Highlights
Primary focus is business strategy consulting.
Developed its own merchant banking and venture capital operations in the 1990s.
In 2007, signed an agreement with Tameer Holding, a leading Middle East real estate developer, for market research and financial and analytical studies of a construction project in Libya.
Handed out third-annual Fast Company/Monitor Group Social Capitalist Awards in 2006 to organizations using corporate disciplines to alleviate social problems.
In 2005, it began formal discussions to acquire A.T. Kearney from EDS. The deal is never consummated; instead, ATK’s VPs purchase the company.
Younger and perhaps a tad hungrier than its larger competitors, Monitor has nonetheless established itself on the radar screens of the management consulting elite, competing for business and recruits with the likes of McKinsey and The Boston Consulting Group. The firm has a reputation for doing business its own way and has carved out a niche as a strategy specialist with close ties to academia. Founded in 1982 by six entrepreneurs, including Harvard’s Michael Porter and current chairman Mark Fuller, Monitor is now a leading international advisory and financial services firm with 28 offices and 1,688 employees worldwide.
Monitor provides strategic consulting services to major companies, governments, and philanthropic institutions, and it operates its own global investment funds in both private equity and venture capital. It also offers M&A advisory services.
Last year was another strong one at Monitor, following bang-up performances in 2005 and 2004. Hoover’s reported estimated 2007 sales of $92.5 million. According to Consultants News, Monitor in recent years has offered the largest signing bonuses (20 percent) among top firms and the richest annual bonus potential (up to 30 percent of base salary).
Monitor’s unique approach involves bringing the strengths of its different business units to a case. Demand for this approach has been rising. Insiders appreciate the opportunity to transfer within the group of companies, although newbies shouldn’t expect it until they’ve demonstrated strong performance.