The case captures the dilemma of founders of an enterprise when they are faced with a hostile acquisition bid: whether to acquiesce - cede control and maximize their wealth - or to resist and run the risk of losing both. Set in 2019, the case provides a rich description of the takeover battle between the founders of the software services firm, Mindtree and the leadership of the bidder, L&T, a widely diversified conglomerate. It invites the students to review the choices of the founders Mindtree as they vehemently opposed the bid even as the leaders of L&T sought to present their takeover proposal as a "gentlemanly overture". The case is also significant because hostile acquisitions are rare in India and thus provides a singular opportunity to discuss the role of the board in such situations, particularly their role as mentors guiding strategic choices of firm leaderships.