Resolving business litigation, permitting challenges, and community engagement issues for business expansion

INDUSTRY: Chemical manufacturing

SERVICES: Smart Persona, Nexus360, Stakeholder360 &  Market Navigator

Client need

A multinational chemical company that acquired an Eastern European chemical industrial plant faced multiple post-acquisition challenges. These included:

  1. A long-standing litigation with a local vendor owned by a controversial businessman.
  2. An improperly permitted significant asset, which could not be utilized in operations.
  3. Pollution allegations brought forward by local activists, further complicating community relations.

Interdiligence was engaged to conduct a comprehensive contextual assessment and develop a long-term community risk management plan to address these issues and support the client’s business expansion.

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The solution

APPROACH

Interdiligence deployed a multidisciplinary risk assessment team consisting of public affairs specialists, intelligence and data analysts, community engagement agents, environmental specialists, and industry engineers. The approach was tailored to address the distinct challenges faced by the client:

  • Litigation Resolution:
    • Field research revealed that the local vendor’s owner, a publicly recognized businessman, had a history of corruption convictions. A thorough investigation into his social and business networks provided leverage for effective negotiations.
    • Effective communications with the vendor’s representatives and local authorities facilitated a successful resolution of the litigation, which had persisted for several years without progress.
  • Permitting Process Optimization:
    • Interdiligence conducted an in-depth analysis of the improperly permitted asset’s history, the legal and procedural framework, and similar case studies to identify gaps and opportunities in the authorization process.
    • A Government engagement and communication plan was developed and implemented, targeting the relevant authorities at both local and central levels to streamline the permitting process.
  • Community Engagement:
    • A comprehensive assessment of the community’s formal and informal leaders, including environmental activists and agitators, was conducted. The team created a relational chart highlighting key influencers and their networks.
    • Transparent communication strategies were developed, focusing on proactive engagement with local press entities and environmental NGOs. This approach avoided toxic public narratives fueled by third-party interests and established trust with the community.

Deliverables

Interdiligence delivered a suite of solutions that ensured the client’s operational stability and growth:

1. Litigation Strategy and Closure: A comprehensive dossier on the local vendor’s network and interests supported successful negotiations, leading to the resolution of a multi-year business dispute.

2. Permitting Plans: Detailed recommendations and communication strategies with government entities enabled the proper authorization of significant assets.

3. Community Engagement Plans: Both formal and strategic communication efforts were reinforced through transparent engagements with the press and NGOs, enabling the client to prevent adverse publicity and enhance community relations.

The Impact

Interdiligence’s strategic and creative approach led to:

1. Litigation Closure: The client successfully resolved a complex, multi-year litigation, allowing them to focus on business operations without legal distractions.

2. Permitting Success: A clear and effective permitting process ensured that significant local assets were authorized, enabling uninterrupted industrial operations.

3. Improved Community Relations: Transparent communication and engagement strategies neutralized activist-driven opposition and built positive relationships with the local community and press.

4. Long-Term Collaboration: Building on the project’s success, the Client entrusted Interdiligence with additional long-term assignments across multiple countries.