Insights

OUR LATEST RESEARCH

Our Insights by theme

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Private equity challenges and the surge of private credit: Capital opportunities for non-traditional risk profiles

Mutual value creation and synergy between Private Equity funds and portfolio companies

Private equity challenges and the surge of private credit: Capital opportunities for non-traditional risk profiles

Insight Nuggets on Private Equity:

30/03/2025: Boeing’s carve-outs: A sign of the times

04/03/2025: Private equity’s new IPO playbook: Only the best will survive

19/02/2025: The struggle of smaller PE funds in a consolidating market

27/01/2025: Secondary markets reflect optimism as discounts on buyout stakes fall by 30% narrowing the gap to net asset value

24/01/2025: How private equity turned Europe’s challenges into a $133bn opportunity as valuations hit record discounts

15/01/2025: How lower interest rates and political clarity are reviving M&A activity, is there an emerging acquisition wave?

06/11/2025: Insights of Mario Draghi Report 2/2 

Strategic adaptations in response to economic cycles: Navigating industry life stages for competitive advantage

How firms react to uncertainty: Strategies, adaptations, and market implications

The new era of big business: How large firms are reshaping industries

Adapting Strategies to Evolving Trade Policies and Global Value Chain Dynamics

Planning Ahead Firm Strategy and Contingency Plan  

Growth Opportunities Amid Uncertainty

Strategic adaptation: How firms pivot to navigate market shifts and emerging opportunities

The impact of strategy consulting on industry innovation, performance, and global competitiveness


Industry focus: CONSUMER & LUXURY

13/03/2025: La bellezza globale senza confini: come e-commerce e AI stanno ridefinendo i rituali culturali della bellezza

11/03/2025: Il paradosso del rossetto: piccoli lussi non bastano a salvare i colossi della bellezza

05/03/2025: Luxury cosmetics boom: Louis Vuitton joins a growing market

04/02/2025: Closing loopholes: How the EU plans to strengthen trade controls

28/01/2025: National pride meets premium cosmetics: The new trend impacting global cosmetics and local Asian economy

20/01/2025: The luxury industry: A strategic reset for 2025 and beyond

03/12/2024: Price reductions across markets: retailers, luxury brands, and wine producers adjust to evolving consumer expectations

20/11/2024: Luxury market €20bn slowdown: U.S. and experiential segments drive hope for recovery in 2025

14/11/2024: A surge in specialization within the pharmaceutical industry has fueled rapid growth and value in outsourcing market

Industry focus: SHIPBUILDING

17/02/2025: The Shift to Smaller Ships: Adapting to a Changing Global Trade Landscape

18/02/2025: In Italia l’industria dello yachting è un’eccellenza da valorizzare

Industry focus: MANUFACTURING

30/03/2025: Boeing’s carve-outs: A sign of the times

26/03/2025: Porsche-Piëch family explores €2bn defence investment to diversify holdings

23/02/2025: Carmakers bet big on hybrids as EV growth slows

 

Outlook 2025: Our year-end chart book (also in 🇩🇪German, 🇮🇹Italian, and 🇫🇷French)

The new era of big business: How large firms are reshaping industries

Insight Nuggets on Economics:

01/04/2025: Copper: Bellwether goes haywire?

25/02/2025: Germany’s Election Lifts Stocks, But US Risks Still Dominate

13/03/2025: Sanremo 2025: A record-breaking festival in music and finance

10/01/2025: Recovering sectors and fundamentals: A year of opportunity

05/11/2024: Tariffs of up to 100% exacerbate trade tensions and further fragment global supply chains

04/11/2024: India emerges as a promising market with opportunities driven by both rural spending and a rising number of high-income consumers

29/10/2024: Middle East Crisis: Focus on broader market trends, while tracking crisis trajectories


Focus EUROPE:

13/03/2025: Why Europe may prove more resilient than expected in 2025

16/01/2025: Strengthening the single market: Can the EU overcome fragmentation and protectionism?

28/11/2024: Euronext pressured to bridge the gap with U.S. capital markets, calling for greater integration and streamlined bureaucracy

26/11/2024: Major European cities are driving enterprise growth, with the digital sector leading as a key driver for future development

12/11/2024: Tariffs of up to 100% exacerbate trade tensions and further fragment global supply chains

23/10/2024: Contrasting economic prospects: Germany faces continued contraction, while Italy struggles to rebound in 2024

22/10/2024: Recent insights from the Bank of Italy's report

31/10/2024:  Insights of Mario Draghi Report: Increasing the access to financing for tech firms and scalable startups




Innovation, self-employment, and growth, an analysis of Italy’s economic landscape

The high stakes of AI investment: Balancing innovation and operational efficiency

