On Jan. 17, 2017, in a closely watched dispute surrounding Section 316(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its long-anticipated decision in Marblegate Asset Management, LLC v. Education Management Finance Corp. (the “Decision”).[1] In a 2-1 ruling reversing the District Court,[2] the Court of Appeals construed Section 316(b) narrowly, holding that it only prohibits “non-consensual amendments to an indenture’s core payment terms” and does not protect noteholders’ practical ability to receive payment.[3]
On January 17, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rendered a much anticipated decision in Marblegate Asset Management, LLC v. Education Management Corp., No. 15-2124-cv(L), 15-2141-cv(CON), reversing the Southern District of New York's holding that only a non-consensual amendment to an indenture's core payment terms violates Section 316(b) of the Trust Indenture Act (TIA).
In a recent ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit examined whether circuit courts have jurisdiction to hear direct appeals of unauthorized bankruptcy court orders that have not been reviewed by a district court. This was an issue of first impression in the Eleventh Circuit. The appellate court held that a bankruptcy court’s ruling in a non-core proceeding that has not been reviewed by the district court carries no adjudicative authority and is therefore not directly appealable to the circuit court.
The First Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel recently issued a decision recognizing the rights of trademark licensees when the trademark’s owner files for bankruptcy.
Second Circuit’s reversal of controversial restructuring decision may boost confidence among distressed bond issuers.
On January 17, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit resolved a major issue that had affected the efficacy of out-of-court restructurings involving notes issued under the Trust Indenture Act when it reversed the decision of the U.S.
Trust Indenture Act Section 316(b) Limited to Actual Amendments to An Indenture’s Core Terms
(Bankr. W.D. Ky. Jan. 17, 2017)
The bankruptcy court grants the creditor’s motion for sanctions, and awards the creditor her attorney fees. The debtor filed the Chapter 13 petition for the stated purpose of obtaining more time to obtain a reduction in his maintenance obligation owed to the creditor in the state court. The bankruptcy court finds that this was a violation of Bankruptcy Rule 9011(b). Opinion below.
Judge: Lloyd
Attorney for Debtor: Naber & Joyner, J. Gregory Joyner
Attorney for Creditor: Joseph S. Elder II
In an eagerly-awaited decision, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated the district court's decision in Marblegate Asset Management, LLC v. Education Management Finance Corp. The district court's decision had created much uncertainty and confusion in the restructuring and indenture trustee community. The Court of Appeals has now held that Section 316(b) of the Trust Indenture Act (“TIA”) is not violated by a restructuring merely because it makes payment to dissenting holders unlikely or impossible.