Reporting from Bloomberg indicates that April 2020 consumer spending in the United States dropped 13.6% from March, which is the sharpest month-over-month drop in approximately 60 years’ worth of consumer spending data maintained by the Commerce Department. [Bloomberg; May 29, 2020]
The Wall Street Journal reports that 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc. is seeking a
J.C. Penney Company, Inc. is the latest retailer to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy, reports CNN. Although the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the 118-year old retailer’s decision to file for bankruptcy protection, the company has struggled for nearly a decade to overcome slumping sales and profits. The company has reportedly obtained agreement
Brookfield Asset Management is aiming to invest approximately $5 billion in a retail revitalization investment fund to assist retailers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, reports the Wall Street Journal. Brookfield will reportedly focus on obtaining noncontrolling interests in retail businesses with greater than $250 million in pre-pandemic revenue. [WSJ; May 7, 2020]
The Wall Street Journal reports that clothing retailer J. Crew Group Inc. has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United State Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The company has reportedly reached a deal with lenders owed approximately $1.65 billion to conduct a debt-for-equity swap. [WSJ; May 4, 2020]
German airline Lufthansa
The American Bankruptcy Institute reports that California Pizza Kitchen Inc. is seeking an out-of-court debt restructuring in an effort to avoid a chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company is reportedly seeking a $30 million bridge loan to allow it to work towards a debt restructuring over the next six months. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, California
Recent oil price drops may accelerate the pace of oil and gas bankruptcies in the United States, reports Law360. In light of such drops, the industry appears to be facing a situation similar to one it faced in 2016 and 2017, when many drilling companies sought bankruptcy protection. [Law 360; Mar. 11, 2020]