Enron Returns (as a Parody)

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If you’re looking for work on job-search engines, you might want to think twice before applying to Enron.

Yes, that Enron.

The former Houston-based energy company has returned with a new website, Enron.com, which launched Dec. 2 on the 23rd anniversary of the company’s bankruptcy filing, along with a press release and official-looking promo video. However, it’s just a parody.

The company filed for bankruptcy in December of 2001.

What was the scandal of Enron?

Enron was an American energy, commodities, and services company based in Houston, Texas.

In 2001, Enron collapsed in a market-shaking bankruptcy amid revelations that the company had grossly overstated its earnings. The financial implosion victimized tens of thousands of employees and investors.

Some, like chief executive Jeffrey Skilling and Andrew Fastow, the company’s former chief financial officer, received prison sentences.

Kenneth Lay, Enron’s former chairman, died of a heart attack in 2006, one month after his career ended with a criminal conviction for lying to investors about the company’s finances.

Who brought Enron back?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office shows that Arkansas-based company The College Company LLC is behind the Enron trademark purchase, owned by Connor Gaydos, who, along with Peter McIndoe, created the mock “Birds Aren’t Real” conspiracy theory.

Gaydos’ LLC bought the Enron trademark in 2020 for $275, the documents show.

Is Enron really back?

No.

While their social media campaign and website look legit at first glance, the rebrand is just a prank. By its own admission, the website is “protected parody” for “entertainment purposes only.”

On its social media accounts, the new Enron also released a minute-long video – showing a clichéd montage of cities, rocket launches and a twirling ballerina accompanied by narration about a changing world. The video ends with a series of people – a farmer, a pregnant woman and a boxer – all proudly stating, “I am Enron.”

The website’s terms list the Enron relaunch as “performance art,” but for now, it’s not clear what the plans are for Enron’s relaunch other than nostalgia.

The new website also has a company store where you can purchase merchandise.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is Enron back? Texas-based company returns 23 years later as ‘parody’