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.
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:
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.
We bring unique strengths to clients considering a strategic alliance and seeking to set up and manage such collaborations.
Our teams have conducted approximately 500 alliance and joint-venture projects in the last five years, around the globe and across a diverse array of industries. We have more than 25 experienced partners dedicated to strategic alliances and joint ventures, along with a team of analysts.
Our suite of proprietary resources includes an extensive database of all strategic alliances and joint ventures formed in the last 30 years; SynergyDatabase and SynergyBuilder to support financial baselining, synergy target setting, and methodology planning; a survey to assess cultural fit between two alliance partners; and our iTSR-based tool for aligning business, investor, and financial strategies.
BCG’s experts apply a six-step strategic alliance framework covering all phases of the alliance life cycle.
Corporate-led sustainability alliances can be a secret weapon in the drive to create system-level change. We discovered ten factors that separate high-impact CSAs from the rest.
More companies are forging strategic alliances as they seek competitive advantage. Here’s what they must do to build and manage them successfully.
We reveal five success factors that put companies in a strong position to profit from these collaborations.
An early and candid assessment of the two parties' strategic objectives, organizational cultures, and capabilities can sweeten the odds of success.
