News
Retail must deliver digitally – PE investors are betting on technology as the most important lever for value creation (FTI Consulting Study)
Private equity (PE) investors are rethinking their priorities in retail. Instead of traditional efficiency programs, digital solutions are now seen as the main way to boost value. This is what a recent study by FTI Consulting found after talking to over 500 international PE decision-makers. In retail, technology is now ahead of supply chain and cost optimization as the main driver of value growth.
July 16, 2025
- New Insight
Global survey: AI and automation are moving to the center of company valuation / PE funds highlight the most important success factors for exit
Artificial intelligence and automation are increasingly determining the success of company exit. According to an international survey of 539 investment managers at private equity funds, the maturity of AI and automation in operational processes is the most important criterion for a successful exit – ahead of a scalable business model, which ranks second. In Europe, funds are significantly less satisfied with the implementation of AI solutions than in other regions of the world. These are the findings of a recent study by management consultancy FTI Consulting.
March 18, 2025
- New Insight
FTI-Andersch study: Consumer goods manufacturers planning to cut capacities and personnel
No other industry in Germany is planning to consolidate as much as the consumer goods industry. A quarter (26 percent) of the consumer goods manufacturers surveyed are undergoing restructuring, and another fifth are planning to do so in the short to medium term (20 percent). Eighty-four percent of consumer goods manufacturers will either cut jobs in Germany as a result of the restructuring or have already done so (54 percent). Half plan to reduce production capacities (50 percent), the other half are already implementing this (46 percent). These are the results of a survey conducted by the market research institute Verian (formerly: Kantar Public) on behalf of the management consultancy FTI-Andersch.
Retail must deliver digitally – PE investors are betting on technology as the most important lever for value creation (FTI Consulting Study)
Private equity (PE) investors are rethinking their priorities in retail. Instead of traditional efficiency programs, digital solutions are now seen as the main way to boost value. This is what a recent study by FTI Consulting found after talking to over 500 international PE decision-makers. In retail, technology is now ahead of supply chain and cost optimization as the main driver of value growth.
July 16, 2025
- New Insight
Global survey: AI and automation are moving to the center of company valuation / PE funds highlight the most important success factors for exit
Artificial intelligence and automation are increasingly determining the success of company exit. According to an international survey of 539 investment managers at private equity funds, the maturity of AI and automation in operational processes is the most important criterion for a successful exit – ahead of a scalable business model, which ranks second. In Europe, funds are significantly less satisfied with the implementation of AI solutions than in other regions of the world. These are the findings of a recent study by management consultancy FTI Consulting.
March 18, 2025
- New Insight
FTI-Andersch study: Consumer goods manufacturers planning to cut capacities and personnel
No other industry in Germany is planning to consolidate as much as the consumer goods industry. A quarter (26 percent) of the consumer goods manufacturers surveyed are undergoing restructuring, and another fifth are planning to do so in the short to medium term (20 percent). Eighty-four percent of consumer goods manufacturers will either cut jobs in Germany as a result of the restructuring or have already done so (54 percent). Half plan to reduce production capacities (50 percent), the other half are already implementing this (46 percent). These are the results of a survey conducted by the market research institute Verian (formerly: Kantar Public) on behalf of the management consultancy FTI-Andersch.
March 6, 2025
- New Insight
FTI Consulting - CFO Report 2025: Focus on cost reduction in Europe, global challenges in the strategic area
The three biggest challenges for Chief Financial Officers (CFO) in Europe: Geopolitical instability (70 percent), high volatility of energy costs (66 percent) and inflation (64 percent). These are the findings of a survey of 655 CFOs and finance decision-makers worldwide conducted as part of the Global CFO Report by management consultancy FTI Consulting. European CFOs currently spend most of their working hours on cost reduction (63 percent). Their challenges, priorities and work focus differ noticeably from their counterparts in North America and Asia.
