GulfMark Offshore to file for Chapter 11

MAY 17, 2017 — GulfMark Offshore, Inc. (OTCPink:GLFM) says it will file a voluntary chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of the on or before May 21, 2017.

The company said yesterday that it has reached a restructuring agreement with holders of approximately 47% of the company’s unsecured 6.375% senior notes due 2022.

Under the terms of the restructuring support agreement, GulfMark will convert its outstanding senior notes to 35.65% of the equity in a reorganized GulfMark, resulting in the elimination of approximately $430 million in outstanding debt and approximately $27 million in annual interest payments.

The Company will also launch a $125 million rights offering to holders of its senior notes for an additional 60% of the equity in a reorganized GulfMark, providing liquidity to fund its operations.

The $125 million rights offering will be backstopped by certain holders of the senior notes. Existing shareholders will receive 0.75% of the equity as well as warrants for an additional 7.5% of the equity in the reorganized GulfMark. The warrants will have a 7-year term and an exercise price based on a reorganized overall equity value of $1 billion.

The restructuring will be implemented through the chapter 11 filing and GulfMark says it will continue its operations throughout the process. The company has entered into a commitment letter, subject to certain conditions including execution of definitive documentation, for financing to support its operations during the process.

“The restructuring will enhance our competitive position when contracting with customers and vendors, and it will substantially strengthen our capital structure and liquidity,” said Quintin Kneen, President and Chief Executive Officer. “While the industry conditions remain challenging, this debt reduction and rights offering will significantly enhance GulfMark’s financial position.”

Mr. Kneen continued, “We will continue to focus on being the provider and employer of choice in the industry. Our employees’ dedication to providing safe and reliable services to our customers enables us to be the first call in the offshore vessel industry, and I want to thank them for their service to GulfMark. This restructuring enables us to continue meeting our ongoing obligations to all customers, employees, and vendors. We are confident that this step will position GulfMark to seize opportunities as the downturn continues and in the eventual market recovery.”