The case describes the process of integration between two European asset management organizations, one being British the other Dutch, with the goal of creating a Paneuropan organization reaching institutional clients in several countries of Europe.

Watson-Wyatt is an advisor to Barclays Bank PLC. The case contains all information the needed to value pension liabilities of Barclays and details about asset composition and benchmarks used in the management of the assets, the various dimensions of risk faced by the pension plan and the way to manage them properly.

In 2003 a BCG survey found Rothschild Bank AG to be one of the most profitable private banks in the world. The bank's future, however, was surrounded by uncertainties related to new international regulations, increased competition as well as volatile financial markets.

A+J+O uses quantitative stock picking engines based on statistical stock return anomalies. They use neither outside research nor soft dollars. They have a developed a relationship with brokers that fosters good execution quality of trades. Ted Aronson, the founder is wondering whether the firm should expand further the long-short investment strategy.