C2 Group Joins FTI Consulting

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN), the global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance their enterprise value, today announced C2 Group, a highly regarded bipartisan government relations and lobbying firm based in Washington, D.C., has joined the firm. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

As businesses adapt to new economic realities and a more competitive global environment, government policy is increasingly playing a defining role. The addition of C2 Group expands the Public Affairs offering of our Strategic Communications practice in the United States by expanding its services into government relations and direct advocacy. C2 Group represents some of the world's most recognizable brands and leading companies such as PepsiCo, Comcast/NBCU, eBay, Porsche, AXA and 7-Eleven. C2 Group's 12 professionals, including two senior managing directors, bring experienced leadership to our global Public Affairs offering, with particular expertise in the energy, financial services, healthcare, tax policy and transportation industries. 

"More and more, our clients require direct advocacy services in the pursuit of legislative and regulatory outcomes," said Edward Reilly, Global Chief Executive Officer of the Strategic Communications practice at FTI Consulting. "Our Public Affairs offering focuses on advising executive teams, boards of directors and senior decision-makers on public policy issues that pose opportunities and challenges to their organizations' enterprise value; this offering will be greatly bolstered by the ability to directly engage in the policy, legislative and regulatory process and ultimately influence the outcome in ways that protect and advance our clients' interests." 

C2 Group is led by Tom Crawford and John Cline, who join FTI Consulting as senior managing directors.  Both have extensive capabilities and strong reputations in the public affairs and issue advocacy worlds.  Mr. Crawford focuses primarily on serving clients in the fields of tax policy and regulation, budget matters, corporate governance and retirement security, while Mr. Cline's specialty is in the fields of energy, financial services and transportation. Furthermore, C2 Group has developed one of the most advanced digital advocacy platforms that is created and informed for the purpose of lobbying.

Under Mr. Crawford's  and Mr. Cline's leadership, C2 Group boasts a highly experienced team, including Nelson Litterst, former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Legislative Affairs; Jeff Murray, former Chief of Staff for Congressman Bud Cramer (D-AL); Patrick Robertson, former Deputy to the Chief of Staff for Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV); Becky Halkias, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and then Ridge's Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs for Homeland Security; Galen Reser, former Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation; Scott Styles, former Chief of Staff to Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX); and Raul Tapia, former Deputy Assistant to President Jimmy Carter for Hispanic Affairs.

C2 Group will be a part of the Strategic Communications' Public Affairs offering, and will complement the senior advisory services across the FTI Consulting platform. These services include consulting and advisory services relating to M&A transactions, crisis and issue management, market entry and market expansion. 

"While most Washington firms are focused on a specific legislative or policy outcome, the combined resources FTI Consulting and C2 Group will concentrate on moving the bottom line for clients in a positive way," said Mr. Crawford.  "By being proactive and engaged in strategic business considerations, our goal is to maximize client returns and provide value far beyond the Washington debate."

Jackson  Dunn, Americas Head of the Public Affairs offering at FTI Consulting, said, "We're excited to have C2 Group's in-depth expertise added to our broad management consulting platform. This addition to our team completes our Public Affairs offering and provides our clients with a holistic suite of services."

C2 Group will continue to work under its own brand during a transition period, and will remain in its current offices in Washington, D.C.

About FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With over 3,900 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The Company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

About C2 Group

The C2 Group provides its clients with distinctive service and seasoned advice on influencing public policy.  The professionals at C2 Group have a proven track of getting results, and each individual brings a unique command of the Washington process honed the right way: through hands-on experience.  Intelligence, integrity, creativity, excellence and results are the hallmarks of our representation.  More information can be found at www.thec2group.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve uncertainties and risks, including statements related to our expectations regarding this acquisition and its services. There can be no assurance that the performance of the acquired business or the performance of the services it offers will not differ from the company's expectations. Factors that could cause company expectations to differ include the pace and timing of the integration of the acquisition, the company's ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies, competitive and general economic conditions, the retention of staff and clients, and other risks described under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the company's most recent Form 10-K and in the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, risks related to operating in foreign jurisdictions. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform such statements to actual results or events and do not intend to do so.

SOURCE FTI Consulting, Inc.