The economic picture has started to improve, with modest GDP growth in the first half of 2024. However, the enormous strains on business finances over the past four years have caused insolvency rates to rise sharply this year.
According to The Insolvency Service’s latest figures, company insolvencies in June 2024 were the third highest since monthly records started in 2020. Administrations in June 2024 were 22% higher than in June 2023, and the number of CVAs was 64% higher in June 2024 than June 2023.
Despite three recent landmark UK restructuring plan decisions, uncertainty remains around the value, if any, a plan company should offer dissenting creditors as the “deliverability price” of a plan.
Actions brought against the BHS directors by the group’s liquidators have resulted in the largest reported award for wrongful trading since the provision’s introduction, but the judgment highlights some unsettled areas of the law relating to directors’ duties.
The key distinction between a fixed and a floating charge is well established as a matter of English law.
In its decision of 6 May 2024, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court (SFSC) clarifies the conditions for a claimant to appeal an interim decision ordering it to provide security for the defendant’s costs due to appearing insolvent or having liquidity problems (case No. 4A_93/2024 [in German]; intended for official publication).
Case law relating to the potential recharacterisation of fixed charges tends not to come around too often, but the recent case of Re UKCloud Ltd follows (relatively) hot on the heels of the Avanti Communications case, discussed here.
The case background
In brief
A selection of newly announced legislation and court decisions reinterpreting private law.
Click here to read in Czech.
In brief
A selection of newly announced legislation and court decisions reinterpreting private law.
Click here to read in Czech
Third Circuit Finds Future Royalty Obligations From Sale Transaction Dischargeable in Bankruptcy
The Third Circuit ruled that the obligations are prepetition "contingent and unliquidated" claims that can be discharged in a bankruptcy.
The Legal Statement applies areas of insolvency law to digital assets, providing valuable guidance on the approach English courts will take.