Commercial and High-Stakes Negotiation

In our fast-paced, interconnected environment, high-quality commercial advice and negotiation support can be the difference between a good outcome and a great one. Whether you’re entering new markets, shaping strategic partnerships, or navigating complex procurement or stakeholder dynamics, we are your trusted advisor, particularly when the stakes are high.

Catalyst Strategy provides strategic, pragmatic advice across commercial transaction, market entry, and procurement, grounded in decades of real-world experience. We also bring deep expertise in navigating sensitive, high-stakes negotiations - from critical incidents and crisis situations to politically charges or reputationally complex challenges - across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Our approach goes beyond price. We assess and create value holistically, balancing commercial outcomes with risk, relationships, governance, and execution realities. We are uniquely experienced both commercial and high-stakes negotiation and strategy formulation, including:

  • Navigating critical and high-pressure negotiations involving sensitive dynamics, competing interests, or reputational risk

  • Advising on crisis-related negotiations and sensitive stakeholder engagement, including regulatory response, employee relations, and executive security incidents

  • Structuring and negotiating complex procurement arrangements

  • Supporting successful and sustainable market entry

  • Designing procurement strategies that improve value, performance, and ESG outcomes

Our track record includes securing hundreds of millions in procurement and working capital improvements, uplifting commercial capability, and building trusted partnerships across diverse sectors and geographies - as well as supporting leaders through their most challenging moments behind the scenes.

Contact us to find out how Catalyst Strategy can help you create value, manage risk, and navigate your most important commercial moments with confidence.

Examples of Our Expertise (Case Studies):

Building Cross-Cultural Strategic Partnerships with Japanese OEMs

Cross-cultural partnerships don’t happen by accident. This case explores how patient, respectful engagement with Japanese OEMs created new commercial opportunities, reduced risk, and brought innovation to the table — all built on trust and shared value.

When Complacency Costs – Lessons in Supplier Overconfidence and Missed Opportunity

Overconfidence from a long-term supplier cost them major business. This case study offers a lesson in how clear strategy, transparent communication, and disciplined procurement processes can reset expectations and rebalance relationships without the drama.

Navigating Supply Risk with Cultural Intelligence – Strengthening a Strategic Partnership Under Pressure

Securing critical supply during a global shortage meant walking a tightrope between firmness and diplomacy. This case offers insights into how culturally intelligent leadership helped protect continuity, preserve relationships, and strengthen partnerships under pressure.

Navigating Crisis and Conflict in a Volatile Stakeholder Environment

A high-stakes crisis response across regulators, unions, media, and government. By aligning on objectives, risks, and stakeholder dynamics, the team stabilised the narrative, avoided escalation, and preserved commercial value. A powerful example of how clarity and coordination can shape outcomes in volatile situations.