Fort Worth-based Approach Resources Inc. (OTC: AREX) announced Nov. 19 that it, along with all of its subsidiaries, has commenced a voluntary Chapter 11 case in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (Houston Division) to explore strategic alternatives.
Those alternative include the the restructuring of its balance sheet or the sale of its business as a going concern, in a court-supervised process. The company also announced that it has received a commitment from its pre-petition lenders for $16.5 million in new money “debtor-in-possession” (“DIP”) financing, subject to court approval and customary closing conditions.
The company said it expects to use its available cash along with proceeds of the DIP financing to pay the expenses of Chapter 11 and to provide additional liquidity.
Approach Resources said it will continue to operate without interruption and anticipates having sufficient liquidity to timely pay all employees, vendors and suppliers for services and products provided during the Chapter 11 process.
The DIP financing is subject to court approval. Upon court approval, the company’s DIP financing will be provided by its current syndicate of RBL lenders, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent. The company also is seeking court approval of a variety of other “first day” motions to ensure that it can continue to operate in the ordinary course of business during its Chapter 11 case as intended.
Perella Weinberg Partners LP will act as Approach Resources’ investment banker in connection with the Chapter 11 case, including to advise the company in its exploration of these strategic alternatives. The company is also being assisted by Alvarez & Marsal North America, LLC as financial advisor, and Thompson & Knight LLP as legal advisors.
Approach Resources develops oil and gas reserves primarily in West Texas.