Brinks Home Security Parent Files for Bankruptcy… Again
Monitronics files Chapter 11 to restructure $500 million in debt. The company aims to emerge from restructuring within 46 days.
For the second time in four years, the parent company of Brink’s Home Security has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Monitronics International, Inc. has entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement with both the lenders that hold approximately 78% of the company’s outstanding funded debt, and with the holders of a majority of the company’s equity. The goal is to have an expedited restructuring that would reduce Monitronics’ debt by approximately $500 million and provide increased financial flexibility to the company.
Back in 2019, when Monitronics was owned by Ascent Capital, the company filed for bankruptcy protection to refinance $985 million in debt. Back in 2018, Monitronics made a licensing agreement with Brink’s to use the Brink’s Home Security name.
The current lenders are ones that took a stake in the company back in 2019 as part of its takeback term loan facility, including funds managed by Monarch Alternative Capital LP and Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc. as the largest lenders. Under this new proposed bankruptcy plan, both Monarch and Invesco will become the new principal equity owners of Monitronics, providing the company with additional support to execute on its business plan.
The restructuring will take place in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas to be commenced on or around May 15, 2023. The plan is to emerge from Chapter 11 within 46 days of filing.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our lenders and shareholders to create a capital structure that is right-sized for our business model. Our new balance sheet will provide sufficient liquidity to grow our subscriber base at attractive returns and generate levered free cash flow,” said Monitronics Chief Executive Officer William Niles. “The strength of the underlying Monitronics business model positions us for success in a growing market. In 2022, we created 131,000 new subscribers at a 26x creation multiple while concurrently generating 55% EBITDA margins. Our Q1 2023 performance exceeded expectations and we are continuing to see tailwinds in our go to market channels.”
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our lenders and shareholders to create a capital structure that is right-sized for our business model.” — William Niles, Monitronics
Monitronics, which monitors more than 800,000 alarm accounts, has received commitments for approximately $387 million in new money financing during the Chapter 11 cases from existing lenders, including $90 million in new money to fund the Chapter 11 process and provide cash to the balance sheet as well as $297 million to refinance the company’s existing Superpriority Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan. The financing will fund Monitronics’ operations during the Chapter 11 proceedings, including the payment of employee wages and benefits, suppliers, partners, and vendors in the ordinary course of business. The company will emerge with approximately $600 million in exit financing.
Niles continues, “Given the level of support we have for this transaction we expect absolutely no impact on our ability to continue serving our customers, partners, and employees. I want to thank our dedicated employees for their hard work and commitment and our valued dealer partners, who are integral to our ongoing success. We also appreciate the support of the Company’s lenders, including the new principal equity investors, Monarch and Invesco. We are genuinely excited about the future.”
Monarch Alternative Capital LP Chief Executive Officer Michael Weinstock adds, “We are excited to continue our partnership with Monitronics to support the next stage of its growth trajectory by providing capital, operating expertise, and board leadership. We have strong confidence in the Company and believe Monitronics will emerge an even more dynamic business, well positioned to deliver great value and long-term growth for all its stakeholders.”
To ensure its ability to continue operating in the ordinary course during the Chapter 11 cases, Monitronics intends to file customary “first day” motions with the Court seeking a variety of relief, including authority to maintain operations in accordance with pre-petition practices and to pay pre-petition claims in the ordinary course of business.
A copy of the RSA and related cleansing materials can be found on the company’s secure investor portal for current investors who have registered and filed in the company’s Chapter 11 cases.
PJT Partners LP, Alvarez & Marsal and Latham & Watkins LLP are acting as lead advisors to the Company. Evercore Group, L.L.C. and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP are acting as lead advisors for the ad hoc group of lenders.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Jason Knott
Jason Knott is Chief Content Officer for Emerald Expositions Connected Brands. Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990, serving as editor and publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He joined CE Pro in 2000 and serves as Editor-in-Chief of that brand. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association’s Education Committee from 2000-2004 and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a former board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. He has been a member of the CEDIA Business Working Group since 2010. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California. Have a suggestion or a topic you want to read more about? Email Jason at [email protected]
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
