Latest news with #FTIConsulting
Sky News AU
15 hours ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Hundreds of jobs at risk as Australian transport company XL Express appoints FTI Consulting as voluntary administrator
About 200 jobs are at risk as a Brisbane-based transport and logistics company has brought in voluntary administrators after 35 years in business. XL Express appointed FTI Consulting to conduct an 'urgent assessment' of the company's viability. The Queensland-headquartered company offers transport services for an array of consumer and business customers across the country. On its website, XL Express said it delivers to retail stores, all major distribution centres and residential locations across the nation. It also boasts of a 'national network', which includes its parcel sortation systems and technology that allows package tracking. 'We're a business that's built on the challenger model,' the company's website states. 'We're here to disrupt the status quo and think harder and act smarter for our clients and their businesses.' Despite the company's bold service promises, it has sank into administration. FTI Consulting's Kelly Trenfield, Joanne Dunn and Ross Blakeley have been appointed the voluntary administrators of XL Express and more than 15 other entities under the company's brand from Friday. These include a litany of subsidiaries that cover XL Express' linehaul services, logistics, distribution and more. The administrators will look into XL Express' financial position and provide a report to creditors on the future of the company. The first meeting of creditors will be held before 9 July 2025, FTI Consulting said. FTI Consulting also noted that alternative arrangements will be made for XL Express customers who are impacted by the company entering voluntary administration. 'Where services are unable to be fulfilled, arrangements are being made for customers to collect their goods held in XL Express Group distribution centres,' it said. It remains unclear what led to XL Express falling into administration. The company's collapse follows it establishing a partnership with the Brisbane Lions between 2020 and 2022. XL Express's logo featured on the front of the AFL team's jersey, while the Lions logo was seen on the company's trucks. When revealing the partnership in 2019, XL Express' managing director Colin Mallory said his company was excited to launch the partnership. 'We share similar journeys in that we are both based in Queensland and compete on the national stage,' Mr Mallory said. 'We look forward to sharing in the successes that this partnership will bring to both of our organisations.' XL Express' collapse comes as recent data from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission showed almost 7,000 businesses in New South Wales collapsed from July 2024 to May 2025. This marks a 26 per cent increase from the previous year. More than 5,100 businesses collapsed in Victoria, while 3,264 went under in Queensland, 1,217 failed in Western Australia and 815 tanked in South Australia.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FTI Consulting Survey: Majority of Private Equity Leaders Say M&A Is Not a Top Priority for 2025
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today released the 2025 Private Equity Value Creation Index, which found that M&A ranked last among 10 value creation levers, with only 9% of global private equity leaders naming it their top priority for 2025. The survey of more than 500 global private equity decision makers highlights ways in which firms continue to over index on conventional cost levers — such as cost structure optimization, supply chain and operations — which are widely used and effectively executed, while growth strategies remain underutilized or face a clear execution gap. At the same time, artificial intelligence ('AI') has emerged as the top strategic priority for 2025 — and the leading factor for exit readiness — signaling its growing importance in positioning portfolio companies for long-term value. Yet, it remains one of the least frequently used and most challenging levers to implement. 'Cost has become the dominant conversation,' said Jiva J. Jagtap, Global Leader of Private Equity at FTI Consulting. 'In a high-uncertainty, low-growth market, cost is often the most immediate lever for protecting value. But cost alone doesn't deliver returns. High-performing firms treat it as a catalyst, using savings to reinvest in the capabilities and growth engines that drive sustainable value creation. Growth is harder to unlock — which is exactly why it's more valuable. And while M&A has fallen as a near-term priority due to integration hurdles and valuation gaps, that very pullback may open a window of opportunity for disciplined buyers to make strategic moves.' Additional key findings include: Technology and IT emerged as both the most frequently used and most effective value creation lever, with 84% of respondents using it regularly and 77% rating its effectiveness as above average. Yet despite its strong track record, technology was also cited as the top execution challenge at the portfolio company level. M&A remains a staple in the value creation toolkit, but it was rated the worst-performing value creation lever, and 67% of respondents indicated that it takes more than a year to achieve the value they expected. With deals hard to execute and slow to deliver returns, success becomes a collective effort. Portfolio company leaders, operating partners and deal teams must all play their part to ensure strong operational governance, common goals and clear communications. Any breakdown here can undermine value. AI usage is advancing rapidly, with 42% of private equity leaders saying it is the biggest force transforming traditional models. However, despite all the hype, it ranks ninth out of the 10 value creation levers surveyed in how often it is used and how well it is implemented — indicating that many firms are still struggling to integrate AI into their operations efficiently. Despite their potential to drive top-line growth, commercial levers remain among the least frequently used levers — with only 23% to 28% of firms reporting that they use levers like pricing optimization, AI and sales and marketing very often for value creation. Execution confidence also ranks among the lowest, signaling the complexity and resource demands of growth strategies. 'AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it's firmly on the agenda for private equity. But intent alone isn't enough,' said Lars Faeste, EMEA Chairman at FTI Consulting. 