Here's what we are reading this morning:
Pier 1, Stein Mart ownership changes hands | Retail Dive: The backers of Retail Ecommerce Ventures have acquired its IP portfolio, allowing it to avoid bankruptcy
Iconic Brands Unite Under OMNI Retail Enterprises | Business Wire: Pier1.com, DressBarn.com, BodyBuilding.com, MentorBox.com and more under new ownership
Interest Rate-Driven Debt Distress Creates ‘Rifle-Shot’ Opportunities - WSJ: Economic expansion buoys businesses and requires more precision by investors in troubled credit, investors say
The Rise of The Sponsor-in-Possession and Implications for Sponsor Behavior - Penn Law Review: Changes in the capital markets and developments in the law and judicial practice have shifted the balance of power in many distress situations from creditors to financial sponsors
Tommy's Boats files for bankruptcy protection, leaves customers in limbo: Denver7 Investigates has learned that multiple customers are waiting on information after placing deposits at Tommy’s locations across the country. The company announced Tuesday that it was filing for bankruptcy protection in a U.S. District Court in Texas.