Michael Reilly
Managing Director
For nearly a decade, Michael has provided strategic communications counsel to U.S. and international companies navigating complex special situations, including mergers and acquisitions, unsolicited takeovers, shareholder activism defense, crisis communications, and C-suite transitions. He develops investor relations and corporate communications strategies that align with clients’ long-term objectives, fostering trust and stability in challenging and dynamic environments. His deep understanding of corporate dynamics enables him to anticipate challenges and deliver tailored solutions that enhance stakeholder confidence. By consistently delivering impactful results, Michael has become a trusted advisor, helping prominent companies maintain resilience and achieve their strategic goals in dynamic and demanding markets.
Recent Highlights
Select Experience
M&A / Transactions
Michael’s advises companies on communications in both friendly and unsolicited M&A, SPACs and IPOs. Some notable assignments include assisting U. S. Steel in its transaction with Nippon Steel; Flowserve in its proposed combination with Chart Industries; Discover Financial in its sale to Capital One; Verizon in its pending acquisition of Frontier Communications; Algonquin Power’s sale of its Renewable Energy Business to LS Power; Twitter in its sale to Elon Musk; Newmont on its acquisition of Goldcorp and its defense against an unsolicited proposal from Barrick Gold; Anadarko Petroleum on its sale to Occidental Petroleum; Reinvent Technology Partners with SPAC business combinations with Joby Aviation, Hippo, and Aurora Innovation; Lyft in its initial public offering.
Shareholder Activism Defense
Michael has experience working with companies in activism situations and proxy contests opposite Ancora, Corvex Management, Elliott Management, Starboard Value, Third Point, Trian Partners, and ValueAct, among others.
Crisis Communications
Michael has considerable crisis and issues management experience including cybersecurity preparedness and incident response, government investigations and enforcement actions, ethics violations, litigation, layoffs, management changes, and earnings misses and restatements.
Public and Investor Relations
Michael collaborates with clients to strengthen their communications strategy, encompassing corporate positioning, quarterly earnings preparation, investor events, and employee communications. He partners with senior leadership to sharpen the company’s narrative and implement tactics to engage key stakeholders, such as shareholders, analysts, employees, and customers effectively.
In Conversation
Personal Side
I've recently embraced tennis, diving into competitions despite my beginner-level UTR. Sharing the court with my brother and friends has made every match a joy, especially at the prestigious National Tennis Center in Queens. I've played on hard courts and clay, each surface offering unique challenges. I'm thrilled about my progress and eagerly anticipate the chance to compete on grass courts soon!
In the News
Credentials
Michael received a BA in English, with a minor in Communications from Villanova University.