Jack Wolfskin signs debt restructuring deal with lenders

By

Melanie Muller

Translated by
Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jul 6, 2017

Outdoor clothing brand Jack Wolfsin has successfully completed a financial restructuring with its main creditors and reduced its debt by 225 million euros ($256m), it announced on Thursday. The move has brought down its debt from 365 million euros to 110 million euros, with terms extended until 2022.

Additionally, the clothing firm will receive a new temporary loan of 25 million euros ($28m) from current senior creditors, who will become new shareholders of the company as a result of the restructuring process. Jack Wolfskin’s new owners will hold their stake via a Luxemburg-based holding company. These include Bain Capital Credit, HIG / Bayside Capital and CQS, who now own more than 50% of the brand.

Reports announced in April that private equity firm Blackstone had handed over control of the German company to a group of its lenders in a debt for equity swap.

“By strengthening our liquidity and significantly reducing our liabilities and interest charges, the financial restructuring of Jack Wolfskin has been successfully completed,” said Melody Harris-Jensbach, CEO of Jack Wolfskin. "The company now has a solid foundation and the capital needed to expand its business."

“On top of this is a positive development in our operating business. We are starting to see growth in our core market, the DACH region, as well as in other key markets. This trend is backed up by a high order volume for our autumn / winter 2017 collection and positive feedback from our customers on new product developments, including the new Texapore Ecosphere made from 100 percent recycled material, "she added.

Gauthier Reymondier of Bain Capital Credit commented on behalf of Jack Wolfskin's main shareholders: “Jack Wolfskin is a strong outdoor brand, number one in the DACH region and number three in China’s outdoor market. Our commitment is to support Jack Wolfskin, and with the completion of the restructuring, we are well positioned to continue developing the company in the coming years.”