M&A Strategy for Portfolio Business
M&A Strategy for Portfolio Business
CHALLENGE
Business context: Portfolio business in HR analytics wanted to accelerate growth through strategic acquisitions but lacked structured evaluation methodology.
Problem statement: Absence of consistent framework for assessing potential acquisition targets created risk of suboptimal investment decisions.
Strategic importance: Acquisition strategy critical for expanding capabilities and entering new markets efficiently.
MY ROLE
Position and responsibilities: Internal consultant (Leadership Development Associate) responsible for designing and implementing acquisition methodology in short time-frame.
Team structure: Collaborating with senior executives from portfolio business and internal corporate strategists to provide a Go/No Go decision.
APPROACH
Methodology: Created data-driven acquisition assessment framework combining quantitative and qualitative factors.
Key activities:
Evaluated 15+ potential acquisition targets against defined criteria
Defined comprehensive evaluation framework with weighted decision factors
Prioritised targets based on strategic and technology fit, financial performance, and growth potential
Refined shortlist to top 2 candidates based on further assessment and enhancement of shortlist
Presented recommendations to senior leadership team
Stakeholder management: Engaged with executive stakeholders to ensure top 2 targets met capability needs.
OUTCOME
Quantifiable results: Enabled the business to make rapid acquisition decision within 2 months.
Business impact: Accelerated growth strategy execution with reduced decision-making timeline.
Adoption/implementation: Evaluation framework showcased importance of technology fit upfront, which became standard for future corporate strategy work.
LESSONS LEARNED
Personal growth: Developed expertise in M&A strategy and target evaluation methodologies.
Key insights: Recognised importance of balancing financial metrics with strategic alignment and cultural compatibility.
How this shaped future work: Established blueprint for approaching inorganic growth opportunities with structured, repeatable methodology.