Insights and Impacts

2024-03-26T14:50:54Z

2024-02-27T17:02:22Z

2024-02-19T11:46:34Z

2024-01-26T20:20:42Z

2024-01-24T15:27:32Z

Catherine Nekavand explains how a creative mindset can push the industry to evolve.

2023-11-24T11:32:09Z

AlixAlum soars to new heights in the U.S. Air Force

2023-11-03T11:35:51Z

2023-10-17T08:23:56Z

2023-10-06T10:01:56Z

2023-09-26T10:21:37Z

2023-09-13T10:29:28Z

2023-09-12T09:46:16Z

2023-07-26T10:41:30Z

2023-07-07T15:44:03Z

2023-06-27T14:39:44Z

AlixAlumni: Leigh Ann Schultz: When You Finish One Bucket List, Start Another

2023-06-09T12:16:04Z

A week in the life of Sven Vögele

2023-05-12T10:26:06Z

When a global heli-services business requires a time-sensitive sale to meet its CMA remedy undertakings

2023-05-04T13:28:34Z

Leading global helicopter services company was mandated by the CMA to sell a standalone operation following the acquisition of a competitor.
AlixPartners was appointed as lead M&A advisor to CHC to lead the sales process, manage due diligence and lead negotiations to deliver the sale of the business, resulting in a successful outcome for all parties involved.

2023-04-18T08:54:00Z

2023-04-13T16:20:30Z

Balancing global and regional ways of working during a major carve-out

2023-04-06T11:45:54Z

Carve-out success and rigorous implementation taps the full value potential of global kitchen and bathroom manufacturer

2023-02-14T22:06:02Z

Franke Group, a leading global supplier of products and services for domestic kitchens, foodservice systems, and the convenience store sector was seeking to carve out its water dispenser business divisions.
AlixPartners was engaged in April 2021 by Equistone Partners Europe – the private equity investors and new owners of the proposed standalone KWC Group – to plan and successfully implement the carve-out of Franke Water Systems from the parent company.
Post-close in May 2021, AlixPartners was retained to lead SAP implementation, develop a Target Operating Model strategy for the new group, and later support restructuring efforts during 2022, in response to macroeconomic market disruption.
In 2022 AlixPartners was ranked the number one management consultancy in Switzerland for implementation, reorganization and restructuring consulting, according to the most recent “Consultant Ranking” survey conducted by Prof. Dietmar Fink (Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences) and Bianka Knoblach by the Scientific Society for Management and Consulting (WGMB).

Charting sales, sentiment, and supply chains in consumer-facing businesses

2023-02-10T19:23:34Z

Post-pandemic, slowing growth and the need to drive productivity to maintain profitability are top concerns. Ongoing supply chain and labor difficulties increase the challenges for leaders of consumer products businesses.

Consumers have, to a large degree, rallied through rising interest rates and surging inflation, yet their resilience is being severely tested, and a widespread spending pullback may materialize as many consumers begin to trade down.

Here we provide a rolling quarterly check on year-on-year changes in retail sales, consumer sentiment, company performance, inventory movement, and other supply chain health indicators.

Click below to explore the data in more detail, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss a movement in the market.

Realizing transformative operating models to deliver profitable growth for Hitachi Energy

2022-10-27T14:11:46Z

Whether it’s achieving energy autonomy, unlocking new economic opportunities, or effectively managing renewables and DER, Hitachi Energy’s Grid Edge Solutions is a key enabler in the acceleration of energy transition for its clients. The area of the business was growing rapidly, and Hitachi Energy required impartial, experienced advice on how to reach its ambitious revenue targets and reach the next level of growth by transforming its business operations.

Maxine Ghavi, Hitachi Energy’s Group SVP and Head of Grid Edge Solutions shares her insight on the energy solutions market, realizing the ambitious revenue and growth opportunities, and how AlixPartners supported Hitachi Energy to transform their operating model.

When a truly hands-on approach leads to the successful completion of a complex multi jurisdictional carve out transaction

2022-10-26T18:24:09Z

Listed global industrial conglomerate, Schneider Electric, was seeking an M&A advisor to lead the divestment of its global load bank business, a market-leading provider of critical power testing devices.
AlixPartners was engaged to run a full sale process and support the carve out of the business.

2022-09-08T22:20:57Z

ESG risk mitigation and compliance boosts company value

2022-02-17T13:40:29Z

Transactions involving environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments are now the fastest-growing segment of the financial services industry.

