Corporate development

today: driving strategy,

accelerating growth
2015 Global Corporate Development Study

Contents
:Yk]\gfgmjj]k]Yj[`$o]j][gee]f\l`Yl[gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]flg^[]jk ;<Gk!lYc]l`]^gddgoaf_
n]kl]hklghj]hYj]l`]ek]dn]k^gjo`Yll`]qYj]dac]dqlg]f[gmfl]jafl`]f]pl^]oq]Yjk&
Prepare to lead on strategy. As CDOs get more involved in both corporate and M&A
kljYl]_q$l`]qoaddf]]\lg`Yn]Ykljgf__jYkhg^fglgfdql`]kh][a[kg^l`]\]YdeYjc]l
but also disruptive forces in play across all sectors.

Strengthen in-house skill set. 9o`gd]YjjYqg^f]oaf%`gmk]kcaddkoaddZ][ge]f][]kkYjq$

hYjla[mdYjdqd]_Yd$lYpYf\j]_mdYlgjqkcaddk]lk&

Take a holistic approach to M&A.9\ghlaf_Yhgjl^gdagYhhjgY[`lgE9$ZqlYcaf_

YZYdYf[]\dggcYll`]Zmkaf]kkYkYo`gd]$oaddZ]]kk]flaYd&

Take a (big) technology leap. With advanced analytics, CDOs have a unique opportunity to
explore and understand better the various factors that can affect a transaction.

10

Measure and reward performance appropriately. The successful CDO will be able to put
lg_]l`]je]Ykmj]kl`Yl[Yhlmj]l`]jYf_]g^lYkckl`Yll`][gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]fl^mf[lagf
;<>!akj]khgfkaZd]^gj$hjgna\af_gZb][lan]af[]flan]kYf\j]oYj\k&

12

Involvement in the Capital Agenda

Our 2015 survey respondents are more involved in leading on the full range of capital allocation decisions than ever before.
While the CDFs primary focus is inherently on investing capital, it also plays a vital role in optimizing corporate capital deployment.
Kaplq%n]h]j[]flg^j]khgf\]flkkYql`]qd]Y\Yf\h]j^gje ,+!gjd]Y\gfdq **!afghlaearaf_[YhalYdY[lanala]k$Ykljgf_
increase from our previous survey.
44%

6%

20%

11%

30%

7%

Raising: Do we have the right capital structure to

meet our strategic priorities?

Ra
is
Perform only

19%
Lead only

in

ing
st

ing

iz

rv

Not involved

5%

The
Capital
Agenda

es

54%

GfYn]jY_]$0)g^j]khgf\]flkd]Y\Yf\h]j^gjegj
lead only when investing capital. Most lead on deal
origination (91%), valuation (95%), due diligence
1,!Yf\f]_glaYlagf 1*!&

Inv
e

g
in

Pr

On average, 41% of respondents lead and perform or

lead only when preserving capital. Most lead on operational
restructuring (55%), with fewer respondents leading on cost
j]\m[lagf ,1!$j]fYf[af_ +*!Yf\kmhhdq[`Yaf
eYfY_]e]fl *0!&

57%

Investing: What is the best way for our

company to grow, and is it aligned to our
core business?

On average, 50% of respondents lead and perform or lead

only when raising capital. Most lead on fundraising through
\an]klalmj]k .*!o`ad]^]o]jd]Y\gf^mf\jYakaf_l`jgm_`
equity (50%) or debt (44%). Respondents from the Americas
are less involved in raising capital.

Preserving: How can we improve the

performance of our assets?

24%

Op

ti m

>]o]jj]khgf\]flkd]Y\gfZgYj\'klYc]`gd\]jYhhjgnYd
./!$lYphdYffaf_ .-!Yf\afn]klgjj]dYlagfk ,+!&

Optimizing: What steps can we take to

maximize our portfolios performance?
On average, 65% of respondents lead and perform or
lead only when optimizing capital. Most lead on portfolio
rationalization/divestments (76%) and asset portfolio
review (69%).
Fewer respondents lead on measuring ROIC (60%) or on
[Yk`go^gj][Yklaf_'ogjcaf_[YhalYdeYfY_]e]fl --!&

22%
Lead and perform

25%

10%

22%

43%

Introduction
Steve Krouskos
Deputy Global Vice Chair,
Transaction Advisory Services

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^mf[lagf ;<>!Yf\l`][gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]flg^[]j ;<G!&
9^l]jq]Yjkg^mf[]jlYaflqYf\[gfljY[lagfafl`]\]YdeYjc]lYf\l`]_dgZYd][gfgeq$[gehYfa]kYj]gf[]Y_YafY[lan]dq
k]]caf_lg_jgol`jgm_`e]j_]jkYf\Y[imakalagfk E9!&K]araf_ghhgjlmfala]ko`ad]j]eYafaf_^g[mk]\gfghlaearaf_[YhalYd
Yf\hgjl^gdagkak`a_`gfl`][gjhgjYl]Y_]f\Y&L`]k]kljYl]_a[_jgol`gZb][lan]kYj]ljYfkdYlaf_aflgYoa\]jj]eal^gj;<Gk
\m]lgjYha\eYjc]l[`Yf_]k$l`]Zdmjjaf_g^k][lgjdaf]kYf\\akjmhlan]^gj[]kkm[`Yk]f`Yf[]\_]ghgdala[Yd[gf[]jfkYf\
shareholder activism.
CDOs are playing an increasingly vital role in strategy at both the corporate and business-unit levels. That change is leading
lg]n]f_j]Yl]jafngdn]e]flafhgjl^gdagghlaearYlagfYf\[gee]j[aYdYkk]kke]fl&O`ad]l`akaf[j]Yk]kl`]hjgd]Yf\
aehgjlYf[]g^l`]jgd]$alYdkgZjaf_kZjgY\]jj]khgfkaZadala]kYf\Yf]]\lg\]n]dghf]okcaddk&
Gn]jl`]hYkln]q]Yjk$l`];<>`Yk\]n]dgh]\egj]^gjeYdar]\hjg[]kk]klg]nYdmYl]\]Ydk&Alak[gf\m[laf_j]_mdYjhgjl^gdag
j]na]okg^l`]Zmkaf]kkYf\mf\]jklYf\kl`]_jgoaf_f]]\lgh]j^gje[mdlmjYdlYkk]kke]flkYk_dgZYdarYlagfZjgY\]fkl`]
pipeline of potential targets.
With a wider remit, the CDF now also needs a stronger grasp of such megatrends as digital transformation and big data
analytics, as well as understanding of the latest regulatory and tax implications of deals.
9fmeZ]jg^[gehYfa]kYj]j]khgf\af_lgl`]k][`Ydd]f_]koal`f]ol`afcaf_&L`][gf[]hlg^l`][`a]^_jgol`g^[]j`Yk
already been seized by early adopters. It could be the next evolutionary leap for corporate development, given the functions
increasing convergence with strategy. Our latest study certainly suggests this as a possibility, while highlighting emerging
trends and providing insights on best practices being adopted today.
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\]eYf\k^gjl`];<G&F]o[`Ydd]f_]kj]imaj]f]oj]khgfk]k&Gmjklm\qf\k[gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]flYlYljYfk^gjeYlagfYd
af][lagfhgafl&L`]egklkm[[]kk^md;<Gkafl`]^mlmj]Yj]dac]dqlgZ]l`gk]j]^g[mkaf_$j]k`Yhaf_Yf\h]j`Yhk]n]f
reinventing themselves today for the needs of tomorrow.

Steve Krouskos

1.

