The Ultimate Guide to Top Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms

Kind Reader, if you are considering mergers and acquisitions, there are many consulting firms that can provide valuable expertise to help navigate the complex process. Top mergers and acquisitions consulting firms offer a range of services, including deal origination, due diligence, valuation, negotiations, and post-merger integration. These firms have experienced professionals who specialize in various industries and can provide customized solutions to meet the specific needs of their clients.
Top Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms for Large Corporations

Large corporations looking to make major mergers or acquisitions require consulting services that can assist in in-depth analysis and strategy formulation. The following consulting firms are renowned for their comprehensive and cutting-edge services.
Bain & Company
Bain & Company is known for its ability to advise clients on some of the most complex strategic decisions. They have substantial experience in designing and implementing merger strategies for their clients. The company has a team of dedicated consultants who are able to conduct extensive analysis and support clients in making informed decisions.
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Deloitte Consulting LLP boasts a highly respected M&A practice and has been involved in some of the largest mergers and acquisitions transactions. They provide clients with end-to-end merger support, from strategy to deal execution. The firm also has experience in post-merger integration and organizational transformation to ensure long-term success.
Top Boutique M&A Consulting Firms

Boutique consulting firms are focused on providing specialized services to clients while remaining nimble enough to adapt to changing market conditions. The following boutique consulting firms have positioned themselves as experts in the field of M&A.
Alvarez & Marsal
With an emphasis on restructuring and turnaround consulting, Alvarez & Marsal has expanded their services to include M&A support. Their M&A professionals bring a wealth of experience from across industries, capable of performing a thorough analysis of a target company’s operations and crafting an effective integration strategy.
Mesirow Financial Consulting
Mesirow Financial Consulting is a boutique firm that has a wealth of experience with M&A transactions, with experts who specialize in both transaction support and post-merger integration for their clients. They have an agile team of consultants who are able to customize their services for clients based on specific needs.
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Top Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms: Deloitte

Deloitte is a globally recognized M&A consulting firm that provides innovative strategies and solutions for complex merger deals. With its vast experience in the industry, Deloitte helped many clients in successful mergers and acquisitions.
Deloitte’s M&A Consulting Services
Deloitte’s M&A consulting services focus on providing support and guidance throughout the M&A process. Their in-house experts guide clients in identifying target companies, performing due diligence, and facilitating deal negotiations. Deloitte helps its clients restructure their businesses, manage risk, and build sustainable growth after the merger.
Deloitte’s M&A Professionals
Their team of professionals includes M&A specialists, tax consultants, financial advisors, and industry analysts who work together to provide the best possible service to their clients. Deloitte has over 13,000 M&A professionals worldwide, helping clients in more than 150 countries around the world.
Top Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms: McKinsey & Company

McKinsey & Company is one of the largest and most esteemed management consulting firms in the world, with a reputation for providing high-quality M&A consulting services for its clients. McKinsey has advised on many high-profile transaction deals over the years.
McKinsey’s M&A Consulting Services
McKinsey’s M&A consulting services help clients in opportunity screening, target identification, transaction strategizing, due diligence, as well as in post-merger integration. They also offer expert guidance on restructuring, risk management, analytics, and value creation.
McKinsey’s M&A Professionals
McKinsey’s M&A team is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in areas such as strategy, finance, operations, and technology. Their team works collaboratively with clients to develop practical solutions and offer industry insights to solve complex merger challenges.
No | Name of Firm | Main Service Offered | Clients Served | Headquarters | Year Founded |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | McKinsey & Company | Strategy and Operations Consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | New York City, USA | 1926 |
2 | The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) | Management and Strategy Consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | Boston, USA | 1963 |
3 | Bain & Company | Management Consulting | Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, non-profits | Boston, USA | 1973 |
4 | Deloitte Consulting | Strategy, operations, and technology consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | New York City, USA | 1845 (Deloitte Consulting founded in 1996) |
5 | PwC Consulting | Strategy and operations consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | London, UK | 1998 |
6 | KPMG Advisory | Management and Strategy Consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | Amstelveen, Netherlands | 1987 (KPMG Advisory founded in 2003) |
7 | Accenture Consulting | Management Consulting and Technology Consulting | Fortune Global 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | Dublin, Ireland | 1989 |
8 | Ernst & Young LLP (EY-Parthenon) | Management Consulting and Strategy Consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | London, UK | 1989 (EY-Parthenon founded in 2014) |
9 | Oliver Wyman | Management Consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | New York City, USA | 1984 |
10 | AT Kearney | Management Consulting | Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profit organizations | Chicago, USA | 1929 |
Top Boutique Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms

