The Finley Group brings an invaluable perspective to creditors in crisis situations. With their experience on both 'sides of the street' they are able to offer creditors unique insights, effective strategies and persuasive negotiating skills. Since 1985, The Finley Group has assisted financial institutions, secured & unsecured creditors and bondholders, and equity in their efforts to maximize returns in very difficult and often complex situations.

The results have been impressive. Umbro, an international retailer and manufacturer of soccer apparel, was experiencing financial pressures and decided to close the majority of its U. S. operations. The company claimed it would be forced to file for Chapter 11 unless the subordinated bondholders agreed to accept $2 million instead of the $17 million due.

The bondholders engaged The Finley Group to analyze the situation and to orchestrate the negotiations. Drawing on its retail expertise, The Finley Group rapidly developed a valuation model and found that internationally, the company was solid. Umbro, was the exclusive licensee for Manchester United, England's most popular professional soccer team. This license was a major corporate asset whose true value did not appear in the company's repayment proposal.

If Umbro filed for Chapter 11, the license with Manchester United would be threatened, and consequently, Chapter 11 was not a viable option. The result…The Finley Group convinced Umbro to pay the full $17 million due instead of the $2 million that the company originally offered.