The strategic imperative

Has your corporate development
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;<GkYj]Z][geaf_egj]afm]flaYdaf[gjhgjYl]kljYl]_q$lYcaf_gff]oj]khgfkaZadala]k
Yf\af[j]Ykaf_dqZ][geaf_Z]ll]jhgkalagf]\lgafm]f[][gjhgjYl]km[[]kk&Gmj*()-
Global Corporate Development study indicates that the roles of the CDO and the CDF
oadddggcn]jq\a^^]j]flafl`]q]YjkY`]Y\Ykl`]qYj][`Ydd]f_]\oal`Yf]ojYf_]g^
responsibilities.
Digital transformation across all sectors, increasing shareholder and regulatory
scrutiny, and the heightened presence of global competitors are among the megatrends
j]k`Yhaf_E9afhjg^gmf\oYqk&;gjhgjYlagfkl`Yl`Yn]Z]_mflglYc]Y\nYflY_]
of new technologies and advanced analytics - and that are shoring up their strategic
[geh]l]f[a]k%Yj]k]]af_eYjc]l%\a^^]j]flaYlaf_j]kmdlkafl`]aj\]Ydgml[ge]k&

Strategic alignment
The CDF, led by the CDO, is now at the heart of the organizations growth strategy. Our
survey clearly shows that developing a leading role in corporate strategy and strategic
planning have become critical priorities for corporate development. Among our survey
j]khgf\]flk$,,j]hgjll`Yll`]Za__]kl[`Yf_]afl`]jgd]g^l`];<Ggn]jl`]hYkln]
years is the greater alignment with the wider corporate strategic focus.
L`];<Gjgd]mk]\lgZ]egj]ghhgjlmfakla[affYlmj]$o`]j]Ykfgoal`Yk[`Yf_]\
lgZ]af_egj]YhYjlg^l`]kljYl]_a[_gYdkg^l`]Zmkaf]kk$fgl]kgf]]p][mlan]$o`g
j]khgf\]\lggmjkmjn]q&L`]jgd]`YkZ][ge]egj]g^Y\jan]jafl`]E9hjg[]kk$fgl
bmklY[ggj\afYlaf_jgd]$ZmlYdkglYcaf_Yka_fa[YflhYjlafl`]hjg[]kk&
Not surprisingly, alignment with strategy is a success factor that executives cite repeatedly.
With more than half of our respondents focused on growth, it is critical for CDFs to deliver
_jgol`kljYl]_a]k&Log%l`aj\kg^gmjj]khgf\]flkhgafllgYda_fe]floal`gl`]jc]q
executives and departments in their organization as the most important factor in enabling
them to do so.

L`]jgd]g^l`];<Gak]ph][l]\lg]ngdn]lgaf[dm\]kljYl]_a[
planning on top of the existing business development, M&A, portfolio
eYfY_]e]flYf\ghlaearYlagf^mf[lagfk$kYqka transaction
executive at an emerging market conglomerate.

LYZd])2O`Ylakl`]Za__]kl[`Yf_]afl`]jgd]g^l`];<Ggn]jl`]hYkln]q]Yjk7

44%

18%

Strategic focus

16%

Volume of activity

Deal process

10%

6%

6%

Size of deals

Reporting lines

Other

LYZd]*2@gokYlak]\Yj]qgmoal`l`]k]Ykh][lkg^qgmjljYfkY[lagfk[gf\m[l]\afl`]dYkllogq]Yjk7
5%
20%

30%

12%

20%

46%

=^[a]f[qg^\m]\ada_]f[]hjg[]kk

5% 3%

1%
20%

NYdmYlagf2Y[imakalagfk

17%
N]jqkYlak]\
Kge]o`YlkYlak]\

35%

29%

22%

27%

49%

ImYdalqg^\]Ydk[gfka\]j]\

3%

22%

21%

26%

44%

9[`a]naf_kljYl]_a[gZb][lan]k

5%

22%

25%

45%

12%

8%

5%

F]mljYd
40%

38%

43%

Kge]o`YlmfkYlak]\
FglkYlak]\YlYdd

H]j[]flY_]g^\]Ydk[dgk]\

NYdmYlagf2\an]klalmj]k

LjYfkY[lagfafl]_jYlagf

L`]egklkYlak]\j]khgf\]flk
For each respondent, EY summed the scores for each
Yfko]jlgl`]k]k]n]fc]qYkh][lkg^ljYfkY[lagfkYlak^Y[lagf&
O]mk]\l`akk[gj]lgk]hYjYl]l`]lghl`aj\g^j]khgf\]flk
l`ak_jgmho][Yddl`]j]khgf\]flko`gYj]egklkYlak]\
with transactions.

In the balance of the report, we compare the answers for the

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Yf\`a_`da_`lka_fa[Yfl\a^^]j]f[]kYkal]ek[gjj]dYl]\oal`
transaction satisfaction.

LYZd]+2O`YlYj]l`]c]qkm[[]kk^Y[lgjkaf]p][mlaf_gfY_jgol`kljYl]_q7

23%
Executive
performance
metrics

31%
Evaluation of
c]qe]lja[k

47%
Integrated
implementation
team

59%

62%

67%

;d]Yjdq\]f]\
strategy
performance
metrics and goals

Existence of
[d]Yjdq\]f]\
strategy

Alignment of strategy
Yegf_c]q]p][mlan]k'
departments

Note: up to three responses allowed

Convergence of M&A,
corporate strategy and
sharing of resources

Table 4: Please indicate the extent to which you are involved in

the following aspects of the transaction cycle
8%

9dl`gm_`l`];<GYf\[`a]^kljYl]_qg^[]j ;KG!jgd]kj]eYaf
separate in most organizations, the connection and collaboration
between the two are becoming much stronger. The roles overlap in
various aspects of the transaction life cycle, particularly portfolio
eYfY_]e]fl$f]oeYjc]l]phYfkagf$\]faf__jgol`hjagjala]k
Yf\gZlYafaf_[geh]lalan]afl]dda_]f[] k]]lYZd]-!&9fmeZ]jg^
companies that responded to our survey are already more proactive
in terms of pipeline management and deal origination, dedicating
more internal resources and time than they did in the past to
a\]fla^ql`]ja_`llYj_]lk&>gj]pYehd]$l`]qYj]eYcaf_Z]ll]j
connections with their business units and leveraging advanced
technical methodologies. They now evaluate potential acquisitions
much earlier, long before the actual transaction.
Gf]j]khgf\]fl]phdYafkl`Yloal`afl`]ZjgY\]j[gjhgjYl]
\]n]dghe]fl^mf[lagf$l`]qYj]YZd]lg\jYogfYka_fa[Yfl
number of resources, with large strategy teams giving the ability to
Zjaf_lg_]l`]j^YajdqaehgjlYflnajlmYdl]Yek&9fgl`]jj]khgf\]fl
kYqk$Oal`Y\]n]dghe]fllgoYj\Yegj]Y[lan]kljYl]_q
department, the CDO is now able to have a more active and
j]d]nYfl[gmfl]jhYjlafkljYl]_a[\ak[mkkagfk&

