David M. Friedman (DFriedman@kasowitz.com)
David S. Rosner (DRosner@kasowitz.com)
Andrew K, Glenn (AGlenn@kasowitz.com)
Jeffrey R. Gleit (JGleit@kasowitz.com)
KASOWITZ, BENSON, TORRES & FRIEDMAN LLP
1633 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
Telephone: (212) 506-1700
Facsimile: (212) 506-1800
Attorneys for Debtors
and Debtors in Possession.
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
Inre Chapter 11
 
BORDERS GROUP, INC, et al,' Case No. 11 )
Debtors. (Joint Administration Pending)
DECLARATION OF SCOTT HENRY PURSUANT TO LOCAL
BANKRUPTCY RULE 1007-2 IN SUPPORT OF FIRST DAY MOTIONS
Scott Henry declares, pursuant to section 1746 of title 28 of the United States Code, as
follows:
1, Lam Bxeeutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the above captioned
debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, “Borders” or the “Debtors”) and, in such
capacity, Iam familiar with the day-to-day operations, business, and financial affairs of each of
the Debtors.
' The Debtors in these cases, along with the last four digits of each Debtor's federal tax identifiention number,
are: Borders Group, lnc. (4588); Borders International Services, Inc. (5075); Borders, Ine. (4285); Borders
Direct, LLC (0084); Borders Properties, Inc, (1978); Borders Online, Inc. (8425); Borders Online, LLC (8996);
and BGP (UK) Limited.2. [submit this declaration (“Declarati
 
"”) pursuant to Rule 1007-2 of the Local
Bankruptey Rules for the Southem District of New York (the “Local Bankruptey Rules") to
assist the Court and other parties in interest in understanding the circumstances that compelled
the commencement of these chapter 11 cases on February 16, 2011 (the “Commencement Date")
and in support of (i) the Debtors’ petitions (the “Petitions”) for relief under chapter 11 of title
11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptey Code”); and (ii) the relief, in the form of motions
and applications, that the Debtors have requested of the Court (collectively, the “Eirst Day
Motion:
 
3. The Debtors have commenced these chapter 11 cases to pursue an operational and
financial restructuring, to restore and revitalize Borders as the second largest chain of bookstores
in the nation, and to save thousands of jobs. Among other things, we hope, through the approval
of certain First Day Motions, to regain access to capital that Borders sorely needs to remain
viable, and to shed approximately 200 stores that we cannot afford to keep.
4. Inaddition, the First Day Motions seek relief aimed at preserving the value of the
Debtors and maintaining the continuity of their operations by, among other things: (i)
maintaining the operations of the Debtors’ retail properties; (ii) preserving the Debtors’
relationships with their customers, landlords, licensees, franchisees, and strategic business
partners; (ii) maintaining vendor confidence and employee morale; (iv) ensuring the
continuation of the Debtors’ cash management system and other business operations without
 
interruption; and (V) establishing certain administrative procedures to facilitate an orderly
transition into, and uninterrupted operations throughout, the chapter 11 reorganization process.
 
Except as otherwise indicated, all facts set forth in this Declaration are based upon
my personal knowledge, my discussions with members of the Debtors” senior management, theDebtors’ financial and legal advisors, my review of relevant documents, ot my opinion based
upon my experience, knowledge, and information concerning the Debtors’ operations and
financial affairs. If called upon to testify, I would testify to the facts set forth in this Declaration
and that I am authorized to submit this Declaration on behalf of the Debtors.
6. Section I of this Declaration provides a general overview of the Debtors?
business, organizational structure, capital structure, the circumstances giving rise to the
 
‘commencement of these chapter 11 cases, and certain of the Debtors’ restructuring goals.
Section Il summarizes the relief requested in each of the First Day Motions. Finally, Section IIT
lists the schedules of information required by Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2.
L
GENERAL BACKGROUND,
 
7. Borders Group, Inc. (“BGI”), through its subsidiaries,” is an operator of book,
music and movie superstores (the “Superstores”) and mall-based bookstores. At January 29,
2011, the Debtors operated 642 stores,* under the Borders, Waldenbooks, Borders Express and
Borders Outlet names, as well as Borders-branded airport stores in the United States, of which
639 stores are located in the United States and 3 in Puerto Rico. Two of Borders’ flagship stores
(along with other less prominent stores) are located in Manhattan. In addition, the Debtors
operate a proprietary e-commerce web site, www.Borders.com, launched in May 2008, which
includes both in-store and online e-commerce components. BGI common stock is publicly
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol BGP.*
 
‘A corporate organization chart is annexed as Exhibit A hereto
Not including seasonal kiosks operated under Day By Day Calendar Co. described below. The Debtors’ operate
approximately 488 Superstores. The Superstores maintain the widest selection of merchandise of the Debtors"
branded stores.
* On February 3, 2011, Borders Group, Inc. was notified by NYSE Regulation, Inc. (“NYSE Regulation”) that it
‘was not in compliance with the continued listing standard of the New York Stock Exchange, In. (the “NYSE”8. For the fiscal year ended January 29, 201 1, the Debtors recorded net sales of
approximately $2.3 billion, As of December 25, 2010, the Debtors had incurred net year-to-date
losses of approximately $168.2 million.
A. Employees
9. Asof February 11, 2011, the Debtors employed a total of approximately 6,100
full-time employees, approximately 11,400 part-time employees, and approximately 600
contingent employees (who are required to work one shift per month, and usually do so at special
events), all of whom are located in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Debtors’ employees
are not subject to any collective bargaining agreements.
B. The Properties
10, All of the Debtors’ retail stores and distribution centers are subject to leases (the
“Leases”. The annual cash rent expense for the retail locations and distribution centers is
approximately $286.9 million,
11. The Debtors’ store leases generally have an average initial term of 15 to 20 years
with multiple three- to five-year renewal options. At January 29, 2011, the average unexpired
term under the Debtors” existing store leases in the United States was 5.9 years prior to the
exercise of any options. The Debtors also lease all of their Superstores in Puerto Rico, with
initial lease terms of approximately 15 to 20 years and which all expire in 2017 or later. As of
January 29, 2011, the average unexpired term under the Puerto Rico leases is approximately
78 years
 
requiring a minimum average closing price of $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading day period, The
‘notification letter stated that as of January 28, 2011, the 30 trading day average closing price of BGI's common
stock was $0.97 per share. Subject to providing required notice to the NYSE, the company is entitled to a six-
‘month period fom the date of the NYSE Regulation notification to cure this deficiency,12, Borders Specialty Retail store leases generally have renewal terms of one to five
years, At January 29, 2011, the average unexpired term under Borders Specialty Retail existing
store leases is approximately 1 year.
13, Inanattempt to cut costs and increase profitability, over the last several years the
Debtors began reviewing the profitability of their existing stores and ceased opening new stores,
During 2009 the Debtors closed 219 stores, primarily Waldenbooks Specialty Retail stores, and
in 2010 the Debtors closed 45 retail stores.
14, On January 19, 2011, Borders, Inc, sold its seasonal kiosk-based calendar
‘business operated as Day by Day Calendar Co. (the “Seasonal Business”) and certain related
records for approximately $9.1 million to Calendar Holdings LLC. The Debtors will retain all
revenue generated by, and be responsible for all costs associated with, the Seasonal Business
through February 28, 2011. As of the Commencement Date, all 416 Seasonal Business kiosks
hhave been shut down.
C. ‘The Debtors’ Debt
 
ructure
15. The Prepetition Revolver. The Debtors ate party to a certain Third Amended and
Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated March 31, 2010 (the “repetition Revolver Credit
Agreement” and, together with all related documents and agreements, the “Prepetition Revolver
Agreements”), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Prepetition Revolver
Agent”), and other lenders (collectively, the “Prepetition Revolver Lenders”), under which the
Prepetition Revolver Lenders committed to provide up to $970.5 million in loans under a secured
 
revolving credit facility (the “Prepetition Revolver”). Bank of America, N.A. and General
 
Electric Capital Corporation are the co-collateral agents, Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC and
General Electric Capital Corporation (*GECC”) are co-syndication agents and JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A. is the documentation agent for the Prepetition Revolver Agreement, ‘The PrepetitionRevolver Credit Agreement amended and restated a Second Amended and Restated
Multicurreney Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006.
16, The commitments of the Prepetition Revolver Lenders to provide the Prepetition
Revolver are divided into an existing tranche maturing on July 31, 2011 and an extended tranche
maturing on March 31, 2014. The total commitments of the Prepetition Revolver Lenders
aggregate $970.5 million through July 31, 2011, and $700 million through March 31, 2014. As
of the Petition Date, approximately $196.05 million was outstanding under the Prepetition
Revolver.
17. The Prepetition Revolver is secured by a first priority security interest in
substantially all of the inventory, accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents and certain
other collateral of the borrowers and guarantors under the Prepetition Revolver Agreements, a
first priority pledge of equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries, and a second priority
security interest in equity interests in certain other subsidiaries, intellectual property, equipment
and certain other property (collectively, the “Prepetition Collateral”).
18, repetition Term Loan Agreement. ‘The Debtors also entered into a Term Loan
Agreement, dated March 31, 2010 (the “Prepetition Term Loan Agreement” and, together with.
all related documents and agreements, the “Prepetition Term Loan Agreements”) with
GA Capital LLC, as administrative agent (together with the Prepetition Revolver Agent, the
“Prepetition Agents”), and other lenders (the “Prepetition Term Lenders” and, together with the
Prepetition Revolver Lenders, the “Prepetition Lenders”). Under the Prepetition Term Loan
‘Agreements, the Prepetition Term Lenders committed to provide a secured term loan facility (the
“Prepetition Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Prepetition Revolver, the “Prepetition
 
s”) comprised of an $80 million tranche and a $10 million tranche. At the Petition Date,approximately $48.6 million is outstanding under the $80 million tranche, which matures on
March 31, 2014. No amounts are outstanding under the $10 million tranche.
19, The Prepetition Term Loan Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest
in the Borders Group, Ine.’s ownership interests in certain subsidiaries, intellectual property
(subject to certain subordination provisions), and the fixed assets of the borrowers and guarantors
under the Prepetition Term Loan Faeility, and by a second priority security interest in all of the
other Prepetition Collateral.
20. Vendor Financing. Prior to December 2010, the Debtors relied on unsecured
vendor credit to finance approximately 44% of the Debtors’ inventory. As of the
‘Commencement Date, the Debtors owed approximately $303.2 million to vendors for inventory,
net of vendors in debit balances, In January 201 1, the Debtors generally paid cash on delivery
for inventory.
D. Relationship with Vendors
21. The Debiors are a retail operation and rely on their vendors, including book
publishers, and music and video distributors, for goods to maintain their business. The Debtors
purchase substantially all of their music and movie merchandise directly from distributors and
utilize their own distribution centers to ship approximately 95% of their music and movie
inventory to stores. In addition, the Debtors have a strategic partnership with Kobo, Inc.
(“Kobo”) to provide eBook produet to the Debtors’ Internet and mobile device customers.’ The
Debtors? Superstores also feature Kobo’s electronic reading device, among other available
devices. Approximately 90% of the Debtors" Superstores feature a café operated by the Debtors
 
