Its ironic two years ago one of the biggest offshore owners told me that the industry was heading in the direction of 5-10 major shops. I dissagreed. Now, I am starting to believe his assertion. I am always for the small business, as I believe competition is to the benefit of all players,ie people. The small to medium size shops just can't compete in the advertising arena to give the large shops a run, and one by one they are starting to drop.
Its a shame, but I believe that now its just a matter of time. The only way a small to medium size book can succeed is by creating a niche within the industry that is novel. Innovation withing the industry is the only chance of survival, otherwise they will perish in the depths of mediocrity.