The ability of limited recourse provisions to protect borrowers and financiers against insolvency risks may be weaker due to a recent English court case.
Limited recourse clauses are often used in project and structured finance transactions. Borrowers want to avoid the risk of their directors being liable for trading while insolvent; and financiers may want to avoid the possibility of insolvency clawback actions if they seek to enforce their security documents.
In Madsen-Ries v Rapid Construction Ltd [2013] NZCA 489, the Court of Appeal considered an appeal concerning a liquidator's attempt to have a payment set aside.
The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 (Regulations) to amend the structure of UK annual reports have been published and laid before Parliament.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and institutional bodies have published the following guidance in relation to corporate governance and directors' remuneration in the last few months.
Introduction
The immediate focus for Britain’s authorities when dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been, quite rightly, to secure the best possible health outcome for the greatest number of people.
Subsequently, following a wave of concern regarding the best way of maintaining the financial status-quo for (i) businesses, (ii) employees, and (iii) individuals, the UK government announced an unprecedented series of assistance programmes, designed to counter the impact of previously unknown, and unquantifiable, distress.
Introduction
Clearly there are some major economic challenges ahead.
Many businesses may be able to withstand the challenges ahead but it may very well be that their trading counterparties (whether suppliers, customers or other stakeholders) will not. Whilst these times can represent an opportunity for some, such as potential acquirers (whether of businesses, assets or distressed debt), in most cases, the climate represents a threat to businesses.
This briefing looks at the potential impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 on businesses and examines steps that can be taken by stakeholders and directors to recognise, manage and mitigate the risks. In particular, we look at: the potential impact on businesses; managing insolvency risk; considerations for directors; and considerations for lenders.
Global outlook for the coronavirus situation
A second bankruptcy petition was brought by a Russian bank against a Russian debtor, who was already bankrupt in Russia. The petition was based on Russian law debts, for which the bank had already proven in the Russian bankruptcy. The petition was defended on the basis that the bank did not have standing to petition. Under Russian law, when bankruptcy proceedings are opened, creditors can only prove in the Russian bankruptcy and cannot take any other steps.
Businesses are currently facing unprecedented challenges. DAC Beachcroft is advising the NHS on covid-19 issues, as well as many corporate clients on the business issues arising out of the pandemic, particularly in relation to employees, insurance, continuity and cyber security.
In this blog, we highlight changes to law, practice and procedure that will or could impact the restructuring insolvency market this year – covering important changes that should be on your radar – as well as providing an update on those changes that were expected but which might be delayed beyond 2020.
Brexit – will it be business as usual for R&I practitioners?
This week sees the UK finally leave Europe.