Adapting business strategies in Life Sciences

The role of strategy consulting in M&A success

In the fast-moving world of biotech companies, adapting strategies is key. The same is true for biotech companies in Switzerland, especially as they go through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Strategy consulting plays an important role in this process by helping companies navigate the challenges of M&A and ensuring that their strategies are aligned with their business goals.

But, the journey doesn't end there.

It is also important to understand the target market and do thorough research. These steps are essential for developing a strong business strategy in the pharmaceutical industry.

Digital transformation efforts also come into play, as they improve efficiency and foster innovation. This is where Life Sciences consulting companies such as KPMG can help.

This article explores these topics and highlights the role of strategy consulting in M&A success. It provides an overview of the Life Sciences industry for business leaders to help them adapt their strategies for success in the market.

Roger van den Heuvel

Partner, EMA Life Sciences Strategy Lead

KPMG Switzerland

The importance of strategy consulting in biotech M&A

In biotech M&A, strategy consulting is essential. It supports companies in achieving seamless transitions during complex mergers or acquisitions. This field requires careful planning and alignment.

  1. Synergies and Adaptation

    Consultants guide businesses to identify synergies and potential pitfalls. They help companies adapt to changing market conditions and align with their business goals. This ensures long-term growth and post-merger stability.

  2. Thorough Evaluations

    Strategy consultants also provide a thorough evaluation of potential M&A targets. They assess the companies’ financial health and cultural fit, with a focus on minimizing risks. These evaluations form the basis of informed decision-making.

  3. Regulatory Compliance

    In addition, navigating the regulatory landscape can be daunting for biotech companies. Strategy consultants provide expert advice on how to ensure compliance with industry standards and reduce legal risks during the M&A process.

Overall, strong strategy consulting helps biotech firms strengthen their competitive edge. By aligning the right strategies with M&A activities, companies position themselves for long-term success.

Aligning M&A with business goals and objectives

Aligning M&A with business goals is vital for biotech success. Strategic planning ensures that mergers support long-term objectives and core values. This alignment drives both profitability and innovation.

Having clear goals allows business leaders to make informed decisions, guiding how resources are allocated and which priorities are set. A focused approach increases the chances of a successful merger or acquisition.

Consultants play a key role in this process. They ensure that M&A is seamlessly aligned with both current and future goals. Such alignment fosters synergies and increases overall value.


Develop market strategies and understand target audiences

Understanding the market is crucial in developing a biotech M&A strategy. Thorough market research offers insights into trends, opportunities and threats. It helps identify key value propositions.

Equally important is an understanding of the target audience. This knowledge helps shape product or service design and strategic plans, to make sure they are relevant.

To succeed, companies need to understand the needs and preferences of their target group.

To achieve this, consider the following:

  • Analyze demographic data and market trends
  • Identify competitors and their strategies
  • Evaluate customer feedback and purchasing behavior.

Market insights help guide companies through the complexities of M&A. They ensure that strategies resonate with audiences and drive business goals.


Developing a successful business strategy for the pharmaceutical industry

Developing a successful company strategy for the pharmaceutical industry requires foresight and agility. Leaders need to anticipate market shifts and regulatory changes to stay ahead. In such a dynamic environment, adapting quickly can be a game changer.

  1. Strategic Planning

    Strategic planning involves setting clear goals that are aligned with the company’s overall objectives. This ensures that every decision supports the business’s larger aims. Strategic foresight helps navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape.

  2. Driving Innovation

    Innovation is a cornerstone of success in the pharmaceutical industry. Companies have to continually update their products or services to meet emerging health needs. This not only satisfies customer demand but also helps maintain a competitive edge.

  3. Fostering Partnerships

    Building strong partnerships is also important. Collaborations can expand capabilities and market reach, increasing overall value. Such alliances are key assets in a globalizing market.

In such a competitive field, standing out with a unique value proposition is essential. It helps build a strong market presence and fosters long-term customer relationships. Strategic differentiation can transform a Life Sciences pharmaceutical company into an industry leader.


The role of digital transformation in biotech

Digital transformation is reshaping the biotech landscape. Innovative technologies boost operational efficiency and enhance research capabilities. They enable companies to maintain a competitive edge in a fast-paced market.

