Don’t stop halfway, with Edwina BASSIL, Head of M&A and PMI at EDG

Episode 8

 

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In this eighth episode, Thomas Colin (Alvo.Market) and Maxime Nicolas (Outmatch) welcome Edwina Bassil, Head of M&A and PMI at European Digital Group (EDG). With more than 70 transactions carried out over her career, she looks back on her group’s ambitious strategy: making external growth not a one-off step, but a permanent driver of development.

A strategy built in from day one

At EDG, M&A was not an add-on: it shaped the project from the very beginning. With support from Montéfiore, the group has in just a few years built a major player in digital transformation (€300m in revenue, 30 acquisitions, 2,000 employees). The founding idea: consolidate the market by bringing together the best domain experts — from cloud to data, digital marketing to customer experience.

Discipline as the key to success

“It’s better to miss a deal than to make the wrong one,” insists Edwina Bassil. Every transaction is part of a clear strategy, with strict selection criteria. Execution relies on precise methodology and seasoned teams, capable of handling sourcing, due diligence, and integration quickly — but without rushing. This discipline prevents opportunistic acquisitions and ensures sustainable growth.

Shared equity and respectful integration

The success of EDG’s repeat buildup also rests on an original model: leaders of acquired companies retain a share of equity and benefit from collective upside. This mechanism aligns interests and drives commercial synergies. On the integration side, the philosophy is clear: “integrate without disintegrating.” Brands, cultures, and teams are preserved, while benefiting from shared tools and structured governance.

A collective and entrepreneurial dynamic

Beyond the numbers, EDG’s buildup spirit translates into a mindset: helping each entrepreneur continue their own development, while leveraging the strength of the group. Sharing best practices, building networks, and supporting growth phases are integral parts of this strategy.