Summer course focuses on financial distress, corporate restructuring

Although the automotive industry is leading the headlines today, many businesses are also facing tremendous financial difficulties as the country’s economic troubles continue to evolve. The current economic landscape emphasizes the skills business leaders must have to help them recognize and act on the signs of impending financial distress.

The Center for Integrated Business and Research Education at Oakland University’s School of Business Administration is offering a 20-hour course called Financial Distress and Corporate Restructuring that examines these important issues led by an expert in financial distress and bankruptcy.

The three-day course runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 30 through August 1 and focuses on the choices managers face when a firm is in financial distress.

“The recent crisis has put pressure on companies to restructure their operations, improve their portfolio, reduce costs and make their balance sheets healthier. A well-educated finance professional can help businesses create renewed success,” said Rajeev Singhal, assistant professor of finance, who is leading the course.

This course will help managers sharpen their skills by examining the interplay between firm stakeholders, exploring investment banking techniques used to enhance firm value, alternative methods of reorganizing outside of bankruptcy and corporate bankruptcy.

Geared for business analysts and professionals working in turnaround management, the modules will not only introduce modern financial concepts and tools, but also on how to integrate tolls and techniques to support decision making.

“Because of the way the economy is shaping up, one of the most important areas to look at is working with distressed companies and assisting them in reevaluating practices to rebuild and begin growing again,” said Jim Mallak, managing director of the professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal in Detroit, and advisory board member of the SBA’s Accounting and Finance Department. “Companies need to look at and address the critical issues affecting their short-term survival while also looking at ways to achieve long-term success again.”

For more information on this course or to register, visit the Center for Executive and Continuing Education Web site.