Riverbed initiates next steps to implement recapitalization and strengthen financial position

San Francisco, CA – Riverbed Technology (“Riverbed” or the “Company”) today announced that it has taken the next steps in its recapitalization, voluntarily commencing Chapter 11 cases to implement its “prepackaged” financial restructuring plan to reduce the Company’s debt by more than $1 billion and provide the Company with an additional $35 million cash infusion, positioning the Company for long-term success. Lenders holding 100% of Riverbed’s funded secured debt have now approved the transactions contemplated in the previously announced Restructuring Support Agreement, which will be implemented through an accelerated court-supervised process.

“We are continuing to move forward with our accelerated recapitalization, through which we will reduce our debt by more than $1 billion, add a total of $100 million of investment capital and, in doing so, significantly simplify our balance sheet and fuel our next phase of growth,” said Dan Smoot, President and CEO of Riverbed Technology. “After thoroughly evaluating the different mechanisms through which to implement the recapitalization, our analysis made it clear that Riverbed could achieve a cleaner, more financially beneficial outcome by utilizing the court-supervised process, setting our company up for even greater growth and innovation opportunities in the future. Riverbed is a critical technology provider, as demonstrated by our strong double-digit bookings growth for our advanced visibility solutions, and with our outstanding business, talented team, market-relevant technology and great brand, this process will only make us stronger. We expect this to be seamless for our stakeholders, including customers and partners, and we look forward to completing the court-supervised process.”

Mr. Smoot continued, “The overwhelming support we’ve received from our investors is a testament to their confidence in our growth prospects and in Riverbed following the recapitalization. Furthermore, since we announced this development, many of our customers and business partners have voiced their support and confidence in Riverbed. I would also like to thank our talented team members, who have been unwavering in their focus and commitment to delivering leading end-to-end visibility and network performance and acceleration solutions to our customers.”

“We are pleased to continue our long-term support of Riverbed in this next chapter as they strengthen their financial position to deliver leading performance and visibility solutions to companies around the world,” said Apollo Partner Chris Lahoud. “Riverbed has an exceptional team and strong market opportunities, and we are confident in their strategy to deliver innovative customer solutions and long-term profitable growth.”

As previously announced on October 13, 2021, the Company entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement with its equity sponsors and an ad hoc group of lenders (the “Ad Hoc Group”) holding a super-majority of its funded secured debt. Once the restructuring transactions, which are subject to customary closing conditions,  are complete, the Ad Hoc Group of institutional investors including Apollo, will become the majority owners of Riverbed through their managed funds.   

To implement the prepackaged plan, the Company has voluntarily filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and expects to successfully complete its financial restructuring process and emerge in mid-December. Riverbed’s operations and the acceleration of its strategy will continue as normal. In connection with the filing, Riverbed has filed a number of customary motions with the Court seeking authorization to support its operations while the process is ongoing.

Riverbed’s advisors include Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal counsel, AlixPartners as restructuring advisor, and GLC Advisors & Co. as investment banker.

The Ad Hoc Group’s advisors include White & Case LLP as legal counsel and Centerview Partners as financial advisor. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as counsel to certain members of the Ad Hoc Group.