2008-11-11 16:05:03 -

- Ineum Consulting, part of Management Consulting Group (FTSE: MMC), a global business and management consulting company, announced today a new suite of services aimed at helping the Financial Services sector increase performance in a down economy.

Market conditions have evolved dramatically making it more difficult and complex for enterprises to effectively respond to these changes. This applies to

many companies whether or not they were already experiencing challenges in business conditions or merely anticipating them. They will therefore need to revisit their strategy, optimize their capital structure and maximize free cash flow - they will also need to consider restructuring initiatives either through consolidation or spin-offs.

"Enterprises need to forge ahead with their on-going transformational initiatives and learn how to sustain their growth agenda even in the midst of the current economic and financial crisis," says Miguel de Fontenay, Ineum Consulting CEO. "First and foremost, what they will need is a well defined frame of reference to stay on course even as they find themselves in dire straits.

"They will also have to demonstrate fortitude and good judgment throughout the difficult journey ahead, and to deliver incremental, tangible results that foster confidence from both internal and external stakeholders. This is where Ineum Consulting can help by bringing to bear its portfolio of solutions that focus on the fundamentals.

"To navigate the troubled waters of the current crisis, sink or swim means going back to basics," concludes de Fontenay.

In addition to enterprise transformation, Ineum Consulting's portfolio includes six distinct but integrated "Back to Basics" offerings which can immediately make a difference:

-- Cost Take-Out and Performance Improvement - We use our functional expertise and benchmark data to quickly define and implement targeted cost take-out programs that free up cash flow (e.g., vendor contract renegotiation, design-to-cost approaches, outsourcing);

-- Working Capital Optimization+ - We work with clients to identify and leverage opportunities to unlock cash by looking at each component of the P&L with a specific focus on inventory management for industrial and manufacturing companies;

-- Refinancing/Debt Restructuring - We stand with our clients as they restructure their debt and capital structure throughout the life-cycle of their interactions with creditors and banks;

-- Post M&A Integration/Divestiture - We accelerate asset and process separation post-transaction or maximize value creation post-acquisition;

-- Regulatory excellence - We support clients' roll-out of control and risk management processes and governance models while minimizing related costs and making provision for upcoming regulatory changes;

-- Reshaping the HR Function and Agenda - We are committed to our clients' goals in redistributing their portfolio of talent and headcount, proactively and strategically managing human capital while optimizing costs, particularly compensation expenses.

At a time when enterprises across all industries must constantly reassess their strategy, implement complex transformation initiatives or engage in corporate and financial transactions - often simultaneously, our mission is to support our clients in each of these areas. As partners, Ineum Consulting helps formulate and implement programs that sustainably support growth and strengthen resilience, especially during these challenging times.

Ineum Consulting partners are available to comment across all of these solutions. Please let us know if you wish to speak to any of our thought leaders to get their point of view on this situation.

Ineum Consulting is one of the largest independent management consultancy firms in the world with over 1,000 professionals operating in Europe and the United States. Ineum Consulting is a member of Management Consulting Group PLC (MCG), a global organization dedicated exclusively to business and management consulting with a network of 30 offices on five continents.

Parson Consulting
Tom Griggs, Media Relations
+949-273-4073
tgriggs@parsnonconsulting.com
or
Ineum Consulting North America
Manuel Barbero, President and Managing Partner
+1-212-521-0225
mbarbero@ineum.com