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Partnership Organization And Formation
6 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]  
Organization And Formation

A.    Partnership organization and formation

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”) was formed on April 19, 1994, and is a publicly traded limited partnership, owning an approximate 99% limited partner interest in Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “operating partnership”). Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, collectively referred to as “Ferrellgas,” are both Delaware limited partnerships and are governed by their respective partnership agreements. Ferrellgas Partners was formed to acquire and hold a limited partner interest in the operating partnership. As of January 31, 2021, Ferrell Companies, Inc., a Kansas corporation (“Ferrell Companies”), beneficially owns 22.8 million of Ferrellgas Partners’ outstanding common units.

Ferrellgas, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, is the sole general partner of Ferrellgas Partners and one of three general partners of the operating partnership. Ferrellgas, Inc. has retained an approximate 1% general partner economic interest in Ferrellgas Partners and also holds an approximate 1% general partner economic interest in the operating partnership, representing an effective 2% general partner economic interest in Ferrellgas on a combined basis. As the sole general partner of Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas, Inc. performs all management functions required by Ferrellgas Partners. Unless contractually provided for, creditors of the operating partnership have no recourse with regards to Ferrellgas Partners.

The term “general partner” (i) with respect to Ferrellgas Partners refers to Ferrellgas, Inc. and (ii) with respect to the operating partnership refers to (a) Ferrellgas, Inc., in the case of any economic general partner interest and (b) Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas GP II, LLC and Ferrellgas GP III, LLC, collectively, in the case of any voting general partner interest.

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two subsidiaries, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of any debt issued by Ferrellgas Partners. The operating partnership is the only operating subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners.

Ferrellgas is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Ferrellgas serves residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Due to seasonality, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending July 31, 2021.

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal recurring nature. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Ferrellgas’ Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2020.

 

Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of operations, the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Ferrellgas Partners has outstanding $357.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due June 15, 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020”), which Ferrellgas Partners failed to repay when due at maturity. The Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 were classified as current on the consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2020. As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases (as defined and described below under “—Transaction Support Agreement and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases”), the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 were reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2021. Additionally, the operating partnership has outstanding $500.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due May 1, 2021, that are classified as current in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The ability of Ferrellgas Partners to restructure, refinance or otherwise satisfy these notes is uncertain. Given these concerns, Ferrellgas Partners believes there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Ferrellgas has engaged Moelis & Company LLC as its financial advisor and the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs LLP to assist in its ongoing process to reduce existing debt and address its debt maturities. See Note F – Debt below for further discussion of the outstanding debt.

 

Transaction Support Agreement and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases

 

On December 10, 2020, Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., the operating partnership, Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas GP II, LLC, Ferrellgas GP III, LLC and certain of their affiliates (collectively, the “Ferrellgas Parties”) entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “TSA”) with certain holders of, or investment advisors, sub-advisors, or managers of discretionary accounts that hold, claims (collectively, the “Consenting Noteholders”) arising under, derived from or based upon the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020.

 

The TSA sets forth (i) a restructuring process to satisfy the obligations of Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. under the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Transactions”), which would be effectuated through pre-packaged voluntary cases (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) to be filed by only Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the confirmation of a pre-packaged joint plan of reorganization for Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Plan”), and (ii) a refinancing process of the operating partnership, including but not limited to, replacement of the operating partnership’s existing unsecured notes due 2021, 2022 and 2023 (the “operating partnership Transactions” and, together with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions, the “TSA Transactions”), which would be consummated on the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Plan implementing the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions and would close simultaneously with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions effectuated under the Plan.

 

Generally, the TSA contemplates, among other things, the TSA Transactions and certain changes to the capital structure and governance of the Ferrellgas Parties as described in more detail in the TSA.

Pursuant to the TSA, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, the parties thereto agreed to support, act in good faith and take all steps reasonably necessary and desirable to implement and consummate the TSA Transactions until the TSA Transactions are consummated or the TSA is terminated. The Consenting Noteholders agreed, among other things, (i) to forbear from taking actions with respect to any default or event of default by the Ferrellgas Parties under the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 which arises solely as a result of the failure to make payments of the principal due on the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020, and (ii) to vote in favor of any matter requiring approval to the extent necessary to implement the TSA Transactions and the Plan.

The TSA contains certain milestones relating to the commencement of the solicitation of acceptances of the Plan (the “Solicitation”) from holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units, the refinancing process and the Chapter 11 Cases, which include the dates by which Ferrellgas Partners was required to commence the Solicitation and, thereafter, commence the Chapter 11 Cases or obtain certain approval orders of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”). In addition, the milestones include the obligation of Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. to emerge from chapter 11 protection no later than April 4, 2021, unless that deadline is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.

