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This is our weekly newsletter on all the top news in the US distressed market. Explore all our market wraps here.

Just when it started to seem like bankruptcies were passe, the rule of three strikes again brought us the filings of Mobileum, Conn’s Inc. and 2U.

The cases are a refreshing return to the basics — no lender on lender violence, no time-consuming litigation and no alleged shady dealings by insiders. Just three companies using the Bankruptcy Code to reorganize or effectuate an orderly winddown. Accordingly, there are a number of comforting themes where everything old is new again.

Back to Texas — Mobileum and Conn’s were both commenced in the Southern District of Texas, bringing a type of welcome home feeling. Conn’s is lucky enough to be the first complex Chapter 11 case appearing before Judge Alfredo Perez.

Third-party releases — Red Lobster and 2U — found themselves navigating third-party releases issues (and the fallout of Purdue Pharma). Although there is still no consensus on what third-party releases must look like, this week’s cases suggest that “opt-out” provisions for parties who are deemed to reject the plan, will not be approved.

Prepacks — Mobileum and 2U — were prepackaged deals that launched solicitation before filing and have confirmation hearings scheduled for early September.

And in a bankruptcy-adjacent trend of the increasingly messy arms race for restructuring scoops, a moment to note this week…

The prepack that wasn’t — Bausch Health — The company on Wednesday said this: “Bausch Health… has become aware of a news article… today, citing unnamed sources. The article contains unsubstantiated rumors, including that the Company is considering a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding of any kind - it is not.” This statement from Bausch Health came in response to a market-moving — and as it turns out incorrect — story about the company negotiating with creditors on a prepack. The stock’s still down more than 20% compared with versus before the story, wiping out $300m in value. We have previously reported on the precedent-setting co-op in place, and are interested to see how this impacts potential negotiations.

2U — Global online learning company, filed a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. You can read more about the case here.

Allen Media — A group of lenders has hired Ducera Partners in preparation of liability management talks with the company. While Allen Media does not have sizable near-term debt maturities until 2027, it is grappling with weaker performance and tight liquidity.

AMC Entertainment — AMC announced a deal with two creditor groups intended to extend the vast majority of its debt maturities through 2029 via a drop-down transaction involving 175 theaters and the AMC brand itself. 9fin had earlier reported on talks between the company and creditors.  

American Physician Partners — For the vendors and firms owed money by a bankrupt company, the primary motivation to join an Unsecured Creditors’ Committee is often simple: maximize economic recoveries. Listen as Dennis recounts his experience in navigating the rapid shuttering of APP and what lessons we can learn from it.

Ardagh – The glass bottle maker (ARGID) and metal cans producer (AMP) separately reported results on 25 July. Apollo has provided a $300m secured term loan to AMP to shore up liquidity and fortify dividend capacity to help support its parent AIHS. Separately, ARGID results revealed that the Apollo Exchange Loan entered as part of a contentious deal struck in April remains unused. The ARGID outlook was downgraded, as expected, on the back of a softer than expected recovery in demand.

CommScope — 9fin published the first of many LME Breakdowns, to answer questions around how CommScope could use sale proceeds to address almost $6bn in 2025 and 2026 maturities, after the announcement of the $2.1bn sale of assets to Amphenol.

Cox Media Group — A steering committee has kickstarted negotiations with Cox Media on ways to address its upcoming debt maturity.

Del Monte Foods — The company is in talks with existing lenders about a potential new money injection after efforts to raise secured debt from third parties failed.

EmployBridge — Certain lenders have organized with Gibson Dunn as the company reported weaker performance with debt trading poorly and rumors of the company’s sponsor Apollo buying back debt in the secondary market.

Mobileum — Telecommunications analytics firm Mobileum filed a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas this week. You can read more about the filing here.

Conn’s Inc — Conn’s, a home goods retailer, filed for Chapter 11 protection in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, seeking to effectuate an orderly wind-down of its business. You can read more about the case here.

Diamond Sports Group — Diamond Sports Group has adjourned its confirmation hearing to a date to be determined as it seeks to finish negotiating a possible deal with Comcast, the NBA and the NHL.

