Turnaround Issues

Young lawyers frequently learn that they will be working on a new chapter 11 case when they are directed to start drafting pleadings. This session, spearheaded by members of ABI’s Young & New Members Committee, is geared toward gaining an understanding of what precedes that moment by (1) advising and educating the new(er) generation of bankruptcy professionals on the background and “big picture” of a chapter 11 case, and (2) advising and educating the newest generation of bankruptcy professionals on pre-filing strategies. The panel will explore and help identify operational, financing and litigation problems that may be faced by distressed companies, then will explore both short-term and longer-term strategies that can be pursued before a petition is filed.

Young lawyers frequently learn that they will be working on a new chapter 11 case when they are directed to start drafting pleadings. This session, spearheaded by members of ABI’s Young & New Members Committee, is geared toward gaining an understanding of what precedes that moment by (1) advising and educating the new(er) generation of bankruptcy professionals on the background and “big picture” of a chapter 11 case, and (2) advising and educating the newest generation of bankruptcy professionals on pre-filing strategies. The panel will explore and help identify operational, financing and litigation problems that may be faced by distressed companies, then will explore both short-term and longer-term strategies that can be pursued before a petition is filed.

This panel will discuss how law firms can use turnaround techniques to maximize the value of their services for themselves and their clients.

Using a case study approach, this panel will examine the restructuring alternatives of a typical mid-cap company, with mock negotiations between and among a distressed company, its senior secured bank lenders, its mezzanine lenders and the equity. The presentation will focus on valuation, along with the benefits and burdens of (1) bankruptcy, (2) exercising the rights and remedies of a secure lender, (3) a consensual out-of-court restructuring and (4) the techniques and strategies for each constituency to achieve its goals.

Independent board directors play a vital and increasingly important role in restructurings. Acting as an independent director has great rewards, but it also has risks in today’s restructuring environment. This panel will analyze and discuss a variety of issues related to corporate governance in restructurings and liquidations, including (a) the recruitment, appointment, role and duties of independent directors, (b) how to establish an independent board of directors, (c) the role of lawyers and financial professionals in advising a board of directors and independent directors, and (d) D&O claims, insurance and potential risks to independent directors.

This panel will examine a multitude of issues involved in financing a chapter 11 exit, including the complications caused by a § 1111(b) election and plan treatment options. Feasibility issues, including balloon provisions and deed-in-lieu clauses, will also be discussed, as well as issues that arise when determining whether a plan is fair and equitable, including deferred payment clauses, interest rates, negative amortization, partial surrender of collateral, carve-outs and differing treatment of trade claims. Dirt-for-debt proposals might also be discussed, along with issues involving indubitable equivalence.

In today’s marketplace, more and more thought is being given to pursuing state law remedies rather than commencing chapter 11 cases. This is especially true in the middle market. This panel will discuss the financial professional’s role and obligations in out-of-court restructuring solutions, including compositions, foreclosures, assignments for the benefit of creditors and asset sales.