Persisting political and economic uncertainty means awareness of market changes remains crucial.

The 2008 distress cycle triggered defaults and restructurings for European PE portfolio companies, as maintenance covenant defaults and balance sheet deleveraging forced refinancings and debt-for-equity swaps. While restructuring conditions for PE firms are stronger in 2019 than they were in 2008, persisting political and economic uncertainty means that awareness of market developments remains important.

Ruling overturns New York decision rejecting market-based approach.

Key Points:

• Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit requires courts to consider efficient market interest rate, if available, for purposes of chapter 11 “cramdown.”

• Second Circuit decision overturns lower court ruling that used “formula approach” to determine appropriate chapter 11 cramdown interest rate.

Second Circuit’s reversal of controversial restructuring decision may boost confidence among distressed bond issuers.

Bankruptcy Court reinforces importance of parties’ intent in determining the nature of overriding royalty interests under state law.