February 12, 2025
- FTI-Andersch
Turnaround and private equity expert Sebastian Rudow is joining FTI-Andersch
Sebastian Rudow has been hired as a Senior Managing Director and Partner at FTI-Andersch, FTI Consulting's restructuring, business transformation and transactions specialist in Germany.He is moving from his role as Group CFO of SPIE TelCo Infrastructure (formerly ICG Group), a subsidiary of the French group SPIE S.A. He previously helped to oversee the sale of the telecommunications infrastructure service provider ICG from private equity fund H.I.G. to SPIE. At FTI-Andersch, he will be directly involved in the management of mandates in interim positions.
January 21, 2025
- FTI-Andersch
Financial services expert Christoph Söhngen becomes partner / Three additional partners and four managing directors appointed / FTI-Andersch continues to grow
Christoph Söhngen is the new Senior Managing Director and Partner at FTI-Andersch, FTI Consulting's German-based practice specializing in restructuring, business transformation and transactions. Söhngen joins FTI-Andersch from Porsche Consulting. In addition, FTI-Andersch has appointed three new partners and four new managing directors.
January 14, 2025
- New Insight
Current study: Machinery and plant manufacturers plan relocations / Half are planning or already implementing restructuring
One quarter (26 percent) of machinery and plant manufacturers are currently undergoing restructuring, and another quarter (24 percent) are planning to do so in the short to medium term. A large proportion of those planning a restructuring are considering fundamental changes: 58 percent want to strategically realign their business, 42 percent want to relocate and cut staff, and one in four plans to reduce production and service capacities.
December 7, 2024
- New Insight
Current Study: One in Three Retailers Anticipates Restructuring by Year-End / Jobs to Be Cut and Stores Closed
More than one in three retailers (36%) plans to implement or begin restructuring by the end of 2024. Four out of five retailers (83%) considering restructuring are also evaluating a strategic realignment of their business. Half of the respondents (50%) explicitly include workforce reductions in their plans as a key measure to cut costs. In comparison, one in four companies (26%) in the industrial sector plans to cut jobs. The survey focused on non-food retailers (excluding grocery retail)
November 27, 2024
- New Insight
One in four companies expects a “wave of insolvencies” / This is how companies are reacting now (Verian survey)
One in four (25 percent) companies sees the beginning of a wave of insolvencies in its industry or expects it within the next 24 months. German companies are taking countermeasures: around half (47 percent) are currently undergoing restructuring or are planning to do so in the near future. They are preparing very specifically for the loss of potential customers and suppliers.
November 12, 2024
- New Insight
Current Verian Study: Financing is a Major Challenge for Half of German Automotive Suppliers / Industry in Restructuring
Restructuring – Nearly half (44 percent) of the automotive supplier companies surveyed by the market research institute Verian (formerly: Kantar Public) on behalf of the consulting firm FTI-Andersch expect restructuring within their own company in the medium term.
July 3, 2024
- New Insight
Global CFO Report 2024: Low budgets and a lack of experts are slowing down the development of the finance sector
Improving reporting and analytical capabilities are currently the most important tasks of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs).This is according to 152 out of 400 (38 percent) CFOs surveyed by the management consultancy FTI-Andersch. Sufficient investment in innovative financial technology is also required to develop the finance function. However, four out of five CFOs complain about tight budgets (84 percent) and a lack of experts in this field (83 percent). These are the findings of the Global CFO Report 2024 by FTI-Andersch. 35 percent of CFOs spend the majority of their working time on operational processes Two out of three (67 percent) CFOs complain about insufficient support from management The shortage of skilled workers affects almost all companies (94 percent)
June 24, 2024
- New Insight
HHL survey: PE funds worry about company targets due to staff shortages / More positions filled on an interim basis
More than two thirds of private equity funds in Germany (69 percent) report difficulties in filling vacancies in their portfolio companies. The same number are worried that they will not achieve their corporate goals due to staff shortages (31 percent: 'partly' worried). This is despite the fact that 64 percent are planning to reduce staff in the next twelve months or have already done so. This is the result of a recent study by management consultants FTI-Andersch and the Centre for Corporate Transactions and Private Equity (CCTPE) at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management.
