Del Monte Foods, a producer, distributor and marketer of branded food products, is pursuing a value-maximizing sale process as part of an overall strategic balance-sheet restructuring. To facilitate this process, the company and certain of its affiliates and subsidiaries commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.
The company has entered into a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with a group of its lenders holding certain of the company’s term loan indebtedness. The RSA contemplates the company undertaking a going-concern sale process for all or substantially all of the company’s assets, with the support of the lender group under the RSA, which is targeted at obtaining the highest or best offer to maximize value for all stakeholders.
“This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods,” Greg Longstreet, president and CEO of Del Monte Foods, said. “After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods. With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success.”
To support the company’s strategic transactions and fund its ongoing operations, the company has secured a commitment for $912.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing, inclusive of $165 million in new funding, from certain of its existing lenders, subject to court approval. This financing, along with cash from ongoing operations, is expected to provide sufficient liquidity during the sale process and fund the company’s ongoing operations in the ordinary course, including the company’s pack season that is presently underway.
“While we have faced challenges intensified by a dynamic macroeconomic environment, Del Monte Foods has nourished families for nearly 140 years, and we remain committed to our mission of expanding access to nutritious, great-tasting food for all,” Longstreet said. “I am deeply grateful to our employees, growers, customers and vendors, as well as our lenders for their support in helping us achieve our long-term goals.”
To further enable the company’s transition into Chapter 11, the company has filed a number of customary “first day” motions that, upon court approval, will enable it to continue business operations in the ordinary course and on an uninterrupted basis.
Certain of the company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are not included in the Chapter 11 proceedings and continue to operate as usual.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US) and Cole Schotz are serving as legal counsel, Alvarez & Marsal North America is serving as financial advisor and PJT Partners is serving as investment banker to the company.
