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Lionel LLC Files for Chapter 11 Protection (toy train maker)
Yahoo ^ | 11/15/2004

Posted on 11/16/2004 4:37:44 PM PST by Born Conservative

CHESTERFIELD, Mich., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Lionel LLC, the nation's number one model train manufacturer, today announced that it has filed a voluntary petition in the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern district of New York for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (1). The filing was prompted by a $40.8 million judgment against the company for the alleged misappropriation of a competitor's toy train designs by a subcontractor. Lionel's day-to-day operations will continue as usual, including meeting all merchandise shipping obligations customary for the holiday selling period and rolling out new products on schedule. The company remains dedicated to creating and manufacturing the quality product for which it has long been known.

Jerry Calabrese, the recently named CEO of Lionel, said, "The MTH judgment alone has forced us to take this action. Lionel is a sound company that enjoys healthy sales, growing demand for our products and the best brand and reputation in the business. Having said that, the size and weight of this judgment is just too much for what is essentially a small business to bear. Taking advantage of bankruptcy protection will not only allow us to pursue an eventual reversal of this unfair decision, it will enable us to create, manufacture and ship our products in our normal and usual way."

About Lionel LLC

Lionel LLC is one of the world's leading marketers of model trains and accessories. Established in 1900, the Lionel name is the most widely recognized brand in the toy train industry and one of the most recognized brands in America. Lionel has been at the center of every major innovation in toy train manufacturing and marketing since its inception.

(1) Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows a company to continue to operate its business and manage its assets in the ordinary course of business. Congress enacted Chapter 11 to enable a debtor to preserve its going concern value and operations, as well as to provide its employees with jobs and to satisfy creditor claims based upon the value of the reorganized company.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Front Page News
KEYWORDS: lionel; mth
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To: Boundless
Wow ... there's a bit of history I never knew.

We all knew about the third rail in the subway, and Nantasket? The only way to get to Nantasket in my day was to hitch-hike or skip school with a guy that had a car.
Revere Beach OTOH could be reached by MTA (w/transfers).

Still ... American Flyer was the train to have in the 50's.

41 posted on 11/17/2004 3:53:51 AM PST by knarf (A place where anyone can learn anything ... especially that which promotes clear thinking.)
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To: longtermmemmory

Are you a bankruptcy lawyer?


42 posted on 11/17/2004 5:34:05 AM PST by TheConservator (George W. Bush--elected our President by an historical majority of the American Public!)
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To: TheConservator

Notice they filed after the Christmas Season gear up/stock up time.

We're one week away from the busiest shopping day of the year and I'm sure Lionel is ready to ship their goods.


43 posted on 11/17/2004 5:42:32 AM PST by JoeSixPack1 (Typing incoherently on FR since May '98.)
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To: knarf

> Wow ... there's a bit of history I never knew.

Here's a site with some:
http://www.959watd.com/greenbush/GreenbushHistory.asp

> The only way to get to Nantasket in my day was to hitch-hike ...

If you look on USGS 7.5 minute maps, or the MBTA
environmental impact drawings for the proposed
"Nantasket Junction" station at Summer St, you can
still see hints of the where the grade turned off
to the north towards Nantasket.

P23 of the Hingham document found by drilling down from:
http://www.mbta.com/projects_underway/greenbush.asp#environ

It was called "Junction" because two lines joined
there. Curious that the MBTA chose to retain that
name. Gotta wonder ...


44 posted on 11/17/2004 8:33:31 AM PST by Boundless
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