Introduction

Directive 2019/1023 of 20 June 2019 on preventive restructuring frameworks, on discharge of debt and disqualifications, and on measures to increase the efficiency of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132 ("Directive on restructuring and insolvency")

La crisis económica en la que se vio sumida España desde el año 2007, y de la que poco a poco el país se viene sobreponiendo, ha espoleado a los 'players' del mercado de reestructuraciones para salir de su zona de confort e introducirse en caminos hasta ahora apenas transitados en nuestro país.

The Supreme Court has today ruled on the ranking of certain pension liabilities when issued to companies in administration or liquidation.

The Supreme Court handed down its judgment in relation to the client money application in the matter of Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (LBIE). The judgment has a number of implications for firms who hold client money, and for firms who hold money with banks and other firms as clients themselves. The complicated and controversial nature of the appeal is reflected in the sharply opposing opinions of the Lords in relation to two of the three issues considered.

On 16 September 2010 the UK Treasury published a consultation paper seeking views on its proposals for a new Special Administration Regime (SAR) for investment firms. The Consultation included draft regulations that will implement the SAR (the Draft Regulations).

The Consultation was prompted by the failure of Lehman Brothers in 2008 which posed (and continues to pose) serious challenges for insolvency regimes around the world.

The Insolvency Service recently opened a consultation (the "Consultation") on its proposals for a restructuring moratorium. Under the proposals, eligible companies satisfying certain qualifying conditions would be able to apply to court for a moratorium to prevent creditor action (a "Moratorium"). The Moratorium is not intended to be an alternative to formal insolvency for companies that are already insolvent but is intended to support viable companies reach a compromise with their creditors.

On 1 May 2009, the administrators of Lehman Brothers International (Europe) ("LBIE") applied to the English High Court for directions on certain issues relating to "Client Money" (as defined in the UK Financial Services Authority's Client Assets Rules, the "CASS Rules") held by LBIE. LBIE was regulated by the FSA and was required to comply with the CASS Rules.

On 1 May 2009, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (the "Administrators") submitted an Ordinary Application to the High Court, seeking directions concerning the obligations of Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (In Administration) ("LBIE"), in relation to the handling of client money received by it prior to entering into administration (the "Application"). A copy of the Application can be found here.

This is the third of a series of four e-bulletins in relation to administrations and company voluntary arrangements (CVAs).