Core Insights - Rite Aid is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, with various companies, including Walgreens and brand management firms, evaluating its remaining assets [1][4][9] - Kourtney Kardashian has shown interest in acquiring Rite Aid's Thrifty ice cream brand, which has a history dating back to 1940 [3][7] Group 1: Bankruptcy and Asset Evaluation - Rite Aid operates approximately 1,200 stores and serves around 8 million customers, having filed for bankruptcy for the second time in two years [4][8] - The bankruptcy judge has approved store closures and the sale of customer prescription files to 13 buyers, including CVS Health and Walgreens [4][10] - Brand management companies such as Authentic Brands Group, WHP Global, and Marquee Brands are assessing Rite Aid's intellectual property and loyalty program [1][2] Group 2: Interest in Thrifty Ice Cream Brand - Kourtney Kardashian, co-founder of Lemme and owner of Poosh, is interested in Rite Aid's Thrifty ice cream brand, which is sold at various retailers [3][5][6] - Thrifty ice cream has a notable history and has attracted interest from consumer-focused private equity firms as well [7]

Core Viewpoint - The judge in Canoo's bankruptcy case has blocked an attempt by financier Charles Garson to disrupt the sale of the EV startup's assets, ruling that he lacked standing to challenge the sale to Canoo's CEO, Anthony Aquila [1][2][8]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Judge Brendan Linehan Shannon ruled that Charles Garson, a UK-based financier, did not have standing to request the sale to Canoo's CEO be vacated, as he missed the deadline to submit a formal bid [2][8]. - Garson claimed he was willing to pay up to $20 million for Canoo's assets but failed to clarify the source of his funding, raising concerns from the bankruptcy trustee about potential issues with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States [2][4]. - The last challenge to the asset sale comes from Harbinger Motors, a startup formed by former Canoo employees, which has appealed the judge's denial of their objection to the sale [3]. Group 2: Arguments and Perspectives - Garson's lawyer framed the situation as a "David versus Goliath" matter, arguing that Garson believed he had until the end of April to formalize his bid based on conversations with the bankruptcy trustee [4]. - The bankruptcy trustee's lawyer, Mark Felger, countered that the sale process was fair and that the negotiations were conducted properly, emphasizing that the cost of maintaining Canoo's assets was too high [5][7]. - Judge Shannon expressed sympathy for Garson's frustration but noted that he did not fully understand the complex process and requirements to engage in the bidding [9]. Group 3: Outcome and Reactions - Judge Shannon ruled against Garson, stating he lacked standing as he was not owed any money by Canoo and did not submit a formal bid before the deadline [8][9]. - Garson acknowledged the court's decision and congratulated Aquila, expressing disappointment at not being able to participate in the bidding process [10].

Core Viewpoint - A mysterious investor from London, Charles Garson, is contesting the sale of EV startup Canoo's assets to its CEO, claiming the process was flawed and that his offer of $20 million is significantly better than the CEO's bid of $4 million in cash [1][2]. Group 1: Investor's Offer - Charles Garson offered $20 million for Canoo's assets, which he claims is a "far superior offer" compared to CEO Anthony Aquila's bid of $4 million in cash [2]. - Aquila's bid also includes the cancellation of approximately $11 million in loans owed to his financial firm [2]. - Garson was informed by the bankruptcy trustee that his offer would be considered, and he had until the end of April to finalize details [2][6]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - Garson's lawyer filed a motion to vacate the sale, asserting that the trustee moved forward with the sale to Aquila without properly considering Garson's offer [2][7]. - Harbinger Motors, an EV trucking startup formed by former Canoo employees, also objected to the sale, but the bankruptcy judge overruled their objection, leading to an appeal [3]. Group 3: Background on Investor - Very little information is available about Garson, who is based in London and involved in real estate investments, serving as a director of Garland Holdings Limited [4]. - The motion to vacate does not clarify Garson's interest in Canoo or whether other investors are involved [5]. Group 4: Sale Process Concerns - The bankruptcy trustee reportedly did not respond to requests for comment regarding the sale process [2]. - Up to eight parties evaluated Canoo's assets prior to the sale, with some concerns raised about foreign ownership related to one of the bidders [8].

Core Viewpoint - Harbinger has filed an objection to the sale of Canoo's assets to its CEO, which may complicate the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings [1] Group 1: Objection Details - Harbinger's objection claims that Canoo has concealed certain assets from the sale process, including assets acquired from the bankrupt EV company Arrival [2] - The objection also states that Canoo listed assets that Harbinger believes the startup did not own, although specific assets were not identified [2] - Harbinger asserts that the sale process has unfairly favored Canoo's CEO, Anthony Aquila, as the bankruptcy trustee accepted his offer without adequately marketing the sale or obtaining an appraisal [3] Group 2: Background Context - The relationship between Harbinger and Canoo has been contentious, with Harbinger being formed by former Canoo employees in 2021, and Canoo previously suing Harbinger for allegedly stealing trade secrets [4] - The trade secret case remains active, and Aquila's purchase includes an interest in any potential settlement Harbinger may owe to Canoo [4] Group 3: Legal Implications - A clause in the purchase agreement gives Aquila and the trustee control over any settlement in the ongoing Harbinger case, which Harbinger argues could violate the Department of Justice's guidelines for Chapter 7 trustees [5]