Lee Enterprises has completed the remaining steps to enable its refinancing agreements. The agreements extend the maturities of Lee’s borrowings to December 2015 and April 2017. The plan of reorganization was confirmed by Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross in the District of Delaware. Lee is scheduled to emerge from Chapter 11 on January 30, 2011.

Hart Stores announced that the Quebec Superior Court granted an Order authorizing it to file a Plan of Arrangement under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. The company also entered into a commitment with CIBC Asset-Based Lending for a $25 million secured credit facility.

NutraCea announced final payment of all amounts due to creditors under the terms of its Plan of Reorganization. The company confirmed that it has met all of its obligations under the terms of the Amended Plan of Reorganization approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Eastman Kodak Company announced that Judge Allan L. Gropper of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved initial availability of $650 million in interim DIP financing by Citigroup.

A majority of respondents in a recent ABI Quick Poll believe that business bankruptcy filings will increase by more than 10% in 2012.

Eastman Kodak has filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York. The company listed approximately $5.1 billion in assets and about $6.8 billion in debt. Kodak has entered an agreement with Citigroup to provide a $950 million DIP loan.

Restaurant operator Buffets has filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware. The company has negotiated a $50 million debtor-in-possession (DIP) loan from its existing lender base, including Credit Suisse as agent.

Trailer Bridge has reached an agreement with its major noteholders and submitted a restructuring plan to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida on January 14, 2012. If the plan is approved, the company will seek to emerge from Chapter 11 by the end of March 2012.

Reuters reported that the bankrupt parent of American Airlines has ignited bidding concentration by US Airways, Delta Airlines and private equity firm TPG Capital.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Hostess Brands has received approval from Judge Robert D. Drain of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York to use $35 million of the $75 million debtor-in-possession loan it obtained from its first lien lenders led by Silver Point Capital.