Intangible investments, R&D, and management practices shaping the transatlantic productivity divergence

Insight Nuggets on Innovation:
30/01/2025: AI's winner-take-all myth takes a hit, but the bubble is steady

13/01/2025: Tech titans vs. diversification: How Europe outpaces the S&P 500 when excluding the AI-hype

02/12/2024: Innovation imperative: How businesses can learn from consumer behavior and R&D strategies to redefining market leadership

From energy costs to credit ratings: The multifaceted financial and business risks of climate change

Powering financial growth and resilience with strategic ESG excellence

The role of workplace diversity in innovation and leadership performance

Insight nuggets:

25/02/2025: Energy dilemma: Fossil fuels, renewables, and the rise of battery power

11/02/2025: The energy transition investment divide: Booming sectors vs. struggling innovations

The rise of activist investing: Trends, strategies, and outcomes

Targeting Value, Anticipating Threat From Activist Investors

Insight Nuggets on Investor Activism

25/02/2025: Energy dilemma: Fossil fuels, renewables, and the rise of battery power

09/01/2025: Investor activism in Europe: A rising threat for small and midcap companies calling for strategic changes and leadership overhauls  

19/11/2024: Outdated strategies make even profitable companies vulnerable to activist investors, especially when they fall behind market benchmarks

11/11/2024: Generating a $1bn equity uplift on announcement, activist investor Jana Partners aims to turn $6bn food producer’s performance around with just 5% of shares








Compass

The impact of strategy consulting on industry innovation, performance, and global competitiveness

In an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape, strategy consulting plays a pivotal role in shaping innovation and industry performance. Research shows that consultants drive business growth by identifying new market opportunities, optimizing operational efficiency, and improving financial outcomes. Their expertise catalyzes innovation, diffusing novel practices across sectors and enhancing firms’ capacity for disruption. However, strategy consulting also raises concerns about standardization and the risk of diminishing market differentiation. Beyond large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now benefit from consulting services, fostering competition and driving industry-wide change. In this article we look at the multifaceted impact of strategy consulting, highlighting both its contributions and challenges.

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Strategic adaptation: How firms pivot to navigate market shifts and emerging opportunities

Market shifts are inevitable, driven by economic changes, technology, consumer trends, and geopolitical disruptions. Firms that successfully pivot leverage agility, innovation, and strategic foresight to stay competitive. The dynamic capabilities framework highlights how companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Zara have adapted by reconfiguring resources and investing in digital transformation. Rising defense budgets and the digitalization of security present new opportunities, particularly for struggling industries like the European automotive supply chain. By repurposing their existing deep expertise, these firms can pivot into adjacent defense applications. Effective market pivots require organizational flexibility, innovation, and supportive policies to foster long-term resilience and growth.

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The role of workplace diversity in innovation and leadership performance

RESEARCH PULSE

Workplace diversity has been recognized as a driver of innovation, enhanced creativity, and improved decision-making. Diverse teams provide various perspectives, boosting problem-solving and adaptability. However, its impact depends on company culture and management strategies. While diversity offers significant benefits, such as reducing cognitive biases and enhancing resource networks, it can also present challenges like communication barriers. Effective management of diversity is crucial to leverage its full potential. In the same vein, cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) can further drive innovation by blending diverse cultural and governance practices, creating a competitive advantage.

▶ Read the full report

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How firms react to uncertainty: Strategies, adaptations, and market implications

Uncertainty is an inevitable challenge for businesses, stemming from economic, geopolitical, and technological disruptions. Firms adopt either defensive strategies, such as cost-cutting and consolidation, or proactive approaches like innovation and market expansion. Historical case studies, such as Apple’s investment during the 2008 crisis and Ikea reaction to supply chain shock amid Covid-19, highlight the benefits of strategic adaptability. Defensive actions may ensure short-term survival but can hinder long-term growth. Policymakers play a crucial role in fostering resilience through credit access and innovation incentives. Firms that embrace uncertainty as an opportunity, investing in R&D and expansion, are better positioned for sustained success in volatile environments.

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Skyscrapers big businesses

The new era of big business: How large firms are reshaping industries

RESEARCH PULSE

The increasing dominance of large firms is reshaping global markets. Since the 1930s, the top 1% of U.S. firms have expanded their asset share from 70% to 90%, with similar trends observed in Europe. This rise in corporate concentration reflects economies of scale, technological advancements, and strategic acquisitions. While some argue it results from heightened competition, others view it as growing market power. The implications include reduced business dynamism, declining labour income share, and increased regulatory scrutiny. The same trend is also seen in private equity, where regulatory pressures and investor preferences favor larger, diversified funds.