The TSA also provides that the TSA may be terminated by the Required Consenting Noteholders (as defined therein) with respect to the Consenting Noteholders or by any Ferrellgas Party with respect to the Ferrellgas Parties upon the occurrence of certain events set forth therein. In particular, the Ferrellgas Parties may terminate the TSA in the event the governing body of any Ferrellgas Party determines, after consulting with counsel, (i) that continuing to pursue any of the TSA Transactions in the manner contemplated by the TSA would be inconsistent with the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties or applicable law or (ii) in the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties, to pursue an alternative transaction proposal.

Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. commenced the Solicitation on December 21, 2020 and by January 22, 2021 received sufficient votes from the requisite holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and the requisite holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units to obtain approval of the Plan from the Bankruptcy Court. Subject to any changes, the Solicitation process is complete. The Plan remains subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

On January 11, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. commenced the Chapter 11 Cases by filing voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. The Chapter 11 Cases are being jointly administered under the caption and case numbers, In re: Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Chapter 11 Case Nos. 21-10020 and 21-10021. Following the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. have continued, and plan to continue, to operate their businesses as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court.

There is no assurance that the Plan will be approved by the Bankruptcy Court or that the TSA Transactions will be consummated and the outcome of Ferrellgas’ debt reduction strategy continues to remain uncertain. Additionally, see Note F – Debt below for further discussion of the outstanding debt.

Term loan credit agreement with Ferrellgas, L.P.

On January 8, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners entered into a term loan credit agreement with Ferrellgas, L.P., pursuant to which Ferrellgas, L.P. extended to Ferrellgas Partners an unsecured non-amortizing loan in aggregate principal amount of $19.9 million. The term loan bears interest at a rate of 20% per annum, and all interest on the term loan will be added to the outstanding principal amount of the term loan. The term loan will mature on July 1, 2022. The proceeds of the term loan will be used to pay costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases in a manner consistent with a budget and cash flow forecast acceptable to Ferrellgas, L.P. See Note N – Condensed parent only debtor-in-possession financial information for further detail.

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. [Member]  
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]  
Organization And Formation

A.    Formation

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Finance Corp.”), a Delaware corporation, was formed on March 28, 1996, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”).

Ferrellgas Partners contributed $1,000 to the Finance Corp. on April 8, 1996 in exchange for 1,000 shares of common stock.

The Finance Corp. has nominal assets, does not conduct any operations and has no employees.

Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of operations, the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As discussed in Note B – Contingencies and commitments, the Finance Corp serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners. Ferrellgas Partners has outstanding $357.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due June 15, 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020”), which Ferrellgas Partners failed to repay when due at maturity. The Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 were classified as current on Ferrellgas Partners’ consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2020. These obligations are only reported on Ferrellgas Partners’ condensed consolidated balance sheet. As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases (as defined and described below under “Transaction Support Agreement and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases”), the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 were reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise on Ferrellgas Partners’ condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2021. Additionally, the operating partnership has outstanding $500.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due May 1, 2021, that are classified as current in the operating partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The ability of Ferrellgas Partners to restructure, refinance or otherwise satisfy these notes is uncertain. Additionally, the Finance Corp. does not have sufficient cash reserves or the ability to generate sufficient future cash flows to satisfy its obligations as co-obligor of the debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners. Given these concerns, we believe there is substantial doubt about the Finance Corp.’s ability to continue as a going concern. Ferrellgas has engaged Moelis & Company LLC as its financial advisor and the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs LLP to assist in its ongoing process to reduce existing debt and address its debt maturities.

 Transaction Support Agreement and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases 

On December 10, 2020, Ferrellgas Partners,  the Finance Corp., the operating partnership Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas GP II, LLC, Ferrellgas GP III, LLC and certain of their affiliates (collectively, the “Ferrellgas Parties”) entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “TSA”) with certain holders of, or investment advisors, sub-advisors, or managers of discretionary accounts that hold, claims (collectively, the “Consenting Noteholders”) arising under, derived from or based upon the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020

The TSA sets forth (i) a restructuring process to satisfy the obligations of Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. under the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Transactions”), which would be effectuated through pre-packaged voluntary cases (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) to be filed by only Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. and the confirmation of a pre-packaged joint plan of reorganization for Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. (the “Plan”), and (ii) a refinancing process of the operating partnership, including but not limited to, replacement of the operating partnership’s existing unsecured notes due 2021, 2022 and 2023 (the “operating partnership Transactions” and, together with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions, the “TSA Transactions”), which would be consummated on the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Plan implementing the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions and would close simultaneously with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions effectuated under the Plan.