By 2024, ESG global assets under management are estimated to be between $40 trillion and $60 trillion.¹

Beyond investor demand, regulators' actions worldwide display an increased focus on ESG programs. Creating ESG programs to meet the demands of investors and regulators unquestionably will have costs attached, but we recommend that companies view these costs as opportunities to generate value for their business and its stakeholders, rather than solely as compliance expenses.

Further, we believe that companies' compliance organizations should play a leading role in the rollout of ESG programs. Rather than merely regulating costs, compliance organizations can leverage ESG initiatives to streamline processes, enhance brand value, increase asset valuation and improve employee retention.

Continue reading to learn about how business leaders can boost their company value through ESG from AlixPartners experts Brooke Hopkins and David Bligh in an article co-authored with Evan Singer, partner at Jones Day, and Kelsey Smith, Associate at Jones Day, for Law360.

1. C. De Coninck-Lopez, Y. Gamal El-Din, M. Cranny, The Future of The ESG Craze, NASDAQ (Jan. 19, 2022) https://www.nasdaq.com/videos/the-future-of-the-esg-craze

The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of AlixPartners, LLP, its affiliates, or any of its or their respective other professionals or clients. This article regarding ESG risk mitigation and compliance boosts company value (“Article”) was prepared by AlixPartners, LLP (“AlixPartners”) for general information and distribution on a strictly confidential and non-reliance basis. No one in possession of this Article may rely on any portion of this Article. This Article may be based, in whole or in part, on projections or forecasts of future events. A forecast, by its nature, is speculative and includes estimates and assumptions which may prove to be wrong. Actual results may, and frequently do, differ from those projected or forecast. The information in this Article reflects conditions and our views as of this date, all of which are subject to change. We undertake no obligation to update or provide any revisions to the Article. This article is the property of AlixPartners, and neither the article nor any of its contents may be copied, used, or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of AlixPartners.

When a granular, value-focused approach to strategy development drives double-digit growth

2022-01-03T14:03:14Z

Clorox, a global cleaning products manufacturer, was experiencing a slowdown in top line growth and needed to refocus on value to improve profitable growth
The identification of where the profitable growth potential was concentrated across the Clorox portfolio - by brand, channel, geographic region and customer - shaped business investment and decision-making to maximize profitable organic growth, alongside other improved commercial strategies
Results across a subsequent 5-year performance period delivered compounded annual economic profit growth of 13% per year and top quartile shareholder returns

When unlocking latent shareholder value doubles performance against industry peers

2022-01-03T14:03:14Z

MeadWestvaco, a global packaging company, was delivering below-average shareholder returns despite multiple cost-reduction initiatives
A company-wide assessment zeroed in on where value was concentrated and why, before implementing a series of improvement initiatives focused on driving greater shareholder value
In the three-year period of the business transformation, MeadWestvaco delivered a 60 percent increase in shareholder value, double that of its competitors, who recorded a 31 percent return in the same time period

When justice demands recovery and distribution of billions in stolen assets to victims

2021-12-23T20:40:20Z

Notorious financier Bernard L. Madoff was arrested in December 2008 for orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history
The hard work of unraveling Madoff’s labyrinthine business and recovering the assets he stole began with the appointment of Irving H. Picard as trustee overseeing the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities (BLMIS)
The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) retained AlixPartners as claims agent and financial advisor to assist in recovering and distributing the bulk of the estimated $17.5 billion principal stolen from Madoff’s investors. The firm’s role has since expanded to include assisting with the resolution of thousands of highly complex litigation matters.

Balancing demand, capacity, and uncertainty: the commercial aerospace supply chain challenge before the ramp-up

2021-12-16T13:57:16Z

Nearly two years into the COVID-19 crisis, the entire commercial aerospace supply chain remains heavily impacted by the pandemic, relying on state subsidies to cope with the short-term drops in demand. With these support programs expected to be withdrawn at the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022, suppliers must find solutions for their workforce to bridge the demand gap until the anticipated ramp-up kicks in. A tailored program combining a variety of measures needs to be implemented to support the transition, ranging from individual measures such as qualification programs to organizational ones such as early retirement programs, qualification, transfer organizations, or further reduction of working hours to maintain a capable workforce on board for the upcoming ramp-up, while maintaining cost competitiveness.

In an article for the 11th Aviation Forum Hamburg 2021, AlixPartners industry experts Dr. Stefan Ohl, Daniel Makowski, Sven Vögele, and Kai Schöttle share their insights on how suppliers can apply a ‘ramp-up readiness health check’ and conduct top-down scenario-based planning to prepare their organizations for different crisis recovery paths given continued high levels of uncertainty.

