On July 23, 2024, the finance minister presented a budget focused on job creation, tax reforms, and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”). For the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“IBC”) two reforms were announced: the establishment of an integrated technology platform to facilitate improved outcomes and the strengthening of tribunals and appellate tribunals, including the creation of additional tribunals some of which would be exclusively designated for matters under the Companies Act, 2013.
Introduction:
In an insolvency case involving both UK trustees and Russian Bank Creditors, the High Court issued guidance in regards to the potential breach of the 2019 Regulations surrounding sanctioned entities. The significant criminal and civil penalties potentially arising from this case make it a consequential and relevant case for UK arbitration and litigation lawyers to consider and understand. The final ruling deals with three key questions, as outlined in the court proceedings and expanded upon below.
Case Summary:
The Cayman Islands team obtained what may be the first instance of a permanent stay of an official liquidation of a Cayman Islands company.
Few would disagree that when a company is placed in official liquidation, that is the penultimate step before the company's death. Official liquidators will realise the company's assets and distribute them to stakeholders, before the company's eventual, but inevitable dissolution.
But does official liquidation have to be the end of the company? Can anything be done to halt the march towards dissolution?
The High Court in England recently issued a stark warning to directors who fail to consider their duties to the company and its creditors when entering financial difficulties.
Background
Recently, the High Court of Delhi, reinforced the application of Section 32A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“IBC“). Section 32A of the IBC states that the liability of a corporate debtor (“CD“) for an offence committed prior to commencement of the corporate insolvency resolution process (“CIRP”) shall cease and the CD shall not be prosecuted for such an offence from the date the resolution plan (“Plan“) has been approved by the adjudicating authority (“AA”).
Preparing a business for an exit can be a complex and time-consuming task.
After years of hard-fought litigation, most claimants are thrilled to obtain a final and enforceable judgment or arbitration award. However, more often than one thinks, this excitement is followed by the disappointing realization that the defendant has little interest in voluntarily satisfying the award.
The recent High Court decisions in Boughey & Anor v Toogood International Transport and Agricultural Services Ltd and Re Pindar Scarborough Ltd (in administration) have helpfully provided clarity on the extent to which secured creditors that have been paid in full are required to consent to proposed administration extensions. Unhelpfully, however, the court’s approach is fundamentally at odds with the position of the Insolvency Service.
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.
Bij onroerende goederen, kan de situatie ontstaan dat tijdens de bouw een hypotheekrecht wordt gevestigd ten behoeve van de bank. Als de opdrachtgever failliet gaat, en de aannemer oefent het retentierecht uit, wie mag dan het onroerend goed verkopen? De Hoge Raad heeft hier onlangs uitgebreid antwoord op gegeven.