Eisbrenner Public Relations Launches Automotive Restructuring Competency

Firm develops competency to help clients align communications strategy with restructuring business goals

TROY, Mich., June 7 -- Eisbrenner Public Relations announced today the creation of its restructuring competency that provides strategic communications support for automotive suppliers as they manage restructuring opportunities in today's rapidly changing automotive landscape. This expertise lays the groundwork for companies to implement effective communication during all restructuring efforts, including acquisitions, mergers, expansions, downsizings and bankruptcies.

"For our current clients and the industry at large, statistics show that business change -- positive and negative -- is inevitable in the near future," said Tom Eisbrenner, president, Eisbrenner Public Relations. "Successful companies will be those that take full advantage of this change, manage perceptions of their organizations and actively communicate their progress, rather than allowing change to happen to them. With more than 20 years of automotive communication expertise, we know this industry and its unique challenges."

According to several industry sources, consolidation will be the most prevalent form of restructuring among auto suppliers. KPMG LLP, a U.S. audit and tax advisory firm, recently surveyed 150 senior automotive executives, and most expect alliances, mergers and acquisitions among Tier One, Two and Three suppliers to increase drastically over the next five years. The Original Equipment Suppliers Association reported that suppliers will be forced to consolidate to stay competitive, and as much as 50 percent of the supply base could disappear by 2010. The new automotive competency will utilize communications tools such as message development, stakeholder identification and tailored communication mechanisms to ensure a company is prepared to communicate throughout its reorganization process.

"Companies create outstanding management strategies, but then often fail miserably in communicating them. Our automotive restructuring competency is about delivering the right messages to the right stakeholders at the right time," said Steven Blow, vice president, Eisbrenner Public Relations and firm leader of the newly established competency. "We understand the critical steps automotive suppliers face as they restructure and recognize effective communication is essential to be successful. Whether it's a new business acquisition or a facility closing, we know how to help automotive suppliers effectively communicate with all audiences throughout various restructuring processes."

Eisbrenner PR's portfolio of restructuring services creates consistent communications to employees, customers, government, suppliers and the community. Services include:

  -- Strategic positioning and planning
  -- Audience prioritization and research
  -- Message development and refinement
  -- Program effectiveness/metrics
  -- Community relations
  -- Media relations strategy and implementation
  -- Spokesperson, presentation and media coaching
  -- Employee communications
  -- Web/viral communications

  About Eisbrenner Public Relations

Eisbrenner Public Relations (www.eisbrenner.com) provides a full range of business-to-business public relations and marketing communications services, specializing in generating and maintaining media, supplier, OEM, aftermarket and association relationships within the automotive and technology industries. The firm supplements its traditional public relations practice with several specialized practice areas, including Eisbrenner Design Group, Eisbrenner Events Group and Eisbrenner Message Coaching(SM), all integrated to create excellence through strategic solutions and measurable results for clients. Eisbrenner Public Relations, which was named one of Michigan's "Cool Places to Work" by Crain's Detroit Business and the Grand Rapids Business Journal, is located in Troy, Mich. The firm provides counsel and implements communications strategies on a global scale through its ownership in IPREX, one of the world's largest networks of independently owned public relations firms.