Deloitte Growth and Transformational Strategies

What strategic buyers want to know about structuring the perfect M&A deal

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:19:10 +0530

The consummation of a strategic acquisition is never easy, whether you've done it once, or a number of times. In fact, at times the complex reporting requirements of the business combination rules can make the process seem overwhelming. Getting advisers involved early, having a view as to what others are doing in the marketplace, and successfully navigating a few of the more complicated areas, however, can be extremely helpful in ensuring your deal meets expectations rather than falling short of its mark.

Solving the value puzzle - Factors mid-market companies should consider when evaluating M&A targets

Wed, 2 May 2012 21:29:07 +0530

An M&A deal can present game-changing opportunities for mid-market companies, which can open doors to new markets, fill gaps, improve operational performance and grow value. Potential buyers should balance financial hindsight with strategic foresight when vetting a target's value, especially one with depressed earnings. Buyers who extend their diligence beyond traditional valuation metrics - by analyzing strategic fit, root cause of depressed earnings, probability of improved performance and attainability of potential synergies - can gain a clearer picture of how a potential acquisition can help realize their long-term strategic vision.

Top 10 issues for insurance M&A in 2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:11:30 +0530

The time for an uptick in insurance industry M&A appears to be ripe, and we are beginning to see an uptick in small company and emerging market M&A. It appears the soft pricing market has shifted in some lines, and rates have begun to stabilize. However, it is highly unlikely that insurance companies can achieve significant organic growth in this environment. For those companies focused on growth, acquisitions may continue to present the most viable options, particularly in a buyer's market filled with compelling values.

Celebrate Earth Day this month, drive green business year-round

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:07:17 +0530

It’s that time of year again - when Earth Day highlights environmental concerns and efforts. But leading executives know green business is smart business year-round. Organizations with a broader, more strategic plan for sustainability can not only drive efficiency and innovation across the enterprise, but also satisfy customer needs and influence how their suppliers operate.

Explore our latest sustainability insights to learn more.

CFO Signals: 2012 Q1 results

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:12:40 +0530

In line with their rising earnings expectations, CFOs’ investment and hiring expectations appear to reflect improved optimism. In contrast to the last two quarters, companies’ growth plans appear to be spurring hiring at home. CFOs’ expected domestic hiring gains of 2.1 percent are more than double last quarter’s survey-low 1.0 percent, and just over half of CFOs project gains. Similar to rising earnings projections, growing investment and hiring expectations raise questions about reasons for confidence as revenue appears to be leveling off.

Retail global expansion: Determining your method of market entry

Sat, 7 Apr 2012 20:55:26 +0530

There is a palpable sense of urgency for retailers to expand globally, especially as the U.S. economy continues to struggle. While some of the biggest historical barriers to entering foreign markets have eroded, there is now far more transparency. Successes, and failures, quickly ripple across the globe, producing more impact on a retailer's financial performance and the perception of their brand than ever before.

A larger stage means greater risks and greater rewards. Though there is no "one size fits all" guide to success on a global stage, many retailers are likely to face a similar set of decisions. Retailers should choose how to maintain strong controls over their value proposition while managing the pace of their expansion to obtain sustainable growth. Balancing speed and control, two critical and often conflicting factors, offers retailers a blueprint for international expansion.

Top 10 issues for insurance M&A in 2012

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:39:09 +0530

Despite lingering market uncertainty, certain triggers could increase insurance industry M&A activity in the next 12 months.

Human Capital Trends 2012

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:31:12 +0530

Available now. It’s fitting that 2012 is a leap year, since a number of converging market trends are driving HR organizations to make significant leaps in capabilities and performance. HR faces a critical, dual imperative in 2012 - a focus on enabling both their organization’s overall growth agenda and on driving efficiency in the business of HR. This dual focus demands decisive action as the stakes are greater than ever.

