Monaco May Live

Navistar has sent a letter of intent to acquire certain assets of MONACO COACH CORP for estimated 50 Mill. And to take on debt responsibility for the assets they buy. Monaco and Navistar jointly own manufacturing facilities in Indiana where Navistar holds the majority.




Navistar Offers to Buy Monaco Assets for $50M
Steve Bibler
RV Business
Thursday, March 26, 2009

Navistar Inc. would acquire certain RV-related assets of Monaco Coach Corp. and assume certain liabilities associated with that business under a non-binding letter of intent signed this week, Monaco announced late today (March 26).

Navistar, with nearly $15 billion in annual sales, is a leading global manufacturer of commercial vehicles, military vehicles, diesel engines and related parts and services.

The letter of intent contemplates that Monaco and Navistar will work to sign a definitive asset purchase agreement during early April, according to the Monaco release. Following the completion of due diligence and the bankruptcy court approval process, including the auction process, the parties intend to close the transaction shortly after obtaining the entry of a final non-appealable sale order of the bankruptcy court pursuant to Section 363 of Title 11, authorizing the transfer of purchased assets to Navistar.

Monaco continues to work with other interested parties regarding the acquisition of its Motorhome Resorts segment and other assets held for sale.

"We look forward to working with Navistar to complete this transaction and ultimately become a part of one of the nation's most respected companies," said Kaye Toolson, Monaco chairman and CEO. "This is a great opportunity for our employees, dealers, suppliers and the communities in which we operate. We look forward to continuing the Monaco Coach brands and our legacy of producing quality and innovative recreational vehicles for our owners."

Headquartered in Coburg, Ore., Monaco has manufacturing facilities in Oregon and Indiana and offers a variety of RVs, from entry-level priced towables to custom-made luxury models under the Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Safari, Beaver, McKenzie and R-Vision brand names.

“If we are able to reach agreement, the purchase of certain Monaco assets would fit our strategy of leveraging our assets to expand our diesel business, serve the end customer and would also complement our Workhorse custom chassis business,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American truck group. “Any asset purchase would fall within our current capital expenditure program for fiscal 2009.”

The proposed purchase is for Monaco assets, not its stock.

Proceeds of the purchase will go toward Monaco's secured creditors - its two lenders, Bank of America and Abelco LLC.

Based on information Monaco provided in bankruptcy filings earlier this week, the $50 million amount does not appear to be sufficient to meet any of the company's unsecured creditors. The filing estimated that the company had between 25,000 and 50,000 creditors.

Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO, sits on the Monaco board. Navistar and Monaco are joint owners of the Monaco chassis plant in Elkhart, Ind., with Navistar owning a majority share.