Business situations
Private equity
"My experience in positioning and M&A communications for both private enterprises and listed corporations gives me the exact expertise required to quickly oversee and effectively manage complex situations involving multiple stakeholders".
Why partner with Véronique Schyns:
- Seniority without overhead: Direct board-level counsel and execution without the bureaucracy or costs of a large consultancy firm.
- From strategy to execution: I do not just deliver the strategic playbook; I also write the press releases, draft the Q&As, and handle the actual spokesperson duties.
- Stakeholder management: Deep experience in simultaneously informing, persuading, and aligning investors, employees, clients, and regulators—both in the Netherlands and internationally.
- Trackrecord: Financial Services, Retail Eyecare, IT services, Hospitality, Clothing and Alcoholic Beverages.
M&A Communications specialist for acquisitions, buy-and-build and exits
In the fast-paced environment of an acquisition, buy-and-build trajectory, or an upcoming exit, there is no time for a learning curve. As an experienced M&A communications specialist, I interface directly with PE partners and the executive boards of portfolio companies. I combine upfront strategic counsel with sharp execution and spokesperson expertise throughout the process. Rapidly deployable on a flexible basis (project, retainer, or interim) when the stakes and pressure are at their highest.
1. Preparing for the exit
You optimize your return when the positioning, reputation, and market perception of a portfolio company are strengthened well ahead of the exit. This prevents a company from being undervalued due to a lack of clear positioning or credible communication. Within a short timeframe, I deliver a comprehensive audit with actionable improvements and, if desired, guide the execution phase.
2. The M&A or exit announcement
The day a deal or exit is announced is a high-stakes moment where leaks or internal unrest can be detrimental. I direct the entire communication process for both acquisitions and ultimate exits. This involves the meticulous preparation and alignment of internal and external communications, Q&As, and the creation and management of detailed communication playbooks for all scenarios. Acting as an interim spokesperson, I manage media relations at the moment of disclosure. This ensures the necessary stability, manages market perception, and aligns all parties involved.
3. Buy-and-build & Integration Communications
In a buy-and-build strategy, maintaining employee trust is the single most critical success factor. I help clearly communicate and integrate the new brand values and strategic rationale into the overarching corporate narrative. Furthermore, when a new CEO is appointed, I ensure a credible and high-impact market introduction that solidifies trust across both the market and the internal organization from day one.
CFOs & Investor Relations
IR support during crucial financial peak periods
Quarterly earnings, compliance regulations, or an unexpected M&A trajectory require an IR expert who seamlessly operates at the highest level. As the CFO of a listed corporation, you often combine financial leadership with the role of Investor Relations Officer. However, your time is not unlimited. I offer immediate support and function as your flexible, senior-level wing. With experience across large listed funds, a strong family shareholder, as well as smaller funds, I thoroughly understand the balance between a close-knit entrepreneurial culture and capital market regulations. I unburden you surrounding the financial calendar and corporate transactions, ensuring you retain strategic control without sacrificing focus. Rapidly deployable on a project, retainer, hourly, or day-rate basis.
1. Support surrounding the Financial Calendar
During the busiest times of the financial year—such as the publication of quarterly and (half-)year results with earnings calls, roadshows, and annual general meetings, alongside the intensive production of the annual report—operational pressure mounts rapidly. I step in immediately to alleviate this burden. From advising on your investor relations strategy to executing components of it, I handle the co-writing of market announcements, the preparation for earnings calls, roadshows, and shareholder meetings, as well as writing, editing, and managing the content production of the annual report.
2. Refining the Equity Story
The numbers are solid, but the market narrative lacks strategic conviction. Clearly and compellingly communicating your company’s strategic narrative is crucial for investors to fully understand the rationale for investing in your business. I help refine the equity story and conduct background briefings with investors, ensuring you face the market optimally prepared and with maximum confidence.
3. Financial Spokesperson
Whether supporting the regular financial calendar or managing complex files such as a strategic reorientation, a rights issue, or an M&A trajectory, I provide support by acting as your company’s primary point of contact for investors and analysts. Furthermore, financial media will look directly to you. As an experienced spokesperson, I can take financial media relations entirely off your hands. Utilizing my knowledge and experience, I ensure that analysts, shareholders, and journalists correctly interpret your company's strategic objectives.
