Newark Group Concludes Solicitation, Launches Chapter 11 Restructuring

Print this article | Send to Colleague

The Newark Group, Cranford, N.J., USA, this week announced that it has filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy court in Newark, N.J. The company seeks court approval of its prepackaged plan of reorganization. The company reports that its two impaired creditor classes voted in favor of the prepackaged plan by greater than 90%. Likewise, the company's two impaired equity interests also voted in favor of the plan by greater than 90%. Thus, the company enters Chapter 11 with a fully supported prepackaged plan. The Court will hold a hearing on July 30 to consider confirmation of the plan and that the company hopes to exit Chapter 11 shortly thereafter.

The court heard and approved 11 first day motions. All 11 were approved substantially as submitted. Most importantly, the court approved the DIP financing order allowing the company to access its DIP loans. The court also approved the company's motion to pay all prepetition vendors in full in the ordinary course.
Subsequently, the company closed on its two DIP loans, a $50 million revolver and a $110 million term loan led by ORIX Finance. Both loans have now funded.

"We are pleased to have the support of our note holders and lenders as we move forward to strengthen our balance sheet and position the company for profitability," said Robert Mullen, president and CEO of The Newark Group. "As we navigate this process, we will continue to focus on customers, servicing them better than anyone else and developing product solutions to address their most difficult issues."

None of the company's non-U.S. subsidiaries or affiliates were included in the filing. During the Chapter 11 case, thecompany will continue normal operations under current management and does not anticipate any changes to its overall business or its ability to produce quality products.