Author Archives: Michael J. Berger
When Can a Chapter 11 Case Be Converted or Dismissed for Cause?
Chapter 11 offers a debtor the opportunity to reorganize their business and attempt to become profitable again. However, a Chapter 11 plan must be in the creditors’ best interests. There are instances where a party in interest, such as creditors or the U.S. trustee, may file a motion to convert the case to Chapter 7 […]
Possible Disputes to Anticipate in a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is designed to allow businesses to shield themselves from debts while they rebuild their finances and eventually emerge in solvent condition. Although it is a potent remedy, it can be fraught with complex issues that can disrupt the process. Sometimes these arise through the filing of an adversary proceeding, which is essentially […]
Weighing Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors as a Debt Remedy
Companies facing severe financial distress have more than one relief option to consider. An assignment for the benefit of creditors (ABC) is a less commonly known alternative to bankruptcy proceedings like Chapter 11. An ABC involves a transfer of the debtor company’s assets to an assignee, who assumes responsibility for liquidating the assets and distributing […]
Making Use of Rights Offerings in a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Rights offerings are a strategic tool that a company can use to facilitate its success in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It involves giving existing shareholders or creditors the opportunity to buy additional shares at a predetermined price, usually at a discount from the market price. The capital raised is primarily used to pay off secured […]
Major Changes to Chapter 11 Dollar Amounts Effective in 2025
There have been significant changes to the dollar amounts specified in the Bankruptcy Code, which affect Chapter 11 cases filed on or after April 1, 2025. These changes are part of the mandatory inflation adjustment to the Code that occurs every three years. This year’s adjustment is approximately 13.2 percent, a notable increase compared to […]
When Is a Structured Dismissal Appropriate in Chapter 11?
A structured dismissal of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case is a court order that includes special provisions. Unlike a standard dismissal, which ends the case unconditionally, a structured dismissal resolves certain issues through agreements among the debtor, creditors and other stakeholders. It may call for distributing the debtor’s remaining funds in a manner considered fair […]
What the Automatic Stay Can and Cannot Do in a Chapter 11
The automatic stay is an integral aspect of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. Taking effect immediately upon the filing of the petition, the stay temporarily halts creditors, collection agencies and government entities from pursuing actions against the debtor or the debtor’s property. It is designed to provide a breathing spell for the debtor, during which […]
What Is Involved in a Prepackaged Chapter 11?
A prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a form of financial restructuring used by companies that need debt relief but want to avoid the usually lengthy and costly Chapter 11 process. A “pre-pack” requires working out a reorganization plan with creditors and shareholders before filing a petition in court. The plan includes details on how debts […]
U.S. Corporate Bankruptcies Reached 14-year High in 2024
The year 2024 showed a marked increase in companies filing for bankruptcy protection, signaling a deepening crisis within the corporate sector. The first quarter of the year was particularly notable, with a total of 190 U.S. companies filing for Chapter 11 from January through March. That was higher than any first quarter since 2010, when […]
When Might a Court Remove a Subchapter V Debtor-in-Possession?
In a small business reorganization under Subchapter V of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the business owner is typically allowed to continue operating as a debtor-in-possession (DIP). This arrangement permits the owner to maintain control over the business under the auspices of the court-appointed trustee in order to facilitate the transition to financial solvency. However, there […]
