Like a person turning over a new leaf and making a fresh start, corporations try to gain a second wind by restructuring. Whether the restructuring takes the form of splitting up a company, merging it with another company, reorganizing, or even taking on a new name, the goal is to end up with a more refined, more profitable entity. Both successful and failing companies may turn to restructuring to breathe fresh life and fresh profits into the business.
Who Restructures?
Companies facing bankruptcy will often reorganize in an attempt to regain their financial footing. This kind of reorganization may involve cutting the work force and eliminating money-losing divisions or products. Companies that aren't ready for bankruptcy, but that are not growing at a rate that will keep them viable in the long term, may reorganize by negotiating a merger or refocusing their business on a new area or product.
Why Restructure?
Courts may require companies in bankruptcy to reorganize to pay off creditors and demonstrate their ability to turn a profit. Some companies reorganize in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy or large losses. When one large company buys out another, it must reorganize to incorporate the new business assets and personnel. Some companies have a company culture of reinvention. Stuart Gilson, author of "Creating Value Through Corporate Restructuring," cites Humana as one company that encouraged company leaders to always look for new ways of doing business.
Goals of Restructuring
The ultimate objective of restructuring is to improve the company's financial picture. Stock prices and credit ratings should rise as a result of restructuring. In restructuring, businesses often grow leaner, cutting the work force and shedding less-profitable divisions or product lines. Restructuring also allows companies with disparate business lines to split into two separate companies. Gilson gives the example of Humana, which in