>The Debtors also own approximately 19% of the equity interests in Kobo.under the “Scattle’s Best” tradename, where coffee, tea and other café goods purchased from
Seatile’s Best Coffe, LLC are sold.
22. Ingeneral, unsold books and magazines can be retumed to vendors at cost. The
Debtors’ Superstores and Specialty Retail stores retum books to the company’s centralized
returns center to be processed for return to the publishers. Generally, the Debtors can return
‘music and movie merchandise (o their vendors at cost plus an additional fee to cover handling
and processing costs.
23, As described below, prior to the Commencement Date, the Debtors initiated talks
‘with vendors for the purpose of restructuring certain obligations to them.
E, Customer Programs
24, As part of their efforts to build customer and store loyalty, the Debtors have
established several customer loyalty programs. Such programs include “Borders Rewards,” a
free program which allows holders of the Debtors’ rewards club cards to eam points or rewards
for each qualifying purchase, among other benefits, and “Borders Rewards Plus,” « paid program
where members can receive additional discounts and benefits. These programs have been very
popular with consumers and are @ hallmark of the Debtors’ brand. AAs of January 29, 2011,
approximately 42.4 million individuals and organizations were members of Borders Rewards and
Borders Rewards Plus. Since January 31, 2009, Borders Rewards and Borders Rewards Plus
have collectively added 12 million new members. In addition, the Debtors provide coupons and
other special discounts to their customers.
F, International Operations
25. As of the Commencement Date, the Debtors’ only operations outside of the
United States and Puerto Rico were pursuant to franchise agreements with companies not
affiliated with the Debtors, ‘The Debtors have agreements with (i) Berjaya Corporation BerhadBerjaya”), a publicly-listed diversified corporation headquartered in Malaysia, establishing a
franchise arrangement under which Berjaya operates stores in Malaysia bearing the Debtors”
tradename, and (ii) Al Maya Group (“ALMaya”), a diversified corporation headquartered in the
United Arab Emirates, establishing a franchise agreement under which Al Maya or its affiliates
operates stores in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries that
bear the Debtors" tradename.
26.  Onorabout July 12, 2010, the Debtors sold their interests in U.K.-based
Paperchase Products Limited (“Paperchase”), a designer and retailer of stationery, cards and
gifts, for approximately $31.2 million, which was used to pay down debt, including $25 million
under the Prepetition Term Loan Agreement, Paperchase display sections remain in a significant
number of the Debtors” stores pursuant to a services agreement with Paperchase entered into
concurrently with the Paperchase sale agreement, ‘The Debtors have no remaining active
operations in the U.K.
27. BGT currently has certain guaranty obligations remaining outstanding in
connecti
 
‘with its liquidated foreign operations in various jurisdictions in an aggregate amount
of up to approximately $109.3 million, without regard to periodic rent reviews that are provided
for in certain of the leases, which may inerease such obligations.
G. Intellectual Property
28. The Debtors own a number of valuable trademarks in conneetion with their
branding of stores and products, including Borders®, Borders Book Shop®, Borders Books &
Musie®, Borders Books Music Cafe®, Borders Books Music Movies Cafe®, Borders Express®,
Borders Outlet®, Borders Rewards®, and Waldenbooks®, among other marks, all of which are
registered trademarks used by the Debtors.H. Events Leading to the Bankruptcy Filing
29, A variety of extemal economic and competitive factors have led to a substantial
decline in the Debtors’ profitability and liquidity. Foremost among those extemal factors are the
economic factors which have led to a decline in consumer discretionary spending, and the rise of
competitive forees in the marketplace.
30. The U.S. book retailing business is a mature industry, and has experienced little or
no growth in recent years. Books represent the Debtors’ primary product category in terms of
sales, The Debtors, as well as all book, music and movie retailers, face commoditization in their
primary product categories and an extremely competitive marketplace (including both store-
based and online competitors), product formats that are evolving from physical formats to digital
formats, and the Debtors" loss of market share, These factors, among others, have contributed to
declines in the Debtors’ comparable store sales measures and sales per square foot measures over
the last several years, These declines have, in turn, negatively impacted profitability.
31. Web-based retailing has continued to inerease in market share as a distribution
method for physical book, music, and movie merchandise. In addition, the Internet has enabled
changes in the formats of many of the product categories the Debtors offer. Sales of music in the
physical compact dise and movies in the DVD format, for example, have declined over the past
several years, as consumers have increasingly turned to digital downloads of music and movies.
‘This trend, which is expected to continue, is also beginning to manifest itself in the book
category with the increasing popularity of electronic book readers, Although sales of electronic
books currently represent a small percentage of total book sales, they have been steadily
increasing and are expected to increase significantly over the next several yeurs. However, the
shift toward digital formats represents an opportunity for the Debtors as the company continues
10to strengthen web-based capabilities, both through Borders.com and through strategic
partnerships with Kobo and others.
32. The environment in which the Debiors’ retail outlets operate is intensely
competitive and includes not only Intemet-based retailers and book superstore operators, but also
mass merchants and other non-bookseller retailers. Because of this, the industry has experienced
significant price competition over the last several years, which has decreased gross margin
percentages
33. The Debtors” financial condition and results of operations also are dependent
upon discretionary spending by consumers, which has deteriorated significantly over the last
several years,
34. Notwithstanding these market conditions, the Debtors still have a sizeable core of
profitable stores, and have been preparing their operations to be competitive in the changing,
marketplace. However, in analyzing their cost structure, the Debtors have found that they also
have a number of stores which are simply unprofitable and are substantially impacting the
Debtors” overall performance and ability to pay their debts.
I. _ Prepetition Restructuring Negotiations
35. Asthe Debtors were facing market and liquidity pressures, they sought
cooperation from their primary creditor constituencies to reassess and manage their cost structure
and sought replacement financing in order to maintain their businesses and avoid a chapter 11
filing, Beginning in December 2010, the Debtors began discussions with various lending
 
institutions with respect to obtaining a new credit facility to replace the Prepetition Revolver
Credit Agreement and Prepetition Term Loan Agreement,
36, Also, in December 2010, the Debtors announced that due to liquidity issues they
‘would withhold payments to certain vendors and seek to restructure those obligations on a
uconsensual basis, In January 2011, the Debtors increased their holdback of vendor payments and
began to withhold payments to landlords as well. Prior to the Commencement Date,
approximately $178.8 million was past due to vendors, and approximately $18.6 million was past
due to landlords.
37. In connection with their efforts to restructure these past due amounts, the Debtors
entered into confidential
    
agreements with a number of substantial vendors and their
professional advisors. With the Debtors’ support and funding, many of these vendors retained
 
the law firm of Lowenstein Sandler PC as counsel and Alvarez & Marsal (“A&M”) as their
financial advisor to negotiate with the Debtors.
38. _ In January 2011, the Debtors began negotiations with certain of their landlords in
an attempt to obtain relief from their lease obligations. With the Debtors’ support and funding,
group of major landlords retained the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP as counsel and
A&M as their financial advisor to assist with the negotiations.
39, ‘Throughout January 2011, the Debtors negotiated with their vendors, landlords
 
and their respective professionals with respect to a potential out-of-court restructuring of their
debis, all of which was contingent upon the Debiors obtaining replacement financing for the
Revolver.
40. On January 27, 2011, the Debtors announced that they received a commitment
secured
 
from GE Capital, Restructuring Finance (“GE Capital”) to provide a $550 million sei
credit facility (the “GE Prepetition Commitment”) that would provide the Debtors sufficient
Siquidity to run their businesses. The GE Prepetition Commitment, however, required the
syndication of $175 million of the total commitment and required the Debtors to raise an
additional $125 million of junior capital. To secure this junior capital, the Debtors approachedboth third-party capital providers and trade vendors about investing fresh capital or converting
outstanding accounts payable into a junior note. Despite active discussions with numerous
vendors and third-parties, the Debtors were unable to obtain commitments for subordinate
financing to satisfy the requirements of the GE Prepetition Commitment within the required
timeframe. As a result, the Debtors could not obtain the necessary financing on an out-of-court
basis and tumed their attention to sourcing DIP financing.
 
41. The Debtors directed their financial advisor Jefferies & Company, Ine.
(“Jefferies”) to contact and obtain proposals from various sources of postpetition debtorin-
possession (“DIP”) financing fo fund the Debtors’ operations. Jefferies contacted 40 potential
debtor-in-possession financing providers, including 32 potential new lenders, 4 lenders under the
Prepetition Revolver Credit Agreement, and 4 lenders under the Prepetition Term Loan Facility,
‘Twenty-three of such parties executed confidentiality agreements with the Debtors. Jefferies
 
held multiple diligence calls with these potential lenders, created a dataroom to share
confidential information, and actively worked with these parties with the goal of obtaining the
best overall financing package for the Debtors.
42, When soliciting proposals from potential lenders, Jefferies asked all interested
parties to provide terms for: (i) first-lien DIP financing; Gi) second-lien DIP financing; or (iii) a
combination of both. The Debtors received two term sheets and commitment letters for first lien
DIP finaneing and three proposals for junior DIP facilities. These parties were the only lenders
who indicated a willingness to proceed with the requested financing in a manner that would meet
the time and business constraints of the Debtors. None of the potential lenders were willing to
provide financing in the form of unsecured credit allowable under section 503(b)(1), as an
Badministrative expense under section 364(a) or (b) of the Bankruptcy Code, or on a junior lien
basis under section 364(c).
43. One of the first lien DIP proposals that the Debtors received was ftom GE
Capital. The Debtors received the initial DIP proposal from GE Capital on January 28, 2011 that
 
provided for a fully committed $550 million senior secured debtor-in-possession credit facility
(the “GE DIP Commitment”) and, unlike the GE Prepetition Commitment, removed the
 
requirement that the Debtors obt
 
n $125 million in junior finaneing. While this proposal
included improved terms when compared to the GE Prepetition Commitment, the Debtors, with
the assistance of their financial and legal advisors, continued negotiating with GE Capital and
Bank of America (agent for the Prepetition Revolver Lenders) to secure more favorable terms.
In addition, as discussed below, this proposal did not have the consent of the Prepetition Term
Lenders
44, On February 9, 2011, after multiple discussions regarding potential improvements
to the GE Capital DIP Commitment, GE Capital provided a revised term sheet and commitment
documentation for a fully committed $450 million senior secured debtor-in-possession credit
facility. That proposal substantially addressed the post-petition liquidity needs of the Debtors
and was more favorable than any other proposal which the Debtors had received. The GE DIP
Commitment, however, contemplated financing that would be senior to the Prepetition Term
Lenders’ pre-Commencement Date loans and did not have the Prepetition Term Lenders’
consent, GE Capital advised the Debtors that it would not proceed with DIP financing without
their consent.
45, The Debtors continued to seek financing that would be satisfactory to the
Prepetition Term Lendlers, who are parties to an intercreditor agreement with the Prepetition
4Revolver Lenders, and who hold second liens on certain Prepetition Collateral. The Debtors and
GE Capital engaged in active discussions with GA Capital and other Prepetition Term Lenders
ona facility that would be satisfactory to all parties. After intensive, lengthy and arduous
negotiations between the Debtors, GE Capital, and GA Capital, all three parties were able to
agree on the terms of the $505 million DIP Loan, which are set forth in that certain term sheet,
dated February 14, 2011.
46. As described above, the Debtors have determined that certain unprofitable stores
need to be eliminated. The Debtors have also determined that to maximize the value of their
property at such locations, including inventory, fixtures and equipment, that such property must
be liquidated instead of being transferred to any of the Debtors" other locations. Accordingly,
and as more fully described below, the Debtors began discussions with experienced and
reputable liquidator(s), and began a bidding process which culminated with the selection of a
stalking horse bidder. The Debtors scheduled an auction to occur on the Commencement Date to
select a liquidator to conduct store closing sales. The Debtors and their advisors invited the
following groups to attend the Auetion (as defined herein): (a) Hilo (as defined herein), (b)
‘Tiger Capital, (c) SB Capital Group, (4) Great American Group LLC, (¢) Gordon Brothers Retail
Partners LLC, (f) GECC, the Debtors’ agent for the DIP Facility, (g) GA Capital, the Debtors’
agent for the Term B DIP Faci
 
