SunEdison files for bankruptcy protection under chapter 11

SunEdison, Inc. today announced that it has commenced a process to restructure its balance sheet and position the company for the future. To facilitate this restructuring, SunEdison and certain of its domestic and international subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. 

SunEdison's publicly-traded yieldcos, TerraForm Power and TerraForm Global, are not part of the filing.

Ahmad Chatila, SunEdison chief executive officer, said: 

"Our decision to initiate a court-supervised restructuring was a difficult but important step to address our immediate liquidity issues. The court process will allow us to right-size our balance sheet and reduce our debt, providing the opportunity to support the business going forward while focusing on our core strengths. It also will facilitate our continued work towards transforming the Company into a more streamlined and efficient operator, shedding non-core assets as well as taking other steps to help us get the most value out of our technological and intellectual property. As a result of this process, we expect that SunEdisonwill be in an even better position over the long term to utilize our capabilities in the renewable energy sector in service of our customers, business partners, and employees."

SunEdison has secured commitments for new capital totaling up to $300 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from a consortium of first and second lien lenders. Subject to Court approval, these financial resources will be made available to the Company to support its continuing business operations, minimize disruption to its worldwide projects and partnerships, and make necessary operational changes.

The new financing will support day-to-day operations during the reorganization, including:

• Proceeding with work on ongoing projects, both in the U.S. and elsewhere;
• Paying wages and benefits for employees;
• Continuing to provide services to customers;
• Paying vendors and suppliers in the ordinary course for goods and services provided on or after the date of the chapter 11 filing; and
• Complying with all regulatory obligations.

SunEdison has made customary filings, including first day motions, with the Court, which, if granted, will help ensure a smooth transition into chapter 11 without business disruption.  The motions are expected to be addressed by the Court promptly following the filing, and include, among other things, a request for approval of the debtor-in-possession financing, as well as requests for authority to make wage and salary payments, continue various benefits for employees, honor certain customer programs, and other relief in order to continue the day-to-day operations of SunEdison.