Late in the evening on 30 July, the last day before its summer break, the Irish parliament (Oireachtas) passed the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Bill 2020. This is likely to be signed into law and commenced within two weeks.
Three of its provisions are particularly relevant to insolvency processes during the COVID-19 crisis.
Creditors’ meetings
The High Court recently in an ex tempore (unwritten) judgment (to be followed by a more detailed written judgment) approved a scheme of arrangement under Part 9 of the Companies Act 2014 in what may be a template for future restructurings in the aviation sector and a further example, following on from the Weatherford and Ballantyne cases, of the Irish courts’ willingness to facilitate large international restructurings.
The case concerned the Nordic Aviation group, the largest regional aircraft lessor and the fifth largest aircraft lessor globally.
The impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing response to same has seen businesses in Ireland face unprecedented levels of disruption and uncertainty. Whilst companies are faced with unique challenges as the scale of the pandemic and its response continues to evolve, directors remain subject to their duties and responsibilities under the Companies Act 2014 (the ‘Act’) and other statutory obligations including in respect of employment and health and safety. It is essential that directors when responding to these challenges are cognisant of their duties and responsibilities.
On 21 July 2020, the Irish High Court approved a scheme of arrangement for the world’s largest regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital DAC (NAC).
The scheme, which included a 12-month standstill and deferral of c. US$5bn of secured and unsecured debt, is a market-first for the aircraft leasing industry in Ireland whose customer base has been seriously impacted by COVID-19. We look at the NAC scheme of arrangement and consider whether it is a viable restructuring option for the aviation sector more generally.
On 20 July 2020, the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (COVID-19) Bill 2020 (the Bill) was initiated in Seanad Éireann (the upper house of the Irish parliament). This proposed legislation seeks to address certain specific company law issues which have arisen in the context of the ongoing and unprecedented Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
General Meetings
The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) recently issued new guidance outlining the implications of COVID-19 on its insolvency related functions. The statement provides an update on how they will assess the actions of directors of companies which have gone or will go into an insolvent liquidation as a consequence of the pandemic. The guidance is undoubtedly a welcome publication during this difficult time for almost all businesses.
Background
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has published the general scheme of proposed legislation amending the Companies Act 2014.
UPDATED 3 AUGUST 2020
Updates marked with *
Updated: Ireland, Israel
We take a look at some of the recent emergency legislation and measures implemented by various nations around the world in response to COVID-19. As this is a rapidly developing crisis, please ensure you keep a close eye on the Lexology Coronavirus hub page for the most up-to-date information.
The Irish Government has published the General Scheme of a Bill and related secondary legislation to address practical issues that have arisen for companies and cooperative societies as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We examine the scope of the measures and next steps for entities that can avail of its provisions.
Duration of proposed temporary measures
The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (“ODCE”) recently published guidance regarding the duties of directors of Irish companies in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The publication can be accessed here, and provides a welcome reference point for the directors of Irish companies which continue to navigate the challenges associated with trading during this uncertain period.