Beating back an activist investor

The Challenge

A 20+ branch community bank with a long track record of success in the Mid-Atlantic faced an activist investor who made business demands and nominated two candidates for the bank’s Board of Directors.

Impact

The activist withdrew his nominees with no concessions from the bank, a resounding victory.

Our Role

Dove deep into the bank’s business and results to anticipate the activist's arguments

Crafted investor communications to counteract activist claims

Coached executives and Board on how to engage with the activist

Crafted public messaging and press releases to put pressure on the activist

Collaborated with legal advisors and proxy solicitors to provide full-scope strategic advice

Helping markets to see the truth

The Challenge

Fannie Mae, owned by the American taxpayers after years of losses and billions in draws from the U.S. Treasury, had turned around its business, resulting in a complex accounting reversal that triggered a nearly $60 billion profit and payment to the government. This was good news, but could easily be misunderstood as a gimmick.

Impact

Media coverage was accurate, and stakeholders knew the facts.

Our Role

Delved into the accounting, legal and regulatory factors to understand landscape

Developed communications strategy and secured executive, legal and regulatory approval

Crafted messaging and materials to communicate the facts accurately

Engaged with national and trade media proactively to provide facts and context

Followed up with reporters to steer coverage and ensure accuracy

Swinging into action in a major crisis

The Challenge

Wells Fargo found itself in a torrent of media coverage, stakeholder demands, and regulatory pressure over actions by the Bank’s executives and employees to create fake accounts in customers’ names.

Impact

Executives were able to communicate more effectively when the stakes were highest.

Our Role

Mobilized immediately after the Bank’s initial efforts to address the issue failed

Counseled management team ahead of earnings call, two days after CEO resignation

Prepared CFO for adversarial television interviews, the first opportunity for Wells Fargo leader to address critics after CEO resignation

Created messaging and materials around major inflection points including significant media inquiries, publication of independent Board inquiry, regulatory actions and Congressional hearings

Created and implemented influencer engagement plan, allowing senior leaders to engage proactively and build relationships