Broadband communications firm Mpower Holding Corp. has made progress on a recapitalization plan to remove much
of its long-term debt and all of its preferred stock.
The Rochester, N.Y. company said Monday that it reached agreement with a committee that accounts for some 66 percent of the
outstanding principal amount of its Senior Notes due 2010. Under the recap plan, Mpower will use $19 million of its approximately
$150 million cash on hand and will issue common stock to eliminate $583.4 million in debt and preferred stock, as well as the
associated $50 million of annual interest expense related to the 2010 Senior Notes and the $15 million in annual dividend payments
on the preferred stock.
Mpower Chief Executive Officer Rolla P. Huff said the deal will help his firm get healthier financially, while still tending to the
broadband needs of its customers.
“We believe this plan represents the best approach to restructuring the company’s debt in an efficient and timely manner, and are
pleased that we can accomplish it by using equity and only $19 million in cash to retire 92% of our long-term debt and preferred
stock,” Huff said.
Mpower will ask the remaining 2010 Senior Noteholders to also enter into the voting agreement by March 19, 2002, the date Mpower
expects the solicitation period to expire. With Monday’s pact, each 2010 Noteholder who signs a voting agreement in support of the
recapitalization plan by the end of the solicitation period will receive their pro-rata share of $19 million in cash, which
represents 5 percent of the outstanding amount of the 2010 Senior Notes.
Come March 19, if the Senior Notes shareholders enter the voting agreement for the recap plan, Mpower will voluntarily enter Chapter
11 and will continue to operate under its aegis. If rejected by the stockholders, no shareholders would receive interests in the
reorganized company.
“This agreement is an important first step in the financial restructuring of the company. With a greatly strengthened balance sheet
under the proposed recapitalization plan, $200 million in recurring revenue, and more than 117,000 customers, we believe Mpower
would be among the better financially situated CLECs in the industry and in a better position to secure additional financing,” added
Huff. “We are pleased to report that we are currently engaged in ongoing discussions with current and new equity holders, as well as
lenders, to pursue additional financing opportunities to support the continued growth of Mpower.”
Mpower also said Monday that it is ceasing operations in Charlotte, N.C., where it currently serves approximately 500 customers.
Mpower Hammers Out Recapitalization Deal
