American Bankruptcy Institute Law Review

Enforcing Prepackaged Restructurings of Foreign Debtors Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code

Kurt A. Mayr

The fifth article, Enforcing Prepackaged Restructurings of Foreign Debtors Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, is authored by Kurt A. Mayr. The article explores the various issues raised by cross-boarder insolvencies and highlights the efficiency of utilizing prepackaged restructurings in concurrent jurisdictions. The author begins with a thorough analysis of U.S. bankruptcy jurisdiction over a foreign debtor, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of the U.S. prepack system. Next, the author examines the function of chapter 15 as an aid to plenary insolvency proceedings outside the United States. The author first reviews the various types of relief available under a successful chapter 15 petition. He then outlines multiple arguments a party-in-interest can make in contesting the petition. Finally, the article concludes that expedited restructurings may best be served by commencing insolvency proceedings concurrently in the U.S. and in the debtor's home country. In doing so, a foreign debtor increases the chances of binding uncooperative foreign creditors to an expedited restructuring, while at the same time allows the foreign debtor to take advantage of chapter 11 relief, notably section 1145's exemption to the registration requirements under U.S. securities laws.