The Role and Impact of the Communications Department and Investor Relations Functions on the Process of Privatization

Author

Iulia Erhan, CUNY Baruch CollegeFollow

Date of Award

Spring 6-2-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Honors Designation

na

Program of Study

Communication - Corporate Communication

Language

English

First Advisor

Richard Woods

Second Advisor

Michael Bayer

Third Advisor

Caryn Medved

Abstract

Current market conditions, and the heavy responsibilities placed on publicly traded companies by investors and regulators alike, have led many publicly traded companies to consider going private. The going-private decision, however, involves a complex set of actions and strategies. This paper analyzes the privatization process and the role that the Communication and Investor Relations departments play throughout the transaction. Its initial focus will be on communication with employees, including communication that facilitates the executive team’s decision-making activity related to employee retention. It will be followed by a review of the range of external communications, such as the going-private transaction announcement, shareholder meetings, press releases and other activities designed to protect the company’s relationship with customers. Decision-making, proxy votes, employee retention and media coverage will be weighed to reach a conclusion of how successfully or unsuccessfully the subject companies met the needs of their customers, employees, and investors.

Recommended Citation

Erhan, Iulia, "The Role and Impact of the Communications Department and Investor Relations Functions on the Process of Privatization" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/168