, (h) Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, representing certain of the
 
Debtors* largest landlords, and (i) Lowenstein Sandler PC and Alvarez & Marsal, representing
certain of the Debtors’ publishers holding a substantial amount of the Debtors" prepetition trade
debts, Throughout this process the Debtors used every effort to keep their key constituents
informed regarding the store closure process.
1sJ Restructuring Goals
47, The Debtors enter these proceedings with the goal of restructuring their debts and
climinating burdensome costs that are negatively impacting what, at core, is a strong business.
[As described above, as the marketplace is changing, the Debtors are making strides to meet these
changes and to retum to profitability. However, to survive, the Debtors must address their costs,
including their store footprint, in order to continue to be viable. Accordingly, the Debtors have
worked with their advisors and stakeholders to attempt to identify and, with the Court's approval,
to liquidate, unprofitable stores and otherwise to revitalize core operations.
48. The Debtors’ post-Commencement Date operational strategy will focus on five
key areas:
(Continuing to expand and enhance the Borders Rewards Plus customer
program;
(i) Strengthening their position as a purveyor of content by aggressively
‘growing Borders.com and eBook market share;
(ii?) Expanding and enhancing the company's overall retail mix, including non-
book offerings, to improve profitability and offset the digital effect;
(iv) Aggressively reduce costs across the business, including costs in the
supply chain network and store portfolio; and
(v) — Onastand-alone basis and in conjunction with strategic partners, make
improvements at the store-level and in systems to enhance and
differentiate the customer experience.
49. The Debtors believe that implementation of this strategic plan provides the best
course for returning the Debtors to profitability, and provides the best value for their
stakeholders, Moreover, the Debtors expect to continue to provide the best options, convenience
and service for their loyal customers and will continually seek to develop new opportunities to
better serve customers. Through this restructuring, the Debtors will be in a better position to be
able to meet those goals.
16IL
SUMMARY OF FIRST DAY PLEADINGS®
50. Concurrent with the filing of the Petitions, the Debtors filed the following First
Day Motions, which we believe are necessary to enable the Debtors’ business to operate with
minimum of disruption and loss of productivity. The Debtors intend to seek entry of Court
orders approving each of the First Day Motions as soon as possible in accordance with the
Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the “Bankruptcy Rules”), and the
Local Bankruptey Rules.
A. Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to Fed. R. Bankr, P, 1015(b)
int Administration of Chapter 11 Cases
   
   
Pursuant to this motion (the “Joint Administration Motion”), the Debtors request
that the Court authorize and direct the joint administration of these chapter 11 cases and the
consolidation thereof for procedural purposes only.
52, The Debtors believe that many, if not all, of the motions, applications, and other
pleadings filed in these chapter 11 cases will relate to relief sought jointly by all of the Debtors,
For example, virtually all of the relief sought by the Debtors in the First Day Motions filed
contemporaneously with the Petitions and this Declaration is sought on behalf of all of the
Debtors, Joint administration of the Debtors’ chapter 11 eases, for procedural purposes only,
under a single docket entry, will also ease the administrative burdens on the Court by allowing
those chapter 11 eases to be administered as a single joint proceeding instead of eight
independent chapter 11 cases.
53, _Toint administration of these chapter 11 cases will create a centralized location for
the numerous documents that are likely to be filed and served in these cases by the Debtors,
 
‘All capitalized terms not defined in the following summary shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the
‘underlying motions.
7creditors, and parties in interest, and for all notices and orders entered by the Court. A single
docket will also make it easier for all parties in each of the chapter 11 cases to stay apprised of
all of the various matters before the Court, The Debtors will also likely realize substantial cost
savings and reduced administrative burdens by sending notices to a single matrix of creditors and
Rule 2002 list, rather than maintaining several separate notice lists.
54, For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that it is in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Joint Administration Motion,
B. Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a), 342(a), and 521(a)(1), Fed.
R. Bankr. P. 1007(a) and 2002(a), (d), (f), and (1), and Local Bankruptey Rule
1007-1 Requesting (1) a Waiver of the Requirements That Debtors File Lists of
Creditors and Equity Security Holders, and (11) Approval to File a Consolidated
List of the Debtors’ 30 Largest Unsecured Creditors, and (IIL) Approval of the
Form and Manner of Notifying Creditors of the Commencement of Debtors’
Chapter 11 Cases and the First Meeting of Creditors
55. By this motion (the “Creditor and Equity List Waiver Motion”), the Debtors
request a waiver of the requirement to file a list of creditors and equity security holders,
Contemporaneously herewith, the Debtors have filed a motion to retain and employ Garden City
Group as notice and claims processing agent (the “Notice and Claims Agent”) in these chapter
 
11 cases. As soon as practicable after entry of an order granting the requested waiver of the
requirement to file a list of ereditors, the Debtors will furnish their list of creditors to the Notice
and Claims Agent so that the Notice and Claims Agent may undertake the mailing of the Notice
of Commencement (as defined below) to the parties on the Debtors’ list of ereditors. Creditors
and equity security holders will be notified of the commencement of these cases through their
receipt of the Notice of Commencement.
56, Inaddition, the Debtors request approval of the proposed form providing notice of
the commencement of these chapter 11 cases (the “Notice of Commencement”) and the authority
18to have their Notice and Claims Agent undertake the mailing of the Notice of Commencement to
creditors. In addition to the mailing by the Notice and Claims Agent of the Notice of
Commencement, the Debtors propose to publish, as soon as practicable, the Notice of
Commencement: (j) once in the global edition of The Wall Street Journal and the national
edition of The New York Times, and (ii) on the website of the Debtors’ Notice and Claims Agent,
at www.gegine.com
57. Given that the Notice and Claims Agent will receive a list of creditors and equity
security holders and will use the list to furnish the Notice of Commencement to creditors and
equity security holders, filing ¢ list of creditors and equity security holders concurrently with the
petitions will serve no useful purpose.
58. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that itis in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and other all parties in interest in these
chapter 11 eases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Creditor and Equity List Waiver
Motion.
Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 521 and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 1007(c)
Requesting an Extension of the Time to File Schedules of Assets and
Liabilities, Schedules of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases,
1 Affairs
and Statements of Finan
 
 
 
59. By this motion (the “Schedules Extension Motion”), the Debtors request an
 
additional thirty (30) days to file their schedules of assets and liabilities, schedules of executory
contracts and unexpired leases, and statements of financial affairs (collectively the “Schedules
and Statements”), without prejudice to the Debtors’ ability to request additional time if
necessary. The requested extension would give the Debtors a total of forty-four (44) days from
 
the Commencement Date to file their Schedules and Statements.
1960. The Debtors’ management and employees have been working to compile the
information necessary to complete the Schedules and Statements, While the Debtors maintain
extensive books and records, completing the Schedules and Statements will require the
collection, analysis, and compilation of a massive amount of data, The Debtors are parties to
numerous contracts, leases, and licenses that must be assembled and reviewed as part of the
process of completing the Schedules and Statements. Meanwhile, the Debtors are experiencing
the considerable stresses of preparing for the filing of these chapter 11 cases, transitioning into
chapier 11, and the preexisting, ongoing responsibilities of operating their global business day-
to-day.
61. Thus, due to the number of the Debtors’ creditors, the size and complexity of the
Debtors” business, the diversity of their operations and assets, and the limited staffing available
to gather, process and complete the Schedules and Statements, I do not believe the fourteen days:
provided by Bankruptcy Rule 1007(c) will be sufficient to complete the Schedules and
Statements, Granting the Debtors additional time to collect the data needed to prepare and file
the Schedules and Statemenis will greatly enhance their accuracy.
62. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that it isin the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Schedules Extension Motion.
D. Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a), 345(b), 363(b), 363(¢), and 364(a)
and Fed. R, Bankr. P. 6003 and 6004 Requesting (1) Authority to (A) Continue to
Operate the Debtors’ Cash Management System, (B) Honor Certain Prepetition
Obligations on Account of Service Charges Related thereto, (C) Maintain Existing
Bank Accounts and Business Forms; (D) Maintain the Ability to Use Debit, Wire
and ACH Payments, and (E) Honor the Use of Certain Corporate Credit Cards, and
(11) an Extension of Time to Comply with Section 345(b) of the Bankruptcy Code
 
63. By this motion (the “Cash Management Motion”), pursuant to sections 105(a),
345(b), 363(b), 363(c), and 364(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptey Rules 6003 and
206004, the Debtors request: (i) authority to (a) continue to operate the cash management system
(the “Cash Management System”), as described more fully in the Cash Management Motion,
consistent with their prepetition practices; (b) honor certain prepetition obligations on account of
 
er
 
Charges (as defined in the Cash Management Motion) related to the Cash Management
 
System; (c) maintain existing bank accounts and business forms, (D) maintain the ability to use
debit, wire and ACH payments, and (E) honor the use of certain corporate credit cards; and (ii)
an extension of time to comply with section 345(b) of the Bankruptey Code.
64, The Cash Management System constitutes an ordinary course and essential
business practice providing significant benelits to the Debtors, including, among other things, the
ability to: (i) control corporate funds; (fi) ensure the maximum availability of funds when and
where necessary; and (iii) reduce administrative expenses by facilitating the movement of funds
and the development of more timely and accurate account balance information.
63, Asapractical matter, because the Debtors transact business through distinct
distribution channels that generate revenue from customer sales, it would be extremely difficult
and expensive to establish and maintain a different cash management system. ‘The Debtors,
therefore, request that the Court authorize continuation of the existing Cash Management System
afler the Commencement Date, The existing Cash Management System is the most efficient and
cost-effective mechanism for managing the Debtors’ receipts and disbursements.
66.  Forthe foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that itis in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and ereditors, and other all parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Cash Management Motion.
 
