The Chilean airline is close to a restructuring deal to remain a stand-alone company after bankruptcy, as rival Azul tries to build creditor support for a tie-up

Latam Airlines Group SA is close to launching a chapter 11 exit strategy backed by some unsecured creditors as it vies to fend off a competitor’s efforts to build support for a proposed business combination, people familiar with the matter said.

The Chilean airline is nearing a restructuring deal with large unsecured creditors and certain shareholders that revolves around an equity sale to recapitalize the business and ease an exit from bankruptcy, according to the people familiar with the matter.

Latam’s plan, if approved, would also fend off merger overtures from Brazilian peer Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras SA, which has been pushing to combine the two companies. Azul isn’t giving up and has been seeking buy-in from Latam bondholders for an alternative restructuring premised on a tie-up, people familiar with the matter said.

Excerpt from WSJ
Read the full article