"So what do we do?" asked Adam, leaning forward on the conference table addressing the board.
"I don't see us having much of a choice." said Brooke. "The offer is sound the only alternative is bankruptcy."
"It's not the only option." said Brian Woodward, the usual negative voice in the group. There were a few nods around the table.
"So what is your suggestion?" inquired Scott. "The way I see it we can either keep going as we are... into ruin; just another business giant brought low by recession. We can lay off thousands of workers, cut all our global ties and reduce this company to less than a quarter of its present size to try and survive; which is a something I know some people on this board are supporting. That option will kill this business just like doing nothing, only it will be a slower death. All we can do is take the risk on this new venture, expand in a new, proven direction… take a leap and reap the benefits."
"But who's to say that those figures are correct?" said Woodward.
"Because we did our own research." said Scott putting his own file on the table. "And the projections are almost identical. We are dead in the water unless we do something soon."
"But is this deal actually possible?" Adam asked, "Has anyone spoken to Mr Joossen since he made the offer? Is it even still on the table?"
"We have made some preliminary enquiries when we became aware that Courtland was pursuing this option." said Brooke. "The deal is still on the table but we have a deadline."
"How tight is this deadline?" Adam asked.
"He's in the country this week and will agree to a meeting."
"…And Courtland, how sure are we that they'll keep their side of the bargain?"
"I think they have as much tied to this as we do." said Scott.
"And Marissa…" said Adam with a thoughtful expression on his face. "I was impressed with Marissa. I had no idea she had such great business sense. If we do this I want her following this all the way."
"I'm sure we can make that part of the deal." said Brooke.
"So we're selling out to Courtland?" Woodward asked bitterly.
"We are saving the business." said Adam. "I'm not so stubborn that I know you don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If we pull this off, Chandler will be stronger than ever." He then gave Scott a wink; the lad was looking surprised by how quickly Adam had acquiesced. "It just pays not to let the opposition know you're keen." he explained.
"So do you want me to make the call?" Scott asked.
"We'll let them sweat a bit longer." said Adam, "And then I'll do the honours. I've got a few clauses I want add."
…