TPI Composites, together with its domestic subsidiaries, commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas to pursue a comprehensive restructuring of the company.
To support the company during this process, TPI has reached an agreement, subject to final documentation and approval of the bankruptcy court, with the company’s senior secured lenders comprised of funds affiliated with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management for Oaktree to provide a debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing facility of up to $82.5 million and for the consensual use of cash collateral, which is anticipated to be approximately $50 million. It is expected that the DIP financing facility will be comprised of up to $27.5 million in new money to support the company’s day-to-day operations and up to $55 million rolled up from the company’s existing senior secured credit facility, underscoring Oaktree’s continued support for and confidence in the company.
“Over the past several months, we have implemented strategic measures to fortify our business. These deliberate steps were designed to strengthen our financial stability and ensure we remain well-positioned to provide long-term benefits to our customers, suppliers, partners and associates,” Bill Siwek, CEO of TPI, said. “Despite recent progress, industry-wide pressures have created financial challenges that must be addressed. We explored a variety of alternatives to address the challenges facing the company and believe that a Chapter 11 process is necessary to position the company for success. We aim to reach agreement with stakeholders on the terms of a plan of reorganization for the company to be able to right-size its balance sheet and go forward with the ability to compete successfully in the current economic environment. Doing so will provide access to new liquidity to continue our operations and invest in innovation, ensuring our customers can continue to count on TPI for leading-edge wind blade solutions.”
“As we continue active negotiations with stakeholders regarding the terms of our restructuring and advance the Chapter 11 process, we remain committed to serving our customers and collaborating closely with our suppliers,” Siwek said. “I am grateful to our associates for their dedication in continuing to deliver outstanding service, and to our customers, suppliers, service providers and other stakeholders for their steadfast support during this restructuring.”
Throughout this process and moving forward, TPI will continue operating normally and does not expect any material operational impact from the Chapter 11 proceedings. The company will continue to work closely with its customers and suppliers, including by continuing to operate its manufacturing sites and delivering blade services.
In conjunction with the Chapter 11 proceedings, the company has filed a number of customary motions with the bankruptcy court seeking court authorization to support its operations, including the payment of employee wages, salaries and benefits. The company anticipates receiving bankruptcy court approval for these requests and intends to continue honoring its obligations to key stakeholders post filing, including by satisfying payment obligations to suppliers for goods and services provided in accordance with customary terms after the filing.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges is serving as legal counsel, Jefferies is serving as financial advisor and Alvarez & Marsal North America is serving as restructuring advisor to TPI. Sullivan & Cromwell and Moelis are serving as advisors to senior secured lenders.
