This is a service specifically targeted at the needs of busy non-executive directors. We aim to give you a “heads up” on the things that matter for NEDs in the week ahead – all in two minutes or less.
In this Edition, we consider another recent Panel decision in the insolvency context, RBA’s comments on Australian economic outlook and the looming “return to normal” for regulators as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drag on.
YOUR KEY BOARDROOM BRIEF
This week's TGIF considers the recent Federal Court case of Krejci, in the matter of Union Standard International Group Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) (No 2) [2020] FCA 1111, where the Federal Court ordered the director of a company to disclose passwords to the company’s server
In its recent judgment involving the PAS Group of companies[1], the Federal Court held that rent payable by the PAS Group during an extension of the period in which an administrator had been excused from personal liability (Standstill Period) is an expense properly incurred by a ‘relevant authority in carrying on the company’s business’ and is therefore a priority debt under s 556(1)(a) of the Corporations
Litigation funders in Australia are now subject to increased regulation following the passing of the Corporations Amendment (Litigation Funding) Regulations 2020 (Cth). The amendments apply to schemes or arrangements entered into on or after 22 August 2020.
Advisers are seeing some challenging and difficult scenarios with clients in the current situation. When times are tough, or when life brings up unique challenges, it is often an adviser that guides their client through these difficult scenarios.
A recent case in the NSW Court of Appeal clarifies the purpose, and limits, of a public examination summons
In Short
The Situation: When determining and quantifying unfair preference claims in Australia, does the Corporations Act permit liquidators to value transactions forming part of a single "continuous business relationship" (such as a running account) from the point of peak indebtedness, even if doing so disregards earlier transactions that might act to reduce the value of the claim against the creditor?
This week’s TGIF considers the recent decision of the NSW Court of Appeal in the Arrium liquidation, where the Court set aside examination orders sought for the purpose of a possible shareholder class action.
Key takeaways
Many companies are under financial pressure in the COVID-19 era as a result of revenue substantially reducing, debts not being paid when due and supply chains being disrupted. Even companies with financial reserves are finding themselves under pressure as measures taken by state and the Federal governments to reduce the spread of the virus are expanded and extended.
Administrators unsuccessfully argued that rent incurred during the administrators’ statutory “no personal liability” period was an unsecured debt which would not enjoy priority in the event the relevant companies went into liquidation.
Key takeaways