The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of AlixPartners, LLP, its affiliates, or any of its or their respective other professionals or clients. This article regarding Balancing demand, capacity, and uncertainty: the commercial aerospace supply chain challenge before the ramp-up (“Article”) was prepared by AlixPartners, LLP (“AlixPartners”) for general information and distribution on a strictly confidential and non-reliance basis. No one in possession of this Article may rely on any portion of this Article. This Article may be based, in whole or in part, on projections or forecasts of future events. A forecast, by its nature, is speculative and includes estimates and assumptions which may prove to be wrong. Actual results may, and frequently do, differ from those projected or forecast. The information in this Article reflects conditions and our views as of this date, all of which are subject to change. We undertake no obligation to update or provide any revisions to the Article. This article is the property of AlixPartners, and neither the article nor any of its contents may be copied, used, or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of AlixPartners.

Meeting consumers’ shifting expectations is the next big retail real estate restructuring challenge

2021-12-15T14:58:58Z

For the past decade, much has been written about the transformation of retail—specifically, what it implies for the future of traditional brick-and-mortar retail. The prime driver of this disruptive force has been the evolution of omnichannel retail, which is rapidly changing consumer expectations and behavior.

In an article written for Turnaround Management Association (TMA), AlixPartners experts Terrence Grossman, Nick Glennon, and Nate Simon share how shifting consumer expectations will drive the need for change in real estate strategy development, evaluation, and execution in order for retailers to remain profitable and competitive on a go-forward basis.

The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of AlixPartners, LLP, its affiliates, or any of its or their respective other professionals or clients. This article regarding Meeting consumers’ shifting expectations is the next big retail real estate restructuring challenge (“Article”) was prepared by AlixPartners, LLP (“AlixPartners”) for general information and distribution on a strictly confidential and non-reliance basis. No one in possession of this Article may rely on any portion of this Article. This Article may be based, in whole or in part, on projections or forecasts of future events. A forecast, by its nature, is speculative and includes estimates and assumptions which may prove to be wrong. Actual results may, and frequently do, differ from those projected or forecast. The information in this Article reflects conditions and our views as of this date, all of which are subject to change. We undertake no obligation to update or provide any revisions to the Article. This article is the property of AlixPartners, and neither the article nor any of its contents may be copied, used, or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of AlixPartners.

How can your business prepare for the future of work?

2021-12-10T17:18:09Z

The challenges associated with new technologies, how we work, and how we attract, train, and retain the workforce of tomorrow are critical topics for business leaders and policymakers alike.

The opportunities are tremendous, but companies must move decisively to adapt to a rapidly shifting playing field. The competition for the best talent is intense and will become more so. In his latest thought piece, AlixPartners CEO Simon Freakley shares why companies must implement new technologies that help people work smarter and more efficiently, and they must also find innovative ways to skill their workforce to effectively employ these technologies. Those businesses that do so will be best positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Energy transition and COVID-19 disruptions

2021-12-02T20:58:22Z

Florian Leka and Alexander Lee authored a chapter in Lexology’s Mining Practice guide on “Energy Transition and covid-19 Disruptions”. The chapter focuses on the impact of energy transition around the world on demand for metals, the concentration of known reserves of these metals in a small number of emerging and frontier markets, and the resulting impact on mining arbitrations and disputes.

Reproduced with permission from Law Business Research Ltd. This content was first published in Lexology GTDT: Mining 2021. For further information, click here.

The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of AlixPartners, LLP, its affiliates, or any of its or their respective other professionals or clients. This article regarding Energy transition and COVID-19 disruptions (“Article”) was prepared by AlixPartners, LLP (“AlixPartners”) for general information and distribution on a strictly confidential and non-reliance basis. No one in possession of this Article may rely on any portion of this Article. This Article may be based, in whole or in part, on projections or forecasts of future events. A forecast, by its nature, is speculative and includes estimates and assumptions which may prove to be wrong. Actual results may, and frequently do, differ from those projected or forecast. The information in this Article reflects conditions and our views as of this date, all of which are subject to change. We undertake no obligation to update or provide any revisions to the Article. This article is the property of AlixPartners, and neither the article nor any of its contents may be copied, used, or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of AlixPartners.

