Juszkiewicz Heads for Exit as Gibson Rescue Plan Approved

All of the major stakeholders involved in Gibson’s Chapter 11 case have reached a global settlement in regards to the company’s recovery plan, which will also see Henry Juszkiewicz step down as CEO.

Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, said: “With the Global Settlement in place, Gibson is on track to complete its restructuring and continue on its journey of crafting the highest quality of musical instruments known worldwide”.

“It is because of the united efforts of all of our stakeholders and their commitment to seek resolution that we expect Gibson can emerge from Chapter 11 during the fourth quarter of this year as a stronger company, focused on its core musical instruments business with essentially no debt.”

The Plan has been amended to provide the following, as summarised:

• Agreements by the Company, Ad Hoc Committee of Secured Notes and the Supporting Principals Henry Juszkiewicz and David Berryman with respect to adjustments to the Restructuring Support Agreement to facilitate improved recoveries for unsecured creditors under the amended plan;
• Commitments by GSO Capital Partners LP (GSO), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Philips), and the Committee to support confirmation of the amended plan;
• Suspension of discovery and litigation over the plan and certain asserted claims;
• Settlement of threatened litigation against GSO, the Supporting Principals, and others;
• Agreed allowance and plan treatment for GSO’s and Philips’ claims against the Company.

Jamie Baird of PJT Partners, speaking at the request of the Ad Hoc Committee of Secured Notes, said: “As the future owners of Gibson Brands, we are pleased that the business has performed well throughout the restructuring.  With an anticipated exit from bankruptcy less than one month away, Gibson is poised for growth on strong consumer demand, significant available liquidity, and a debt free balance sheet at emergence.  We look forward to working with the Company’s customers, employees, suppliers, vendors, and other partners as Gibson gets back to its roots and its next chapter begins.”

When the amended Plan is confirmed and goes effective, Juszkiewicz will step down from his position as CEO and assume the role of consultant to the Company.  Brian Fox of Alvarez and Marsal, who has been working with Gibson since August 2017 and has served as Chief Restructuring Officer, will oversee Gibson’s daily operations in his role as CRO until a CEO successor is appointed, while Juszkiewicz takes some time off before starting his consulting role.

Juszkiewicz added: “I have been honoured to lead such a dynamic company in an industry near and dear to my heart.  I am excited about a great future for Gibson and its loyal employees, customers and partners.”