odd price drop, page-2

Problems can potentially surface where one business under the IPH umbrella is taking action against an entity who is a client of another business under the IPH banner. This is usually seen as a conflict of interest. Its perception rather than reality. The problem is that your perception ends up as your reality - if you are complaining about it.
Don't know where this will go but this issue would likely be common in all larger or consolidated law or accounting firms.
In terms of consolidation in the IP area the horse has already bolted and I doubt there would be any changes requiring a break up of IPH.
May be some areas of legislation tightened up. May also be guidelines issued concerning information sharing etc.
If it was potentially serious then I would expect some sort of ann by IPH. But the market panics at the slightest noise so it wait and see.