Service Offering
M&A Strategy & Target Identification
Companies that execute M&A effectively demonstrably outperform peers, making strategic acquisitions a proven path to transformative growth. Identifying the right targets demands more than just screening databases. Our Experts have built M&A programs at top consulting firms and led corporate development teams, bringing both sophisticated screening frameworks and practical insight into what makes deals succeed or fail. Partner with us to:
Approach
Build an M&A Playbook for Rapid Growth
01
Uncover the right opportunities
Our industry experts dive into your sector, identifying macro and micro trends that inform a tailored target list. This isn’t a data scrape—it’s focused, strategic intelligence.
02
Prioritize strategic fit
Our smart scoring frameworks evaluate a target’s financial and operational strength, its competitive position, the strategic and cultural fit for the acquirer, and the likely availability of the target. This results in a clear rationale for pursuing opportunities with the highest strategic alignment and ROI.
03
Accelerate engagement
Our relationships across industries get you to the table faster, enabling discussions with pre-qualified buyers and high-potential targets that meet your criteria. We work closely with leadership and key stakeholders to set up streamlined strategy, diligence and negotiations.
Winning Together
M&A Strategy & Target Identification In Action
Problem
A publicly traded eCommerce platform traditionally relied on a bulge bracket bank for M&A strategy, but needed a more flexible approach for its first international acquisition, a 9-figure cross-border deal with tight timelines and regulatory hurdles.
Action
Conducted a 6-week evaluation of 20 potential targets across three regions, analyzing $10B in combined revenue potential and $400M in possible cost synergies. Built detailed valuation models, refined working capital assumptions, and negotiated $10M in strategic adjustments. Collaborated with legal and tax advisors to secure approvals 40% faster than industry benchmarks.
Results
Closed the deal in 70 days, quadrupling revenue in key international markets and establishing a new division that drove a ~15% increase in share price after the announcement. The impact of the work resulted in:
- $40M in revenue synergies through cross-marketing
- 15% increase in sales
- 20% reduction in IT and fulfillment cost
Streamlined Market Expansion for PE firm
A large PE firm sought to expand its market presence by acquiring competitors across various geographies through a light industrial staffing company. After compiling a pipeline of targets, direct outreach was initiated and collaboration with investment banks began. A standard deal model and standardized term sheets enabled streamlined negotiations and smoother pre- and post-close phases. This work resulted in the client initiating multiple acquisitions, strengthening its market position.
Strategic Opportunity Identification for Appliances Company
A private equity firm hired Catalant to help its portfolio company, a residential appliance parts distributor, identify adjacent markets for potential acquisitions. After conducting primary research, interviewing key decision-makers and analyzing eight markets including HVAC and connected home, the client was able to prioritize high-potential targets and make informed decisions on future acquisitions and strategic growth.
Our Experts
Featured M&A Strategy & Target Identification Experts
Maks K.
Ex-Bain, Marine Corps intelligence officer, and market research automation startup founder
Helps firms understand their markets, competition, and customers.
Jason M.
Ex-Bain, deep experience in PE and with PE-backed companies
Specializes in identifying strategic opportunities and high-value targets on buy-side evaluating over 700 deals.
Chrissie G.
Ex-Bain, VP Corporate Development at DraftKings, drove 10x growth
Deep expertise in strategy, M&A, and operational efficiency, identifying M&A opportunities for fast-growing companies.
Schedule a free M&A growth audit today.
Connect with dozens of Experts qualified and ready to do this work.
