Blackhill Partners, an investment bank specializing in complex situations, has completed the reorganization of Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC, guiding the company through bankruptcy. Blackhill led Black Elk through a complex Chapter 11 proceeding that included more than $1 billion of restructured liabilities and $15 million in structured roll-up debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing.

"Black Elk was a complex bankruptcy involving the largest ever attempted oil and gas decommissioning plan in Chapter 11," said Lance Gurley, Director, Blackhill Partners. "We were able to draw on our significant experience advising distressed operators in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf to guide the plan to consummation."

In approving the bankruptcy plan, Judge Marvin Isgur of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, located in Houston, said from the bench: "(The) team just did an extraordinary job so far in the case. I know we're not done, but what (has been) accomplished is really unbelievable," said Judge Isgur. "It's a case that could have been a total disaster and it wasn't. So I just want to compliment (the team). It's a pretty phenomenal result."

In addition to Gurley, Blackhill's Energy Restructuring Team for Black Elk included Jeff Jones, Tripp Ballard and Todd Heinz, who drew on their expertise in onshore and offshore energy restructurings to maximize recoveries for creditors. The Blackhill team coordinated with counsel to Black Elk from Baker & Hostetler's Restructuring and Reorganization group, composed of partners Elizabeth Green, Jorian Rose and Jimmy Parrish.

Black Elk Energy was an independent oil and gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company operated and held interests in properties offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, located within Louisiana and Texas as well as Federal waters, in depths ranging from ten feet up to 3,700 feet.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Blackhill Partners, LLC is an investment bank specializing in complex situations. Blackhill's professionals have advised Fortune 500 and middle-market companies on over $100 billion of mergers, acquisitions, financings and restructurings across a broad range of industries, with particular depth in energy and industrial businesses.