Venezuela’s initiative is unlikely to set the stage for a restructuring of international obligations in the face of US sanctions.

Key Points:

• US sanctions will prohibit US persons from engaging in a restructuring of Venezuela and PdVSA debts that includes the issuance of “new” long term debt.

• Creditors should expect that enforcement action will follow a default. The outcomes of that enforcement action will affect all stakeholders, whether or not they participate.

Restructuring Announcement

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.

A recent Court of Session case has made clear that a Scottish court cannot wind up or make an administration order in respect of an English registered company, and the same applies to English courts and Scottish companies.

Cross-border debtors gain another tool to use against dissident creditors seeking to disrupt foreign restructuring proceedings.

Introduction

Ultra court clarifies the requirements for classifying a creditor as “unimpaired” under a plan of reorganization.

Key Points:

• Texas bankruptcy court splits from Third Circuit in finding that a creditor must receive everything it is entitled to under non-bankruptcy law in order for the creditor to be “unimpaired.”

• The decision does not require that unsecured creditors receive post-petition interest but provides that they will be “impaired” if they do not

In Saw v Wilson, the Court of Appeal held that a second ranking floating charge would be valid and enforceable, even if at the time it was created there were no uncharged assets to which the floating charge could attach.

Facts of the case

A recent decision at Glasgow Sheriff Court has given guidance on the circumstances in which it is appropriate for a former trustee in receipt of a PPI refund to apply to be re-appointed to a sequestrated estate.

The reform of claw-back rights in German insolvency proceedings which provides for more legal certainty for creditors has become effective on 5 April 2017.

From theory to practice, planning to enforcement, the answers to 42 of the most frequently asked questions can help you prepare, cope or respond to a restructuring. This Client Alert answers some of the most frequently asked questions with respect to the treatment of pension-plan liabilities and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) obligations in US bankruptcies. Understanding the treatment of pension and OPEB obligations in bankruptcy continues to be important in today’s business environment and the law relating to the treatment of these obligations continues to evolve.

The court’s sanction of DTEK's latest scheme includes novel references to its outstanding bank debt and helpfully rules on the controversial 'domicile test'.