Bankruptcy Filings Continue to Rise During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The parent company of Chuck E. Cheese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 25, 2020.  According to the company, the bankruptcy filing will “strengthen our financial structure as we recover from what has undoubtedly been the most challenging event in our company’s history.”  Just a few days earlier, GNC filed for Chapter 11 citing the dramatic negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on its business.  Earlier in June, national gym chain 24 Hour Fitness filed for Chapter 11.  According to the CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, “if it were not for COVID-19 and its devastating effects, we would not be filing for Chapter 11.”  The month of May also saw many other well-known companies file for bankruptcy protection, including J. Crew, Gold’s Gym, Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penney and Hertz.  

While many of these companies were struggling prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic hastened the need for Chapter 11 protection.  Many experts are predicting that the number of bankruptcies will continue to rise as the pandemic rages on.  Chapter 11 bankruptcy does not necessarily mean that these companies will cease to exist but their ability to successfully reorganize during these times is in doubt.