Challenges in Solar Equipment Finance
November 01, 2016
Growth in solar-generation capacity has not been evenly distributed across the country, however, 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.<p><b><i>Part One of a Two-Part Article</i></b>
When a Lessee Files for Bankruptcy
November 01, 2016
A Chapter 11 debtor's motion for an order approving use of Cash Collateral or for Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) Financing usually happens as part of the so-called first-day hearings held within a few days after commencement of the case. The problem for creditors and equipment lessors is that while the debtor may have sent your client a notice of the bankruptcy case, the notice sometimes goes to the payment lock box or to someone who doesn't even know what bankruptcy is, much less that the order being sought is key to your client's future payment.
Additional-Rent Reconciliation
November 01, 2016
Issues can arise in the context of additional rent reconciliations that occur pursuant to the provisions of a commercial lease. We examine herein specific concerns from both landlord and tenant perspectives relating to over- and under-payments of rent, improper charges, supporting documentation and auditing procedures, as well as potential bars to claiming recoveries.<p><b><i>Part One of a Two-Part Article</b></i>
Post-Petition Interest in a Solvent Case
November 01, 2016
<b><i>What Interest Rate Controls?</b></i><p><p>In today's low-interest rate environment, the difference between a contractual interest rate and the federal judgment rate can be quite significant. It is not surprising, therefore, that this issue has become hotly litigated in cases involving solvent Chapter 11 debtors.
Food Courts and Their Leasing Issues
November 01, 2016
Although the concept has been very successful in the retail industry, a collection of tenants serving food and beverages in one location presents several issues and problems for both landlords and tenants. Those issues suggest certain aspects of food-court tenancy that should be discussed and addressed during lease negotiations, so that both landlords and tenants end up receiving what they expect to receive from the food court experience.
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.
Case Notes
November 01, 2016
Landlord's Self-Proclamation of Tenant's Breach Costs It Big
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.
