Lowenstein Sandler’s previous articles on crypto bankruptcies discussed the role of a creditors’ committee in protecting the rights of customers and confirmation issues arising in crypto cases. This article will delve deeper into the administration of a crypto bankruptcy case by discussing the role of a creditors’ committee in investigating, preserving, and pursuing causes of action for the benefit of a debtor’s creditors.
What is the so-called "creditor duty"?
This is the duty, introduced into English common law by the leading case of West Mercia Safetywear v Dodd1 in 1988, of company directors to consider, or act in accordance with, the interests of the company's creditors when the company becomes insolvent, or when it approaches, or is at real risk of insolvency.
Background
Lowenstein Sandler’s previous article on crypto bankruptcies discussed some bankruptcy basics and the role of a creditors’ committee in protecting the rights of customers. This article will delve deeper into the administration of a crypto bankruptcy case by discussing the negotiation of a crypto bankruptcy plan of reorganization.
On 22 July 2022, the English High Court sanctioned Houst Limited’s (“Houst” or the “Company”) restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”), which significantly, is the first time a Restructuring Plan has been used to cram down HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) as preferential creditor.1
Background
The recent bankruptcy filings of Voyager Digital Holdings, Inc. (Voyager) and Celsius Network LLC (Celsius) have abruptly introduced many customers to the bankruptcy process for the first time. Lowenstein Sandler’s experienced bankruptcy and crypto practices are monitoring these cases–and the entire crypto market–to help keep crypto customers and other interested parties educated and informed with respect to the bankruptcy process and what to expect going forward.
Who Is Protecting Your Rights?
On 12 January 2022, the English High Court granted Smile Telecoms Holdings Limited’s (“Smile” or the “Company”) application to convene a single meeting of plan creditors (the super senior creditors) to vote on the Company’s proposed restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”). It is the first plan to use section 901C(4) of the Companies Act 2006 (“CA 2006”) to exclude other classes of creditors and shareholders from voting on the Restructuring Plan on the basis that they have no genuine economic interest in the Company.
Background
On the 19th of August 2021, the English High Court sanctioned a Part 26A restructuring plan proposed by the administrators of Amicus Finance plc (in administration) (“Amicus”) for the company’s solvent exit from administration, enabling the company to be rescued as a going concern (the “Restructuring Plan”).
On 29 September 2021, the English High Court rejected a challenge in respect of Caff Nero's company voluntary arrangement ("CVA"), brought by a landlord on the grounds of material irregularity and unfair prejudice. The single disgruntled landlord, with the backing of the EG Group ("EG") (who were interested in acquiring Caff Nero), argued that the directors of the company and the CVA nominees breached their respective duties in refusing to adjourn or postpone the electronic voting process to vote on the CVA, after EG had submitted an eleventh-hour offer for Caff Nero.
Key Takeaways