Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel
After 80 years of production, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel was forced to file for Chapter
11. That process was complicated when the Steelworkers Union went out on strike
to protest the restructuring terms sought by management. The case languished for
two years before DRC was brought in. At which point, over 25,000 claims had been
filed for $18 billion.
Why it Pays to Think Outside the Box
The unprecedented magnitude of the case demanded a breakthrough approach. In an
industry first, DRC created a Chapter 11 Claims Administration Department within
the company. In addition to providing an organized map for moving claims through,
it facilitated dealing with debtors' and creditors' counsel. During the three
years the company spent in Chapter 11, DRC maintained creditors' confidence with
monthly presentations.
Getting Results
With the benefit of an organized claims department in place, DRC was able to assist
the debtors to reduce the $18 billion in claims filed to $1.8 billion. In addition,
they saved the company $1.5-2.0 million in costs while doing so. The company reorganized
and, with DRC's subsidiary, DRX Distribution Management, Inc., as its agent,
was able to distribute in excess of $600 million in cash and in new marketable securities
to its creditors.