Summarize the different strategic alternatives that Quintiles should consider and their pros and cons.

1. Does it make sense for the private equity firms to exit their Quintiles position partially through an IPO rather than an M&A sale?
2. If an IPO is chosen, how will the private equity firms eventually exit their remaining position?
3. Discuss whether the management-led buyout that occurred during 2003 created a conflict of interest. If so, why, and how was this resolved?