Introduction

Two shareholders of KBBO have obtained recognition in the English High Court of their Abu Dhabi bankruptcy process.

Protecting your business from exposure to supplier and customer insolvency

The risk of unforeseen counterparty customer or supplier financial distress and failure amidst the on-going challenges for businesses from COVID-19 means that pre-emptive legal and operational protections against the risk of heavy financial loss or business disruption from customer/supplier failure are more valuable than ever.

On 30 May 2018, Law No. 22 of 2018 with respect to the Reorganization and Bankruptcy Law (the Bankruptcy Law) was introduced in the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain), repealing Legislative Decree No. 11 of 1987 with respect to the Bankruptcy and Composition Law (the Old Law). The Bankruptcy Law recently came into force on 7 December 2018 and represents a modern and extensive reformulation of the bankruptcy regime in Bahrain.

Application to debtors

With the holiday season now upon us, analysts are closely watching the restaurant industry, particularly the casual dining segment. Reminiscent of the conditions in 2008-2009, many are speculating whether the increase in online consumer shopping that served as a catalyst for the current “Retail Apocalypse” will reduce crucial holiday shopper foot traffic and push some teetering dining chains over the edge.

Despite the downturn in the retail industry, retailers should not automatically adopt a "glass half empty approach" but instead view the impending cycle as creating opportunities for companies in both the U.S. and globally. In recent months, a steady stream of analyst coverage has painted a bleak outlook for the retail industry. Between February and March 2017, BCBG Max Azria, Eastern Outfitters, hhgregg, Gander Mountain, and Gordmans were among the companies added to the long list of retailers to seek bankruptcy protection.

Despite the downturn in many retail sectors, retailers should not automatically adopt a “glass half empty approach” but instead view the impending cycle as creating opportunities for companies in both the U.S. and globally.