Op 1 januari 2021 is de Wet Homologatie Onderhands Akkoord (WHOA) in werking getreden. De WHOA voorziet in een wijziging van de Faillissementswet (Fw). De introductie van de nieuwe afdeling: "" biedt ondernemingen de mogelijkheid om met hun schuldeisers en aandeelhouders tot een akkoord te komen over de herstructurering van de schulden (schuldeisersakkoord). De rechter kan dit akkoord vervolgens bekrachtigen (homologeren). Met deze regeling kan een dreigend faillissement mogelijk worden voorkomen.
1. Hurricane Energy PLC: Restructuring Plan
(A) Convening Hearing
Section 90-15 of the Insolvency Practice Schedule (the IPS) confers on Courts wide powers to adjust rights related to companies in external administration. Here, the administrators of a mining group obtained orders approving their entry into a deed to fund the ongoing operation of the group pending sale and limiting their liability under the deed to the company’s assets. The Court accepted the administrators’ evidence that this funding was urgently required to continue the Group’s operations pending a sale, the prospects of which were thereby maximised.
Introduction
In a recent article [The Abolition of the Peak Indebtedness Rule in Preference Claims] we discussed the case of Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd v Bryant, in the matter of Gunns Limited (in liq) (receivers and managers appointed) [2021] FCAFC 64 (First Badenoch Decision) which effectively abolished the “peak indebtedness rule” in unfair preference claims.
Introduction
In Sun Electric Power Pte Ltd v RCMA Asia Pte Ltd [2021] SGCA 60, the Singapore Court of Appeal had the opportunity to consider some vital questions relating to insolvency proceedings. In the context of an appeal against a winding-up order, the Court considered whether the company's directors should be entitled to control the appeal, and who should be responsible for the costs of the appeal.
The Supreme Court of The Bahamas has recently provided guidance on the ability and extent to which the fees and expenses of the liquidator may be paid from trust property. Such guidance has emanated from Justice Winder and Justice McKay in two separate decisions relating to Pacifico Global Advisors Limited (in liquidation) (“Pacifico”) delivered within the period of six months[1].
Dutch football club ADO Den Haag has filed for WHOA proceedings after its major shareholder failed to pay €2 million due to the club, leaving it unable to meet its financial obligations.
The decision
In the matter of Western Port holdings Pty Ltd (receivers and managers appointed)(in liq) [2021] NSWSC 232, Deed Administrators who were subsequently appointed Liquidators of Western Port Holdings Pty Ltd (the Company) clawed back over $2 million worth of payments made to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whilst the Company was subject to a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA).
Grand Court confirms that Section 48 of the Trusts Act (2021 Revision) provides a statutory gateway for the approval of former liquidators' fees as statutory trustee pursuant to Order 23, rule 5 of the CWR