Corporate
strategy

27%

17%

CSOs,
others

5%

25%

70%

1% 12% 9%
Transaction
strategy

78%

CDOs
CSOs,
others

1% 7%

2% 7%
Transaction
opportunity

32%

60%

18%

73%

CDOs
CSOs,
others

5%

38%

58%

3% 17%
Transaction
execution

80%

CDOs
CSOs,
others

4% 4%

Transaction
negotiation/
close

48%

CDOs

33%

60%

2% 5% 12%

82%

CDOs
CSOs,
others

4% 5%

26%

17%

10%

66%
23%

50%

CDOs

Transaction
effectiveness CSOs,

others

Table 5: Please indicate where you believe you play a leading

role in corporate strategy

Not involved

Ensuring M&A decisions are

grounded in portfolio reviews
Yf\kgmf\fYf[aYd\YlY

77%
55%

Aligning M&A and/or

divestment strategy with
capital allocation decisions

23%

Perform only

63%
Lead only

Lead and perform

Note: percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding

74%
57%

Analysis of strategic
alternatives and portfolio
optimization

68%
74%

Innovation/expansion into
new geographic markets

52%
58%

Prioritizing markets investment

51%
58%
51%
51%

Competitive intelligence

46%

<]faf_kljYl]_a[hjagjala]k$
including organic growth

70%
CDOs
CSOs, others

Note: respondents who indicated that they held leadership position on corporate
kljYl]_q lYZd],!j]khgf\]\lgl`akim]klagf

6% 9%

L`]kljYl]_qYf\E9l]Yekkalf]pllg
each other, so there is more often healthy
competition to generate bright ideas rather than
Ykh][a[\]daf]Ylagfg^jgd]k$Y[[gj\af_lg
a transaction executive at a European consumer
products company.

2015 Global Corporate Development Study

LYZd].2Akl`]f]plkl]h^gjl`];<Glg]d]nYl]lgY[`a]^_jgol`g^[]j ;?G!gj[`a]^hgjl^gdagg^[]j ;HG!7

Focus of corporate development

PrefYf[aYd
[jakak

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[jakak

Hgkl
fYf[aYd
[jakak

The f]o
fgjeYd

2004-2008

2009-2012

2013-2014

*()-Yf\Z]qgf\

Focus on deal strategy and

execution

Broader strategic focus

important

Greater balance between

acquisitions and divestments

9[`a]naf_kljYl]_a[
gZb][lan]k

Acquisitions dominate
thinking

Divestments on agenda

Increase in partnership deals

Defensive mergers and

balance sheet deleveraging
Strategic buyers re-emerging

Greater creativity in
doing deals
Increased awareness of
fYf[af_Yf\ZYdYf[]k`]]l
constraints

Jgd]af\]faf__jgol`
kljYl]_q

Private equity strong

competitor for deals
Domestic regulatory
frameworks and favorable
environments
Geographic expansion
emerging markets a strategic
imperative

Global regulatory
convergence and tightening
regulation
Rethinking geographic
footprint as portfolios are
reassessed
Greater awareness of
fYf[af_

After years of focusing internally on managing costs and

dgo]j%jakcgj_Yfa[_jgol`^gddgoaf_l`]_dgZYdfYf[aYd[jakak$
many companies are starting to focus actively on M&A as a route
to future growth. Executives who responded to our 2015 Global
Corporate Development Study named their top transaction
gZb][lan]kafl`]hYkl)*egfl`kYkklj]f_l`]faf_l`]aj[gj]
business, achieving economies of scale and acquiring a customer
ZYk]&9egf_l`]ajc]qgZb][lan]k^gjl`]f]pl)*egfl`kYj]
Y_j]Yldqaf[j]Yk]\^g[mkgf]fl]jaf_f]o_]g_jYh`a[eYjc]lk
Yf\\]n]dghaf_f]ohjg\m[lkhdY[af__jgol`Yll`]^jgflYf\
center of their strategy.
In fact, a growth strategy is now so important that the prospect
of strategy and corporate development becoming a single unit,
with a CGO or CPO at the head of it, is a distinct possibility. A
few leading-edge companies have already appointed a CGO, and
other businesses are considering such a position.

Greater alignment with the

treasury function and the
lending community
Greater uncertainty and
caution around dealmaking
More involvement in
integration
Increased focus on
performance evaluation

Af[j]Yk]\d]Y\af_jgd]af
l`];YhalYd9_]f\Y
>g[mkgfhgjl^gdag
eYfY_]e]flYf\
ghlaearYlagf
;gee]j[aYdYf\gh]jYlagfYd
Ykk]kke]fllYc]k[]fl]j
klY_]
Jakcfgdgf_]jk]]f
[gjj]dYl]\lg\]Ydkar]
?j]Yl]j\]Yd[geh]lalagf
Egj]hjgY[lanalqafkgmj[af_'
hah]daf]eYfY_]e]fl
Mk]g^Za_\YlY'YfYdqla[k
lggdk

M&A

CDO

Transaction
strategy
Capital allocation

Aligning M&A
strategy with
corporate strategy

;?G7
;HG7

Portfolio
management
Acquisitive
growth
Growth strategy

9^l]jeYcaf_l`]fmeZ]jk$_jgol`akl`]eYaf
gZb][lan]$Yf\l`];<Ggofkl`Yl$kYqka
transaction executive at a US manufacturing
company.

2.

New demands require new skills

9j]qgmk]l^gjf]o[`Ydd]f_]k7
The emphasis on strategy and the convergence of roles means that the CDO of the future
emklZ]YZd]lg^Y[]YjYf_]g^f]o[`Ydd]f_]k$Y[imaj]f]okcaddk$Yf\\]n]dghYf\
klj]f_l`]fj]dYlagfk`ahkoal`c]q\]hYjle]flk']p][mlan]k&
O`ad]kljYl]_a[hdYffaf_Yf\fYf[]Yj][mjj]fldql`]egkl[geegfkcaddk]lkj]ka\]flaf
l`];<>$egklg^l`]gl`]j[geh]l]f[a]kl`Ylgmjj]khgf\]flkogmd\dac]lg`Yn]afl`]
;<>Yj]j]dYl]\lgjakceYfY_]e]fl$d]_Yd$j]_mdYlgjqYf\lYpkcaddk&L`]hj]k]f[]g^l`]k]
kcaddk[gjj]dYl]kkljgf_dqoal``a_`]j\]YdkYlak^Y[lagf&
J]khgf\]flko`gYj]egj]kYlak]\oal`l`]ajljYfkY[lagfk Yk\]k[jaZ]\aflYZd]*!Yj]
egj]dac]dql`Yfgl`]jk ..nk&,,!lg`Yn]d]_Ydkcaddk]lkYnYadYZd]afl`];<>&L`]qYj]
Ydkgegj]dac]dqlg`Yn]j]_mdYlgjqkcaddk .+nk&*/!Yf\lYpkcaddk ,,nk&**!afl`]
;<>&Gf]kcaddafj]dYlan]dqk`gjlkmhhdqakZa_\YlYYfYdqla[k2bmkl*)g^l`];<>kkmjn]q]\
have this competency, an area that they will need to address as big data increases in
aehgjlYf[]lg[gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]fl k]]hY_])(!&

Doing the right deal: strategic issues top

the agenda
;gee]j[aYdYkk]kke]floaddZ]YeYbgjkljYl]_a[[`Ydd]f_]&Alakgf]g^l`]logd]Y\af_
[Ymk]kg^\]Yd^Yadmj] l`]gl`]jZ]af_kljYl]_q!$Y[[gj\af_lgl`]nYkleYbgjalqg^l`]
respondents to our study. Strategy and commercial assessment are at the heart of all
ljYfkY[lagfk$Yf\a^l`]k]^mf\Ye]flYdhjg[]kk]kYj]Yo]\$alakYdegklaehgkkaZd]^gjl`]
\]Ydlgkm[[]]\&Gmjf\af_keYc]Ykljgf_[Yk]^gjl`]aehgjlYf[]g^YjgZmklkljYl]_q
and a formal M&A process that includes detailed pre-transaction analysis, analyzing targets
gfl`]ZYkakg^Y[gee]j[aYdYko]ddYkfYf[aYdYkk]kke]fl&
9l`gjgm_`[gee]j[aYdYkk]kke]flafngdn]kmf\]jklYf\af_l`]eYjc]l$l`][geh]lalagf
Yf\l`]lYj_]lkZmkaf]kkeg\]d&L`]Ykk]kke]flYdkglYc]kaflgY[[gmfll`]lYj_]lk
products and services, synergies and potential to create value for the acquirer. To spot
Yf\eYc]l`]ja_`l\]Ydaflg\Yqk[gehd]peYjc]lhdY[]$l`];<>oaddf]]\lgZ]YZd]lg
use advanced analytics of big data, mining vast amounts of structured and unstructured
information and be able to turn them into a commercial advantage.