June 3, 2024
- FTI-Andersch
Chemicals and energy expert Stefan Van Thienen joins FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting has appointed Stefan Van Thienen as Senior Managing Director in the Corporate Finance and Restructuring division. He joins as a partner from Deloitte. Van Thienen is a renowned expert for complex transformation projects in the chemical industry.
May 6, 2024
- New Insight
Value Creation in Transactions: Increasing the sales value of companies
ncreasing the sales proceeds is a key objective for entrepreneurs and business owners on the sell-side of a successful transaction. Although the sale price also depends to a certain extent on external factors, some of which are difficult to influence, targeted measures can make a significant contribution to increasing the value of the company from an investor's perspective. It is crucial that relevant value drivers are sustainably strengthened in order to ensure the company's long-term success. The following applies: the more precisely "suitable" investors are identified in advance, the more specifically relevant value drivers can be served.
May 6, 2024
- Neue Insights
Value Creation in Transactions: Den Verkaufswert von Unternehmen steigern
Die Steigerung des Verkaufserlöses ist ein wesentliches Ziel für Unternehmer und Geschäftsinhaber auf der Verkaufsseite (Sell-Side) einer erfolgreichen Transaktion. Zwar hängt der Verkaufspreis anteilig auch von externen, teilweise wenig beeinflussbaren Faktoren ab – dennoch können gezielte Maßnahmen erheblich dazu beitragen, den Unternehmenswert aus Investorensicht zu steigern. Entscheidend ist dabei, dass relevante Werttreiber nachhaltig gestärkt werden, um den Unternehmenserfolg auch langfristig zu gewährleisten. Dabei gilt: Je genauer „passende“ Investoren vorab identifiziert werden, desto gezielter lassen sich relevante Werttreiber bedienen.
May 6, 2024
- Neue Insights
Value Creation in Transactions: Den Verkaufswert von Unternehmen steigern
Die Steigerung des Verkaufserlöses ist ein wesentliches Ziel für Unternehmer und Geschäftsinhaber auf der Verkaufsseite (Sell-Side) einer erfolgreichen Transaktion. Zwar hängt der Verkaufspreis anteilig auch von externen, teilweise wenig beeinflussbaren Faktoren ab – dennoch können gezielte Maßnahmen erheblich dazu beitragen, den Unternehmenswert aus Investorensicht zu steigern. Entscheidend ist dabei, dass relevante Werttreiber nachhaltig gestärkt werden, um den Unternehmenserfolg auch langfristig zu gewährleisten. Dabei gilt: Je genauer „passende“ Investoren vorab identifiziert werden, desto gezielter lassen sich relevante Werttreiber bedienen.
March 12, 2024
- New Insight
HHL survey: Portfolio companies of private equity funds perform worse than expected / Valuations under pressure
Only just under one in four private equity funds surveyed in Germany (23 percent) reported rising earnings (EBITDA) from their portfolio companies in the last twelve months. A large proportion had expected a different economic development: almost 40 percent of the funds stated that the EBITDA of their portfolio companies was below their own expectations. For almost half of the funds surveyed, the liquidity of the portfolio companies also developed worse than expected. This is the result of a recent study by management consultancy FTI-Andersch and the Centre for Corporate Transactions and Private Equity (CCTPE) at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management.
March 4, 2024
- New Insight
Lost in transformation? How retailers are successfully realigning their strategy
New season, new trends: Constant change has always been a core component of the business model of many retailers - and also an important sales driver. Whether fashion, sports equipment, toys or furniture - new social or technological trends, a new zeitgeist and far-reaching changes are quickly finding their way onto real and virtual sales floors.
January 16, 2024
- FTI-Andersch
FTI-Andersch appoints new partner and three directors
The management consultancy FTI-Andersch, which specializes in restructuring and transformation, has appointed Lukas Thesker as a new partner. Three new directors have also been appointed. FTI-Andersch's management team has thus grown to 23 (Senior) Managing Directors, who directly support the four-member Management Board.
