In the first meeting of Andersen Consulting partners since the company split from Arthur Andersen, the partners voted to explore a partial IPO that could give the company a valuation between $25 billion and $30 billion. In addition to investigating the possibility of an IPO, the partners also decided to speed up the firm's new economy strategy. To do so, Joe W. Forehand, CEO of Andersen Consulting, believes the firm "will need to look at new capital-raising capabilities." A vote on whether to proceed with the partial IPO will likely be held in the spring or summer of next year.