Assignments – Communication Means

Case studies

M&A communication – presenting the equity story to a buyer

Helen and Jeremy worked alongside investment bank advisors to prepare executive teams to present their equity stories ahead of sale.

In one case we supported an 11-strong executive team at a European logistics company. The team knew the business inside out but, working with the M&A advisory team, we were able to help them digest the company narrative and the successes of each division. Sessions helped ensure consistency of key messages as well as build the confidence of less experienced presenters.

In a second example, we helped a specialist healthcare company’s leadership team prepare for an intense sales process. The group were good presenters individually but wanted to come across as a more cohesive team and ensure the story was clear and consistent throughout. They also needed to practise fielding tough, detailed questions from prospective buyers – ensuring they were informative and relaxed.

Preparing for a corporate investor day

When the senior executive team of an oil company needed to prepare for an investor day, they asked us for presentation coaching support. While each of the team members were already experienced and competent presenters, the team was on a mission to convince investors that their company was entering a new expansive phase.

The team each committed to either two or three short sessions to practice and rehearse with the first session to road test and fine tune the material. Subsequent sessions focused on fluency, clarity and conviction. We also gave them individual feedback and tips on how to practice most effectively between the sessions.

Gaining buy-in for a new business line

An investment bank was seeking to launch a new business line to advise their clients on corporate governance issues. Working with the head of the investment bank and the leaders of the new business line we helped them frame and position the new venture to colleagues – to ensure maximum buy in and co-operation as it was launched.

To do this we conducted interviews with the executives concerned, researched the market context and developed a messaging framework, working closely with the in-house communications team. We then held rehearsals to ensure the executives were prepared to present the new venture with precision and conviction.

Presenting to ExCo

A global bank wanted help preparing execs to present to ExCo members of a major division of the firm. The presentation formed part of an exacting interview process for prospective managing directors. The individuals had excellent track records, but needed help to articulate their achievements in a clear and compelling way and to manage Q&A.

Candidates were based in Europe, Asia and the US so we used a combination of video conference and face to face rehearsals to ensure each candidate felt confident and ready to shine.

Women in Leadership workshop

A leading PE firm wanted to bring together senior women in its portfolio companies with its London-based women execs. We helped design and facilitate an action-packed day of skills development and sharing of expertise and experience. It was a really special event and such a hit that it was replicated a few months later to accommodate those women unable to join the initial workshop.

PE investor communication

We have a long track record helping our PE clients in the communication that supports their investor relations.

Over many years we have helped our clients develop the format and rehearse team members for annual investor meetings. Priorities are making the presentations engaging as well as informative and ensuring new talent to reassure investors that the dealmaker bench is deep.

During fundraisings, we also have extensive experience in preparing executives for onsite Due Diligence meetings, such that the team is prepared to convey a clear and convincing narrative and field challenging questions with poise.