

After years of distress, Kota's Resonance nears debt deal with 80% haircut
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.KKR & Co-backed Kota-based test preparation company Resonance Eduventures Ltd. is nearing an asset reconstruction company (ARC)-led debt resolution that may see lenders taking about 80% haircut on principal claims, according to two people aware of the matter.“Only one ARC has bid for the debt and the deal is nearing completion where it will acquire a majority of the debt. Though the final negotiations on the terms of the deal will decide closure timelines,” said the first person cited above.The proposed transaction comes amid stress in India’s once-booming offline coaching sector.
Following the covid disruption, Kota’s coaching ecosystem experienced a prolonged period of closures and uncertainty. While legacy players such as Resonance attempted to adapt through online classes, competition intensified from new-age edtech entrants and heavily funded incumbents, even as faculty poaching and rising marketing spends made survival tougher.Resonance's debt sale process involved two Swiss challenge advertisements, the person said, but no competing bidder emerged during the challenge period, leading to its expiry. In a Swiss challenge, third parties are invited to submit counter-bids against an original offer.
The mandate for the transaction is being handled by Azalea Capital Advisors, according to the people cited above.The proposed transaction follows years of recovery efforts by lenders and legal proceedings. During the mid-2010s, KKR & Co. Inc.
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