A national professional services firm had achieved significant growth but faced strategic risk from over-reliance on a narrow client base. A major shift in client spending patterns threatened revenue sustainability and highlighted the need for market diversification.

Key challenges included:

The organisation required strategic planning to identify growth pathways, evaluate options and develop an executable diversification plan.

Strategic Assessment and Options Analysis: Conducted a comprehensive analysis of market position, revenue concentration risks and client spending trends. Evaluated multiple strategic options, including organic market entry, partnerships and acquisition strategies. Assessed market sectors aligned with existing capabilities, offering diversification benefits. Developed a criteria framework for evaluating and prioritising options, with acquisition identified as the optimal pathway for accelerated market entry.

Acquisition Strategy and Target Identification: Developed target acquisition profile defining ideal characteristics, including market position, client base, capability fit and cultural alignment. Systematically identified and assessed potential targets against strategic criteria. Prioritised targets for detailed evaluation and developed an engagement strategy.

Deal Execution Planning: Designed a comprehensive due diligence approach covering financial, operational, cultural and integration dimensions. Developed an integration planning framework addressing organisational structure, systems, processes and culture. Established governance structures for acquisition execution and post-merger integration.