Benzinga | Jul 23, 2020 06:10AM EDT

ascena retail group Files Voluntary Chapter 11 Petitions

ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ:ASNA) and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, "ascena" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a restructuring support agreement ("RSA") with over 68% of its secured term lenders. The RSA contemplates agreed-upon terms for a pre-arranged financial restructuring plan (the "Plan") that is expected to significantly reduce ascena's debt by approximately $1 billion and provide increased financial flexibility to enable the Company to continue its focus on generating profitable growth and driving value for customers and stakeholders. To implement the terms of the RSA, the Company has filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (the"Court").

Throughout the restructuring process, the Company's brands, including Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, Justice and Lou & Grey, will continue to provide customers with compelling fashion assortments and an exceptional shopping experience. Currently, the Company is operating with approximately 95% of its store base reopened and continues to serve customers in those stores and through its e-commerce brand websites. The Company will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of its associates and customers as it continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19.

"The meaningful progress we have made driving sustainable growth, improving our operating margins and strengthening our financial foundation has been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we took a strategic step forward today to protect the future of the business for all of our stakeholders," said Carrie Teffner, Interim Executive Chair of ascena. "The RSA formalizes our lenders' overwhelming support for a comprehensive plan to deleverage our balance sheet, right-size our operations and inject new capital into the business. With the cash generated from our ongoing operations and the new money financing commitments we received from our lenders, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our operational obligations during the court-supervised process. We expect to move through this process on an expedited timeframe as our talented leadership team, established over the last year, stays focused on generating profitable growth and driving value for customers and stakeholders."

Gary Muto, Chief Executive Officer of ascena commented, "Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, Justice and Lou & Grey have incredibly loyal customers who are at the center of everything we do. These iconic brands have significant long-term potential and we continue to deliver on their mission to provide all women and girls with fashion and inspiration to live confidently every day. This comprehensive restructuring, as well as the actions we are taking to optimize our brand portfolio and store fleet, mark a new start for our company and will allow us to expand our customer-focused strategies across her mobile, online, and store experiences."

Mr. Muto continued, "I am incredibly proud of the entire team for their commitment to serving our customers during what continues to be a challenging period for retail, our communities and our friends and families. We have a clear vision for our future and we will continue delivering meaningful experiences for our customers each and every day. We look forward to our continued partnerships with our valued vendors, landlords and other stakeholders as we emerge from Chapter 11, and this pandemic, as a stronger company."