Moving Forward
Navigating the New Landscape
As the rate of economic deterioration slows and the financial markets react to an upturn in risk appetite, investors and consumers alike must contend with new risks and challenges when navigating this new financial landscape.
- Framing the Future
The buzz in bankruptcy and corporate restructuring circles is on effective and proactive communication. Emerging from the downturn ready to compete requires strategic planning. Industry professionals are now reexamining the way the restructuring process works and, more importantly, are looking to improve it.
Companies that are forced to work on the difficult process of restructuring need to communicate early, often, and in the right way. In this situation, companies in crisis mode must achieve complex goals (from avoidance of liquidations and fire sales to, more importantly, addressing the underlying problems facing the business) in order to ensure longer-term prospects and enhance the economic outcome for all stakeholders. Doing things the right way can mean the difference between emerging as a reorganized, stronger company and disappearing completely. Click here for our thinking on these issues.
- What Risks Remain?
As financial commentary grows cautiously optimistic, stresses in the financial markets remain evident. The worst of the credit crisis may be over, but clearly there are still risks in the current economy. Questions remain such as whether there will be additional fallout in other sectors. Will there be lingering effects on household incomes? These concerns, along with recent economic data, point to a sluggish recovery, even by normal standards.
The recent re-branding of the Troubled Asset Relief Program as the "Financial Stability Plan" by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has done little to stem the fallout of the ongoing financial crisis. Rather than having a stabilizing effect, the lack of meaningful detail and transparency has appeared further to roil the markets. Make sure you're prepared. Click here for our thinking on these issues.
- Is it Time to Consider Strategic Initiatives?
In today's challenging global economy, financially-distressed companies, their creditors, and other impacted stakeholders (including hedge funds and private equity investors) are now looking to maximize values and ultimate recoveries. We are also now seeing an increase in acquisition activity.
Corporate debt restructuring is a growing trend. Any positive development regarding restructuring of debt would provide further comfort to struggling companies. Companies are also buying to extend their current products into new markets, find new markets, and increase their Web presence. In a nutshell, companies are expected to get acquisitive to buffer their businesses in today's economy
- Preparing for an Aggressive Regulatory Environment
It is important to be prepared for the new, far-reaching regulations. As Congress debates additional legislation surrounding regulatory reform and regulators conduct more stringent exams, the insurance and financial services industries are already feeling the effects. Experts say that adding to this regulatory burden will be a soft economy that may lead many institutions to take more steps in order to better protect themselves and consumers from risk.
Just as signs of life are emerging from the deal market, some deals are being thwarted or stalled due to additional requests from the Federal Trade Commission. Questions still remain whether an increased regulatory climate in 2010 could stall the comeback of corporate unions.
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To Start Moving ForwardToday's challenging markets offer unique opportunities for success. At Paul Hastings, we have the experience and knowledge to help guide our clients as they navigate through the new financial landscape. The following practices are ready to help you contend with the current landscape. |
