To beat disruption, use partnerships, M&A and investments

Through mergers, alliances, partnerships and investments, consumer and retail incumbents are fortifying themselves against digital disruption: finding the expertise they need in data and analytics to gain customer attention and build loyalty, the well-springs of creative ingenuity to launch breakthrough products and services, and access to online sales platforms to connect with more customers. Many find themselves stronger and more competitive as a result.

Walmart’s response to digital disruption has been a game-changer for the company. After years of in-house efforts to build up its eCommerce capabilities, the global retailing giant turned to M&A in order to more rapidly advance its strategic eCommerce priorities. As a result of several strategic acquisitions, including Jet in 2016, the company is now number three among America’s biggest online retailers.

Walmart is not alone.

New KPMG report

KPMG’s report Consumer & Retail: beating disruption through partnerships, M&A and investments explores three key transaction strategies used by incumbents:

1. Strategic partnerships and alliances
2. Strategic M&A, and
3. Venture investing

Each of these is examined in turn, including the pitfalls and challenges, opportunities and best practices for realizing strategic and financial value. Read the full report