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"Hilco" redirects here. For the company that made toys known as Hilco, see John Hill & Company.
Hilco Global
Company typePrivate company
Founded1987
FounderJeff Hecktman
Headquarters
Northbrook, Illinois
,
U.S.
Area served
International
Key people
Jeff Hecktman, Chairman & CEO
John Chen, President & COO
Eric Kaup, Executive VP & General Counsel
Ernest Fiorante, Executive VP & CFO
Gary Epstein, Executive VP & CMO
Jill Zimmerman, Executive VP & CPO
ServicesAsset Valuation
Business Advisory
Asset Monetization
Asset Disposition (Liquidation)
SubsidiariesHilco Merchant Resources
ReStore Capital
Hilco Real Estate
Hilco Capital
Hilco Valuation Services
Hilco Receivables
Hilco Retail Consulting
Hilco Consumer Capital
Hilco Streambank
Hilco Industrial
Hilco Redevelopment Partners

Hilco Global is a multinational financial services holding company. It operates over twenty businesses in five continents and specializes in asset valuation, advisory, monetization capital, and disposition services. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, it has offices throughout the world and provides services to companies, their lenders and professional services advisers across a broad spectrum of business categories including retail, commercial, industrial and financial. Hilco Global delivers services focused on maximizing the value of under-performing and excess retail, consumer products and industrial inventory, real estate, intellectual property, including consumer brands, patents, and accounts receivable. Hilco Global is also considered one of the largest distressed investment and advisory companies in the world.[1]

History

[edit]

Hilco Global was founded in 1987 by Jeff Hecktman.[2] Hecktman founded Hilco Trading Company after restructuring his family's industrial supply firm and selling off many of the business' under performing assets.[3] Hilco Global was renamed in 2013, eliminating the use of the name Hilco Trading Company as well as introducing a new logo and website for the company.[2]

Hilco Global began drawing attention from major investors in 2006 when it was announced that Goldman Sachs Group and Cerberus Capital Management were in talks to purchase a significant stake in the company.[3] Hecktman sold part of the company to both investment companies to help finance other ventures, including private equity style buyouts of faded consumer brands.[1] In 2019, Hilco Global sold 27% of itself to La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), a company which manages public Canadian pension and insurance funds.[4] In May 2019, Hilco subsidiary H19 Capital acquired the assets of 19th Capital Group, an Indianapolis transportation and truck leasing company.[5]

Hilco Merchant Resources

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In 2000, Hilco Global founded a business division named Hilco Merchant Resources LLC, a subsidiary of the company that specializes in retail inventory valuation, retail store closings, retail inventory disposition, fixture, furniture, and equipment disposition, and asset protection. Michael Keefe and Cory Lipoff, formerly of Gordon Brothers, joined HMR the same year with Keefe becoming the CEO.[6] In 2001, the division became known as one of the top five liquidation firms in the United States, having been involved in the $1.8 billion liquidation of Montgomery Ward following that company's bankruptcy.[7] Some of its most notable disposition and liquidation deals included work for Sears, Sears Canada, CompUSA, Sportmart, PharMor Rx, Coldwater Creek, Charming Charlie, and Target Canada.[8][9][10] In 2016, the division helped save Aéropostale from final liquidation, eventually allowing the retailer to restructure and reopen over 500 stores.[11] As Toys "R" Us stores closed in 2018, Hilco Merchant Resources oversaw the nearly $2 billion liquidation of their inventory and assets.[12] Hilco Merchant Resources also expanded its operations by opening an office in Australia, taking on retail inventory liquidations of stores that include Fletcher Jones,[13] Dubbo Everyday Living[14] and Dick Smith.[15]

ReStore for Retail, a Hilco Global company, introduced a mobile visual merchandising and operations software service to aid the woking of the frontline store associates and managers and update the in-store shopping experience.[16]

ReStore Capital

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In 2019, Hilco Global launched ReStore Capital which resolves shipping and stocking problems between vendors and retailers. ReStore Capital buys shipments from vendors and then consigns the goods to retailers.[17]