O]d]n]jY_]\YlYYfYdqla[klgY[`a]n]YZ]ll]jmf\]jklYf\af_
g^[geh]lalan]hgkalagfaf_$o`gkoaffaf_$o`gkdgkaf_$kYqk a
transaction executive at a US company in the
water industry.

Table 7: Please indicate the resident skill sets in the CDF

Table 8: If you were able to add another skill set to your

^mf[lagf$o`Ylogmd\alZ]7

Strategic planning

88%

Finance

83%

Accounting

65%

Legal

52%

Business unit/operations

46%

Corporate governance

42%

Regulatory

40%

Risk management

36%

Tax

29%

Treasury

25%

Big data/analytics

21%

Investor relations

21%

Sales and marketing

19%

Information technology

11%

Human resources

10%
4%

Real estate
Note: multiple responses allowed

Table 10: Use of analytics in the transaction life cycle

Table 9: Causes for transactions to fail

54%
52%

68%
%
66

73%

72%

71%

quite or most
important

60
5
%
54% 8%

regular or
extensive use

83%

Deal management process

Corporate development process
Integration process
Strategic process
Commercial assessment process

Efciency of due diligence process

Transaction integration
Quality of deals considered
Achieving strategic objectives
Valuation: divestitures
Valuation: acquisitions

Note: multiple responses allowed

Operational assessment,
cultural competencies
Gh]jYlagfYdYkk]kke]fl Zmkaf]kkhdYf$l][`fgdg_q$kmhhdq[`Yaf$
`meYfj]kgmj[]k!akYfgl`]jYj]Yafo`a[`[gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]fl
is becoming more deeply involved. Our respondents indicate having
used external advisors or other business units to obtain services
such as operational diligence, modeling or business planning and
commercial diligence. This indicates the need to develop greater
mf\]jklYf\af_YZgmlo`]flgd]n]jY_]kcaddk^jgegl`]jZmkaf]kk
units or to co-opt operational specialists into the CDF.
9fgl`]jf]okcaddakYkk]kkaf_[mdlmjYd[geh]l]f[a]k&9_dgZYd
hdYqaf_]d\`YkZjgm_`lhgl]flaYdlYj_]lk^jgeYddgn]jl`]ogjd\
aflgl`]\]YdkhY[]$j]kmdlaf_afakkm]kg^[mdlmjYdlYf\j]imajaf_
E9kljYl]_aklklgd]Yjf\a^^]j]flklqd]kg^\]YdeYcaf_Yf\
klYc]`gd\]jeYfY_]e]fl&
Gmjj]kmdlkk`goYka_fa[Yflaf[j]Yk]afl`]fmeZ]jg^
j]khgf\]flkl`YlhdYflg]fl]jf]o_]g_jYh`a[eYjc]lkafl`]
f]pl)*egfl`k.(mh^jge,+afl`]dYkl)*egfl`k
and this will present its share of challenges. Furthermore, deal
kljm[lmj]kafeYfqeYjc]lkYj]`a_`dq[gehd]p$g^l]fafngdnaf_
bgafln]flmj]k$hYjlf]jk`ahk$YddaYf[]kYf\YjjYf_]e]flkgl`]jl`Yf
straightforward mergers and acquisitions.

Table 11: Top 3 areas where the CDF has used services from
other business units (BUs) on transactions over the last
12 months

Operational
diligence

++

Eg\]daf_'
business
planning

+(

Commercial
diligence

*/

Note: multiple responses allowed

Table 12: Business objectives and rationale for transactions

Entering new
geographic markets

60%

43%

56%
60%

Strengthening the
core business
Acquiring new technology

43%

48%
53%

Acquiring customer base

45%

Achieving economies
of scale

L`][gehd]palqg^l`]ljYfkY[lagfhjg[]kk
`Ykaf[j]Yk]\oal`l`]af[dmkagfg^[mdlmjYdl
assessments and increased focus on seller and
c]qklYc]`gd\]jkafl`]lYj_]lZmkaf]kk$kYqka
transaction executive at a European consumer
products company.

New product development

45%

34%

42%
43%

Portfolio optimization
Speed to market

29%
Next 12 months

Note: multiple responses allowed

53%

38%

Last 12 months

58%

2015 Global Corporate Development Study

Growing involvement in
portfolio management
9fgl`]jeYbgjkljYl]_a[[`Ydd]f_]l`Yl;<Gkoadd^Y[]afl`]^mlmj]
oaddZ]l`]lYkcg^j]ZYdYf[af_Y[imakalagfkoal`\an]kle]flkafY
role and culture that has typically focused more on acquisitions.
Gmjj]khgf\]flkkh]f\jgm_`dq/(g^l`]ajlae]gfZmq%ka\]
transactions, and are preparing to spend more time on acquisitions
that will fundamentally change their business. They expect the
average percentage of their time spent on such transformational
Y[imakalagfklgaf[j]Yk]afl`]f]pllogq]Yjk$lg*-&)^jge).&/
[mjj]fldqYf\bmkl)*&-n]q]YjkY_g&
However, our survey respondents say that in two years they expect
to spend even less time on divestments than they do now. But it is
advisable to not lose focus on divestments, because they create
value, are a strategic route to longer-term growth and should be
considered as part of regular reviews of the entire portfolio.
AfYZmkaf]kk]fnajgfe]fleYjc]\ZqjYha\l][`fgdg_a[Yd
advances, regulatory changes, increased shareholder scrutiny
and shifts in customer purchasing power and demand, strategic
portfolio reviews are the most important tool to optimize capital
Yf\j]kgmj[]Yddg[YlagfkYf\\]l]jeaf]o`Yl\][akagfklgeYc]
regarding growth, restructuring or potential divestment.
The CDOs role is central to these decisions, and our study reveals
that respondents are increasingly more involved in leading on
capital allocation decisions than they were in 2010.

Table 13: What percentage of your time was spent on the

^gddgoaf_Y[lanala]kn]q]YjkY_gYf\fgo7O`Yl\gqgm
]ph][lallgZ]aflogq]Yjk7
Buy side:
39.3

Small to mid-size
acquisition

Acquisition of a
minority interest

35
46.5
19.5
18
5.7
12.5
16.7

Transformational
acquisition

25.1

Sell side:
14.6
12.9
9.9

Small to mid-size
divestment

IPO/spin-off

Transformational
divestment

3.9
4.8
3.9
3.3
3.8
3.2

% of time n] years ago average

Current % of time average
Expected % of time two years
from now average

L`];<G`]Y\kkljYl]_qYf\[gjhgjYl]
development. Strategy is focused on portfolio
eYfY_]e]fl'Y\bY[]f[a]k&L`];<G`]dhk
determine capital allocation, and the business
mfalkogjcoal`afl`gk]hYjYe]l]jkZmkaf]kk
mfalkgofl`]kljYl]_q$kYqka transaction
executive in the manufacturing industry.

