On 22 November 2016, the European Commission published a draft directive on insolvency, restructuring and second chance. In this briefing we consider the proposals and what it means for European insolvency and for the UK.
On 22 November 2016, the European Commission published a draft directive on insolvency, restructuring and second chance (the Proposals).
What are the Proposals? The Proposals have three main parts:
Until recently, Irish creditors could reasonably assume that money judgments awarded in Ireland could be enforced within all other EU member states, including the UK[1]. This gave Irish creditors comfort that they could swiftly and cost-effectively pursue UK-situate assets of a judgment debtor, after a judgement was obtained in Ireland.
The consequences for cross-border insolvencies will largely depend on how Brexit is implemented, but will not affect schemes of arrangement
Foreword
Understanding and mastering cross-border insolvency requires a thorough knowledge of the different domestic insolvency regimes, all of which have distinctive procedures and rules on jurisdiction and recognition of foreign proceedings. Creditors and debtors look for the most favourable system: in this framework, the UK insolvency system is usually considered “creditor-focused”.
- The farming and agricultural sector continues to experience financial pressures.
For more information, please contact the relevant Herbert Smith Freehills partner referred to in the contact list or Simone Pearlman, head of legal knowledge on +44 (0) 20 7466 2021 or email simone. [email protected]. This is a guide to key legal developments in the coming months and years ahead (UK perspective).
Brexit
The potential impact of Brexit on securitization transactions
Impact of the referendum
Following the vote in the UK referendum on 23 June 2016 to leave the EU, there is some uncertainty as to how this will impact transactions.
In an address last week to the Insolvency Lawyers Association, Sir Geoffrey Vos,
the new Chancellor of the High Court, looked at the future for Insolvency and Business Litigation in London, especially after Brexit.
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Inhalt
I. Brexit what does it involve and when could it happen?............................................................ 3
II. Legal areas affected................................................................................................................... 5
1. Choice of law clauses in existing legal relationships and the law applicable to non-contractual
obligations........................................................................................................................... 5
At first glance, it seems that cross-border insolvencies between the UK and EU are likely to become more time-consuming, complex and expensive post-Brexit. However, the situation may not be as dire as it first appears due to the existence of alternative legislation and the exemptions to the EU legislation. As with other areas of law, when it comes to insolvencies much will depend on what steps are taken to maintain the current arrangements with the EU or whether they fall away altogether.
As the dust begins to settle after the EU referendum and the potential ramifications of Brexit continue to be digested, we examine the potential impact of Brexit on the UK cross-border restructuring and insolvency regime and its consequences for the UK’s reputation as a leading creditor-friendly restructuring jurisdiction.