January 31, 2024 – Global law firm Dentons and multidisciplinary advisory firm Dentons Global Advisors (“DGA”) have collaborated on the launch of an integrated Market Disruption Readiness solution to assist companies in mitigating the effect of geopolitical risk on their international business operations. The solution will help clients anticipate major business interruption risks, and in the case of major geopolitical crises, assist them in adapting operations or exiting countries as needed. An end-to-end solution combining legal advice from Dentons with public affairs and stakeholder engagement advice from Dentons Global Advisors, it will address clients’ multifaceted needs before, during and after a crisis.
“Multinationals face an increasingly challenging international operating environment due to complex and evolving geopolitical situations, which can result in sanctions, export controls, supply chain disruptions, compliance exposures, and even forced market exits,” said Pierre Parvine, Partner and Co-Head of the Europe Industrials Group at Dentons. “In our experience helping clients respond to political crises around the world, we’ve observed time and again that agility is key. Therefore, we have identified measures that companies can take in advance so that they can respond quickly in case of market turmoil.”
John Hughes, Partner at Dentons Global Advisors, added, “Our Market Disruption Readiness solution allows clients to take a front-footed, preventive approach to planning for and mitigating impacts from geopolitical crises. Should the worst happen and you are forced to exit the market, not only will you be ready to act fast and mitigate risks, but you will also be better prepared to return in better times, shortening your time to market.”
Through the Market Disruption Readiness solution, Dentons and DGA offer risk assessments to identify the potential impact of various geopolitical scenarios, strategic and legal planning, communications and stakeholder engagement planning, tabletop exercises to test preparedness, and ongoing geopolitical monitoring and intelligence. The team can also assist in implementing the business readiness plan, for example, by renegotiating agreements, adding contractual clauses, restructuring JVs and other corporate structures, creating agreements with alternative suppliers or financing institutions, protecting IP, engaging stakeholders, and providing communications support.
The offer is led by a core team of 15 legal and policy partners across five continents with significant, practical experience helping companies understand, plan for, and navigate complex geopolitical events. Drawing on Dentons’ unparalleled global reach, the team works with lawyers around the world to provide nuanced advice and assist with issues that arise in a given market.