The financial shipwreck of a company is a customary event in nearly all states of the world. Most jurisdictions have special statutes addressing this topic and they are – beyond terminological issues – all dealing with the same questions: how is the term “insolvency” defined? How are insolvency proceedings commenced? What are the responsibilities of the court on the one hand and of the Insolvency Practitioner on the other hand? Are there various classes of creditors and what are their procedural and substantive rights? How is the insolvency estate determined? What are the effects of the opening of insolvency proceedings on the estate? What are the consequences for executory contracts or rights to set-off? Can transactions performed prior to the opening of insolvency proceedings be reversed to the benefit of the general body of creditors? What is the legal position of secured creditors? Is restructuring of an insolvent company a possible scenario and what are the differences between liquidation and restructuring proceedings? Which rules apply to cross-border affairs, e.g. to assets located in a foreign jurisdiction? Continue reading “Corporate insolvency law – seen from a comparative perspective”
Corporate Finance Lab 