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CEO concerned about activists

The rise of activist investing: Trends, strategies, and outcomes

RESEARCH PULSE

Activist investing plays a pivotal role in corporate transformation, as investors seek to optimize company performance and maximize shareholder value. Over the past two decades, activist hedge funds have expanded significantly, exerting substantial influence over corporate governance and strategic decision-making. These investors typically target undervalued firms with high institutional ownership and governance deficiencies, often resulting in board restructuring and CEO turnover. In 2022–2023 alone, 1,139 activist campaigns were initiated globally. The evolving leadership landscape, particularly in technology, highlights the growing impact of activist investors, whose influence on corporate strategy, governance, and shareholder returns remains profound.

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Symbiotic value creation private equity

Mutual value creation and synergy between Private Equity funds and portfolio companies

RESEARCH PULSE

Private equity has evolved significantly, growing from a niche sector in 1989 to accounting for 2–5% of GDP in recent years. PE firms create value through productivity gains, managerial improvements, and market expansion, driving sales growth and innovation. They target both turnaround and high-profit firms, leveraging capital and expertise. Despite significant challenges like stagnant exits, volatile IPO markets, and higher interest rates, the sector adapts by emphasizing longer-term strategies. These include operational turnarounds, corporate carve-outs, and collaborations with experts.

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AI

The high stakes of AI investment: Balancing innovation and operational efficiency

RESEARCH PULSE

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries by enhancing prediction accuracy and enabling data-driven decision-making. Despite its potential to drive growth, AI adoption faces challenges, including the need for complementary investments and long-term ROI uncertainties. Larger firms benefit disproportionately due to greater resources, while smaller businesses face barriers to entry. Operational inefficiencies and high costs, particularly for platform AI, remain significant obstacles. European firms can thrive by leveraging GDPR-compliant applications and open-source models, fostering collaboration and innovation despite US dominance in foundational AI technologies.

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Flooding

From energy costs to credit ratings: The multifaceted financial and business risks of climate change

RESEARCH PULSE

Climate change imposes significant economic risks, from escalating energy costs to reduced productivity and creditworthiness. Rising temperatures impact industries by decreasing labor efficiency, shrinking local demand, and lowering GDP growth, particularly in discretionary sectors. Credit ratings are impacted by climate change due to physical (operational disruption) and transition risks (regulatory shifts). Adaptive firms incorporate climate awareness into strategies, leveraging external partnerships to enhance expertise. Proactive management ensures resilience, enabling businesses to navigate evolving environmental, economic, and regulatory challenges effectively.

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CEO facing investor activism

Targeting Value, Anticipating Threat From Activist Investors 

The untapped value within companies is frequently targeted by activist investors seeking profit opportunities. Even firms with robust operating cash flows and positive return on assets (ROA) become the focus of hostile takeover bids, if they underperform relative to their competitors. A comprehensive review of corporate strategy is a key driver of value creation, enabling companies to position themselves effectively against their peers while mitigating external threats from opportunistic investors.

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Shadow Banking

Intangible investments, R&D, and management practices shaping the transatlantic productivity divergence

RESEARCH PULSE

Productivity growth in both the U.S. and Europe has fallen below long-term averages over the past decade, despite increased investments in technology. Between 1990 and 2000, productivity experienced a sharp rise driven by the widespread adoption of computers, a trend further supported by the growth of broadband and business software in the following years. While overall productivity has slowed, U.S. firms have been more successful in adopting advanced digital technologies, whereas European firms have struggled to keep pace, with inefficient management practices limiting their ability to fully capitalize on technological advancements.

Europe's lower R&D spending, coupled with structural factors and challenges in translating R&D into productivity, contributes to its widening productivity gap with the U.S. Family-owned businesses, prevalent in Europe, often display weaker innovation and management practices, further exacerbating this divergence. Strengthening collaboration with external partners represents a practical approach to mitigating these inefficiencies.

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Planting growth and resilience with ESG

Powering financial growth and resilience with strategic ESG excellence

RESEARCH PULSE

Effective Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices are crucial for enhancing company value, as they tend to align with strong financial performance. They not only drive value creation but also build resilience in crises through increased stakeholder trust. Owners play a critical role in advancing ESG performance by employing legitimate engagement strategies, such as providing insights on emerging issues and fostering shareholder collaboration. Transparency in ESG initiatives further enhances reputation and enables accurate assessments by rating agencies. However, interest in ESG initiatives among asset managers has declined since 2021, highlighting challenges in commitment. Inconsistencies among ESG rating providers further emphasize the need for standardization and ongoing dedication to ESG improvements.