December 18, 2023
- Award
FTI-Andersch is consulting champion in restructuring for the third time in a row
FTI-Andersch, a management consultancy specialising in restructuring and transformation, has once again been recognised for its leading consulting quality. The Scientific Society for Management and Consulting, headed by Professor Dr Dietmar Fink, has awarded FTI-Andersch the 'Hidden Champion of the Consulting Market' seal of approval in the restructuring category for the third time in a row.
November 7, 2023
- New Insight
Current Kantar survey: Companies are working on optimising working capital / Inventories in particular should now be reduced
77 percent of the manufacturing companies surveyed consider working capital management to be important in the current market phase (40 percent: very important). The reason: the continuing rise in interest rates and costs. Larger companies with more than 1,000 employees in particular are focusing on optimising their working capital (89 percent; 63 percent of companies with fewer than 1,000 employees). This is the result of a survey conducted by the market research institute Kantar Public on behalf of the management consultancy FTI-Andersch.
October 17, 2023
- New Insight
Why German Companies Should Prepare Now for the Next Challenge in the Energy Market
Despite dire predictions, Germany avoided an energy crisis last winter by radically changing its gas imports and significantly reducing energy consumption (not least as a result of the mild winter). Accordingly, energy prices have fallen sharply in recent months. However, companies should also prepare for the possibility of strong price increases this winter and start planning accordingly.
October 4, 2023
Current Kantar survey: Cost increases mainly affect automotive suppliers / Only a minority can pass on increases
Two-thirds (66 percent) of the manufacturing companies surveyed expect cost increases in the current business year. Thirteen per cent expect costs to rise by more than ten per cent, around half (53 per cent) by up to ten per cent. Particularly affected: German automotive suppliers, of which 73 percent report increased costs. 30 percent of the respondents report increases of more than ten percent. This is the result of a survey conducted by the market research institute Kantar Public on behalf of the management consultancy FTI-Andersch.
September 26, 2023
- New Insight
Three Questions Bankers Should Ask Companies Doing Business in Germany Now
What are German companies doing to prepare for a possible energy shock after last year’s surprisingly mild winter? Are they positioned for the long term?
September 19, 2023
- New Insight
Can Germany’s Retail Producers Find Relief From Economic Pressure?
Smaller firms that specialise in fast-moving consumer goods are facing unprecedented challenges following COVID-19 and the consumer crisis. What are their options for survival?
September 12, 2023
- New Insight
How European Auto Suppliers Should Think About the Future
Economic headwinds are stalling the recovery of the continent’s auto suppliers. What are the short-term and long-term actions they can take for survival — and growth?
August 31, 2023
Climate reporting: Majority of companies do not monitor and report adequately (Survey institute: Forsa)
Climate risks and opportunities: More than half (53 %) of the SMEs surveyed by the opinion research institute Forsa have not yet integrated the issue of CO2 into their internal control, risk and compliance management systems. One in five companies (20 %) do not plan to do so in the future. 60 % do not yet have any sustainability reporting. This is the result of a recent industry-wide survey of German companies in the SME sector conducted by the survey and opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of the management consultancy FTI-Andersch and Leuphana University Lüneburg.
August 23, 2023
Kantar survey: majority of German companies give Germany a negative rating as a business location location / 26 % consider relocating production capacities
An average grade of "three minus" (3.3) for Germany as an industrial location: this is the result of a survey of 150 German manufacturing companies in nine categories conducted by the market research institute Kantar Public on behalf of the management consultancy FTI-Andersch. Germany received the worst scores in the areas of energy prices and availability (4.0), regulation and bureaucracy (4.0) and the availability of skilled workers (3.9). 60 % of the companies surveyed stated that their image of Germany as a business location had changed negatively in the last two years.
August 21, 2023
Kantar survey: China rated more attractive than Germany - the favorite country outside Europe is the U.S.
