Features

Increased Bankruptcy M&A Activity Should Provide Attractive Opportunities for Lenders
It seems clear that bankruptcy filings inevitably will increase in the near future, because of rising interest rates, pandemic-related micro-economic forces, global strife, and other macro-economic factors and their continuing strain on the global economy and individual businesses. Consequently, strategic buyers and private equity sponsors should find expanding opportunities to purchase distressed businesses out of bankruptcy.
Features

The Interplay Between Vendor Finance Agreements and Bankruptcy
While regularly used among lenders, manufacturers, and dealers, treatment of Inventory financing program agreements in bankruptcy is not uniform, and uncertainty exists with respect to how such agreements may be treated in the context of a manufacturer's Chapter 11.
Features

Preferred Equity In Peril?
Two Recent Cases Shed Light on Potential Risks to Preferred Equity Holders in Chapter 11 Preferred equity is a varied and flexible instrument, but, in practice, it typically has a limited number of common features. One feature is that it is entitled to a "liquidation preference" ahead of common stock. Whether the liquidation preference of preferred equity entitles preferred shareholders to priority over common shareholders in a Chapter 11 reorganization is a question that figured prominently in two recent high profile cases.
Features

Seventh Circuit Bars Bad Faith Asset Buyer Protection
"Good-faith purchasers enjoy strong protection under [Bankruptcy Code] §363(m)," but the silent asset buyer ("B") with "actual and constructive knowledge of a competing interest" lacks "good faith," held the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Features

With Federal Bankruptcy Courts Unavailable, Marijuana Businesses Turn to State Options
Federal bankruptcy courts have been unavailable to marijuana businesses due to the Schedule I status of marijuana. The United States Trustee's policy is to move to dismiss or object in each case involving marijuana assets, because they cannot be administered under the Bankruptcy Code.
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Why Subchapter V Is More Appealing Than Chapter 11 for Small Businesses
The Small Business Reorganization Act created a new pathway for small businesses to remain in control of running their businesses, which is the usual reason for choosing to seek relief under Chapter 11, while eliminating many of the reasons that typical Chapter 11 proceedings exhausted the patience, and wallets, of both debtors and creditors.
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Private Student Loan Debt and the Exception to Discharge As Viewed Through the Eyes of the Circuit Courts
A summary of the factors that courts have considered and will likely continue to consider when addressing dischargeability of private student loans under subsection 523(a)(8)(A)(ii) of the Bankruptcy Code, and a cautionary word for practitioners considering whether to put forth an argument to the contrary.
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Fifth Circuit Ruling Gives Commercial Lessees Likely Protection In Bankruptcy Court Free and Clear Asset Sales
The Fifth Circuit signaled that it would not approve in later cases a bankruptcy court asset sale of real property that summarily cuts off the rights of the debtor's lessees.
Features

Why Bankruptcy Attorneys Need to Help Their Clients Face Distressed Assets Now
Cyclical challenges in the economy are nothing new to bankruptcy attorneys and their clients, and 2022 is shaping up to be that kind of year for business owners nationwide. This is likely to result in a greater need for the services of bankruptcy attorneys as business owners face a mounting wave of distressed financial assets.
Features

Fifth Circuit Ruling Gives Commercial Lessees Likely Protection In Bankruptcy Court Free and Clear Asset Sales
The Fifth Circuit signaled that it would not approve in later cases a bankruptcy court asset sale of real property that summarily cuts off the rights of the debtor's lessees.
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