Business rescue regime in South African law, was established in the Companies Act of 2008 to prevent the liquidation of financially distressed companies and to facilitate their restructuring and revival. Business rescue is not just a legal process, but a lifeline for struggling businesses. The primary goal of business rescue is to maximize the chances of a company's successful recovery while also considering and minimizing any potential harm to stakeholders, who are not just participants, but key contributors to the process.

Re Touradji Private Equity Master Fund Ltd において、ケイマン諸島大法廷は、任意清算中の3つのファンドについて、被害を受けた一部の投資家と共同任意清算人による申請に基づき、投資マネージャーの異議を棄却して、監督命令を下しました。

この決定は、裁判所が当該申請について適用する審査基準の指針を示し、会社法（Companies Act）第131条(b)に基づいて任意清算を公的清算に転換することが効果的、経済的、迅速的であると裁判所が考える各種の事例を示しています。

監督命令に適用される審査基準

監督命令とは、裁判所が、任意清算中の会社について、破産管理人としての資格を保有している複数名の者を公的清算人として選任することを含む命令をいいます[1]。この命令は、会社が裁判所によって清算されたかのような効果を有します[2]。すなわち、監督命令が下されると、清算人の権限が拡大され、任意清算中に行使できていた会社株主の残存権限は排斥されます[3]。

会社法においては、裁判所が任意清算について監督命令を下す条件がいくつが規定されており、これには以下の各場合が含まれます。

This year was set up for disappointment in restructuring activity, given high levels of Chapter 11 filings and debt defaults in 2023 — especially in 1H23 — as well as the resurgence of leverage credit issuance since late 2023 that has allowed many distressed companies to address near-term debt maturities or liquidity challenges without a formal restructuring event. Restructuring activity in 2024 is almost certain to come up short of last year’s high bar; the only question is by how much.

The recent English High Court decision of Wright v Chappell related to the collapse of British Home Stores provides a landmark ruling of which directors of Cayman Islands companies need to be aware. This is the first time damages have been awarded against directors for 'misfeasant trading'. Directors may be held liable for any 'insolvency deepening' activity in failing to file for insolvency when it would be in the creditors' interests to do so.

Introduction

The judgment of Chief ICC Judge Briggs in Becker (A Bankrupt) v Ford & Ors [2024] EWHC 1001 (Ch) provides a useful summary of the matters to which the court should have regard when considering an application to lift the suspension of a bankrupt’s discharge.

The rescue of a company in business rescue ultimately depends on the implementation of a viable business rescue plan which has received the support of 75% of the creditors of the company. A recent business rescue case of Wescoal Mining (Pty) Ltd Another v Mkhombo NO¹ and Other has potentially wide-ranging implications for creditors after business rescue has commenced.

Whilst most people would hope it could never happen to them, in our experience it often can. As such it pays to be prepared.

March, 2024 For Private Circulation - Educational & Informational Purpose Only A BRIEFING ON LEGAL MATTERS OF CURRENT INTEREST KEY HIGHLIGHTS * NCLT: Corporate insolvency resolution process cannot be initiated under Section 7 of IBC based on transfer agreement for purchase of debentures from financial creditors. ⁎ NCLAT: Security for refund of advance amount cannot change the nature of transaction for supply of goods into financial debt.

Die Marktbedingungen werden zunehmen schwieriger, und die Restrukturierungswelle hat Deutschland erreicht. Der Strukturwandel stellt viele deutsche Unternehmen immer wieder vor neue Herausforderungen und erfordert es, Prozesse und Strategien flexibel anzupassen. Parallel erhöht die Zeitenwende im Finanzierungsumfeld den Druck der Geldgeber: Geschäftsmodelle müssen krisenfest gestalten sein, dabei sollen Kosten gesenkt werden - und gleichzeitig ist es erforderlich, sich langfristig zukunftsfähig aufzustellen.

Market conditions are growing increasingly difficult as the restructuring wave reaches Germany. Many German companies are struggling as they are faced with the challenge of structural changes and a necessity to adapt their processes and strategies. At the same time, significant change in the financing sector is adding to the pressure on borrowers: business models must be crisis-proof and costs reduced – while at the same time it is necessary to position oneself for the future.