Aralez Pharmaceuticals (TSX:ARZ)

Aralez Pharmaceuticals (TSX:ARZ), a global pharmaceutical company based in Mississauga, Ontario, obtained protection under the CCAA on August 10. In connection with these proceedings, the company's subsidiaries in the US and Ireland also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Operating in a highly competitive industry dominated by a small number of global giants, Aralez focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing products primarily in cardiovascular disease and other specialty areas. The company incurred significant losses in recent years due, in large part, to significant costs incurred to launch sales of two new products in the US, both of which failed to reach anticipated levels of commercial success. In 2017, the company lost $125.2MM. The losses were funded partially by debt, which the company can no longer service. Following a strategic review undertaken by the company's board, the decision was made to run a sale process for the company's business and assets under court supervision. The company intends to enter into purchase agreements with two separate stalking-horse purchasers to sell its main operating businesses. One of the stalking-horse purchasers is its secured lender, Deerfield, who will also be providing DIP financing during the restructuring proceedings. Richter was appointed monitor. Alvarez & Marsal was appointed financial advisor. Canadian counsel is Stikeman Elliott for the company, Torys for the monitor, Bennett Jones for Deerfield and Goodmans for Nuvo Pharmaceuticals (the other proposed stalking horse purchaser).