Axetem’s branch office in the Middle East region was temporarily shut down a couple of years ago because of growing concerns for employee security and an unstable economic environment. Axetem’s branch office is located in a four-story building near the downtown area. Axetem has been renting its office headquarters at a cost of $4,000 per month based on a 5-year lease. Since its temporary shutdown, the company has continued to make its lease payments. The building is still in very good shape, and the office can be reopened almost immediately. Additionally, because of the current shortages, and to stimulate business in the country, the government is willing to negotiate a substantial government contract with Axetem, Inc. to supply training shoes to its police and military academies. This contract is worth approximately $5 million over the next 3 years if the company agrees to reopen this foreign branch office and employ local residents.