Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

The Bankruptcy StrategistFeaturesBankruptcyLitigation

Bankruptcy Asset Sales During COVID-19 Crisis

By Hugh McDonald and Deborah Kovsky-Apap
May 01, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is already leaving its mark on the bankruptcy asset sale landscape. Some going-concern and liquidation sales have been suspended or cancelled. Debtors have struggled to market their assets, both pre- and post-petition, in the face of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty. Despite this uncertainty — or even because of it — bankruptcy should still be viewed as a useful tool to effectuate the acquisition of assets. The current situation and anticipated distress across many industries presents opportunities for purchasers to acquire assets on favorable terms. The benefits to the purchaser of, among other things, receiving the assets free and clear of liens, claims and encumbrances and the ability to cherry pick executory contracts caught the attention of financial and strategic acquirers for quite some time. However, each industry presents unique issues that should be considered when weighing bankruptcy as an option and, if a case is already pending, a bid for or acquisition of assets of a debtor.

Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code

Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code allows a debtor to sell all or substantially all of its assets free and clear of all interests in the assets without confirming a Chapter 11 plan (363 Sales). In recent years, 363 Sales of a debtor's business as a going concern or other major business assets have increased in importance and regularity. Below is a brief overview of the benefits and drawbacks of a 363 Sale, the 363 Sale process, the role of stalking horse bidders, the auction process and other aspects of 363 Sales.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With Lawyers Image

There's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.

Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

Transfer Tax Implications on Real Property Leases Image

The real property transfer tax does not apply to all leases, and understanding the tax rules of the applicable jurisdiction can allow parties to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary tax liability.