21E. Debtors’ Motion for Entry of Interim and Final Orders Pursuant fo 11 U.S.C.
§§ 105, 361, 362, 363, 364 and 507 (1) Approving Postpetition Financing,
(2) Authorizing Use of Cash Collateral, (3) Granting Liens and Providing
Superpriority Administrative Expense Status, (4) Granting Adequate Protection,
Modifving Automatic Stay, and (6) Scheduling a Final Hearing
67. Byt
 
s motion (the “DIP Motion”), the Debtors request entry of interim and final
onders (collectively, the “DIP Orders”) authorizing the Debtors to: (i) obtain senior secured,
superpriority, postpetition finaneing in the form of a first lien new money superpriority priming,
credit facility with a maximum outstanding prineipal amount of up to $505,000,000 (the “DIP
Loan”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Senior Secured, Super-Priority
Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement (as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated,
or otherwise modified from time to time, the “DIP Credit Agreement”) by and between BGI and
Borders, Ine, (together with BGT, the “Borrowers”, and all direct and indirect subsidiaries of the
Borrowers as guarantors (the “Guarantors”, and together with the Borrowers, the “Credit
Parties”), GE Capital Markets, Inc., as working capital lead arranger (in such capacity, the
“Working Capital Lead Arranges”), GEC, as administrative agent for the revolver lenders (in
such capacity, the “Working Capital Agent”) and GA Capital, LLC (in such capacity, the “Term
B.Agent” and, together with the Working Capital Agent, the “DIP Agents”) for the term lenders
party to the DIP Credit Agreement (each revolver lender and each term lender, individually a
“DIP Lender” and, collectively, including the DIP Agents, the “DIP Lenders”); (i) execute and
deliver the DIP Credit Agreement and all other documents and agreements related to the DIP
Loan (collectively, the “DIP Loan Documents”); (iii) use proceeds from the DIP Loan and Cash
 
Collateral for the purpose of (1) providing the Debtors’ working capital and other corporate
nceds during the pendency of these chapter 11 cases, (2) paying fees and expenses of the
professionals retained by the Debtors, any statutory committee appointed in these chapter 11
cases (any such committee, a “Statutory Committee”), the DIP Lenders and the DIP Agents, (3)
2paying amounts owing to the DIP Lenders and the DIP Agents, and (4) refinancing the
 
 
Prepetition Facilities, in each case, subject to the Budget’ and subject to the financial covenants,
terms, conditions, and limitations set forth in the DIP Loan Documents and the DIP Orders; and
 
(iv) grant to the DIP Agents, for the benefit of the DIP Lenders, a security interest in, and vali
 
enforceable, non-avoidable and automatically fully perfected liens on and in, the now existing or
after-acquired DIP Collateral (with the priority set forth in the DIP Orders) to secure all
obligations and indebtedness arising under or in respect of the DIP Loan, the DIP Loan
Documents and the DIP Orders, The security interests securing the DIP Loan shall have priority
over any and all security interests of any creditor that are junior to the Prepetition Facilities.
68. The DIP Motion further requests entry of interim and final orders: (i) authorizing
the Borrower, on an interim basis, to borrow from the DIP Lenders up to a maximum outstanding
principal amount of $40,000,000 of the DIP Loan for the purposes set forth in section (a)(ii)
and in the DIP Orders and the DIP Loan Documents; (ii) authorizing the Guarantors to guaranty
the DIP Obligations to be secured by the interests referred to in section (aY(iv) above; (ii)
granting to the DIP Agents and the DIP Lenders superpriority administrative expense claims in
cach of these chapter 11 cases with respect to the DIP Obligations, subject to the Carve-Out; (iv)
providing adequate protection (the “Adequate Protection”) to the Prepetition Agents and the
Prepetition Lenders; (v) modifying the automatic stay imposed by section 362 of the Bankruptcy
Code to the extent necessary to implement and effectuate the terms of the DIP Loan Documents
and the DIP Orders; and (vi) scheduling a final hearing to consider the relief requested herein on
a final basis.
 
Capitalized terms used but not defined have the meanings given to them in the Interim Order.
2369, Material provisions of the DIP Credit Agreement are set out in the DIP Motion
pursuant to, and in accordance with, Bankruptey Rule 4001(c)(1)(B)()-(xi) (relating to obtaining
credit), Bankruptey Rule 4001 (b)(1)(B)(i)-(iv) (relating to the use of cash collateral), and Local
Rule 4001-2(a)-(i) (relating to the use of cash collateral and obtaining credit).
70, Asset forth above and in the DIP Motion and the Declaration of Richard Klein
filed in support of the DIP Motion, the DIP Loan is the product of hard fought, good faith
negotiations. Approval of the DIP Credit Agreement will provide the Debtors with immediate
and ongoing access to borrowing availability to pay their current and ongoing operating
expenses, inchiding posipetition wages and salaries, vendor obligations, and other operational
costs (such as rent and utilities), Unless these expenditures are made, the Debtors could be
forced to cease operations, which would immediately frustrate the Debtors’ ability to reorganize.
Moreover, the implementation of the DIP Loan will be viewed favorably by the Debtors”
employees, customers, and vendors, thereby promoting a successful reorganization.
71. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that it is in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and other all parties in interest in these
chapter 11 eases that the Court grant the relief requested in the DIP Motion.
F. Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 103(a), 363(b), and 503(b)
and Fed. R, Bankr. P, 4001, 6003, and 6004 for (1) Authority to (A) Continue
the Debtors’ Insurance Programs and (B) Pay All Obligations in Respect
‘Thercof, and (11) to Direct Financial Institutions to Honor and Process
Cheeks und Transfers Related (o Such Insurance Obligation:
 
72. By this motion (the “Insuranee Motion’
 
|, the Debtors request authority to (i)
continue their insurance policies that provide coverage for, among other things, general liability,
automobile liability, property damage, earthquake damage, directors’ and officers’ liability,
comtercial crime, fiduciary liability, media liability and cyber liability (the “Insurance
Policies”) on an uninterrupted basis in accordance with the same practices and procedures in
24effect prior to the Commencement Date, and to renew their Insurance Policies or obtain
replacement coverage, as needed in the ordinary course of business, without further Court
approval, and (ii) pay, in their sole discretion, all undisputed premiums, claims, deductibles,
administrative fees, broker fees, and other obligations relating to the Insurance Policies, as
applicable, that were or are due and payable, and relate to the period before or after the
Commencement Date (collectively, the “Insurance Obligations”).
73, The Debtors further request that the Court direct and authorize their banks and
financial institutions (collectively, “Banks") to receive, honor, process, and pay, to the extent
funds are available in the Debtors” accounts, any and all checks drawn, or electronic fund
transfers requested or to be requested, on the Debtors’ general disbursement accounts to the
extent that such checks or electronic fund transfers relate to any of the Insurance Obligations.
‘The Debtors also request permission to issue new postpetition checks or effect new electronic
fund iransfers with respect to the Insurance Obligations to replace any prepetition checks or
electronic fund transfers that may be dishonored or rejected.
74. The Debtors have financed certain insurance premiums through Premium.
 
Financing Arrangements (“PEAS”) with third-party lenders. To reduce the administrative
burden, as well as the expense of operating as debtors in possession, the Debtors seek the Court's
authority to enter into postpetition PFAs without further Court approval, during the pendency of
these chapter 11 cases. Due to the importance of continuing insurance coverage with respect to
the Debiors’ business activities as well as preserving the Debtors’ liquidity by potentially
financing the insurance premiums through PFAs, the Debtors believe it isin the best interests of
their estates to enter into postpetition PFAS as they deem, within their business judgment, to be
necessary.75, The nature of the Debtors” business and the extent of their operations make it
essential to maintain the Insurance Policies on an ongoing and uninterrupted basis. If the
Debtors fail to pay the Insurance Obligations, the insurance carriers may seek to terminate the
existing Insurance Policies, or they may decline to renew the programs or refuse to insure the
Debtors in the future, Absent adequate insurance coverage, the Debiors could, among other
things, be exposed to substantial lability for damages to persons and/or their property.
76. — Lastly, the Debtors are required by law and the operating guidelines of the Office
of the United States Trustee to maintain certain of the Insurance Policies, including workers"
‘compensation, general liability, and casualty insurance, Accordingly, the continuation of the
Insurance Policies and payment of all prepetition and post-petition Insurance Obligations are
essential to preserve the Debtors” business and the value of these estates for all creditors,
77. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and 1 agree, that itis in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and other all parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Insurance Motion,
G. Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a), 363(b), and 507 and Fed. R.
Bankr. P. 6003 and 6004 For Authorization to (1) Pay Certain Employee Obligations
and Maintain and Continue Employee Benefits and Programs, and (11) For Banks
to Honor and Process Checks and Transfers Related to Such Obligations
78. By this motion (the “Employee Wage Motion”), pursuant to sections 105(a),
363(b), and 507 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptey Rules 6003 and 6004, the Debtors
request that the Court: (i) authorize the Debtors to (a) pay, in their sole discretion, all obli
 
incurred under or related to Compensation Obligations, Payroll Tax Obligations, Gamishment
Obligations, Supplemental Workforce Obligations, Independent Contractor Obligations,
‘Business Expenses, Incentive Obligations, Severance Payments, and Employee Benefit
Obligations (each as defined in the Employee Wage Motion, and collectively, the “Employee
26Obligations”) and all fees and costs incident to the foregoing, including amounts owed to thind-
party administrators, and (b) maintain and continue to honor and pay all amounts with respect to
their practices, programs, and policies for their employees as they were in effect as of the
Commencement Date, and as such may be modified, amended, or supplemented from time to
time in the ordinary course of business: and (ii) authorize and direct applicable banks and
‘financial institutions at which the Debtors maintain disbursement and other accounts, at the
Debtors’ instruction, to reeeive, honor, process, and pay, to the extent of funds on deposit, any
and all checks or electronic funds transfers to the extent that such checks or transfers relate to
any of the Employee Obligations. As of the Commencement Date, to the best of the Debtors”
understanding, only one employee is owed more than $11,725 in accrued and unpaid prepetition
wages or salaries,* excluding outstanding and uncashed payroll checks.
79. The Debtors seek this authority to minimize the personal hardship that their
employees would suffer if the Employee Obligations were not paid when due and to maintain the
morale and dedication of their essential workforce at this critical time.
80. The Debtors believe, and I agree, that if the relief requested in the Employee
Wage Motion is not granted, the employees, supplemental workers, and independent contractors
would suffer undue hardship and, in many instances, financial difficulties, since these monies are
 
needed to enable them to meet their personal obligations. In addition, without the requested
relief, the Debtors’ stability would be substantially undermined by the potential threat that
otherwise loyal employees, supplemental workers and independent contractors at all levels
‘would seek other employment,
 
* The Debtors” Chief Executive Officer may be owed an amount in excess of $11,725 in acerued and unpaid
propetition wages or salaries. AC this time, the Debtors do not seck authority to pay any amounts in excess of
$11,725 with respect thereto.81, _ For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that it is in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other parties in interest in these
chapter 11 eases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Employee Wage Motion.
H. Debtors? Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a), 363(b), 507(a)(8),
and 541 and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 6003 and 6004 Requesting
Authority to Pay Prepeti s and Assessments
82. By this motion (the
 
:x Motion”), pursuant to sections 363(0), 507(a}(8), 541,
and 105(a) of the Bankruptey Code, the Debtors request entry of an order (i) authorizing, but not
directing, the Debtors to pay, in their sole discretion, all prepetition taxes determined to be owed
or assessed including: Sales Taxes; Use Taxes; Import Taxes; Franchise and Income Taxes; Real
and Personal Property Taxes; Business License Assessments; Annual Report Taxes. and any
penalties and interest thereon (each as defined below and collectively, the “Taxes and
 
