Missing Billions and a Secretive CEO: The First Brands Bankruptcy episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 27, 2025 · 18 MIN

Missing Billions and a Secretive CEO: The First Brands Bankruptcy

from The Journal. · host The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Auto-parts maker First Brands Group, the company behind products like Autolite spark plugs and Fram oil filters, declared bankruptcy last month. Court filings have revealed a trove of irregularities and a $2 billion dollar hole. WSJ’s Alexander Gladstone says the bankruptcy is having an impact on the company’s lenders and on Wall Street. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening:  - Trump’s Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry  - How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy  Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auto-parts maker First Brands Group, the company behind products like Autolite spark plugs and Fram oil filters, declared bankruptcy last month. Court filings have revealed a trove of irregularities and a $2 billion dollar hole. WSJ’s Alexander Gladstone says the bankruptcy is having an impact on the company’s lenders and on Wall Street. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening:  - Trump’s Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry  - How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy  Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Missing Billions and a Secretive CEO: The First Brands Bankruptcy

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Auto-parts maker First Brands Group, the company behind products like Autolite spark plugs and Fram oil filters, declared bankruptcy last month. Court filings have revealed a trove of irregularities and a $2 billion dollar hole. WSJ’s Alexander...

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