FTI Consulting Strengthens Transactional Capabilities With Senior M&A and Due Diligence Hire

Rhea-AI Summary

FTI Consulting (NYSE: FCN) announced the appointment of Mustapha Labassi as Senior Managing Director in Transaction Services, effective Feb 9, 2026. Based in Paris, he brings 15+ years of M&A and financial due diligence experience across Europe and French-speaking Africa, focusing on healthcare, tech, TMT, software and business services.

The hire aims to strengthen FTI’s financial due diligence and deal capabilities in France, support private equity and corporate clients, and expand transactional coverage across multiple industries.

Key Figures

M&A experience: more than 15 years

1 metrics

M&A experience more than 15 years Mustapha Labassi’s experience across the M&A life cycle

Market Reality Check

Price: $178.93 Vol: Volume 313,812 vs 20-day ...

normal vol

$178.93 Last Close

Volume Volume 313,812 vs 20-day average 226,158 (relative volume 1.39x) ahead of this announcement. normal

Technical Shares at $178.93, trading above the 200-day MA of $166.54 and 8.94% below the $196.50 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

FCN was up 0.86% pre-news while key peers were mixed: BAH up 5.47%, HURN, DGNX, ...

FCN was up 0.86% pre-news while key peers were mixed: BAH up 5.47%, HURN, DGNX, ICFI and CRAI modestly down. The lack of a broad, one-direction move suggests stock-specific factors rather than a sector-wide shift.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 05 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 05	Earnings date set	Neutral	+1.8%	Announced Q4 and full-year 2025 results date and conference call.
Feb 05	Senior hires	Positive	+1.8%	Added two senior chemicals experts to Transformation practice in Europe.
Feb 04	Senior hire	Positive	+1.6%	Hired procurement and supply chain expert as Senior Managing Director.
Feb 03	Senior hire	Positive	-3.0%	Appointed IP damages expert as Senior Managing Director in Dispute Advisory.
Jan 21	Strategic partnership	Positive	+1.6%	Named first IAB Authorized Assessor using IAB Diligence Platform.

Pattern Detected

Recent personnel and partnership announcements have usually coincided with mild positive moves, with one negative divergence on a senior hire.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, FCN has highlighted multiple strategic developments. On Jan 21, 2026, FTI Technology became the first IAB Authorized Assessor, with shares up 1.64%. A series of senior hires across Dispute Advisory, Business Transformation and Transformation practices from Feb 3–5, 2026 saw reactions between -2.99% and +1.84%. An earnings date and call announcement on Feb 26, 2026 also aligned with a 1.84% gain. Today’s senior M&A hire continues this pattern of investment in specialized talent.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement adds another senior leader to FTI Consulting’s transactional and due diligence cap...

Analysis

This announcement adds another senior leader to FTI Consulting’s transactional and due diligence capabilities, expanding expertise in M&A across Europe and French-speaking Africa. It follows a series of recent senior hires and strategic initiatives, underscoring ongoing investment in specialized advisory services. Investors may watch how these appointments translate into deal flow and segment performance, alongside upcoming catalysts like the scheduled release of fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results.

Key Terms

financial due diligence, buy-side, sell-side, private equity, +2 more

6 terms

financial due diligence financial

"an extensive track record in financial due diligence on both buy-side and sell-side"

A careful review of a company’s financial records, forecasts, contracts and obligations to verify that the numbers are accurate and to uncover hidden risks or opportunities. For investors it is like inspecting a house before buying: it helps confirm the value being paid, reveals problems that could reduce returns, and guides deal terms or whether to proceed at all.

buy-side financial

"financial due diligence on both buy-side and sell-side transactions"

Buy-side describes firms and professionals whose job is to purchase securities and other assets on behalf of clients or for their own investment portfolios, such as mutual funds, pension funds, hedge funds, and asset managers. It matters to investors because buy-side activity drives demand, influences prices and market trends—think of them as the large shoppers whose buying choices can move the market and signal which investments are in favor.

sell-side financial

"financial due diligence on both buy-side and sell-side transactions"

Sell-side describes financial firms and professionals—such as broker-dealers, investment banks and analysts—whose job is to create, promote and sell securities and related services to other market participants. They publish research, make markets and execute trades much like shopkeepers who stock, advertise and sell goods; their reports and trading activity can shape prices, liquidity and investor access, so investors watch sell-side output to help judge market signals and opportunities.

private equity financial

"He has advised French private equity firms, large European corporations and investors"

Private equity involves investing money directly into private companies or buying out public companies to make them private, with the goal of improving their performance and increasing their value over time. For investors, it offers an opportunity to earn returns by helping companies grow or restructure, often requiring a longer-term commitment and a higher level of involvement than typical stock investments.

