Question at position 16 Despite extensive due diligence, research and analysis, acquisitions often do not meet expectations. Which of the following would not be an option a firm would pursue if it was falling short in delivering the expected returns?Leveraged buyoutDownscopingAll of the provided options could be pursuedDownsizing

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Question: Despite extensive due diligence, research and analysis, acquisitions often do not meet expectations. Which of the following would not be an option a firm would pursue if it was falling short in delivering the expected returns?

Options: Leveraged buyout; Downscoping; All of the provided options could be pursued; Downsizing.

Option 1: Leveraged buyout. An LBO involves financing a acquisition largely with debt and aiming to unlock value through post-acquisition improvements. If the firm is already underperforming, taking on additional high leverage would typically increase financial risk rather than reduce it, making an LBO a less attractive or feasible option as a corrective step. This option would be viewed skeptically because it compounds debt burden and could worsen returns unless a clear value-creation thesis is proven.

Option 2: Downscoping. Downscoping means narrowing the firm’s strategic focus, often by divesting low‑return or non-core businesses to concentrate resources on higher‑margin activities. This is a common strategic response to underperformance, allowing management to simplify operations, improve capital allocation, and enhance overall return on invested capital. The rationale for pursuing downscoping is solid in many turnaround scenarios.

Option 3: All of the provided options could be pursued. This choice asserts that every listed strategy could be viable. To evaluate this, one would weigh each option’s practicality given the specific context; if one option is unlikely (as discussed for the LBO), then this blanket statement would be inaccurate.

Option 4: Downsizing. Reducing headcount or capacity can cut costs and improve efficiency, which is a common move when returns lag expectations. While not without consequences, downsizing is frequently considered as a tactical remedy to tighten operations and restore margins.

Summary: The reasoning above shows that among the listed strategies, leveraging further with an LBO typically carries more risk under performance shortfalls and is less likely to be pursued as a corrective measure, whereas downscoping and downsizing are standard levers. The option claiming that all options could be pursued would not align with the caution around additional leverage in a weak-return scenario.

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