Plan Confirmation

Bankruptcy Courts Don’t Agree on What’s a ‘Consensual’ Nondebtor Release

Bankruptcy Judge Paul Baisier of Atlanta disagreed with Bankruptcy Judge Craig Goldblatt of Delaware about requiring creditors to vote before they are saddled with nondebtor releases in chapter 11 plans.

The Supreme Court Has Ruled, Twice!

Giving the Debtor a Grace Period to Cure Isn’t Extending a Plan Beyond Five Years

In the Third Circuit, it’s possible to cure a payment default under a chapter 13 play beyond five years, district judge says in affirming the bankruptcy court.

The Importance of Strategic Communications and Media Relations in High-Profile Restructurings

In high profile restructurings, managing public perception and crafting a go-forward narrative matters. This session explores how strategic communications play a critical role in mitigating reputational damage and preserving brand and estate value throughout the restructuring process, including positioning the company for success upon emergence.

We will explore the importance of:
- Developing a comprehensive communication strategy to address various stakeholders (employees, partners, media, etc.) and preserve enterprise value
- Being prepared to implement aspects of the strategy even before filing (given propensity for leaks) and during key moments of the process through emergence
- Communicating effectively to promote business objectives, shape public perception, support legal strategies, and stabilize key stakeholder relationships
- Proactively (and reactively) addressing misinformation, media inquiries and stakeholder concerns to protect the brand and franchise
- Learning from real-world examples of communication efforts in major bankruptcies
Participants will be able to understand:
- The role strategic communications play in preserving value of the brand and business, including keeping internal and external parties apprised and on side
- The importance of crafting clear, forthright, consistent and timely messaging
- The ways in which strategic communications can significantly influence the outcome of a restructuring process

Debtor Suggested Speakers Paul Caminiti paul.caminiti@reevemark.com Reevemark (Strategic Communications)

Purdue Preliminary Injunction Protecting Nondebtors Upheld on Appeal

The same district judge who correctly predicted that Purdue’s nonconsensual releases were prohibited has nonetheless upheld a preliminary injunction barring suits against nondebtors.

A Business that Never Generated Income Is Eligible for Subchapter V, Judge Norman Says

The definition of ‘small business’ uses the word ‘activities,’ not ‘operations,’ making nonoperating small business eligible for Subchapter V.

Creating a Circuit Split, Ninth Circuit Allows Retirement Contributions in Chapter 13

The Ninth Circuit split with the Sixth Circuit in the interpretation of the ‘hanging paragraph’ in Section 541(b)(7). Courts are divided four ways on whether or how much a ‘13’ debtor may contribute to voluntary retirement plans after filing.

Benchnotes January 2025

Jan 2025