Hilco Real Estate

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Hilco Global founded its real estate business division in 2000 with the formation of Hilco Real Estate, LLC, to be a national provider of accelerated real estate disposition and advisory services.[18] It has acted as agent or principal for numerous real estate acquisitions and sales. It was co-founded by Mitchell Kahn who served as the company's CEO until 2008.[18] Kahn was replaced by Neil Aaronson as CEO and Gregory Apter was promoted to President of the company.[19] Hilco Real Estate was responsible for numerous large transactions in real estate including 1,200 leases for MCI Worldcom that the company either sold or renegotiated.[20] It also closed hundreds of Blockbuster stores following the company's 2010 bankruptcy as well as approximately 200 Borders Book Stores following that company's 2011 bankruptcy.[21] Hilco Real Estate was also involved with the selling of over 165 unused properties owned by Hostess after that company filed for bankruptcy in 2013.[22]

Hilco Global expanded its real estate business in 2012 with the formation of Hilco Real Estate Finance LLC, a lending division of Hilco Real Estate.[23] Hilco Real Estate Finance operated as a private real estate mortgage lending company and in a year and a half had originated loans in approximately 20 states. Hilco Real Estate Finance was sold to the private equity firm Garrison Investment Group in 2014.[24]

In August 2023, WeWork hired Hilco Global and Hilco Real Estate as an adviser for restructuring advice to avoid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and restructuring the company's debts out of court.[25]

Hilco Capital

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An HMV store in Wakefield closed as part of the group administration, prior to the purchase by Hilco Capital

Hilco Global launched Hilco Capital in 2000.[26] Based in the United Kingdom, Hilco Capital is involved in retail restructuring and distressed investments. It has expanded internationally with the opening of offices in Ireland, Spain, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

Blockbuster Store Closing, Ypsilanti Township, Michigan

Hilco Valuation Services

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In 2001 Hilco Global formed a business unit called Hilco Appraisal Services LLC, bundling all of the industrial, retail and real estate appraisal services of the holding company into a single unit. Later renamed Hilco Valuation Services, the company is based in the U.S. and has global offices in the U.K., Canada, Australia, Mexico, South American and Asia. One of this units most notable deals was completed in 2005 with the valuation of 29 locations of over 40 million square feet owned by Delphi Automotive.[27]

Hilco Receivables

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2001 was also the year Hilco Global expanded its holdings with the formation of Hilco Receivables LLC, a division that purchases bad debt and services accounts receivable.[28] By 2004, Hilco Receivables had acquired more than $2 billion in receivables and in 2006 it opened a 200-person collection center that operated under the name Apex Financial, LLC.[28] The company also provides receivable appraisals to lenders as well as financing to companies who acquire receivables portfolios. One of the most notable transactions involving Hilco Receivables was the purchase of $25 million in account receivables from National Envelope Corporation after its bankruptcy in 2013.[29][30]

Hilco Retail Consulting

[edit]

In 2004, Hilco Global acquired a retail strategic consulting practice from Arthur Andersen called Senn Delaney – SD Consulting. In 2013, the consulting practice was rebranded as Hilco Retail Consulting or HRC Advisory,[31] and in 2021, it was sold to Accenture with the team in North America joining Accenture's Retail Strategy group.[32]

A Linens 'n Things store notifying customers "Going out of Business"

Hilco Consumer Capital

[edit]

Hilco Brands was formed from the initial investment as an extension of Hilco Consumer Capital, another company held by Hilco Global. One of the first brands purchased was Halston, a notable fashion line that became popular in the 1970s. Additional brands purchased by Hilco include the Ram and Tommy Armour golf club lines, both companies that were previously based in Chicago,[1] as well as Le Tigre, Haute Hippie, Portico, Under the Canopy, Linens 'n Things, and Polaroid.[33] Hilco then sold the Polaroid brand and its related intellectual property in 2017 to the Smolokowski family, a Polish group of investors.[34] In 2017, Hilco Brands invested in the startup company StreetTrend LLC, a luxury sneaker producer.[35]

Hilco Streambank

[edit]

Hilco Streambank is an additional subsidiary added to the Hilco Global family in 2011. The company was formed to provide services for intellectual property brands such as Borders, Posh, Tots,[36] Linens N’ Things and Circuit City.[37] Hilco Streambank is also known for its IPv4 auction marketplace used for the purchase and sale of IPv4 assets.[38] In 2019, Hilco Streambank helped Johnson Publishing organize an auction for their Ebony and Jet magazine photograph archive after Johnson went bankrupt.[39] Hilco Streambank also managed the intellectual property sale for Charming Charlie in 2019 after they went bankrupt including their trademarks, domain names, customer data, and social media assets.[40] In 2020, Hilco Streambank managed the marketing and selling of all Earth Fare stores, leases, and intellectual property after they filed for bankruptcy.[41]

