The 2025 ranking was compiled using the same methodology as in previous years:  In the first step, 1,713 experienced management consultants were invited to share their recommendations for management consultancies in an online expert survey.  Self-recommendations were not permitted.  In the second step, 2,000 managers (including heads of strategy, heads of business development, etc.) were recruited from an online panel and 280 specifically researched managers from companies listed on the DAX, MDAX, SDAX, and TecDAX stock market indices rated the quality of the consulting services using school grades.  Consulting firms with an average rating that was considerably lower than the average rating of the entire respective category (industry sector or functional area) were not included in the list.