Spotlight
Big data analytics can
be a big deal for M&A
J]khgf\]flko`gYj]egklkYlak]\oal`ljYfkY[lagfkYj]em[`
egj]dac]dql`Yfgl`]jklgmk]YfYdqla[kj]_mdYjdqgj]pl]fkan]dq
oal`j]_Yj\lgl`]imYdalqg^l`]\]Ydk[gfka\]j]\ /+nk&-+!Yf\
l`]]^[a]f[qg^l`]\m]\ada_]f[]hjg[]kk /-nk&,*!&;<Gkoadd
`Yn]lg\]l]jeaf]`golgeYc]l`]Z]klmk]g^l`]k]f]okcaddkYk
the technology and use of analytics matures.
:a_\YlYak[geegfdq\]f]\afl]jekg^^gmjNkngdme]$
variety, velocity and veracity. Data has exploded at an astonishing
jYl]afZgl`ngdme]Yf\n]dg[alq l`]kh]]\Ylo`a[`al[ge]k$Yk
o]ddYk`go^Yklalf]]\klgZ]YfYdqr]\!afl`]dYkl^]oq]Yjk&Alak
present in a huge variety of structured and unstructured forms, and
[Yfkge]lae]kdY[cn]jY[alqgjY[[mjY[q&
9fYdqla[kakl`]e]Yfk^gj]pljY[laf_nYdm]^jgel`ak\YlY the
tool through which actionable insights are generated. In a study
j]d]Yk]\af*()+$Afl]jfYlagfYd<YlY;gjhgjYlagfhj]\a[l]\l`Yl
l`]Za_\YlYl][`fgdg_qYf\k]jna[]keYjc]logmd\_jgoYlY*/
[gehgmf\YffmYd_jgol`jYl]$j]Y[`af_MK+*&,ZaddagfZq*()/
gjYZgmlkaplae]kl`]_jgol`jYl]g^l`]gn]jYddaf^gjeYlagfYf\
[geemfa[Ylagfl][`fgdg_qeYjc]l&
Big data has huge potential to transform the effectiveness
of CDOs and the teams they lead. So far, companies have
Z]]f[gf\m[laf_Zmkaf]kkYfYdqla[k^gjkh][a[^mf[lagfk&9l
l`]nYdmYlagfklY_]$0+g^gmjj]khgf\]flkeYc]eg\]jYl]lg
extensive use of analytics, but by and large, they have not yet
d]n]jY_]\l`]^mddhgl]flaYdg^Za_\YlYYf\'gjYfYdqla[kafE9&
Ways in which big data analytics can boost deal effectiveness
include:
Mkaf_hj]\a[lan]YfYdqla[kYf\^gj][Yklaf_lg_mj]gmll`]jakck
and opportunities in a deal
Drawing quantitative and qualitative insights from social media
analytics during due diligence on a target and its products
Mf\]jklYf\af_c]qZmkaf]kk[q[d]kZq]ehdgqaf_YfYdqla[k
]&_&$ogjcaf_[YhalYd!
=ehdgqaf_Y\][akagf%eYcaf_^jYe]ogjcZYk]\gf\YlYk[a]f[]
lgj]Y[`YfgZb][lan]na]og^YkljYl]_a[hgjl^gdag
Aehjgnaf_l`]]^[a]f[qg^l`]\an]klalmj]hjg[]kkYf\hj]hYjaf_
[Yjn]%gmlfYf[aYdaf^gjeYlagf
Identifying potential synergies by utilizing larger data sets and
\]l]jeafaf_o`]l`]jl`]]ph][l]\kqf]j_a]kYj]dac]dqlgZ]
realized

:a_\YlYYfYdqla[k[Yf`Yn]Yka_fa[YflaehY[l
on business improvement and transactions. The
following are some examples of how analytics can help
companies in a transactional context:
Social media analytics
While performing due diligence
on behalf of a company in the
Ymlgeglan]Y^l]jeYjc]l$=Qmk]\
kg[aYde]\aYYfYdqla[k KE9!lgYfYdqr]YdYj_]\YlYk]lg^YZgml
500,000 online posts to gain deeper insights into a target and reach
YfgZb][lan]na]ogfl`]lYj_]lhjg\m[lk&L`]lYj_]l[gehYfqYkk]jl]\
that its superior warranty policy and product quality had been the
driver of revenue growth historically. But SMA highlighted that relative
hja[af_oYkYem[`egj]ka_fa[Yfl\jan]j$oal`l`]\ada_]f[]hjgna\af_
a cost-reduction opportunity on warranty policy.
During an engagement in the food and beverage industry, EY used
KE9lgYfYdqr]Y\YlYk]lg^YhhjgpaeYl]dq,(($(((gfdaf]Yf\
social media discussions to gain deeper insights on a target. SMA
`a_`da_`l]\l`Yll`]lYj_]lkhjg\m[llYkl]oYkka_fa[Yfldqaf^]jagj
to the competition and a deterrent to future growth. The diligence
implication was that the target had been underspending on product
\]n]dghe]flYf\j]^gjemdYlagf[gklk$hjgna\af_Yka_fa[Yfl
post-close revenue enhancement opportunity.

Cash management
A telecom company had a large customer base but
fragmented visibility into its accounts receivable
9J!&=Qhjgna\]\\]lYad]\ljYfkY[lagfYd\YlY
analysis that allowed the company to institute a
cash culture program to ingrain AR metrics into
the company culture, compress payment terms,
accelerate initial customer contact for collections
and consolidate the number of collection paths. The company
]klYZdak`]\Ykljm[lmj]\YhhjgY[`lgeala_Yl]jakcYf\kYoYfglYZd]
[Yk`%goaehjgn]e]fl&
Using sophisticated analytics, a global pharmaceutical company was
YZd]lgdaZ]jYl][Yk`^jgeogjcaf_[YhalYdlghYq\gof\]Zll`Ylal
had incurred during an acquisition. There were clear opportunities for
improvement in order-to-cash, purchase-to-pay and inventory, and
analytics helped the company optimize these opportunities.

For more information about EYs analytics services,

nakal]q&[ge'YfYdqla[kgj[gflY[l2
John E Burns
Partner, Transaction Advisory
Services, Americas
#)*)*//+..-/
bg`f&Zmjfk8]q&[ge

John Hopes
Partner, Transaction Advisory
Services, EMEIA
#,,*(/1-)/01)
b`gh]k8mc&]q&[ge

Stuart Bright
Partner, Transaction Advisory
K]jna[]k$9kaY%HY[a[
#.)*0*1-.,0+
klmYjl&Zja_`l8Ym&]q&[ge
10

Spotlight
Regional variations
Americas

18%
47%
60%
74%
41%

have a separate
M&A committee
lead and perform on
corporate strategy
Yj]kYlak]\oal`l`]]^[a]f[q
of the due diligence process
use analytics for the valuation
of divestitures
say the CDO is accountable for
transaction integration

Lgh+ljYfkY[lagfgZb][lan]k
1. Strengthen the core business
2. =fl]jf]o_]g_jYh`a[eYjc]lk
+&Acquire customer base

Lgh+oYqk;<Gl]YekYj]e]Ykmj]\
1. Fit of deals with corporate strategy
2. ;gjhgjYl]h]j^gjeYf[]'klg[chja[]
+&Number of deals completed

Lgh+j]Ykgfk^gjljYfkY[lagf^Yadmj]
1. Integration process
2. Commercial assessment process
+&Strategic process

