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What Is Strategic Consulting and Why Your Business Needs It?
Vlad Zghurskyi
21.05.2025
5 Min Read
Strategic consulting has become a go-to resource for companies navigating uncertainty, growth, or major transitions, especially in the context of mergers and acquisitions. But what does it actually involve, and why do so many businesses invest in it? Let's find out!
What Is Strategic Consulting?
Strategic consulting (or strategy consulting) is a professional service that helps businesses make high-level decisions based on deep analysis, industry knowledge, and a structured approach to solving complex challenges.
Unlike operational consulting, which focuses on improving day-to-day efficiency, strategic consulting looks at the bigger picture. It’s about identifying long-term goals, figuring out the best ways to reach them, and building the roadmap to get there.
Typical areas a strategic consultant might work on include:
- Market entry or expansion strategy
- Competitive positioning
- Business model evaluation and redesign
- Growth and investment strategies
- Exit and succession planning
- M&A strategy and integration
- IPO readiness and consulting
These are not generic suggestions. Strategic consultants rely on data, research, and scenario planning to help businesses choose the most viable path forward—and to avoid costly missteps.
How Strategic Consulting Supports M&A
When it comes to M&A, strategic consulting plays a critical role before, during, and after a deal. Here’s how:
1
Pre-Transaction Strategy
Before even considering a target, strategic consultants help companies define what they’re trying to achieve through a deal. Is it market share? Talent? Technology? A new distribution channel?
This clarity helps avoid “opportunistic” acquisitions that lack long-term alignment.
Consultants also assess a company’s readiness to acquire or be acquired. That includes examining financial health, internal processes, and leadership structure.
2
Target Screening and Evaluation
Once the strategy is clear, consultants assist in identifying potential targets (or buyers). They help narrow the list using defined criteria and industry benchmarks, bringing structure to a process that often starts with little more than a list of names.
They can also model scenarios and analyze the strategic fit, highlighting risks or integration hurdles that might not be visible at first glance. Finally, another important service is deal structuring and support for final decisions.
3
Post-Merger Integration
Even the best-planned deals can fall apart during integration. Strategic consultants help design integration plans that align with the deal’s original goals—whether operational efficiency, cultural alignment, or cross-selling opportunities.
They also help set up governance, track key performance indicators, and make course corrections when needed.
Of course, 4 big firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG advised on approximately 40–50% of global M&A deals by volume, especially dominating mid-market and large-cap transactions, but they are way too expensive. Working with a Big 4 advisor often means:
- Higher minimum deal thresholds
- Multi-layered teams (which can slow down execution)
- Hefty fees and longer onboarding cycles
What is an alternative, then? M&A boutique firms. Here are only some of the advantages they offer:
- Lower advisory fees without compromising on quality
- More personalized communication and deal structuring
- Agile teams, direct access to senior partners
- Strong understanding of local regulations, business culture, and investor behavior
For example, Mergewave Capital has quickly gained traction in Eastern Europe and beyond thanks to delivering faster, leaner, and more personal advisory services.
What Makes Strategic Consulting Valuable?
Strategic consulting brings an outsider’s perspective, often free from internal politics or legacy thinking. But the real value lies in four key things:
- Objectivity: Decisions aren’t made on instinct or pressure—they’re backed by evidence and rigorous analysis.
- Speed: Consultants bring tried-and-tested frameworks, which help avoid reinventing the wheel.
- Focus: With a clear roadmap, management can prioritize high-impact activities.
- Accountability: Consultants don’t just give advice and walk away—they often stay on to support implementation and measure outcomes.
For businesses involved in M&A, where stakes are high and timing matters, these qualities can be the difference between a deal that creates long-term value and one that drains resources.
Big 4 vs. Local M&A Boutiques: What’s the Difference?
Big 4 consulting firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG) bring scale, structure, and a global perspective. They’re ideal for companies that need a highly standardized approach, access to international networks, and a broad range of services under one roof (from legal and tax to audit and advisory). These firms excel at complex, cross-border transactions and compliance-heavy projects.
Local M&A boutiques, on the other hand, offer a more tailored, hands-on experience. They often work with fewer clients at a time, allowing them to dive deep into the business and provide highly customized solutions. Boutiques are usually more agile, less bureaucratic, and may have stronger on-the-ground knowledge of local market dynamics.
So, who is it for?
- Large enterprises or companies preparing for international expansion or IPOs might benefit more from Big 4 support.
- Mid-sized businesses, startups, or firms looking for nimble, relationship-driven advisors often find more value in boutique firms.
Is Strategic Consulting Right for You?
Not every company needs a strategic consultant. But if you’re asking any of the following questions, it might be time to talk to one:
- “We’re thinking about acquiring a competitor—how do we evaluate if it’s the right move?”
- “We want to grow, but we’re not sure where the best opportunities lie.”
- “Our market is changing quickly—how do we stay competitive?”
- “We’ve made acquisitions before, but integration has always been a struggle.”
If your internal team is stretched thin, lacks specific expertise, or simply wants an independent view, strategic consulting can be a smart investment.
Final Thought
In strategic consulting, you are not outsourcing decisions. You are just getting extra brains to make better ones. In the volatile M&A environment, it offers the structure, insights, and clarity needed to navigate complexity and build lasting value.
Whether you’re planning your first deal or refining a long-term growth strategy, it pays to have someone in your corner who knows the map—and the terrain.
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