Asset Sales

Do “Out-of-the-Money” Creditors Have Standing? There are many chapter 11’s filed primarily to sell the collateral for undersecured creditors—meaning that there isn’t any value generated for unsecured creditors or equity. This panel will explore the various issues that result such as basic standing and the appropriateness of forming and maintaining a creditors committee and an equity committee. The panel will also discuss the various arguments put forth to justify a carveout or “gift” for unsecured creditors and the often used “pay-to-play” rule occasionally asserted by out-of-the-money creditor groups. It will also examine ways to identify unencumbered assets early in the case and the possible benefits of keeping them free from post-petition liens granted to DIP Lenders. Lastly, the panel will discuss ways to maximize the Chapter 5 claims and the use of liquidating assets.

Does the absolute priority rule still require absolute priority?; protecting stock transfers from avoidance actions through the use of 11 U.S.C. § 546(e); implications of the Dodd-Frank Act; substantive consolidation; liquidating Chapter 11s: potential conflicts of interest when unsecured creditors’ committee is the liquidating agent; credit-bidding issues.