W. L. Ross May Purchase Burlington

W. L. Ross May Purchase Burlington

A bankruptcy judge on Aug. 1, 2003, signed off on a $620 million bid by W.L. Ross Inc. LLC to buy Burlington Industries after the parties agreed to an amended deal structure that makes it less likely that a break-up fee will come into play.

Under the terms of the amended agreement, Ross will collect a $6.08 million fee only if Burlington receives and accepts a higher bid from another interested party, and that deal closes.

Late on July 31, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Randal Newsome of Wilmington, Del., threw out a $6.08 million break-up fee that was part of the bid by Ross to buy bankrupt Burlington Industries, sending the parties back to the negotiating table to find a compromise that would receive court approval.

The deal still needs regulatory approval on antitrust grounds, and Burlington?s plan of reorganization will also need a green light from creditors. The company has said it expects the sale to Ross, as well as its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, to occur by October.

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