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Strategic Alliances

For companies seeking to drive innovation, gain vital capabilities, or leverage the benefits of scale, a strategic alliance may be the ideal collaboration model. We help companies design and implement such alliances, with a clear focus on capturing their full potential.

Strategic alliances are on the rise—especially in the technology sector, where companies are constantly looking to boost their innovative prowess. A strategic alliance is a medium- to long-term partnership typically focused on a common goal, such as expanding into new markets or launching new product lines. The basis for collaboration is a two-way exchange of nonmonetary value, including essential capabilities or access to expertise or customers.

Our strategic alliance consultants help companies get the most from such collaborations. It all starts with a clear understanding of the benefits of a strategic alliance.

Understanding Strategic Alliance Advantages

Like other collaboration models—joint ventures, M&A deals, simple contractual arrangements, and participation in digital ecosystems—strategic business alliances have unique advantages. Specifically, they:

  • Enable deeper collaboration compared with contractual deals
  • Take less effort to set up and resolve than joint ventures or M&A deals do
  • Allow partial collaboration—for example, limited to a geography, technology, or product
  • Let partners test the relationship, with the idea of possibly moving toward a more complex and deeper commitment, such as a joint venture

Strategic alliances also come with some disadvantages, including greater counter-party risks and less control over the partnership.

We help companies determine whether a strategic alliance is right for them. If it is, we support clients through every phase of the strategic alliance life cycle—from crafting a smart alliance strategy to establishing an office dedicated to their strategic alliance structure and setup.

Harnessing Strategic Alliances to Drive Innovation

Gözde Yalazi Özbek, a BCG managing director and partner, explains why more companies are forging strategic alliances—and how BCG helps clients drive innovation and create maximum value for all partners.

Why BCG Is the Right Choice for Strategic Alliances

We bring unique strengths to clients considering a strategic alliance and seeking to set up and manage such collaborations.

 

Meet Our Strategic Alliance Consulting Experts


Our Latest Thinking on Strategic Alliances and Business Collaborations

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We reveal five success factors that put companies in a strong position to profit from these collaborations.

The Six Stages of the Strategic Alliance Life Cycle

Alliance Strategy

Partner Screening

Partner Due Diligence

Negotiation

Alliance Design and Setup

Alliance Office Creation

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