When fast action and detailed planning save a retailer, satisfy creditors—and protect jobs

2021-11-23T20:59:33Z

Tuesday Morning, an exclusively brick-and-mortar retailer with no online presence, saw its store revenues plunge to zero when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of its roughly 700 locations, leading to a Chapter 11 filing
The AlixPartners turnaround team developed an effective plan to ensure adequate liquidity, rationalize the store footprint, and preserve long-term value
Tuesday Morning emerged from Chapter 11 with its creditors paid in full, its equity reinstated, and more than 7,000 jobs preserved—an outcome virtually unprecedented in retail bankruptcies

Celebrating the superior leadership of CEO of the Year Ken Frazier

2021-11-16T19:22:54Z

Kenneth Frazier’s appointment as Merck’s CEO in 2011 came with a tough decision: Cut R&D investment to keep financial projections intact or dial back the company’s EPS targets to maintain research funding. He made the decision that ruffled Wall Street but held true to his company’s commitment to science: “To me, it felt wrong to cut our company’s core just for short-term investor gain,” he recalled in late October.

In honor of Ken’s appointment as the 2021 CEO of the Year, AlixPartners CEO Simon Freakley reflects on Ken’s leadership while at Merck in a time of ongoing disruption and global challenges and shares other observations from the ceremony celebrating Ken’s achievements.

Read the full article on Simon’s LinkedIn.

When emerging from Chapter 11 means reinventing the enterprise

2021-11-05T16:52:45Z

The 2017 and 2018 wildfires in heavily forested northern California left thousands homeless, resulted in numerous fatalities, incinerated vast tracts of woodlands, and inflicted tens of billions of dollars in property damage
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the energy utility serving the region, faced substantial damage claims stemming from the fires, as well as harsh criticism of its wildfire safety practices
To resolve the claims, fund new investments in wildfire safety, address longstanding concerns about the utility’s governance and safety record, mitigate future liability exposure, and rebuild investor confidence in the company, PG&E filed for Chapter 11 protection in January 2019
Seventeen months later, PG&E emerged from Chapter 11 with a fully consensual agreement that resolved all wildfire victim, lender, and investor claims, funded a new wildfire management program, and restored the Company’s financial foundation

When attention to detail enables a restructuring to take off

2021-11-04T19:32:37Z

Swissport, a leading global provider of ground and cargo-handling services that served 265 million passengers and handled 4.6 million tons of cargo in 2019, needed significant short-term liquidity when revenue slid 80% amid the COVID-19 pandemic
The business, already highly leveraged and struggling for profitability before the pandemic struck, sought new cash and debt relief, which would enable it to continue trading
After its Belgian subsidiary filed for bankruptcy protection and other business units imposed large layoffs, Swissport engaged AlixPartners to fashion a restructuring and ownership transfer that deleveraged the balance sheet and saved 43,000 jobs

When detailed analysis and focused action can protect creditors—and jobs

2021-11-04T18:28:41Z

In 2019, coal demand plunged, triggering a severe liquidity squeeze at Murray Energy Holdings, the largest private coal producer in the U.S.
Creditors needed a clear plan of action based on thorough understanding of the company’s strategic and financial position to protect their interests—and 5,500 jobs
AlixPartners helped evaluate the company’s business plan and liquidity needs and negotiate a global settlement

If you build them, they will drive

2021-09-30T21:02:10Z

As China’s reform and opening efforts have matured, so have its strategic industrial policies. There are three main rationales for developing the new-energy vehicles (NEV) industry:

energy security,
environmental protection, and
economic competitiveness

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, hydrocarbons have been the primary source of energy for modern economies. Access to a plentiful and inexpensive supply of oil is high on the strategic agenda of every nation. China imports a majority of its oil; anything that reduces its dependence on foreign oil and shifts reliance to domestic sources such as coal, renewable and nuclear energy, is beneficial.

In this article, AlixPartners automotive and electric vehicle expert Steve Dyer discusses the importance of NEVs in China, as well as how China approaches NEV industry development. The article also explores the growth drivers of the NEV market and how all the various NEV brands are fighting to survive in China. Continue reading the full article to learn more.

This article was first published on The American Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai bi-monthly magazine: September/October 2021 edition.

The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of AlixPartners, LLP, its affiliates, or any of its or their respective other professionals or clients. This article regarding If you build them, they will drive (“Article”) was prepared by AlixPartners, LLP (“AlixPartners”) for general information and distribution on a strictly confidential and non-reliance basis. No one in possession of this Article may rely on any portion of this Article. This Article may be based, in whole or in part, on projections or forecasts of future events. A forecast, by its nature, is speculative and includes estimates and assumptions which may prove to be wrong. Actual results may, and frequently do, differ from those projected or forecast. The information in this Article reflects conditions and our views as of this date, all of which are subject to change. We undertake no obligation to update or provide any revisions to the Article. This article is the property of AlixPartners, and neither the article nor any of its contents may be copied, used, or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of AlixPartners.