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How Bed Bath & Beyond is hedging its bankruptcy bet

 1 year ago
source link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/how-bed-bath--beyond-is-hedging-its-bankruptcy-bet-140911695.html?_tsrc=fin-notif
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How Bed Bath & Beyond is hedging its bankruptcy bet

Its dual-track strategy borrows from approaches used in both Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 filings

Bed Bath & Beyond files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
 BRAD SMITH: Well, 
 switching gears here, 
Alexis Keenan
·Reporter
Wed, April 26, 2023, 11:09 PM GMT+9·4 min read

Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) is hedging its bankruptcy bets, simultaneously posturing for a wind down while also vying to stay in business.

The dual-track strategy emerged Sunday as the home goods retailer filed for protection of its assets under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code.

A Chapter 11 filing typically helps financially distressed companies work out a plan with their creditors to reorganize debt and emerge as a viable entity. But Bed Bath & Beyond announced it would focus on liquidating assets, a path typically pursued as part of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The failed housewares chain said the dual-track strategy was the best way to maximize value for stakeholders. A press release stated it had already initiated a liquidation sale, though would conduct a limited marketing process to solicit interest in some or all of its assets.

“In the event of a successful sale, the company will pivot away from any store closings needed to implement a transaction,” the company said.

Other distressed companies have taken a similar path. David's Bridal, which filed for Chapter 11 protection on April 17, also elected for a dual-track sale-liquidation process. And retailer Toys R Us similarly chose the option for its 2017 Chapter 11 filing.

The dual-track, or “toggling,” strategy puts Bed Bath & Beyond in a more attractive position to potential bidders, said Elie Worenklein, a corporate restructuring attorney with Debevoise & Plimpton.

A customer walks into a Bed Bath & Beyond store in Novi, Michigan, U.S., January 29, 2021. REUTERS/Emily Elconin
A customer walks into a Bed Bath & Beyond store in Novi, Michigan, U.S., January 29, 2021. REUTERS/Emily Elconin

The stores can keep generating revenue from customers, while the company continues its marketing efforts to sell either all or a portion of its operations. Chapter 11 doesn't require a company to shutter its doors.

In addition, Worenklein said, Chapter 11 permits the company’s management to stay in place, which is also important to maximizing value for the benefit of creditors.

“They’re the most familiar with the business and the relevant stakeholders to run the sale process,” he said. “Under Chapter 7, a trustee would replace management and bring in his or her own professionals.”

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