Star Tribune preparing to emerge from bankruptcy protection, actively seeking new publisher

Star Tribune emerging from bankruptcy protection

MINNEAPOLIS — The Star Tribune is preparing to emerge from bankruptcy protection and is actively seeking a new publisher.

Minnesota’s largest newspaper says it will emerge from Chapter 11 protection Monday, complying with the timeline agreed to under a reorganization plan approved earlier this month.

The bankruptcy filing allowed the 142-year-old newspaper to wipe away nearly $400 million in debt and extract $20 million annually in union concessions.

Board chairman Michael Sweeney says there is “an active search” for a publisher to replace current publisher Chris Harte.

The Star Tribune is the country’s 14th-largest daily newspaper. It filed for bankruptcy protection in January as revenue tumbled faster than the company could cut costs.

Information from: Star Tribune, www.startribune.com