“Since Jim Continenza and his team took over at Kodak, there have been dramatic improvements in operating costs and the balance sheet, as well as new product introductions. Jim’s team has also opened up the possibility of new business lines which would build on legacy assets and institutional strengths,” said G. Staley Cates, CFA, vice-chairman of Southeastern Asset Management.
Kodak also entered into a cash collateralized Letter of Credit Facility Agreement for up to $50 million and amended its ABL Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date to February 26, 2024 and decrease the aggregate commitments from $110 million to $90 million.
These transactions together provide the Company with up to $310 million of incremental cash to invest in growth opportunities in Kodak’s core businesses of print and advanced materials and chemicals. Furthermore, the transactions address the mandatory redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock that was required in November 2021, extend the maturity date of the Company’s ABL, and limit the amount of cash needed to service capital.
“Over the past two years, we have taken a number of significant steps to strengthen our financial position,” said Jim Continenza, Kodak’s executive chairman and CEO. “Financing secured through Kennedy Lewis and investments made by Grand Oaks Capital and funds managed by Southeastern Asset Management represent the next step in our strategy for returning the Company to growth and help position us to invest in expanding our core businesses in print and advanced materials and chemicals.”
Details about these transactions can be found in Kodak’s Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Kodak Kodak is a global technology company focused on print and advanced materials & chemicals. We provide industry-leading hardware, software, consumables and services primarily to customers in commercial print, packaging, publishing, manufacturing and entertainment. We are committed to environmental stewardship and ongoing leadership in developing sustainable solutions. Our broad portfolio of superior products, responsive support and world-class R&D make Kodak solutions a smart investment for customers looking to improve their profitability and drive growth. For additional information on Kodak, visit us at Kodak.com and engage with us on Twitter @KodakPrint and on LinkedIn at Kodak Print.
About Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, LLC
Kennedy Lewis (www.klimllc.com) is an opportunistic credit manager founded in 2017 by David K. Chene and Darren L. Richman. It pursues event-driven situations in which a catalyst may unlock value and focuses primarily on corporate and structured credit opportunities in North America and Europe.
About Grand Oaks Capital
Grand Oaks Capital is an investment firm founded by B. Thomas Golisano, that makes strategic investments in both public and private securities.
About Southeastern Asset Management
Southeastern Asset Management is an employee-owned, global investment firm founded in 1975. Southeastern employs a value investment approach, focusing on long-term investments in strong businesses, which are managed by good people and trade at deeply discounted prices relative to intrinsic value. The firm seeks to build collaborative, constructive relationships with company boards and management to support long-term value creation. Southeastern is headquartered in Memphis, with global offices in London, Singapore, and Sydney. Additional information can be found at www.southeasternasset.com.