The planning officer of your airline has been gathering information concerning several opportunities for your firm. Since the climate seems good for additional common stock sales and bank loans, the possibilities of expansion through merger and acquisition seem very good.

An opposite twist has also presented itself – an offer to purchase your airline. A thorough investigation and analysis by a competent financial analyst specializing in such matters will cost $3,000 for the opportunity listed below and will be completed in three to nine months. This would be a necessary first step in pursuing this business opportunity.

Risk factors as shown below are on a scale of very low risk (1) to very high risk (10). The risk factor takes into account the economic stability of that particular type of business, the difficulty in operating it, competition, and the profit potential.

Scenario:

Begin a new company that would refurbish commuter aircraft. Due to the increasing cost of new aircraft, it is felt that many airlines would be interested in rebuilding and refurbishing their current fleet instead of purchasing a new fleet. The cost would be $2 million and the ROI is estimated to be in the 15%-28% range with a risk factor of 6.

What are your recommendations with regard to this business opportunity, the concepts of diversification planning, and ethical implications?