Los Angeles — American Apparel, Inc., a vertically-integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer of branded fashion-basic apparel, has reached a restructuring support agreement with 95% of its secured lenders to implement a pre-arranged financial restructuring.
This reorganization will enable the company to implement a comprehensive transformation strategy to revitalize the business and brand, while keeping its production and operations in the U.S. Throughout the implementation of this process, American Apparel will continue to operate its business without interruption to customers, employees and vendors.
The restructuring support agreement, which has been approved by the company’s board of directors, will substantially reduce the company’s debt and interest payments through the elimination of over $200 million of its bonds in exchange for equity interests in the reorganized company, and provide the company with access to financing during and after its restructuring. As part of this agreement, American Apparel, and certain of its domestic subsidiaries have voluntarily filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company expects to complete the restructuring within approximately 6 months.
“This restructuring will enable American Apparel to become a stronger, more vibrant company,” says Paula Schneider, American Apparel’s CEO. “By improving our financial footing, we will be able to refocus our business efforts on the execution of our turnaround strategy as we look to create new and relevant products, launch new design and merchandising initiatives, invest in new stores, grow our e-commerce business, and create captivating new marketing campaigns that will help drive our business forward.”
Apparel’s international operations are not affected by the reorganization in the U.S.
As of September 30, 2015, Los Angeles-based American Apparel had approximately 9,000 employees and operated 227 retail stores in 19 countries. For more information, visit www.americanapparel.com.
SOURCE: American Apparel, Inc.