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Shadow Banking

Private equity challenges and the surge of private credit: Capital opportunities for non-traditional risk profiles

RESEARCH PULSE

Private equity is facing challenges in exits and fundraising amidst economic uncertainty, while private credit has seen significant growth. Firms like Ares and Goldman Sachs have raised billions, driven by strong investor demand. Private credit offers diverse strategies, such as junior capital, growth financing, and rescue financing, making it a dominant asset class with capital opportunities for mid-sized and large companies with higher risk profiles.

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Adapting Strategies to Evolving Trade Policies and Global Value Chain Dynamics

RESEARCH PULSE

Trade policies significantly reshape global value chains, influencing firm strategies. Companies adapt through locational, market, and supplier switching while upgrading production processes to enhance value. Trade restrictions, such as U.S. tariffs on China, affect not only the targeted countries but also global supply chains, raising costs for dependent firms. Tariffs on low-value imports have become a prominent focus on international policy agendas, with governments increasingly targeting these products. Research shows that affected firms have increased R&D investments, often supported by government subsidies, to navigate these challenges.

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Top management discussing leadership development and CEO contingency planning

Planning Ahead Firm Strategy and Contingency Plan  

The role of CEOs is crucial in shaping organizational performance, highlighting the necessity of effective succession and contingency planning. With many firms appointing new CEOs annually, preparedness becomes essential. The contrast between insider and outsider leadership transitions, especially in family firms, underscores the advantages of external partnerships for resource acquisition and innovation. Integrating leadership transitions, proactive planning, and partnerships is vital for achieving long-term growth and resilience in a competitive landscape.

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Growth Opportunities Amid Uncertainty

RESEARCH PULSE

During crises, it is crucial to maintain a proactive approach by continuing to invest in growth opportunities, fostering new ventures, and maintaining sustainability initiatives. This leads to higher returns, improved survival rates for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and better financial performance in uncertain times.

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Insight Nuggets

Some of our recent bite-sized insight nuggets. See all of them here
European Union
Strengthening the single market: Can the EU overcome fragmentation and protectionism?

Amid protectionism concerns, the European Commission emphasizes early intervention to reduce infringements. However, businesses still face fragmented regulations while President von der Leyen remains steadfast in prioritizing the enforcement of EU law.

Read more...

Luxury customers
The luxury industry: A strategic reset for 2025 and beyond

As the luxury industry experiences a slowdown, brands may need to strike a balance between exclusivity and price increases, as customers begin to question the value of mainstream products priced at significantly higher levels. With price hikes nearing their limit, brands will be compelled to explore alternative avenues for sustainable growth.

Read more...

Heatmap of 2025 growth
Recovering sectors and fundamentals: A year of opportunity 

Our analysis of projected revenue growth for 2024–2025 highlights promising trends across most sectors in Europe and North America. In contrast, emerging markets, including Latin America, continue to face significant headwinds and structural inefficiencies.

Read more...

EU valuation discounted
How private equity turned Europe’s challenges into a $133bn opportunity as valuations hit record discounts

In Europe, “it is now possible to identify market-leading yet relatively under-the-radar companies with valuations exceeding $1 billion, often at a discount compared to their US peer” notes Alexis Maskell from BC Partners in a recent interview on January 12th with the Financial Times

Read more...

Composition of S&P 500 vs. Europe STOXX600
Tech titans vs. diversification: How Europe outpaces the S&P 500 when excluding the AI-hype

In a broadly shared article published on Jan 3rd, the Financial Times points out that the S&P 500's recent performance is disproportionately influenced by Nvidia and the broader AI boom, creating a concentrated growth dynamic. European markets, by contrast, showcase resilience through sector diversification and the relative strength of small-cap companies.

Read more...

Activist campaigns Europe
Investor activism in Europe: A rising threat for small and midcap companies calling for strategic changes and leadership overhauls 

Aquisis conducted a comprehensive analysis of over 600 nonfinancial small and midcap companies across Europe. The evaluation, which assessed firms across four key dimensions, revealed that 15% of these companies exhibit an elevated risk of becoming targets for activist investors.

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How lower interest rates and political clarity are reviving M&A activity, is there an emerging acquisition wave?

The most significant factor driving M&A recovery is the easing of monetary policy. After a record-breaking surge in deal activity in 2021, M&A volumes declined sharply in 2022 as central banks raised interest rates to combat inflation. However, the environment for dealmaking is improving.

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Price reductions across markets: retailers, luxury brands, and wine producers adjust to evolving consumer expectations

General prices of goods have risen steadily in recent years, driven by a combination of factors such as escalating input costs, particularly energy prices, and supply chain disruptions. In recent months, price reductions have emerged as a strategic focus across diverse market segments, from essential goods to luxury items and premium wine.

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