Bearstone Environmental Solutions

Bearstone Environmental Solutions, a Calgary, Alberta-based oil and gas and environmental services company, was placed in receivership on August 6 on application by Nations Fund I, owed approximately $5.1 million. The depressed oil and gas prices experienced since 2014 have had a significantly negative effect on Bearstone's business, especially its fluid transportation business in Grande Prairie. Recently, the production curtailment program mandated by the Government of Alberta in November 2018 resulted in a drastic decline in activity, and in December 2018 the decision was made to cease operations at the Grande Prairie location. In consultation with its secured lender, Bearstone's parent company has structured a transaction to sell Bearstone's vacuum and water truck services businesses, as well as its environmental services business, to a related company. The transaction will be completed through the receivership. KPMG was appointed receiver. Counsel is Bennett Jones for the applicant, Osler for the company and Cassels Brock for the receiver.