Libbey, one of the world’s largest glass tableware manufacturers, filed an amended plan of reorganization and a related disclosure statement in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
As contemplated under the terms of the plan, Libbey has received a term sheet from seven of its lenders to provide $150 million in exit financing, which net of lender fees and repayment of the company’s existing debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing will provide $75 million of incremental funding for the company’s exit from bankruptcy and go-forward operations. Libbey also expects to replace its $100 million DIP revolving credit facility with a new exit facility with approximately $20 million initially drawn. Overall, Libbey expects to emerge from the Chapter 11 process with less than $200 million of funded debt, compared to more than $400 million of debt that existed at the beginning of the court-supervised process.
As part of optimizing its manufacturing capacity, Libbey has committed to its previously announced plan to close its manufacturing facility in Shreveport, LA. The company intends to cease production by the end of 2020, with full closure to be completed by the second half of 2022. Libbey continues to negotiate with the United Steelworkers representing the Company’s employees regarding the effects of the facility closure.
“We continue to make important progress and are on a path to complete our restructuring later this year,” Mike Bauer, chief executive officer of Libbey, said. “While we recognize the impact of the proposed modifications to the CBAs for our union employees and union retirees, we believe the changes are essential to ensure our successful emergence from Chapter 11. The cost savings and operational improvements they will help us achieve will preserve approximately 1,200 U.S. jobs and make Libbey a stronger company going forward. We remain committed to continuing good-faith negotiations with our unions throughout this process.”
A court hearing to consider approval of the Disclosure Statement related to the Plan is scheduled for Aug. 21, 2020.