Generally, the TSA contemplates, among other things, the TSA Transactions and certain changes to the capital structure and governance of the Ferrellgas Parties as described in more detail in the TSA.

Pursuant to the TSA, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, the parties thereto agreed to support, act in good faith and take all steps reasonably necessary and desirable to implement and consummate the TSA Transactions until the TSA Transactions are consummated or the TSA is terminated. The Consenting Noteholders agreed, among other things, (i) to forbear from taking actions with respect to any default or event of default by the Ferrellgas Parties under the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 which arises solely as a result of the failure to make payments of the principal due on the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020, and (ii) to vote in favor of any matter requiring approval to the extent necessary to implement the TSA Transactions and the Plan.

The TSA contains certain milestones relating to the commencement of the solicitation of acceptances of the Plan (the “Solicitation”) from holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units, the refinancing process and the Chapter 11 Cases, which include the dates by which Ferrellgas Partners was required to commence the Solicitation and, thereafter, commence the Chapter 11 Cases or obtain certain approval orders of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”). In addition, the milestones include the obligation of Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. to emerge from chapter 11 protection no later than April 4, 2021, unless that deadline is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.

The TSA also provides that the TSA may be terminated by the Required Consenting Noteholders (as defined therein) with respect to the Consenting Noteholders or by any Ferrellgas Party with respect to the Ferrellgas Parties upon the occurrence of certain events set forth therein. In particular, the Ferrellgas Parties may terminate the TSA in the event the governing body of any Ferrellgas Party determines, after consulting with counsel, (i) that continuing to pursue any of the TSA Transactions in the manner contemplated by the TSA would be inconsistent with the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties or applicable law or (ii) in the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties, to pursue an alternative transaction proposal.

Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. commenced the Solicitation on December 21, 2020 and by January 22, 2021 received sufficient votes from the requisite holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and the requisite holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units to obtain approval of the Plan from the Bankruptcy Court. Subject to any changes, the Solicitation process is complete. The Plan remains subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

On January 11, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. commenced the Chapter 11 Cases by filing voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. The Chapter 11 Cases are being jointly administered under the caption and case numbers, In re: Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Chapter 11 Case Nos. 21-10020 and 21-10021. Following the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. have continued, and plan to continue, to operate their businesses as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court.

There is no assurance that the Plan will be approved by the Bankruptcy Court or that the TSA Transactions will be consummated, and the outcome of Ferrellgas’ debt reduction strategy continues to remain uncertain.

Ferrellgas, L.P. [Member]  
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]  
Organization And Formation

A.    Partnership organization and formation

Ferrellgas, L.P. is a limited partnership that owns and operates propane distribution and related assets. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”), a publicly traded limited partnership, holds an approximate 99% limited partner interest in, and consolidates, Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, Inc., a Kansas corporation (“Ferrell Companies”), is the sole general partner of Ferrellgas Partners and one of three general partners of Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, Inc. has retained an approximate 1% general partner economic interest in Ferrellgas Partners and also holds an approximate 1% general partner economic interest in Ferrellgas, L.P., representing an effective 2% general partner economic interest in Ferrellgas, L.P. on a combined basis.

As the sole general partner of Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas, Inc. performs all management functions required by Ferrellgas Partners.  Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas, L.P., collectively referred to as “Ferrellgas,” are governed by their respective partnership agreements. These agreements contain specific provisions for the allocation of net earnings and loss to each of the partners for purposes of maintaining the partner capital accounts.

The term “general partner” (i) with respect to Ferrellgas Partners refers to Ferrellgas, Inc. and (ii) with respect to Ferrellgas, L.P. refers to (a) Ferrellgas, Inc., in the case of any economic general partner interest and (b) Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas GP II, LLC and Ferrellgas GP III, LLC, collectively, in the case of any voting general partner interest. As the general partners of Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas GP II, LLC and Ferrellgas GP III, LLC each have an equal vote and all general partner matters of Ferrellgas, L.P. are determined by the vote or consent of a majority of such entities. The general partners perform all management functions required by Ferrellgas, L.P. The general partner interests held by Ferrellgas GP II, LLC and Ferrellgas GP III, LLC are strictly voting and non-economic. Unless contractually provided for, creditors of Ferrellgas, L.P. have no recourse with regards to Ferrellgas Partners.

Ferrellgas, L.P. owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of debt issued by Ferrellgas, L.P.

Ferrellgas, L.P. is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Ferrellgas, L.P. serves residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Due to seasonality, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending July 31, 2021.

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas, L.P. and subsidiaries reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal recurring nature. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2020.

Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of operations, the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Ferrellgas, L.P. has $500.0 million in unsecured notes due May 1, 2021, that are classified as current in its condensed consolidated financial statements. Additionally, Ferrellgas Partners has outstanding $357.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due June 15, 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020”), which Ferrellgas Partners failed to repay when due at maturity. The Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 were classified as current on the consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2020. As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases (as defined and described below under “Transaction Support Agreement and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases”), the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 were reclassified as liabilities subject to compromise on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2021. The ability of Ferrellgas Partners to restructure, refinance or otherwise satisfy these notes is uncertain. Given these concerns, Ferrellgas Partners believes there is substantial doubt about Ferrellgas, L.P.’s ability to continue as a going concern. Ferrellgas has engaged Moelis & Company LLC as its financial advisor and the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs LLP to assist in its ongoing process to reduce existing debt and address its debt maturities. See Note F – Debt below for further discussion of the outstanding debt.

 

Transaction Support Agreement and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases

 

On December 10, 2020, Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas GP II, LLC, Ferrellgas GP III, LLC and certain of their affiliates (collectively, the “Ferrellgas Parties”) entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “TSA”) with certain holders of, or investment advisors, sub-advisors, or managers of discretionary accounts that hold, claims (collectively, the “Consenting Noteholders”) arising under, derived from or based upon the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020.

 

The TSA sets forth (i) a restructuring process to satisfy the obligations of Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. under the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Transactions”), which would be effectuated through pre-packaged voluntary cases (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) to be filed by only Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the confirmation of a pre-packaged joint plan of reorganization for Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.(the “Plan”), and (ii) a refinancing process of Ferrellgas, L.P., including but not limited to, replacement of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s existing unsecured notes due 2021, 2022 and 2023 (the “operating partnership Transactions” and, together with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions, the “TSA Transactions”), which would be consummated on the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Plan implementing the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions and would close simultaneously with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions effectuated under the Plan.

 

Generally, the TSA contemplates, among other things, the TSA Transactions and certain changes to the capital structure and governance of the Ferrellgas Parties as described in more detail in the TSA.

Pursuant to the TSA, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, the parties thereto agreed to support, act in good faith and take all steps reasonably necessary and desirable to implement and consummate the TSA Transactions until the TSA Transactions are consummated or the TSA is terminated. The Consenting Noteholders agreed, among other things, (i) to forbear from taking actions with respect to any default or event of default by the Ferrellgas Parties under the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 which arises solely as a result of the failure to make payments of the principal due on the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020, and (ii) to vote in favor of any matter requiring approval to the extent necessary to implement the TSA Transactions and the Plan.

The TSA contains certain milestones relating to the commencement of the solicitation of acceptances of the Plan (the “Solicitation”) from holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units, the refinancing process and the Chapter 11 Cases, which include the dates by which Ferrellgas Partners was required to commence the Solicitation and, thereafter, commence the Chapter 11 Cases or obtain certain approval orders of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”). In addition, the milestones include the obligation of Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. to emerge from chapter 11 protection no later than April 4, 2021, unless that deadline is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.

 

The TSA also provides that the TSA may be terminated by the Required Consenting Noteholders (as defined therein) with respect to the Consenting Noteholders or by any Ferrellgas Party with respect to the Ferrellgas Parties upon the occurrence of certain events set forth therein. In particular, the Ferrellgas Parties may terminate the TSA in the event the governing body of any Ferrellgas Party determines, after consulting with counsel, (i) that continuing to pursue any of the TSA Transactions in the manner contemplated by the TSA would be inconsistent with the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties or applicable law or (ii) in the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties, to pursue an alternative transaction proposal.

Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. commenced the Solicitation on December 21, 2020 and by January 22, 2021 received sufficient votes from the requisite holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and the requisite holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units to obtain approval of the Plan from the Bankruptcy Court. Subject to any changes, the Solicitation process is complete. The Plan remains subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

On January 11, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. commenced the Chapter 11 Cases by filing voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. The Chapter 11 Cases are being jointly administered under the caption and case numbers, In re: Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Chapter 11 Case Nos. 21-10020 and 21-10021. Following the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. have continued, and plan to continue, to operate their businesses as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court.

There is no assurance that the Plan will be approved by the Bankruptcy Court or that the TSA Transactions will be consummated and the outcome of Ferrellgas’ debt reduction strategy continues to remain uncertain. Additionally, see Note F – Debt below for further discussion of the outstanding debt.

Ferrellgas Finance Corp. [Member]  
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]  
Organization And Formation

A.    Formation

Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (the “Finance Corp.”), a Delaware corporation, was formed on January 16, 2003, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “operating partnership”).

