Best Merger & Acquisition Consulting Services in Australia
Australia Merger & Acquisition Consultants
At Digital Reference, we believe that radical authenticity and clear-eyed transparency are non-negotiable, especially when it comes to helping Australian founders, owners, and growth-stage leaders choose the right Merger & Acquisition Consulting Services. This guide spotlights standout outsourced, fractional, virtual, and part-time M&A consultancies that know Australia’s business terrain inside out and deliver real outcomes, not just slide decks.
Below, you’ll find an independently researched, client-reviewed selection of M&A advisors who deliver genuine value to Australian businesses across sectors like SaaS, manufacturing, professional services, and PE-backed ventures.
Our Methodology
Every provider on this list earned their spot through thorough, criteria-based research:
- Client Results: Strong public case studies, verified transactions, or documented client testimonials.
- Local Credibility: Australia-based teams with a proven footprint not generic global agencies pretending to “get” local nuances.
- Founder-Led: Each firm is led by a founder or CEO with a clear track record, real leadership philosophy, and transparent public presence.
- Service Focus: Clear expertise in buy-side, sell-side, capital raising, due diligence, or specialist industry advice.
Let’s get into it. Here’s our pick of Australia’s standout M&A consultants, and what makes each worth watching.
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HHMC Global
🔗 Website: https://www.hhmc.com.au/
What they do:
HHMC Global is a specialist M&A advisory firm focused on the recruitment and staffing sector. They deliver buy-side and sell-side transaction services, valuations, and succession planning for privately held recruitment agencies across Australia and New Zealand.
Who they work with:
Boutique and mid-market recruitment firms, often privately owned, sometimes PE-backed.
Operating model:
HHMC prides itself on being niche and relationship-led, offering long-term advice rather than one-off transactions.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Deep domain knowledge in the recruitment industry over 20 years of specializing in this vertical.
- Proven framework for valuing intangible service businesses.
- Notable track record of cross-border deals between Australia and Asia-Pacific.
Rod Hore, Director, HHMC Global
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodhore/
Rod Hore co-founded HHMC in 1999 and has become a go-to voice for M&A in the recruitment space. With a reputation for clear-eyed deal structuring, Rod writes and speaks frequently on succession planning for owners. He’s known for staying grounded, often advising owners not to sell if the timing or buyer isn’t right.
SLM Corporate
🔗 Website: https://slmcorporate.com.au/
What they do:
SLM Corporate is a boutique corporate advisory and M&A consultancy based in Perth. They handle buy-side, sell-side, capital raising, and restructuring particularly for ASX-listed and private mid-market companies.
Who they work with:
Resources, energy, industrial, and emerging tech firms.
Operating model:
SLM focuses on partner-led advisory, leaning on strong local networks in Western Australia’s resource-heavy economy.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Clear track record of deals in mining, oil & gas, uniquely positioned for WA’s economy.
- Hands-on deal execution from the partner level.
- Emphasis on capital raising alongside traditional M&A.
Barry Lewin, Founder, SLM Corporate
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-lewin-1a19425/
Barry Lewin brings three decades of dealmaking to the table. He’s known for his meticulous approach to due diligence and corporate structuring. On LinkedIn, Barry shares insights about ethical governance, something not all advisors prioritize in resource-heavy industries.
Milestone Capital Advisors
🔗 Website: https://milestoneadvisors.com.au/
What they do:
Milestone Capital Advisors is a Sydney-based M&A boutique offering sell-side advisory, capital raising, and growth strategy. They work closely with entrepreneurs looking for exit readiness or growth capital.
Who they work with:
Private company owners in tech, consumer, and professional services.
Operating model:
Boutique but scalable, Milestone has access to an investor network spanning private equity, venture capital, and family offices.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Strong prep and grooming phase for sell-side clients.
- Specialization in founder-led exits.
- Focus on ensuring cultural fit with buyers and investors.
Graham Haeusler, Founder, Milestone Capital Advisors
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-haeusler-88b93817/
Graham Haeusler’s corporate finance background includes Big Four stints and decades in boutique advisory., Graham’s words are refreshingly practical; he talks honestly about how poor preparation kills deals, and how clear alignment on valuation prevents failed negotiations.
Verde Group
🔗 Website: https://www.verdegroup.com.au/
What they do:
Verde Group combines accounting, tax, and M&A advisory to deliver a full-service approach for mid-sized businesses. Based in Sydney, they position themselves as an all-in-one growth partner.
Who they work with:
Mid-market companies, family businesses, and professional services firms.
Operating model:
Integrated service transaction advisory plus in-house accounting and tax support.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Clear single point of accountability, no fragmented advisor ecosystem.
- Deep family business succession expertise.
- Strong emphasis on post-deal tax efficiency.
Michael Derin, Founder, Verde Group
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelderin/
Michael Derin’s career spans over 30 years in accounting and advisory. He’s especially known for speaking plainly about the hidden costs of poor structuring. Michael’s LinkedIn posts often break down real-deal mistakes and radical authenticity in action.
Quinn M&A
🔗 Website: https://www.quinnma.com.au/
What they do:
Quinn M&A is a well-known Sydney-based M&A and business sale advisory firm, part of the Quinn Group. They handle valuations, sales, mergers, and buyer advocacy.
