As we attempt to mitigate the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our global supply chain, stakeholders should be actively considering downstream impacts. In this current environment, considering prospective internal and external bankruptcy and restructuring threats may be more important than ever.

Introduction

On June 2, 2020, Judge Donald R. Cassling of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois held that a state executive order suspending dine-in services to address the COVID-19 pandemic (the “Executive Order”) constituted a force majeure event that partially excused performance under the applicable lease agreement. In re Hitz Restaurant Group, No. 20-B-05012, 2020 WL 2924523 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. June 2, 2020).

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS BANKRUPTCY COURT HOLDS THAT EXECUTIVE ORDER BARRING RESTAURANT OPERATIONS ON-PREMISES IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 IS A FORCE MAJEURE EVENT THAT PARTIALLY EXCUSES DEBTOR RESTAURANT’S PAYMENT UNDER THE LEASE

Introduction

Following the introduction of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill into Parliament on May 20, 2020, the U.K. government has published a series of guidance notes on the measures proposed in the Bill. The proposed measures, first announced by Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on March 28, 2020, are intended to protect companies and businesses facing major funding and operational difficulties in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Once final, the Bill will amend current U.K.

Executive Summary

• New legislation will introduce permanent and temporary reforms to the UK restructuring and insolvency regime
• Permanent reforms: company moratoriums; restructuring plans; the prohibition of insolvency termination clauses in supply contracts
• Temporary reforms: suspension of the director wrongful trading offence; restriction on the service of statutory demands and winding up petitions

Overview

The U.K. Government has published the U.K. Corporate Governance and Insolvency Bill. The Bill amends aspects of insolvency and company law to assist firms struggling to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures include: 

The U.K. Government intends to exempt financial services firms from certain provisions of the new U.K. Corporate Governance and Insolvency Bill. The Bill, announced on March 28, 2020, will amend aspects of the U.K. insolvency regime (as set out under the Insolvency Act 1986) in light of the financial difficulties faced by many businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bill also includes provisions for companies’ annual general meetings and filing requirements during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Bill’s insolvency-related measures include:

May 2020

How Debtors in Saudi Arabia Can Manage Insolvency Risk Post-Covid-19

IN THIS ISSUE:

Introduction

Who Is Subject to The Bankruptcy Law?

When is a Person "Insolvent" in The Kingdom?

What Are The Options Available to an Insolvent Entity?

Directors' Duties

Can't a Distressed Debtor Just Wind Itself Up Voluntarily?

Statutory Obligations When a Company Becomes or Approaches Insolvency

Role of the Bankruptcy Commission

Role of Bankruptcy Officers

Options When a Company Is Insolvent