Category Archives: Chapter 11
The Perils of Selling Customer Personal Data During Chapter 11
A distressed company enters into Chapter 11 bankruptcy seeking to reorganize its debts, streamline operations and satisfy creditors so as to emerge solvent. Sale of assets is one method of raising capital to succeed in this venture. Among the assets that may be evaluated for sale are digital resources, including databases containing customers’ personal information […]
Employment Considerations in Filing a Chapter 11
When a company files for bankruptcy under Chapter 11, its employees often face a turbulent and uncertain environment. The process of reorganization introduces a host of employment-related issues, and the choices made by the company’s leadership can have a significant impact on staff morale, productivity, and retention. The news of a bankruptcy filing is unsettling […]
How Equity Holders Can Protect Their Interests During Chapter 11
When a company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, its existing equity holders (such as shareholders) are typically at the bottom of the repayment hierarchy. In U.S. bankruptcy law, the order of claims is strictly observed: secured creditors are paid first, followed by unsecured creditors, and then, only if anything remains, equity holders receive payment. This […]
Using Exemptions in an Individual Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy exemptions are legal protections that allow debtors to keep certain property out of the reach of creditors when seeking bankruptcy relief. While exemptions are most frequently associated with Chapter 7 (liquidation) and Chapter 13 (wage earner’s reorganization) cases, they are also relevant in Chapter 11 bankruptcies when the debtor is an individual, rather than […]
What Goes Into Planning a Chapter 11 Exit Strategy?
Exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be a turning point for a distressed business, offering the opportunity to reset operations, restructure debt, and regain financial stability. To maximize the chances of success, a business must develop a carefully tailored exit strategy that aligns with its unique financial situation, business model, and relationships with creditors. Chapter 11 […]
Assuming or Rejecting Leases and Executory Contracts in Chapter 11
A company in Chapter 11 needs flexibility to manage its obligations, including leases and executory contracts, in order to control costs, improve cash flow and enhance its prospects of emerging solvent after debt reorganization. As such, the U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows a debtor in possession to assume, reject or assign executory contracts and unexpired leases […]
DIP Financing in Chapter 11 Offers a Lifeline, But With Strings Attached
Debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing is a special form of loan that may be available to a company going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Its purpose is to enable the company to meet operational needs, payroll, supplier payments and other critical expenses and eventually emerge as a viable entity. This financing is often necessary because traditional sources of […]
Defenses to a Motion for Relief from the Chapter 11 Automatic Stay
In a Chapter 11, the automatic stay is a critical protection that halts all collection activities by creditors against the debtor, such as foreclosures, repossessions or lawsuits. It takes effect immediately upon the filing of the bankruptcy petition and remains in force until the case is closed or dismissed or until a discharge is granted […]
Reorganizing Various Classes of Debt in a Chapter 11 Plan
Chapter 11 bankruptcy, also referred to as reorganization, is primarily utilized by corporations, partnerships and LLCs to restructure and partially repay their debts while continuing their business operations. The principle behind this remedy is that a debtor company is more valuable as an operating entity than in liquidation (i.e., through a chapter 7 bankruptcy), thereby […]
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 […]
