Whenever the word 'merger' appears, the word 'take-over' is never far behind. And so it is after Tuesday's announcement that up-and-coming Birmingham-based firm GBR Property Consultants is to merge with long-standing West Midlands surveyor Phoenix Beard. Conspiracy theorists were quick point out that true mergers are rare and that one party usually benefits most.
I thought this blog might try to put this to the test with a simple survey, though I have to admit up front that my metrics are completely unscientific. So, let's start off with the merged company's name: GBR Phoenix Beard. An early point to GBR there. Next, raw staffing numbers: GBR has eight, PB 65. That makes the score one all. Then there's composition of the new board: three a piece to both firms, but PB's Simon Farrant takes on the MD mantle, so PB moves one ahead on the score board. I could go on, but of course, the really decisive issue is who gets what financially. And on that front neither firm is giving anything away.
