Chasen’s Business Interiors forced into bankruptcy

Chasen's Business Interiors has been forced into bankruptcy by three of its creditors.

The Henrico County-based office-furniture dealer, one of the largest in the mid-Atlantic, shut down abruptly in July.

Bankruptcy law allows creditors with claims to initiate bankruptcy proceeding against someone who owes them money.

According to bankruptcy filings, TowneBank of Suffolk, Guardian Fund II-Twin Oaks 2 of Bethesda, Md., and Amcase Inc. of Winston-Salem, N.C., are the three creditors that filed Chasen's bankruptcy petition.

Attorney Richard E. Biemiller of Virginia Beach represents the three companies. Biemiller did not respond to calls or an e-mail yesterday.

Court papers say TowneBank is owed more than $265,000, Guardian Fund II-Twin Oaks 2 is owed more than $46,000 and Amcase is owed more than $2,500.

Larry Giancaterino, chairman and CEO of Chasen's, did not return several e-mails and phone calls.

According to a summons issued Oct. 15, Chasen's has 20 days to respond to the petition.

In addition to its Henrico offices, Chasen's had offices in Alexandria, Norfolk and Charlottesville. It operated warehouses on Dabney Road in Henrico and in Norfolk.

Chasen's, which had operated for 30 years, had about 130 workers. It was not affiliated with the Richmond-based painting contractor N. Chasen & Son Inc. or Chasen Galleries in Richmond.

Contact Louis Llovio at (804) 649-6348 or .