Cirque du Soleil files for bankruptcy protection
Montreal’s iconic entertainment group, Cirque du Soleil, has filed for bankruptcy protection and sacked more than 3,000 employees.
On Tuesday, the group posted to Twitter confirming that all future performances and events would be cancelled.
As we move forward, we know that you will have questions and we will continue to share information with you. If you already have tickets, these remain valid. For all other questions, please refer to the FAQ section of our website: https://t.co/MGJfZUk8Qr pic.twitter.com/spJ46YFs0T
— Cirque du Soleil (@Cirque) June 29, 2020
Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group said that despite the previous success and profitability of the business, it has brought in zero revenue since COVID-19 forced it to cancel all shows.
The company said the move was in connection to a “stalking horse” purchase agreement with its existing shareholders and sponsors that would see US$300 million ($434.5 million) pumped into the restructured business.
As part of the restructure, 3,480 employees who had been stood down since March have been let go as a “necessary part of its restructuring and eventual plans to restart operations”.
SBS News reported the mass sacking will leave the company with just 213 employees.
“It’s a big shock, but we are optimistic that in the future when normalcy will come back, that people will be very, very eager to see live shows,” Lamarre told SBS News.
Fans around the world have been left devastated by the news.
https://twitter.com/hayleystjames/status/1277659700671188992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1277659700671188992%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbs.com.au%2Fnews%2Fthe-feed%2Fcirque-du-soleil-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-it-s-a-big-shock
One of the biggest global brands in entertainment is now bankrupt. Let that sink in. #CirqueDuSoleil https://t.co/fS3vyHcImI
— Rony Patra (@ronypatra) June 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/CalTheJuggler/status/1277940426339758082
My thoughts are with all #CirqueDuSoleil performers & staff today. I've been attending shows my entire life; the last thing I did before quarantine was see the final Los Angeles performance of #Volta. I am hoping you all pull through this & that 'La Magie Continue' someday soon.
— Nicholas Zabaly (@LainEverliving) June 29, 2020
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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