Korite International

Korite International, a Calgary, Alberta-based company that is one of the world's largest commercial producers of ammolite, an opal-like organic gemstone, obtained production under the CCAA on June 30. Two significant events over the last year have led to the company's current financial struggles: unrest in Hong Kong and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant amount of sales are generated through trade shows in Hong Kong; however, these have been cancelled since last August due to violent protests and airport closures. The pandemic has resulted in a shut down of retail stores, the cruise industry, tourism and travel markets. In addition, due to their own financial constraints arising from the pandemic, major cruise lines and retailers have stopped paying their suppliers, which are Korite's wholesale customers. In light of the economic impact of the aforementioned factors and the uncertainty as to when circumstances may improve, the company determined that it could not sustain itself and must pursue restructuring alternatives. BDO was appointed monitor. Counsel is Bennett Jones for the company and Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer for the monitor.