MACCO Restructuring Group leads efforts to transit semi-submersible rig across Gulf of Mexico

MACCO Restructuring Group, a national, middle-market-focused interim leadership and financial advisory firm, recently announced that MACCO Managing Director David Weinhoffer, serving as Chief Restructuring Officer for LaForta - Gestão e Investimentos, Sociedade Unipessoal, Lda., successfully assumed control of and transited La Muralla IV, a sixth generation, semi-submersible oil drilling rig. 

La Muralla IV is the primary asset of LaForta, which filed a voluntary petition under chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division on June 16, 2022. Under Weinhoffer’s leadership, the massive drilling rig, capable of operating in 10,000 ft of water and drilling to a 35,000 ft depth, has been successfully towed across the Gulf of Mexico from Tampico, Mexico to Freeport, Grand Bahamas.  

MACCO, which has extensive restructuring experience in energy, including both onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration and production, was able to ensure the safe transit of the drilling rig. Weinhoffer led the complex international efforts to assume control of the rig and assure its safety and that of its crew despite numerous operational and regulatory challenges. His deep knowledge of seafaring, marine operations, business restructuring and bankruptcy were central to the successful transit.

La Muralla IV is being readied for a marketing and sale process expected to commence in earnest next month. Under the proposed bid procedures, Weinhoffer will direct the marketing and sale process, including by soliciting and evaluating bids for La Muralla IV.  The proposed bid deadline is October 26, 2022, with sale approval expected 3 weeks later and sale consummation by the end of November.  If you are interested in being a bidder for La Muralla IV, please contact Weinhoffer at davidw@macco.group to gain access to the Data Room and schedule an in-person inspection.

LaForta is also advised by Counsel, Rebecca Blake Chaikin, Genevieve M. Graham, and Veronica A. Polnick of Jackson Walker, LLP; Special Corporate Counsel, Jennifer Demarco and Sarah Campbell of Clifford Chance; and Ole’ Aagvaard, Project Manager, of ABW Vessel Management, Ltd.  The Backstop Lenders are advised by Counsel, Mark Shinderman, Casey Fleck, and Brian Kinney of Milbank, LLP; Michael Warner and Benjamin Wallen of Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl & Jones, LLP; and Kristen Bodden of Maritime Finance Ltd.

Drew McManigle, Founder and CEO of MACCO said, “David and the MACCO La Forta team working collaboratively with legal counsel, accomplished what initially appeared, almost unachievable. He successfully navigated international troubled waters in order to preserve stakeholder’s value.”