Embrace a culture of financial perpetual innovation, setting your organization on a path to unmatched levels of sustainable and profitable growth. Mergers & Acquisitions, Credit Risk Analysis, Capital Allocation, Divestment Strategy and Numerous Others
experienced aggregate deal value compared to the previous year in the telecommunication, media, and technology sector.
of CFOs believe their capital allocation processes need improvement, with 42% citing insufficient data as a major barrier
financial risk management software market is projected to grow from $3.68 billion in 2024 to$10.79 billion by 2032.
About 68% of CFOs plan to increase their investment in advanced risk management technologies over the next two years, including AI and machine learning tools.
Entering a new market, particularly in a foreign context like Bangladesh, requires a holistic approach that considers various factors influencing success. With a population of over 160 million and a rapidly growing economy, Bangladesh presents significant opportunities for foreign companies. However, understanding the complexities of the local market is crucial for developing an effective entry strategy.
First and foremost, it’s essential to grasp the economic drivers shaping Bangladesh. The country has experienced consistent economic growth, averaging 6-6.5% annually over the past decade. This growth is driven by sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and services, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment. The government offers various incentives for foreign direct investment (FDI), including tax holidays and duty exemptions on imports for certain sectors. Understanding these economic drivers is essential for positioning your business effectively.
Equally important are the cultural nuances that influence consumer behavior in Bangladesh. The market is shaped by unique social dynamics where personal relationships play a vital role in business dealings. Building trust with local partners and customers is crucial for long-term success. Companies must adapt their marketing strategies to resonate with local values and preferences, which may differ significantly from those in their home countries.
Navigating the regulatory environment in Bangladesh can also be complex. Foreign companies must comply with local laws regarding business registration, taxation, labor regulations, and environmental standards. Engaging local legal experts can facilitate compliance and help avoid potential pitfalls associated with regulatory non-compliance.
For foreign companies looking to establish a presence in Bangladesh, market research and feasibility studies are essential tools. These processes help assess market demand, pricing sensitivity, and potential barriers to entry, providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making.According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the country has witnessed a 6.94% GDP growth rate in recent years, indicating a robust economic environment. However, this diverse population has varying tastes and purchasing power influenced by cultural norms and economic conditions.
Feasibility studies complement market research by evaluating the practicality and viability of a business idea within the target market. These studies assess various dimensions, including financial requirements, operational capabilities, and regulatory compliance. A well-conducted feasibility study can help mitigate risks associated with new market entry by identifying potential challenges early on.In Bangladesh, feasibility studies often focus on several key areas:
To effectively conduct market research and feasibility studies in Bangladesh, it is beneficial to engage local consulting firms with expertise in the region. These firms possess valuable insights into consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, and industry trends that can significantly enhance the quality of research conducted.
In Bangladesh, local businesses are particularly receptive to joint ventures where the foreign partner supplies foreign exchange capital and technology, while the local partner contributes land, real estate, and an understanding of the domestic market. In H1 2024 alone, Bangladeshi startups raised USD 19 million across 22 deals despite facing a 57% decline from H1 2023 due to global funding slowdowns. However, local investments showed resilience with a notable 2.4x increase from Q1 to Q2 2024, indicating growing investor confidence in the market.
Additionally, sectors such as regulatory technology (regtech) are experiencing significant growth. The regtech industry in Bangladesh is projected to grow by 33.9% annually to reach approximately USD 151.63 million in 2024.
The process of forming a joint venture in Bangladesh typically involves several steps:
Successful examples of joint ventures in Bangladesh include collaborations such as A.K. Khan-Penfabric Company Limited, which focuses on textile production with Penfabric Malaysia, and TM International Bangladesh Ltd., a significant player in telecommunications.
Licensing is another viable strategy for foreign companies aiming to enter the Bangladeshi market. In this arrangement, a foreign company grants permission to a local firm to produce or sell its products under its brand name in exchange for royalties or fees. This approach allows businesses to expand their reach without incurring the costs associated with establishing a physical presence. The advantages of licensing include:
Franchising is similar to licensing but typically involves a more structured relationship where the franchisor provides a complete business model, including branding, training, and operational support. This model is particularly effective in sectors like food and beverage, retail, and hospitality.
