Global Eagle Entertainment, a provider of high-speed connectivity and media solutions for mobility markets across aviation, maritime, energy and government sectors, completed the sale of substantially all of its assets to a group consisting of its first lien investors. In addition, Global Eagle’s operations have emerged from the Chapter 11 restructuring process. Consistent with the company’s post-restructuring focus on mobility, the company also completed the sale of its legacy non-governmental organization (NGO) and African fixed-site land business to Marlink AS.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Global Eagle,” Joshua Marks, CEO of Global Eagle, said. “Having successfully completed our sale and restructuring process, and now focused fully on mobility, the company benefits from a stronger balance sheet, enhanced liquidity and blue-chip backing from new owners. We are well-positioned to invest in innovation, drive growth in our business and continue supporting our customers as they adapt to evolving passenger and guest needs. I appreciate the steadfast support Global Eagle’s new owners have demonstrated throughout this process, and I look forward to working closely with them as we build on the company’s strong foundation and worldwide customer base to execute on the compelling opportunities ahead.”
Global Eagle’s solutions integrate connectivity from multiple sources, including high-speed satellite networks and terrestrial wireless systems.
“I would like to thank our customers, vendors and business partners for their unwavering support throughout this process,” Marks said. “I would also like to thank our employees for their continued dedication to serving our clients with outstanding solutions and support. Our success in this process is a testament to their commitment to Global Eagle and our stakeholders.”
Through its sale and restructuring, Global Eagle reduced its total debt by $487.5 million and increased its liquidity with a $217.5 million investment from the company’s new owners. The close of the sale will not have any material impact on Global Eagle’s operations.
As previously announced, Global Eagle’s new owners include certain funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Eaton Vance Management, Mudrick Capital Management, Crestline Investors, certain funds and accounts managed by Sound Point Capital Management, certain funds and accounts managed by Arbour Lane Capital Management, and certain funds and accounts under management by BlackRock Financial Management, among others.
Pursuant to Global Eagle’s Chapter 11 plan of liquidation, which was confirmed on Jan. 29, Global Eagle’s stock, which currently trades on the OTC market under GEENQ, will be cancelled upon the effective date of the plan.
Latham & Watkins is serving as Global Eagle’s legal counsel. Greenhill is serving as the company’s financial advisor and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as the company’s restructuring advisor. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is serving as legal counsel to the ad hoc first lien lender group and new owners of the company. Rothschild & Co is serving as financial advisor to the ad hoc first lien lender group and new owners of the company.
