Lion Electric defaults on debt, plans to seek creditor protection under CCAA

MONTREAL — The Lion Electric Co. says it expects to seek protection from creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.

The electric school bus maker says it has defaulted on its debt and is in talks with its senior lenders to obtain additional funds for a new debtor-in-possession credit facility.

It says it plans to restructure its business and pursue a formal sales and investment solicitation process.

The company temporarily laid off 400 employees and shut down production at its Illinois plant earlier this month after getting a two-week reprieve from its lenders to explore its alternatives.

The company said at that time that its 300 remaining employees would focus on bus manufacturing, sales and delivery.

Trading in Lion Electric shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange was halted for failure to maintain exchange requirements.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:LEV)

The Canadian Press