Henlys Group plc ("Henlys" or the "Company" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") today announced that, following discussions with its lending banks and other principal creditors, a restructuring of the Group has been completed. This restructuring preserves Blue Bird Corporation, the Group's principal operating business in North America, and creates the opportunity to enhance its operating performance.
Henlys' financial creditors have compromised debts which, it is estimated would have exceeded US$690 million on insolvency. In return those creditors have assumed ownership of Blue Bird through a newly incorporated US company, Peach County Holdings Inc., ("Peach"). Following the restructuring, the common stock of Peach is owned 42.5 per cent. by Volvo Group and 42.5 per cent. by members of the Henlys' banking syndicate, with the balance held by Blue Bird management and the trustee of the Henlys Group pension scheme. Peach has assumed responsibility for part of the Group's debts and US$303 million has been converted into equity. Peach has amended and restated term loans and revolving credit facilities of $215 million. In addition, Volvo Bussar AB has acquired 100% indirect ownership of Prévost Car Inc., previously held through a 50/50 joint venture between Henlys and Volvo Bussar AB. Following the restructuring, Peach has sufficient headroom under its new facilities to meet its anticipated working capital requirements.
Although the future of the US business has been secured, with the resulting benefit to employees and trade creditors, regrettably it has proved impossible to obtain any value for the holders of Henlys' ordinary shares. Following the restructuring, Henlys no longer has any operating businesses or material assets and it is likely therefore that it will be placed into liquidation as soon as possible.
The Company is sending a circular to shareholders providing information on the restructuring and describing the events that have led the Board to conclude that in the circumstances there was no viable alternative to the implementation of the restructuring. Details of an extraordinary general meeting, which has been convened as required by section 142 of the Companies Act 1985, will also be provided in the circular.