Introduction This briefing complements our other publications on corporate restructuring and the sale or purchase of distressed assets.  

What are the options for companies in financial difficulty in the PRC?  

Summary  

The international banking crisis has hit hard. German banks and companies are also affected. This briefing provides an insight on questions that are typically raised when persons are exposed to insolvency situations which involve proceedings initiated in Germany or abroad but have a connection to Germany in certain aspects.  

When does German Insolvency Law apply?  

Introduction  

Current turbulent times and the onset of recession are likely to result in an increase in the number of distressed sales and ultimately insolvencies. For those who are fortunate to be in the market as buyers, there may be considerable opportunities but equally there are significant traps for the unwary. This briefing examines some of the key issues which should be considered by prospective buyers of businesses in financial difficulties which are not in formal insolvency proceedings.  

What is a debt restructuring?

The aim of any restructuring (also sometimes called a workout) is to rearrange the debtor’s financial commitments so that it is able to service its restructured debts and survive as a going concern. It is important to note that this is a consensual process and is not undertaken under the supervision of a court or other supervisory body - therefore, it is important the all creditors are involved.  

If it’s voluntary, how does it work?

Introduction

Following the administration proceedings recently instituted against a number of UK entities (Affected Companies), many counterparties (Counterparties) may wish to terminate transactions under the TBMA/ISMA Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA) entered into between them and Affected Companies.

Nothing is certain in today's financial crisis - except that the legal system will be sorting out the rights and obligations of financial market participants for years to come. This is especially true for participants in the over-the-counter derivatives markets.

On 15 September 2008, the FSA published a statement concerning Lehman Brothers Holding Inc.

In the statement the FSA states that Lehman Brothers Holding Inc, a US investment bank, announced that it intends to file a petition under chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code.

This memorandum provides an overview of the practical issues facing a sub-participant under a Loan Market Association ("LMA") English-law governed sub-participation agreement as the creditworthiness of grantor deteriorates.

Introduction

On 25 July 2008, HM Treasury published a Consultation Paper entitled Modernising the insolvency protections for the operation of financial markets - proposals to reform Part 7 of the 1989 Companies Act (the Consultation Paper).

Proposals

Gleave and others v The Board of the Pension Protection Fund [2008] EWHC 1099 (Ch)

The High Court ruled that calculations of employer debt by scheme actuaries cannot be challenged by insolvency practitioners unless there is evidence of fraud or error.