Finance Consulting Companies

Financial consultants provide financial advice to corporations and money managers. This advice may involve the strategies for creating shareholder value, business valuation, M&A advisory, economic forecasts and analysis or suggestions for Treasury management. Hot topics include valuation of internet companies, real options and corporate financial systems.

Firms involved in this growing area include:

Boston Consulting Group

HOLT Associates division offers advice on creating shareholder value and measuring return.

Hackett Group

Known for benchmarking treasury and finance functions against other companies.

Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin

Houlihan is a hybrid investment bank/consulting firm that combines creative M&A advisory with top notch valuation work.

Ibbotson Associates

Provides consulting on the cost of equity and known for publishing annual guides to asset returns around the world. Also offers asset allocation software to securities firms and the pension planning industry.

LEK Consulting

Focuses on strategy with a financial lens. Known for pioneering work in shareholder value consulting and M&A advisory.

Marakon

A top notch value-based management shop that focuses on deep divisional value enhancement and executive performance.

McKinsey & Co.

Does lots of M&A studies and corporate finance advisory.

Monitor

Does excellent work in real options, capital efficiency, M&A studies and corporate finance.

Stern Stewart & Co.

Provides EVA methodology for shareholder value creation. (EVA is a trademark of Stern Stewart). The company also works with companies on corporate finance strategies for enhancing value (e.g. share repurchases, dividend cuts).