Hi All I have been doing some research on small, niche strategy players and have found Burlington Consultants. I know they were acquired by Deloitte - and in this very forum people compared them to OC&C (in 2004).I wanted to see if anyone had kept up with thier progress after their absorption into Deloitte's Strategy practice. Furthermore, how to explain this trend of small botiques being bought by bigger players ( ATK as well). I understand the financial gain for both the founders of the botique and for the big player - but surely there must be compromises on prestige?Ultimately, I am sitting in front of thier mba job spec (manager) - are they the cream of the big 6? (EY , PWC, KPMG, Del, Acn, CG) Thanks!

You define the Big 6 as EY , PWC, KPMG, Del, Acn, CGThat's the first time I've ever seen that categorisation.Where did it come from ?

what a fantastic response. Does anyone else have some real insight? Thanks

The two Georges' responses notwithstanding, I'm not clear on what you're asking...Burlington bought by Deloitte - so perhaps your are saying are Deloitte the cream? Some would say yes, some no. Of course, the "big 6" here are also up for some debate. These seem to be the major "doer" firms, as opposed to the "advisory" firms, so maybe this is your market context. Anyway, who's to know?As for the trend of smaller firms being bought by big ones, this is not unique to consulting. It happens in all business environments. The reasons are myriad.Your question about prestige compromises is a pretty interesting one also. As with any change to a brand protfolio, quetions of brand impact have to be considered. And brand inpmact goes both ways - the small firm may have more prestige than the larger. Look at Aston Martin, owned by Ford. Swatch own Omega. Etc. Your example of ATK is interesting - suggest ATKearney has far higher prestige than EDS, who bought them for a foot in the door to the MC arena.At the end of the day, your question is garbled. What do you want to know?

Well, I for one would like to know the level of thier prestige in the 'm&a strategy community' - which I immagine are specialist CDD players ( I know Bain has a pretty good offering).Id like to apply - im just worried they are another financial services offering, as a spin off of assurance ? Its hard for me to gauge if they are consultants at heart - there is a big difference between the PWC CDD (strategy group) and Bain's CDD offering. Thanks for your help

I am sorry to be critical but it is really important to be able spell simple words when applying for consulting positions. I would check your spelling on 'thier' should be 'their' and 'immagine' is spelt 'imagine' - I suggest you spell check any application. I would turn down a CV with these kinds of basic spelling mistakes.

I hear that, sparkle.Seems you've touched a nerve, though. Check out Pedro's thread 20773. Amazing what p*sses some folks off, isn't it. Of course, be careful how you make these, I think, helpful and valid points, or Pedro might think you're a 'looser' (sic)...