With Deloitte reporting its weakest revenue growth in 14 years, significant changes within the Big 4 accounting firms seem increasingly likely. These changes could involve restructuring business units or even separating consulting and audit arms, an idea that has long been discussed but resisted by many within the firms. The current environment, however, makes this idea more plausible. As economic challenges tighten corporate spending and demand for traditional consulting services slows, a shake-up in the structure and operating model of the Big 4 firms may be necessary for survival and growth
