Merger Communications

Companies undergoing a merger or acquisition face an array of intense internal and external challenges. Public scrutiny of business transactions is at an all-time high. Customers, investors, the news media, public officials and special-interest groups can contribute to a highly visible and vocal stream of public commentary about the company's business and its future, threatening to overwhelm the discussions in the boardroom and the executive offices.

Public Strategies has developed a special expertise in helping companies meet the challenges of communications during a merger or acquisition. We have worked with both acquiring and acquired companies, as well as related contractors, and our experience includes providing communications discipline and strategy in the face of media attention, coordinated opposition, and pending approval from a broad array of state and federal regulatory agencies.

Our approach is to integrate our team into the merger process, coordinating various divisions and working alongside internal legal and public affairs teams to ensure that they are prepared to respond to and overcome negative stories, opposing coalitions, regulatory challenges, and political maneuvering.

We approach these challenges through two closely related steps. First, we conduct research to assess public opinion, political challenges and the strength of opponents, and to identify resonant messages for informing and shaping public opinion. Upon this foundation of research and message development, we then build a comprehensive campaign strategy designed to position our clients favorably among elected officials, customers, shareholders, regulators, the news media and other external audiences.

Tactics employed in such a campaign often include:

• A "war room" or central coordinating hub, which links all team members either in person or via an intranet and helps ensure internal communication and consistent public messages;
• Ongoing assessment of the legislative and regulatory climate;
• Detailed media relations activities at all levels;
• Mobilization of third-party support, such as coalitions and advocacy groups;
• A coordinated marketing campaign to generate public support; and
• Design of an internal communications strategy to ensure employee advocacy.

Throughout this process of directing and influencing the public discussion of the merger, we bring the energy and discipline of a high-level political campaign — all focused on ensuring a winning business experience for our client.

Case Studies

• Merger Communications