Every second company in the manufacturing sector considers China an attractive location (very attractive: 8%). Only a minority (38 %, very attractive: 4 %) say the same about Germany. The favorite country outside Europe is the USA. Every fifth company (21 %) with expansion plans wants to invest there. This is the result of a survey conducted by the market research institute Kantar Public on behalf of the management consultancy FTI-Andersch.
June 6, 2023
- New Insight
CO2: With these measures, medium-sized companies reduce their emissions
German medium-sized companies are taking an active approach on climatesa protection: Only 17 % of the companies surveyed want to continue to forego the use of renewable energy sources. 71 % of the companies are working on the energetic refurbishment of their buildings, almost two thirds (63 %) of the manufacturing companies are currently developing production processes that are low in pollution and fuel consumption. But: only 40 % of the companies have so far developed a specific strategy on how they want to fight climate change. This is the result of a recent industry-wide survey of German medium-sized companies conducted by the survey and opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of the consulting firm FTI-Andersch and the Leuphana University of Lüneburg.
February 9, 2023
- New Insight
6% of listed German companies are in zombie status – dark figure higher
6% of German companies listed on the stock exchange are a so-called "zombie" – i.e. a company that has not been able to pay its interest from its operating result for three consecutive years. This is the result of our recent study of more than 2,900 companies listed on European stock exchanges (excluding banks and insurance companies).
November 24, 2022
- Award
Hidden Champion in Consulting
FTI-Andersch – number 1 again!
October 1, 2022
- FTI-Andersch
Mechanical engineering expert Thomas Enck joins FTI-Andersch
Previously, he was Sector Head for mechanical and plant engineering in Commerzbank's corporate banking business for many years.
September 21, 2022
- New Insight
Black Swans and Long-Term Thinking: How To Thrive in the Automotive Industry of Tomorrow
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted multiple industries, with it hitting automotive particularly hard. But in truth, for years now original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers have been facing unprecedented change driven by issues related to electrification, digitisation and autonomous driving that has forced them to undertake substantial modifications to their business model.
September 20, 2022
- New Insight
Kantar survey: How companies cope with material shortages and supply bottlenecks
How manufacturing companies want to build up new suppliers and bring back production
September 1, 2022
- FTI-Andersch
Automotive and industrial goods expert Heiko Rauscher joins FTI-Andersch
The transformation expert has many years of project experience in the areas of production, supply chain management, purchasing, operational excellence and product development.
August 1, 2022
- New Insight
Kantar survey: Fighting inflation
66 percent of companies in the manufacturing sector have raised prices across-the-board. Especially smaller companies are cancelling orders
June 30, 2022
- New Insight
Liquidity shortages: Only a minority of companies have taken early action
"Zombie companies" could trigger a domino effect
June 17, 2022
- New Insight
Global survey: German companies have prepared for the next crises
However, the war came unexpected
April 8, 2022
Global survey: Dealing with the climate crisis biggest ESG challenge
War in Ukraine highlights relevance of ESG criteria
April 7, 2022
- Interview
Developing approaches for coming months
Interview on the current situation of German companies
March 30, 2022
- Neue Insights
Neue Studie: Prioritäten von COOs haben sich geändert
Spannungsfeld aus Wachstum und operativen Herausforderungen
March 15, 2022
- New Insight
German family businesses learned ’crisis skills’ throughout the pandemic
FTI-Andersch & WHU study
February 2, 2022
- FTI-Andersch
FTI-Andersch expands Executive Board
Founder Tammo Andersch leads supervisory board
December 16, 2021
- Award
Number 1 in restructuring
FTI-Andersch is once again a 'Hidden Champion' of the consulting market.
November 30, 2021
- FTI-Andersch
FTI-Andersch wishes a Merry Christmas Season!
