The Washington Post has reported that "The Carlyle Group suffered a rare setback Wednesday when one of its portfolio companies, toy supplier Oriental Trading Co., filed for bankruptcy protection, citing heavy debt and higher shipping costs. Carlyle bought Oriental Trading in June 2006, during the heady days of the buyout boom, for $1 billion. But the heavy debt load, higher postal rates and the weak economy proved too much for the Nebraska firm. "Dramatically increased postal costs and the Great Recession took their toll on expenses and revenues at the company," Carlyle spokesman Chris Ullman said." Read the full story here.
