Question 1. About 67% of the acquisitions of other companies result in losses to the acquiring firms stockholders. Since it is well documented that most acquisitions are financial failures, why do firms continue to purchase other firms? Are they simply paying too much for the acquired firm? A co-worker asks you what you think. Outline your thoughts in a paragraph or two. Specifically state the reasons for your argument.
Question 2. You work for an large investment firm and recently wrote a position article on your firm's approach to investing for the small investor, titled "Investing is for the little guy". The article now appears on your company's website. It has, interestingly enough, generated e-mailed responses from potential clients and your firm is asking you to address some of their questions for a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) segment that will be posted to the site soon.
Specifically, some of the respondents have compared investing in the stock market as a no win situation and only the institutional investors can win. These respondents would like a response that further clarifies your firm's position regarding risk in light of these type of statements.