Top regional investor relations firm turns cost-cutting measure into business opportunity

At Dennard Rupp Gray & Easterly, LLC (DRG&E), the largest investor relations firm headquartered in the Southwest, consistent and clear communication is a critical part of the firm’s ability to gain an in-depth understanding of its clients and become an extension of their business. To support this goal, DRG&E has implemented video conferencing solutions from Lifesize Communications, a division of Logitech (Nasdaq: LOGI) (SIX: LOGN) and a leading global provider of high definition video communications.

 

The ability to forge trust-based relationships is a cornerstone of DRG&E’s business. However, the economic downturn combined with a growing client roster meant the firm needed to reduce its travel-related expenses while increasing its ability to meet face to face with shareholders and potential investors. DRG&E recognized HD video communications could provide the solution and, after a thorough evaluation process, selected Lifesize® Room 200™ systems for its Houston, Texas headquarters.

“Keeping decision makers connected is a critical part of our business and the Lifesize systems really hit the mark,” said Ken Dennard, founder and managing partner for DRG&E. “The response from our clients has been very positive, and not only because we’re able to increase the frequency of face-to-face communication while cutting travel costs for ourselves and our clients. The key is that we can get more done with less time and money – without sacrificing the quality of the experience.”

Shortly after installing its Lifesize systems, DRG&E realized that HD video communications could also be offered as a service to clients. The firm developed AnalystDirectTV®, an HD video communications solution enabled by Lifesize that provides clients with instant access to investors. Several of the firm’s clients actively use Lifesize as part of their IR program, including Men’s Wearhouse, one of North America’s largest specialty retailers of men’s apparel.

“By utilizing DRG&E’s AnalystDirectTV program and our own in-house Lifesize system, we’re now able to see more investors, in more parts of the country than ever before,” noted Neill Davis, chief financial officer, Men’s Wearhouse.

“Lifesize strives to provide customers with video communications systems that are unrivaled in performance, cost and flexibility,” said Colin Buechler, senior vice president of marketing at Lifesize Communications. “We’re proud that our systems are playing a significant role for innovative companies such as DRG&E to use video communications to generate immediate value and build forward-looking solutions that help them better interact with colleagues, customers and partners.”  

About DRG&E

Dennard Rupp Gray & Easterly, LLC, headquartered in Houston with offices in Atlanta and San Antonio, provides a full range of investor relations and analytical services, financial media communications services and strategic counsel to enhance the visibility, transparency and credibility of its clients within the investment and business communities. 

DRG&E expanded its traditional IR Counsel® in 2002 by introducing InsideOutlook® and IR+®, ground-breaking services staffed by experienced former sell-side research analysts.  InsideOutlook provides public companies unprecedented 24/7 access to experienced analysts who assist clients in developing enhanced public disclosures that increase operational and financial transparency, build management credibility, and help clients effectively communicate the correct message to the investment community.  IR+ provides clients with a first-hand perspective on the way professional investors think and work.  DRG&E analysts offer both ongoing and project-specific strategic consulting services.  They also prepare quarterly packages featuring valuation, peer group activity, trading and institutional ownership data for internal use by management and their board of directors; along with a fact sheet written specifically for professional investors that is a valuable external tool for institutional investor marketing programs.

Founded in 1997, DRG&E currently represents over 30 public companies totaling over $28 billion in cumulative revenues, over $15 billion in cumulative market capitalization and an aggregate workforce of over 77,000 employees.  For more information regarding DRG&E clients or its services, visit the website at http://www.drg-e.com or call 713-529-6600.

AnalystDirectTV®, IR Counsel®, InsideOutlook® and IR+® are registered trademarks of DRG&E, LLC. Copyright © 2010.