In Bangladesh, franchising has gained traction as a means for foreign brands to enter the market while maintaining control over their brand image and operational standards. Successful franchises can benefit from:
In Bangladesh, export activities are governed by various policies and regulations, including the Export Policy 2021-2024 and guidelines set forth by the Bangladesh Bank. These regulations dictate the necessary documentation, compliance requirements, and procedures that must be followed to ensure successful exports.
For instance, according to the Export Policy 2021-2024, exporters must adhere to specific conditions regarding prohibited goods and conditional exports. Goods that are prohibited cannot be exported unless otherwise stated, while certain products may require fulfilling specific conditions before exportation. This policy framework is crucial for export agents to understand as it directly impacts their operations and the advice they provide to foreign clients.
Export agents must be well-versed in the documentation required for exporting goods from Bangladesh. Key documents include:
By acting as intermediaries, export agents streamline transactions between foreign companies and local buyers. They manage negotiations, logistics, and communication throughout the export process. This efficiency not only saves time but also reduces operational risks associated with entering a new market.
Export agents possess established relationships with local distributors, retailers, and customs officials. These connections are invaluable in overcoming barriers to entry and ensuring that products reach consumers efficiently. By leveraging these networks, export agents can help foreign companies navigate challenges that may arise during the export process.
Local public relations (PR) is crucial for businesses operating in Bangladesh, a rapidly growing economy characterized by a unique cultural landscape and dynamic market conditions.
Local PR is critical for several reasons:
At Shubhankar Consulting, we specialize in developing tailored local PR strategies that align with your business objectives. Here’s how we can assist you:
In an era where 76% of companies fail to achieve their growth targets, successful businesses are distinguished by their ability to make data-driven decisions. Our consulting firm transforms complex business challenges into strategic opportunities, helping organizations achieve sustainable growth through precise diagnostics, robust financial planning, and execution-focused strategy.
By combining advanced analytics with deep industry expertise, we empower organizations to:
In today’s dynamic market, where 65% of companies underperform in resource deployment, capital allocation stands as the cornerstone of business success. More than just distributing funds, it’s the strategic art of optimizing your financial resources to fuel sustainable growth and maximize shareholder value.
Capital allocation drives your organization’s future through:
Strategic assessment of investment opportunities
Data-driven resource prioritization
Continuous performance monitoring and optimization
Risk-calibrated portfolio management
Value-creation initiatives
The stakes are high: Companies with superior capital allocation strategies achieve 2.5x higher total shareholder returns compared to their peers. Our research shows that effective capital allocation can:
Increase return on invested capital (ROIC) by up to 35%
Reduce capital waste by 28%
Accelerate growth initiatives by 40%
Enhance market valuation multiples by 25%
1. Strategic Alignment
Align investments with long-term strategic objectives
Balance growth initiatives with operational needs
Optimize resource distribution across business units
2. Risk-Adjusted Returns
Evaluate opportunities through sophisticated risk-return analysis
Apply portfolio theory to capital decisions
Maintain flexibility for market shifts
3. Performance Measurement
Track and measure investment outcomes
Implement real-time monitoring systems
Adjust strategies based on performance data
4. Value Creation
Focus on long-term shareholder value
Balance organic growth with strategic acquisitions
Optimize working capital deployment
Empowering Leaders to Make Strategic Choices
Every decision shapes the future of your organization. When faced with high-stakes, far-reaching challenges, a fresh, independent perspective can be invaluable.
At Shubhankar & Co., our expert team leverages proven frameworks to provide clarity, quantify risks, and highlight the best path forward. From optimizing capital allocation to creating stakeholder value, we partner with you to ensure every decision drives measurable impact.
Key Questions We Help Answer:
Are we positioned for growth with the right mix of businesses?
Should we pursue acquisitions or divestitures to strengthen our portfolio?
How can we maximize shareholder returns: share buybacks, dividends, or reinvestment?
Is our capital structure optimized for resilience and growth?
Can we disrupt ourselves before competitors do?
Our services go beyond advice – we deliver actionable insights powered by data, helping you make confident, evidence-backed decisions.
