This case study details our Speyside expertise in integrated Public Affairs and stakeholder engagement, which provided the critical political and regulatory support. By navigating sensitive government relations and managing local stakeholders—from trade unions to community leaders—our Communications Strategy built credibility and secured the social license to operate. Discover how our Corporate Affairs counsel managed these complex issues, enabling rapid expansion across Speyside Africa, Speyside Latin America, and Speyside Central Eastern Europe.

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A leading global steel and mining company was expanding rapidly through a series of privatisations and acquisitions across Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Each transaction presented distinct political, regulatory, and reputational challenges, requiring a coordinated approach to secure government support, manage local sensitivities, and demonstrate responsible investment practices.

We worked alongside the client’s global and regional leadership teams to provide integrated political and stakeholder engagement support through multiple privatisation rounds and post-acquisition phases. This included mapping and engaging key policymakers, trade unions, and community leaders; developing consistent messaging around jobs, investment, and modernization; and implementing issues management strategies to address local resistance or controversy.

Our work helped the client build and maintain credibility with host governments, regulators, and communities during a complex period of rapid growth. The company strengthened its social license to operate, secured key acquisitions, and laid the groundwork for its successful establishment as the world’s leading integrated steel and mining company.