What Is Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 is a form of bankruptcy that involves the reorganization of a debtor's business affairs, debts, and assets. It is also referred to as a "reorganization" bankruptcy.
Key Takeaways
- A Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows a company to stay in business and restructure its obligations.
- If a company filing for Chapter 11 opts to propose a reorganization plan, it must be in the best interest of the creditors.
- If the debtor does not put forth a plan, the creditors may propose one instead.
- Many major corporations, including General Motors and K-Mart, have used Chapter 11 bankruptcies as an opportunity to restructure their debts while continuing to do business.
How Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Works
Chapter 11 is named after a section of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Companies that file Chapter 11 do so in order to obtain time to restructure their debts and make a fresh start. The terms are subject to the debtor fulfilling its obligations under the plan of reorganization.
During a Chapter 11 proceeding, the court will help a business restructure its debts and obligations. In most cases, the company remains open and operating. Many large U.S. companies have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at one time or another to stay afloat. They include such well-known names as General Motors, United Airlines, K-mart, and thousands of other companies of all sizes.
Corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs) usually file Chapter 11, but in rare cases, individuals with a lot of debt who do not qualify for Chapter 7 or 13 may be eligible for Chapter 11. However, the process is not a speedy one.
A business in the midst of filing Chapter 11 may continue to operate. In most cases the debtor, called a "debtor in possession," runs the business as usual. However, in cases involving fraud, dishonesty, or gross incompetence, a court-appointed trustee will step in to run the company throughout the bankruptcy proceeding.
The business is not able to make certain decisions without the permission of the courts. These include the sale of assets, other than inventory, starting or terminating a rental agreement, and stopping or expanding business operations. The court also has control over decisions related to retaining and paying attorneys and entering contracts with vendors and unions. Finally, the debtor cannot arrange a loan that will commence after the bankruptcy is complete.
In Chapter 11, the business or individual filing for bankruptcy has the first chance to propose a reorganization plan. These plans may include downsizing business operations to reduce expenses, as well as renegotiating debts. In some cases, plans involve liquidating all assets to repay creditors. If the chosen path is feasible and fair, the courts accept it, and the process moves forward.
Chapter 11 and Small Business
The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019, which went into effect on Feb. 19, 2020, added a new subchapter V to Chapter 11 designed to make bankruptcy easier for small businesses, which are "defined as entities with less than about $2.7 million in debts that also meet other criteria," according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The act "imposes shorter deadlines for completing the bankruptcy process, allows for greater flexibility in negotiating restructuring plans with creditors, and provides for a private trustee who will work with the small business debtor and its creditors to facilitate the development of a consensual plan of reorganization," the Justice Department says.
Because Chapter 11 is the most expensive and complex form of bankruptcy, most companies explore all alternative routes before filing for one.
Chapter 11 Example
In January 2019 Gymboree Group Inc., a popular children's clothing chain, announced that it had filed for Chapter 11 and was closing all of its Gymboree, Gymboree Outlet, and Crazy 8 stores in Canada and the United States.
According to a press release from Gymboree, the company had received a commitment for a debtor in possession financing ($30 million in new money loans) provided by SSIG andGoldman Sachs Specialty Lending Holdings, Inc. and a "roll-up" of all of Gymboree's obligations underthe "prepetition Term Loan Credit Agreement."
It added that it was "continuing to pursue a going-concern sale of its Janie and Jackbusiness and a sale of the intellectual property and online platform for Gymboree." Gap announced in March 2019 that it had purchased Janie and Jack. In early 2020, Gymboree made its return as a "shop-in-a-shop" in Children's Place locations and with a new online store.
This was the second time in two years that the Gymboree Group Inc. had filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. The first occurred in 2017, when the company was able to successfully reorganize and significantly lower its debts.
What Are the All Chapters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code?
There are officially six chapters in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. They are: Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 9 (municipalities), Chapter 11 (reorganization, usually for businesses), Chapter 12 (family farmers), Chapter 13 (repayments options), and Chapter 15 (international bankruptcies). Of these, Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 are the most common.
What Is the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11?
