Foreign bankruptcy and insolvency decrees generally remain without legal effect in Switzerland. A foreign bankruptcy or insolvency decree must first be recognized by the competent Swiss court. In a newly published decision, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court further clarified the recently revised provisions governing the recognition and the following procedure.

Introduction and background

The restructuring & insolvency Q&A series provides a comprehensive overview of some of the key points of law and practice of the regulatory environment in Luxembourg. Today's chapter focuses on trends and predictions.

How would you describe the current restructuring and insolvency landscape and prevailing trends in your jurisdiction? Are any new developments anticipated in the next 12 months, including any proposed legislative reforms?

The restructuring & insolvency Q&A series provides a comprehensive overview of some of the key points of law and practice of the regulatory environment in Luxembourg. Today's chapter focuses on liability risk.

What duties do the directors of the debtor have when the company is in the “zone of insolvency” (or actually insolvent)? Do they have an obligation to commence insolvency proceedings at any particular time?

The restructuring & insolvency Q&A series provides a comprehensive overview of some of the key points of law and practice of the regulatory environment in Luxembourg. Today's chapter focuses on cross-border / groups.

Can foreign debtors avail of the restructuring and insolvency regime in your jurisdiction?

The restructuring & insolvency Q&A series provides a comprehensive overview of some of the key points of law and practice of the regulatory environment in Luxembourg. Today's chapter focuses on insolvency.

What types of insolvency proceeding are available in your jurisdiction, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each?

Earlier today, the Dutch House of Representatives (de Tweede Kamer) has voted in favour of the draft bill on “court sanctioning private composition to avoid bankruptcy” (de Wet homologatie onderhands akkoord ter voorkoming van faillissement, the WHOA), together with certain amendments.

This is great news: the WHOA is an effective restructuring tool that is likely to become widely used both in local and cross border restructurings. Especially in light of COVID-19, this is a welcome extra tool for enterprises in distress to avoid bankruptcy.

The restructuring & insolvency Q&A series provides a comprehensive overview of some of the key points of law and practice of the regulatory environment in Luxembourg. Today's chapter focuses on security.

What principal forms of security interest are taken over assets in your jurisdiction?

For immovable property, mortgages are generally the most common form of security taken in Luxembourg and may be granted in a legal, judicial or contractual manner. For a contractual mortgage to be validly constituted, it must:

The restructuring & insolvency Q&A series provides a comprehensive overview of some of the key points of law and practice of the regulatory environment in Luxembourg. Today's chapter focuses on the legal framework.

What domestic legislation governs restructuring and insolvency matters in your jurisdiction?

The statutory moratorium imposed by Royal Decree n° 15 to protect debtors affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis from their creditors is extended by decision of the Belgian federal government from 17 May 2020 to (and including) 17 June 2020.

The statutory moratorium imposes a stay on creditors’ right to enforce debts, terminate or dissolve existing agreements early and initiate bankruptcy proceedings and forced transfer of assets under judicial reorganisation.

Op 17 april 2020 heeft de Hoge Raad een belangrijk tussenarrest gewezen inzake het pre-pack faillissement van Heiploeg. Uit dit arrest blijkt dat de Hoge Raad van oordeel is dat de regels van Overgang van Onderneming (hieronder nader uiteengezet) niet van toepassing zijn bij een doorstart na faillissement.