In 2023, IPv4.Global, a Hilco Global company and an IPv4 marketplace, brokered $1 billion in IPv4 address sales.[42]

Hilco Industrial

[edit]

Hilco Global's Industrial unit, Hilco Industrial LLC, made national news in 2014 with its involvement in the disposition of excess municipal transportation assets for the City of Detroit following the city's bankruptcy,[43] the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in the history of the United States.[44] Prior to its involvement with the City of Detroit, Hilco Industrial played a role in the sale of Chrysler and GM plants in 2010.[45] In Australia, Hilco Industrial liquidated the last remaining automotive manufacturing plant on the continent, Toyota Altona.[46]

Hilco Redevelopment Partners

[edit]

In 2012, Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP) bought the Sparrows Point Steel Mill in Maryland to demolish and rebuild as a warehouse distribution hub, renamed Tradepoint Atlantic. The deal has operated in partnership with Baltimore-based investment firm Redwood Capital Partners.[47][4] In 2017, HRP bought the Crawford Generating Station in Little Village, Chicago, to transform the space into an updated distribution center called Exchange 55.[48][49] After the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery burned down and went bankrupt in 2019, HRP bought the plant for $225.5 million.[4] Hilco will carry out the dismantling of the plant and an extensive remediation effort before beginning projects on the site.[50]

In 2023, HRP began the construction of the first phase of The Bellwether District's South Philadelphia site to convert the industrial site into an e-commerce and logistics campus.[51]

