FRANCE Law and Practice Contributed by: Sophie Scemla, Didier G Martin, Diane Paillot de Montabert and Calypso Korkikian, Gide Loyrette Nouel
• Crisis response protocols – defining clear reporting lines within the crisis management team. • Internal investigations – conducting prompt reviews to ensure accuracy before disclo- sures. Companies can also engage with regulators proactively to ensure transparency and smooth relationships while mitigating legal risks through structured legal and compliance oversight. 6. Communication 6.1 Co-Ordination of Communications Companies co-ordinate crisis communication through structured plans that ensure consist- ency across all stakeholder interactions. These plans typically include: • dedicated crisis communication teams, involving compliance officers, legal counsel, and public relations specialists; • pre-defined protocols for internal and external messaging, aligning with regulatory and ethi- cal standards; and • centralised communication hubs, like a crisis response office or digital platforms, to streamline information dissemination. Effective co-ordination with key stakeholders includes the following. • Government authorities – engaging regula- tors, law enforcement, and oversight bodies to ensure compliance with legal obligations and mandatory reporting. • Private sector partners – maintaining trust and continuity by providing proactive updates to suppliers, clients, and investors, where appropriate.
• Public and media – managing reputational impact with controlled disclosures, such as press releases and official statements. Common triggers for crisis communication include: • legal obligations, such as mandatory report- ing of financial misconduct or data breaches, and, in case of listed companies, stock exchange regulations which force them to communicate through press releases in case they have information that may affect the trading price of theirs securities; • operational disruptions, like supply chain failures or cybersecurity incidents; and • reputational concerns, stemming from regula- tory investigations or whistle-blower disclo- sures. Crisis communication is usually overseen by the crisis committee to ensure regulatory and ethical adherence, with input from the legal and risks departments, the Board of Directors, the public Effective internal communication during a crisis is crucial for co-ordinated action. Companies implement structured communication protocols to prioritise rapid, controlled information flow, define crisis escalation levels, and ensure com- pliance with legal obligations. Key internal stakeholders that need to be informed first include the following. • Crisis management committee – senior executives who oversee the response. • Legal and compliance teams – ensure all communications meet regulatory obligations and sector-specific reporting rules. relations or strategy departments. 6.2 Internal Communication
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