restructure investment & finance definition

To comprehensively reorganize a business with the intention of putting it back on solid, profitable ground. Companies that go through a restructuring process typically work with creditors to change debt terms. For example, creditors may exchange some of the debt for equity or extend the maturity date. Companies also reorganize their product offerings or sales forces by eliminating unprofitable products and reassigning sales people. When workforces are restructured, layoffs of general staff and top management may occur. The company incurs a large expense to pay severance to laid off employees and therefore usually takes a restructuring charge against earnings for one or two quarters after the restructuring is announced.