HRP appointed four people to the company's corporate advisory board namely Dr. Judith Rodin, Lieutenant General Thomas P. Bostick (Ret.), Ron DeGregorio and Michael K. Ohm.[52]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Strahler, Steven R. (17 September 2007). "Hilco CEO puts on glitz". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Hilco Global Unveiled as New Name for Hilco Trading". ABF Journal. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  3. ^ a b Strahler, Steven (11 September 2006). "Wall Street firms eye Hilco Trading". Investment News. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Andrew Maykuth. "A Chicago company has finalized its purchase of the bankrupt Philly refinery". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  5. ^ Mary Willkom. "Hilco Global Acquires Indy Truck Leasing Company". Inside Indiana Business. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  6. ^ Baeb, Eddie (20 January 2001). "Science and art of the closeout". Crain's Business Chicago. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  7. ^ Baeb, Eddie (22 January 2001). "Science and art of the closeout". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  8. ^ "Copeland family selling, Sports Authority / Hilco stalking horse bidder". S News net. 3 November 2006. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  9. ^ Brohan, Mark (15 July 2013). "Hilco puts two iconic e-commerce brands up for bid". Internet Retailer. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  10. ^ Bathon, Michael (6 May 2014). "Coldwater Creek Liquidation Auction Won by Hilco, Gordon". Bloomberg. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  11. ^ Wilson, Marianne (January 11, 2017). "Teen apparel retailer reopens 500-plus stores". Chain Store Age. Archived from the original on February 12, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  12. ^ Alby Gallun. "Retail bankruptcies mean big business for this company". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  13. ^ Butler, Ben (27 January 2012). "Fletcher Jones stock to be liquidated". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  14. ^ "Staff hit by store closure". The Daily Liberal. 12 March 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  15. ^ Tucker, Harry (26 February 2016). "DICK SMITH IS GONE -- 3000 staff lose jobs -- stock sell-off today". Business Insider. Archived from the original on February 26, 2016.
  16. ^ "ReStore for Retail Gives Collaborative Power to Store Associates, Managers". WWD. 13 September 2023.
  17. ^ Evan Clark. "Restore Capital Steps In With Financing Fixes". WWD. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  18. ^ a b Schroedter, Andrew (12 December 2008). "Co-founder leaves Hilco Real Estate". Chicago Real Estate Daily. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  19. ^ Schroedter, Andrew (12 December 2008). "Co-founder leaves Hilco Real Estate". Chicago Real Estate Daily. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  20. ^ Muto, Sheila (16 July 2003). "How Hilco Helps MCI Unload Its Properties". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  21. ^ Spector, Mike (5 April 2011). "Blockbuster Auction Draws Liquidators". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  22. ^ "Judge OKs Hilco to sell Hostess' real estate, other assets". Chicago Real Estate Daily. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  23. ^ Matthews, David Lee (8 October 2013). "Targeting small investors for big profits". Chicago Real Estate Daily. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  24. ^ Lane, Ben (29 October 2014). "Hilco Real Estate Finance sold, rebrands as Jordan Capital Finance". Housing Wire. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  25. ^ "WeWork tapping advisers for restructuring help". Reuters. 23 August 2023.
  26. ^ Neal, Dave (17 October 2013). "Music store HMV breaks ground with MP3 download store". The Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 18, 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  27. ^ "Hilco Global Opens New Valuation Services Office in Sydney". ABL Advisor. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  28. ^ a b "Debt Purchaser Hilco Receivables Opens 200-Person Collection Call Center". Inside Arm. 12 September 2006. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  29. ^ Santo, Jamie. "Bankrupt National Envelope Brings In $65M With 3-Way Sale". Law 360. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  30. ^ Bathon, Michael (11 September 2013). "NE Opco Wins Approval to Sell Assets for $70 Million". Bloomberg. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  31. ^ Wilson, Marianne (29 September 2014). "Survey: Retailers not using consumer data to boost omnichannel shopping efforts". Chain Store Data. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  32. ^ Miller, Ben (July 28, 2021). "Chicago-area retail consultancy HRC Retail Advisory acquired by Accenture". Chicago Business Journal.
  33. ^ Timberlake, Cotten (6 February 2009). "Linens 'N Things Marks Bought by Hilco, Gordon". Bloomberg Businessweek. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  34. ^ Allison Johnson. "Polaroid sold to new owner". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  35. ^ "Former Stuart Weitzman CEO back in business". World Footwear. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  36. ^ Gilligan, Gregory J. (2 July 2014). "Firm hired to sell PoshTots business". Times Dispatch. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  37. ^ Hallman, Randy (13 July 2013). "Circuit City name is for sale, again". News Advance. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  38. ^ "Hilco Streambank Introduces Buy Now Option on IPv4Auctions.com". Investor Hangout. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  39. ^ N'dea Yancey-Bragg. "Historic Ebony and Jet photo auction to continue Wednesday after 'truly remarkable' participation". USA Today. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  40. ^ Olivia Pulsinelli. "Charming Charlie founder bids to buy brand, IP assets out of bankruptcy". Houston Business Journal. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  41. ^ Marianne Wilson. "Earth Fare stores, leases, intellectual property — even recipes — for sale". Chain Store Age. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  42. ^ "IPv4.Global Hits $1 Billion Milestone for IPv4 Sales". PR Newswire. 7 August 2023.
  43. ^ Martinez, Shandra (12 September 2014). "Grand Rapids auction company to help sell of Detroit's surplus transportation fleet". MLive. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  44. ^ Guillen, Joe; Bomey, Nathan (16 July 2014). "Detroit's Future? More cops, firefighters, but fewer people". USA Today. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  45. ^ Shea, Bill (29 October 2014). "Double-decker trolley car, trucks, buses part of massive Detroit equipment auction". Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  46. ^ Alan Harman. "Machinery Auction Set as Toyota Australia Nears End of Car Production". Wards Auto. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  47. ^ Wood, Pamela (18 September 2014). "Sparrows Point owner, government reach cleanup agreement". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  48. ^ Will Wade. "Turning a Dead Coal Plant Into a Hip Waterfront Experience". Bloomberg. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  49. ^ "Site of Little Village power plant to be transformed by minority-run business". Negocios Now. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  50. ^ Saul, Josh (30 September 2021). "How to Tear Down an Oil Refinery in the Middle of Philadelphia". Bloomberg. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  51. ^ D'Onofrio, Mike (January 13, 2023). "First phase of South Philly's new Bellwether District to soon begin". Axios.
  52. ^ "Hilco Redevelopment Partners Installs Advisory Board". ABFJournal. October 12, 2023.
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