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Another debt ceiling debacle could sink the economy

Last year's Congressional debt standoff hurt consumer confidence more than the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Betsey Johnson and Justin Wolfers write. This time could be worse.  Read more at Counterparties  

Hostess may file for Chapter 11 again: report

Mon Jan 9, 2012 7:48pm EST

(Reuters) - Hostess Brands Inc, a wholesale baker, is again preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

This would be second court restructuring for Ripplewood Holdings-owned Hostess, which filed for bankruptcy almost two years ago and had emerged from it last September.

Irving, Texas-based Hostess has arranged for about $75 million in debtor-in-possession financing to keep it afloat during bankruptcy proceedings, the sources told the paper.

Once in bankruptcy court, the maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread will try to reduce debt and renegotiate labor contracts, the newspaper said.

The company continues to face a cash crunch despite Ripplewood Holdings investing $40 million, while Monarch Alternative Capital, Silver Point Capital and others loaned the company $20 million late last year, the paper said.

Hostess, which carries over $860 million in debt, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

(Reporting by Eileen Anupa Soreng in Bangalore)

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Comments (3)
byrond2 wrote:
Interesting. You’d think that since McDonalds is doing so well, Hostess would be doing great too. Both make really unhealthy food. Maybe Hostess should make beef flavored cakes. Mmmmmm beeeef.

Jan 09, 2012 8:40pm EST  --  Report as abuse
rts18202 wrote:
Seems more like it’s time for chapter 7.

Jan 10, 2012 3:04am EST  --  Report as abuse
kbfivezero wrote:
Yep, a Hostess bankruptcy in 2012 can only mean one thing — the world is definitely coming to an end.

Jan 10, 2012 10:04am EST  --  Report as abuse
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