On December 9, 2013, AMR Corporation (“AMR”), the parent company of American Airlines Inc., successfully completed its Chapter 11 Reorganization. As part of the reorganization, AMR also completed its $17.0 billion merger with US Airways Group (“US Airways”). Operating under the American brand, the combined American – US Airways (“American Airlines Group”) created the world’s largest airline.

AMR filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 29, 2011, with reported assets and liabilities of $24.7 and $29.6 billion, respectively. Shortly thereafter, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “UCC”) was formed by a highly diverse group of nine creditor constituencies. The UCC quickly became an influential factor in the reorganization and this group was seen as a pivotal piece to any plan of action. The UCC advocated for a broad review of strategic options, including possible merger opportunities. Moelis & Company was instrumental in designing and creating a process that allowed for engagement between AMR and US Airways despite initial reluctance on the part of AMR. Over the course of the intensive US Airways – AMR diligence process, Moelis & Company evaluated the pro forma business plan, assessed the need for DIP and exit financing, and helped drive parties to a mutually agreeable expectation of synergies and negotiated relative deal economics, while continually working with advisors to resolve complex social and employee issues. On February 14, 2013, AMR and US Airways announced that their respective boards of directors had unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement between the two companies.

The merger delivered far superior returns to creditors and investors as compared to the company’s initial plan for a standalone option, and resulted in par plus accrued recoveries to $29.6 billion in creditor claims. Shareholder value in excess of $10 billion was created, versus the equity market cap of approximately $85 million at the time of the Chapter 11 filing. Moelis & Company represented a driving force in the initial consideration and ultimate consummation of the merger, building consensus amongst various parties to consider and pursue a single, value maximizing plan of action. This transaction demonstrates Moelis & Company’s ability to deliver superior results for our clients; the reorganization and merger achieved full recoveries for unsecured creditors, significant recoveries for shareholders and the unique occurrence of pre-petition convertible notes converting into pre-petition equity.