due diligence financial

"Private equity and corporate clients rely on meticulous due diligence and sound M&A advisory"

Due diligence is the careful investigation and analysis someone conducts before making a decision, such as investing money or entering into an agreement. It’s like researching thoroughly before buying a used car to ensure it’s in good condition; this helps prevent surprises and makes informed choices. For investors, due diligence reduces risk by verifying details and understanding what they’re getting into.

m&a financial

"advise clients on mergers and acquisition (“M&A”) transactions across multiple industries"

M&A, short for mergers and acquisitions, involves one company combining with or purchasing another company to grow, streamline operations, or gain competitive advantages. For investors, M&A activity can signal potential for increased value, new opportunities, or changes in market dynamics, making it an important factor to watch in the business landscape.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

PARIS, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the appointment of Mustapha Labassi as a Senior Managing Director in the Transaction Services practice within the Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment.

Mr. Labassi, who is based in Paris, brings more than 15 years of experience across the M&A life cycle and an extensive track record in financial due diligence on both buy-side and sell-side transactions. He has advised French private equity firms, large European corporations and investors on domestic and cross-border deals across Europe and French-speaking African countries. Mr. Labassi’s expertise also spans a range of sectors, with a particular focus on healthcare, technology, media, telecommunications, software and business services.

In his role at FTI Consulting, Mr. Labassi will support the growth of the firm’s financial due diligence and deal capabilities in France and advise clients on mergers and acquisition (“M&A”) transactions across multiple industries.

“Our clients’ success drives everything we do, which is why we are investing in our end-to-end transactional expertise and strengthening our teams in key European markets,” said Rustom Kharegat, Co-Leader of Global Transactions at FTI Consulting. “Mustapha’s technical expertise and leadership will be a huge asset to our Transaction Services practice, building our offering and enabling us to deliver even more value to clients in France and globally.”

Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Mr. Labassi was an M&A Director at Ergéa, a pan-European healthcare group. Before that he was a partner in Deloitte’s M&A transaction services team in Paris.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Labassi said, “With ongoing market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, M&A deals are riskier, more complex and harder to get over the line. That is why expert financial due diligence and analysis are key factors in helping clients make informed decisions. I’m excited to join FTI Consulting, where I look forward to supporting clients throughout the deal process and contributing to the future growth of the firm’s transactional team.”

Raphael Miolane, a Senior Managing Director in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment in France at FTI Consulting, added, “Mustapha’s appointment marks a strategic expansion of our transactional capabilities in France in response to client demand. Private equity and corporate clients rely on meticulous due diligence and sound M&A advisory support to navigate complex deals. With Mustapha on board, we will deliver the insights that they need to make confident decisions and realise opportunities.”

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organisations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 32 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalised and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

FTI Consulting, Inc.
200 Aldersgate
Aldersgate Street
London EC1A 4HD
+44 20 3727 1000

Investor Contact:                                
Mollie Hawkes
+1.617.747.1791
mollie.hawkes@fticonsulting.com

Media Contact:                                           
Helen Obi         
+44 20 7632 5071
helen.obi@fticonsulting.com

FAQ

Who is Mustapha Labassi and what role did he take at FTI Consulting (FCN) on Feb 9, 2026?

Mustapha Labassi was appointed Senior Managing Director in Transaction Services at FTI Consulting. According to FTI Consulting, he is Paris-based with more than 15 years of M&A and financial due diligence experience advising private equity, corporations and investors across Europe and French-speaking Africa.

How will Mustapha Labassi’s hire affect FTI Consulting’s deal capabilities in France and for FCN shareholders?

The hire is intended to strengthen FTI Consulting’s financial due diligence and M&A capabilities in France. According to FTI Consulting, Labassi will support deal execution across industries, aiming to improve client outcomes and expand the firm’s transactional service offering in Europe.

What sectors will Mustapha Labassi focus on at FTI Consulting (FCN)?

Labassi’s expertise covers healthcare, technology, media, telecommunications, software and business services. According to FTI Consulting, this sector breadth positions him to advise cross‑border and domestic transactions for private equity and corporate clients across those industries.

What prior experience does Mustapha Labassi bring to FTI Consulting (FCN)?

He was previously M&A Director at Ergéa and a partner in Deloitte’s M&A transaction services in Paris. According to FTI Consulting, Labassi has led financial due diligence on buy‑side and sell‑side deals across Europe and French‑speaking Africa.

Why did FTI Consulting (FCN) expand its Transaction Services team in France with this hire?

FTI Consulting said the hire responds to client demand for stronger end‑to‑end transactional expertise in Europe. According to FTI Consulting, adding Labassi aims to deliver deeper due diligence and M&A advisory support to private equity and corporate clients handling complex deals.