Boutique consulting firms are specialized in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and client-specific opportunities to deliver a higher quality service than other large consulting firms. They have a more in-depth knowledge of market niches and customer needs. Here are the top Boutique M&A Consulting Firms:
1. Houlihan Lokey
Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and capital markets. The firm offers various advisory services related to M&A, including due diligence, valuation, and fairness opinions. Its strong expertise and numerous transactions in various sectors have earned it a reputation as the top-notch boutique M&A consulting firm globally.
According to Forbes, Houlihan Lokey was ranked as the number 1 M&A advisor for deals up to $25 million for Q1 2021, advising on 58 deals worth $1.7 billion.
2. Berkshire Partners
Berkshire Partners is a Boston-based investment firm with a 30-year history of investing in middle-market companies primarily in North America. They focus on growth-oriented investments in companies with excellent management teams. They provide capital to undergo major business transformations, often partnering with a management team seeking to complete a strategic acquisition, market expansion, or operational improvements. This firm has a strong track record of helping its clients identify and execute acquisitions, including Henkel’s $3.6 billion acquisition of Sun Products in 2016.
Top Global Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms

Large consulting firms such as McKinsey and Deloitte have also built a strong reputation advising on M&A transactions. The following are the top global M&A consulting firms.
1. McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company offers a comprehensive M&A consulting service that covers everything from the initial strategy to post-merger integration. It serves clients across various industries with a team of experts who understand the unique complexities involved in M&A transactions. McKinsey Mergers & Acquisitions Practice is their amalgamation of several expertise areas, including corporate finance, strategy, and M&A.
McKinsey & Company worked with Pfizer on a $68 billion acquisition of Wyeth and has advised on some of the most significant M&A transactions in the world.
2. PwC
PwC’s M&A consulting practice offers a full range of services to guide clients through all stages of deal execution. The firm provides services such as due diligence, valuation, and divestitures across multiple industries. PwC has a vast global network that helps its clients navigate cross-border M&A transactions with ease.
PwC advised Anheuser-Busch InBev on the $100 billion acquisition of SABMiller in 2016 and has advised on numerous other major M&A transactions.
Top Boutique Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms

While the big 4 consulting firms are certainly among the best for mergers and acquisitions consulting, boutique consulting firms have some undeniable benefits. Boutique firms tend to have a narrower focus and thus hire only the best consultants in that area. This directly translates to better services and advice as consultants are experts in their field. Additionally, boutique firms are known for providing a more personalized experience and not just a cookie-cutter solution.
1. Elixirr
Elixirr is a boutique management consulting firm with a specialist M&A advisory practice. The company has a deep understanding of growth strategy and supports its clients throughout the entire deal life cycle, from pre-deal to post-deal. Elixirr is known for its personalized approach and works on a highly bespoke basis. They are also committed to providing tailored solutions for each of their clients.
2. Clearwater International
Clearwater International is a global, independent investment bank specialized in corporate finance advisory. They are known for providing a discreet, personalized service and delivering expert solutions that suit the unique needs of their clients. Clearwater International has a comprehensive M&A advisory service and have an excellent track record with many successful deals.
Top Merger and Acquisition Consulting Firms in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the world’s largest and fastest-growing region for mergers and acquisitions. According to a report by Mergermarket, there were 172 deals worth $43.4 billion in the APAC region in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 10.9% by value and 26.2% by volume from the same period in 2020. In addition to its strong economic growth, the region’s rich cultural diversity, complex regulatory landscape, and unique business practices make it a challenging but promising market for mergers and acquisitions consulting firms.
Anthony Harper
Anthony Harper is a New Zealand-based law firm with offices in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. The firm is recognized as a leading M&A adviser in the Asia-Pacific region by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. Anthony Harper has advised on some of the region’s most significant transactions, including the sale of New Zealand’s largest transport engineering company, H.W. Richardson, to Chinese state-owned enterprise, Yingli, for NZ$218 million.
Bain & Company
Bain & Company is a global management consulting firm headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with offices in major cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. Bain & Company provides end-to-end M&A advisory services, including target screening, due diligence, merger integration and organizational design. The firm has a track record of success in helping clients navigate complex cross-border deals, such as advising Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi on its $1.1 billion acquisition of a patent portfolio from Microsoft.
Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young (EY) is a multinational professional services firm headquartered in London, England. EY has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with offices in 20 countries and more than 40,000 employees. The firm provides a range of M&A advisory services, including transaction strategy, target screening, due diligence, valuation, deal structuring and post-merger integration. EY has a strong track record of advising clients on cross-border M&A deals, such as advising Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda on its $62 billion acquisition of Shire, a UK-based biotechnology company.
No | Top Merger and Acquisition Consulting Firms in Asia-Pacific | Headquarters |
---|---|---|
1 | Anthony Harper | New Zealand |
2 | Bain & Company | United States |
3 | Ernst & Young | United Kingdom |
Top Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms with a Global Reach

