I'm trying to understand some concrete examples of what a synergy might be in an M&A case. On the revenue side, I get how cross-selling would work but I'm struggling to understand how product compliments or R&D synergies might work. Could someone give an example of each?
Back to overview
33
M&A cases - synergy examples
1
7.6k
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Vlad
on May 01, 2019
Coach
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi,
For Synergies Calculation cases you can use the following structure:
- Revenue synergies - here you calculate the synergies in price and quantity (depending on the case it may be new geographies, new products, new distribution channels, bigger share on shelves crosselling opportunities, etc.)
- Cost synergies - typically you use a value chain structure tailored to the industry (e.g. supply-production-distribution-marketing-after sales support)
- Capital synergies (Not relevant for consulting interviews. But you should mention them if applying to private equity)
- Risks - major risks that can decrease the synergies (tip: don't underestimate the merging companies culture factor)
- Total synergies potential in $, adjusted by risk (probability of failure)
R&D synergies - product IPs that one company has if another company can produce this product. Not sure what you mean exactly by product compliments. But for example a whiskey producer will have synergies with bottle or packaging manufacturer
Best
0 comments
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Issue Tree vs. Action Plan in Case Interview Structure
16
on Jul 25, 2026
Global
7
200+
Top answer by
Alessandro
Coach
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
7 Answers
200+ Views
+4
McKinsey PEI
12
on Jul 25, 2026
DACH
5
100+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
5 Answers
100+ Views
+2
BCG Experienced Consultant Northeast US
12
on Jul 25, 2026
USA
5
100+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
5 Answers
100+ Views
+2
How Can I Get Better at Structuring McKinsey Case Interviews?
13
on Jul 26, 2026
Middle East
7
200+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
7 Answers
200+ Views
+4
Conflicting McKinsey Cooling-Off Guidance
12
on Jul 27, 2026
Middle East
3
100+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
3 Answers
100+ Views