In this article, we break down the leading M&A consulting companies for 2024 based on deal count in the third quarter of 2023, as reported by MergerMarket.
1. PwC
Deal value: 49,789 USDm, Deal count: 361 (-67 deals compared to 1H21)
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) advises clients on all aspects of M&A transactions, including strategy, due diligence, valuation, financing, negotiations, and post-merger integration. They work with clients across industries, including private equity firms, corporations, and family-owned businesses, and helps them identify and pursue opportunities for growth, expansion, and consolidation. PwC’s M&A division draws on the firm’s global network, industry expertise, and advanced analytics capabilities to deliver tailored solutions and insights to clients.
2. Deloitte
Deal value: 27,555 USDm, Deal count: 287 (-82 deals)
Deloitte’s M&A (mergers and acquisitions) services provide clients with a comprehensive range of strategic and financial advisory services related to M&A transactions. Deloitte’s M&A team includes experts in strategy, due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, tax, accounting, and post-merger integration. They assist clients in all phases of M&A transactions, including target identification, valuation, negotiations, regulatory compliance, and post-merger integration. Deloitte’s M&A services cater to clients across various industries, including private equity, corporate, and financial sponsors. The firm’s global network of professionals, industry insights, and technological capabilities help clients navigate complex M&A transactions and achieve their strategic goals.
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Deal value: 814,555 USDm, Deals: 229 (-91 deals)
The bulge bracket powerhouse provides strategic advice to clients seeking to merge, acquire or divest businesses or assets and leads the deal value table for H1 2022. The division’s services include valuation analysis, due diligence, transaction structuring, and negotiation. The investment banking division, on the other hand, focuses on raising capital for clients through equity and debt offerings, as well as providing financial advice and guidance on corporate strategy.
4. Rothschild & Co
Deal value: 137,971 USDm, Deal count: 226 (-25 deals)
The elite boutique Rothschild & Co is an independent, family-owned firm that has been operating for over 200 years, which gives it a unique perspective and long-term approach to its client relationships. The firm has a strong focus on providing customized, objective advice to clients, rather than pushing its own products or agendas. Rothschild & Co has a global presence and deep expertise across a broad range of industries, which allows it to provide comprehensive solutions to complex financial and strategic challenges.
5. KPMG
Deal value: 20,862 USDm, Deal count: 217 (-133 deals)
The Big4 players offers a range of services for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including developing M&A strategies, conducting due diligence, providing valuation services, helping with integration planning, and providing tax and regulatory services.
6. EY
Deal value: 35,960 USDm, Deal count: 203 (-104 deals)
EY is a London-based multinational professional services partnership and one of the largest professional services networks in the world. It is one of the Big4 accounting firms and offers assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory services to clients. With over 312,800 employees in more than 150 countries, EY operates as a network of member firms.
7. JPMorgan
Deal value: 611,598 USDm, Deal count: 191 (-112 deals)
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is the largest bank in the United States, offering investment banking services through corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, sales and trading, and public offerings. As a systemically important institution, the firm is subject to enhanced regulatory oversight.
8. Houlihan Lokey
Deal value: 29,226 USDm, Deal count: 188 (+8 deals)
Houlihan Lokey, Inc. is an American independent investment bank founded in 1972. The firm is headquartered in Century City, Los Angeles, California, and offers a range of financial services, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, restructuring and distressed M&A, fairness opinions, and financial and valuation advisory. Houlihan Lokey advises large public and closely held companies as well as institutions and governments. The firm employs over 2,800 people worldwide as of January 2023.
9. Morgan Stanley
Deal value: 594,346 USDm, Deal count: 151 (-66 deals)
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. The firm provides a range of financial services, including M&A advisory, capital raising, and restructuring. Morgan Stanley is a major player in the M&A market, providing advice to corporations, governments, and institutions in deals ranging from small acquisitions to large multi-billion dollar transactions. The company is known for its expertise in complex and strategic M&A transactions across a wide range of industries.
10. Bank of America
Deal value: 490,676 USDm, Deal count: 142 (-15 deals)
Bank of America is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. The firm offers a range of financial services, including M&A advisory, capital raising, and restructuring. Bank of America is one of the largest M&A advisors in the world, with a focus on providing strategic advice to corporations, governments, and institutions on transactions ranging from small acquisitions to multi-billion dollar deals. The company has a global presence and is known for its expertise in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and energy.