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, many companies are looking for consulting firms that can offer a global reach. These firms can provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of the international market, as well as insights into regional regulations and cultural differences. Here are some of the top mergers and acquisitions consulting firms with a global reach.
1. Deloitte
As one of the biggest accounting and consulting firms in the world, Deloitte offers a range of services, including mergers and acquisitions. The firm has a global team of more than 3,000 M&A professionals across 150 countries, providing strategic advice on due diligence, valuation, negotiations, and integration.
2. KPMG
KPMG is another one of the big four accounting firms that offers mergers and acquisitions consulting services. The firm has a global network of more than 2,500 professionals across 100 countries, helping clients with deal sourcing, due diligence, and post-merger integration.
Top Boutique Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms

Boutique consulting firms specialize in specific industries or deal types and offer more personalized attention to their clients. Here are some of the top boutique mergers and acquisitions consulting firms.
1. Houlihan Lokey
Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank that provides M&A advisory services. The firm has a team of more than 1,300 professionals, including some of the best-recognized dealmakers in the industry, focused on providing financial advice on middle-market transactions.
2. Lazard
Lazard is another global investment bank that provides M&A advisory services. The firm has extensive experience in cross-border transactions, having advised on some of the most significant deals in recent history. Lazard has over 2,800 employees in 43 cities across 27 countries.
Top Boutique Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms

