SUMMARY
The Government is attempting to shackle transfers to connected parties by way of pre-pack Administration.
The new draft 'Administration (Restrictions on Disposal etc. to Connected Persons) Regulations 2021', published 24 February (Draft Regulations), are designed to further increase transparency for the wider stakeholder body in connection with pre-packaged Administration business and asset sales to management, sponsors and other connected parties.
How the night time industries could make it through the last months of lockdown
In his address to the nation on Monday afternoon, the Prime Minister set out the government’s roadmap for cautiously easing lockdown restrictions in England. He shared the latest data on infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths, as well as early data showing the efficacy of vaccines.
The roadmap for leaving lockdown, which was published on gov.uk on Monday, seeks to balance health, economic and social factors with the very latest epidemiological data and advice.
In keeping with the general theme of this 'new year', the insolvency division of the English High Court started 2021 in much the same way as it finished off 2020.
It followed up its landmark judgment in Re Tokenhouse VB Limited [2020] EWHC 3171 (Ch) (Tokenhouse) with a decision in the case of Re NMUL Realisations Limited [2021] EWHC 94 (Ch) (NMUL), in ruling that failure to comply with procedural notice provisions did not invalidate the appointment of the administrators.
Private credit lenders started 2020 both with anticipation and trepidation. Activity levels were strong and default levels were at historic lows, but private credit lenders worried about the risk of economic headwinds – after all, we were then in the extra innings of the longest economic recovery on record.
COVID-19 continues to disrupt normal business operations, creating liquidity problems and negative working capital for many companies. As fund sponsors take actions to help their portfolio companies navigate through this time, they should also sensitize directors to insolvency issues and the associated litigation risks.
Summary
The court's recent decision in Uralkali v Rowley [2020] EWHC 3442 (Ch) has significant practical considerations for insolvency practitioners conducting insolvency sales, as well as for relevant bidders/buyers looking for suitable acquisition opportunities.
Avoiding a Cliff-edge of Insolvencies? Observations ferom the recent House Of Lords debate on extension of creditior restrictions
RE IMAGINED
An analysis of the Restructuring Plan January 2021
Illustration: A world of complexity by Sam Hadley
RE IMAGINED: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RESTRUCTURING PLAN:
In the best of times, a chapter 11 reorganization is an uncertain and stressful process for all involved. When the disruptive effects of COVID-19 are added to the mix, and many businesses face significant economic difficulties, one can begin to appreciate the daunting task facing bankruptcy courts, debtors, creditors, and their lawyers.