OSG says it is considering a Chapter 11 filing

OCTOBER 22, 2012 — In an SEC filing today, tanker giant OSG says it is “evaluating its strategic options, including the potential voluntary filing of a petition for relief to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.”

The filing says that the the company’s financial statements issued “for at least the three years ended DEcember 2011” and after “should no longer be relied upon.”

The company’s stock, which had been plunging since October 19, showed a further steep fall in pre-market trading today.

Here’s what the filing says:

As previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2012, Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (the “Company”) is in the process of reviewing a tax issue arising from the fact that the Company is domiciled in the United States and has substantial international operations, and relating to the interpretation of certain provisions contained in the Company’s loan agreements. As a result of that continuing process, on  October 19, 2012, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, on the recommendation of management, concluded that the Company’s previously issued financial statements for at least the three years ended December 31, 2011 and associated interim periods, and for the fiscal quarters ended March 31 and June 30, 2012, should no longer be relied upon. The Audit Committee and authorized officers have informed the Company’s independent registered public accountants of this conclusion. The Company is continuing its review processes, including determining whether a restatement of those financial statements may be required, and the nature and amount of any potential restatement. In connection with these matters and other matters, including negotiations with its bank creditors, the Company is evaluating its strategic options, including the potential voluntary filing of a petition for relief to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.