The Distressed Shipping Market Attracts Private Equity
Since the collapse of Lehman Brothers, private equity has explored the distressed markets to find hidden value. With the decline in world demand, the workhorse of the transportation sector, shipping, is an obvious target. This article explores some of the risks in an investment in shipping.
TOUSA Case Takes Another Twist
The closely watched TOUSA, Inc. case took another twist on May 15, when the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and reinstated the bankruptcy court opinion in its entirety. The decision reinforces the level of diligence and care that lenders must undertake in cases involving borrower subsidiaries, especially with respect to upstream loan transactions.
The Valuation of Inventory
This article is the fourth installment in an ongoing series focusing on accounting and financial matters for corporate counsel.
Shareholder Meetings
The night before a company's annual shareholder meeting probably isn't the best time for executives to start getting ready for potential questions from investors. This article provides a list of what company execs should know about what shareholders want to know.
Captive Insurance Considerations for Franchises
Forming a captive insurance company provides a number of unique advantages to franchisors and groups of franchisees, starting with reduced premiums. Quite possibly the most significant advantage of the captive insurance model, especially for franchisees, is the ability to protect against liabilities that would otherwise be difficult to insure.
Features
Establishing Ambiguity of Policy Language
Traditionally, ambiguity in policy language was assessed by considering only the "four corners" of the contract. However, some jurisdictions now adhere to a "modern view" that allows extrinsic evidence to be considered in establishing contractual ambiguity. This article provides an overview of these approaches and offers a case study representing each method.
Features
Excess Policy Attachment: Policy Language Prevails
There is now a clear trend by courts to enforce the unambiguous attachment language in excess policies (which historically required payment by the underlying insurers of the full amount of the underlying limit as a condition to liability attaching to the excess policy). Those recent cases and their impact on future claims are summarized in this article.
Features
News Briefs
Highlights of the latest franchising news from around the country.
Court Watch
Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.
Captive Insurance Considerations for Franchises
Forming a captive insurance company provides a number of unique advantages to franchisors and groups of franchisees, starting with reduced premiums. Quite possibly the most significant advantage of the captive insurance model, especially for franchisees, is the ability to protect against liabilities that would otherwise be difficult to insure.
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- Coverage Issues Stemming from Dry Cleaner Contamination SuitsIn recent years, there has been a growing number of dry cleaners claiming to be "organic," "green," or "eco-friendly." While that may be true with respect to some, many dry cleaners continue to use a cleaning method involving the use of a solvent called perchloroethylene, commonly known as perc. And, there seems to be an increasing number of lawsuits stemming from environmental problems associated with historic dry cleaning operations utilizing this chemical.Read More ›
- 'Insurable Interest' and the Scope of First-Party CoverageThis article reviews the fundamental underpinnings of the concept of insurable interest, and certain recent cases that have grappled with the scope of insurable interest and have articulated a more meaningful application of the concept to claims under first-party property policies.Read More ›
- The Flight to Quality and Workplace ExperienceThat the pace of change is "accelerating" is surely an understatement. What seemed almost a near certainty a year ago — that law firms would fully and permanently embrace work-from-home — is experiencing a seeming reversal. While many firms have, in fact, embraced hybrid operations, the meaning of hybrid has evolved from "office optional," to an average required 2 days a week, to now many firms coming out with four-day work week mandates — this time, with teeth.Read More ›
- AI or Not To AI: Observations from Legalweek NY 2023This year at Legalweek, there was little doubt on what the annual takeaway topic would be. As much as I tried to avoid it for fear of beating the proverbial dead horse, it was impossible not to talk about generative AI, ChatGPT, and all that goes with it. Some fascinating discussions were had and many aspects of AI were uncovered.Read More ›
- The Powerful Impact of The Non-Foreclosure Notice of PendencyRPAPL ' 1331 and RPAPL ' 1403 Notices of Pendency are requisite elements for foreclosing a mortgage. <i>See, Chiarelli v. Kotsifos</i>, 5 A.D.3d 345 (a notice of pendency is a prerequisite to obtaining a judgment in a mortgage foreclosure action); <i>Campbell v. Smith</i>, 309 A.D.2d 581, 582 (a notice of pendency is required in a foreclosure action under RPAPL Article 13). In contrast, an ex parte CPLR Article 65 Notice of Pendency (the "Notice") is not required but it is a significant tool in an action claiming title to, or an interest in or the use or enjoyment of, another's land. The filer does not have to make a meritorious showing or post a bond. Article 65 provides mechanisms for the defendant-owner to vacate the Notice that caused an unilaterally imposed restraint on its realty. But, recent case law establishes the near futility of such efforts if the plaintiff has satisfied the minimal statutory requisites for filing the Notice.Read More ›