Australia has posted a record fall in its GDP in 2020. At the same time, following a series of temporary measures introduced due to COVID-19, Australian insolvency filings have hit record lows.
When a business is distressed and is due to run out of cash, advisors are often called upon to carry out an accelerated M&A process. Whilst there may be scope for the process to be run on a solvent (share sale) basis, it may need to be implemented on an assets basis, often via a formal insolvency process. Because of the undeniable threat of insolvency, directors of distressed businesses should obtain specialist legal advice on their duties at the earliest possible stage.
Board considerations
This week’s TGIF looks at a recent case where the Federal Court ordered the reinstatement of two companies to allow proceedings to be commenced against the liquidator of those companies for alleged breaches of duty (Lee v Parker [2020] FCA 1453).
Key takeaways
This week’s TGIF looks at the decision of the Supreme Court of Victoria in Re Barokes Pty Ltd (in liq)
Imagine that IPs have been appointed as administrators of an aerospace engineering company that operates around the world. The company was financially stressed before the COVID-19 pandemic and then sales dried up. With no reasonable prospect in sight, the directors filed for administration and questions have since been raised about how the directors conducted the company’s affairs shortly before it entered administration.
This week’s TGIF looks at the NSW Supreme Court’s recent guidance on factors relevant to whether a winding up ought be terminated.
Key takeaways
This week’s TGIF discusses the key elements of the Federal Government’s recently announced reforms to insolvency laws for businesses with liabilities below $1 million.
Key takeaways
The temporary measure allowing companies and other qualifying bodies to hold AGMs virtually will be extended until 30 December 2020. The measure, which was introduced as part of the UK Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, had been due to expire on 30 September 2020.
One of the first questions we are often asked by buyers in distressed M&A situations is what is the likely quantum of employee liabilities? It is not uncommon for buyers to want to restructure the workforce post-completion and early engagement on this issue is key.
Transaction structure and its impact on employment
This week’s TGIF looks at a decision of the Supreme Court of New South Wales where a liquidator sought to distribute a surplus of $8.7 million despite one of the shareholders who was potentially entitled to a portion of the surplus being bankrupt and a debtor of the company.
Key takeaways