Step 1: Data analysis

We analyse our league table data in July to identify the top-ranked firms to form our shortlist.

The analysis considers overall value of transactions as well as overall volume (deal count) in equal measure - meaning that even if your transactions have undisclosed values, every deal counts.

The period under review is for deals announced between 1st July to 30th June.

Step 2: Shortlist announced 

When the analysis is done, we announce a shortlist for each category . Only these firms are eligible to enter the awards. 

Our judges will review all of the pitches and the data. 

Contact Jonathon.Cohen@iongroup.com for further information.

Step 3: Send a pitch

Each of the firms who successfully make the shortlist are invited to write a full A4 page pitch. The pitch is handed to a panel of M&A veterans who will review all the entries received, compare it with our league table data and debate who deserves to win.

This means the pitch is the most important stage of the process! Judges are looking for the story behind the data, such as the value-adding nature of the advisory work you provided to clients, examples of innovative or creative solutions to complex situations and how you helped get the deal across the line. You can find tips for pitching here.

Step 4: Judging 

Our judges will review all of the pitches and the data. The judges come from a wide variety of industry backgrounds, including investment banking, private equity, financial advisory, legal advisory, academia and journalism. They apply their knowledge to interpret if the deal data combined with what's written in the pitch all adds up to a winning entry. 

Step 5: Awards announcement at the Mergermarket Australia M&A Awards 2024

We will be announcing the top dealmakers from across the region at the Mergermarket M&A Awards – Australia in the Four Season Hotel, Sydney.