Gartner's acquisition of Meta Group is evidence of a consolidation direction in the market research industry that is probably going to continue in 2005. Some Gartner clients say the purchase of Meta will not change their relationship with Gartner, and could possibly improve it. The acquisition should mean more talent on board at Gartner, says Mike Luter CTO for the Cancer Therapy Research Center. Gartner's acquisition of Meta will follow Forrester Research's buyout of Giga Information Group. At the conclusion of the Meta acquisition, Gartner, Forrester, and IDC will be the only large research firms, says Anthea Stratigos, CEO of consulting services provider Outsell. Fewer resources for information could be the result for such companies as Sears, Roebuck, & Co, which has engaged multiple analyst firms to obtain multiple opinions on topics crucial to the Sears business. A spokeswoman for Sears would like to see consolidation result in the creation of knowledge sharing groups in which the firm is a facilitator, rather than the source. With the acquisition of Meta, Gartner will have purchased expansion, reduced operational and administration costs, and increased profitability. Jamie Bedard, president and CEO of Aberdeen Group, which is a second-tier market research firm that also may acquire other companies in 2005, says the foundational business model in market research is flawed, and stakeholders are working hard to find growth.