The operating partnership contributed $1,000 to the Finance Corp. on January 24, 2003 in exchange for 1,000 shares of common stock.

The Finance Corp. has nominal assets, does not conduct any operations and has no employees.

Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of operations, the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As discussed in Note B – Contingencies and commitments, the Finance Corp serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the operating partnership. The operating partnership has outstanding $500.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due May 1, 2021, that are classified as current in the operating partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements. This obligation is only reported on the operating partnership’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. The ability of the operating partnership to restructure, refinance or otherwise satisfy these notes is uncertain. Additionally, the Finance Corp. does not have sufficient cash reserves or the ability to generate sufficient future cash flows to satisfy its obligations as co-obligor of the debt securities of the operating partnership. Given these concerns, we believe there is substantial doubt about the Finance Corp.’s ability to continue as a going concern. Ferrellgas has engaged Moelis & Company LLC as its financial advisor and the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs LLP to assist in its ongoing process to reduce existing debt and address its debt maturities. 

Transaction Support Agreement and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases

On December 10, 2020, Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., the operating partnership, the Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas GP II, LLC, Ferrellgas GP III, LLC and certain of their affiliates (collectively, the “Ferrellgas Parties”) entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “TSA”) with certain holders of, or investment advisors, sub-advisors, or managers of discretionary accounts that hold, claims (collectively, the “Consenting Noteholders”) arising under, derived from or based upon the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020.

The TSA sets forth (i) a restructuring process to satisfy the obligations of Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. under the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Transactions”), which would be effectuated through pre-packaged voluntary cases (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) to be filed by only Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the confirmation of a pre-packaged joint plan of reorganization for Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Plan”), and (ii) a refinancing process of the operating partnership and the Finance Corp., including but not limited to, replacement of the operating partnership’s and the Finance Corp.’s existing unsecured notes due 2021, 2022 and 2023 (the “operating partnership Transactions” and, together with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions, the “TSA Transactions”), which would be consummated on the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Plan implementing the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions and would close simultaneously with the Ferrellgas Partners Transactions effectuated under the Plan.

Generally, the TSA contemplates, among other things, the TSA Transactions and certain changes to the capital structure and governance of the Ferrellgas Parties as described in more detail in the TSA.

 

Pursuant to the TSA, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, the parties thereto agreed to support, act in good faith and take all steps reasonably necessary and desirable to implement and consummate the TSA Transactions until the TSA Transactions are consummated or the TSA is terminated. The Consenting Noteholders agreed, among other things, (i) to forbear from taking actions with respect to any default or event of default by the Ferrellgas Parties under the indenture governing the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 which arises solely as a result of the failure to make payments of the principal due on the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020, and (ii) to vote in favor of any matter requiring approval to the extent necessary to implement the TSA Transactions and the Plan.

The TSA contains certain milestones relating to the commencement of the solicitation of acceptances of the Plan (the “Solicitation”) from holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units, the refinancing process and the Chapter 11 Cases, which include the dates by which Ferrellgas Partners was required to commence the Solicitation and, thereafter, commence the Chapter 11 Cases or obtain certain approval orders of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”). In addition, the milestones include the obligation of Ferrellgas Partners and the Finance Corp. to emerge from chapter 11 protection no later than April 4, 2021, unless that deadline is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.

The TSA also provides that the TSA may be terminated by the Required Consenting Noteholders (as defined therein) with respect to the Consenting Noteholders or by any Ferrellgas Party with respect to the Ferrellgas Parties upon the occurrence of certain events set forth therein. In particular, the Ferrellgas Parties may terminate the TSA in the event the governing body of any Ferrellgas Party determines, after consulting with counsel, (i) that continuing to pursue any of the TSA Transactions in the manner contemplated by the TSA would be inconsistent with the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties or applicable law or (ii) in the exercise of its contractual or fiduciary duties, to pursue an alternative transaction proposal.

Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. commenced the Solicitation on December 21, 2020 and by January 22, 2021 received sufficient votes from the requisite holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes due 2020 and the requisite holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units to obtain approval of the Plan from the Bankruptcy Court. Subject to any changes, the Solicitation process is complete. The Plan remains subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

On January 11, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. commenced the Chapter 11 Cases by filing voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. The Chapter 11 Cases are being jointly administered under the caption and case numbers, In re: Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Chapter 11 Case Nos. 21-10020 and 21-10021. Following the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. have continued, and plan to continue, to operate their businesses as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court.

There is no assurance that the Plan will be approved by the Bankruptcy Court or that the TSA Transactions will be consummated, and the outcome of Ferrellgas’ debt reduction strategy continues to remain uncertain.