HOUSTON — After more than two decades since its demise, is Enron coming back?
A company representing itself as Enron said it's relaunching and even announced its return with a new website and at least one billboard. There's even an account on social media with the name "Enron." A video was posted seemingly announcing the company's comeback. The new logo is the same as the old company logo.
A full-page ad was also in Monday's edition of the Houston Chronicle. The advertisement shows the company logo with the words "We're back. Can we talk? (TM)" It also has a link to the website.
It's noteworthy to mention that Enron filed for bankruptcy exactly 23 years ago -- on Dec. 2, 2001.
What we found in new Enron.com website
On the new website, there's a clock counting down. According to the clock and the website, the company is going to make an announcement next Monday, Dec. 9. There are also links to career opportunities.
The website appears to be promoting sustainable energy and also offers merchandise for sale, including shirts, hats, water bottles and stickers.
"An energy company with global impact isn't just a job. It's a calling to those that want to light a cleaner, more equitable and brighter path for the rest of humanity," the careers section of the website says, in part.
According to a news release on the website, the company is relaunching with the goal of "solving the global energy crisis."
We wanted to get to the bottom of what's going on with the new effort.
Upon closer look at the website, under the terms and conditions section, it says the website is "First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art and is for entertainment purposes only."
KHOU 11 looked up trademark records and found out that Arkansas-based "The College Company" currently owns the trademark for Enron's logo, including for purposes of selling clothing. The company is owned by the co-creator of the group known as "Birds Aren't Real," a satirical conspiracy theory movement that also sells merchandise.
The public relations firm representing the current Enron declined and interview and said only that more is coming soon.
Enron history
Enron filed for bankruptcy in 2001.
The company's downfall was caused by a massive fraud scandal. It's considered one of the largest corporate scandals in United States history and led to indictments, convictions and jail sentences for many executives.
The scandal rocked Houston and the corporate world. The return of the logo invokes a memory of a painful chapter in the city's history.
In 2021, KHOU 11 News spoke with Sherron Watkins, the whistleblower of the Enron scandal.
"5,000 people get dumped on the street with nothing. Horrible," she said.
Watkins reflected on it from the pursuit of justice for the company's fraud to the catastrophic impact on workers who relied on the company's supposed success for salary and retirement funds.
"A lot of people paid a price but so did every employee and every shareholder," she said.