Porter Airlines — The Canadian airline has gauged interest from private credit lenders in raising CA$250m in preferred equity to boost liquidity.

Red Lobster — Red Lobster has to modify its “opt-out” procedure for consenting to third-party releases in its proposed plan after the UST argued that the decision in the Purdue Pharma case prohibited such relief.

Restaurants Distress — A recent string of restaurant bankruptcies, including Rubio’s Coastal Grill and Red Lobster, suggests a bleaker outlook for the sector.

Steward Health Care — The physician-owned healthcare provider announced its intention to close two Medical Properties Trust-owned hospitals in Massachusetts after no qualified bids were received for the assets in bankruptcy, prompting Governor Maura Healy to respond with strong words.

Veritas Technologies — Elliott Management emerged as one of the largest creditors to the company and is butting heads with the company on its liability management options, while a group of creditors is in confidential talks with the Carlyle-backed data management firm on ways to address its debt due 2025.

Belk — The retailer announced first and second lien lenders and equity sponsor Sycamore Partners struck a deal to cut $950m in debt, amending its existing asset-based credit facility to extend the maturity date to July 2029, and putting in place a $275m secured term loans and a $210m securitization facility. Certain existing lenders, including funds associated with KKR and Hein Park, will control the company.

Brightspeed — Sponsor Apollo and lenders to the telecom company were reported to be in discussions for a restructuring involving the banks taking a haircut on their existing debt and providing $3.5bn of refinancing. 9fin had earlier reported on noteholders at Embarq, a Brightspeed subsidiary, having appealed a judgment that thwarted their attempt to seek redress for their subordination in an LBO in 2022.

Medical Properties Trust — The troubled healthcare REIT announced a sale of eight properties in Arizona for $160m at a cap rate of less than 7.5%. 9fin had reported earlier on how MPT had hired the same private investigation firm, Audere International, as its largest tenant Steward Health Care had.

Zachry Group — The family-owned EPC company received bankruptcy court approval for a settlement with Golden Pass LNG Terminal and Zachry’s JV partners Chiyoda International and CBI. The settlement resolves all disputes between the parties with respect to Golden Pass’ Sabine Pass project and allows Zachry to exit the project.

Other active distressed and restructuring coverage

Alkegen — Formerly known as Unifrax, lenders to the specialty materials maker formed a coop as the company vetted financing proposals from third party investors.

Altice France — The telecom company is set to hold its debt investor call 29 August. 9fin’s deep-dive report explores the range of possibilities given the various moving parts.

Altice USA — A three-year co-op in place pushed the limits of these long-term defensive maneuvers.

American Rock Salt — The salt company and lenders hired legal counsel to address elevated leverage and volatile demand, according to sources.

Anthology — Nearly 100% of the first lien loans of the Veritas-backed ed-tech company are said to have agreed to exchange under a liability management deal that 9fin had reported was launched after negotiations with an ad hoc group of first lien lenders.

Astound Broadband — A group of lenders started confidential talks with the Stonepeak-backed internet and cable provider. While the company has far-dated debt maturities, it is grappling with a cash flow squeeze.

Beyond Meat — The producer of plant-based meat substitutes is reported to have engaged with a group of convertible noteholders on a restructuring.

B. Riley Financial/Franchise Group — Franchise Group shareholders have sued the company’s executives and minority owner B. Riley over alleged breach of fiduciary duties in relation to the franchise holding company’s 2023 take-private deal. 9fin had earlier reported that Franchise Group and its lenders had hired advisors following weak earnings and news of Conn’s — in which it holds a large chunk of equity after it sold a business to Conn’s in 2023 — considering bankruptcy. Conn’s subsequently filed.

CareMax — The value-based healthcare provider paid lenders a 3% PIK fee to execute an eighth amendment to its credit agreement, which provides for $20m in incremental term loan facilities and extend waivers through 15 August 2024. The loans mature on the earlier of 10 April 2025 and the occurrence of “certain liquidity events”, bear interest at SOFR + 13%, require that the lenders receive a 1.3x MOIC on repayment and impose many restrictive provisions. CareMax had recently disclosed  that it had appointed Paul Rundell from Alvarez & Marsal as CRO.

