This week, the Third Circuit issued an opinion in NJDEP v. American Thermoplastics Corp et al., No. 18-2865, which adds a new wrinkle on CERCLA section 113(f)(2), which bars non-settling parties from bringing claims for contribution against settling parties, while also placing new emphasis on CERCLA section 104 cooperative agreements in the context of settlements.
This is a service specifically targeted at the needs of busy non-executive directors. We aim to give you a “heads up” on the things that matter for NEDs in the week ahead – all in two minutes or less.
In this Edition, we consider another recent Panel decision in the insolvency context, RBA’s comments on Australian economic outlook and the looming “return to normal” for regulators as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drag on.
YOUR KEY BOARDROOM BRIEF
Background
On 26 June 2020, the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act (CIG Act) came into force which introduced fundamental changes to the UK’s company and insolvency laws which not only provide temporary assistance to companies and their directors during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, but on a permanent basis have significantly bolstered the UK’s restructuring tool kit. Amongst other matters, the CIG Act implements measures contained in the UK Government's consultation on Insolvency and Corporate Governance which concluded in August 2018.
A comparison of the new Dutch Scheme and the new UK Restructuring Plan.
Introduction
A comparison of the new Dutch Scheme and the new UK Restructuring Plan.
Introduction
The transaction involved the restructuring of certain loan facilities via creditors' schemes of arrangement (Schemes). Prior to implementation, the Schemes terminated automatically by their terms as certain required payments had not been made by the relevant condition precedent satisfaction date.
In Mexico, all a debtor’s assets are subject to account for the performance of its obligations, except for those assets which, pursuant to law, are inalienable or cannot be attached.1 When a debtor is unable to pay its debts as they become due, it falls into insolvency which is an economic phenomenon with financial, social and legal consequences. When a debtor is unable to pay its debts as they become due, the Mexican legal system provides a mechanism to address the collective satisfaction of the claims with the assets of the debtor.
As businesses experience diminishing revenues, falling stock prices, and other economic hardships resulting from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), some economists project the possibility of an unprecedented number of business bankruptcies. Some of these businesses own brands, and some have entered into relationships, most commonly trademark licenses, under which they allow others to use their brands. What happens to a trademark license when a brand owner becomes insolvent, particularly in the context of a reorganization under Chapter 11?
On April 20, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation suspending evictions of many residential and commercial tenants as well as halting the foreclosure of most residential properties. The new law, Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, “An Act providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency,” takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the earlier of August 18, 2020 or 45 days after Governor Baker lifts the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency declaration.
The global economy has suffered a massive hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. The collective impact of disruptions to supply chains and falling consumer demand have caused many businesses to suffer varying degrees of financial stress with some having to recapitalise or refinance. While some M&A transactions on foot prior to the onset of the pandemic have been disrupted or delayed, the impact of the pandemic will open up opportunities for cashed-up funds and other buyers to, in time, take advantage of strategic and investment opportunities presented by the pandemic.