"Whether it involves intensifying capital market relationships, an IPO, or an M&A trajectory: I help CFOs flawlessly communicate investor confidence and the strategic value of the enterprise to the market".
Why partner with Véronique Schyns:
- Immediately operational sparring partner: I know capital market dynamics and understand the regulatory framework. No onboarding period is required; I operate directly at board level.
- Culturally sensitive at every level: With my background in a large listed family business as well as smaller funds, I naturally sense the internal dynamics and interests of (family) shareholders.
- From counsel to execution: I do not just deliver upfront strategic advice; I handle the hands-on execution as well—from writing press releases and Q&As to preparing earnings calls.
- Seniority without overhead: You temporarily bring in the expertise of an experienced IR director and head spokesperson, strictly for the hours or the duration that the market or transaction demands.
- Trackrecord: Financial Services, Alcoholic Beverages, Telecom, Family shareholding, AEX, SmallCap, Euronext, LSE.
Boards & Corporate Communications
"Whether it involves an acute crisis, a change trajectory, or the temporary leadership of a corporate communications team: I help organizations effectively protect and strengthen their market perception, employee trust, and corporate reputation".
Why partner with Véronique Schyns:
- From board level to the press office phone: I advise the executive board on the course to navigate and immediately take on the execution myself—from drafting the crisis playbook to handling the actual spokesperson duties.
- Sensitive to family and corporate cultures: I understand the specific nuances and long-term interests of family businesses, while equally mastering the strict regulatory frameworks of a listed corporate environment.
- Seniority without overhead: You bring in the execution power and experience of an international communications director, strictly for the duration or the hours your organization requires temporary reinforcement.
- Trackrecord: Financial Services, Professional Services, Alcoholic Beverages, Pharma, Paint & coatings, Medical and Automotive.
Temporary scalability for corporate communications teams during peak periods or crises
When an M&A process, an acute crisis, or a change management trajectory overburdens your communications team, there is an immediate need for plug-and-play seniority and execution power. I advise the board on reputation strategy, manage (international) communications teams on an interim basis, and take full control of media relations as an experienced spokesperson. With my background in both the complex listed environment and within large private enterprises and family businesses, I adapt seamlessly to your corporate culture. Available at short notice for flexible project support, retainers, or interim positions.
1. Spokesperson & Crisis Management
In times of acute media attention, restructurings, or sensitive issues, your company’s reputation becomes highly vulnerable. As an experienced head spokesperson, I bring immediate stability and structure. I tackle complex challenges, develop core messaging, and completely take over press relations and media management. By meticulously mapping out scenarios in advance, we ensure your organization continues to communicate credibly and consistently under all circumstances.
2. Interim management of (international) communications teams
Does your corporate communications team require temporary leadership due to a transition, absence, or extreme peak pressure? I step in as an interim manager to safeguard continuity and tightly manage the team. Thanks to my extensive experience in managing international communications teams, I know exactly how to effectively connect and align diverse cultures, stakeholders, and local markets around the central corporate strategy.
3. Change trajectories, Integrations & Brand PR
Organizational changes or post-merger integrations demand a flawless, proactive internal and external communication strategy to preserve employee and market trust. Additionally, I help strategically charge your brand value through targeted Brand PR. Whether it involves positioning a new corporate vision or protecting brand perception during a transition, I seamlessly link upfront strategic counsel with high-impact execution.
Fees and working method
The first 30-minute meeting is offered to you free of charge. During our first informative meeting we discuss and decide the level and amount of support needed and estimated duration of the engagement. Pending any questions, you will receive our offer within 24 hours. We guarantee our clients a pro-active, personal and committed approach. Since the support needed is different for every client, our services are customised. Evaluation takes place biannually and more often if needed, so that our services may be adjusted accordingly.
The Consultancy uses a market-conform hourly rate that suits an independent, experienced consultant with a proven track record. Quality and efficiency are paramount, without the cost of overhead. Our hourly rate does not include VAT.
Customised rate
We take a flexible approach to working with you. Depending on the size, duration and complexity of the assignment, we offer a reduced rate for:
- PR or communication agencies
- Projects of more than 12 hours
- Interim assignments
Forms of cooperation
- Monthly retainer: We have a minimum term of three months.
- Project price: For recurring support during peak times, we can agree on a fixed project price in advance.