Sungard Availability Bankruptcy
Sungard Availability Services, the Wayne-based data infrastructure and recovery provider, said today that it has won the support of most of its creditors for a plan to forgive more than $800 million of the company’s $1.25 billion in debt as part of a pre-packaged Chapter 11 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.
The company expects to file around May 1. They promised its corporate customers that business will continue as usual while it’s in bankruptcy. However, they expect to exit bankruptcy as a stronger company “very shortly after.”
WAYNE, Pa.—April 2, 2019—Sungard Availability Services (Sungard AS) today announced that it has entered into a consensual agreement with a majority of its creditors to reduce Sungard AS’ debt by over two-thirds. This agreement creates a sustainable capital structure to support the Company’s investment and growth plans. In addition to this, the agreement will also help enhance the company’s overall financial position.
“A diverse group of lenders came together very quickly, reaching an agreement that results in an appropriate capital structure that enables us to continue focusing on operating and growing our business,” said Andrew A. Stern, Chief Executive Officer, Sungard Availability Services. “Our creditors recognize the value in what we’ve built, and are also investing new capital into the business. Sungard AS will emerge from this process as a much stronger company that will continue serving existing and new customers.”
Restructure of Sungard Availability
Through the restructuring process, Sungard AS will continue to operate in the normal course of business. This will include delivering the high levels of service its customers expect and making planned investments. These investments will fully align with their production and recovery solutions portfolio. These goals will be met and delivered by the Company’s team of seasoned professionals. The restructuring contemplated by the Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) is funded by a $100 million credit facility. The facility will provide the liquidity necessary to continue to implement the Company’s business plan. In addition, it will include funding working capital and operational and capital expenditures. Once the restructuring is complete, Sungard AS’ creditors will own the Company’s equity.
On Monday, April 1, 2019, Sungard AS published a notice to its investors announcing a RSA with a majority of its creditors and the Company’s equity sponsors to restructure and reduce its debt. In order to effectuate the reduction in debt, the company will enter a “pre-packaged” chapter 11 bankruptcy. They will proceed with a filing on or around May 1. With over 75% of the secured lenders and over 85% of the noteholders already committed to vote to accept and/or support the Plan, the Company expects to emerge from bankruptcy very shortly after filing.
During this process, Centerview Partners has been retained as investment banker to Sungard AS, Kirkland & Ellis LLP has been retained as legal counsel, and AlixPartners has also been retained as the Company’s financial advisor.
For more information, read Sungard plans bankruptcy reboot; hedge funds to replace buyout firmsby Joseph N. DiStefano, for the Philly Inquirer.