Mergers & Acquisitions

Strategic guidance through consolidation, succession, and growth

About M&A

The South African financial services industry is experiencing a significant wave of consolidation. For small to medium-sized Financial Services Providers (FSPs), this shift presents a dual reality: opportunity and complexity.

Whether the goal is expansion through acquisition, a synergistic merger, or a well-planned exit, the M&A landscape demands clarity, strategy, and deep sector expertise. Navigating this environment requires an understanding of both the commercial potential and the risks that can accompany such transitions.

Mergers and acquisitions within the FSP sector involve a distinct set of challenges:

Cultural Fit: Aligning the values and working styles of different businesses is critical to integration. Failure to do so can jeopardise long-term success.
Valuation Accuracy: Fair and defensible valuations depend on a clear assessment of assets, liabilities, and future cash flows.
Deal Structuring and Negotiation: Complex legal and financial terms require careful navigation to protect value on both sides.
Succession Planning: Many deals are closely tied to leadership transition. Ensuring continuity of operations and client relationships is essential.
Exit Strategy Design: Maximising business value at the point of exit requires thoughtful planning well in advance.
Terms and Conditions: Payment structures, earn-outs, and integration responsibilities must be clearly defined and appropriately negotiated.

FI Consult provides M&A advisory services specifically tailored to the needs of all sizes of FSPs, whether buying or selling. Our approach covers the full deal lifecycle:

Strategic assessment and opportunity mapping
Identification of acquisition targets or merger partners
Financial, legal, and operational due diligence
Independent valuation using market data and modelling
Deal negotiation and counterparty engagement
Contract review and risk identification
Post-transaction integration and change management
Succession planning and exit design

Each engagement is grounded in industry insight and an understanding of the practical realities facing advisory businesses. The objective is simple: to ensure every deal supports the long-term goals of the businesses and the people behind them

Head of M&A - Marc Du Plooy

Marc du Plooy brings over two decades of board-level and executive experience within the South African financial services industry, making him uniquely equipped to lead FI Consult’s M&A offering. As a former CEO and Director, he has personally executed multiple acquisitions, mergers, and succession transitions, giving him an insider’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities that owner-managed and medium-sized firms face in a consolidating market. His track record includes hands-on involvement in governance, risk oversight, shareholder relations, and remuneration structures, all within the context of regulated financial services businesses.

Marc’s approach combines strategic clarity with an understanding of the emotional and operational realities behind every deal. He is known for his sharp financial acumen, independent thinking, and ability to align transaction structure with long-term value. His work is informed by a deep understanding of valuation, compliance, integration planning, and board dynamics, making him a trusted advisor to businesses navigating high-stakes M&A activity.