Zolfo Cooper is a leading independent corporate advisory and restructuring practice operating throughout the UK and internationally. Zolfo Cooper LLP was formed in November 2008 following a management buyout of the Kroll Corporate Advisory and Restructuring Group from Kroll inc.

We provide a broad spectrum of services to help clients reduce risks, resolve problems and capitalise on opportunities. We work with companies covering a wide range of sizes. Our expertise stretches from the local mid-market through to large scale multi- jurisdictional businesses.

We provide a range of complementary advisory and restructuring services:

 Financial Advisory and Restructuring Services: identifying and executing the financial and strategic options available to distressed businesses.
 Corporate Advisory Services: helping management teams, equity sponsors and creditors groups with M&A, operational management, litigation and working capital management issues.
 Pensions Advisory Services: providing experience to support pension scheme trustees and sponsors in and out of event driven situations.

Our focus on partner led client service ensures that assignments remain closely managed and co-ordinated throughout, and that stakeholders can be confident that we will deliver timely, well considered solutions.

Whilst there is no doubt that businesses of all shapes and sizes are facing troubled times, there are several key steps that businesses experiencing distress can take to ensure survival and ultimately success.

A 360 degree view - Never lose sight of what your competitors, customers and suppliers situations are no matter how pressing things might seem in your immediate environment.

Involve your internal stakeholders - An effective turnaround requires the buy-in of everybody concerned from the boardroom to the shop floor. Timely and honest communication with all internal parties is critical to restructuring as smoothly as possible.

Know your balance sheet - A successful outcome will depend on a re-modelled, robust and transparent balance sheet. Understand where you are currently, be clear about where you need to be and identify where you can unlock value along the way.

Build strong stakeholder relationships - An open, honest and transparent relationship with financial stakeholders is vital. Highlight problems early and adopt a "No surprises" policy.

Seek professional support early - Working with an experienced team of professionals who will challenge you and provide innovative thinking around your problems greatly enhances the chances of success. As with stakeholders the key is to seek help early and be as open as possible about the situation you are facing.

To find out more about how we can help your business please contact Graham Wild in our Leeds office or visit www.zolfocooper.com