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Mazur Media Limited and Another v Mazur Media Gmbh in Others: ChD 8 Jul 2004

Proceedings were brought in England. The respondents sought a stay, saying the company was subject to insolvency proceedings in Germany. Held: Our domestic insolvency law was not applicable to foreign proceedings, and so could not be used to order a stay of proceedings here. (a) the English court has jurisdiction to determine Apex’s claim for … Continue reading Mazur Media Limited and Another v Mazur Media Gmbh in Others: ChD 8 Jul 2004

McGuinness v Norwich and Peterborough Building Society: ChD 23 Nov 2010

The claimant appealed against his bankruptcy saying that it had followed as statutory demand based upon his alleged default under a guarantee of his brothers mortgage borrowings. He said that such a claim was not a liquidated sum within the 1986 Act. Held: The appeal failed. Judges: Briggs J Citations: [2010] NPC 116, [2011] BPIR … Continue reading McGuinness v Norwich and Peterborough Building Society: ChD 23 Nov 2010

Everitt v Budhram and Another: ChD 20 May 2009

The trustee in bankruptcy appealed against rejection of his claim for the sale of the home in which the bankrupts each held a one half share. The bankruptcies arose from non payment of council tax. The principle sums had been repaid, and the outstanding matters were the trustee’s costs. The bankrupts had not co-operated, and … Continue reading Everitt v Budhram and Another: ChD 20 May 2009

Barry v Midland Bank Plc: HL 22 Jul 1999

The defendant implemented a voluntary retirement scheme under which benefits were calculated according to the period of service of the employee. The plaintiff claimed that the scheme discriminated against workers who had taken career breaks, and therefore against women. Held: A severance pay scheme, which calculated the amount payable according to length of service and … Continue reading Barry v Midland Bank Plc: HL 22 Jul 1999

Jack and Another (London Scottish Finance Ltd) v Craig and Others: ChD 17 Dec 2013

Application by the joint administrators of LSF for directions arising out of loan agreements made or acquired by LSF before the administration began, under which secured loans were made to consumers but which were unenforceable because they contravened provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Held: The phrase ‘realisation of the security’ in section 106, … Continue reading Jack and Another (London Scottish Finance Ltd) v Craig and Others: ChD 17 Dec 2013

Re Storm Funding Ltd: ChD 18 Dec 2013

‘The administrators of 14 companies in the Lehman Brothers group apply for directions as to the potential liabilities of those companies to make payments to or for the benefit of the Lehman Brothers Pension Scheme (the scheme) established principally for the benefit of persons employed by Lehman Brothers Limited (LBL) but seconded to work for … Continue reading Re Storm Funding Ltd: ChD 18 Dec 2013

Re Lehman Brothers International (Europe) and Others: ChD 14 Mar 2014

On the winding up of the company, there had unexpectedly been a surplus of assets after payment of all debts. The court was now asked to determine claims to be allowed before a distribution was made. Held: The court made declarations as follows: ‘i) The claims of LBHI2 under its subordinated loan agreements with LBIE … Continue reading Re Lehman Brothers International (Europe) and Others: ChD 14 Mar 2014

In re Nortel Companies and Others: SC 24 Jul 2013

The court was asked as to the interrelationship of the statutory schemes relating to the protection of employees’ pensions and to corporate insolvency. Held: Liabilities which arose from financial support directions or contribution notices issued by the Pensions Regulator under the 2004 Act after the company had gone into administration, which required the company to … Continue reading In re Nortel Companies and Others: SC 24 Jul 2013

Bloom and Others v The Pensions Regulator (Nortel, Re): ChD 10 Dec 2010

Applications for directions by the administrators of twenty companies in two groups, all raising the same common questions as to the effect of the Financial Support Direction regime created by the Pensions Act 2004 upon companies in administration or insolvent liquidation.Briggs J said that Lord Hoffmann’s speech in Toshoku established as ‘a general rule’ that: … Continue reading Bloom and Others v The Pensions Regulator (Nortel, Re): ChD 10 Dec 2010

Remblance v Octagon Assets Ltd: CA 17 Jun 2009

A statutory demand was served against the guarantor of the lease after rent arrears arose. He applied for the demand to be set aside, and now appealed against its refusal. He said that the court would have set aside such a demand against the tenant, and should provide similar relief to a guarantor. Held: (Mummery … Continue reading Remblance v Octagon Assets Ltd: CA 17 Jun 2009

In Re A Company (No 008174 of 1999): ChD 2 Nov 1999

Where a school made teachers redundant because of insolvency, and gave notice to teachers to the end of the summer term, that was to include the summer holidays, and the pay until the end of the holidays was properly claimable against the school, and if necessary against the Secretary of State. The holiday related to … Continue reading In Re A Company (No 008174 of 1999): ChD 2 Nov 1999

Alemo-Herron v Parkwood Leisure Ltd: EAT 12 Jan 2009

EAT TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS: Acquired rights directive TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS: Varying terms of employment As a matter of construction of TUPE Reg 5(1), a contractual term entitling employees to pay ‘in accordance with collective agreements negotiated from time to time by [the NJC]’ is protected on a TUPE transfer to the private sector so as … Continue reading Alemo-Herron v Parkwood Leisure Ltd: EAT 12 Jan 2009

Hammonds (A Firm) v Pro-Fit USA Ltd: ChD 17 Aug 2007

The claimant solicitors sought the winding up of its defendant company client for non-payment of fees including fees not yet delivered. The court refused to hold that the practices developed in relation to winding up should be imported into administration. The court considered what was meant by ‘creditor’. Warren J said: ‘a person is a … Continue reading Hammonds (A Firm) v Pro-Fit USA Ltd: ChD 17 Aug 2007

