Home Business Sears Files For Bankruptcy Protection; Lampert Steps Down As CEO

Sears Files For Bankruptcy Protection; Lampert Steps Down As CEO

When you purchase through our sponsored links, we may earn a commission. By using this website you agree to our T&Cs.

Embattled department store chain Sears Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection early Monday morning with plans to present a restructuring proposal to a judge later that day. Eddie Lampert stepped down as CEO but remains chairman of the board and will use his hedge fund, ESL Investments, to provide further bankruptcy financing on top of the $1.875 billion already lined up by the company. Lampert is also considering bidding for a large portion of the company’s stores and its Kenmore brand through an auction.

Sears Corp
See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Sears Corp. met with investors last week who pushed the retailer to liquidate ahead of Monday’s $134 million loan repayment deadline. The company had already said it would not be able to find the cash and Lampert said he would not finance the loan payment through ESL.

Get Our Activist Investing Case Study!

Get The Full Activist Investing Study In PDF

Q3 hedge fund letters, conference, scoops etc

What we'll be watching for this week

  • Will Aberdeen Total shareholders vote in favor of Saba Capital’s proposal to declassify the board?
  • Will Origin Energy’s concerned shareholders be successful in their attempt to insert a clause in the Australian company’s constitution?
  • Will Japanese insurance firm Dai-Chi respond to activist investor Argyle Street Management’s demands to sell its large stock portfolio and launch share buybacks?

Activist shorts update

Research firm Boatman Capital shorted Babcock International on Monday, criticizing the company for hiding poor performance and accusing the executives of damaging the company’s future. The first-time short seller also said that the engineering firm has poor relations with its key clients, including the U.K.’s Ministry of Defence, due to delays and will most likely be subject to penalties and cost increases.

Boatman also said that the firm is facing heightened scrutiny, particularly following the collapse of peer construction giant Carillion, at the beginning of the year. According to Boatman, Babcock is a much better company but could be subject to increased costs, revenue pressure, and declining margins.

To arrange an online demonstration of Activist Insight Shorts, email us or view our product brochure to find out more.

Chart of the week

The number of public activist demands at U.S.-based companies that were M&A-related between January 1 and October 12 in respective years.

Sears Files For Bankruptcy Protection

Our Editorial Standards

At ValueWalk, we’re committed to providing accurate, research-backed information. Our editors go above and beyond to ensure our content is trustworthy and transparent.

Insightia
Editor

Want Financial Guidance Sent Straight to You?

  • Pop your email in the box, and you'll receive bi-weekly emails from ValueWalk.
  • We never send spam — only the latest financial news and guides to help you take charge of your financial future.