ST. PAUL, MINN. — Gander Mountain Co. and its subsidiaries have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The decision is the result of an in-depth review of the company’s strategic options undertaken in recent months to preserve the value of the company and position it for long-term success, according to a news release. St. Paul-based Gander Mountain, an outdoor retail network with stores across 26 states, will sell the company while continuing operations. An auction will be held in late April and the sale is expected to be complete by May 15. The company generally expects to conduct normal business operations during the restructuring period, but 32 underperforming retail locations will begin a shutdown process in the next several weeks.
The company has obtained a committed debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing facility underwritten by Wells Fargo. Subject to court approval, this DIP financing, combined with cash from operations, is expected to provide sufficient liquidity to support the company’s continuing business operations and to minimize any disruption during the reorganization process.
The petitions were filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota. Houlihan Lokey Capital Inc. is serving as financial advisor and investment banker to Gander Moutain. Lighthouse Management Group is serving as chief restructuring officer, and Fredrikson & Byron PA is serving as legal adviser.