Case Study

Corporate Holding Structure Optimisation

Corporate Global Regulatory

Client Profile

A professional services firm with operations across nine European jurisdictions engaged us to redesign their holding structure following a period of acquisitive growth.

The existing framework had evolved organically, resulting in a complex web of intermediate holding companies with inconsistent ownership levels, suboptimal capital treatment, and regulatory structures that no longer aligned with current business activities.

The Challenge

The professional services firm faced several structural challenges requiring comprehensive intervention:

  • Entity redundancy: 31 of the 52 entities served no current operational purpose, creating unnecessary administration costs.
  • Capital inefficiency: Suboptimal ownership chains creating risk exposure and impeding efficient capital flows.
  • Regulatory misalignment: Structures no longer aligned with current business activities and substance requirements.

Our Approach

We designed and executed a comprehensive holding structure redesign:

Phase 1: Entity Mapping & Analysis

Comprehensive mapping of existing entity structure against operational requirements, regulatory licenses, and strategic objectives.

Phase 2: Rationalised Architecture Design

Consolidated ownership into three regional hubs aligned with operational structure. Established clear substance requirements for each jurisdiction.

Phase 3: Execution & Implementation

Carefully sequenced migration maintaining regulatory continuity. Standardised intercompany agreements and implemented consolidated reporting frameworks.

Outcomes

65%
Entity reduction (52 to 18)
35%
Reduction in maintenance costs
3×
Faster capital deployment

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