‘Assessments”) to various state and local taxing authorities (or, with respect to Import Taxes, to
 
ULS. Customs and Border Protection), including those obligations subsequently determined upon
audit to be owed during the administration of the chapter 11 cases, as and when they become
due, and those obligations due and owing to third party administrators in connection therewith,
and to continue such payments to third-party administrators in the ordinary course of business,
83. Payment of the prepetition Taxes and Assessments is critical to the Debtors’
continued, uninterrupted operations. Nonpayment of these obligations may cause taxing
authorities to take precipitous action, including, but not limited to, filing liens, preventing the
Debtors from conducting business in the applicable jurisdictions, seeking to lift the automatic
stay, and imposing personal liability on the Debtors’ officers and directors, all of which would
dlisrupt the Debtors’ day-to-day operations and could potentially impose significant costs on
these estates.
2884, The authority to pay the taxing authorities in accordance with the Debtors’
prepetition business practices will enable the Debtors to continue to operate their business in
chapter 11 without disruption, Accordingly, for the foregoing reasons, the Debtors’ believe, and
agree, that it is in the best interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other
pparties in interest in these chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Tax
Motion.
1. _ Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a), 362(a)(3) and 541
Requesting Approval of (1) Certain Proposed Notification Procedures and
(1) Restrictions on Certain Transfers of Claims and Equity Interests Effective
Nune Pro Tunc to the Commencement Date
85. By this motion (the “NOL Motion”), the Debtors request, pursuant to sections
105(a), 362(a)(3) and 541 of the Bankruptcy Code, that the Court establish procedures to protect
the potential value of their net operating tax loss carryforward amounts (“NOLs”), potential net
‘unrealized built-in losses in their assets (the “Built-in Losses”), capital loss carryforwards (the
“Capital Loss Carryforwards”), and certain other tax and business credits (the “Tax Credits,” and
 
together with the NOLs, the Builtsin Losses, and the Capital Loss Carryforwards, the “Tax
Attributes”), The proposed procedures are designed to (i) impose restrictions and notification
procedures to ensure the Debtors receive the full benefits of the automatic stay, and (ii) notify
holders of the stock of BGI (“Borders Stock”), and holders of claims against the Debtors
(“Claims”), of the injunction by making available to all holders of Borders Stock and/or Claims
(a) an interim procedures notice to be effective mune pro tune to the date the NOI, Motion was
filed, and (b) a final procedures notice.
86, ‘The Debtors believe, and I agree, that the proposed procedures are necessary to
preserve the ability of the Debtors to use the Tax Attributes, which are valuable assets of these
 
estates, while providing latitude for trading in interests and claims below specified levels. TheDebtors’ ability to preserve the Tax Attributes may be seriously jeopardized unless such
postpetition procedures are established to ensure that trading in certain interests in and claims
against the Debtors are either precluded or elosely monitored and made subject to Court
approval, However, the Debtors recognize that some trading in Borders Stock and Claims may
not, under certain circumstances, pose # serious risk to the ‘Tax Attributes, and thus, (i) the relief
requested is narrowly tailored to permit certain trading to continue, and (ji) the Debtors preserve
the ability to waive, in writing, in appropriate circumstances, any and all restrictions, stays, and
notification procedures contained in the NOL Motion,
 
87. _ For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that it is in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the NOL Motion.
J. Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a) and $03(b)(1) for
Authorization to Honor Certain Prepetition Customer Programs.
 
88, By this motion (the “Customer Programs Motion”), the Debtors request authority
to continue their Customer Programs (as defined below) in the ordinary course of business and to
perform and honor their prepetition obligations thereunder without disruption. Prior to the
‘Commencement Date, both in the ordinary course of business and as is customary in the retail
industry, the Debtors engaged in certain activities to develop and sustain a positive reputation
with the consumers to whom they market their products. In connection with these activities, the
 
Debtors maintain various customer programs and policies (collectively, the “Customer
Programs”) designed to ensure customer satisfaction, promote sales growth, meet competitive
pressures, develop and sustain customer loyalty, improve profitability, and generate goodwill for
the Debtors’ brand, thereby retaining current customers and attracting new ones, with the
ultimate goal of enhancing net income.
3089, The Customer Programs inelude: (i) the “Borders Rewards” and “Borders
Rewards Plus” customer loyalty programs (approximately $7,959,000 in “Borders Bucks,” i..,
“rewards” of merchandise credit were issued for January 2011, of which $5,253,384 was not
redeemed and expired at the end of the day on January 31, 2011); (i) gift eards (with an
aggregate amount outstanding of approximately $275,045,213 as of January 29,2011, but of
which the Debtors expect only approximately $113,141,505 to be redeemed, given past
redemption rates); (ii) retun policies; (iv) credit card processing agreements; (v) employee
shopping discounts of 33%, plus complimentary membership in Borders Rewards Plus for
employees that complete such training, as well as discounts at the Debtors’ airport stores to
ainport employees and military personnel; (vi) quantity discounts of 10-20%, depending on how
many copies of a single title customers purchase; (vii) educator discounts of 25% on products for
classroom use for the approximately $10,000 educators that hold discount cards; (viii) business
and educator services discounts of 25% at the Debtors’ Borders branded outlets for individual
and organizational members of the Business and Edueator Services Program with deferred
billing aecounts or discount cards; and (ix) coupons and promotional codes.
90. The continuity, viability, and revitalization of the Debtors’ business as well as
their brand as one of the leading retail providers of media merchandise, are dependent upon the
development and maintenance of the loyalty of their customers. It is essential that the Debtors
be permitted to continue their Customer Programs and honor their prepetition obligations
thereunder. If the Debtors are unable to do so, their operations and brand will be irreparably
harmed by the loss of certain of their customers to the Debtors’ competitors. Certain of the
 
Debtors’ competitors maintain customer programs that are similar, if not identical, to certain of
 
those offered by the Debtors. Therefore, the Debtors" inability to honor their Customer
31Programs would place them at a severe disadvantage relative to these competitors, and would be
very detrimental to the Debtors’ reorganization efforts.
91. Considering the potential for loss of competitiveness absent the relief requested
herein, and the resulting impact on the Debtors’ business, authorization to continue the Customer
Programs in the ordinary course of business and to perform and honor the Debtors’ prepetition
obligations thereunder, as deemed appropriate in the Debtors’ business judgment, is essential to a
seamless transition into chapter 11,
92. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that it is in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Customer Programs Motion.
K. _ Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a) and 363 Requesting (1) Authority to Pay
Certain Prepetition Claims of Distribution Network Vendors and Other Lien
Claimants, and (11) Direction of Banks and Other Financial Institutions
to Honor Related Cheeks and Electronic Payment Requests
  
93. By this motion (the “Distribution Network Vendor Motion”), pursuant to sections
 
105(a) and 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors request authority to pay outstanding
prepetition Distribution Network Vendor Claims (defined below). In addition, the Debtors
request authority, but not direction, to pay certain miscellaneous lien claims, including, but not
limited to, mechanics’ liens and materialmans’ liens (the “Miscellaneous Lien Claims”), on a
 
case-by-case basis and at the Debtors” sole discretion, that either have resulted or reasonably
could result in a lien being asserted against the Debtors" property. The Debtors also seek
‘authority from the Court to pay Interstate Freight (employed by the Debtors to help aggregate
and manage payments related to the Debtors’ Distribution Network Vendors) all prepetition
accrued but unpaid service and administrative fees and to continue such payments to Interstate
Freight in the ordinary course of the Debtors’ business. The Debtors further request that thisCourt authorize and direct all banks and other financial institutions (each a “Bank” and
collectively, the “Banks”) on which checks are drawn or electronic funds are transferred with,
respect to Distribution Network Vendor Claims (defined below) or Miscellaneous Lien Claims to
receive, process, honor, and pay, to the extent of funds on deposit, any and all such checks or
electronic transfers, whether such checks or transfers were issued before or after the
Commencement Date, upon the receipt by each Bank of such notice of authorization without
farther order of the Court,
94. An integral component of the Debtors’ retail operations is the efficient flow of
inventory (the “Retail Inventory”) to the Debtors’ distribution centers, stores and customers,
‘Accordingly, the Debtors rely heavily on numerous common carriers, movers, shippers,
warehousemen, customs brokers and certain other third-party vendors and service providers
(collectively, the “Distribution Network Vendors”) to ship, transport, store, move through
 
customs and deliver inventory through established international distribution networks. ‘The
Distribution Network Vendors maintain possession of books and other inventory vital to the
Debtors’ operations. As of the Commencement Date, many of the Distribution Network
Vendors had claims for storage, transportation and related services previously provided to the
Debtors (collectively, with any related taxes and custom duties, the “Distribution Network
 
‘Vendor Claims”).
95, Ifthe Distribution Network Vendors and Miscellaneous Lien claimants (the
“Miscellaneous Lien Claimants”) are not paid by the Debtors, the Debtors believe the Retail
Inventory held by the Distribution Network Vendors and Miscellaneous Lien Claimants may be
subject to possessory liens under applicable state law. Moreover, itis essential that the Debtors
be permitted immediately to pay the Distribution Network Vendor Claims to insure that the flowof books and inventory throughout the Debtors’ distribution network (including inventory being
delivered from the Debtors to their customers) remains constant, timely and efficient. Should the
Debiors’ flow of inventory be interrupted for even a brief time, the Debtors could suffer
disruption of their business at multiple locations, with a corresponding loss of customer
confidence. ‘The Debtors cannot afford any material disruption of their business operations or
present anything less than a “business as usual” appearance to the public.
96. Payment of the Distribution Network Vendor Claims is not simply necessary for
the continued operations of the Debtors, but critical to the survival of the Debtors” business. The
sale of the Retail Inventory - especially the new releases, which are the lifeblood of the Debtors’
 
operations -- depend upon the Debtors’ ability to receive the Retail Inventory in a timely fashion.
 
