Further to our previous article, which can be found here, we consider the key issues with which the Court faced, the technical legal analysis underpinning this judgment and our view on what this may mean for energy suppliers, and the sector as a whole, looking forward.

Background - what was the application and why was it needed?

In a recent decision in the Admiralty Court before Mr Admiralty Registrar Davison, the Court considered the application of the recently enacted section 233B of the Insolvency Act 1986. Whilst the conclusions reached on that provision are perhaps less surprising given its wide remit, the decision raises some interesting points for contract lawyers on the formation of contracts and the reasonableness of their terms.

Introduction – Section 233B of the Insolvency Act 1986 (Act)

Following the Government's announcement in March that the hotly anticipated changes to the UK's insolvency regime would be rushed through Parliament with further, temporary, provisions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, insolvency practitioners and business professionals alike have been awaiting further clarity on what the Business Secretary's comments mean for businesses both in the current climate and more generally.

On Friday, the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner closed Thunder Bank, headquartered in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the bank. As receiver, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Bennington State Bank, headquartered in Salina, Kansas, to assume all of the deposits of Thunder Bank.

On Friday, the Nevada Financial Institutions Division closed SouthwestUSA Bank, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the bank. As receiver, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Plaza Bank, headquartered in Irvine, California, to assume all of the deposits of SouthwestUSA Bank.

On Friday, the Georgia Department of Banking & Finance closed Crescent Bank and Trust Company, headquartered in Jasper, Georgia, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the bank.

On Friday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency closed Williamsburg First National Bank, headquartered in Kingstree, South Carolina, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the bank.

On Friday, the Office of the Minnesota Department of Commerce closed Community Security Bank, headquartered in New Prague, Minnesota, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the bank. As receiver, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Roundbank, headquartered in Waseca, Minnesota, to assume all of the deposits of Community Security Bank.

On Friday, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation closed Sterling Bank, headquartered in Lantana, Florida, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the bank. As receiver, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with IBERIABANK, headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, to assume all of the deposits of Sterling Bank.

On Friday, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services closed Home Valley Bank, headquartered in Cave Junction, Oregon, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the bank.