The case of Re Vanguard Energy Pte Ltd was heard in Singapore recently, with judgment handed down by the High Court on 9 June 2015.
Of significance to liquidators and underlining the importance of this case to the insolvency profession in Singapore, Judicial Commissioner Chua Lee Ming stated that “it is undeniable that litigation funding has an especially useful role to play in insolvency situations”.
Key Points This decision brings clarity to liquidators taking appointments in Singapore on a number of aspects.
Manharlal Trikamdas Mody E Anor v Sumikin Bussan International (HK) Limited [2014] SGHC 123
The Singapore High Court in the case of Manharlal Trikamdas Mody E Anor v Sumikin Bussan International (HK) Limited [2014] SGHC 123 decided a number of important issues in the fields of bankruptcy, assignment and ex parte applications.
Court’s power to summon persons connected with company in liquidation
Under section 285 of the Companies Act of Singapore (Cap 50, 2006 Rev Ed), when a company is in liquidation, the Court may summon before it any person whom the Court considers capable of giving information concerning the promotion, formation, trade dealings, affairs or property of the company. Such person may be examined on oath regarding the above-mentioned matters and the Court may also require him to produce any books or papers in his custody or power relating to the company.
Singapore’s Court of Appeal has just laid down guidance on how professionals should approach their fee engagements with clients.1 The judgment reveals an expectation of strict adherence to the terms of the letter of engagement. It also serves as an admonishment to retain a detailed inventory of the work done.
Background
The Singapore High Court in Beluga Chartering GmbH (in liq) v Beluga Projects (Singapore) Pte Ltd (in liquidation) & Anor considered whether Singapore liquidators of Singapore-registered subsidiary companies were able to repatriate the applicant's ("Beluga Chartering") Singapore assets to Germany, where Beluga Chartering was incorporated.
This case involved a foreign company, Beluga Chartering GmbH ("Beluga") that had both creditors and assets in Singapore. However, as it had not carried on business here, it had not been required to register as a branch.
The term “globalisation” is associated with expansion and the free movement of capital and resources. Funds raised in Country A can be invested in a variety of different countries for better returns. In times of economic expansion, it can be unfashionable to consider insolvency issues. This may explain why insolvency practitioners find themselves holding many discussions among themselves.
Alvin Yeo SC and Melvin Lum acted for the Second Intervener, Thomas Chan, in his claim for $3,275,935.81 as interest for the late completion of the sale of a property ("Property").
The liquidators of the plaintiff Dynasty Line Ltd. ("Dynasty") brought proceedings against the first defendants ("Sia") and second defendant ("Lee") for breaches of duty owned to Dynasty while they were its directors.
Beluga Chartering GmbH (in liquidation) & Ors v Beluga Projects (Singapore) Pte Ltd (in liquidation) & Anor (deugro (Singapore) Pte Ltd, non-party) [2014] SGCA 14