A consulting firm, XYZ Services, specializes in change management, works internationally with large multinational clients, and is considering an acquisition. XYZ works with their clients to help them through major change and their impact on employees. They focus on equipping managers with the skills to lead their team through a change initiative. However, the possible acquisition is outside their industry.The company they are looking to buy is an executive recruitment firm that specialized in helping clients fill senior level positions, primarily at the officer level. At a board level meeting of XYZ, there was much disagreement as to the wisdom of this decision.

The financial analysis indicated that the recruitment firm has been operating at break-even, yet has a very stable work force. Many of the offices of XYZ are located in the same international cities as the recruitment firm.

1) If you were arguing for the purchase, what would be your reasons?

2) If you were arguing against the purchase, what would be your reasons?