Here today, gone tomorrow? Securing lasting business value takes careful planning and a steady hand
Here at L.E.K. Consulting, we are on a mission to make operational due dilligence (ODD) a crucial part of every M&A process.
Investing in ODD early in the M&A pipeline gives buyers a clear view of the business they are targeting and the ability to make informed decisions about the acquisition. By uncovering potential operational risks and opportunities, ODD puts the power in the hands of the buyer and helps to drive lasting value long after the deal is signed, sealed and delivered.
Your M&A toolbox
Commercial Due Diligence
Independent, fact-based analysis of an acquisition target’s most pressing commercial issues. CDD interrogates the market landscape, giving voice to the consumer’s perspective and assessing the competitive dynamics at play. Designed to deliver a true picture of the target’s market position, its strengths and its weaknesses, CDD gives buyers the confidence they need to take the next step.
More about L.E.K. and its CDD credentialsOperational Due Diligence
A rapid, analytically driven evaluation of your M&A target’s operational fitness. Gives you a robust picture of the operational performance and the scalability of the business, and its ability to achieve its business plan, along with opportunities to enhance margin and maximise value. ODD also evaluates weaknesses and potential issues, helping you to minimise and mitigate risk and secure lasting value.
More about L.E.K. and its ODD credentialsVendor Due Diligence
Designed with successful private equity exit in mind, VDD gives owners and managers the opportunity to craft a compelling investment thesis and narrative, and refine and strengthen the business plan in place. Spotting new sources of ‘upside’ for the business as well as identifying potential ‘deal-breakers’ and developing strategies to mitigate these helps to give buyers a clear and powerful picture when combining commercial and operational VDDs.
More about L.E.K. and its VDD credentialsClear expertise across multiple sectors and service lines
Click on a link to learn more about our work in the sector or service line that you call home
Discover the difference ODD has already made
Laying the Foundations for Industrial Transformation
A financial sponsor engaged L.E.K. to conduct operational due diligence on a prospective specialty chemical acquisition.
Read our articleA Smart Scaling Approach Aligning Industrial Capacity with Ambitious Growth
A strategic investor engaged us to validate the operational readiness of a MedTech manufacturing platform being considered for acquisition.
Read our articleUncovering Full Potential Through End-to-End Vendor Due Diligence
A comprehensive review of growth, operations, and capital efficiency was conducted to challenge the business plan and reveal the company's full potential prior to a possible exit.
Read our articleDownload our report
Register to receive a copy of our latest survey findingsSign up for our webinar
21 October 2025 | 2:00PM (BST)
Hear from L.E.K. Consulting’s experts as they share how combining operational and commercial insights provides the full picture in private equity. This webinar offers actionable strategies for linking strategy with execution, tailoring diligence to the investment thesis and stress-testing feasibility and pace. Gain practical perspectives on de-risking the acquisition plan, supporting scalable growth and delivering stronger returns in 2025 and beyond.
Register nowFind out more about our team
Nimble enough to take a holistic approach but detailed enough to deliver an evidence-based picture with actionable recommendations. To hear more about our ODD work or to tell us about your M&A ambitions, please get in touch with the team.
Jean-Philippe Grosmaitre, L.E.K. Partner
ODD is a key part of our comprehensive M&A tool kit and a must-have for any potential buyer looking to make an efficient and successful transaction. Our dedicated team works across sectors with buyers who see the clear value of comprehensive assessment through an expert independent lens.
Connect with Jean-Philippe Grosmaitre.
Claudio Molinaro, L.E.K. Partner
ODD bridges the gap between Commercial DD and Financial DD to assess value creation potential. It really helps our client to out-perform competitors while de-risking the deal despite information assymetry. It is the most hands-on part of deal support, as it enables to prepare a value creation plan that will align buyer and management from day 1.
Connect with Claudio Molinaro.
Tom Marshall, L.E.K. Partner
ODD requires a specific set of skills to assess operational performance. This is why we have a dedicated team, with background in operational excellence, production, financial controlling, procurement, HR, IT, etc. Combining CDD and ODD enables L.E.K. to cover the full equity story with consistent and relevant value creation levers, seamless.
Connect with Tom Marshall.
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Find out how L.E.K. can help you with your business needs.