Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are more than just business transactions - they are strategic moves that shape industries, drive innovation, and create long-term value. Whether you are looking to expand your company, enter new markets, or enhance capabilities, M&A can be a powerful tool. But how do you navigate the complexities of deal-making, valuation, and post-merger integration successfully?
In this session, we explore two distinct yet highly successful approaches to M&A through real-world case studies:
🔹 LIWLIG – A Nordic event agency that has scaled rapidly by fully integrating acquired companies into a unified powerhouse.
🔹 Qgroup – A consulting and tech company that focus on entrepreneurial autonomy within its acquired businesses, creating a decentralized yet thriving ecosystem.
Sofi Franzén, co-founder & CEO of LIWLIG, and Mikael Kretz, co-founder of Qgroup, will share their M&A experiences, strategies, and lessons learned. Whether you're considering a structured integration or a decentralized acquisition model, this workshop will provide practical insights to help you shape your own M&A strategy.
Program
09:45-10:00 Case Study 1: LIWLIG – Scaling Through Full Integration with Sofi Franzén
10:00-10:15 Case Study 2: Qgroup – Focus on Autonomy Within an Acquired Ecosystem with Mikael Kretz
10:15-11:15 Round Table Workshops - you will participate in a roundtable workshop to discuss your own M&A challenges, moderated by moderated by experienced founders with expertise in mergers and acquisitions.
11:15-11:45 Key Conclusions - a brief summary of key findings from each roundtable discussion.
Case Study 1: LIWLIG – Scaling Through Full Integration
Co-Founder & CEO: Sofi Franzén
LIWLIG, a leading Nordic event agency, has strategically expanded through mergers and acquisitions, creating a powerhouse in the industry. By integrating top event agencies across Sweden, Finland, and Norway, LIWLIG has successfully built a unified organization with shared values, a strong company culture, and a streamlined operational structure.
Key Learnings from LIWLIG’s M&A Approach:
- Strategic Acquisition – Selecting companies that complement and enhance LIWLIG’s core expertise.
- Cultural Integration – Ensuring smooth transitions by aligning company values and leadership styles.
- Scalability & Efficiency – Leveraging M&A to expand service offerings and strengthen market presence.
LIWLIG’s journey highlights the power of full integration, where acquired companies become part of a larger, cohesive entity, enabling synergies, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Case Study 2: Qgroup – Focus on Autonomy Within an Acquired Ecosystem
Co-Founder: Mikael Kretz
Qgroup has taken a different approach to growth through acquisitions—focusing on entrepreneur-led companies and fostering autonomy rather than full integration. By acquiring independent tech and consulting firms while allowing them to maintain their unique identities, Qgroup has built a decentralized, high-performance ecosystem.
Key Learnings from Qgroup’s M&A Approach:
- Selective Acquisition – Choosing companies that align with Qgroup’s entrepreneurial philosophy.
- Decentralized Growth – Allowing acquired businesses to operate independently while benefiting from shared resources.
- Long-Term Value Creation – Prioritizing innovation and leadership retention over complete structural integration.
Qgroup’s model demonstrates how acquisitions can drive success without losing the entrepreneurial DNA, enabling companies to scale while preserving agility and creativity.
After the case studies, you will participate in a roundtable workshop to discuss your own M&A challenges, moderated by experienced founders with expertise in mergers and acquisitions. The session will conclude with a brief summary of key findings from each roundtable discussion.
