Nilsson & Anor v Iqbal & Anor [2024] EWHC 49 (Ch) was an application by the joint trustees in bankruptcy of Mohammed Babar Iqbal for a declaration as to the beneficial ownership and an order for possession and sale of his former matrimonial home, Southview, Pollards Hill East in London. Mr Iqbal, the first respondent, did not appear to resist the trustees’ claim. The second respondent, Mrs Iqbal, did. She was his former wife under Islamic law.
On 23 January 2024, Snowden LJ handed down the Court of Appeal's judgment in the Adler Restructuring Plan case - AGPS Bondco plc - overturning the sanctioning of the Plan by the High Court in April 2023.
2023 marked the highest annual number of corporate insolvencies since 1993, according to figures released by The Insolvency Service this week. While creditors’ voluntary liquidations remained by far the most commonly used process, 2023 saw increases across all processes tracked by the Insolvency Service.
Summary
The latest quarterly figures from The Insolvency Service for Q4 of 2023, covering the period October to December, show that company insolvency volumes in England and Wales reached a 30-year high. 25,158 registered companies entered some form of insolvency in 2023. The food and drink sector has not been immune to this, and indeed has seen some of the biggest rises in insolvency as many businesses face significant financial challenges.
Multiple headwinds
First, the not-so-great news in figures:
On 23 January 2024, the Court of Appeal handed down its much anticipated judgment[1] on the appeal of the Adler restructuring plan pursuant to Part 26A of the Companies Act 2006 (“RP”), which was sanctioned by the High Court on 12 April 2023
On 23 January 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's sanction of Adler Group's (Adler) restructuring plan (the Plan) (see our alert). This much anticipated judgment provides clarity on the court's discretion to sanction a plan where there are dissenting classes of creditors.
Background
The Plan envisaged:
Friday January 26, 2024
Financial Advisory Partner, Jim Davies, explores the recent developments in Restructuring Plans
Financial Advisory Partner, Jim Davies, led the relevant alternative valuation analysis for four Restructuring Plans that were sanctioned by the High Court in 2023. Here, he explores recent developments in light of the Adler Restructuring Plan being overturned.
North Brewing Company, a Leeds-based brewery and bar-owner, has secured a sale out of administration that will ensure their future trading, having become the latest to issue a notice of intention to appoint administrators earlier this month.