Get growing

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:31:38 +0530

With limited opportunities to grow organically due to the struggling economy, executives continue to look toward mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and nontraditional strategies to extend their growth potential. Explore our latest insights to learn more.

Three keys to M&A effectiveness for aerospace and defense executives

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:30:23 +0530

This paper leverages findings from a Deloitte study of the relationship between A&D companies’ M&A strategies and their financial performance to identify three characteristics companies that outperformed the sector generally shared and under performers did not. These three keys can assist industry leaders as they prepare their companies to take full advantage of potential M&A opportunities.

Top 10 issues for insurance M&A in 2012

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:36:12 +0530

This paper discusses the potential impact of issues such as economic and regulatory uncertainty, valuations, alternative use of capital and emerging markets. It also examines factors that could trigger increased M&A activity in the next 12 months, and explains how insurers should prepare by developing a strategy comprising three elements: business portfolio optimization to enhance existing assets, inorganic growth analysis to improve market position and M&A process excellence to embed M&A process knowledge.

Tech Trends 2012

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:11:06 +0530

Available now. Deloitte’s annual Technology Trends report examines technology put to practical business use. This year’s theme, "Elevate IT for digital business," examines the broad impacts of five technology forces that have influenced our reports over the past several years - analytics, mobility, social, cloud and cyber security. Our 2012 trends are grouped into two categories:

Disruptors are technologies that can create sustainable positive disruption in IT capabilities, business operations and sometimes even business models.
Enablers are technologies in which many CIOs have already invested time and effort, but which warrant another look this year because of new developments. Enablers may be more evolutionary than revolutionary, but the potential is there to elevate the business game with technology.

It’s an uncommon, and perhaps even unique, time to have so many emerging forces - all rapidly evolving, technology-centric and each already impacting business so strongly. Whether or not you have previously thought of your business as inherently digital, the convergence of these forces offers a new set of tools, opening the door to a new set of rules for operations, performance and competition. This is an opportunity for IT to truly help elevate business performance. Each of these 2012 trends is relevant today. Each has significant momentum and potential to make an impact. Each warrants timely consideration. Forward-thinking organizations should consider developing an explicit strategy in each area - even if that strategy is to wait and see. But whatever you do, step up. Use the digital forces to your advantage. Don’t get caught unaware or unprepared.

Deconstruct your data

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:09:27 +0530

Explore our latest resources to learn how business analytics can deliver uncommon insights and breakout value.

Mining for insight

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:07:53 +0530

Pricing analytics can help companies better examine their customers, products and marketplace dynamics to help improve their growth and profitability.

World-class talent programs aren’t waiting for the recovery

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:58:02 +0530

Explore the key questions senior executives and talent managers at large companies are confronting in the face of economic uncertainty and an uneven talent market.

CFO Signals: 2011 Q4 results

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:56:19 +0530

CFOs say more than half of their strategic focus is on revenue growth, and their focus on new markets rebounded somewhat after a sharp decline last quarter. They are again mentioning the adaptation of strategy and the prioritization of investments among their top challenges. Accordingly, capital investment growth expectations rebounded from 7.9 percent last quarter to 9.6 percent this quarter, and R&D spending growth rose to 5.4 percent.

Foreign direct investment: A bright spot for mid-market enterprise growth

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:52:54 +0530

By adapting their strategies to account for the wide range of opportunities and challenges presented by emerging markets today, mid-market companies can lay the foundation for stronger growth tomorrow. This new white paper explains how.

2012 industry outlook

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:55:57 +0530

It’s often difficult to see clearly through tough times, but a new year on the horizon encourages reflection and rethinking. Our 2012 industry outlooks provide insights from some of our most experienced and innovative minds. Visit Deloitte.com to get recharged to take on the year ahead.

Foreign direct investment: A bright spot for mid-market enterprise growth

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:54:20 +0530

The unique attributes of mid-market companies may help position them for cross-border moves to meet long-term business goals. How can mid-market executives identify the challenges and opportunities of cross-border investments and gauge transactional success? Read this white paper to learn more.

