If the Forest kool-aid drinkers and lifers have not figured it out yet, this is the official writing on the wall. If you think the contract people are going to get fired first, you are wrong, they will retain your jobs during transition to the aquirer of Forest. Contract sales forces though possibly, and I say possibly less effective, are easier to dissolve without legacy cost or the chance of lawsuits (a bonus for the aquirer).
The sales force micromanagement, computers, tracking programs, all get the ducks in order for zero severance and the "voluntary stepping down" of your peers. If you thought the fear management was bad now, they are going to ride you harder so no severance costs ever exist. The management team has already done a great job of getting 5 plus year vets to "step-down". How many 7-8 year people that have not managed to get themselves promoted from life behind a tablet/sampling still exist?
If Forest has been good to you this far, learn that all your achievements will mean nothing or little to nothing, as they slowly force you out the door. One last push for share of voice and to squeeze every script they can before Lexapro sales degrade indefinitely and escitalopram generics take over the market.
Can anyone with a brain tell me any other reason why Forest, knowing full well they have more rep coverage than any other pharma company, would add a contract force? The answer should be the idea that Forest sales force is going to die a slow and painful death as they ruin you and your career at Forest. Thanks for all your hardwork, now go and actively search for employment outside the wicket door. Although you view your contract sales counterparts as ineffective, they are the solution to selling Forest. Karl has already communicated what his plan was for this company and unfortunately it involves less people to do it.