Carestream Dental — The company reportedly began confidential talks with lenders to raise capital. 9fin had earlier reported that CD&R and CareCapital Advisors-backed company has been working with Jefferies to address its revolver and term loan maturities this year.

Chicken Soup for the Soul — Chicken Soup filed for Chapter 11 protection and reached an agreement with prepetition agent HPS Investment Partners for a DIP, but its case was converted to Chapter 7 after its lenders indicated that they would not be willing to fund any additional post-petition financing following shocking allegations of mismanagement at the debtor companies.

Dynata — The data platform company announced its emergence from bankruptcy, after its Chapter 11 plan was earlier confirmed on an uncontested basis and without a hearing. Dynata eliminated 40% of its $1.3bn of debt and received $82m of financing, with first and second lien lenders — including Bain Capital and funds advised or managed by BlackRock and First Eagle — now controlling the company.

EchoStar/DISH — Bondholders to the EchoStar subsidiary Hughes Satellite Systems are reported to have engaged Glenn Agre to explore remedies for value leakage in the form of a recently disclosed lease agreement for a satellite. The agreement requires Hughes to pay $15.9m monthly to EchoStar, and Hughes has also made a $100m prepayment under the lease.

Emergent BioSolutions — Holders of Emergent’s 3.875% SUNs due 2028 stand to receive a high potential recovery amid a stabilization of earnings, per 9fin analysis, as our illustrative waterfall outlines a scenario-based recovery of between 92% and 93% with the bonds quoted near 60 cents.

Enviva — Vinson & Elkins’ second attempt to be employed as Enviva’s debtors’ counsel also failed. Judge Brian Kenney of EDVA remained uninterested in V&E’s many proposed solutions to render the firm “disinterested”.

Express — Express received permission to move forward with its sale process, and rapidly concluded the process, announcing that Phoenix Retail — a JV owned by WHP Global (majority owner of the entity holding Express’ IP), Simon Property Group, Brookfield Properties and Centennial Real Estate — emerged as the winning bidder for substantially all its assets.

EyeCare Partners — The vision care network completed its liability management deal involving $275m of new money and a discounted debt exchange that offered better terms to lenders who participated early and were involved in confidential talks with the company.

Fisker — The bankrupt electric vehicle manufacturer received court approval for the sale of its inventory of Ocean vehicles to American Lease. Shortly after, primary secured creditor Heights Capital requested a conversion of the Chapter 11 cases to Chapter 7.

Fossil Group — Following quarters of dismal results and with an operational restructuring ongoing, Fossil announced the resignation of its CFO and the appointment of Andy Skobe of Ankura to provide interim CFO services.

FreshDirect — The grocery delivery company is set to get some rescue financing from its parent company, Getir, to help support its operational needs.

Gol Airlines — Gol’s Abra bondholder group recently disclosed updated members and holders including distressed investors. The bankrupt airline has said it will evaluate all recapitalization or other transactions, including to raise capital while in bankruptcy. In recent days the UCC has objected to the debtors attempts to allow aircraft lessors to sell a participation interest in their unsecured claims, while retaining their voting rights on any potential Chapter 11 plan.

Gray Television — The broadcaster announced a $250m debt repurchase plan along with Q1 24 earnings that showcased a year-on-year improvement, sending prices of its debt and shares higher.

Hearthside Food Solutions — Certain creditors have started confidential negotiations with the company, as the company faces roughly $2bn of term loan maturities in 2025 and $350m in unsecured bonds due 2026.

Hertz — The troubled rental car company priced $750m of 12.625% first lien notes due 2029 and $250m of 8% exchangeable second lien PIK notes due 2029. Proceeds will be used to pay down its revolver and improve liquidity. See 9fin’s QuickTake on the $750m issuance here.

iHeartMedia — The steering committee of the Pimco-led ad hoc group advised by Davis Polk and Perella Weinberg has gotten restricted to engage in negotiations with the company.

Incora — Judge Marvin Isgur ruled that the aerospace parts supplier’s disputed March 2022 transaction breached certain bond indentures, dealing a blow to Platinum Equity and other creditors who participated in that deal. Here’s a look at what the ruling could mean for future LMEs, and here’s a transcript with Judge Isgur’s oral decision.