While there are several large consulting firms that specialize in M&A transactions, there are also a number of boutique consulting firms that offer unique expertise and a more personalized approach to their clients. These boutique firms are generally smaller and tend to focus on specific industries or geographies, providing highly specialized services to their clients.
1. Marlin & Associates
Founded in 2002, Marlin & Associates is a boutique investment bank and strategic advisory firm that focuses exclusively on the technology, information, and healthcare sectors. The firm has a strong track record of advising on middle-market M&A transactions, and has completed over 200 transactions since its inception.
2. Paragon Ventures
Paragon Ventures is a boutique healthcare consulting firm that provides a range of advisory services to hospitals, healthcare providers, and other healthcare organizations. The firm has a strong focus on M&A transactions, and has advised on a number of high-profile transactions in the healthcare space.
3. SDR Ventures
SDR Ventures is a boutique investment bank and M&A advisory firm that focuses on the lower middle market. The firm has expertise in a range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer products, and provides a range of services to its clients, including M&A advisory, capital raising, and strategic consulting.
4. Quarton International
Quarton International is a middle-market investment banking firm that provides a range of M&A advisory services. The firm has a strong focus on the industrial, energy, and healthcare sectors, and is known for its deep sector expertise and its ability to execute complex transactions.
Top Mergers and Acquisitions Consulting Firms
Here are some frequently asked questions about the top mergers and acquisitions consulting firms:
1. What are the top mergers and acquisitions consulting firms?
Some of the top mergers and acquisitions consulting firms include McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY, and Accenture.
2. What services do these consulting firms offer?
These consulting firms offer a wide range of services such as due diligence, merger integration, synergy analysis, divestiture planning, and strategic planning.
3. How do I choose the right mergers and acquisitions consulting firm?
It’s important to consider factors such as the firm’s experience in your industry, their track record of successful mergers and acquisitions, their team’s expertise, and their fees.
4. How much do mergers and acquisitions consulting services typically cost?
Costs vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project, as well as the consulting firm’s rates. It’s best to inquire directly with the firm for a quote.
5. How long does it typically take to complete a mergers and acquisitions consulting project?
Timelines vary depending on the project scope and complexity. It’s best to discuss timelines and milestones with the consulting firm during the project planning stage.
6. Can a mergers and acquisitions consulting firm help me find potential acquisition targets?
Yes, some firms offer market research and analysis to help identify potential acquisition targets for clients.
7. What are some common challenges that can arise during a merger or acquisition?
Common challenges include cultural differences between companies, integration of systems and processes, brand alignment, employee retention, and financial considerations.
A consulting firm can offer expertise in change management, communication strategies, cultural integration, system integration, and financial valuation to help address these challenges.
9. Can a consulting firm help with post-merger integration?
Yes, many consultancies offer services specifically focused on post-merger integration to help ensure a smooth transition and optimal performance for the newly merged company.
10. How important is company culture in mergers and acquisitions?
Company culture is a critical aspect of mergers and acquisitions as it can greatly impact employee morale, retention, and overall success of the merger. Consulting firms can provide recommendations and strategies to help ensure a smooth cultural integration.
11. Are mergers and acquisitions only beneficial for large companies?
No, mergers and acquisitions can be beneficial for companies of all sizes as long as they are approached strategically with a clear plan and purpose.
12. How can a mergers and acquisitions consulting firm help a company determine their strategic goals?
Consulting firms can offer market research, competitive analysis, and financial analysis to help companies identify potential strategic goals and determine feasibility.
13. How involved is the consulting firm in the merger or acquisition process?
The level of involvement varies depending on the scope of the project and the consulting firm’s agreement with the client. Some firms may provide guidance and recommendations, while others may be more hands-on throughout the process.
14. How can a company measure the success of a merger or acquisition?
Success can be measured through a variety of metrics including financial performance, employee satisfaction, customer retention, and market share. It’s important for companies to define their success criteria upfront and measure progress against those goals.
15. How can a company communicate a merger or acquisition to employees and stakeholders?
Consulting firms can provide recommendations and strategies for effective communication to ensure transparency, morale, and support throughout the merger or acquisition process.
16. What are some potential risks associated with mergers and acquisitions?
Some potential risks include a decline in employee morale, loss of key personnel, culture clash, integration challenges, and financial risks.
17. How can a consulting firm help mitigate these risks?
A consulting firm can provide risk analysis and mitigation strategies, change management support, and culture integration recommendations to help minimize these risks.
18. What are some common mistakes to avoid during a merger or acquisition?
Common mistakes include inadequate due diligence, poor communication, lack of culture integration planning, underestimation of integration challenges, and failure to define clear success criteria.
19. How can a consulting firm help avoid these common mistakes?
A consulting firm can bring expertise and experience to help guide companies through the merger or acquisition process, providing recommendations and strategies to avoid common mistakes.
20. How long do the benefits of a successful merger or acquisition typically last?
The benefits can last for many years, depending on the strategic purpose and success criteria of the merger or acquisition.
21. Can a consulting firm help negotiate the terms of a merger or acquisition?
Yes, some consulting firms offer M&A advisory services and can assist with the negotiation process.
22. How can a company ensure confidentiality during a merger or acquisition process?
Consulting firms can provide guidance on confidentiality agreements, communication protocols, and information sharing to help maintain confidentiality throughout the process.
23. Can a consulting firm assist with international mergers and acquisitions?
Yes, many consulting firms offer expertise in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, including cultural analysis, regulatory compliance, and tax implications.
24. How can a consulting firm help ensure regulatory compliance during the merger or acquisition process?
A consulting firm can offer compliance expertise and guidance, as well as risk analysis and mitigation strategies to ensure compliance throughout the process.
25. Are mergers and acquisitions always successful?
No, mergers and acquisitions can be complex and challenging, and not all mergers and acquisitions are successful. However, with strategic planning and expert guidance, the chances of success can be increased.
For those looking for the best mergers and acquisitions consulting firms, check out this list from Grace Lee Boggs 100.
Until Next Time, Kind Reader
We hope that you found our article on the top mergers and acquisitions consulting firms helpful. Choosing the right consulting firm is crucial to the success of any merger or acquisition, and we believe that the firms we’ve highlighted will provide exceptional service to their clients. Remember to do your research and select a firm that aligns with your business goals and values. Thank you for taking the time to read our article, and we hope to see you again soon.