Holders of Unredeemed Gift Cards Denied Bankpruptcy Priority
November 01, 2016
For some time now, the brick and mortar side of the retail industry has been in financial distress. In 2015 and 2016 alone, brand-name companies such as Sports Authority, RadioShack, Aéropostale, American Apparel, Eastern Mountain Sports and City Sports sought bankruptcy protection. A common question in these cases is how to treat holders of unredeemed gift cards. Are they near the back of the line with other general unsecured creditors, or are they entitled to “priority” payment status under the Bankruptcy Code?
Vendor's Reclamation Rights Survive Lien of Post-Petition DIP Loan
November 01, 2016
In <i>In re Reichhold Holdings US</i>, bankruptcy judge Mary F. Walrath upheld the validity of a vendor's administrative claim for its reclamation rights under Section 546(c) of the Bankruptcy Code as against a post-petition DIP lender. In doing so, Judge Walrath declined to follow cases from the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York that held otherwise.
Industry Growth for 2016 Forecast to -0.5%
November 01, 2016
In what began as a year with a forecast of modest growth, The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (ELFA) has just released its Q4 update to the 2016 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook, reducing the year's growth expectations to -0.5%, marking a steady decline in growth forecast for the year.
The Troubled Energy and Production (Oil and Gas) Sector
October 14, 2016
The oil and gas exploration sector in North America has been crushed by high debt, globally low oil prices and regional overcapacity. The result: Over 100 oil and gas exploration and production companies have filed for bankruptcy over the past 18 months, and dozens more are expected to follow.
Cross-Border Leasing
October 01, 2016
Court-appointed receivers typically assume control over all of a debtor's property, including the debtor's leased equipment. The receivership order will also typically grant the receiver a priority charge over the debtor's assets in order to secure the receivers' fees and other costs. This is sometimes a point of contention with equipment financiers who would rather have their equipment excluded from the receivership.
Marital Assets
October 01, 2016
When was the last time your client presented a marital asset of equity in an operating company that also held real estate? There is some risk that an unsophisticated appraiser or accountant may have undervalued or overvalued the equity, to your potential detriment in representing your client.
Challenges in Solar Equipment Finance
October 01, 2016
This article is the second in a two-part series exploring state law limitations on various methods of financing solar equipment. It explores the laws in various states related to solar leases and the differences between solar leases and PPAs, as well as the implications of such laws on the financing industry and its customers.
What's New in the Law
September 01, 2016
A roundup of the latest legislation that affects equipment leasing.
The Myth of the Newspaper Notice
September 01, 2016
Maybe you represent a secured lender. Perhaps you represent a Chapter 11 debtor selling its assets under ' 363, or maybe you are a federal equity receiver, an assignee for the benefit of creditors, or maybe a state court receiver who is selling a company's assets pursuant to state law. Where do you post the information?
Challenges in Solar Equipment Finance
September 01, 2016
Growth in solar-generation capacity has not been evenly distributed across the country, as some states' policies and laws are solar-friendly, while those in other states pose barriers. One such barrier in many states is the lack of access to financing.