A regular review is essential, but specific conditions demand a deeper, more rigorous evaluation:
Digital transformation: Technology disruptions impact over 80% of industries globally.
Market shifts: Rapid consolidation in industries like telecom and energy increased M&A activity by 15% in 2023 alone.
Restructuring needs: Companies restructuring typically see a 20-30% improvement in operating margins.
Leadership transitions: New leadership often redefines priorities, creating opportunities for strategic realignment.
Situational Analysis:
Drawing from industry data and your unique position, we analyze market trends, competitive benchmarks, and financial health.
Market Trends & Outlook: Anticipating shifts in demand and disruption.
Competitive Positioning: Comparing your strengths with industry leaders.
Firepower Analysis: Evaluating M&A readiness using cash reserves, debt, and market value.
Strategic Alternatives:
Using dynamic visualizations and valuation methodologies, we assess the value and risks of each option. This includes:
Optimizing capital structures
Strategic acquisitions or divestitures
Disruptive growth initiatives
Finding the Right Way Forward:
From ideation to execution, we guide you through every step, including tax structuring, financing, and implementation strategies.
In Bangladesh, local businesses are particularly receptive to joint ventures where the foreign partner supplies foreign exchange capital and technology, while the local partner contributes land, real estate, and an understanding of the domestic market. In H1 2024 alone, Bangladeshi startups raised USD 19 million across 22 deals despite facing a 57% decline from H1 2023 due to global funding slowdowns. However, local investments showed resilience with a notable 2.4x increase from Q1 to Q2 2024, indicating growing investor confidence in the market.
Additionally, sectors such as regulatory technology (regtech) are experiencing significant growth. The regtech industry in Bangladesh is projected to grow by 33.9% annually to reach approximately USD 151.63 million in 2024.
The process of forming a joint venture in Bangladesh typically involves several steps:
Successful examples of joint ventures in Bangladesh include collaborations such as A.K. Khan-Penfabric Company Limited, which focuses on textile production with Penfabric Malaysia, and TM International Bangladesh Ltd., a significant player in telecommunications.
Licensing is another viable strategy for foreign companies aiming to enter the Bangladeshi market. In this arrangement, a foreign company grants permission to a local firm to produce or sell its products under its brand name in exchange for royalties or fees. This approach allows businesses to expand their reach without incurring the costs associated with establishing a physical presence. The advantages of licensing include:
Franchising is similar to licensing but typically involves a more structured relationship where the franchisor provides a complete business model, including branding, training, and operational support. This model is particularly effective in sectors like food and beverage, retail, and hospitality.
In Bangladesh, franchising has gained traction as a means for foreign brands to enter the market while maintaining control over their brand image and operational standards. Successful franchises can benefit from:
Adapt. Forecast. Thrive.
In a world of uncertainty, businesses must stay ahead of disruptions. From navigating pandemics to addressing supply chain shocks, we help companies make data-driven, strategic decisions to safeguard their future.
At Shubhankar & Co., our expertise lies in empowering businesses with cutting-edge scenario planning and forecasting tools. We turn uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring resilience and growth even in the most volatile environments.
Advanced Scenario Planning
Stress Testing: Evaluate the financial impact of downside risks and upside opportunities.
Dynamic Modeling: Simulate rapid changes in customer demand, supply chain stability, and macroeconomic factors.
Hypothesis Testing: Quickly adapt strategies with real-time data analysis.
Strategic Forecasting
Development of new KPIs aligned with emerging business drivers.
Integration of demographics and psychographics for precise demand forecasts.
Advanced tools to refine Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A).
Capital Allocation Insights
Assess portfolio strategies to maximize returns.
Develop recovery strategies tailored to current and future market dynamics.
Evaluate acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures for strategic growth.
Proven Impact
25% faster recovery from market disruptions with advanced scenario planning.
20-30% improvement in resource efficiency using optimized forecasting models.
Our Expertise in Action
Client A: Restructured supply chain for a 15% reduction in lead times.
Client B: Designed demand forecast models, achieving 10% growth in customer retention.
Client C: Realigned capital strategy to unlock $50M in additional value.
How can we align capital allocation with long-term resilience?
