It can do this by having built a suite of off-the-shelf tools and back-end structures that, for most of its new companies at least, it can deploy in a pick-and-mix way.

WSJ: Germany's Model Stresses Execution Over Innovation

The seemingly-opportunistic bids turned out to be an ill-timed move to gain top-shelf I-banking status, as the sector never got its footing back after the financial crisis that liquidated Lehman.

FORBES: Nomura Regrets Its Day at the Auction

The issue is that Jones-Drew, who is only 27-years-old, has been informed about the short shelf life of an NFL player (particularly a running back), may be entering the best years of his career (from a production standpoint), and wants to take advantage of his limited opportunity to capitalize on his proven ability to rack up rushing yards (he had 1, 606 yards rushing in 2011).

FORBES: Public Discussion Of Maurice Jones-Drew Holdout Will Not Affect His Brand