================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------------------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): DECEMBER 19, 2002 STERLING CHEMICALS, INC. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) DELAWARE 333-04343-01 76-0502785 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (COMMISSION (I.R.S. EMPLOYER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) FILE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NO.) 1200 SMITH STREET, SUITE 1900 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-4312 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND ZIP CODE) (713) 650-3700 (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE) ================================================================================ ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) EXHIBITS Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated December 19, 2002 announcing Sterling Chemicals' emergence from bankruptcy and the execution of a $100 million revolving credit facility. ITEM 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE. On September 19, 2002, Sterling Chemicals, Inc. issued a press release announcing its emergence from bankruptcy with $60 million in new equity and the execution of a $100 million revolving credit facility led by The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. A copy of the press release is set forth as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. This exhibit is not filed but is furnished pursuant to Regulation FD. -1- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. STERLING CHEMICALS, INC. Date: December 20, 2002 By: /s/ R.K. CRUMP ------------------------------------- Name: R.K. Crump Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer -2- EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated December 19, 2002 announcing Sterling Chemicals' emergence from bankruptcy and the execution of a $100 million revolving credit facility.