Selected work · 03

Restructuring · Refinancing · Ownership transition

Restructuring through an industry downturn

An underwater balance sheet was restructured while the business recovered from a severe downturn.

The situation

What was at stake.

Revenue declined by 60%, financial covenants were breached and both lenders wanted to exit. The balance sheet was underwater and the company could not meet scheduled interest and principal payments.

The immediate objective was to create enough time for the underlying business to recover while finding an ownership and capital structure acceptable to every stakeholder.

The work

A focused path from problem to outcome.

01

Create breathing room

Negotiated temporary interest and principal relief with lenders so management could stabilize operations and execute a recovery plan.

02

Restructure the balance sheet

Worked with the board and private lender on a debt-to-equity conversion that materially reduced leverage and enabled an ownership transition.

03

Replace the senior lender

Ran a competitive refinancing process and secured a new senior facility with more affordable and flexible capital.

Results

What changed.

+300%Revenue from the low point
RepaidExisting senior lender
ConvertedPrivate debt to equity
CompletedOwnership transition

The company refinanced with a new senior lender, repaid the incumbent bank, converted private debt to equity and transitioned ownership while revenues recovered substantially from the downturn low.

Why this experience matters

The circumstances change. The disciplines do not.

Clear financial information, realistic forecasts, disciplined preparation and credible stakeholder communication create more options when a financing or transaction becomes difficult.

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