Vi-Jon LLC, a St. Louis-based manufacturer of private-label dry bath products, including Epsom salts and body powders, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Court filings show that the company faces a huge financial gap and several talc litigation claims. The filing is part of the company’s efforts to resolve legacy talc-related liabilities while continuing to serve customers as usual.
Vi-Jon Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
Court records, as available on the PACER database, show that the company submitted a Chapter 11 petition on August 2, 2026. The proceedings are currently being handled in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
According to a news release from parent company Emprise Group, the filing is part of efforts to resolve legacy talc-related claims through a proposed global settlement.
The news release adds that Vi-Jon, LLC is a separate entity that falls under the Emprise Group, Inc. companies. The parent company and its other subsidiaries didn’t make their individual filings and are also not part of the latest bankruptcy.
Mackenzie Shea, the company’s chief restructuring officer, stated that “consensual Chapter 11 plan” could allow it to address the claims under court supervision. The St. Louis-based company said it is focused on maintaining operations, improving product quality, and strengthening service reliability.
Settlement Plans for Talc Claims
Before filing for Chapter 11, Vi-Jon entered into a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with its parent company and affiliate Emprise HPC LLC. The RSA also included attorneys representing more than 75% of current talc claimants.
The involved members have agreed to support a reorganization plan that would establish a settlement trust, which will be funded by Emprise HPC for addressing current and future talc-related claims.
The RSA further includes transferring certain company assets to Emprise HPC or another Emprise affiliate in exchange for the funding provided under the settlement. With this move, the company aims to support the continued operation of its business and products.
Operations Expected to Continue as Normal
Vi-Jon seeks to keep offering its services throughout the Chapter 11 process.
Emprise HPC has agreed to provide an accelerated payment of approximately $8.1 million to Vi-Jon. This transaction would be carried out under an amended Limited Contribution Agreement.
The affiliate also plans to contribute about $32 million once the Chapter 11 plan becomes effective. This includes $25 million to fund a settlement trust for talc claimants alongside approximately $7 million for the cost of the bankruptcy process.
According to the news release, Vi-Jon will not be required to repay these funds. To date, it has filed multiple customary motions for continuing ordinary business. These are related to the continued payment of employee wages and maintenance of the production and distribution of its products.
The company retained Sidley Austin LLP and Morris James LLP as the legal counsel. Berkeley Research Group, LLC is the financial advisor and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. is the investment banker to Vi-Jon.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP is the legal counsel to Emprise and the other non-debtor affiliates.
Bankruptcy Filing Details
Court records include a list of the law firms representing the largest number of talc-related personal injury claimants. These include The Gori Law Firm, Weitz & Luxenberg, SWMW Law LLC, and others.
A summary of the Chapter 11 petition is shared here:
- Filing Date: August 2, 2026
- Court and Jurisdiction: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware
- Type of Filing: Active, Voluntary Petition
- Chapter: 11
- Case Number: 26-11216-MFW
- Estimated Assets: Between $1,000,001 and $10 million
- Estimated Liabilities: Between $500,000,001 and $1 billion
- Estimated Creditors: Between 200 and 999
- Reason for Filing: Reorganize finances and resolve talc-related claims under court supervision
About the Company
Founded in 1908, Vi-Jon operates as a manufacturer of private-label dry bath and personal care items. Its current product portfolio includes Epsom salts, body powder, baby powder, and foot powder. These are produced for retail, e-commerce, and commercial customers.
The company website shows that it has grown from its origins as the Peroxide Specialty Company to a private-label manufacturer serving retail operators. In 2024, the company reorganized its business to focus on dry goods, bath, and personal care products.
The company’s future proceedings are expected to determine whether its proposed settlement plan, funding arrangements, and restructuring agreements receive court approval.
