KB US Holdings, the parent company of the Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market, accepted a stalking horse bid from TLI Bedrock to purchase the company for $75 million. To facilitate an orderly sale, KB and its subsidiaries commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with a sale so we can position Kings and Balducci’s for even greater long-term success. During this COVID crisis, our associates and communities have demonstrated not only the viability but absolute necessity of our markets in their communities. Our sales and service have never been stronger; we are confident we will emerge from this process without missing a beat, well-positioned for future stability and success,” Judith Spires, CEO of KB US Holdings, said.
In conjunction with the sale process, KB obtained a commitment for approximately $20 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its existing secured lender. Upon court approval, the new financing, combined with cash generated from the KB’s ongoing operations, will be used to support the business throughout the sale process. KB has sufficient liquidity to meet its go-forward business obligations and will operate its business as usual and pay its business partners for goods and services provided on or after Aug. 23, 2020, which is the Chapter 11 filing date.
As part of the Chapter 11 filing, KB filed a number of customary “first day” motions seeking authorization to maintain its operations during the court-supervised process, including authority to continue payment of employee wages and benefits, as well as post-petition obligations to its vendor community.
As part of the process, higher and better bids will be solicited following the approval of bidding procedures under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Proskauer Rose is serving as legal counsel, Ankura Consulting Group is serving as restructuring advisor and PJ Solomon is serving as investment banker to KB.
