Los Angeles – Arent Fox LLP bankruptcy and restructuring partner Mette Kurth was named as a recipient of the “Transaction of the Year: Mid-Sized Company” award by the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) for her role in representing the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the chapter 11 case filed by Contessa Premium Foods, Inc. The award recognized Contessa’s successful bankruptcy sale and the liquidation plan the team developed for the case, which resulted in 100% recoveries for all allowed general unsecured creditors. In announcing the award, the TMA noted the restructuring team’s exceptional collaborative process that focused on open communication and cooperation with the Committee, other key creditors, and the company jointly selecting, overseeing, and directing Contessa’s investment banker to ensure a speedy and robust bankruptcy sale. 

Mette represented the official unsecured creditors committee with Matthew Pakkala, senior managing director at FTI Consulting serving as its financial advisor; Craig A. Wolfe, a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, serving as its restructuring counsel, and Dan Scouler Sr., a principal at Scouler & Company, serving as Contessa’s financial advisor.

“One of Mette’s greatest strengths is her ability to work with others to develop creative solutions for even the most difficult financial challenges,” said Robert C. O’Brien, managing partner of Arent Fox’s Los Angeles office.

About the Turnaround Management Association
The Turnaround Management Association is the leading organization dedicated to turnaround management, corporate restructuring, and distressed investing. Established in 1988, TMA has more than 9,000 members in 49 chapters worldwide, including 32 in North America. Members include turnaround practitioners, attorneys, accountants, investors, lenders, venture capitalists, appraisers, liquidators, executive recruiters and consultants, as well as academic, government and judicial employees.