Mar 26, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Xerium Technologies posted 4Q loss of $96.8 million, or $1.98 per share, was driven by an $80.6 million write-down of its goodwill. A year ago Xerium posted a loss of $4.4 million, as News & Observer reported. Sales totaled $132.4 million, down 11.4% from a year ago. Sales decreased 20.5% after excluding the impact of currency fluctuations. For the full year 2009, Xerium posted a loss of $112 million, or $2.29 per share, versus a loss of $26.6 million in 2008. Revenue totaled $500.1 million, down from $638.1 million. Still, CEO Stephen R. Light said in a prepared statement that he was encouraged by signs of recovery in the paper industry. "We are experiencing steady and gradual improvement in our order bookings as conditions appear to be stabilizing or improving," Light said. Earlier this month, Xerium announced that it hoped to file a pre-packaged bankruptcy after cutting a deal with key lenders that would enable it to reduce its debt by about $150 million. The company finished 2009 with $640.1 million in bank debt. Xerium is seeking the support of other lenders for its plan. A prepackaged bankruptcy is faster and less expensive than a traditional bankruptcy, and it gives a company greater control over its destiny. Xerium Technologies, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of two types of consumable products used primarily in the production of paper: clothing and roll covers.