In a significant recent judgment, the ADGM Court has clarified that it has jurisdiction to hear an action for fraudulent trading against the former directors of an onshore UAE company.
By way of background, NMC Healthcare LTD (NMC), and its various subsidiaries, were incorporated in onshore UAE. On 17 September 2020, NMC was redomiciled as an ADGM company. Shortly thereafter, on 27 September 2020, NMC was put into administration pursuant to the ADGM Insolvency Regulations 2015 and joint administrators (the Joint Administrators) appointed.
Restructuring Corporate Groups: Transferring Employees under a Scheme
Intersnack Mid Co Pty Ltd(No. 2) [2024] NSWSC 9 ("Intersnack")
Restructuring or consolidating corporate groups may involve a new or different company in the group employing staff. In such a case an order can be made under s 413, Corporations Act ("CA") giving effect to that arrangement including where the staff are employed under an enterprise agreement.
1. Introducción
Este mes son prominentes los autos de homologación de planes de restructuración (en su mayoría no consensuales) que seguimos viendo. En ese mismo campo destacamos la desestimación de la impugnación del ya famoso plan de Torrejón Salud (plan con una única clase) que se ha instaurado como un "leading case" en la práctica. Los recurrentes son condenados en costas.
Todo esto y más resúmenes de resoluciones que nos han parecido interesantes a continuación.
2. Audiencias Provinciales
Special Purpose Vehicles ("SPVs") – Financing Arrangements
Canstruct Pty Limited v Project Sea Dragon Pty Limited (No. 4) [2024] FCA 112 ("Canstruct")
SPVs are typically incorporated to undertake particular projects either for their holding company or on behalf of joint venturers. The arrangements made to fund the operations of SPVs can have implications for both their directors and their shareholders.
1. Introducción
Siguen siendo llamativas las homologaciones de planes de restructuración con apoyo de una ínfima mayoría del pasivo afectado. Este mes destacamos la homologación de un plan de restructuración para una microempresa aprobado por tan solo el 2,5% del pasivo con extensión de efectos al 97,5% restante.
Esta y otras resoluciones se resumen a continuación.
2. Tribunal Supremo
Since the pandemic, during which insolvency rates were low due to Government measures, there has been a considerable rise in insolvencies in the UK and many other jurisdictions. High interest rates have significantly increased the cost of borrowing and many companies are saddled with mountains of debt that was taken out in better times and which are now difficult to repay. In addition, high inflation and energy costs, lower consumer confidence and volatile supply chains have all contributed to making the last few years very difficult for businesses.
Due Diligence by Voluntary Administrators in respect of their Appointment
Robust Construction Services Pty Ltd [2023] NSWSC 1156 ("Robust")
In its recent judgement of Foo Kian Beng v OP3 International Pte. Ltd. [2024] SGCA 10, the Singapore Court of Appeal laid down some key principles regarding the scope of directors' duties to creditors, i.e. the "creditor duty". These principles serve as useful guidance not just for directors to understand how they should discharge their duties but also for creditors seeking to hold directors to account. We set out some practical guidance for creditors on ensuring that directors discharge the "creditor duty".
What does the "creditor duty" of directors encompass?
DoCA's: What Claims can be Released?
PK Riddell Investments Pty Ltd v Upwards Up And Gone Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 159 ("Riddell Investments")
The adage ‘there is no such thing as a free lunch’ rings true for the 831 company directors disqualified in 2023/24 for abusing the Covid financial support scheme.