Thank you for your trust
November 25, 2021
- New Insight
Pandemic has had a noticeable impact on exits at PE funds
HHL and FTI-Andersch study: Focus during the crisis was on digitalization of the portfolio
October 12, 2021
- New Insight
German companies recognize pressure to change
However, they address it less decisively in an international comparison
September 24, 2021
- Award
FTI-Andersch voted as top employer in the field of management consulting
Current Squeaker Hidden Champions Ranking
September 20, 2021
- New Insight
The competitive city of the future
German cities will be competing with these global urban development projects in the future
August 26, 2021
- New Insight
Effects of COVID-19 on selected real estate markets
Retail, hotel and office segments as well as real estate financing under pressure
August 16, 2021
- New Insight
Shopping and eating habits post COVID-19
Food retail & gastronomy: Corona helped these trends break through
June 30, 2021
- New Insight
Business model transformation in stationary retail
International role models: How companies around the world have succeeded in developing their brick-and-mortar stores into places of experience
June 16, 2021
- New Insight
Retail in crisis
These seven challenges stationary retailers must tackle now to create a long-term perspective
April 20, 2021
- New Insight
Pulse Survey: Fashion 2021
Retailers, manufacturers and financiers disagree on their outlook
March 18, 2021
- New Insight
What added value does blockchain technology bring for your company?
This is how far the industries in Germany have come with the technology of the future - 5 case studies from German SMEs
March 12, 2021
- New Insight
The 7 big challenges for the German mechanical engineering industry
Has the German mechanical engineering industry missed out on important future trends?
January 28, 2021
- New Insight
The COVID-19 pandemic and German city centers
Retailers, restaurants, and the cultural and real estate sectors under pressure. Analysis of 52 cities: Which major German cities will recover better after the Corona crisis - and for whom it will leave a bigger mark
January 11, 2021
- FTI-Andersch
FTI-Andersch extends business areas
and expands brand identity
December 10, 2020
- FTI-Andersch
Warm Christmas greetings
from the entire Andersch team
September 22, 2020
- New Insight
International Corporate Rescue
COVID-19: A quick and effective, cost-efficient 'German Scheme'. Implementation of the EU Directive on Restructuring and Insolvency
September 16, 2020
- New Insight
Enhance performance – remain competitive
Performance Check: Do you know the strengths and weaknesses of your company in detail?
September 14, 2020
- New Insight
Real estate industry – the end of a success story?
How Corona changes the rule of the game
September 8, 2020
- New Insight
Between drought and COVID-19
Multiple burdens meet agrarian, food and wood industries. This is what farmers and foresters have to do now to make their businesses fit for the future
April 27, 2020
- New Insight
Preventive restructuring
Pragmatic approaches to achieving a time- and cost-efficient framework
March 20, 2020
- Award
Germany's best restructuring consultancy
Andersch again awarded as #1 by the German manager magazin
February 11, 2020
- New Insight
Digital Transformation in medium-sized and family businesses
Only a minority of German family-owned companies are already using future technologies - only a small majority use basic IT
January 29, 2020
- New Insight
Temporary employment – a sector with many challenges
New industry update released
December 19, 2019
Andersch was awarded the title “Hidden Champion”
as leading restructuring consultant in Germany
November 6, 2019
Wildfire in the steel industry?
New sector update published
October 16, 2019
German family businesses – more innovative than expected?!
Study in cooperation with WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management
August 22, 2019
- New Insight
Rough waters ahead for the German economy
Outlook to a difficult 2nd half-year 2019
August 8, 2019
- FTI-Andersch
FTI Consulting Completes Acquisition of Andersch
We are excited to join our new colleagues at FTI Consulting
July 18, 2019
- Award
Andersch: Germany's leading restructuring consultancy
Results of the IfUS-Study 2019
May 27, 2019
- New Insight
The (changing) business climate
Rising (credit) risks due to persistent heat waves
April 10, 2019
- New Insight
Framework for preventive restructuring
Appropriate entry requirements from a consultant's point of view
March 23, 2019
- Award
Germany's best restructuring consultancy
Andersch awarded as #1 by the German manager magazin
February 11, 2019
- New Insight
Fashion industry sector update
An industry in need of reinvention
January 14, 2019
- New Insight
Transforming furniture trade
as an opportunity for manufacturers
September 3, 2018
- FTI-Andersch
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