Case Study: Hostile Takeover Defense
When a $130B Fortune 500 technology leader came under a hostile takeover attempt, its CEO faced extraordinary pressure: a global PR battle, governance advisors ISS and Glass Lewis, a proxy fight, and, ultimately, intervention by the U.S. Executive Branch.
We worked directly with the CEO, providing discreet, high-stakes counsel at the intersection of strategy, psychology, and politics. Our role was never public – and never meant to be – but it proved pivotal in helping leadership hold steady, preserve independence, and navigate one of the most complex corporate conflicts of the decade.
Case Study: Small-Cap Capital & Leadership Crisis
At a $327M biomedical company, the CEO faced an existential capital crunch. The board was divided across activist tranches, directors were pulling in different directions, and leadership continuity was in jeopardy.
We worked directly with the CEO, providing confidential counsel through the crisis — stabilizing the leadership team, managing fractured board dynamics, and guiding a succession process in one of the most volatile contexts in corporate governance.
Our role remained discreet, but it proved pivotal in maintaining credibility and continuity when both were under threat.
Case Study: Preparing for Sale
At a $1.8B healthcare technology company, leadership faced the dual challenge of modernizing critical systems and preparing for a strategic sale. The context was high-stakes: consolidation pressures, regulatory complexity, and investor expectations converged as the company repositioned itself for acquisition.
We worked alongside the CEO, providing confidential support on leadership alignment, strategic focus, and board readiness. The company was ultimately taken private in a $1.8B all-cash transaction, valued at ~$23 per share — representing a 40%+ premium to the prevailing market price.
Our role remained discreet, but it was instrumental in ensuring leadership had the clarity, composure, and credibility required to navigate the transaction.