Optimizing private company competitiveness through effective board composition

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:54:57 +0530

Marketplace issues often demand specialized knowledge in order to keep a company on course or take it to the next level. Experienced outside directors bring diverse perspectives that can help companies look around corners for the next big trend.

The follow-on biologics market: Enter at your own risk

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:53:01 +0530

Congress and the Food and Drug Administration have been contemplating a pathway to increase consumer access to affordable biologic therapies, and with the passing of the Biologics Price Competition & Innovation Act, the wait is almost over.

Growth and transformation strategies: Opening the black box

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:04:31 +0530

Setting a clear target, identifying the right growth levers, apportioning investments amongst them and managing growth with programmatic, repeatable rigor are the keys to opening the "black box" and building the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth. Explore our latest resources to get started.

Mid-market perspectives: Competing in uncertain times

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 16:55:56 +0530

In a recent Deloitte survey, 70 percent of executives told us productivity at their mid-market companies has increased since the recession began. How did they do it? Read the strategy behind the statistics.

Working as one: Collective leadership

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 16:53:59 +0530

Collective leadership is an approach to thinking about how organizations achieve major goals: deploy new strategies or implement transformational change. It identifies ways leaders can more effectively galvanize their people to work together toward a common purpose. It is a business strategy, rather than an HR strategy, but its emphasis on people and leadership means HR can be an important driver and supporter of the effort.

Boiling point? The skills gap in U.S. manufacturing

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:30:37 +0530

Deloitte Consulting LLP and the Manufacturing Institute have renewed the Skills Gap study, seeking to answer several important questions about the nature of the skills and talent gaps in manufacturing today.

Mid-market perspectives: Competing in uncertain times

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:29:51 +0530

Future of the federal workforce

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:27:41 +0530

Creating an adaptable government workforce would require providing an unprecedented degree of flexibility. To accomplish this, we could draw from a game-changing concept in the technology world: cloud computing. Major organizations and small startups alike increase their flexibility by sharing storage space, information and resources in a "cloud." Why not move beyond computing and apply the cloud model to the workforce?

The business value of water: Precious resource or cheap commodity?

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 18:37:56 +0530

From a global business perspective, is water really something we can afford to take for granted? Explore the debate.

Cost recovery strategies in the "new normal"

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 15:32:51 +0530

As the budget debate continues, federal agencies face the challenge of finding new ways to serve their mission and their constituents with reduced funding and growing uncertainty over the coming fiscal years. How does the government accomplish this mission?

Growth and transformation strategies: Time to innovate

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:23:28 +0530

Despite an uneven and unpredictable recovery, growth and transformation are on the minds and agendas of forward-thinking executives. Uncertain times can be catalysts for innovation for those willing and able to be bold.

The business of innovation: Art or science?

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 15:52:22 +0530

Just about everyone would agree that creating and successfully commercializing innovations is tough. But does success lie in following a systematic process or does it spring from experience-based intuition?

Growth's triple crown

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 20:15:16 +0530

When it comes to exceptional performance, the best companies don’t make trade-offs: They break them.

Ecosystems for innovation

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 16:32:53 +0530

The advent of new digital infrastructures is enabling small groups of individuals with small investments to make a big impact, challenging traditional models of innovation. Among the prominent figures in the innovation space is U.S. CTO Aneesh Chopra, who shares his views on the role of technology in enabling innovation.

I'm OK, you're OK...

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 16:32:18 +0530

With the U.S. health care system undergoing massive change, some stakeholders are taking bold, innovative steps.

Moving targets

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 16:31:48 +0530

For life sciences companies, the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act brings direct impacts. However, indirect impacts related to the changing nature of their relationships to other sectors and the choice and consumption of their products could be an even greater catalyst for transformation.

The innovator's manifesto

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 16:31:11 +0530

Disruption, as originally described by Clayton Christensen, is a theory of innovation of how particular types of new products and services achieve success or dominance in markets, often at the expense of incumbent providers. But is disruption just another theory, or does it promise predictability?

