** Shares of marketing solutions provider Banzai International surge more than 136% to $6.53 in early trade

** Company announces restructuring plans that include reducing staffing and independent contractor expenses by 27%

** Says long-term debt maturity with Columbia Pacific Advisors extended to 2027 from 2025, with interests now payable in kind - by additional debt, instead of cash

** "Strategic initiative, if fully achieved, will enable us to substantially extend our cash runway and invest in growth" - CEO Joe Davy

** Sees overall improvement in net income of about $13.5 million annually when plan is fully implemented

** Up to Tuesday's close, stock had fallen 97% YTD

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)

((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))