With the increase in global trade and business, often involving complex corporate structures in multiple jurisdictions, we expect to see a significant increase in cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters in coming years. This is especially the case with rapid advancements in technology and digital change driving “borderless” transactions and investments in every industry.
We are delighted to see that yesterday 7 December 2021, the Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021 was commenced. The process is designed to make rescue more accessible and affordable to small/micro companies that are in distress but fundamentally viable. The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment has launched a dedicated web page in relation to the process.
Two recent High Court judgments could benefit an estimated 20,000 people with long-term mortgage arrears in Ireland. The judgements show how workable solutions can be found without having to go to Court, with significance being placed on the proposed solutions being reasonably achievable and not strongly opposed by creditors.
Fennell v Personal Insolvency Acts 2012-2015
General Scheme of Companies (Small Company Administrative Rescue Process and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 (“SCARP”) just published
A March 8 2016 decision of the influential Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has attracted attention from – and caused concern for – owners of pipelines and other midstream assets, as well as lenders to midstream and upstream lenders across the United States.
Most due diligence processes in a business acquisition context require a review of material contracts and, in particular, a review of any restrictions on assignment of those contracts.
When a business enters into a long term commercial contract with a customer, the identity of that particular counterparty may influence the terms of the contract. A party deemed more favourable may obtain a better price or better terms. Unless restricted by enforceable anti-assignment provisions, these favourable contracts can be very valuable in a traditional M&A context.
Of general interest is the appeal in the case of Horton v Henry, on which we reported in our January 2015 update. In Horton, the High Court declined to follow a previous ruling, and decided that a bankrupt could not be compelled to access his pension savings to pay off creditors.