The consulting market is changing at an increasingly rapid and profound pace, creating growth opportunities for consulting firms with specialized expertise in areas such as performance management, operations, and AI-driven transformation. This is demonstrated by the current Lünendonk Survey 2026, “Management Consulting in Germany,” in which EFESO Management Consultants once again ranks among the “Top 20.” With revenue growth of 3.8 percent, the operations consultancy clearly improved its position compared with the previous year. 

For the 30th edition of the market analysis, Lünendonk & Hossenfelder surveyed 68 management consultancies active in Germany and contextualized the findings in the study volume with additional information from the domestic and global industry environment, including key figures on revenue and employment trends among consulting firms. The survey also broadens the perspective to include topics such as market volume, fee models, current client priorities, and the industry’s future business models. 

Consulting market undergoing structural change 

The Lünendonk Survey describes a consulting market that is becoming increasingly polarized. While some specialized firms are growing significantly, generalists and consultancies with a high dependence on economically challenged industries are coming under greater pressure. At the same time, market consolidation is accelerating: private equity, mergers, and international acquisitions are changing ownership structures and competitive dynamics. Like EFESO, seven other German Top 20 consultancies are now PE-backed. 

Business models and billing practices are also changing: while time and materials remain the dominant contract model, accounting for nearly 70 percent of revenue, fixed-price and performance-based components are gaining importance. Above all, AI-enabled delivery models are increasing pressure to justify the value contribution of consulting more strongly through measurable results, productivity, and successful implementation. 

AI, efficiency, and restructuring in client focus 

The survey identifies AI (Artificial Intelligence), GenAI, data analytics, cost optimization and efficiency and digital transformation as the most important door openers for new consulting projects in 2026. Particularly high potential for value and performance improvements is seen in IT, logistics and supply chain, and corporate strategy. According to respondents, AI is proving to be a key topic in two respects: as a rapidly growing consulting field on the client side and as a productivity lever within consulting firms themselves. At the same time, AI is changing service delivery, as analysis, research, documentation, and content creation can increasingly be supported by software. 

EFESO improves its ranking in the Lünendonk® List

In the Lünendonk® List 2026, EFESO ranks 14th, moving up two places compared with the previous year. The study’s current market analysis underscores the relevance of consultancies that combine operational implementation capabilities, deep industry expertise, and technological transformation competence. It is precisely in this area of tension that companies working with EFESO unlock efficiency potential with significant results. For example, by using AI technologies to advance their industrial digitalization. 

In addition to the Lünendonk® List, other market studies such as the “Hidden Champions of the Consulting Market” industry study and the “Best Management Consultants” ranking regularly confirm the quality of EFESO projects in the digitalization of industrial processes, cost and earnings improvements, and key operations segments in industry.

About the survey

The Lünendonk Survey 2026, “Management Consulting in Germany,” has been available since July 30, 2026. It is based on the survey period from February to May 2026 and includes key figures, trends, and assessments of the consulting market in Germany. 

More information

Lünendonk® Survey 2026: Management Consulting in Germany