What are the risks and rewards of changing operating models?
How do we optimize our supply chain amidst unpredictable demand?
Which growth opportunities should we prioritize?
Empowering businesses with actionable insights and precision-driven solutions
At Shubhankar & Co., we deliver tailored services in diagnostics, financial planning, and strategic design, helping businesses unlock value, optimize operations, and position themselves for sustained success. Our experts combine deep domain knowledge with cutting-edge analytics to guide our clients through complex challenges, enabling better decisions in strategy, finance, and operations.
Diagnosing inefficiencies and uncovering potential is essential to improving performance. Our diagnostics professionals utilize rigorous methodologies to assess businesses and provide actionable insights that address critical areas of concern:
By leveraging advanced tools and frameworks, we empower clients to make informed adjustments that yield measurable results.
Effective financial planning builds resilience and ensures sustainable growth. Our experienced financial planning professionals integrate expertise in valuation, modeling, and analytics to deliver robust solutions:
We help clients address the complexities of modern finance, equipping them with insights to seize opportunities and mitigate risks.
Strategic excellence is the cornerstone of long-term success. Our strategy professionals assist businesses in designing and implementing transformative plans:
We are committed to helping businesses respond to market dynamics with confidence and agility.
Reimagine. Reshape. Realign.
In a rapidly evolving business environment, maintaining a competitive edge requires a dynamic approach to portfolio management. At Shubhankar & Co., we help organizations unlock the full potential of their portfolio by continuously evaluating and optimizing business performance.
Our Portfolio Optimization Services enable you to adapt to shifting strategic, operational, and market dynamics, ensuring sustainable value creation for all stakeholders.
Comprehensive Portfolio Assessment
We evaluate the performance of each business unit in your portfolio by analyzing:
Financial health and contribution to overall value
Market positioning and growth potential
Alignment with long-term corporate strategy
Opportunity Mapping
Our data-driven insights identify areas for:
Strategic investments to drive growth
Divestitures to unlock trapped value
Innovations to disrupt and lead in your industry
Scenario Planning and Stress Testing
We leverage advanced tools to model potential outcomes, helping you:
Anticipate market shifts and adapt proactively
Minimize risks associated with downturns
Capitalize on emerging opportunities with confidence
Value Delivery Execution
Our expertise ensures seamless implementation of your strategic decisions, including:
Business reorganization to align with market demands
M&A opportunities for accelerated expansion
Resource allocation for maximum ROI
40%-50% of executives acknowledge their portfolio is misaligned with market dynamics.
Companies implementing strategic portfolio optimization see up to 25% higher shareholder returns within 3 years.
Regular portfolio reviews reduce exposure to underperforming assets by 30%, improving overall resilience.
Are all business units aligned with our strategic goals?
Should we consider acquisitions, divestitures, or joint ventures?
What are the high-potential areas to focus on?
How can we mitigate risks in underperforming segments?
Unlock Hidden Value. Power Your Growth.
In today’s fast-changing business environment, access to liquidity is critical. Whether it’s funding operations, reducing debt, or driving strategic investments, optimizing your balance sheet can unlock untapped potential to fuel your success.
At Shubhankar & Co., we specialize in identifying and recovering hidden cash in working capital, real estate, and fixed assets. Our field-tested methodologies ensure you’re equipped to boost liquidity, lower costs, and maximize value.
In Bangladesh, where businesses often face cash flow challenges and funding constraints, unlocking working capital can provide immediate liquidity to sustain operations and fuel growth. With proven strategies, we help businesses optimize their working capital and achieve results that typically range from 5% to 7% of annual revenue or 20% to 25% of net working capital—delivering transformative outcomes even in highly competitive local markets.
Trade Accounts Payable
Trade Accounts Receivable
Inventory Management
Non-Trade Accounts
Cash Flow Forecasting
Efficient working capital management can be a game-changer for Bangladeshi companies, enabling them to:
At Shubhankar & Co., we assist businesses in optimizing their fixed asset management by eliminating inefficiencies and improving cash flow. Our team leverages data analytics to thoroughly assess fixed asset ledgers, leased assets, and fleet portfolios, ensuring that only active and productive assets are recorded. We identify and purge “ghost assets” – those no longer in service – to prevent unnecessary costs related to outdated information, which can significantly impact insurance premiums and taxes.
