We hear a lot about the dead weight of zombie companies and how they should be put out of their misery.
But we take a slightly different view. Yes a zombie company is regarded as one that is limping along only servicing interest on its debt, unable to fund growth.
However, a zombie status does not mean that a business is necessarily a failure and that the best thing creditors can do is to take the money and run.
Often, the reason a company has reached this point is that it has pursued aggressive growth based on debt during the so-called “good times” pre 2008 but the trading climate since then has changed out of all recognition.
All companies are at the mercy of market forces at all times, but we make the point that it does not necessarily follow that the services or products a business is offering are in themselves a bad idea.
What is needed is for the directors and management to recognise that there is a problem sooner rather than later.
Then they should get in expert help to assess the situation and advise them of their options and if necessary help implement changes to secure the future of their business.
A turnaround advisor is on the company’s side unlike the insolvency practitioner who, if appointed, works for creditors.
The turnaround advisor has an interest in helping the company survive and be prepared, including having adequate finance available, for growth when it comes.
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