By adopting digital solutions, biotech companies can streamline their processes. Automation and data analytics make decision-making faster and more effective, driving innovation. Integrating these technologies is key to long-term success.

In addition, a well-planned digital transformation strategy can improve customer engagement. Connecting with stakeholders through digital platforms helps build stronger relationships and trust. Being tech-savvy is essential for meeting the changing customer expectations.

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Digital Transformation

Our KPMG Digital Transformation team supports clients with the entire IT life cycle from strategy creation to technology and supplier selection, contracting, designing target organizations and technology implementation.


Allocating resources for competitive advantage

Strategic resource allocation is critical for biotech firms. It ensures that investments are aligned with business goals and objectives. Effective allocation can drive competitive advantage and enhance market success.

Leaders need to assess where resources will have the greatest impact. Focusing on high-potential initiatives helps ensure funds are used effectively. This assessment supports the achievement of long-term goals.

Additionally, aligning resource allocation with key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial. This alignment boosts productivity and maximizes profit margins. Thoughtful resource allocation is key to sustainable growth in the biotech industry.


Key performance indicators (KPIs) and profit margins

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential for measuring a biotech investment's success. KPIs provide a clear picture of how well strategies are aligned with business goals. They help track progress and ensure long-term sustainability.

Biotech leaders must focus on KPIs that directly impact profit margins. Strategic adjustments can be made by understanding which metrics matter most. This focus is crucial in optimizing operational performance and financial outcomes.

Critical KPIs for biotech firms may include:

  1. Revenue growth and market share expansion
  2. Operational efficiency and cost management
  3. Innovation and product development cycle time

 

By monitoring these KPIs, companies can take a proactive approach to business challenges. They can respond quickly to underperformance, stay competitive and support both profitability and strategic growth.


Quarterly insights: Key M&A deals and financial metrics in the biotech sector

What happened in the deal landscape in the last quarter?

The M&A market experienced a slowdown in Q4, with total deal value of USD 5.6 billion compared to USD 7.7 billion in the previous quarter.

Notable deals included Sanofi, focused on active immunology and vaccines, selling global rights to Enjaymo to Recordati and entering into exclusive negotiations to sell a 50% stake in Opella Healthcare Group, its consumer healthcare business.

On the VC & growth capital side, investments continued to grow to USD 3.2 billion, driven by first-in-class oncology, immunology and metabolic therapeutics. 

Three European follow-on and equity offerings in excess of USD 150 million were completed, with the second consecutive radiopharmaceutical company, Oncoinvent (OL:ONCIN), going public in the European markets.

Read our quarterly updates and dive into the latest deals and developments shaping the Life Sciences landscape across Europe.

European Life Sciences deals, Overview Q4 2024 & Outlook 2025

European Life Sciences deals

Overview Q4 2024 & Outlook 2025


Developing a robust business plan for your Life Sciences strategy

A strong business plan is the key to success in the biotech sector. It provides a clear foundation for strategic decisions and helps engage stakeholders. A well-defined plan outlines the company’s vision, goals and the steps required to achieve them.

Business leaders should adapt their plans to the changing nature of Life Sciences. Flexibility is key to adapting to market shifts and regulatory changes, helping companies remain relevant and competitive.

A good plan should include both long-term and short-term goals. It should also address resource allocation, innovation, and market expansion. This ensures that biotech companies can achieve strong growth and resilience.


Conclusion: The transformation process and future outlook

Biotech companies must navigate an ever-changing landscape. With mergers and acquisitions playing a key role in gaining competitive advantage, strategic advice is essential to guide this transformation.

The integration of strategic planning and digital transformation is essential. It fosters innovation and improves operational efficiency. By focusing on adaptability, global Life Sciences companies can effectively respond to emerging challenges.

Looking ahead, biotech firms need to prioritize continuous learning. Keeping pace with technological advances and regulatory changes is vital. A proactive approach will help ensure resilience and sustainable growth in the competitive M&A pharmaceutical industry.


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Meet our experts

Roger van den Heuvel

Partner, EMA Life Sciences Strategy Lead

KPMG Switzerland

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