Keith Rhodes

Keith Rhodes, Vice President of Rhodes Carpet Max and chairman of the Franchisee Committee states, "It is highly uncommon that committees other than the official Unsecured Creditors Committee are formed.Duane, Morris & Heckscher LLP won the appointment because of its reputation and extensive experience in representing franchisors and franchisees in various business matters, along with the complex insolvency and reorganization representations the firm has handled."The retention of the firm is subject to court approval.

A liquidity crisis precipitated the filing by the Debtor who scheduled over $342,549,000 in assets and $252,211,000 in liabilities.In addition to being one of the largest bankruptcy filings presently pending in Atlanta, the case has national significance as the franchisees are located in 49 states and Canada, and creditors' claims are nationwide.

"That's the most powerful new thing for me," said Keith Rhodes, principal, Rhodes CarpetMax, Biloxi, Miss. "It's a great collection that covers all styles and price points, and the advertising [from DuPont] will be tremendous."