PwC came to this conclusion after consulting with three of the other big accounting firms and each firm indicated that the unit didn't qualify for off-balance sheet treatment, the suit says.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Endpoint has consulting relationships with Intel and several of the other firms mentioned in this story.

FORBES: Intel's Oak Trail: Merely A Shot Across The Bow

These firms are prone to creating lucrative consulting deals for former consultants and maintaining other ongoing business relationships with their former owners.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Other consulting firms are coy about plans to reduce costs, but in the past the industry has dealt with slowdowns by recruiting fewer new staff and encouraging surplus consultants to seek jobs elsewhere.

ECONOMIST: Management consulting