Tag Archives: bankruptcy
Warning Signs That a Business Should Consider Chapter 11
For many struggling companies, Chapter 11 bankruptcy represents a viable option for reorganizing debts and returning to solvency. This remedy allows a company to restructure obligations under the supervision of the bankruptcy court while remaining in operation. Unfortunately, business owners too often delay filing for Chapter 11 until a crisis peaks, which can limit their […]
Understanding the “Subsequent New Value” Defense in Bankruptcy
When a business files for bankruptcy, payments made to creditors during the 90 days prior to filing come under scrutiny. Bankruptcy trustees or debtors in possession may seek to “claw back” these payments — known as “preferences” — to ensure fair treatment of all creditors. However, the Bankruptcy Code protects vendors who continue working with […]
What Businesses Need to Know About Involuntary Bankruptcy
Involuntary bankruptcy occurs when creditors file a petition in court to force a debtor into proceedings. Such cases can arise in the context of disputes with creditors, acute liquidity crises or suspicions that company insiders are moving or hiding assets to evade legitimate debts. Businesses should take the risk of an involuntary bankruptcy seriously, as […]
How to Protect Personal Assets During a Small Business Bankruptcy
Despite their best efforts, small business owners may be pushed into insolvency by economic downturns, unexpected events. They can seek relief under bankruptcy laws, including Subchapter V of Chapter 11, which provides a streamlined process for seeking debt protection and restructuring. The owner of a closely held business facing the prospect of bankruptcy may worry […]
Protecting, Monetizing and Leveraging IP Assets During Chapter 11
When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it faces a critical juncture, one in which the primary goal is to obtain debt relief. The remedy also offers a chance to reorganize operations, improve its balance sheet and emerge as a stronger entity. Among a business’s greatest assets is its intellectual property (IP). Whether consisting of […]
Prepackaged vs. Traditional Chapter 11 — Which Is Right for You?
For distressed companies seeking a path to financial stability, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a powerful tool, offering the possibility of reorganizing debts while continuing operations. However, not all Chapter 11 filings are created equal. Business owners considering this relief must choose between two primary options: traditional Chapter 11 and prepackaged Chapter 11. Traditional Chapter 11 […]
Business Bankruptcies Surge to Highest Level Since 2010
The U.S. economy is seeing an unprecedented rise in bankruptcy filings not experienced since the aftermath of the Great Recession in 2010. A confluence of rising operational costs, fierce competition from international companies and the relentless march of online commerce has left many companies, particularly consumer-facing ones, struggling to stay afloat. The Administrative Office of […]
Making Optimal Use of California Exemptions in Bankruptcy
When filing for bankruptcy in California, you can shield a good amount of your assets from creditors by employing exemptions provided by state or federal law. California offers two distinct exemption sets: System 1 (under California Code of Civil Procedure §704) and System 2 (under California Code of Civil Procedure §703.140). You must choose one […]
High Court Ruling Curtails Use of Third-Party Releases in Chapter 11
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in what is known as the Sackler Discharge case has fundamentally altered how companies and their equity owners use Chapter 11 bankruptcy to resolve large-scale liability. The court definitively rejected the use of non-consensual third-party releases for equity holders or affiliates who are not themselves seeking a discharge through bankruptcy. […]
Rite Aid’s Demise Shows the Pitfalls of Exit Financing in Chapter 11
Exit financing is a new loan or credit facility that a company secures as it prepares to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It can be a useful component of a successful reorganization plan, helping to provide a foundation for the company’s post-bankruptcy future. However, as demonstrated by national pharmacy chain Rite Aid’s recently announced second […]
