Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most retail bankruptcy cases involved at least some effort to maximize value by selling real estate holdings. The Bon Ton Stores, Forever 21, Sears, and Toys ‘R’ Us cases, among others, are perfect examples. These cases have, for the most part, achieved such sales under section 363(f) of the … Continue Reading
The retail sky is falling. At least that is how it appears from recent and unprecedented number of retailers filing for bankruptcy. From iconic stores such as Sears and Toys ‘R’ Us, to department stores such as Bon Ton, to mall stores including Brookstone, The Rockport Company, Nine West, among others. The reasons given for … Continue Reading
A recent decision from the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana highlights the limits of the term “interests” under section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, and the limits of “good faith” under section 363(m). In In re Mountain Divide, LLC, Case No. 16-61015-11 (Bankr. D. Mont. 2016), the debtor filed a Chapter 11 petition, and shortly … Continue Reading
In Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County v. Hildebrand, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals explains how to read the phrase “applicable nonbankruptcy law” as it is used in the United States Bankruptcy Code. The case – a chapter 13 individual bankruptcy case – discussed the phrase in the context of section 511(a) of … Continue Reading