Tearing up the box

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 16:30:15 +0530

For emerging markets, the real value of innovation is its ability to create prosperity. Prosperity transcends economic growth to establish social stability, educational attainment and increased quality of life, resulting in a kind of virtuous cycle. This creates a foothold for further economic development.

CFO Signals: 2011 Q2 results

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:22:13 +0530

Growth headwinds are taking their toll on CFO confidence. Find out more about what North America’s CFOs are thinking and doing.

Business analytics

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:01:30 +0530

Explore our latest resources to learn how analytics can deliver uncommon insights and breakout value.

Corporate development 2011: Scanning the M&A horizon

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:10:55 +0530

Deloitte mid-year M&A survey: Three in five business professionals expect deal activity to increase.

Has training left the building?

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:17:16 +0530

In-person training is no longer the only way to go, but it hasn’t died out. Why do people who use email, text and the Web for daily business still gather in one room when it’s time to learn? Should clicks replace bricks?

CIOs as revolutionaries

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:16:00 +0530

"For years, technology advocates have called for CIOs to take a seat at the executive table. But the subtext has typically been as a steward of the business. This played well in the paradigm of IT as a support function and cost center, working downstream from the business strategy. This model also made sense for technology investments focused on automating core business processes. CIOs helped usher in waves of technology advancements, using ERP, client-server and the Internet to drive efficiencies. It was about automating what the business needed to do ‒ doing what the business had normally done, but doing it better, faster and cheaper. More recently, companies have invested in automating what the business needs to know ‒ information automation ‒ increasing the visibility of information as a critical strategic asset for decision, action and even direct monetization. So in 2011, CIOs need to be more than business stewards, and potentially more than strategists as well, shaking up business models and transforming how business is done. Indeed, the technology agenda is the business agenda, and CIOs are the executives positioned to pull them into alignment. The journey to revolution begins with a solid trust of the IT organization. Innovation is impossible if the basic blocking and tackling activities aren’t locked down. If the foundation of trust is there, CIOs can begin to stretch into strategist and catalyst roles. And as information fast becomes the most important strategic asset for many organizations, revolutionary CIOs will not only own the safeguarding of and access to this information, but also its quality, usage and potential for business innovation. Is your business ready for a revolution? Read more in 2011 Technology Trends: The natural convergence of business and IT."

Be virtually unstoppable

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:01:00 +0530

Growth is back on the agenda in a big way. Companies that methodically preserved their bottom line during the recession by trimming operating costs, increasing profit margins and stockpiling cash are switching gears — to full speed ahead. Explore our latest resources on growth and transformation strategies.

Mid-market perspectives: 2011 report on America’s economic engine

Fri, 6 May 2011 19:29:36 +0530

Why are some companies thriving while others lag behind? This Deloitte-commissioned survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit reached out to 527 executives of U.S. mid-market companies to track their experiences during the economic downturn, lessons learned and their outlook for the future. Read the full report.

M&A strategy in a rebound economy

Fri, 6 May 2011 19:27:13 +0530

Many companies with stockpiles of cash are eyeing potential acquisition targets. Should they look for stand-alone companies that may improve top-line revenue growth and market share? Or should they continue to grow their bottom line by focusing on targets that can be integrated into the business?

Talent Edge 2020: Building the recovery together

Thu, 5 May 2011 21:43:35 +0530

The second report in Deloitte’s new longitudinal survey series, Talent Edge 2020, reveals a looming risk for employers - the loss of critical talent.

CFO Signals™: 2011 Q1 Results

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:32:46 +0530

Companies are focused on generating post-recovery momentum. While this increased focus on growth is expected to drive rising investment, it is not expected to generate large increases in domestic hiring.

