Mergers & Acquisitions Services Across the Full Deal Lifecycle
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Mergers & Acquisitions Services Across the Full Deal Lifecycle
Author:
Aykut Cakir · NMS Consulting
Published:
• Updated:
Winning acquirers link a clear deal thesis to diligence, a Day One plan, and rigorous post-close execution. In 2025, average deal size is rising while overall volumes remain mixed, which favors disciplined targeting, focused synergies, and fast integration backed by weekly metrics.
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Signals and Benchmarks
- Global deal value rose sharply in the first half of 2025 and average deal size reached a multi-year high. source
- Volumes are lower in many regions even as values climb, and cross-border share is below prior peaks, so local theses and focused execution matter. source source
- Typical announced cost synergies land near 6 to 10 percent of target revenue across industries, with ambitious cases higher. source
- Consolidation deals continue in high fixed-cost sectors with named synergy targets. source
- Revenue synergies often take longer and require early commercial integration to avoid slippage. source source
Full Deal Lifecycle Services
- Strategy And Screening: define the equity story, must-have attributes, no-go risks, and value levers. Build a short list and outreach plan.
- Diligence: size the market, test competitive position, assess quality of earnings, model synergy potential, and identify execution risks.
- Signing To Close: stand up the Integration Management Office, design Day One, complete regulatory and antitrust workstreams, and prepare leadership communications.
- Day One: stabilize customers and people, publish the value tree and KPIs, and launch no-regret moves with clear owners.
- First 100 Days: track cost and revenue synergies, remove blockers weekly, and lock operating model changes that support the thesis.
- Year One And Beyond: deliver full synergy case, refine the portfolio, and prepare carve-outs or bolt-ons that strengthen the core.
30-60-90 Deal Playbook
First 30 Days: Confirm Thesis And Guardrails
- Publish the value tree with targets by category and owner.
- Protect customers and talent with clear rules of engagement and retention actions.
- Stand up cadence, dashboards, and a benefits log tied to finance.
Days 31 To 60: Prove Value
- Launch procurement and SG&A actions that do not disrupt service.
- Align commercial coverage and pricing plays where allowed; begin cross-sell pilots.
- Close critical systems cutovers needed for reporting and control.
Days 61 To 90: Lock Structure And Scale
- Implement the target operating model and leadership forums.
- Expand synergy programs with weekly variance reviews and corrective actions.
- Update the equity story and investor calendar with verified progress.
Capabilities By Stage And Metrics
| Stage | Example Work | Metrics | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy & Screening | Equity story, screen list, thesis tests | Fit rate, thesis pass rate, risk flags | Bain 2025 |
| Diligence | Market sizing, QoE, synergy model | Synergy as percent revenue, payback, IRR | L.E.K. |
| Pre-Close | IMO setup, Day One design, regulatory | Critical path hit rate, readiness score | PwC 2025 |
| Day One | Customer and talent stability, KPI go-live | Churn, voluntary attrition, SLA hits | HBR 2024 |
| First 100 Days | Cost actions, early cross-sell, systems cutovers | Run-rate savings, pipeline lift, cutover defects | McKinsey |
| Year One | Operating model, portfolio moves | Synergy realization, EBITDA, TSR | McKinsey 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Synergy Range Should We Expect?
Across industries, announced cost synergies often target 6 to 10 percent of target revenue. Ambitious programs can be higher, depending on overlap and execution capacity. reference
Why Do Revenue Synergies Lag?
Commercial moves need early rules of engagement, coverage design, data, and incentives. Without that, revenue benefits slip. reference reference
What Is Different About 2025 Deal Flow?
Values are up with larger transactions while volumes are uneven by region and cross-border share is lower than in prior cycles. This rewards tight local theses and disciplined execution. reference reference reference
Related Reading
- M&A Services
- Successful Mergers And Acquisitions
- Post Merger Integration
- How Consultants Help With Post Merger Integration
- What Is Post Merger Integration
- What Is Post Merger Integration PMI
- Business Transformation
- Keys To Successful Business Transformation
Sources
- McKinsey. Rich In Resilience: Dealmakers Deliver Strong First-Half Results In M&A. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/m-and-a/our-insights/rich-in-resilience-dealmakers-deliver-strong-first-half-results-in-m-and-a
- PwC. Global M&A Industry Trends 2025 Mid-Year Outlook. https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/deals/trends.html
- PwC. US Deals 2025 Midyear Outlook. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/deals/outlook.html
- L.E.K. Keys To Unlocking Merger Value: Cost Synergies. https://www.lek.com/insights/pe/us/ei/keys-unlocking-merger-value-cost-synergies
- Bain. M&A Midyear Report 2025. https://www.bain.com/insights/m-and-a-midyear-report-2025-separating-signal-from-noise/
- McKinsey. Seven Rules To Crack The Code On Revenue Synergies In M&A. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/seven-rules-to-crack-the-code-on-revenue-synergies-in-ma
- Harvard Business Review. How To Get Results Quickly After A Merger Or Acquisition. https://hbr.org/2024/06/how-to-get-results-quickly-after-a-merger-or-acquisition
About the Author
Aykut Cakir, Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer, has a demonstrated history in negotiations, business planning, business development. He has served as a Finance Director for gases & energy, pharmaceuticals, retail, FMCG, and automotive industries. He has collaborated closely with client leadership to co-create a customized operating model tailored to the unique needs of each project segment in the region. Aykut conducted workshops focused on developing effective communication strategies to ensure team alignment with new operating models and organizational changes.