Invitae — After hearing arguments on the UCC’s standing motion for litigation related to uptiers, and arguments over makewholes, Judge Michael Kaplan decided to issue a preliminary ruling denying the standing motion and reserved his ruling on the makewhole issue.

Leslie’s — The swimming pool maintenance and supply company shared a bleak preview of the quarter and full year, sending its stock and term loan tumbling.

Magenta Buyer/McAfee — The company is reported to be considering a proposal for a $400m first-out new money term loan from Elliott. 9fin had earlier reported that a lender group has become restricted to engage in confidential negotiations with the company, shortly after it held discussions with creditor Elliott for new money.

Petrofac — The energy services company has defaulted on its senior secured notes after failing to convince lenders to extend the grace period on a missed interest payment.

Purdue Pharma — Purdue Pharma and its creditors will move forward with 60-day mediation to try to come up with a settlement that would satisfy the Supreme Court’s ruling. If a settlement cannot be reached, the UCC in the case will pursue litigation against the Sackler family that the UCC estimates is worth approximately $11.5bn.

Rite Aid — Rite Aid notched a win when the judge overseeing the case ruled in favor of Rite Aid on a working capital dispute in the Elixir APA — an approximately $200m dispute, and then agreed to confirm the Chapter 11 plan. Rite Aid also received approval to sell $435m of a term loan issued by Elixir structured as a seller note held by Rite Aid. However, all is not resolved — MedImpact, Elixir’s purchaser, has appealed the Elixir ruling, and others have appealed confirmation.

Robertshaw — Judge Lopez found that the One Rock-sponsored company violated its credit agreement when implementing an LME in December — engineered with the support of Bain Capital, Canyon Partners and Eaton Vance, but confirmed that the participating lenders remained “required lenders” under the credit agreement. Invesco, the contesting lender, is only entitled to assert monetary damages and not equitable remedies, per the judgment. Invesco has since appealed the judgment and has claimed over $100m in damages supported by a comprehensive analysis (see the proof of claim), while Judge Lopez has approved Robertshaw’s sale to the participating lender group.

Rodan & Fields — The multi-level marketing company, in which TPG owns a minority stake, announced a comprehensive liability management exercise aimed at reducing debt from $614m to $105m. The transaction, which has the support of around 86% of the existing second-out and 56% of the third-out term loan, includes $75m in priming new money, uptier exchanges (with a subsequent equitization of uptiered loans handing control to lenders), and non-consenting lenders being stripped of key protections.

Rubio’s Restaurants — Rubio’s filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to sell itself.

Salem Media — Certain debtholders have banded together with Paul Hastings to negotiate a possible debt restructuring with the conservative Christian media company.

SI Group — The chemical additives company shared preliminary 2023 results, which left some investors questioning the sustainability of its capital structure, even as its business shows signs of recovering.

SIRVA — The moving services company was downgraded by S&P from B- to CCC. The S&P note states that on 25 April, SIRVA’s first and second-lien credit agreements were “modified to pledge more equity from subsidiaries as collateral to lenders, to 100% from 65%, which we view as lenders' concerns over the company's performance and ability to manage its obligations in a difficult operating environment.” This comes after it raised a new money priming loan (per S&P a $84m delayed-draw term loan) in order to bridge the company to a broader debt restructuring.

Spirit Airlines — The troubled ultra low-cost airline lowered its second quarter outlook because of weaker than expected non-ticket revenue, and its bonds and stock tumbled. It had also recently delayed a planned analyst day, which 9fin had reported could suggest the execution of its standalone plan and creditor negotiations are not on track. Read our three-part series on the stressed ultra low-cost airline and its Loyalty Notes: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

Springs Window Fashions — The Clearlake-backed window treatment company retained Kirkland & Ellis and Centerview to engage with creditors who have organized into two groups, both with cooperation agreements in place. One creditor group holds a majority of the company’s term loan debt, while the other holds upwards of 40% of the term loan debt plus over two-thirds of the company’s bonds, according to sources.