Through detailed asset analysis, we guide our clients in driving higher returns from their capital assets. By optimizing asset decommissioning and rationalizing underperforming assets, we help enhance operational efficiency while improving the bottom line. Furthermore, we implement improved monitoring practices to manage maintenance costs effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability and operational cost reductions.
Unlocking Working Capital
We uncover cash tied up in accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable.
Typical outcomes:
$50M-$100M improvement in working capital per $1 billion in sales.
Faster liquidity cycles and reduced financial strain.
Real Estate Optimization
Corporate real estate (CRE) often holds overlooked savings.
Our approach delivers:
5%-10% reduction in total occupancy costs through restructuring.
Enhanced property utilization to align with business goals.
Fixed Asset Optimization
Eliminate “ghost assets” and streamline equipment usage.
Results include:
$2M-$4M annual savings for every $1 billion of equipment costs optimized.
Accurate asset registers for improved decision-making.
Capital Structure Rebalancing
Misaligned capital structures can drain resources.
We focus on:
Cutting financing costs and improving terms.
Saving up to $4M in fees for every $500M in financing raised.
Proven Results
Over 30% of businesses miss out on cash trapped in their balance sheets.
Companies using our services see an average 15%-20% improvement in return on invested capital (ROIC).
Tailored Insights
Our data-driven strategies align with your unique financial goals.
Backed by experience across industries, from SMEs to Fortune 500 firms.
How can we free up cash without disrupting operations?
Are we fully utilizing our real estate and physical assets?
What’s the optimal capital structure to support long-term growth?
Where can we cut costs without compromising value?
Streamline. Optimize. Sell with Confidence.
The Challenges of Divesting Wisely
Selling an asset, business unit, or subsidiary is never just a transaction—it’s a pivotal decision that can shape your company’s future. Without the right approach, divestment can lead to unforeseen consequences, including lost value, operational disruptions, and reputational risks. Here are the most pressing challenges businesses face:
Fairness Opinion: A financial advisor’s assessment of whether a transaction price is fair to the client’s shareholders. This opinion is formed through detailed financial analysis, comparing the target’s value to the purchase price, evaluating the transaction’s economic fairness. Boards, special committees, and other fiduciaries seek fairness opinions to understand the financial dimensions of a transaction and to show they have exercised due diligence.
Fiduciary Duties: Board members must act on an informed basis and in the best interest of the company and shareholders. An independent fairness opinion assists in fulfilling these duties by offering a comprehensive analysis and unbiased opinion of a transaction’s financial fairness.
Benefits of Obtaining a Fairness Opinion:
Provides an informed basis for decision-making
Ensures transparency and fairness
Demonstrates due diligence
As stewards of shareholder capital, board members often make decisions that can significantly impact shareholder value. Obtaining an independent fairness opinion is critical for any business with a broad shareholder base, including both public and private companies.
Best Practice: Obtain a fairness opinion for significant transactions that could affect shareholder value, especially if the deal will receive more scrutiny. Situations include:
Material transactions
Related-party transactions
Transactions involving noncash consideration (e.g., stock, seller financing, earnouts, options)
Cross-border transactions
Deals with a target in an early development stage or different industry
Deals involving significant synergies
Transactions that could impact a not-for-profit status
Our Fairness Opinion Team offers expert assessments to boards of directors, special committees, and other fiduciaries during mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and significant transactions. By examining the financial details of these deals, we assist our clients in meeting their fiduciary responsibilities and making well-informed decisions.
Success doesn’t stop at signing the deal—it’s about integrating effectively to realize value and synergy.
Our clients enjoy the personalized attention of a full-service organization with access to broad intellectual capital, extensive relationships, and leading-class solutions to drive growth strategies for buy-side M&A needs.
We are one of the only major professional consulting organizations that offer fully-dedicated multidisciplinary M&A advisory capabilities. From strategy to execution, our services are supported by extensive due diligence, commercial, operational, financial, and tax experience.
