MedMen’s properties in Illinois, Nevada, and New York are moving closer to sales, but the outlook is not so promising in California and Massachusetts. The slow but steady closing up shop for MedMen Enterprises is proceeding under California-based receiver Richard Ormond, who filed an update this month stating that sales are underway for most of former MedMen dispensaries, while some are being abandoned and four others in California are apparently still serving customers.
MedMen’s Downfall
MedMen officially declared bankruptcy earlier this year, but its downfall has been lingering for much longer than that. Its collapse included hundreds of laid-off workers, thousands of investors bailing and numerous landlords and suppliers left hanging. Although most were hung out to dry, some are now claiming what they say is rightfully theirs. The California cannabis chain, often dubbed the “Apple Store of Weed” due to its flashy storefronts and upscale interiors, is now being sold bit by bit.
And when we say collapse, we mean losses of millions of dollars.
The company was once a celebrated titan valued at $1.7 billion. A December 2022 SEC filing reveled the severity of the case, showing only $15.6 million in cash against $137.4 million in debt. Following this, store closures and inventory clearances began in California, along with severed ties with major brands over nonpayment issues. Landlords demanded back rent and C-suite and board members jumping ship. On April 23 the company was placed into receivership in California. The next day it filed an assignment into bankruptcy pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act ("BIA") in Canada.
Torn Into A Thousand Pieces
In a report filed July 12 with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Ormond reiterated that most of MedMen's roughly $560 million in debts remain unpaid, including more than $262 million owed to Superhero Acquisition L.P. and another $59.9 million to Hankey Capital. Both are senior secured lenders. Ormond also re-emphasized the estimated value of between $70 million and $100 million for MedMen's remainings. But most major asset sales have yet to close, though Ormond has lined up interested buyers for MedMen facilities in Illinois, Nevada, and New York, analyzes Green Market Report.
MedMen’s New York properties have overdue rent, but potential buyers are identified. In Illinois, dispensary sales await state approval. Nevada dispensaries are under contract, pending regulatory approval. A Boston dispensary may be abandoned. California sees various property issues, including returns to landlords and ongoing operations facing possible closures or evictions.
Overall, the secured lenders are funding the minimum required to keep certain assets open and operating, as the liquidation process continues.
- Read Next: Atlas Global Brands Seeks Restructuring Under Canadian Law While Faces Financial Struggles
Image: MedMen Profile On X
Cannabis financial struggles will be a hot topic at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Join us to get more insight into what the wave of weed legalization means for the future of investing in the industry. Hear directly from top executives, investors, advocates, and policymakers. Get your tickets now before prices go up by following this link.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Comments
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
Cannabis is evolving – don’t get left behind!
Curious about what’s next for the industry and how to leverage California’s unique market?
Join top executives, policymakers, and investors at the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight in Anaheim, CA, at the House of Blues on November 12. Dive deep into the latest strategies, investment trends, and brand insights that are shaping the future of cannabis!
Get your tickets now to secure your spot and avoid last-minute price hikes.