Europe, Middle East and Africa

45%
57%
81%
67%
40%

have a separate
M&A committee
lead and perform on
corporate strategy
Yj]kYlak]\oal`l`]]^[a]f[q
of the due diligence process
use analytics for the valuation
of divestitures
say the CDO is accountable for
transaction integration

9kaY%HY[a[

20%
64%
80%
53%
89%

have a separate
M&A committee
lead and perform on
corporate strategy
Yj]kYlak]\oal`l`]]^[a]f[q
of the due diligence process
use analytics for the valuation of
divestitures
say the CDO is accountable for
transaction integration

Lgh+ljYfkY[lagfgZb][lan]k
1. =fl]jf]o_]g_jYh`a[eYjc]lk
2. Acquire new technology
+&Strengthen core business

Lgh+oYqk;<Gl]YekYj]e]Ykmj]\
1. Deal pipeline and opportunity analysis
2. Fit of deals with corporate strategy
+&ROI on completed transactions

Lgh+j]Ykgfk^gjljYfkY[lagf^Yadmj]
1. Strategic process
2. Commercial assessment process
+&Integration process

Lgh+ljYfkY[lagfgZb][lan]k
1. Achieve economies of scale
2. Acquire new technology
+&=fl]jf]o_]g_jYh`a[eYjc]lk

Lgh+oYqk;<Gl]YekYj]e]Ykmj]\
1. ;gjhgjYl]h]j^gjeYf[]'klg[chja[]
2. Realization of transaction synergies
+&ROI on completed transactions

Lgh+j]Ykgfk^gjljYfkY[lagf^Yadmj]
1. Corporate development process
2. Commercial assessment process
+&Deal management process

11

+&

Greater rigor drives reassessment

of CDF structures and rewards
What are the new ways to enable and measure
km[[]kk7
>g[mkgfjakceYfY_]e]flYf\
corporate governance
Companies are approaching all deals with increasing rigor and standardized deal
processes in the face of growing competition from private equity players and
greater focus on corporate governance by boards and shareholders. Among our
j]khgf\]flk$l`gk]o`gYj]egklkYlak]\oal`\]YdkYj]egj]dac]dqlg^j]im]fldqmk]
Y^gjeYdar]\hjg[]kk^gjYkk]lhgjl^gdagj]na]o 0)nk&-1!$[gflafmgmkaehjgn]e]fl
0(nk&.*!$gh]jYlagfYdk]hYjYlagf //nk&.(!$Z]f[`eYjcaf_ /+nk&.)!Yf\
Za_\YlY'YfYdqla[k .,nk&,-!&
This increased rigor is also expanding the required relationships of the CDF across various
^mf[lagfk&9dl`gm_`l`]kljgf_]klj]dYlagfk`ahkYj]oal`l`]fYf[]Yf\d]_Yd\]hYjle]flk$
those respondents with higher deal satisfaction have stronger relationships with the
[gjhgjYl]_gn]jfYf[]$j]_mdYlgjq$jakceYfY_]e]flYf\af^gjeYlagfl][`fgdg_q^mf[lagfk&

O]ljqlg^gddgoYklYf\Yj\]p][mlagfhjg[]kk$Ykjakcakfgl
[gjj]dYl]\lg\]YdnYdm]$]phdYafka transaction executive in the
transportation industry.

Setting up M&A committees

Notably, executives report a growing preference for separate M&A committees that advise
]p][mlan]kYf\ZgYj\e]eZ]jkgf\]Ydk&L`akakhYjla[mdYjdql`][Yk]af=E=9$o`]j],-
g^gmjj]khgf\]flk`Yn]Yk]hYjYl]E9[geeall]] [gehYj]\lg*1gn]jYddYf\bmkl
)0afl`]9e]ja[Yk!&
Our survey clearly demonstrates that the presence of an M&A committee correlates with
`a_`]j\]YdkYlak^Y[lagf2j]khgf\]flko`gYj]egj]kYlak]\oal`l`]ajljYfkY[lagfkYj]
egj]l`Yfloa[]Ykdac]dqYkgl`]jj]khgf\]flk ,,nk&*)!lg`Yn]Yk]hYjYl]E9
committee. While M&A committees differ in their structure, what they all have in common is
giving M&A a strong voice in the boardroom.
There is no clear consensus on the ideal governance structure. At one global company,
YfE9'afn]kle]fl[geeall]]Y\nak]kl`]ZgYj\gfYddY[imakalagfhjg[]kk]k&9lYfgl`]j$
a multidisciplinary executive committee, along with senior board members, evaluates all
ljYfkY[lagfa\]YkYf\eYc]kYfafalaYd\][akagfgfo`a[`gf]klglYc]^gjoYj\&L`]E9
committee governs this process and, in the words of an executive at the company, aims to
hjgl][ll`]_jgmh$fgllghd]Yk]]n]jqgf]&

L`]egj]kljm[lmj]\hjg[]kk^gjdafcaf_mhl`]ljYfkY[lagfhjg[]kk
oal`kljYl]_qakeYafdqj]hj]k]fl]\Zql`]E9[gmf[ad$]phdYafka
transaction executive at a European automotive company.

12

Table 14: When executing transactions, how often do you use a

^gjeYdar]\hjg[]kk^gjl`]^gddgoaf_7

Table 15: Please indicate the strength of the working

relationship between the CDF and the given function

Valuation

95%

Finance

88%

Due diligence

95%

Legal

86%

Board/stakeholder approvals

90%

Strategic planning

84%

Kqf]j_qa\]fla[Ylagf'YfYdqkak

88%

Accounting

82%

Documentation of key transaction decisions

86%

Business unit/operations

82%

Transaction integration

86%

Tax

78%

Post-closing adjustments

86%

Treasury

75%

Transaction measurement

81%

Corporate governance

71%

Tax mitigation

78%

Regulatory

68%

Opportunity analysis

75%

Investor relations

63%

Continuous improvement/feedback

69%

Risk management

60%

Investor relations

68%

Sales and marketing

53%

Operational separation (divestments/carve-outs)

67%

Human resources

52%

Asset portfolio review

67%

Information technology

46%

Benchmarking

65%

Real estate

33%

Big data/analytics

52%

% strong or very strong

% often or always

LYZd]).2<g]kqgmjZgYj\`Yn]Yk]hYjYl]E9[geeall]]7

Table 17: Potential options for M&A committees

O`gakl`][`Yaj7

CDO
CFO

Yes

29%

>j]im]f[q7

Quarterly
Monthly
Each stage of M&A process (NDA,
fgf%Zaf\af_g^^]j$<<$fYdg^^]j!

Kljm[lmj]7

No

71%

CDO, head of BU, country/area director,

research director
CFO, CDO, VP BD, division CEO
M&A, strategy

<]YdYhhjgnYdl`j]k`gd\7

Everything
Up to US$5m
Up to US$100m

13

Evolving performance
measures for an evolving role
H]j^gjeYf[]e]Ykmj]e]flak[`Ydd]f_af_alakYfakkm]l`YlY
number of our respondents consider problematic. In our survey,
1-g^j]khgf\]flkj]hgjll`Yl[gjhgjYl]h]j^gjeYf[]akaehgjlYfl
or very important in determining individual compensation, and
0-kYql`YlY[`a]naf_kljYl]_a[gZb][lan]kakYfaehgjlYflgjn]jq
important measure affecting individual compensation. Although
alak\a^[mdllgYhhdqimYflalYlan]e]lja[klg]n]jqYkh][lg^l`]
function, reliable measures are a component in determining the
effectiveness of both the CDO and the CDF.
J]khgf\]flko`gYj]egklkYlak]\oal`[geh]fkYlagf$Z]f]lk
Yf\af[]flan]kYj]egj]dac]dqlg`Yn][geh]fkYlagfdafc]\lg
\]hYjle]flYdh]j^gjeYf[]&:mll`][`Ydd]f_]da]kaf\]faf_
precisely what individual performance means: the measures our
respondents use run the gamut from cost, time and quality to the
km[[]kkg^hYklY[imakalagfklg$afgf][Yk]$o`Ylgl`]jh]ghd]af
l`]gj_YfarYlagfkYq&
L]Yee]Ykmj]e]fl`Ykegj]kh][a[\]falagfk2l]YekYj]
measured most commonly on deal pipeline and opportunity analysis
,/!Yf\lg^\]Ydkoal`[gjhgjYl]kljYl]_q ,.!&J]khgf\]flk
o`gYj]egklkYlak]\oal`[geh]fkYlagf$Z]f]lkYf\af[]flan]k
Yj]egj]dac]dqlg`Yn]l`]ajl]Yeh]j^gjeYf[]e]Ykmj]\Zql`]
actual price received or paid versus the original plan.

