-
Mergers & Acquisitions
We support management teams and investors throughout the investment cycle. From identifying opportunities to creating value post-deal, our award-winning teams of M&A specialists have a rich understanding of accelerating growth and managing risk, anchored in real-world experience.
How we support our clients:
Buy & build strategy
With over 25 years of advising investors and management teams on acquisitions, we truly understand the characteristics that make a business an attractive acquisition target. Our bespoke asset identification and evaluation tools are designed to support businesses looking to grow through strategic acquisition.
Market entry strategy
When launching a new product or entering a new geography, solid preparation is fundamental to success. Our work supports all aspects of proposition development, opportunity analysis, market mapping and target identification.
Commercial due diligence
To build conviction about a potential acquisition and to stress-test your investment thesis, a thorough and unbiased commercial due diligence exercise is essential. CIL assesses the commercial performance and future growth potential of over 250 businesses internationally each year. We have built a set of reputable methodologies that enable us to offer independent, high-quality insights in short timeframes.
Vendor commercial due diligence
We support our clients throughout the divestment process, from strategy support and business planning to full vendor due diligence. Our experience working with and for acquirers enables us to anticipate their needs, educate them and pre-empt their questions.
Digital due diligence
Evaluating and benchmarking a company’s digital footprint can highlight risks and identify growth opportunities. Our Advanced Analytics teams can conduct a comprehensive audit of a company’s digital channels, reach, and capabilities, advising on problem areas and how best to activate, engage and grow its customer base.
100-day planning
Identifying the key growth levers of a business can be integral to jump-starting the value creation process. A plan for the first 100 days can support management and portfolio teams in identifying these levers, prioritizing optimization opportunities, and creating a roadmap for future growth.

European Buy & Build Opportunity Index
Buy & build is a favoured investment strategy for many, but it can be hard to know which sectors will deliver maximum returns. CIL’s Buy & Build Opportunity Index analyses over 2,500 business segments to identify the most attractive sectors across four key European regions.

VCDD: Improving process, predictability and price
CIL's survey of investment banks found that the use of vendor commercial due diligence (VCDD) has increased significantly in the last ten years as vendors and buyers alike recognise its value in transaction processes.

Mid-Market M&A Pulse Check 2022
There’s no doubt that 2021 was a record year for private equity, with investors charging out of the gate off the back of COVID. To date, this year seems to be trading in the same direction, with most of our respondents reporting a busy market, and expecting it to stay relatively busy throughout the next 12 months.