11. Jefferies
Deal value: 151,114 USDm, Deal count 125 (-37 deals)
Jefferies is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. The firm provides a range of financial services, including M&A advisory, capital raising, and restructuring. Jefferies is known for its expertise in M&A and has a strong track record of advising on transactions in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and media. The company has a global presence and offers its services to corporations, governments, and institutions of all sizes. Jefferies also provides strategic advice on cross-border transactions and leverages its network to connect clients with potential partners and buyers.
12. Lazard
Deal value: 115,634 USDm, Deal count: 119 (-20)
Lazard is a global financial advisory and asset management firm with a focus on M&A advisory services. The firm provides strategic advice to corporations, governments, and institutions on a range of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings. Lazard is known for its expertise in complex and cross-border transactions, and has a strong track record of advising clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, energy, and technology. The firm also offers capital raising and asset management services to its clients. With offices in major financial centers around the world, Lazard is a leading player in the M&A market.
13. Barclays
Deal value: 278,664 USDm, Deal count: 105 (-45 deals)
Barclays is a well-known British multinational investment bank and financial services company. The firm provides a range of financial services, including M&A advisory, capital raising, and restructuring. Barclays is one of the largest M&A advisors in the world, with a focus on providing strategic advice to corporations, governments, and institutions on transactions ranging from small acquisitions to multi-billion dollar deals. The company has a global presence and is known for its expertise in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and energy. Barclays also has a strong track record of advising on cross-border transactions and leverages its global network to provide clients with access to potential partners and buyers.
14. Lincoln International
Deal value: 7,403 USDm, Deal count: 104 (-32 deals)
Lincoln International is a global investment bank and financial advisory firm that specializes in mid-market M&A transactions. The firm provides strategic advice to corporations, private equity firms, and entrepreneurs on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions. Lincoln International is known for its expertise in a wide range of industries, including consumer, healthcare, and technology. The company has a global presence, with offices in major financial centers around the world. In addition to its M&A advisory services, Lincoln International also provides capital raising, restructuring, and valuation advisory services to its clients. With a focus on the mid-market segment, Lincoln International is a leading player in this niche market.
15. Citi
Deal value: 357,388 USDm, Deal count: 98 (-81 deals)
Citi, also known as Citigroup, is a global financial services company that offers a range of services including investment banking, capital markets, and M&A advisory. Citi is one of the largest M&A advisors in the world and provides strategic advice to corporations, governments, and institutions on a range of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings. The company has a strong presence in the technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, among others. Citi is known for its expertise in cross-border transactions and leverages its global network to provide clients with access to potential partners and buyers.
16. Evercore
Deal value: 100,209 USDm, Deal count: 88 (-14 deals)
Evercore is a global independent investment banking advisory firm that specializes in M&A and corporate finance services. The firm provides strategic advice to corporations, institutions, and governments on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions. Evercore is known for its expertise in cross-border M&A transactions and has a strong presence in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, energy, and technology. The company also offers capital raising, restructuring, and other financial advisory services to its clients. Evercore has a global presence with offices in major financial centers around the world and is considered one of the leading independent M&A advisory firms in the industry.
17. Stifel/KBW
Deal value: 20,270 USDm , Deal count: 83 (-17 deals)
Stifel Financial Corp is a financial services holding company that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), a subsidiary acquired in 2013. KBW is a leading investment bank and financial services firm that specializes in the financial services sector, providing a range of services including M&A advisory, capital raising, and research.
18. RBC Capital Markets
Deal value: 125,300 USDm, Deal count: 81 (+4 deals)
RBC Capital Markets is the investment banking division of the Royal Bank of Canada, a global financial institution. The firm provides a range of services, including M&A advisory, capital markets, and financing to corporations, governments, and institutional clients worldwide. RBC Capital Markets is known for its expertise in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and natural resources. The firm’s M&A advisory services include buy-side and sell-side advisory, strategic alternatives, and cross-border transactions.
19. Piper Sandler & Co
Deal value: 7,734 USDm, Deal count: 79 (-20 deals)
Piper Sandler & Co. is an investment bank and asset management firm that provides a range of services, including M&A advisory, public offerings, private placements, and restructuring services.
20. Oaklins
Deal value: 1,137 USDm, Deal count: 77 (-34 deals)
Oaklins is a global investment banking firm that provides M&A advisory, corporate finance, and strategic consulting services to clients across a wide range of industries. Oaklins focuses on middle-market companies and provides customized solutions to help clients achieve their strategic goals, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, capital raising, and strategic partnerships.
Honorable mention: Fintalent.io
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