As 2024 comes to a close, many leaders may feel there’s still time to plan for 2025. However, the most successful organizations are those that begin strategizing now, ensuring the right resources are in place. All good plans risk failure without proper resource planning—and it's never too early to engage the right partners.
Investment bankers are predicting a significant rise in M&A activity in 2025. According to KPMG’s mid-year survey, 57% of dealmakers expect 2025 to surpass 2024 in terms of deal volume, while private equity firms are even more optimistic, with 84% predicting 2025 will be busier than 2024. This surge is driven by improving market conditions, potential interest rate reductions, and an eagerness from companies to deploy capital into strategic investments(KPMG)(EY US).
EY also forecasts a 20% increase in U.S. corporate M&A activity in 2024, with continued growth expected into 2025. CEOs are increasingly eyeing acquisitions and divestitures to position their companies for long-term success(EY US). This anticipated uptick means leaders must be ready, not just from a financial perspective, but with the right human capital to navigate these complex transitions. Successfully managing M&A requires strong teams and external partners to ensure smooth integration, change management, and communication.
Early Engagement with External Partners is Crucial
For any major initiative—whether it’s M&A integration, pre-IPO diligence, technology upgrades, or other transformations—early involvement of external partners significantly increases the likelihood of success. McKinsey reports that 70% of large-scale transformations fail, often due to reliance solely on internal resources. Studies show that bringing in external experts early can reduce project delays by 30% and improve overall outcomes by 20%(Deloitte United States). External partners offer fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, and the extra bandwidth needed to ensure flawless execution.
Deloitte found that companies aligning external support with their strategic goals from the start are far more likely to meet critical milestones on time and within budget. Strategic initiatives such as technology implementation, M&A activity, or workforce restructuring should be planned well in advance for a Q1 kickoff to avoid delays and bottlenecks(EY US)(Deloitte United States).
While every company’s journey is unique, the value of external partners lies in their ability to augment internal teams, bring best practices, and ensure seamless execution. Many of the top human capital firms have helped countless organizations navigate complex transitions by offering the right blend of expertise and flexibility. This approach is often the difference between success and failure.
It’s About More Than Just the Budget
While budget constraints are always a concern, successful leaders know that financial planning is only part of the equation. It’s crucial to consider the impact on your existing team, the communication strategies that will drive alignment, and the change management efforts needed to ensure adoption. McKinsey has shown that one of the key reasons transformations fail is due to employee resistance and lack of management support. Meanwhile, organizations with strong change management practices are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers(Deloitte United States).
Additionally, PwC reports that companies prioritizing employee development see a 17% higher return on investment compared to those that do not(EY US). This underscores the importance of investing in people—not just in terms of financial capital, but in ensuring that your workforce is equipped to execute your strategic vision.
The Best Investment You Can Make
As we prepare for 2025, remember that successful transformations aren’t just about selecting the right strategic initiatives—they’re about ensuring you have the right resources in place to execute them. Leveraging the expertise of external partners positions you not only for immediate success but for long-term growth. Whether it’s identifying the right talent for key roles or providing subject matter experts for project execution, the support you engage can make all the difference.
Ultimately, investing in people is the smartest decision a company can make. Your strategy is only as strong as the team behind it, and getting this right is not just important—it’s essential.
About Advanced Resources
Advanced Resources partners with leading organizations providing consulting and staffing services. Advanced Resources specializes in two critical business areas: human resources and accounting & finance.
Over the past 30+ years, Advanced Resources has been recognized as a perennial Top Workplace while helping clients secure the best talent to meet their hiring goals.
The team of Advanced Resources is comprised of accomplished industry professionals who understand people are the heart of all organizations. Advanced Resources offers a personalized approach and proven processes to help with strategy staffing execution.
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