Emprise unit files Chapter 11 to settle legacy talc claims

Emprise Group said its Vi-Jon dry goods subsidiary has launched a voluntary Chapter 11 case to resolve alleged legacy talc liabilities through a court-supervised settlement. The filing does not include Nice-Pak, Germ-X or Emprise’s other businesses, which the company says will keep operating normally.

Why it matters: - The Chapter 11 case is designed to resolve current and future alleged talc-related claims in one court process. - Emprise says the filing is limited to Vi-Jon’s dry goods business, reducing the risk of disruption across the rest of the portfolio. - The company says the restructuring is meant to preserve business continuity and long-term value for employee-owners.

What happened: - Emprise Group said Vi-Jon, LLC commenced a voluntary Chapter 11 process on August 3, 2026. - The filing is aimed at implementing a global settlement for alleged legacy talc-related liabilities tied to Vi-Jon’s dry goods business. - The case does not include Emprise Group, Vivos Holdings, Nice-Pak Products, UpLift Brands, INSPR Labs or Emprise’s international operations. - Germ-X branded products are not part of the filing because UpLift Brands is excluded from the case.

The details: - Vi-Jon’s dry goods business primarily makes private-brand dry bath products, including Epsom salts and body powder. - The company said customers, suppliers, retailers, consumers and employees should expect no interruption to normal operations, product availability, customer service or business activity at the excluded businesses. - Emprise said the non-debtor businesses include Vivos Holdings, Nice-Pak Products, UpLift Brands, INSPR Labs, Nice-Pak International and Nice-Pak Deutschland. - Vi-Jon entered a Restructuring Support Agreement with Emprise, Emprise HPC and counsel representing more than 75% of holders of talc-related personal injury claims. - The restructuring is intended to resolve current and future alleged talc-related claims through a settlement trust on an expedited, court-supervised timeline. - Emprise HPC agreed, subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, to accelerate about $8.1 million to Vi-Jon under an amended Limited Contribution Agreement. - Emprise HPC also agreed to contribute about $32 million when the Chapter 11 plan takes effect. - Of that amount, $25 million would fund the settlement trust for talc claimants and about $7 million would cover remaining Chapter 11 costs. - Emprise said the funding is not subject to repayment by Vi-Jon. - The contemplated restructuring may include transferring certain Vi-Jon assets to Emprise HPC or another Emprise affiliate in exchange for the contributions. - Emprise said the plan is designed to support continuity of Vi-Jon’s business and products.

Between the lines: - The filing creates a legal firewall around a legacy liability while trying to protect the company’s operating brands from spillover risk. - The pre-packaged style support from a large share of claim holders suggests Emprise is seeking a faster, more controlled path through bankruptcy court. - The company is pairing litigation resolution with financing and asset transfers to keep the operating business viable during the process.

What's next: - The Chapter 11 plan needs Bankruptcy Court approval. - Emprise said the process is expected to deliver finality for the company and the non-debtor businesses through releases, injunctions and other protections. - The company said it expects its other businesses to continue serving customers and investing in growth during the case.

The bottom line: - Emprise is using Vi-Jon’s bankruptcy to settle a legacy talc dispute while trying to shield its better-known consumer brands from operational disruption.