Frontier announces Republic Airways Holdings as winner of auction

Republic submitted the highest and best bid, which included substantial improvements from its original investment proposal. Republic waived virtually all conditions precedent to closing and has advised Frontier that it yesterday received Hart-Scott- Rodino antitrust clearance for the transaction. Republic also agreed to waive distributions on its $150 million prepetition unsecured claim, which is expected to result in a 94 percent increase in the distribution to Frontier’s general unsecured creditors. The selection of Republic’s bid was made in consultation with the Creditors’ Committee appointed in Frontier’s Bankruptcy Case.

“We appreciate the participation of both Republic and Southwest Airlines in our auction process,” said Frontier President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Menke. “We are pleased to have Republic as a plan sponsor that will allow Frontier to emerge from bankruptcy as a well-financed, competitive and sustainable airline. This plan provides for Frontier and Lynx to maintain normal operations as a subsidiary of Republic, with further capital and growth opportunities in the future. This is also great news because it is expected to preserve the jobs of most Frontier employees, who have worked tirelessly to further build our unique brand and deliver outstanding service to our customers. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my 5,000 plus team members. Today’s announcement is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter for this proud organization and would not have happened without the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of them all.”

“I look forward to welcoming Frontier to our Republic family,” said Bryan Bedford, Chairman, President and CEO of Republic. “Frontier has made impressive strides in returning to sustained profitability in a challenging and uncertain economic environment. We congratulate the employees of Frontier. Their commitment and perseverance during the bankruptcy process has allowed the Frontier brand to survive and thrive.”

Frontier’s unsecured creditors will continue voting on Frontier’s current proposed Plan of Reorganization, which is premised on a Republic acquisition. Pursuant to its investment agreement, Republic has agreed to purchase 100 percent of the stock of Frontier Holdings upon its emergence from bankruptcy for $108.75 million, so long as certain conditions are met. Frontier Airlines Holdings would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Republic, an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America.

Frontier currently expects to emerge from Chapter 11 this autumn.