'We're seeing a clear gap between ambition and execution as firms wrestle with how to move from strategy to impact. The next phase of value creation isn't just about financial engineering or cost reduction — it's about disciplined execution in a more complex and unforgiving landscape. Success will come to the firms that translate innovation into outcomes, embedding technology and growth levers into how the business truly operates, scales and delivers value.' Click here for more insights from the 2025 Private Equity Value Creation Index. Demographics and MethodologyIn April 2025, FTI Consulting surveyed more than 500 decision makers at private equity firms, including investment professionals and operating partners, to understand the levers these firms use to create value in their portfolio companies. The survey included global participation from the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. About FTI ConsultingFTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 33 countries and territories as of March 31, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting's services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at FTI Consulting, Inc.555 12thStreet NWWashington, DC 20004+1.202.312.9100 Investor Contact:Mollie Hawkes+ Media Contacts:Nick Emmons+ Helen Obi+44 20 7632 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
FTI Consulting Survey: Majority of Private Equity Leaders Say M&A Is Not a Top Priority for 2025
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today released the 2025 Private Equity Value Creation Index, which found that M&A ranked last among 10 value creation levers, with only 9% of global private equity leaders naming it their top priority for 2025. The survey of more than 500 global private equity decision makers highlights ways in which firms continue to over index on conventional cost levers — such as cost structure optimization, supply chain and operations — which are widely used and effectively executed, while growth strategies remain underutilized or face a clear execution gap. At the same time, artificial intelligence ('AI') has emerged as the top strategic priority for 2025 — and the leading factor for exit readiness — signaling its growing importance in positioning portfolio companies for long-term value. Yet, it remains one of the least frequently used and most challenging levers to implement. 'Cost has become the dominant conversation,' said Jiva J. Jagtap, Global Leader of Private Equity at FTI Consulting. 'In a high-uncertainty, low-growth market, cost is often the most immediate lever for protecting value. But cost alone doesn't deliver returns. High-performing firms treat it as a catalyst, using savings to reinvest in the capabilities and growth engines that drive sustainable value creation. Growth is harder to unlock — which is exactly why it's more valuable. And while M&A has fallen as a near-term priority due to integration hurdles and valuation gaps, that very pullback may open a window of opportunity for disciplined buyers to make strategic moves.' Additional key findings include: Technology and IT emerged as both the most frequently used and most effective value creation lever, with 84% of respondents using it regularly and 77% rating its effectiveness as above average. Yet despite its strong track record, technology was also cited as the top execution challenge at the portfolio company level. M&A remains a staple in the value creation toolkit, but it was rated the worst-performing value creation lever, and 67% of respondents indicated that it takes more than a year to achieve the value they expected. With deals hard to execute and slow to deliver returns, success becomes a collective effort. Portfolio company leaders, operating partners and deal teams must all play their part to ensure strong operational governance, common goals and clear communications. Any breakdown here can undermine value. AI usage is advancing rapidly, with 42% of private equity leaders saying it is the biggest force transforming traditional models. However, despite all the hype, it ranks ninth out of the 10 value creation levers surveyed in how often it is used and how well it is implemented — indicating that many firms are still struggling to integrate AI into their operations efficiently. Despite their potential to drive top-line growth, commercial levers remain among the least frequently used levers — with only 23% to 28% of firms reporting that they use levers like pricing optimization, AI and sales and marketing very often for value creation. Execution confidence also ranks among the lowest, signaling the complexity and resource demands of growth strategies. 'AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it's firmly on the agenda for private equity. But intent alone isn't enough,' said Lars Faeste, EMEA Chairman at FTI Consulting. 'We're seeing a clear gap between ambition and execution as firms wrestle with how to move from strategy to impact. The next phase of value creation isn't just about financial engineering or cost reduction — it's about disciplined execution in a more complex and unforgiving landscape. Success will come to the firms that translate innovation into outcomes, embedding technology and growth levers into how the business truly operates, scales and delivers value.' Click here for more insights from the 2025 Private Equity Value Creation Index. Demographics and Methodology In April 2025, FTI Consulting surveyed more than 500 decision makers at private equity firms, including investment professionals and operating partners, to understand the levers these firms use to create value in their portfolio companies. The survey included global participation from the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. About FTI Consulting FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 33 countries and territories as of March 31, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting's services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at FTI Consulting, Inc. 555 12 th Street NW Washington, DC 20004 +1.202.312.9100 Investor Contact: Mollie Hawkes +1.617.747.1791 Media Contacts: Nick Emmons +1.617.747.1708
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FTI Consulting Survey: Majority of Private Equity Leaders Say M&A Is Not a Top Priority for 2025
