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Events in April 2026: Annual Conference for Restructuring and more

Successful Restructuring With a CRO

 

The successful implementation of restructuring projects requires extensive experience of handling critical situations as well as crisis management.

Our CROs have experience of operational leadership of companies as well as management of successful corporate restructuring and reorganization projects. They support companies’ management teams with their comprehensive know-how and actively assist with the preparation phase as well as overall implementation of the restructuring process.

Following an assessment of the causes of the crisis and after implementing the initial measures which are required in the short term, together with the company’s managers the CRO will develop an action plan for the rapid and successful realization of the overall project.

CRO Academy

Our new, exclusive format for the standardized qualification of Chief Restructuring Officers.

 

The number of restructuring cases and CRO mandates will continue to rise – at the same time, there is a shortage of qualified chief restructuring officers on the market. A CRO plays a key role in crisis situations by guiding companies through challenging transformation processes, both strategically and operationally. With the CRO Academy, we offer an exclusive program that specifically prepares experienced executives for this responsible task and imparts practical know-how for complex restructuring projects.

Apply now for the next CRO Academy on February 12–13, 2026. For more information and to register, visit the CRO Academy homepage.

Five facts about the Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO)

1 The CRO: a crisis manager and a leader

Krisensituationen erfordern Mut zum aktiven Handeln und den Willen zur Veränderung. Unsere CROs sorgen dafür, dass auch größere Neuausrichtungen planmäßig realisiert werden: von der Finanzierungssicherung über die operative Maßnahmenumsetzung bis hin zur kompletten Umstrukturierung des Geschäftsmodells. Die Transformation umschließt sowohl die Optimierung einzelner Bereiche als auch den vollständigen Umbau der Personal- und Organisationsstruktur.

2 The CRO assumes strategic and operational responsibility within the team

The CRO knows what is required as well as the rules when working with executive boards, auditors, tax consultants, banks and lawyers. As an executive officer of the company, the CRO interfaces with the relevant players and thus plays a key role in the management of the restructuring process.

As the CRO, we will reach the key decisions on the company’s reorganization in concert with its managers and work with them in order to implement the measures which are required for a successful turnaround.

3 The CRO builds trust between all stakeholders

The CRO is not only a restructuring expert, but also a mediator and communicator. Our consultants have many years of experience in a wide variety of projects as interim managers and CROs. They are familiar with working with executive boards, auditors, tax advisors, banks, and lawyers. In difficult situations, CROs restore the trust that has been lost between all stakeholders.

4 The CRO ensures that the measures are implemented

The CRO works closely with all involved divisions and continuously monitors the achievement of agreed targets. The CRO is often supported by an experienced project management team, which helps to track the achievement of targets in detail and report on them transparently.

Your contact

Dr. Arno Haselhorst

Dr. Arno Haselhorst

Managing Partner

Johann Georg von Hülsen

Johann Georg von Hülsen

Managing Partner

Dr. Jörg Schumacher

Dr. Jörg Schumacher

Partner

Sabrina Hirniak

Sabrina Hirniak

Managing Partner

 Dr. Maximilian Eberl

Dr. Maximilian Eberl

Partner

Carl Schoenaich-Carolath

Carl Schoenaich-Carolath

Associate Partner

Rainer Fellenz

Rainer Fellenz

Associate Partner

Tobias Hassel

Tobias Hassel

Associate Partner

Caio Gilberti

Caio Gilberti

Managing Partner UK

Phil Jones - Partner UK

Phil Jones

Partner UK

Insights


Whitepaper Family Businesses

Succession in owner-managed companies

As an experienced and neutral expert, the CRO ensures stability and operational capability during the succession process, which is often an uncertain transitional phase. At the same time, they relieve the owner family both emotionally and operationally, structure the transfer process professionally, and support the next generation to avoid wrong decisions.

 

Succession in owner-managed companies

Case Study Beverages Industry

Comprehensive restructuring with strategic realignment
Find out what measures were taken to restore the future viability of a leading beverage manufacturer from the DACH region.

 

Highlights


2025 Year in Review – Growth, Internationalisation, Knowledge Exchange

As always, the end of the year is a time to look back, pause for reflection and say thank you. The overall economic situation has kept us busy this year and confirmed how important reliable partnerships and trusting exchanges are. We would like to express our sincere thanks to you for this.

First Restructuring Phase of the ETO GROUP Successfully Completed

The ETO GROUP, a globally active technology corporation with a focus on the automotive sector, has successfully completed the first and most critical phase of its restructuring.

Our CRO Services

Determining the Status Quo: Independent Business Review (IBR)

For the purpose of an objective assessment of a company’s business situation and financial position, an IBR enables a rapid and independent analysis of its business model as well as its structure and situation. It provides the necessary transparency and a solid basis for prudent decision-making. We will prepare an in-depth IBR for you – rapidly and discreetly.

Cost Reduction and Revenue Growth Programs

Effective cost reduction programs help to avoid a critical situation long before earnings and liquidity problems emerge. Precise knowledge of your business model as well as a detailed overview of your cost structure and processes are prerequisites in order to realize existing potential. On this basis, we will identify appropriate measures, define efficient work packages and assist you during their operational implementation, in order to achieve solid revenue growth.

Reorganization Report in Accordance with Audit Standard S6 of the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany

Haselhorst Associates will assist you with the preparation of a reorganization report, assess your company’s business potential and develop an effective action plan. Our reorganization reports are fully compliant with the requirements of the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany’s audit standard S6, provide transparency and present ways out of a crisis. We will define a path in order to return your company to operational and financial stability. We will naturally also assist with the operational implementation phase.

Interim Management (CRO)

Companies frequently lack the necessary capacities and experience in order to manage a comprehensive restructuring project on their own. For this reason, we are ready to act as a chief restructuring officer (CRO) or interim manager where necessary. Once we have assessed the causes of the crisis and reached agreement on the appropriate measures, we will install a project management office which will handle the execution of the restructuring process as well as related management accounting. We will thus ensure a successful turnaround.

Transaction Services

Transactions require a great deal of attention and well-founded strategies based on reliable figures – from the operational due diligence via the leverage of potential synergies and the preparation of “day one” to the systematic post-merger integration phase. We will safeguard the success of your transaction by evaluating the plausibility of your business plan as well as appropriately realigning all of the relevant structures and processes. Our team will be pleased to support you throughout the implementation phase.

Strategy

As an interim manager or chief restructuring officer, we work with our clients to develop strategically focused concepts to ensure an effective turnaround in case of reorganization and restructuring projects. Our consultant – where necessary, including his or her team – will assume internal responsibility for the overall project management strategy, agree the necessary measures with the company’s management and relevant stakeholders and draw up the strategy paper.