Mid-Market Perspectives: 2011 Report on America’s Economic Engine

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:32:46 +0530

The U.S. economy has endured the worst economic downturn in 80 years, yet some mid-market companies have made strategic acquisitions, added headcount, increased productivity or expanded globally. How did they do it? Deloitte commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit to survey executives of U.S. mid-market companies to find out. Read the strategy behind the statistics.

Leadership by Design

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 17:32:07 +0530

Gain insights into how leadership strategies and pipelines can be deliberately structured to effectively integrate with talent management and development programs?

Where Should Banks Consider Making their Analytics Investments?

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 16:33:03 +0530

Both risk analytics and customer analytics will require significant investments, forcing a tough choice for many banks. So which is it – risk or customer analytics?

Perspectives on Distressed Debt

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Shifting from a focus on credit quality to a focus on earnings and growth.

Finance Transformation Leaders - On the Line and Off the Record

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:03:45 +0000

FT leads have learned that finance transformation is hard work. Many of the challenges and obstacles faced by FT leads can be negotiated much more easily with the right game plan—one built on the insights of those who have been there, done that.

Federated Identities: To Trust or Not to Trust?

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Learn how a clear strategy for managing distributed identities can help organizations build trust, become more efficient and secure information system resources. Register for the Dbriefs webcast.

Growth & Transformation Strategies: Start a Chain Reaction

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 21:03:45 +0000

For many industries over the last few years, growth has been more wish than reality. But as economic outlooks improve, it’s time to get back into the lab — to put creativity and transformation on the front burner again. Explore our resource library.

CFO Signals: 2010 Q4 Results

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Remarkable uncertainty around the state of the economy, unemployment and government policy drives difficult and uneven interpretations of what the future holds.

Which M & A Strategy is Best – One Big Deal or Several Smaller Ones?

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Today’s economic environment creates temptations that even risk-averse companies can find hard to resist. CFOs with access to cash reserves and low financing rates are eyeing large, possibly undervalued, companies as potential acquisition targets.

Talent Edge 2020 - Blueprints for the New Normal

Thu, 9 Dec 2010 21:03:45 +0000

The first report of Deloitte’s new survey series, Talent Edge 2020, reveals that unexpected global skill shortages threaten corporate growth and innovation - future leadership and research and development are hardest hit.

Health Care Reform: Consumer Pulse Survey

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 21:03:45 +0000

According to a new Deloitte Center for Health Solutions survey, consumers express mixed views about health care reform, remain concerned about costs, are divided in their assessment of the system’s performance and are supportive of changes.

Target Screening & Evaluation: One Size Does Not Fit All

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 21:03:45 +0000

The processes for mergers and acquisitions has become more complex and requires a disciplined approach in today's economy. Learn more about how to evolve your target and screening strategies to withstand increased scrutiny from management and boards.

Headquarters or Regions: Who Leads Growth in Emerging Markets?

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Emerging markets present major growth opportunities – but only with the right strategic model. To succeed, corporate and regional leaders must work together. But who should lead?

M & A Value Maximization: From Due Diligence to Finance Transformation

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:03:45 +0000

The CFOs' role as a steward in two critical phases of a deal - due diligence and finance transformation.

Measuring the Forces of Long Term Change

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:03:45 +0000

In the midst of economic turmoil, it’s easy to fixate on cyclical events and lose sight of deeper trends. Strictly cyclical thinking risks discounting or ignoring powerful forces of longer-term change. The 2010 Shift Index explores these trends.

Grow With Purpose

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:03:45 +0000

In a continually changing marketplace and uneven recovery, many companies are challenged to achieve sustained, healthy growth by conducting " business as usual. " Explore our library of resources on growth and transformational strategies.

Defense: New Realities, Innovative Response

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:03:45 +0000

A key to successfully realizing value from M & A transactions is valuation, and today's boards are more involved than ever in the deal process. How can CFOs best prepare for the new normal? Read " M & A Valuation: The New Normal " for key considerations.

The Power of Pull & Leveraged Growth