Who they work with:
SME owners looking to sell or merge.
Operating model:
Transparent fee structures and practical advice—tailored for small business owners unfamiliar with M&A jargon.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Well-established practice with consistent deal volume.
- Practical advice for owners who are first-time sellers.
- Part of a larger group with access to legal and tax expertise under one roof.
Michael Quinn, Founder, Quinn M&A
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-quinn-8bb28122/
Michael Quinn is a lawyer and accountant; his dual qualification informs the group’s holistic approach. Known for his plain English style, Michael is hands-on with transactions and popular for helping non-corporate owners navigate complex sales.
Morgan Shaw Advisory
🔗 Website: https://www.morganshawadvisory.com/
What they do:
Morgan Shaw Advisory is a boutique corporate finance firm offering M&A, capital raising, and strategic consulting for growth-stage companies.
Who they work with:
Startups, scale-ups, innovative private companies.
Operating model:
Relationship-led advisory, often with long-term retainers guiding clients through multiple growth phases.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Flexible engagement, project-based or retainer.
- Strong founder network connections.
- Proven in the startup ecosystem.
Graham Morgan, Founder, Morgan Shaw Advisory
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamm/
Graham Morgan is deeply embedded in Australia’s startup scene. His LinkedIn presence shows how he champions realistic valuations and growth-stage discipline; he's vocal about steering founders away from overhyped fundraising.
Canterbury Partners
🔗 Website: https://canterburypartners.com.au/
What they do:
Canterbury Partners is an independent advisory house based in Melbourne, providing high-end M&A, capital markets, and strategic advisory services.
Who they work with:
Institutional clients, family offices, and large private companies.
Operating model:
Discreet, senior-level partner execution, no junior shuffle.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Specialist cross-border transaction experience.
- Trusted by family offices for discreet strategic deals.
- Strong institutional relationships for capital markets transactions.
Simon Jones, Founder, Canterbury Partners
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-jones-7409532/
Simon Jones has steered Canterbury since its inception. He’s highly regarded for handling sensitive succession and generational transfer deals. Simon’s network among Australian family offices is exceptional and his deal history proves it.
SCD Advisory
🔗 Website: http://www.scdadvisory.com/
What they do:
SCD Advisory focuses exclusively on the digital and marketing communications sector, advising agencies on M&A transactions and corporate strategy.
Who they work with:
Digital agencies, marcoms firms, creative studios.
Operating model:
Boutique and niche, working with owners who want to exit or expand internationally.
💡 Why they stand out:
- One of the few dedicated marcoms M&A specialists in Australia.
- Framework for matching creative culture with the right acquirer.
- Cross-border deals with European networks.
Pierre Briand, Founder, SCD Advisory
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrebriandscdadvisory/
Pierre Briand is a fixture in the marcoms M&A niche. His LinkedIn posts share real stories of agency founders navigating exits; he's especially known for aligning culture with deal structure.
Mandanex Capital
🔗 Website: https://www.mandanex.com/
What they do:
Mandanex Capital is an international M&A and corporate advisory firm with strong roots in Australia. They handle business sales, valuations, and buyer-side mandates.
Who they work with:
Small and mid-market businesses across industries.
Operating model:
Cross-border specialist, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Seamless support for cross-border SME deals.
- Team with deep valuation and structuring credentials.
- Strong Asia-Pacific buyer networks.
Richard Hemingway, Founder, Mandanex Capital
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hemingway-29788027/
Richard Hemingway built Mandanex to help smaller businesses access sophisticated M&A without big-firm overheads. His LinkedIn presence is heavy on insights about valuation gaps and buyer education, plain talk founders appreciate.
Lewis Corporate Advisory
🔗 Website: http://www.lewiscorporateadvisory.com/
What they do:
Lewis Corporate Advisory is an independent M&A advisory firm known for its work with PE-backed and privately owned companies.
Who they work with:
Founders, PE portfolio companies, mid-market family businesses.
Operating model:
Bespoke engagements typically focused on succession, buy-side, or partial exit.
💡 Why they stand out:
- High-touch founder and owner education.
- Experience advising family businesses through generational transfer.
- Strong relationships with mid-tier PE funds.
Charlie Lewis, Founder, Lewis Corporate Advisory
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlielewissydney/
Charlie Lewis has more than 30 years in corporate advisory. His LinkedIn content is candid; he often tackles the human side of selling, especially for multi-generation family owners. Clients value his straight talk and fair deal structuring.
Final Thoughts from Digital Reference
If you’re an Australian founder, CFO, or private owner thinking about M&A, radical authenticity matters more than buzzwords or big names. The firms above stand out not because they promise billion-dollar deals but because they deliver measurable, practical outcomes for real local businesses.
At Digital Reference, we stand for radical authenticity; we only showcase firms that back up their claims with client results, founder-led leadership, and local expertise. If you’re exploring outsourced, fractional, or virtual M&A advisory in Australia, this list is your launchpad to make the smartest next step.
Explore more from Digital Reference:
- Merger & Acquisition Consulting Services in the USA
- Merger & Acquisition Consulting Services in the UK
- Merger & Acquisition Consulting Services in Canada
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