Transformation Quarterly 01_2024

Whether it’s an efficiency programme, restructuring, re­organisation or insol­vency – the search for re­alignment solutions calls for complex challenges to be managed, often under con­sid­erable time pressure and legal restrictions. Various and often divergent expectations of different interest groups must be taken into account and possible set­backs anticipated, and ways out of the crisis must ultimately be defined.

Top manage­ment is always confronted with the same questions in such situations, and usually at the same time: How do you secure the trust of banks and investors? How do you convince employee repre­sen­tatives to go along with tough cut­backs? How do you prevent a brain drain and the exodus of talent that you absolutely want to keep? How do you bridge quiet periods when the need for information is at its greatest? How do you gain the support of policy-makers and avoid becoming a scape­goat for the effects of excessive regulation and red tape?

In a nutshell, it is about having the authority to interpret your own actions and securing support for the course the company is following. It is about establishing the ability to speak and opening up options. Systematic communi­cations are extremely critical to success when it comes to explaining the company’s course and under­standing the necessary steps in the trans­formation. Communi­cations in such situations require time commit­ment – especially when the work­load of top executives is already at or beyond the limit.

We know from our consulting experience that a well-planned approach and good preparation can minimise risks and put companies ahead of the play in terms of communi­cations – with a united manage­ment team, trans­parently and credibly informed investors, negotiations with employee repre­sen­tatives as equals and media involved at the right time.

For more than 25 years, we have been helping companies to re­organise in challenging situations. We secure processes – which may include working in close co­operation with corporate and restructuring consultants, lawyers, trustees and insolvency ad­min­istrators – and develop narratives that both ensure survival and define the future. We provide consulting and im­ple­mentation from a single source.

In the current issue of Transformation Quarterly, experts from H/Advisors Deekeling Arndt report on why communi­cations are so hugely important when im­ple­menting efficiency programmes and during restructuring, re­organisation or insol­vency processes.  

Ideas and suggestions from renowned external experts: Solicitor Christopher Seagon, Managing Partner with legal firm WELLENSIEK and one of the most experienced turn­around experts in Germany, explains the crucial factors for securing the future of a business. Marcus A. Wassenberg, former CFO and Labour Director with such well-known machine manufacturers as Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG and Heidel­berger Druck­maschinen AG, brings a wealth of experience from large-scale efficiency improve­ment and trans­formation programmes to the table as well as from his current role as consultant for the automotive industry. Patrik-Ludwig Hantzsch, Head of Economic Research and Corporate Communications as well as Press Officer with Credit­reform, contributes his assess­ment of the state and prospects of Germany as a business location.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue – and don’t hesitate to contact us if your company needs to realign and secure its future.

Sincerely,
Olaf Arndt

In our Trans­formation Quarterly (TQ), we offer you a look into what we do, give key stake­holders a platform and provide food for thought. If you are interested in the important trans­formation themes of our time, please sign up here for the TQ (available in German only).