This article examines the emerging trend of U.S.-based companies with Canadian ties initiating primary insolvency proceedings in Canada and seeking recognition in the United States under Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. As described herein, this two-step strategy enables debtors to take advantage of the flexibility and efficiency of Canadian restructuring regimes, while securing key U.S. bankruptcy protections.

A Strategic Shift in Cross-Border Insolvency

Third-party releases, particularly releases of non-debtor affiliated guarantors, are commonly a critical feature of a successful cross-border restructuring. In U.S. restructurings, where New York law typically governs the arrangements among a borrower, its lenders/noteholders and its guarantors, the restructuring or release of the primary obligor does not, without more, result in the restructuring or release of the guarantors’ obligations in respect of the guarantees. For this reason, in U.S.

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