Moreover, the Debtors believe in their sound business judgment that continuation of their
positive relationship with the Distribution Network Vendors and Miscellaneous Lien Claimants
is imperative to their continued operations and greatly increases the likelihood of a successful
reorganization,
is in the best
 
97. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and agree, that it
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and other all parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Distribution Network Vendor
Motion,
L. Debtors’ Omnibus Motion Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 365(a) and 554(a) and
Fed, R. Bankr. P. 6006, 6007 and 9014 For Approval of Rejection of Certain
dential Real Property and Authorization to
   
98. By this Motion (the “Lease Motion”), the Debtors request that, pursuant to
 
sections 365(a) and $54(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules 6006, 6007 and 9014,
the Court (i) approve the Debtors’ rejection of four (4) unexpired leases of nonresidential real
34property (each, a “Lease,” and collectively, the “Leases
 
|, effective as of the Commencement
Date, and (ii) authorize the Debtors to abandon certain equipment, fixtures, furniture or other
personal property (the “Personal Property”) located in the premises associated with the rejected
Leases (the “Leased Premises”),
99, The Debtors believe, and I agree, that because the Debtors no longer maintain
operational retail stores or distribution center at the Leased Premises, continued compliance with
the terms of the Leases would be burdensome and would provide no corresponding benefit to the
Debtors or the stakeholders in these chapter 11 cases. In addition to the Debtors’ obligation to
pay rent, the Debtors also are obligated to pay for certain utilities, insurance and other related
charges associated with the Leases. However, the landlords are not subject to any uncertainty
regarding the Debtors’ intent with respect to the Leases, due to these prepetition store and
distribution center closures and the Debtors’ vacation of the Leased Premises. Moreover, the
landlords will not be unduly prejudiced if the rejection is deemed effective as of the
Commencement Date because they will receive notice of the Lease Rejection Motion and have
suflicient opportunity to act accordingly, and will be relieved of their owm obligations under the
Leases.
100. Furthermore, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that any Personal Property
abandoned to the landlords of the Leased Premises is of inconsequential value or benefit to the
Debtors’ estates and/or burdensome, Because the Debtors have closed the store and distribution
center locations at the Leased Premises, the Personal Property no longer is necessary for their
business operations
35101. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors have determined, and I agree, that it is in
the best interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other parties in interest in
these chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Lease Rejection Motion,
M. Debtors’ Emergency Motion for Entry of Order (I) Authorizing the Debtors to Sell
Certain Assets Through Store Closing Sales and to Enter Into Agency Agreement
with (A) Joint Venture Composed of Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC, SB Capital
Group, LLC, and Tiger Capital Group, LLC or (B) Other Successful Bidder at the
‘Auction, (II) Approving Stalking Horse Protections, (III) Authorizing Debtors to
‘Abandon Unsold Property, (LV) Waiving Compliance With Contractual Store
Closing Sale Restrictions, (V) Exempting (A) State and Local “Fast Pay” Laws and
(B) Laws Restricting Store Closing Sales, and (VI) Granting Related Relief
 
102, By this motion (the “Store Closing Sales Motion”), the Debtors seek an order ()
authorizing the Debtors to sell certain assets, consisting of Merchandise and Owned Furniture,
Fixtures and Equipment located at approximately 200 of their stores (the “Closing Stores”) and,
at the Debtors’ option, up to 75 other stores, through store closing sales (the “SCSs"), free and
 
cleat of all liens, claims or encumbrances and to enter info an Agency Agreement in substantially
the form annexed to the Store Closing Sales Motion as Exhibit B, with a joint venture composed
 
of Hilco Mercbant Resources, LLC, SB Capital Group, LLC and Tiger Capital Group, LLC (the
“Stalking Horse Bidder”), or alternatively with the successful bidder at the Auction (the
“Suocessful Bidder”), (ii) approving stalking horse protections in connection with the Debtors’
auction (the “Auction”) to select a liquidator to conduct the SCSs, (iii) authorizing Debtors to
 
abandon certain unsold Merchandise and Owned FF&E after conclusion of the SCSs, (iv)
waiving compliance with provisions in the Debtors’ agreements restricting store closing sales,
(v) exempting the Debtors from state and local rules, statutes or ordinances restricting store
 
ng sales and from state “fast pay” laws and regulations, and (vi) granting related relief.
 
103. Historically, the Debtors, in the ordinary course of their business, have
continually reviewed their store portfolio to close underperforming or otherwise unprofitable
36stores. The Debtors have endeavored to renegotiate leases and obtain landlord concessions
wherever possible, and particularly in their least profitable stores, Where the Debtors eannot
obtain necessary rent concessions at unprofitable stores, or if a lease expired on its own terms
‘and the landlord desired to retake the premises, the Debtors have regularly closed stores and
conducted closing sales for the efficient self-liquidation of inventory and FF&E.
104. In some instances, when conducting such closing sales, the Debtors have retained
liquidation firms to consult and advise the Debtors regarding the liquidation process. For
example, in late 2010, the Debtors retained Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC (“Hileo”) to consult
‘with respect to several store closing sales, Currently, Hilco acts as consultant with respect to 19
closing sales the Debtors commenced pre-petition, In this regard, condueting store closing sales
swith the assistance of liquidators (and in particular Hileo) is part of the Debtors’ ordinary course
operations.
105. Prior to the Commencement Date, the Debtors, in consultation with their advisors
and their key constituents, concluded that it was in the best interests of the Debtors and their
stakeholders to close and liquidate the inventory at the Closing Stores because those stores could
Indeed, the Debtors
 
not sustain continued operations and were not saleable as going concerns
incur significant losses at these stores. The Debtors, with input from financial advisors,
determined that SCSs conducted by one or more experienced and reputable liquidator(s) would
achieve the maximum values for the assets located in the Closing Stores and would minimize
administrative expenses. Indeed, given the breadth of the SCSs, it would be impossible for the
Debtors to self-administer the SCSs without outside liquidator assistance, Prior to the
Commencement Date, the Debtors and their advisors engaged in a strategic process to solicit
bids to select the stalking horse and conduet the SCSs.
7106, On February
 
2011, the Debtors, through their then advisors at FTI Consulting,
Tne. (“FID), began contacting the nations’ largest liquidation firms to gauge interest in a process
to solicit bids for SCSs. At that time, the Debtors’ advisors informally contacted representatives
of each of those liquidation firms and learned shortly thereafter ~ as is customary of transactions
of this size ~ that the nation’s largest liquidator firms would form two groups for purposes of
bidding on the SCSs. One group consists of Great American Group LLC and Gordon Brothers
Retail Partners LLC (collectively, the “GB Group”) and the other consists of Hileo Trading LLC,
‘Tiger Capital, and SB Capital Group (collectively, the “Hileo Group”). Based on those
discussions, and the small universe of liquidation firms that could handle a liquidation of this
size and breadth, the Debtors’ advisors concluded that a quick solicitation process would provide
optimal retums, while ensuring adequate notice to all possible participants,
107. On February 7, 2011, the Debtors through FTI transmitted bid solicitation
packages (the “Bid Solicitation Packages”) containing: (a) a form non-disclosure agreement, and
 
     
(b) a bid solicitation letter (the “Bid Solicitation Letter”) informing the parties of the Debtors”
{intentions to conduct SCSs and setting forth clear procedures for parties to request more
information and to submit bids, ‘The Bid Solicitation Letter specifically instructed interested
parties to complete the non-disclosure agreement, at which time the parties would be provided
diligence materials and a draft form agency agreement, The Bid Solicitation Packages were
transmitted to the GB Group and the Hileo Group.
108, On February 8 and 9, 2011, the entities in the GB Group and the Hileo Group
signed non-disclosure agreements, Also on February 8, 2011, the Debtors’ advisors provided
each of those parties copies of a draft form agency agreement and began providing them
diligence materials, including (a) detailed information regarding the Closing Stores including, asto cach Closing Store: (j) the address, (ii) a schedule of Occupancy Expenses to be paid by the
liquidators, (ii) 2010 P&Ls, (iv) historical weekly sales by SKU, and (v) inventory by SKU; (b)
‘a summary of the Debtors’ perpetual inventory; (¢) promotional calendars for the first and
second quarters of 2011; (d) a detailed listing of certain inventory contained in the Debtors?
distribution center to be ineluded in the sale; and (¢) employee manuals and benefits plan
summary (collectively, the “Diligence Information”).
109. On February 9, 2011, the Debtors retained AP Services to provide restructuring
advisory services. Upon retaining AP Services, the Debtors asked AP Services to undertake
various tasks with respect to the Debtors” preparation for bankruptcy filing and to assume certain
tasks previously assigned to PTI, including soliciting and negotiating bids for the SCSs,
110. On February 10, 2011, FTI began transitioning its work concerning the store
closing sale process to AP Services. Both firms, along with management (the same individuals
of which have been involved with the process throughout) and counsel, held a call that day to
provide an information download, identify tasks and responsible parties, and discuss outstanding
diligence requests from potential bidders. ‘Thereafter, the AP Services team headed by Holly
  
Etlin, coordinated the process to solicit and negotiate bids to conduct the SCS. See Declaration
of Holly Felder Etlin In Support of Store Closing Sale Motion, filed with the Store Closing Sales
Motion.
111. Oa February 13, 2011, the Debtors, in consultation with their advisors considered
the two bids received from the Hilco Group and the GB Group, including the marked-up agency
agreements sent by both. Compared to the GB Group's bid, the Hileo Group's bid provides
higher guaranty percentage. In addition, the Hileo Group's terms on inventory thresholds, cost-
to-retail adjustments and expense reimbursement are more favorable to the Debtors, decreusing
39the Debtors’ potential exposure to excess expenses or inventory adjustments. As such, the
Debtors selected the Hileo Group's bid as the Stalking Horse Bid (which would still be subject to
further testing at the Auction). The Debtors’ advisors then worked with the Hileo Group and its
professionals to revise the draft form agency agreement, which resulted in the Agency
‘Agreement executed by the Debtors on February 16, 2011 and which is subject to Court approval
and an additional auction process.
112, To ensure that the Hilco Group’s bid was the highest and best offer, the Debtors
scheduled the Auction to occur on the Commencement Date to select a liquidator to conduct
store closing sales. The Debtors and their advisors invited the following groups to attend the
auction: (a) Hilco, (b) Tiger Capital, (¢) SB Capital Group, (d) Great American Group LLC, (e)
Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC, (£) GECC, the Debtors’ agent for the DIP Facility, (g) GA
 
Capital, the Debtors’ agent for the Term B DIP Facility, (b) the Kelley Drye & Warren LLP,
representing a group of the Debtors" largest landlords, and (f) Lowenstein Sandler PC and
‘Alvarez & Marsal, representing certain of the Debtors’ publishers holding a substantial amount
of the Debiors’ prepetition trade debts.
113. Atthe Auction, the Debtors end their advisors, in consultation with their key
constituents, will establish the terms and conditions of the Auction consistent with the Agency
‘Agreement, which will include that (a) the initial overbid must exceed the Stalking Horse Bid by
at least the sum of @) 0.5% of the Cost Value of Merchandise (as defined in the Agency
‘Agreement) plus (i) a $1,000,000 break-up fee, (b) any subsequent overbid must exceed the
prior bid by at least 0.25% of the Cost Value of Merchandise, and (¢) that any successful bidder
must exccute an agency agreement in substantially the form of the Agency Agreement, with only
the terms and form of consideration changed. As evidenced by the Auction, throughout this.
40process the Debtors used every effort to keep their key constituents informed regarding the store
closure process.
114. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors believe, and I agree, that itis in the best
interests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and other all parties in interest in these
chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Store Closing Sales Motion.
N. Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to {1 U.S.C. § 105(a) and Fed. R. Bankr.
P, 1015(c) and 9007 for Authorization to Implement Certain Notice
and Case Management Procedures
115, By this Motion (the “Case Management Motion”), the Debtors request
authorization to implement certain case management procedures (the “Procedures” in
connection with the administration of these chapter 11 cases pursuant to section 105(a) of the
Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptey Rules 1015(c) and 9007.
116, The Debtors request that the Court enter an order providing for certain notice,
case management and administrative procedures in the chapter 11 eases. Given the number of
parties in interest in the chapter 11 cases, requiring that service be made upon each of these
parties would waste the Debtors’ limited resources, Thus, the Debtors believe that requiring
paper service of certain pleadings only upon the main parties in interest, as well as authorizing
service on all parties by e-mail, will be efficient and save the estates significant time and
expense. Additionally, due to the likely volume of motions and other pleadings that will be filed
in these cases, the Debtors have proposed that such special hearing procedures be created,
including the creation of regularly scheduled omnibus hearings at which the Court, the Debtors
and other parties in interest can address several motions at once, thereby avoiding the substantial
time and expense of scheduling separate hearings on cach discrete matter.
4117. For the foregoing reasons, the Debtors have determined, and I agree, that it is in
 
