A recent ruling in the Chapter 11 case of Free Lance-Star Publishing limited the credit bidding rights of a secured creditor. The ruling has called into question the ability of the holder of secured debt to utilize such debt to acquire companies on a going concern basis in bankruptcy cases, particularly in instances where the debt was acquired at a discount for such expr
IN RE: USA BABY, INC. (March 28, 2012)
Scott Wallis owned 5% of USA Baby, Inc., a children's furniture franchisor. After its creditors forced it into reorganization, the bankruptcy trustee moved to convert the case to a liquidation. The bankruptcy judge agreed. Wallis moved twice for reconsideration. He alleged first that the trustee and franchisees committed fraud. He later argued that reorganization was possible if the franchisees paid fees that were due. The court denied his requests. Judge Lefkow (N.D. Ill.) affirmed. Wallis appeals.
COMMITTEE OF CONCERNED MIDWEST FLIGHT ATTENDANTS FOR FAIR AND EQUITABLE SENIORITY INTEGRATION v. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS AIRLINE DIVISION (November 30, 2011)
Kary Brown collided with a car while he was driving a truck for Koetter Woodworking. Melvin Kimbrell, a passenger in the car, suffered injuries. Kimbrell brought a personal injury action against both Brown and Smith in October of 2008, although he did not serve process until June of 2009. When Brown advised the district court that he had filed a bankruptcy petition in February 2008, the court stayed the proceeding as to him.
Can a debtor seeking debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code grant a lender a lien on a leasehold interest in the face of an express anti-hypothecation provision in the underlying lease?
IN RE: ALTHEIMER & GRAY (April 15, 2010)