Receives final Court approval of all First Day motions, following interim approval at First Day Hearing on October 1, 2025, marking a key step forward in advancing First Brands’ restructuring efforts
Provides update on post-petition actions and business stabilization initiatives
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–First Brands Group, LLC (“First Brands” or the “Company”), a leading global supplier of aftermarket automotive parts, today announced that it has received final approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Court”) for all of its “First Day” motions following its Second Day Hearing held on November 6 and 7, 2025. The Company previously received interim Court approval for all of its First Day motions following its First Day Hearing on October 1, 2025.
The Court also granted approval to immediately access the entire $1.1 billion in debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing. Access to the full DIP amount will ensure the Company has the capital necessary to maintain operations and meets its commitments to customers, employees, and partners.
“Today’s Court approval marks a critical milestone for First Brands,” said Charles Moore, interim Chief Executive Officer of First Brands. “With full access to $1.1 billion of DIP financing and the strong support of our financial partners, we are well-positioned to continue to bolster our inventory pipeline and improve production and fill rates for customers. As we move forward, we remain fully focused on enhancing operational stability and driving a value-maximizing process that positions First Brands’ business units for long-term success.”
Since voluntarily filing for chapter 11 on September 28, 2025, First Brands has made significant progress to improve business performance and restore the Company’s reputation as a trusted partner in the aftermarket automotive and OEM supply chain. Key actions include:
- Appointing a new leadership team, led by Moore, to guide First Brands through the restructuring process
- Transitioning out substantially all pre-petition executives who led First Brands’ day-to-day operations prior to the chapter 11 filing
- Advancing the Special Committee’s investigation into the Company’s pre-petition practices
- Implementing new, rigorous financial controls and stronger governance protocols
With these approvals, First Brands is moving confidently into the next phase of its chapter 11 process. The company will continue to focus on stabilizing operations, while developing and implementing a long-term business plan. These efforts will position First Brands to effectively market the business and secure a sustainable future under new ownership that recognizes the strength of the Company’s brands, portfolio, and people.
Additional Information
Additional information regarding First Brands’ chapter 11 process is available at https://restructuring.ra.kroll.com/firstbrands. Stakeholders with questions may call the Company’s Claims Agent, Kroll, at (877) 631-1151 or +1 (646) 290-7146 if calling from outside the U.S. or Canada, or email [email protected].
Advisors
Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP is serving as legal counsel, Lazard is serving as investment banker, Alvarez & Marsal is serving as financial advisor, and C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategic communications advisor to First Brands Group. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is serving as legal counsel, Evercore is serving as investment banker, and Huron Consulting Group is serving as financial advisor to the Ad Hoc Group.
About First Brands Group
First Brands Group™ is a global automotive parts company that develops, markets and sells premium products through a portfolio of market-leading brands including: Raybestos® complete brake solutions, Centric Parts® replacement brake components, StopTech® performance brakes, FRAM® filtration products, Luber-finer® filtration products, TRICO® wiper blades, ANCO® wiper blades, Michelin® licensed wiper blades, Carter® fuel and water pumps, Autolite® spark plugs, StrongArm® lift supports, Carlson® brake hardware, CARDONE® new and remanufactured replacement parts, and our towing & trailering portfolio composed of REESE®, DRAWTITE®, BULLDOG®, TEKONSHA®, FULTON®, Westfalia® along with Hopkins® universal owned and licensed brands and Philips® licensed aftermarket lighting. The First Brands Group™ portfolio of world-class brands offers best-in-class technology, industry-leading engineering capabilities and superior customer service.
Contacts
Media
C Street Advisory Group
[email protected]
