Judge signs off on Hornbeck reorganization

(Courtesy Hornbeck Offshore Services)

A Texas judge has signed off on a reorganization plan for Covington-based oilfield service vessel company Hornbeck Offshore Services Inc.

U.S. District Judge David Jones of the Southern District of Texas approved the company’s prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.

The company expects to emerge from bankruptcy upon clearing various governmental approvals, which are expected to come in the next few months.

“The court’s approval of our Plan of Reorganization is another significant milestone in our restructuring process and we appreciate the overwhelming show of support from our lenders and noteholders,” said Todd M. Hornbeck, CEO of Hornbeck Offshore Services. “We are on-track to quickly complete our restructuring and emerge with a strengthened financial foundation and well positioned for long-term success.”

The confirmed plan achieved the overwhelming support of 100% of voting Class 4 First Lien Claims in amount, 99.9% of voting Class 5 Second Lien Claims in amount, and 99.8% of voting Class 6 Unsecured Notes Claims in amount.

An announcement last week notes the company has access to a $75 million debtor-in-possession term loan facility provided by existing creditors and permitted use of existing cash on hand and cash generated from operations to support the business during the financial restructuring process, which will enable the company to operate in the ordinary course of business without disruption to its customers, vendors and workforce. The plan provides for payment in full of all vendors and employees.

“The company has experienced no interruption in service from vendors or employees on account of the restructuring process,” Hornbeck said in the announcement. “We appreciate the strong support we have received from these important constituents.”

The company has received subscriptions for a $100 million rights offering with respect to the planned issuance of shares of New Equity, which will result in a $100 million increase in liquidity and is expected to close on the plan’s effective date. In addition, the plan contemplates a post-emergence first-lien senior secured term loan credit facility and second-lien senior secured term loan credit facility, each in an aggregate principal amount to be determined.

The plan contemplates the extinguishment of all pre-petition equity in the company upon emergence from bankruptcy. Trading in the Company’s common stock carries extreme risk.

Read the restructuring plan.