Can soft measures better

Ykk]kkh]j^gjeYf[]7
Kladd$l]Yee]Ykmj]e]fl`Ykalkk`Yj]g^\a^[mdla]k$afgmj
j]khgf\]flkna]o&Alakfgl]Ykqlg\]jan]h]j^gjeYf[]e]Ykmj]k
^gjl`][gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]fll]Ye$gZk]jn]kgf]]p][mlan]&
L`]fmeZ]jg^\]Ydk\gf]Yf\\]Yd_]f]jYlagfYj]YddhgkkaZd]
e]Ykmj]k$Zml]Y[`[ge]koal`Y\nYflY_]kYf\\akY\nYflY_]k&
Another executive says that in the previous year, the team had
[gf\m[l]\gf]g^l`]dYj_]kl\]Ydk]n]jYf\_glfgZgfmkYk
l`]_jgmhh]j^gjeYf[]\a\fle]]ll`]j]imaj]e]flk&Gf]
[gehYfqj]hgjlkl`Ylal[YfZ]n]jq\a^[mdllgeYc][`Yf_]k
lg[geh]fkYlagfkqkl]ekafl`]af\mkljqafo`a[`algh]jYl]k&
9fgl`]jZ]da]n]kl`Yll`]Z]klkqkl]ek`gmd\Z]kmZb][lan]qgm
\gfloYflaf[]flan]klg\g\]Ydk^gjl`]kYc]g^Y[lanalq&
Lg\]Ydoal`l`]\a^[mdlqg^`Yj\h]j^gjeYf[]e]Ykmj]k$Y
fmeZ]jg^[gehYfa]kYj]mladaraf_kg%[Ydd]\kg^le]Ykmj]e]fl
through internal satisfaction questionnaires. These qualitatively
assess their use to the broader business and the smoothness of
the M&A process on both completed and failed deals. This is based
on the assumption that the corporate development team is an
afl]jfYdY\nakgjYf\k`gmd\Z]Ykk]kk]\Ykkm[`&L`akkmZb][lan]
assessment may be more useful in the case of acquisitions, as the
best outcome may be not to buy, whereas in divestments, the exit
decision has already been made and so deal completion would be a
more relevant measure.

14

Table 18: Please rate the importance of the following factors

with regard to direct impact on your individual compensation
Corporate performance

95%

Individual performance

82%

Department performance

76%

Discretionary

66%
% somewhat or very important

Table 19: Please rate the importance of the following measures

with regard to indirect impact on your individual compensation
Achieving strategic objectives

85%

Discretionary

65%

Continued deal performance

60%

Number of deals completed

59%

Effective integration

58%

Acquiring revenue

57%

Number of deals considered

47%

% somewhat or very important

Table 20: What are the top three ways teams (departments)
Yj][mjj]fldqe]Ykmj]\7
Deal pipeline and opportunity analysis

47%

Fit of deals with corporate strategy

46%

Return on investment of completed transactions

39%

Corporate performance/stock price

37%

Number of deals completed

34%

Realization of transaction synergies

32%

Actual price received/paid versus original plan

25%

Fgl]2mhlg+j]khgfk]kYddgo]\

LYZd]*)2Hjgd]g^Y\]kajYZd]hY[cY_]ZYk]\gfe]Ykmj]k
[gjj]dYl]\lgkYlak^Y[lagfoal`[geh]fkYlagf$Z]f]lkYf\
incentives
Key department measures
ROI of completed transactions

Key measures used to

determine compensation

Actual price vs. original plan

Effective integration

Key compensation factors

Discretionary
Department performance

Acquiring revenue
Continued deal performance
Discretionary
Number of deals completed
Number of deals considered

2015 Global Corporate Development Study

The most common

integration metrics
Transaction integration is a measure that affects both individual and
team compensation and correlates strongly with deal satisfaction.
Gmjkmjn]qk`gokl`Yl]p][mlan]ko`gYj]egj]kYlak]\oal`
transactions tend to follow certain integration procedures. They are
egj]dac]dqlgaehd]e]flhjY[la[]kkm[`Yk_gYdk]llaf_$Zmkaf]kk%
unit accountability for integration results and executive-level
reviews of integration success.
9dl`gm_`l`]eYbgjalqg^j]khgf\]flkgn]jYdd`gd\l`]Zmkaf]kk
leader accountable for integration, respondents who report
`a_`]jkYlak^Y[lagfoal`\]YdkYj]egj]dac]dql`Yfgl`]jklgYkka_f
Y[[gmflYZadalqlgl`]afl]_jYlagfeYfY_]j /1nk&-.!Yf\l`]
;<G -.nk&,+!&

Table 22: Top 3 metrics for monitoring and reporting on the

integration efforts

Financial
hjglYZadalq

0-

Value of synergies
delivered versus
plan

/*

Synergy delivery
against timetable

/)

Note: multiple responses allowed

LYZd]*+2O`gakY[[gmflYZd]^gjljYfkY[lagfafl]_jYlagf7

74%
Integration
manager

64%
48%

CEO

Business
unit leader

CDO

33%
16%

CFO

Note: multiple responses allowed

15

Looking ahead
9j]qgmhj]hYj]\7
Gmjkmjn]qk`gokl`Yll`]egklkYlak]\[gjhgjYl]
development leaders today are forward-thinking and do things
differently from their peers. They are more likely than their
counterparts to take the lead on new market investments,
establish formal deal and portfolio review processes. They
will have a variety of risk management skills (including legal
Yf\lYp!YkhYjlg^l`]aj;<>kkcaddk]lYf\j][]an]o`Yll`]q
consider a desirable compensation package.
But this is not enough. What is adequate or even leading-edge
lg\YqoaddfglZ]km^[a]fllgkm[[]]\afl`]E9eYjc]lg^
tomorrow. Leading CDOs and CDFs will likely take a different

1. Prepare to lead on strategy.

CDOs have always been involved in strategy to some extent.
However, as they get more involved in both corporate and M&A
strategy, they will need to develop a strong grasp of not only the
kh][a[kg^l`]\]YdeYjc]lZmlYdkghj]nYadaf__dgZYde]_Ylj]f\k
such as digital transformation and the many disruptive forces in
play today across all sectors. Plotting a growth course in line with
l`]dgf_%l]jegZb][lan]kg^l`]ajgj_YfarYlagfYf\l`]\qfYea[k
of their industry will be paramount.

