Consulting M&A Weekly Round-up (7th to 13th April, 2024)

Welcome back to another round-up of consulting M&A news. In the week gone by, we have seen several deals taking place, and in this round-up, we will be looking at all of them, one by one. So, without any further delays, let us get straight into it.

#1. EFESO Management Consultants adds consulting team of Aioneers

EFESO Management Consultants has fortified its supply chain prowess across Europe and Asia by integrating the consulting team of Aioneers.

This collaboration sees the global firm in operations and supply chain consultancy merging with the consulting division of Aioneers, a Germany-based company specializing in supply chain solutions. The combined entity will operate under the name AIONEERS-EFESO, maintaining offices in Mannheim, Germany, and Pune, India.

Luca Lecchi, co-CEO of EFESO Management Consultants, emphasized the significance of integrating strategy, operations, and technology in today’s rapidly changing and intricate supply chain environment. He highlighted the importance of delivering maximum value and return on investment in supply chain management.

Lecchi stated, “Together, we will strengthen our position as a value-driven partner for our clients, acting as a conduit between their business needs and cutting-edge technological solutions.”

#2. PKF Smith Cooper acquires insolvency company BLB Advisory

PKF Smith Cooper, a professional services firm based in the Midlands, has recently acquired BLB Advisory, a boutique specializing in insolvency. This move aligns with PKF Smith Cooper's strategy for regional expansion, bringing eight new experts into their fold.

As the UK Midlands representative of PKF International, a global network of firms spanning 150 countries with 224 independent members and 20,000 professionals, PKF Smith Cooper boasts a strong presence. The network received recognition in Consultancy.uk’s 2023 Top Consulting Firms ranking, particularly excelling in SME and family business services.

The acquisition of BLB Advisory Limited significantly bolsters PKF Smith Cooper’s business recovery and restructuring (BRR) team. With this addition, they gain 80 years of collective experience in insolvency and recovery solutions, along with three new office locations in the West Midlands. Notably, director and owner Brett Barton, along with seven team members, will be joining PKF Smith Cooper.

Dean Nelson, head of business recovery and restructuring at PKF Smith Cooper, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting how it enhances their team's capabilities and strengthens their position as the leading provider of Business Recovery and Restructuring services in the Midlands.

#3. Zanders acquires Dutch risk consultancy firm RiskQuest

Zanders, an international consultancy firm, has expanded its footprint in the Netherlands through the acquisition of RiskQuest, a risk consultancy firm boasting approximately 60 employees.

Established in 2008, RiskQuest specializes in aiding financial institutions in applying advanced financial modeling and data science to mitigate financial risks and combat financial economic crime. The firm serves numerous major Dutch financial institutions, including the Dutch Central Bank.

This acquisition marks Zanders' third since the initiation of its growth strategy, fortifying its expertise in both financial and non-financial risk management. With this addition, Zanders' team now surpasses 450 professionals.

Laurens Tijdhof, CEO and Managing Partner at Zanders, expressed pride in welcoming RiskQuest to the Zanders family, highlighting the acquisition as a testament to their commitment to expanding their service and product offerings for clients.

#4. Keystone Partners acquires The Center for Executive Coaching

Keystone Partners, headquartered in Boston and specializing in outplacement and leadership development consulting, has finalized the acquisition of The Center for Executive Coaching (CEC), a firm based in Sarasota, FL, known for its executive coach certification and training programs.

Established in 2006 by Andrew Neitlich, CEC boasts a robust track record, having trained over 2,500 coaches across 32 countries. It holds full accreditation from both the Center for Continuing Education and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for its executive coaching training offerings.

This strategic acquisition by Keystone Partners adds a new dimension to its services, enhancing its existing practices in leadership services and career transition support.

Tim Baldwin, CEO of Keystone Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the synergy between the two entities: "CEC's approach to coach training, characterized by its focus on results and adaptability, aligns seamlessly with Keystone's strengths in leadership development. Whether you're an aspiring executive coach, a leader seeking coaching support, or an organization aiming to foster internal coaching talent, we're equipped with top-tier expertise to guide you toward success."

Closing Thoughts

And that’s a wrap for this week’s consulting M&A news. If we missed out on any deals, then please write back to us and make it know. Thank you for joining us this week. We will be back with another round-up next week, so we will see you all again real soon. Cheers!