What does the U.S. doctrine of equitable subordination have to do with Canada? Superficially, the answer may be: not much. But for many financing and insolvency professionals here in Canada, there remains a palpable sense that the U.S. doctrine will eventually, if not inevitably, find its way fully across the U.S. border into Canada. So, perhaps the more appropriate response really ought to be: not much, at least not yet! It is because of this anticipation that it is worthwhile, from time to time, to summarize the central aspects of the U.S.
GFI Acquisition, LLC v. American Federated Title Corp., 2010 Bankr. LEXIS 1217
An action was brought by the plaintiff alleging that the defendants breached an agreement of purchase and sale by failing to disclose provisions in the agreement which would operate to lock the plaintiffs out of subsequent negotiations to refinance loans on the properties to be assumed on the date of closing.
On June 29, 2022, New York City-based Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, Inc. (the “Club”), a non-profit aimed to save and enhance the lives of underserved boys and girls through after school programming and youth development services, filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 22-10910).
On February 3, 2022, Tracer Roofing of Humble, TX filed a petitionfor relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (Case No. 22-30314). The petition indicates that the debtor intends to proceed under Subchapter V of Chapter 11. Tracer Roofing reports $500,000 to $1 million in assets and $10 million to $50 million in liabilities.
On October 5, 2021, CalPlant I Holdco, LLC, which manufactures alternative-source, medium-density fiberboard in its Willows, California facility, filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 21-11303). The company reports $100 to 500 million in assets and liabilities.
On June 9, 2021, East Greenwich, R.I.-based jewelry company Alex and Ani, LLC filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware along with several affiliates. The lowest filed case number is 21-10917 (A and A Shareholding, Co., LLC). The company estimates $100 million to $500 million in both assets and liabilities.
Late on April 19, 2021, Wilmington, Del.-based non-profit Connections Community Support Programs, Inc. (“CCSP”), which provides psychiatric/behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, housing and veterans’ services, intellectual disabilities services and operation support services, filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 21-10723).
David’s Bridal, Inc., along with three affiliates and subsidiaries, has filed a petition for relief under chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Lead Case No. 18-12635).
Bankruptcy remote structures have become common in recent years to attempt to prevent a borrower from filing for Chapter 11. One such structure is commonly referred to as a “golden share.” The “golden share” typically refers to a noneconomic membership interest provided to a lender whose vote would be necessary for the borrower to file Chapter 11.
The Fifth Circuit in InreFranchiseServs.ofN.Am.,Inc., 891 F.3d 198, 209
New MACH Gen, LLC, along with four subsidiaries and affiliates, has filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Lead Case No. 18-11368). MACH Gen, headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, owns and operates three natural gas-fired electricity generating facilities across the United States.