the bes in interest in
 
terests of the Debtors, their estates and creditors, and all other partie:
these chapter 11 cases, that the Court grant the relief requested in the Case Management Motion.
mm.
INFORMATION REQUIRED BY LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULE 1007-2
118. Local Bankruptey Rule 1007-2 requires certain information related to the Debtors,
which is set forth below.
119. Certain large publishers that each determined to jointly retain the same
professionals (the “Publishers”) was formed in January 2011 to facilitate negotiations between
the Debtors and certain of their primary vendors. The Publishers are represented by Lowenstein
Sandler PC, as counsel, and A&M as financial advisors. In addition, in January 2011 certain
landlords for the Debtors’ retail outlets each determined to jointly retain the same professionals
(the “Landlords”) to facilitate negotiations with the Debtors. The Landlords are represented by
Kelly Drye & Warren LLP, as counsel, and A&M as financial advisors. Schedule 1 hereto
contains the names and addresses for counsel of each of these stakeholders.
120. In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(a)(4), Schedule 2 hereto is a
list of the names, addresses, and, where available, telephone numbers of the creditors holding the
thirty largest unsecured claims (excluding insiders) against the Debtors, on a consolidated basis,
 
‘Such list includes the amount of the claim, the nature of the claim and, if appropriate, an
 
indication of whether such claim is contingent, unliquidated, disputed, or partially secured,
subject, however, to the reservations of rights stated on Schedule 2 regarding, among other
things, the actual validity of any such claims,
alist of
 
121, In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(a)(5), Schedule 3
the names and addresses of the holders of the five largest secured claims. Such list ineludes the
42amount of the claim, an estimate of the value of the collateral, and whether the claim or lien is
disputed, subject, however, to the reservations of rights stated on Schedule 3.
122, In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(a)(6), Schedule 4 hereto
provides a summary of the Debtors’ assets and liabilities.
123. In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(a)(7), Schedule 5 hereto
provides a list of the number and classes of shares of stock, debentures or other securities of the
debtor that are publicly held, and, where known, the number of holders thereof, listing separately
those held by each of the Debtors’ officers and directors and the amounts so held.
124, In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(a)(8), Schedule 6 is a list of
 
the Debtors’ property not in the Debtors’ possession, including property in the possession or
custody of any custodian, public officer, mortgagee, pledgee, assignee of rents, or secured
creditor, or agent for any such entity,
125, In accordance with Local Bankruptey Rule 1007-2(a)(9), Schedule 7 hereto is a
list of the premises owned, leased, or held under other arrangement, from which the Debtors
operate their business.
126, In accordance with Local Bankruptey Rule 1007-2(a)(10),
 
ichedule & hereto
provides the location of the Debtors’ substantial assets, the location of their books and records,
and the value of any assets held by the Debtors outside the territorial limits of the United States.
127. In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(2)(11), Schedule 9 hereto is a
list of litigation commenced against the Debtors.
128. In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(a)(12), Schedule 10 hereto
contains the names of the individuals who comprise the Debtors” existing senior management,their tenure with the Debtors, and a brief summary of their relevant responsibilities and
experience.
129, The Debtors intend to continue to operate as debtors in possession pursuant to
sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptey Code.
130. In accordance with Local Bankruptey Rule 1007-2(b)(1) and (b)(2), Schedule LL
hereto is the estimated amount of: (j) the payroll to employees of the Debtors, (ii) payments to
officers, directors, and stockholders, and (ili) payments to financial and business consultants for
the 30-day period following the commencement of these chapter I cases.
131. In accordance with Local Bankruptcy Rule 1007-2(b)(3), Schedule 12 hereto
contains the estimated cash receipts and disbursements, net cash gain or loss, obligations and
receivables expected to acerue but remain unpaid, other than professional fees, for the 30-day
period following the commencement of these chapter 11 cases.
[CONTINUED NEXT PAGE]
44J declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge, information and belief.
Dated: February !(92011
‘New York, New York aa
Ce
==
‘Name: Scott Henry
Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial OfficerEXHIBIT A
CORPORATE ORGANIZATION CHARTBorders Group, ine. Worldwide Organizational Chart
(including Incorp. Datos and Locations, Employer ID and Foreign Registration Numbers)
136 of January 28,2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
' Torte ©
ee en i
| Ls 7
| ETT =SCHEDULE 1
COUNSEL FOR CERTAIN CREDITORS
Certain similarly situated parties each utilized common counsel in early January 2011 to
facilitate negotiations between the Debtors and certain of their primary vendors and landlords,
respectively, ‘The contact information for such counsel is as follows
 
 
Lowenstein Sandler PC, counsel for the Publishers
1251 Avenue of the Americas
‘New York, New York 10020
Tel: (212) 262-6700
Fax: (212) 262-7402
‘Attn: Kenneth A, Rosen, Esq.
Bruce Nathan, Esq
Bruce Buechler, Esq.
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, counsel for the Landlords
101 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10178
Tel: (212) 808-7800
Fax: (212) 808-7897
Attn: James $. Carr, Esq,SCHEDULE 2
THIRTY LARGEST UNSECURED CLAIMS HOLDERS
Pursuant to Local Rule 1007-2(a)(4), the following provides information with respect to the
holders of the 30 largest unsecured claims against the Debtors on a consolidated basis.
‘The information contained herein shall not constitute an admission of liability by, nor is it
binding on, the Debtors. The Debtors reserve all rights to assert that any debt or claim listed
herein is a disputed claim or debt, and to challenge the priority, nature, amount or status of any
such claim or debt, In the event of any inconsistencies between the summaries set forth below
and the respective corporate and legal documents relating to such obligations, the descriptions in
the corporate and legal documents shall control. The schedule estimates outstanding claim
‘amounts as of February 10, 2011. The Debtors have excluded from this schedule any claims that
«will be addressed by First Day Motions filed in connection with these chapter 11 cases.
Employees and former employees owed amounts under non-qualified pension plans and deferred
compensation plans also are not included in this schedule.
 
 
o @ a o o
Name of creditor and | Name, telephone number and complete | Nature of claim | Indicate ifelaim | Amount of claim
ccompleie matling mailing address, including sip code, of | (rade debt, } is contingent, | (ifseewred also
faddress, chiding zip | employee, agent or department of bank lean, unliguidated, | state value of
code creditor jamilir with claim who may be | government | disputed or) security
contacted conract et) | subject tosetoff
(in thousands)
Penguin Putnam Ine. | Tim Crofton “Trade debt $41,11891447
200 Old Tappan Read | Phone: (201) 767-2918
Bldg. 1 Fox; (201) 767-5029
‘Attn: Lindsay Carter_—_| jim.croftondius penguingroup.com
(Old Teppan, NI 07675
 
 
Tiachette Book Group | Tom Maciag “Trade debt '$56,879,656.30
USA. Phone: (800) 759-0190
PO Box 8828, Fax: (800) 2869471
Boston, MA 02114-8828 | TomMaciap@hbgusa.com
‘Simon & Schuster Inc. | Dennis Bulow ‘Trade debt 353,757,484.75,
3? Morgen Phone: (800) 732-1685
‘Atta; Lockbox 70650 | Fax: 201) 767-5029
1318, Dearborn 6° FI, | deaniseulaui@simonandschuster-com
 
Chicago, 160603,
‘Random House ‘Anne Davis “Trade debt '$33,461,061.80
Box 223384 Phone: (410) 386-7414
 
500 Ross Si, 154-0455, (410) 386-7439
Pitsburgh, PA 15262 | endavis@randomhouse.com
 
 
 