Chapter 7, also referred to as liquidation bankruptcy, is when the court appoints a trustee to oversee the sale of as many of an individual's assets as are needed to pay their creditors. Unsecured debt, like credit card debt, is usually erased. However, Chapter 7 does not forgive any tax obligations or student loans. Individuals are allowed to keep "exempt" property.
By contrast, Chapter 11 is a form of bankruptcy that involves a reorganization of a debtor's business affairs, debts, and assets. It is most often used by businesses, though it is available to some individuals as well. The main difference is that the entity filing for bankruptcy remains in control of operations and is not required to liquidate their assets.
Are There Advantages to Filing Chapter 11?
The biggest advantage is that the entity, usually a business, can continue operations while going through the reorganization process. This allows it to generate cash flow that can aid in the repayment process. The court also issues an order that keeps creditors at bay. Most creditors are receptive to Chapter 11 as they stand to recoup more, if not all, of their money over the course of the repayment plan than if the company simply went out of business.
What Are the Disadvantages of Filing Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is the most complex of all bankruptcy types. It is also usually the most expensive. For a company that is struggling to the point where it is considering filing for bankruptcy, the legal costs alone might be onerous. Plus, the reorganization plan has to be approved by the bankruptcy court and must be manageable enough that the business can reasonably pay off the debt over time.
The Bottom Line
Chapter 11 can allow a business that is experiencing serious financial difficulties to regroup and get back on track. However, it is complex, costly, and time-consuming. For these reasons, a company must consider Chapter 11 reorganization only after careful analysis and exploration of all other possible alternatives.
As an expert in bankruptcy law and financial restructuring, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and a history of analyzing and interpreting complex legal processes related to corporate financial distress.
Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Overview:
- Definition: Chapter 11 is a form of bankruptcy that involves the reorganization of a debtor's business affairs, debts, and assets.
- Purpose: It allows a company to stay in business while restructuring its obligations, often referred to as a "reorganization" bankruptcy.
- Major Players: Major corporations like General Motors, United Airlines, and K-Mart have utilized Chapter 11 to restructure debts while continuing operations.
How Chapter 11 Works:
- Court Involvement: Named after a section of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, Chapter 11 provides companies time to restructure debts under court supervision.
- Debtor in Possession: The debtor, termed "debtor in possession," usually continues operating the business, but in cases of fraud or incompetence, a court-appointed trustee may step in.
- Decision Control: Courts control significant decisions, including asset sales, rental agreements, business operations, attorney retention, and contract negotiations.
- Reorganization Plan: The business proposes a reorganization plan, which may involve downsizing, debt renegotiation, or asset liquidation.
Chapter 11 and Small Business:
- Small Business Reorganization Act: The act introduced a new subchapter V to Chapter 11, making bankruptcy more accessible and efficient for small businesses.
- Criteria: Small businesses, defined as entities with less than about $2.7 million in debts, can benefit from shorter deadlines, flexible restructuring plans, and a private trustee.
Chapter 11 Example:
- Gymboree Group Inc.: An example of a company filing for Chapter 11, where the business aimed to reorganize, secure debtor-in-possession financing, and explore the sale of assets.
All Chapters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code:
- Overview: There are six chapters in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, with Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 being the most common.
Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11:
- Chapter 7: Involves liquidation, overseen by a trustee, erasing unsecured debts. Individuals can keep exempt property.
- Chapter 11: Focuses on reorganization, allowing the entity to remain in control of operations without mandatory asset liquidation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Chapter 11:
- Advantages: Allows the business to continue operations, generates cash flow for repayment, and issues court orders to keep creditors at bay.
- Disadvantages: Complex, expensive, and the reorganization plan must be court-approved and manageable for debt repayment.
Bottom Line:
- Considerations: Chapter 11 can help a financially troubled business regroup, but it's complex, costly, and time-consuming. A thorough analysis of alternatives is crucial before pursuing Chapter 11 reorganization.
In conclusion, my expertise in bankruptcy law underscores the comprehensive understanding of Chapter 11 and its implications for businesses facing financial challenges.
