The Wall Street Journal reports that corporate chapter 11 filings are increasing, reflecting market concern over market volatility, interest rate hikes, and a potential economic slowdown. Many expect default rates to increase this year, though perhaps by not as much as one would expect given the current economic headwinds, based on many companies having taken
Recapping 2021, Bloomberg reported that last year saw the fewest annual bankruptcy filings in nearly four decades, falling 24% from 2020. A total of 3,596 chapter 11 cases were filed in 2021, about 3,000 fewer than the year before. The stimulus funds and easy access to liquidity combined with debt forbearance were pointed as the
A New York judge denied a motion by Trimark USA and certain of its lenders to dismiss claims brought by minority lenders alleging that certain new debt issued by the company violated the terms of the preexisting credit agreements and improperly allowed majority lenders to take priority over minority lenders. The lawsuit has been tracked
Bloomberg and CNN reported on the potential impact the pause in the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 shot could have. In the wake of the announcement, stay-at-home company stocks bounced, while travel company stocks fell as investors worried about the potential long-term impact. [Bloomberg; April 13, 2021 & CNN; April 14, 2021]
A recent New York Times article highlights the challenges oftentimes faced by smaller vendors in large bankruptcy cases. The article profiles a couple, who owns a warehouse leased to Brooks Brothers, who were left holding a $240,000 cleanup fee bill when Brooks Brothers rejected their warehouse lease and refused to clear the equipment and other