German legislator finally introduces tax exemption for income resulting from debt waivers in restructuring scenarios with retroactive effect.

To date, a debt waiver has been frequently used as a tool to successfully restructure German-based companies in financial difficulties.

The good news is that public works construction projects for municipalities are projected to remain a major sector of construction activity for the foreseeable future. The not-so-good news is that municipal bankruptcy filings are on the rise, and they are likely to increase. The issues facing parties under contract with a municipality when it files for bankruptcy protection are playing out nationally in places like Stockton, California, and Detroit, Michigan.