Zone of Insolvency

Zone of Insolvency

Tag Archives: Chapter 11 Plans

Supreme Court: Bankruptcy Code 363(m) does not limit appellate jurisdiction over sale orders

Posted in Uncategorized
On April 19, 2023, the US Supreme Court unanimously held that Section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code is not “jurisdictional,” and therefore does not limit a court’s authority to hear an appeal of a bankruptcy sale order (even if it does limit a court’s ability to void the sale itself). This ruling resolves a circuit… Continue Reading

Second Circuit Adopts “Efficient Market” Approach to Calculate Cramdown Interest

Posted in US
Last week, the Second Circuit established an “efficient market”-based approach for calculating cramdown interest rates. Adopting a test established by the Sixth Circuit, the Second Circuit held that courts must apply a market interest rate where an efficient market exists. See Momentive Performance Materials Inc. v. BOKF, NA (In the Matter of: MPM Silicones, L.L.C.),… Continue Reading

In re Nobel Group, Inc.: Just Kidding–The Bankruptcy Court Doesn’t Really Have Jurisdiction After All

Posted in US
In Nobel Group, Inc. v. Cathay Bank (In re Nobel Group, Inc.), the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California reviewed the scope of its jurisdiction post-confirmation and held that, notwithstanding plan provisions stating the contrary, the court did not have jurisdiction over the reorganized debtor’s claims asserted against its previously secured creditor.… Continue Reading

Non-Consensual Third-Party Releases: Eleventh Circuit Joins “Pro-Release” Majority

Posted in US
Circuit courts are divided as to whether provisions of a bankruptcy plan of reorganization may release a non-debtor from creditors’ claims over the objection of a non-consenting creditor (i.e. non-consensual third-party releases). A majority of courts will permit non-consensual third-party releases under certain limited circumstances. This issue has been in the news recently with speculation that… Continue Reading

Don’t Forget to Object!

Posted in US
On January 23, 2015, the Eleventh Circuit recognized the res judicata effect of provisions contained in a bankruptcy plan of reorganization that released all claims against a third-party guarantor. In deciding In re FFS Data, Inc., the court examined (i) the plain language of the plan provisions to determine whether a particular claim was included… Continue Reading

Determining the Cramdown Interest Rate: The Burden is on the Creditor

Posted in US
Following Judge Drain’s decision in Momentive, many in the bankruptcy world have written about and discussed the issue of how to determine the appropriate interest rate that should be paid to secured creditors in the context of a Chapter 11 cramdown (the so-called “cramdown interest rate”). While many questions have been asked and remain unanswered,… Continue Reading

Stop in the Name of Equity: Second Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Appeals in Chapter 11 Liquidation Proceedings as Equitably Moot

Posted in US
In a case of first impression, the Second Circuit recently held that the doctrine of equitable mootness is applicable in appeals arising from Chapter 11 liquidations and affirmed the decision of the Southern District of New York to dismiss the appeals of three decisions in the Chapter 11 liquidation proceedings of the former book retailer… Continue Reading

Momentive Noteholders’ Request to Change Vote Denied – You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Posted in US
A recent decision in the Momentive cases explores the limitations of changing a vote pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3018. In that case, the first and 1.5 lien noteholders  initially voted to reject the debtors’ proposed plan of reorganization in order to pursue their claim for recovery of a “make-whole” payment they argued they were entitled… Continue Reading