3. Take a holistic approach to M&A.

Deal structures are becoming complex. They are no longer
a matter of straightforward M&A, particularly in emerging
eYjc]lk$o`]j]afeYfq[Yk]k\]YdkYj]kmZb][llgj]_mdYlgjq
j]imaj]e]flk$ljYfkY[lagfkoaddlYc]YnYja]lqg^^gjek&L`ak
af[dm\]khYjlf]jk`ahk$bgafln]flmj]k$YddaYf[]k$Ykk]lkoYhk
and other arrangements. Adopting a portfolio approach to M&A,
ZqlYcaf_YZYdYf[]\dggcYll`]Zmkaf]kkYkYo`gd]$oaddZ]
essential. Corporate development leaders will need to extend
the capabilities of their functions to do this.

5. Measure and reward performance

appropriately.
L`]eYbgjalqg^gmjj]khgf\]flkaf\a[Yl]l`Yll`]qYj]fgl^mddq
kYlak]\oal`]al`]jaf\ana\mYdgjl]Yeh]j^gjeYf[]e]Ykmj]k$
hgaflaf_lgl`]kmZb][lanalqg^l`]k]e]lja[kYf\l`]\a^[mdlq
of quantifying them. The successful CDO will be able to put
lg_]l`]je]Ykmj]kl`Yl[Yhlmj]l`]jYf_]g^lYkckl`Yll`]
CDF is responsible for - not only recognizing the successful
h]j^gjeYf[]g^l`gk]lYkck$Zmlhjgna\af_gZb][lan]af[]flan]k
and rewards.

16

path, managing new issues related to a broader strategic

scope. They will often be tasked to come up with fast and
innovative answers to questions they may never have been
asked to deal with in the past. The upside is almost unlimited
potential to succeed, both for the CDO personally and for the
organization; the downsides are uncertainty, risk and lack of
planning for the major shifts in the role. Based on our research,
we recommend that corporate development executives take
l`]^gddgoaf_n]kl]hklghj]hYj]l`]ek]dn]k^gjo`Yll`]q
are likely to encounter in the next few years.

*& Klj]f_l`]fl`];<>kaf%`gmk]kcaddk]l&
As the CDF becomes more involved in decisions about portfolio
optimization and pipeline management, a whole array of new
af%`gmk]kcaddkoaddZ][ge]f][]kkYjq$hYjla[mdYjdqd]_Yd$lYp
Yf\j]_mdYlgjqkcaddk]lk&>gjeYfq[gehYfa]k$l`]k]eYqfgl
traditionally have been part of the CDFs repertoire, but they will
become essential.

4. Take a (big) technology leap.

CDFs will need to show increased willingness to dive into
advanced technologies such as big data analytics. In a complex,
highly competitive deal environment, exhaustive research
Yf\\m]\ada_]f[][YfeYc]Yddl`]\a^^]j]f[]lgl`]km[[]kk
of a deal. With advanced analytics, corporate development
executives have a unique opportunity to explore and understand
better the various factors that can affect a transaction and to
eYc]\][akagfkY[[gj\af_dq&

Ultimately, M&A strategists, in the CDF and elsewhere, are

e]Ykmj]\gfl`]aj[gfljaZmlagflgl`][gehYfqk_jgol`&9k
one of our survey respondents told us:

L`][gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]fl^mf[lagfg^l`]
future will be inspired by fund management;
evaluation of investment performance
and investment opportunities will be very
aehgjlYfl&

About the research

Gn]jl`]hYkl\][Y\]$=Q`Ykogjc]\ka\]Zqka\]oal`k]fagj
d]Y\]jkg^l`][gjhgjYl]\]n]dghe]fl^mf[lagf ;<>!Ykl`]ajjgd]
has evolved to meet the demands of a changing and challenging
business landscape.
The 2015 Global Corporate Development Study is a multi-phase
research initiative. The study targets the corporate development
g^[]j ;<G!gjegklk]fagjh]jkgfoal`afl`]gj_YfarYlagf
oal`j]khgfkaZadalq^gjE9'ljYfkY[lagfkYf\l`][`a]^kljYl]_q
g^[]j ;KG!gjegklk]fagjh]jkgfoal`afl`]gj_YfarYlagfoal`
j]khgfkaZadalq^gj[gjhgjYl]'gh]jYlaf_mfalkljYl]_q&

O]kmjn]q]\egj]l`Yf+((;<Gk$;KGkYf\gl`]j;%d]n]d
]p][mlan]kZ]lo]]fBmf]Yf\Fgn]eZ]j*(),&L`]eYbgjalqg^
j]khgf\]flkkh]f\Yld]Ykl.)g^l`]ajlae]gfljYfkY[lagfk&
J]khgf\]flk[Ye]^jge[gehYfa]kaf+1[gmflja]k3-,g^l`]
companies surveyed reported revenues of more than US$5 billion.
Nearly two dozen industry sectors were represented, and the top
n]af\mklja]ko]j][gfkme]jhjg\m[lk$af\mkljaYdhjg\m[lk$gadYf\
gas, technology, and power and utilities.
Our data collection methodology included online and telephone
surveys, face-to-face interviews, group sessions similar to focus
groups, and independent research.

Regional split

14%
9kaY%HY[a[

39%
EMEA

47%
Americas

+

*

* * ) )
)+

),
,
,
)+

-

-,

.

++

)(

.
0
1

)(

Industry split

Revenue split

Retail and consumer products

Other

<US$1 billion

Industrial products

Health care

MK)MK-Zaddagf

Oil and gas

Telecommunications

>US$5 billion

Technology

Government and defense

Power and utilities

Media

Life sciences

Real estate and construction

Automotive and transportation

Mining and metals

Financials

Asset management
Chemicals

Note: EMEA includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

17

EY | Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory

Contacts
Global
Pip McCrostie

Steve Krouskos

Global Vice Chair

Transaction Advisory Services
hah&e[[jgkla]8mc&]q&[ge
#,,*(/10((-((

Deputy Global Vice Chair

Transaction Advisory Services
kl]n]&cjgmkcgk8mc&]q&[ge
#,,*(/10((+,.

Regional leaders
Americas
Richard M. Jeanneret

9kaY%HY[a[
John Hope

Americas Leader
Transaction Advisory Services
ja[`Yj\&b]Yff]j]l8]q&[ge
#)*)*//+*1**

9kaY%HY[a[D]Y\]j
Transaction Advisory Services
bg`f&`gh]8`c&]q&[ge
#0-**0,.111/

Europe, Middle East, India

Yf\9^ja[Y =E=A9!
Andrea Guerzoni

Japan
Kenneth G. Smith

EMEIA Leader
Transaction Advisory Services
Yf\j]Y&_m]jrgfa8al&]q&[ge
#+1(*0(..1/(/

Japan Leader
Transaction Advisory Services
c]ff]l`&keal`8bh&]q&[ge
#0)+,-0*.,((

About EY
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g^gmjklYc]`gd\]jk&Afkg\gaf_$o]hdYqY[jala[Ydjgd]afZmad\af_YZ]ll]j
ogjcaf_ogjd\^gjgmjh]ghd]$^gjgmj[da]flkYf\^gjgmj[geemfala]k&
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9Zgml=QkLjYfkY[lagf9\nakgjqK]jna[]k
How you manage your capital agenda today will define your competitive
hgkalagflgegjjgo&O]ogjcoal`[da]flklg[j]Yl]kg[aYdYf\][gfgea[
nYdm]Zq`]dhaf_l`]eeYc]Z]ll]j$egj]%af^gje]\\][akagfkYZgml
kljYl]_a[YddqeYfY_af_[YhalYdYf\ljYfkY[lagfkaf^Ykl%[`Yf_af_eYjc]lk&
Whether youre preserving, optimizing, raising or investing capital,
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