A TEAM ACQUISITION

Handling the fallout from the financial crisis

CHALLENGE

A global financial institution was in trouble. Bankruptcy was inevitable. Wanting to get ahead of it, a member of the regional team approached us to explore options. 

INSIGHT

  • Profiled every team member, identifying their skills, aspirations and team cohesion
  • Reviewed their deal sheets, understanding their capabilities and sectorial coverage
  • Pinpointed critical team members to each cluster and business

Provided an existing client with the overview of the team, discussing capabilities, cohesion, linchpins and possible constructs.

SOLUTION & OUTCOME

Equipped with an in-depth understanding of the team and their capabilities, he set up discussions with the leaders of the institution to discuss the business further and their options. Initially exploring the acquisition of the regional team, the talks shifted to a global acquisition. Key to this was the alignment of the organisations’ sectorial coverage, cultural dynamics and the mindset of the people.

The acquisition did not take place. Our client’s bid became untenable when another bank acquired the business, paying cash bonuses with the hope of retaining the team. Unfortunately, that strategy did not work, and team members started disbanding within six months due to a lack of cultural fit with the acquiring organisation and lack of deal flow.

CASE STUDY

EMERGING MARKETS: Navigating a clash between corporate governance and local customs   CHALLENGE A multinational company operating in emerging markets discovered an individual who had access to the company float was taking money out of the company but replacing it...

CASE STUDY

  WHEN INVESTORS COME IN Tackling transition and the growing pains of scaling a business CHALLENGE A start-up was acquired by a private equity firm. There was low morale, diminished team spirit, lack of personal performance, all ultimately impacting results. INSIGHTS...

CASE STUDY

  MILLENNIAL LEADER: Unmotivated and difficult to manage?   CHALLENGE A team transformation process with people from various backgrounds and ages. One person, in particular, was a millennial in a leadership position. He was perceived as difficult to manage by his...