Why do companies choose Chapter 11 instead of Chapter 7? What are the considerations behind it?

When facing the edge of bankruptcy, companies usually have to make a difficult choice: whether to apply for Chapter 11 reorganization to survive, or to accept the liquidation outcome of Chapter 7. Chapter 11, as the core of U.S. bankruptcy law, provides companies with a path to rebirth, and this option is gradually favored by many companies.

Basic framework of Chapter 11

Chapter 11 allows a debtor to reorganize its business under court supervision so that it can continue to operate and pay its debts.

The core of Chapter 11 is the concept of "debtor-owned assets," which means that even in the event of bankruptcy, the company can still continue to operate and gradually pay off its debts by formulating a reorganization plan. In Chapter 7, the business ceases operations immediately and assets are liquidated to repay creditors. Chapter 11 means that companies can reorganize their operations and have the opportunity to conduct effective intelligence and stand on the stage of success again.

Reasons for companies to choose Chapter 11

On the one hand, many companies choose Chapter 11 because it can retain operational control of the company. The debtor will usually continue to serve as the company's management in Chapter 11, which is completely unfeasible in Chapter 7. The debtor can find new funds under court supervision to support the company's re-operation, which is often the key to a successful rebirth.

Chapter 11 not only protects the debtor, but also protects the legitimate rights and interests of all creditors.

In addition, Chapter 11's restructuring process will also give companies the opportunity to renegotiate contracts, including labor contracts, which is particularly important for companies looking to reduce costs. In some industries, such as the aviation industry, many companies use Chapter 11 to renegotiate their agreements with unions, thereby saving costs and improving competitiveness.

Pre-disclosure and confirmation of plans

When a business decides to file for Chapter 11, a restructuring plan is a crucial part. The plan is subject to court approval and is subject to quality checks to ensure it complies with bankruptcy law. Debtors are typically required to submit these plans within a specific time frame so that the court can review and confirm them after a certain period.

Chapter 11's restructuring plan is usually a multi-interest compromise aimed at meeting the needs of all stakeholders.

As bankruptcy proceedings unfold, negotiations and voting among creditors are crucial. Even if some creditors object to the reorganization plan, the court can confirm the plan as long as the principle of non-discrimination is met. This flexibility plays an important role in debt management, especially when a large number of creditors are involved.

Automatic suspension protection

Chapter 11 also provides an automatic moratorium, which means that all creditors are prohibited from pursuing debt collection actions against the business for a certain period of time after the bankruptcy petition is filed. This buys valuable time for companies seeking to restructure to plan operations and payments under court supervision.

This protective measure not only protects companies, but also provides a level playing field for creditors.

However, it should be noted that not all Chapter 11 cases will be successful. Sometimes, even if a company chooses Chapter 11, the court may still transfer the case to Chapter 7 liquidation proceedings, at which time the company will completely cease operations. On the contrary, companies that have successfully reorganized can restart their business activities after completing the restructuring plan.

Conclusion

When companies face the choice of Chapter 11 or Chapter 7, the considerations behind them include maintaining corporate control, seeking cost restructuring, and obtaining court protection. These factors make many companies prefer Chapter 11 during difficult times, because it not only gives them the opportunity to reorganize, but also to start over in a more flexible way. However, will such a choice really be able to withstand future difficulties and continue to survive from them?

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