Starry Group Holdings, Inc., a licensed fixed wireless technology developer and internet service provider (ISP), and its U.S. affiliates and subsidiaries, on Feb. 21 announced that they have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, and have entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with lenders holding the company’s debt.
According to a press release, the RSA contains agreed-upon terms for a pre-packaged financial restructuring plan that is expected to significantly reduce the company’s debt, optimize the company’s capital structure and liquidity, and ultimately, better position Starry for success.
The company said it plans to move swiftly through the restructuring process, and that its customer and network operations during this restructuring process will continue as normal within its five core operating markets including: Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Denver and Washington, DC.
The company has filed various “first day” motions with the court requesting customary relief, including a motion for approval of a $43 million debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing facility that is expected to provide Starry with the necessary liquidity to continue its normal business operations and meet its post-filing obligations to its employees, customers and vendors.
Pursuant to the RSA, the company said it anticipates closing on a debt-for-equity restructuring with the lenders, but will first conduct a marketing and auction process to identify any other potential bidders for its business. Starry has filed motions seeking court approval of bidding and auction procedures.
Additionally, Starry said it will continue to support and expand access to its digital equity program, Starry Connect, which specifically serves consumers living in public and affordable housing communities, and will continue to make available the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program benefit to eligible households.
Latham & Watkins is serving as legal counsel, PJT Partners is serving as investment banker, FTI Consulting is serving as financial advisor to Starry in the transaction. Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton and Potter Anderson & Corroon are serving as legal counsel and AlixPartners LLP is serving as financial advisor to ArrowMark, in its capacity as agent to Starry’s lenders.
Chet Kanojia, Starry’s CEO, concluded:
“Over the last several months, we’ve taken steps to conserve capital and reduce costs in order to put Starry in the best position to explore various financing paths for the company. Our next step in this journey is to continue to strengthen our balance sheet through a Chapter 11 restructuring process. With the support of our lenders, we feel confident in our ability to successfully exit this process as a stronger company, well-positioned to continue delivering an affordable, high-quality broadband experience to our customers. The Restructuring Support Agreement provides us with the funding needed to continue operating as normal, through this restructuring process and as we guide the company to profitability. We have a strong and experienced team in place and look forward to moving through this process quickly so that we can continue expanding essential broadband access to more communities across the country.”
Interested parties who may have questions related to the restructuring may call (866) 480-0830 (U.S./Canada) or (781) 575-2040 (International). Court filings and other documents related to the company's financial restructuring are available at www.kccllc.net/Starry.