Cloud Peak Energy voluntarily files for Chapter 11

Cloud Peak Energy intends to continue a marketing process for all of its assets. Cloud Peak Energy expects its mines will continue normal operations throughout the process, safely and efficiently meeting all customer commitments.

Colin Marshall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cloud Peak Energy, commented: “Over the past several months, Cloud Peak Energy has thoroughly evaluated strategic alternatives to address the challenging market conditions in our industry. We believe, at this time, that a sale process in Chapter 11 will provide the best opportunity to maximise value for Cloud Peak Energy.”

Marshall continued: “While we undertake this process, Cloud Peak Energy remains a reliable source of high quality coal for customers. We thank our employees for their continued hard work and dedication, and appreciate the cooperation of our business partners and support of our customers as we work through this process.”

In conjunction with the filing, and subject to court approval, Cloud Peak Energy has received a commitment for approximately US$35 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from certain of the company’s prepetition secured noteholders. The company expects US$10 million of the total DIP financing will be available on an interim basis. The DIP financing, combined with the company’s cash on hand and funds generated from ongoing operations, are expected to provide sufficient liquidity for the company to continue operating in the ordinary course during the sale process.

The company also announced that it has entered into an Amended and Restated Sale and Plan Support Agreement with holders of approximately 62% in dollar amount of the company’s secured notes due 2021 and more than 50% in dollar amount of the company’s unsecured notes due 2024. The Support Agreement reflects, among other things, the support from two of the company’s key creditor constituencies for the company’s sale process, as well as the consent of the holders of the 2021 Notes to the company’s use of cash collateral and priming liens to allow for the DIP financing.

Cloud Peak Energy has filed a number of customary motions with the court seeking authorisation to support its operations while this process is ongoing, including authority to continue payment of employee wages, salaries and benefits without interruption. The company intends, subject to court approval, to pay vendors, suppliers and other providers essential to the company’s business in full for goods and services provided after the filing date. The company also expects to continue entering into and fulfilling orders under sales contracts with customers in the ordinary course of business. The company expects to receive court approval for these requests.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/13052019/cloud-peak-energy-voluntarily-files-for-chapter-11/