Defying the expectations of many, the rampant horse rides again. Colt Defense LLC has emerged from the legal quagmire of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings (press release follows). They’ve raised some capital, dumped some debt and now they’re tanned, rested and ready to roll once again. The only question remaining: whether they have the product line and marketing chops to appeal to the American gun buyer in a significant way. In their favor is the fact that gun sales are booming, and figure to only get better as the election (and Hillary!’s “inevitable” nomination) approaches. Then again, the company couldn’t seem to take advantage of the last biggest gun-buying boom in American history. As with most great questions of the day, the answer will be revealed in the fullness of time . . .
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – January 13, 2016 – Colt Defense LLC (“Colt” or the “Company”), today announced it has completed its financial restructuring and emerged from its Chapter 11 process. The Company concluded its restructuring after completing all required actions and satisfying all remaining closing conditions to its Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), which was confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) last December.
Under the Plan, Colt has significantly restructured and reduced its debt, improved its capital structure, and enhanced its liquidity profile. Specifically, the Company has reduced its debt by approximately $200 million, after giving effect to $50 million of new capital raised through the restructuring process.
In addition, the Company has executed a long-term lease for its West Hartford Facility and has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Auto Workers that reaffirms its strong relationship with the union and its workforce.
“It is with profound appreciation to all of our key stakeholders that we share that we have completed the restructuring process and are emerging from Chapter 11 with a solid capital structure, significantly less debt, and much greater financial flexibility,” said Dennis Veilleux, President and Chief Executive Officer of Colt Defense LLC. Mr. Veilleux added. “Importantly, we were able to restructure our balance sheet while meeting all obligations to our customers, vendors, and suppliers throughout this process. This is a true testament to the hard work and support of our dedicated employees, as well as an affirmation of a shared confidence among our key stakeholders and creditors that Colt is on the right path. We are grateful for their commitment to Colt and we look forward to the future as we build on our heritage as an iconic American brand with renewed vigor and purpose.”
Perella Weinberg Partners L.P. acted as financial advisor of the Company, Mackinac Partners LLC acted as restructuring advisor of the Company and O’Melveny & Myers LLP acted as the Company’s legal counsel.
GLC Advisors & Co., LLC acted as financial advisor and Brown Rudnick LLP acted as the legal counsel to the Ad Hoc Group of bondholders.
For access to documents filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, including the Second Amended Plan and related Disclosure Statement, and other general information about these Chapter 11 cases, please visit: http://www.kccllc.net/coltdefense.
About Colt
Colt is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of firearms. The company has supplied civilian, military and law enforcement customers in the United States and throughout the world for more than 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. Colt operates its manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt and its subsidiaries, please visit www.colt.com.