We combine M&A, functional and sector experience with M&A technology to help companies make better, faster decisions. Our technology leverages machine learning and AI, robotics and process automation, and data analysis and visualization to increase confidence in decisions and accelerate synergy capture.
We understand that every deal is different, requiring bespoke integration approaches, priorities, and operating models. Our M&A advisory team helps you understand what business to buy, how to value it, and how to integrate it into your company.
1. Identifying the Right Opportunity
We help you pinpoint high-value acquisition targets by aligning your strategic priorities with market opportunities. From initial research to final selection, our insights ensure you make informed decisions.
2. Structuring the Deal
Our team delivers expert advice on deal structuring, financial analysis, and risk assessment to secure favorable terms. We tailor our strategies to maximize returns and reduce complexities.
3. Due Diligence
With a meticulous focus on financial, operational, and legal due diligence, we uncover critical insights to support confident decision-making. Our deep dive ensures you avoid hidden pitfalls and identify potential value drivers.
4. Post-Acquisition Integration
The real value of an acquisition lies in its seamless integration. Our proven methodology helps you unify systems, teams, and cultures to achieve synergies quickly and effectively.
We use a structured approach to integrate a target successfully and maximize deal value:
Integration management office (IMO)
Value creation and synergy identification
Day One readiness
Business processes and functional integration
Change management and communications
Sales and marketing effectiveness
We conduct diligence in the following areas to help you choose the right target at the right price:
Commercial
Financial risk
Human resources
IT
Regulatory
Valuation
Transaction tax
Fairness opinion
ESG
Identify and assess the strategic fit of an acquisition target, JV, or alliance partner
Offer guidance to access debt and equity capital
Provide an independent perspective on deal terms
Investigation & Dispute Resolution
Valuation Support
Tax Strategy Planning
Separation Strategy & Execution
Integration Strategy & Execution
Carve-Out Financial Reporting
When acquiring tech companies, a key challenge is often retaining the agile, talented team responsible for creating potentially groundbreaking products and services.
Key Talent Considerations:
What new organizational and governance structure will be adopted for fully integrated, partially integrated, or separate entities?
What strategies will you employ to retain and motivate talent?
How will you align compensation and benefits across organizations?
Which aspects of the target’s culture and policies are worth preserving?
What methods will ensure effective collaboration to foster rapid growth?
In today’s fast-paced business environment, navigating transactions efficiently is crucial for success. At Shubhankar & Co. (S&C), we provide a comprehensive suite of transaction services designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in Bangladesh. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that drive growth and enhance operational effectiveness.
The transaction services landscape in Bangladesh is evolving rapidly:
Surge in Digital Transactions: The growth of mobile financial services has transformed how consumers engage with businesses, making it essential for companies to adopt digital payment solutions. The shift towards cashless payments has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a fourfold increase in MFS transactions over five years.
Regulatory Changes: New laws like the Payment and Settlement System Bill are shaping the operational framework for financial transactions, emphasizing the need for compliance. The government’s push for digital financial inclusion has resulted in increased usage of MFS among rural populations, with over 22 crore MFS accounts currently active.
Increased Focus on Sustainability: Businesses are increasingly integrating sustainability into their operations, influencing transaction strategies.
With the introduction of new regulations like the Payment and Settlement System Bill, 2024, it is essential for businesses to stay compliant. Our legal experts provide guidance on navigating these regulations, ensuring your operations align with government standards while minimizing risk.
As companies seek strategic growth through mergers and acquisitions, our M&A advisory services guide you through every stage of the process—from due diligence to integration—ensuring that your transactions are successful and aligned with your business objectives.
The MFS sector in Bangladesh has seen remarkable growth, with transactions increasing by 30% year-on-year, reaching Tk 124,548 crore by December 2023. With the rapid adoption of digital payments—cashless transactions via MFS reached Tk 1.45 trillion in April 2024 alone
On-Call Advisory: Real-time technical accounting and reporting support.
Accounting Standard Implementation: Assistance with new or amended standards.
Integrated Reporting: Implementing ISSB principles and integrated thinking.
Financial Reporting Support: Compliance with IFRS, US GAAP, Local GAAP, and financial statement development.
Managed Services: Supplementing accounting teams with short- and long-term talent resources.