WeWork, the well-known coworking giant, is facing a significant debt restructuring under Chapter 11 protection in the US, with Italy playing a non-negligible role in the process. A bold plan aims to restore the company’s solvency and redesign its future.
Context of the crisis and restructuring
In November, WeWork filed for insolvency in the New Jersey Court, triggering a restructuring process guided by Chapter 11 rules. The plan provides for a complete financial and operational restructuring of the company, including a major capital injection from senior creditors. On 30 May, a vote is scheduled that could seal the final takeover of the company with a new investment of $450 million, the elimination of old debt, and the conclusion of Chapter 11 proceedings.
Italy’s role
In the Italian context, WeWork reduced its presence from five to four locations in Milan. Despite the closure of the office in Via Turati, the company assures that the other locations will remain active with unchanged square footage. This decision follows the difficulty encountered in renegotiating leases in Italy, unlike in other parts of Europe and the United Kingdom.
Situation and perspectives of the Italian market
Rebecca Nachanakian, WeWork’s General Manager for Southern Europe, highlighted during a visit to Milan how, despite the difficulties, the occupancy rate of the Italian offices has increased by 9% since Chapter 11 was activated, with expectations of further growth in the months to come. WeWork’s strategy in Italy focuses on a strong customer return and the growing demand for flexible spaces.
Global restructuring and the future
Globally, WeWork is conducting a thorough rationalisation of its lease portfolio, which has already generated rent savings of USD 800 million and a reduction in financial commitments of about USD 11 billion. Nachanakian confirms that 97 per cent of the global leasing portfolio has been restructured, signalling a new strategic direction for the company.
Details of the restructuring agreement
The new restructuring agreement provides for senior creditors to receive control of the reorganised WeWork in exchange for USD 450 million. Yardi Systems and a group of hedge funds will be the main investors, while entities that held $4 billion of pre-bankruptcy debt, including SoftBank, will receive a residual stake in the new entity, now valued at around $750 million.
Conclusion
The restructuring of WeWork is one of the most significant examples of how large companies can recover from deep crises through careful debt management and a well-planned restructuring strategy. With the ongoing reorganisation and the new capital, WeWork is preparing to redesign its future in the coworking sector, hoping to soon return to full operability and profitability.
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