Fulltext Search
What is Changing in the Pensions Insolvency World? Introducing the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 is far-reaching with its implications extending to pension schemes. Pension scheme employers and trustees should ensure that they are familiar with the provisions of the Act, and the potential impact that they could have on schemes, employers and savers.

Introduction

The Act received royal assent on Thursday 25 June. The Act passed through Parliament very quickly, so that its provisions can be used by companies experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act contains:

United Kingdom, Employee Benefits & Pensions, Insolvency & Restructuring, Litigation, Mayer Brown, Corporate governance, Coronavirus, Pension Protection Fund
The UK Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (“CIGA”) from a Pensions Perspective

On 25 June 2020, the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill (the “Bill”) received Royal Assent and on 26 June 2020 CIGA came into force. The restructuring team in Mayer Brown’s London office has previously commented on the different elements of the Bill in a series of blog posts and podcasts.

United Kingdom, Employee Benefits & Pensions, Insolvency & Restructuring, Mayer Brown, Coronavirus, Pension Protection Fund
To Retain (Under Section 327(a) or 363(b) of the Bankruptcy Code) or Not to Retain? Retention of Liquidation Consultants in Bankruptcy Cases

In a recent opinion – In re Heritage Home Group LLC, et al., Case No. 18-11736 (KG), 2018 WL 4684802 (Bankr. D. Del. Sept. 27, 2018) – the Delaware Bankruptcy Court addressed the longstanding issue of which professional persons must be retained under section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

USA, Insolvency & Restructuring, Litigation, Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, Liquidation, US District Court for District of Delaware
Absolute(ly) No - A Reminder That When It Comes to Reorganization, Equity Comes Last

A fundamental tenet of chapter 11 bankruptcies is the absolute priority rule. Initially a judge-created doctrine, the absolute priority rule was partially codified in section 1129(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Bankruptcy Code. Under section 1129, plans must be “fair and equitable” in order to be confirmed.

USA, North Carolina, Banking, Insolvency & Restructuring, Litigation, Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, Bankruptcy, Debtor
Fees, Fees, Fees: SDNY Bankruptcy Court Questions the Ongoing Validity of the “Blackstone Protocol” for Investment Banker Fees in Chapter 11 Cases

Background: Professionals’ Fees in Chapter 11 cases

USA, Banking, Insolvency & Restructuring, Litigation, Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, Title 11 of the US Code, United States bankruptcy court, US District Court for the Southern District of New York
The Nortel and Lehman Brothers companies

Background

Under the Pensions Act 2004 the Pensions Regulator (tPR) has the power to impose a financial support direction (FSD) requiring a company “connected or associated” with the sponsoring employer of a UK pension fund to provide financial support to the pension fund. To date tPR has used the power in insolvencies.

United Kingdom, Employee Benefits & Pensions, Insolvency & Restructuring, Litigation, Dentons, Debt, The Pensions Regulator (UK), Lehman Brothers, Pensions Act 2004 (UK)
UK pensions: summer round-up

This summer has seen several pension issues making the news. They show how essential it is for employers and trustees to keep abreast of how developments impact on their arrangements.

Jay Doraisamy looks at five areas which have made the headlines this summer:

United Kingdom, Corporate Finance/M&A, Employee Benefits & Pensions, Insolvency & Restructuring, Litigation, Tax, Dentons