a business — especially in a foreign market — a good M&A advisor is worth their weight in gold. They do more than just “find deals.”
Here’s how they help:
We’ve seen founders spend 6–9 months spinning wheels trying to buy solo — and still get outbid or spooked at DD. The right advisor can cut that timeline in half and help you avoid rookie mistakes.
Think of them like your buying co-pilot — especially useful if you’re not fluent in the local language or regulations.
So how much does this all cost?
In Europe, advisory fees for SME and lower mid-market e-commerce deals typically follow this format:
What to watch for:
At DEX, we believe in transparency and alignment — you win, we win. Our success-based model is designed for growth-minded buyers who want deal flow, clarity, and execution all in one.
Buying an e-commerce business in Europe isn’t just about finding deals. It’s about knowing what you want, building the right infrastructure, and partnering with people who know the market inside-out.
If you’re serious about building a portfolio in Europe — or just want help kicking off your first deal — we can help.
We work with international buyers looking to expand into the EU, and we specialize in off-market deal sourcing, pre-DD screening, and full-stack execution support.
Book a free strategy call with our team and let’s talk about how to find — and close — the right ecom deal in Europe.