STG Logistics — 9fin reported that STG lenders signed a cooperation agreement, which would bind them together in potential negotiations with the company.

Sunnova Energy — The residential and commercial solar company has hired AlixPartners to help boost liquidity and Moelis to explore restructuring options. Earlier, it has agreed on several funding deals, including a new tax equity agreement with JP Morgan and a lease securitization deal with owners of home security firm Brinks Home, and more recently a DoE-guaranteed loan.

SunPower — The struggling residential solar power company endured another rough week, as its stock plummeted after it was reported to have told dealers it would halt shipments and cease supporting new installations. Recently, SunPower’s auditor EY resigned (and responded to the 8-K announcing the resignation) and details of financial misconduct allegations against senior management and the SEC’s examination of its revenue recognition practices were revealed.

Telesat Canada — The Canadian satellite company posted expected declines in revenue, EBITDA and margins in Q1 24, and reaffirmed guidance for the full year. Backlog and cash generation for the legacy business declined as Telesat continues to lose GEO customers and focuses on Lightspeed. Certain creditors are reported to have hired Evercore and Lincoln International for advice. 9fin earlier provided a comprehensive analysis of the company’s disappointing FY 23 earnings and FY 24 guidance.

The Container Store — Certain lenders are getting legal advice from Paul Hastings, as the retailer faces a term loan maturity in 2026 and an uncertain earnings trajectory.

Tupperware — Tupperware disclosed a further extension of its forbearance agreement with its lenders, this time to 15 August, and a requirement from lenders that it deliver letters of intent for a repayment transaction by 31 July. The company had recently announced the departure of its CFO.

TGI Friday’s — The restaurant chain has engaged an FA to raise roughly $200m of new funding to pay down debt.

Thrive Pet Care — The company hired Evercore to examine options for its debt stack, 9fin reported. Meanwhile, a group of first lien lenders is seeking advice from Akin Gump as they brace for potential negotiations with the TSG Consumer Partners-backed company, sources said.

United Site Services — The portable toilet rental company is set to tap a $115m commitment from sponsor Platinum Equity as it battles weaker earnings amid an inflationary and higher rate environment.

VeriFone — Lenders to the payment and commerce solutions company have organized with Gibson Dunn as they prepare for negotiations ahead of the maturity of the company’s $250m revolver and over $2bn of term loans in 2025.

VistaJet — The private jet subscription company released Q4 23 results, with the company’s founder penning a letter announcing legal action against a “group of individuals” that has “disseminated half-truths, false rumors and lies”.

Wellpath — The HIG-backed prison healthcare company is working with Lazard to explore options ahead of a revolver maturing and a first lien term loan becoming current in October. A group of lenders is said to have tapped Akin Gump and have taken pitches from bankers, with Houlihan Lokey in the pole position.

WOM — WOM avoided a two-day trial on a motion to dismiss filed by an ad hoc group of unsecured noteholders and brokered global peace in the case. With the motion to dismiss out of the way, the company was able to receive final DIP approval and move forward with a marketing process.

Workhorse — The electric vehicle company continues to raise capital through the issuance of convertible notes and warrants and employ cost-cutting measures to address cash flow pressures. 9fin had earlier reported that the company is working with Stifel to help raise bridge financing.

WorldStrides — Lenders to the student trip company have retained Ducera Partners in order to develop potential alternatives to the recently expired discounted exchange offer.

Xplore — The Canadian rural internet provider announced an agreement to raise new debt and equity financing, with sponsor Stonepeak and certain existing lenders leading the investment and other lenders to get the opportunity to participate on substantially similar terms. Xplore has commenced a proceeding under the Canada Business Corporations Act to implement the deal.

Vyaire Medical — Vyaire, a breathing technology company, commenced Chapter 11 after post-pandemic macroeconomic challenges led to a liquidity crisis. Backed by an RSA with a first lien ad hoc group, the company intends to continue to pursue a prepetition marketing process. The company also received interim approval of its $180m DIP facility at its first-day hearing.

Zayo — 9fin broke the news that Zayo is working with banks to help gauge investor interest in raising new debt at its recently carved out Europe subsidiary.

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