 
Harper Collins Tanet Gervasio Trade debt $25,793,450
Publishers Phone: (570) 941-1495,
PO Box 361846 Bax; (570) 941-1553,
Pitsburgh, PA 15251- | janet.gervesio@harpereolins.com
6845
‘Macnillian/ MPS Peter Garabedian “Trade debt 311 434,306.30
1S Finh Avenue Phone: ($40) 672-7600 ext 1544
New York NY 10010 | Fax: (540) 672-7510
Peter Garahedian djmscrillan comwo @ @ oO ¢
Name ofereditor and | Name, telephone number and complete | Nature ofclaim | indicate felaim | Amowrt of claim
‘complete mailing mailing address, including rip code. of | (trade debt, | és contingent, | (if secured also
faddress, cluding zip | employee, agent or department of Dank foan, tnliquidated. — | stare value of
code Creditor familiar with claim who may be | goverament | disputed or | security)
‘contacted ‘contrac ere) | subject to setoff
(in thousands)
Toh Wiley and Sons | Kevin Glennon “Trade debt S11 191,435.29
Tne. Phone: (732) 302-2210
‘Aan: Kevin Glennon | Fax: (732) 320-2300
432 Elizabeth Avenue | kglennon@wiley.com
Somerset, NJ 08873,
Perseus Distribution | Charles Gallagher “Trade debt $9,776.291.64
ves Phone: (212) 223-2069 ext.134
15636 Collections Center | Pax: (212) 223-1504
Drive ‘charles gallagher@PerseusBooks.com
Chicago, IL 60698,
‘Source Interlink ‘Alene Mangino Trade debt 136879,008.55
Companies Phone: (239) 9994450
275000 Riverview Fax: (238) 495.5158
Center Blva ‘Alene Mangino@sore.com
Ste 201
Bonita Springs, FL
34134
‘Twentieth Century Fox | Al Leonard ‘Trade debt S645 46735
Bank of America Phone: (310) 369-5083
‘Att: Lockbox #402665. | Fax; G10) 369-8799
6000 Feldwood Road | Al-Leanard@fox.com
College Park, GA 30349
‘Seute's Best Coffee Ine. | Prank Sanith “Frade debe & ‘34991 81825
PO Box $4348, Phone: (206) 318-5258. Commission
Seattic, WA 98124-5648 | Fax: (206) 624-3262
‘rank smith @isealesbestcom,
FEW Media Inc. “Amanda Enderle “Trade debt $4,546,275.13
PO Box 715157 Phone: N/A.
Columbus, OH 43271- | Fax: (573) 591-4082
5157 Amanda Enéerle@fwmedi.com
‘Houghton Miflin in Diamond ‘Trade debt $4400,755.51
Harcourt Phone: (800) S21-3185 ext.3234
‘Atm: Mary A. Durance, | Fax: (407) 363-6917
Finance Famnes Diamond@hmhpub.com
Cradle Dept.
9400 Sout Pk Center
Loop
(Orlando, FL 32819
‘Sony Muse Neil Carora Trade debt HITS
‘Baterainment Ine, Phone: (800) 414-6922
‘fo Mellon Banke Fax: (201) 777-3604
Dept. Ch 10247 ‘Nell.Carfora@sonymusic.com
Palatine, 60055-0247,
‘Workman Publishing | Phil Gerace Trade debt SH S70
Company Phone: (212) 254-5900
225 Varick St Fax; 12) 254-8098
oP. ‘phil@workman.com.
New York, NY 10014-
4881@ @ @) @ Gy
Name of credit and | Name, telephone number and complete | Nanwe ofclaim | Indicate felaom } Amount of cain
complete maling Imailng adress, including sip cove, of | (rade debs, | iscortngent, | (fzeeured also
‘address including in| employe, agent or depariment of | Bank loan | unguided | sare vate of
cede ‘reir familar with claim whe my be | government | disputed | secrty)
‘omacted ontrach etc) | subst to seta"
{fin thousands)
Diamond Comic Larry Swanson “Trade debt +$3,906,349.94
Distrbutors Phone: (410) 427-9239
1966 Greenspring Dr.# | Faxc ($10) 560-7143
300 slany(@iimondoomie.com
‘Timonium, MD 21093
UMGD Toe Flores, Trade STRAT
eto Rank ofAmercs | Phone: (800) 79-6699
PO Rox 98279 Fax: G17) 5955190
Chicago, 1.60693 ___| jlforesaumusis.com
‘Wamer Elekta Atlantis | James Theodoulou Trade debi HIG RTIAT
Dept ch 10125 Phone: (818) 238-6489
Palatng 60088-0125 | Fax: (818) 729-3568
James. Theodoulow@wmng.com:
The MeGraved Phil Ruppel Trade Gr SOT AT
Companies Phone (800) 7224726
POBox 2258 Fax: (614) 755-8654
Carol Steam 1 60132- | philip ruppel@megraw-il.com
2258
Sony Pictures Home Bat | Neil Carfora Trade debt $2950, 939
fo Mellon Bank Phone (310) 255-8593
PO Box 120001 Fax (310) 861-3068,
Dept, 0648 ‘Nel Carfora@sonymusic.com
Dallas, TX 75312-0648
Pearson Education Ine, | Jim Grolon Trade debt TETRA TOOTS
20) Old Tappan Road | Phone: (201) 964-6104
‘1d Teppan N107675 | Fax: 201) 767-5029
jiinaroRon@uspenguingroup.com
Rasoma Stone LA ‘Matt Syale Trade debe SNES
Dept. Ch 17714 Phone: (S40) 256-5428 ex S135
Palatine L 60055-7714 | Fax: (S40) 432.0953
_msysaki@rosettastone.com.
‘National Book Network | Jef Harris Trade debt SU S36 TRS
lee Phone: (717) 7943800
PO Box 62188 Fax (717) 794-3804
Balcimore, MD 21264 | jhavis@nbabooks om
2188
WW Norton & Company | Katherine Pino Trade debt THRE
ns Phone: 212) 384-5500
Box 2626 Fax: (800) 458-6515,
PO Box 8500 kpintoGwnorton.com
Piiadeipia, PA 19178-
2626
Zondervan Corporation | Angel arms Trade debe SRT
Department CH10303_ Phone: (800) 727-1309
Palatine, 1 60038-1303 | Fax: (616) 698-3350
_angela.harms@zondervan.com,
EMI Music Gil Cstaniada Trade debs 3178235778
Dept. CH 17714 Phone: 323) S71-5416
Palatine, 1L 60055-0380
 
Fax: (800) 288-2362
Gil.Castaniada@emieap.comoO @ i} @ o
Name ofereditor and | Name, telephone number and complete | Nature afclaim | Indicate ifclaim | Amount of claim
complete mailing mailing address, including ip code, of (trade debt, | ts contingent, | (ifsecwred also
address, including sip | employee, agent or department of Dan far wliquidated | state value of
ode creditor familiar withclaim wha may be | government | disputed or _ | security)
contacted contract, ete) | subject to setogy
(in thousands)
Hay Houre Ine Reid Tracy “Trade debt $1,025,588.77
PO Box 5100 Phone: (760) 431-7695
2076 Loker Ave W Fax: (960) 929-2035
Carlsbad, CA92018__| RTracy@HayHouse.com
Elsevier Science eamett Hamilton “Trade debt $1,606,992.18
PO Box 0848 Phone: (314) 523-5036
Carol Steam, 1. 60132- | Fax: G14) 453-7020
oss EHamilton@Plsevier.com
PapynasReeycled ‘Connie Holland “Trade debt '$1,490,890.68
Greetings Phone: (800) 777-9498,
3613 Solutions Center | Pays (773) 858-8329
‘Chicago, IL 60677-3006 | Connie.Holland@prgreetings.com_
Publications Ind id | Tom Broughton “Trade debt '1,079,42086
Dept 77 3401 Phone: (212) 986-1782
‘Chicago,IL 60678-3401
 
Fax: (847) 676-3671
‘TRroughon@pubint.comSCHEDULE 3
FIVE LARGEST SECURED CLAIMS HOLDERS
Pursuant to Local Rule 1007-2(a)(5), the following lists the creditors holding, as of February 11,
2011, the five largest secured, noncontingent claims against the Debtors, on a consolidated basis,
excluding claims of insiders as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101.
The information contained herein shall not constitute an admission of liability by, nor is it
binding on, the Debtors. The Debtors reserve all rights to assert that any debt or claim listed
herein is a disputed claim or debt, and to challenge the priority, nature, amount or status of any
such claim or debt. The descriptions of the collateral securing the underlying obligations are
{intended only as brief summaries. In the event of any inconsistencies between the summaries set
forth below and the respective corporate and legal documents relating to such obligations, the
descriptions in the corporate and legal documents shall control.
In addition to the parties listed below, the Debtors may have unliquidated and/or contingent
claims as a result of parties asserting a security interest against the Debtors’ assets through UCC
filings or parties that have a security interest in any collateral posted with whom the Debtors"
have engaged to perform interest rate swaps on their debt.
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of 100 Federal Street ‘$196.05 million | Substantially all | Undisputed
America, N.A. | Boston, Massachusetts 02110 assets, other than
as “Attention: Kathleen Dimock real estate interests*
administrative | Phone: (617) 434-3830
agent Fax: (617) 434-4312
GA. Capital, | One Post Office Square, SBE million | Substantially all’ | Tindisputed
as Suite 3765 assets, other than
administrative | Boston, Massachusetts 02109 real estate interests
agent ‘Attention: Daniel Platt
Phone: (617) 692-8308
Fax: (617) 692-8301
 
 
 
 
 
“Estimated value of the collateral is as follows: (i) cach of inventory, credit card receivables,
trade names and the Borders’ Rewards electronic database have been valued by outside sources,
with an aggregate value in the range of $425 million to $480 million, of which amount
approximately $410 million constitutes inventory valued on the basis of net orderly liquidation
value, (i) the balance of the collateral, including, but not limited to, FF&E and certain equity
interests, have not been valued by outside sources and the value is currently unknown. Both debt
facilities are oversecured.SCHEDULE 4
 
SUMMARY OF DEBTORS’ ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Pursuant to Local Rule 1007-2(a)(6), the following financial data (unaudited and subject to
change) is the latest available information and reflects the Debtors’ financial condition, as
consolidated as of December 25, 2010. ‘The following financial data shall not constitute an
admission of liability by the Debtors. The Debtors reserve all rights to assert that any debt ot
claim included herein is a contingent, unliquidated or disputed claim or debt or challenge the
priority, nature, amount or status of any claim or debt
Total Assets (Book Value): $1,275,430,500
‘Total Liabilities: $1,293,112,600SCHEDULE 5
DEBTORS’ PUBLICLY HELD SECURITIES
Pursuant to Local Rule 1007-2(a)(7), the following table sets forth, as of February 8, 2011, the
number and classes of shares of stock, debentures, and other securities of the Debtors that are
publicly held, and, where known, the number of holders thereof,
 
 
Common Stock | 72,042,189 2,413SCHEDULE 6
 
  
PROPERTY NOT IN THE DEBTORS’ PO!
 
Pursuant to Local Rule 1007-2(a)(8), the following lists the Debtors” property that is in the
possession or custody of any custodian, public officer, mortgagee, pledgee, assignee of rents,
secured creditor, or agent for any such entity,
In the ordinary course of business, property of the Debtors is likely to be in the possession of
various other persons, including printers, fulfilment houses, suppliers, maintenance providers,
shippers, common cattiers, custodians, public officers, or agents. Through these arrangements,
the Debtors’ ownership interest is not affected, and the Debtors do not believe that these assets
constitute a material aspect of their estates. In light of the movement of this property, providing
a comprehensive list of the persons or entities in possession of the property, their addresses and
telephone numbers, and the location of any court proceeding affecting such property would be
impractical. However, other than inventory in transit and deposits held by utilities in the
approximate aggregate amount of $1.5 million, assets owned by the Debtors but outside of the
Debtors” control are worth less than $100,000 in the aggregate.SCHEDULE 7
 
DEBTORS’ OPERATING PREMISE
Pursuant to Local Rule 1007-2(a)(9), the following lists the property or premises owned, leased
or held under other arrangement from which the Debtors operate their businesses.Location Information
 
rs (Su mall Format Stores)
Store
Number Location Name Location Address.
10-001 Ann Atbor Downtown 612 Bact Liberty
10 Ann Arbor Downtown (Ground 600-616 Liberty
oo1G Lease)
10.002 Kenny Rosd 4545 Kenny Road
10. Vilage OF Shorewood His 3750 University Ave
coor
40-005 Emerybay Marketplace 15908 Shelinound Street
10.009 Crosegates Shopping Canter 1775 North Highland Road
50.010 White Flirt Mat 11301 Rockvile ike
40.012 Water Tower Place 1821 22N Street
30014 The Comers 31150 Southfield Road
40.015 Buckhead Triangle 3855 Roswell Road
40018 Cestloton Comer 9812 Castaton Comer Lane
10. Castleton Square Castleton Square
oter
{0016S Castlaton Comer (Simply Amish) 812 Castleton Comer Lane
10.018 Tucson Fiesta 4295 N, Oracle Rod
10.018 Novi Town Conter 43075 Crescent Soulevard
40-020 Oak Brook Court 1500 16Th Street
1a. Philadelphia, PA 4 South Broad Steet
021k
10-022 Jay Scut Plaza Hyland Drive
10.028 Regency Park Shopping Center 9108 Metal
10.028 La Place Fashion Centre 201 Richmond Rosd
10. Tyson's Comer 2027 Leesburg Pike
(20R
10-030 Rosemont Shopping Center +149 Lancaster Avenue
10-031 Bonaventure Shopping Center 1601 Piymouth Road
10.032 Preston Oaks Shopping Center 10720 Preston Road
10.033 Deerfietd, 49 Waukegan Road
10. Westfield Garden State Plaza Garden State Plaza
asi
10088 Grand Central Fashion Plaza 1041 High Rige Rac
10.089 Garden City Shopping Center 61 Hillside Road
10.040 Sunrise Highiay 5151 Sunrise Highway
10041 Park City Center ‘940 Plaza Boulevard
40-_Luthorile Staton Shopping —_—17OW. Ridgely Road
O