Wolfspeed announces that it has taken the next step to implement its previously announced Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with key lenders, including holders of more than 97% of its senior secured notes, Renesas Electronics Corporation’s wholly owned US subsidiary, and convertible debtholders holding more than 67% of the outstanding convertible notes.
Upon emergence from the process, the company expects to have reduced its overall debt by approximately 70%, representing a reduction of approximately $4.6 billion and a reduction of its annual total cash interest payments by approximately 60%. By taking this proactive step, the company expects to be better positioned to execute on its long-term growth strategy and accelerate its path to profitability. Wolfspeed is continuing to operate as usual throughout the process, including delivering silicon carbide materials and devices to its customers and paying its vendors in the ordinary course.
To implement the pre-packaged plan, the company has voluntarily filed petitions for reorganisation under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. Wolfspeed expects to move through the process expeditiously and emerge by the end of the third quarter calendar year 2025.
“We are continuing to move forward with our accelerated restructuring process to strengthen our capital structure and fuel our next phase of growth,” said Robert Feurle, Wolfspeed’s CEO. “With a stronger financial foundation, Wolfspeed will be better positioned to move faster on our strategic priorities and maintain our position as a global leader in the silicon carbide market. The strong support of our lenders is a testament to their belief in our business and our ability to capitalise on the opportunities ahead, driven by our exceptional, purpose-built, fully automated 200mm manufacturing footprint.”
He continued: “Looking ahead, we remain laser-focused on delivering cutting-edge products to our customers and working with our vendors in the normal course. I’d also like to thank our employees for their hard work and continued commitment to driving the business forward. I am confident that taking this action will better position Wolfspeed to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor market.”
Wolfspeed has filed a number of customary motions with the Court to support ordinary-course operations, including, but not limited to, continuing employee compensation and benefits programmes. The Company is continuing to pay vendors in the ordinary course of business for goods and services delivered throughout the restructuring process via an All-Trade Motion. Vendors are expected to be unimpaired in the process. The company expects to receive court approval for these requests shortly.
