Pre-Packaged Distress Strategies and Ethics of Accelerated Corporate Restructuring.
LAW 661 – Advanced Bankruptcy Law

Concept: What is a Prepackaged Bankruptcy?
Front: Define a “prepackaged bankruptcy” and its key characteristics.

Back: A prepackaged bankruptcy (or “prepack”) is a Chapter 11 filing where the debtor negotiates and secures creditor support for a reorganization plan before filing. It allows for rapid court approval and minimizes time in bankruptcy.

🟦 Strategy: Why Use a Prepack?
Front: What are the strategic advantages of a prepackaged bankruptcy?

Back:

Speed: Can be completed in days or weeks vs. months/years.

Certainty: Creditor support is secured upfront.

Cost savings: Reduced legal and administrative expenses.

Business continuity: Minimizes disruption to operations.

🟦 Ethics: Who Might Be Disadvantaged?
Front: What ethical concerns arise with prepacks?

Back:

Unsecured creditors may be sidelined.

Lack of transparency compared to traditional bankruptcies.

Potential for insider favoritism or coercive tactics.

🟦 Case Study: FULLBEAUTY Brands
Front: What made the FULLBEAUTY Brands case notable?

Back: It was one of the first ultra-fast prepacks, completed in just four days. It set a precedent for “super speed” restructurings.

🟦 Legal Framework: Chapter 11 & Prepacks
Front: Are prepacks allowed under Chapter 11?

Back: Yes. Chapter 11 permits prepacks, provided the plan meets confirmation requirements and has sufficient creditor support.

🟦 Trend: 1-Day Prepacks
Front: What is a “1-Day Prepack” and why is it gaining traction?

Back: A restructuring completed within 24 hours of filing. Popular for minimizing disruption and legal exposure. Examples include Belk Inc. and Sungard.

🟦 Stakeholder Roles
Front: What roles do creditors and management play in a prepack?

Back:

Creditors: Must negotiate and approve the plan pre-filing.

Management: Coordinates restructuring, ensures business continuity, and communicates with stakeholders.

🟦 Ethics: Transparency vs. Efficiency
Front: How do ethics balance transparency with efficiency in prepacks?

Back: Efficiency may compromise transparency. Ethical practice demands fair disclosure, inclusive negotiations, and protection of minority interests.

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