Restructure This! Episode 6: Communicating Distress in the Digital Era

The ways that companies connect with their stakeholders has dramatically changed with the rise of digital and social media and a challenge to the concept of shareholder primacy. We speak with Sydney Isaacs and Dan Scorpio of Abernathy MacGregor on how companies can effectively reach their customers, vendors and employees during times of uncertainty such as a corporate restructuring.

 

With over 17 years at Abernathy, Sydney advises companies on transactions, crises and other times of transition, including restructuring. Dan, who joined Abernathy in 2015, is the head of M&A and activism. 

 

Abernathy MacGregor is a strategic communications advisory firm that provides communications, stakeholder engagement and advocacy expertise to management teams and boards during mergers, social media crises, and distress. Abernathy has advised companies in chapter 11, including, among others, Alpha Media, Valaris, Parker Drilling, Brookstone, J. Crew Group, and Philadelphia Energy Solutions, and has also advised the City of Detroit in its Chapter 9 filing. 

 

What We Discussed in This Episode:

• What a communication team does behind the scenes when a company files chapter 11
• Whether to engage, or dodge, the press in corporate restructuring situations
• The likelihood of an information leak, and its impact on a distressed company’s value
• How a company's management should message the company’s situation to employees
• Best practices in managing customer and vendor communications

 

Contact Information:

Sydney Isaacs 

Dan Scorpio

 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs