A&P enters agreement to receive $490M to sponsor plan of reorganization

MONTVALE, N.J. — Bankrupt grocer A&P has entered into an agreement to receive $490 million of debt and equity financing from investors that will enable it to complete the restructuring of its balance sheet and emerge from Chapter 11 as a private entity in early 2012.



The financing is from private investors comprised of the Yucaipa Cos., Mount Kellett Capital Management and investment funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management. The investment will form the basis of A&P’s plan of reorganization, which the company anticipates filing prior to Nov. 14.



The agreement is subject to approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.



 “This investment commitment is a very important step in A&P’s financial and operational turnaround,” A&P president and CEO Sam Martin said. “It positions us for a bright future with solid financial backing from sophisticated investors who know our company and industry well, and who also share our vision for A&P’s future.”



Martin continued: “We have been working diligently over the last year to execute a successful turnaround at A&P by enhancing the value and in-store experience we provide to our customers and by successfully driving substantial efficiencies across our operations and supply chain to reduce our cost structure. Going forward, these investors are committed to supporting further operational and service improvements. With this fresh capital investment and the court’s approval of our plan of reorganization, we anticipate emerging from Chapter 11 early next year in a much stronger competitive and financial position.”



Following the closing of the transaction and the company’s emergence from Chapter 11, A&P’s current board will be dissolved, and a new board will be appointed in accordance with the terms of the plan of reorganization.



During the company’s exit process, A&P intends to continue to operate its stores normally with the excellent products and service customers expect.



A&P and its subsidiaries filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions on Dec. 12, 2010.