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A2Z

We turn an expansion idea into a structured decision: which market, which entry model, which commercial approach and what it will take to succeed.

Executive overview

Assess market opportunity, compare entry models and build a business case that gives leadership a clear go/no-go decision.

A sound entry strategy starts with evidence, not enthusiasm. We size and qualify the opportunity, map competitors and customer buying behavior, and test how well the company’s offer, pricing and capabilities transfer to the target market.

We then compare entry models on control, capital, speed, risk and reversibility, and translate the preferred option into a commercial plan and a business case. The result is a recommendation leadership can challenge, approve and fund with confidence.

Business challenges addressed

  1. 01

    Too many candidate markets

    Leadership lacks a consistent method to compare and rank markets, so resources are spread across opportunities that are not equally attractive.

  2. 02

    Partial view of competition

    Local incumbents, informal channels and substitute offers are underestimated when analysis relies on desk research alone.

  3. 03

    Entry model not tested

    The choice between distributor, joint venture, branch, subsidiary or acquisition is made before trade-offs on control and commitment have been made explicit.

  4. 04

    Business case built on assumptions

    Revenue ramp-up, set-up costs and working capital needs are estimated without sensitivity analysis or clear decision thresholds.

Services and solutions

  • 01

    Market opportunity assessments

    Qualify demand, addressable segments and growth drivers in the target market to establish whether a credible opportunity exists for your offer.

  • 02

    Market intelligence and competitive analysis

    Profile incumbents, new entrants and substitutes, their pricing, channels and positioning, combining desk research with interviews of local market participants.

  • 03

    Market attractiveness analysis

    Score and rank candidate markets against weighted criteria such as demand, accessibility, competitive intensity, operating conditions and strategic fit.

  • 04

    Entry strategy formulation

    Define the target segments, value proposition, sequencing and ambition for the market, and the conditions under which the company should accelerate or withdraw.

  • 05

    Entry model comparison

    Compare export, agent, distributor, licensing, joint venture, branch, subsidiary and acquisition options on control, capital, speed, risk and exit flexibility.

  • 06

    Commercial and distribution strategy

    Design the go-to-market model: channels, pricing architecture, key account approach and the split of commercial roles between headquarters, local teams and partners.

  • 07

    Business case and feasibility analysis

    Build a business case covering ramp-up, investment, operating costs and working capital, with scenarios, sensitivities and explicit go/no-go thresholds.

Typical engagement approach

  1. 01

    Frame

    Clarify strategic objectives, investment appetite, constraints and decision criteria with the leadership team.

  2. 02

    Analyze

    Assess markets, competitors and customer needs through structured research and interviews with local stakeholders.

  3. 03

    Compare

    Evaluate entry models and commercial options against the agreed criteria and model their financial implications.

  4. 04

    Decide

    Present a recommendation, business case and go/no-go gate to the executive committee or board.

Expected deliverables

  • Market opportunity and attractiveness assessment
  • Competitive landscape and positioning analysis
  • Market prioritization scorecard
  • Entry model options analysis and recommendation
  • Commercial and distribution strategy
  • Business case with scenarios and go/no-go criteria

Outcomes you can target

  • 01

    A clear, evidence-based decision on where and how to enter

  • 02

    An entry model aligned with the company’s risk appetite and capabilities

  • 03

    A business case leadership and investors can challenge and approve

  • 04

    Resources focused on the most attractive opportunities

Frequently asked questions

How do you choose between a distributor, a joint venture and a subsidiary?

We compare each model on the level of control you need over customers and brand, the capital you are prepared to commit, the speed required, the risks you can carry and how easily you could exit or change model later. The recommendation follows from the criteria leadership has agreed upfront.

Can you assess several markets in parallel?

Yes. We typically start with a structured screening of candidate markets using a common scorecard, then concentrate deeper analysis on the short list that best matches your strategy.

What does a go/no-go gate involve?

It is a formal decision point where leadership reviews the evidence against criteria set in advance, such as demand confirmation, partner availability or business case thresholds, and decides to proceed, adjust or stop.

Talk to an expert about Market Entry Strategy

Tell us where you are today and what you need to achieve. We will propose the right scope for a first engagement.