Competitor Intelligence

Whether competing in a mature market with established players or entering an emerging market with unknown local players, a company’s success often depends on understanding the strengths and vulnerabilities of the competition.

Kroll gathers strategic intelligence that helps our clients obtain an edge in competitive markets. We combine experience across a multitude of industries with its worldwide investigative reach to accurately assess the competitive environment in which our clients operate.

We can identify a competitor’s key levers for success, some of which may constitute unfair advantages, such as political relationships, government subsidies, market restricting practices or even fraud. We can also identify legitimate best practices in a competitor’s supply chain that may result in higher profitability or cheaper products.

When clients want to identify acquisition targets or joint venture partners, they come to Kroll to map the competitive landscape. Often and especially in Asia and Latin America, our clients want to understand the source of their competitors’ influence within government and regulatory bodies. We maintain the highest ethical and legal standards while conducting our research. The result is actionable intelligence on which to base strategic and tactical decisions.

Case Study: Closing the Gap on the Competition in the Food Industry
A global consumer packaged goods client was concerned that its food business, a small part of a larger enterprise, was underperforming on key operational metrics. Kroll analyzed the supply chains of its industry peers, from procurement to customer management. Working closely with the client’s team, we synthesized the key insights to help set strategic priorities and close performance gaps.

Case Study: Specialty Chemicals Manufacturer Redefines its Product
A specialty chemicals manufacturer faced a new competitor that had filed for regulatory approval for a product similar to its own. Kroll research revealed that the competitor had contacted hundreds of the client’s current customers, received expressions of interest from many and contracted for manufacturing capacity. The advance warning allowed our client to adjust its product offering and cost structure in order to combat the threat.

Case Study: Competitor Works to Tarnish Global Supplier of Packaging Systems
A global supplier of packaging systems engaged Kroll to conduct a discreet background investigation of its leading Chinese competitor, who allegedly had engineered a media and marketing campaign accusing the client of unfair competition. Kroll examined the competitor’s reputation, ownership structure, management and track record. The research revealed that the competitor enjoyed strong government support but had non-compliant corporate registrations,  cash flow problems and a track record of targeting rivals in this manner.  Our client used this intelligence to protect their position.