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today released the 2025 Private Equity Value Creation Index, which found that M&A ranked last among 10 value creation levers, with only 9% of global private equity leaders naming it their top priority for 2025. The survey of more than 500 global private equity decision makers highlights ways in which firms continue to over index on conventional cost levers — such as cost structure optimization, supply chain and operations — which are widely used and effectively executed, while growth strategies remain underutilized or face a clear execution gap. At the same time, artificial intelligence ('AI') has emerged as the top strategic priority for 2025 — and the leading factor for exit readiness — signaling its growing importance in positioning portfolio companies for long-term value. Yet, it remains one of the least frequently used and most challenging levers to implement. 'Cost has become the dominant conversation,' said Jiva J. Jagtap, Global Leader of Private Equity at FTI Consulting. 'In a high-uncertainty, low-growth market, cost is often the most immediate lever for protecting value. But cost alone doesn't deliver returns. High-performing firms treat it as a catalyst, using savings to reinvest in the capabilities and growth engines that drive sustainable value creation. Growth is harder to unlock — which is exactly why it's more valuable. And while M&A has fallen as a near-term priority due to integration hurdles and valuation gaps, that very pullback may open a window of opportunity for disciplined buyers to make strategic moves.' Additional key findings include: Technology and IT emerged as both the most frequently used and most effective value creation lever, with 84% of respondents using it regularly and 77% rating its effectiveness as above average. Yet despite its strong track record, technology was also cited as the top execution challenge at the portfolio company level. M&A remains a staple in the value creation toolkit, but it was rated the worst-performing value creation lever, and 67% of respondents indicated that it takes more than a year to achieve the value they expected. With deals hard to execute and slow to deliver returns, success becomes a collective effort. Portfolio company leaders, operating partners and deal teams must all play their part to ensure strong operational governance, common goals and clear communications. Any breakdown here can undermine value. AI usage is advancing rapidly, with 42% of private equity leaders saying it is the biggest force transforming traditional models. However, despite all the hype, it ranks ninth out of the 10 value creation levers surveyed in how often it is used and how well it is implemented — indicating that many firms are still struggling to integrate AI into their operations efficiently. Despite their potential to drive top-line growth, commercial levers remain among the least frequently used levers — with only 23% to 28% of firms reporting that they use levers like pricing optimization, AI and sales and marketing very often for value creation. Execution confidence also ranks among the lowest, signaling the complexity and resource demands of growth strategies. 'AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it's firmly on the agenda for private equity. But intent alone isn't enough,' said Lars Faeste, EMEA Chairman at FTI Consulting. 'We're seeing a clear gap between ambition and execution as firms wrestle with how to move from strategy to impact. The next phase of value creation isn't just about financial engineering or cost reduction — it's about disciplined execution in a more complex and unforgiving landscape. Success will come to the firms that translate innovation into outcomes, embedding technology and growth levers into how the business truly operates, scales and delivers value.' Click here for more insights from the 2025 Private Equity Value Creation Index. Demographics and MethodologyIn April 2025, FTI Consulting surveyed more than 500 decision makers at private equity firms, including investment professionals and operating partners, to understand the levers these firms use to create value in their portfolio companies. The survey included global participation from the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. About FTI ConsultingFTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 33 countries and territories as of March 31, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting's services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at FTI Consulting, Inc.555 12thStreet NWWashington, DC 20004+1.202.312.9100 Investor Contact:Mollie Hawkes+ Media Contacts:Nick Emmons+ Helen Obi+44 20 7632
The National
09-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Zonal pricing 'could save Scottish glass sector £20 million'
New independent analysis by FTI Consulting, commissioned by Octopus Energy, has revealed zonal pricing could slash industrial electricity in Scotland by almost £20 million. This could create a lifeline for the glass industry, Octopus says, which currently pays some of the highest electricity costs in the world. Zonal pricing would split the UK into price regions based on local supply and demand. Greg Jackson (below), CEO of Octopus Energy, said: 'Britain's manufacturers are being crushed by electricity costs – among the highest in the world. READ MORE: Views sought on plans for major Perthshire 'energy park' 'We've now got clear evidence that zonal pricing will cut these costs at the source, without pushing the burden onto households. 'Instead of robbing Peter to pay Paul, zonal pricing can slash bills for heavy industry and households, whilst accelerating our path to clean energy.' (Image: PA) The current energy subsidy for manufacturers – the British Industry Supercharger – has worked well for around 370 energy-intensive businesses, but is funded by adding costs to everyone else's bills. This levy currently adds up to £410 million onto consumer bills, Octopus Energy said, and is expected to become 2.5 times more expensive by the 2030s. Octopus Energy said zonal pricing would make the energy system more efficient, saving manufacturers that don't receive the Supercharger £12-16 megawatt-hours (MWh) on average by 2030, with businesses in the North of Scotland saving up to £29 per megawatt-hour. This could save individual businesses millions each year, with thousands of energy-intensive companies not covered by the Supercharger – such as ceramics, auto and tech sectors – benefitting instantly. READ MORE: 9 million to receive winter fuel payments as Rachel Reeves U-turns It comes as the House of Lords Industry and Regulator Committee joins Ofgem, NESO, Citizens Advice and other energy experts who have come out in favour of zonal pricing. Jason Mann, senior managing director at FTI Consulting, said: 'Our work for Octopus on zonal pricing shows that zonal pricing could materially benefit all British consumers. This is true for households as well as larger industrial consumers. 'Our most recent study indicates that, with minor changes to the special arrangements that currently apply, all of the country's very largest manufacturing plants could also benefit from lower electricity prices were zonal pricing to be implemented.'