Power v Petrus Estates Ltd and others: ChD 31 Oct 2008

The chairman of the creditors meeting had marked the proof of Petrus as objected to but had allowed Petrus to resulting in the appointment of the joint liquidators. The claimant now challenged this saying that had Petrus not been allowed tp vote he would have been appointed. Held: Lewison J set out the scheme: ‘The … Continue reading Power v Petrus Estates Ltd and others: ChD 31 Oct 2008

In Re Market Wizard Systems (UK) Ltd: ChD 31 Jul 1998

A computer giving advice of share sale holding and selling positions was giving advice regulatable under the Financial Services Act, and the company selling the software committed the offence when the software was sold even though ‘advice’ was much later. Citations: Gazette 03-Sep-1998, Times 31-Jul-1998 Statutes: Financial Services Act 1986 Sch 1 Para 15, Insolvency … Continue reading In Re Market Wizard Systems (UK) Ltd: ChD 31 Jul 1998

Akers and Others v Samba Financial Group: SC 1 Feb 2017

Saad Investments was a Cayman Islands company in liquidation. The liquidator brought an action here, but the defendant sought a stay saying that another forum was clearly more appropriate. Shares in Saudi banks were said to be held in trust for the company, but Saudi law would not recognise such trusts. The shares had been … Continue reading Akers and Others v Samba Financial Group: SC 1 Feb 2017

In Re Ryatt: ChD 4 May 1998

Private school fees might well be a reasonably necessary expenditure for bankrupt to be allowed when assessing what income needs he has before ordering income payment. No general rule. Citations: Times 04-May-1998, Gazette 20-May-1998 Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 310 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Insolvency Updated: 18 July 2022; Ref: scu.82154

Rose v AIB Group (UK) plc and Another: ChD 9 Jun 2003

The bank had received and paid substantial sums from the company before the petition for insolvency had been presented, and had discharged the director’s charge on his house. The liquidator sought restitution under the Act. The bank replied that it had acted already in such a way as to put its own position at risk, … Continue reading Rose v AIB Group (UK) plc and Another: ChD 9 Jun 2003

Fraser Turner Ltd v Pricewaterhousecoopers Llp and Others: CA 19 Jul 2019

This appeal raises questions of both contractual interpretation and the duties owed by administrators at common law and under paragraph 74 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 Judges: Sir Geoffrey Vos, Chancellor of the High Court Citations: [2019] EWCA Civ 1290 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Insolvency Updated: 17 July 2022; Ref: … Continue reading Fraser Turner Ltd v Pricewaterhousecoopers Llp and Others: CA 19 Jul 2019

HM Revenue and Customs v Holland and Another: ChD 24 Jun 2008

The Revenue sought to recover from the defendant substantial sums in respect of allegedly unlawful dividends paid from an insolvent company. They said that the defendant and his wife were de facto directors. Held: Claims agains the second defendant were dismissed. Claims for early periods were rejected under section 727 of the 1985 Act, but … Continue reading HM Revenue and Customs v Holland and Another: ChD 24 Jun 2008

Hickling v Baker: CA 4 Apr 2007

The defendant, an undischarged bankrupt, appealed an order made for his committal to prison after failing to co-operate with his trustee. Held: The discharge of the bankruptcy had been extended already because of the defendant’s failure to co-operate. The defendant had not been given notice of the application for his committal. Section 364 was not … Continue reading Hickling v Baker: CA 4 Apr 2007

Ince Gordon Dadds Llp and Others v J Tunstall and Others: EAT 19 Jun 2019

Practice and Procedure – Stay – Paragraph 43(6) Schedule B1 Insolvency Act 1986 The Claimant had commenced Employment Tribunal (‘ET’) proceedings against eight Respondents. Subsequently, the first two Respondents (one of which had been the Claimant’s employer) went into administration and a stay was imposed on the proceedings under paragraph 43(6) Schedule B1 Insolvency Act … Continue reading Ince Gordon Dadds Llp and Others v J Tunstall and Others: EAT 19 Jun 2019

Krasner v McMath; in Re Huddersfield Fine Worsteds Limited: CA 12 Aug 2005

The administrators had adopted the contracts of certain employees, who now claimed that the protective awards should have priority to the expenses of the administration. Held: The payments did fall within paragraph 99(5) and do not have super-priority.Responsibility for protective awards on insolvency. Judges: Lord Justice Clarke Lord Justice Jacob Lord Justice Neuberger Citations: [2005] … Continue reading Krasner v McMath; in Re Huddersfield Fine Worsteds Limited: CA 12 Aug 2005

John Louis Carter Fourie v Allan Le Roux and others: CA 7 Mar 2005

The defendant’s company in South Africa had become insolvent and the claimant had recovered judgment for arrears of rent. They obtained a freezing order against the defendant. The defendant appealed saying the court did not have jurisdiction, and should have taken account of cross claims. The defendant argued that the order was sought on a … Continue reading John Louis Carter Fourie v Allan Le Roux and others: CA 7 Mar 2005

Lehman Brothers Australia Ltd v Lomas and Others: ChD 24 Oct 2018

‘The issue raised by this application is as to the ambit of (1) the Court’s jurisdiction to prevent unfair harm pursuant to paragraph 74 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 (‘the Act’) and (2) the rule in Ex Parte James’ Citations: [2018] EWHC 2783 (Ch) Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Insolvency Updated: … Continue reading Lehman Brothers Australia Ltd v Lomas and Others: ChD 24 Oct 2018

Trident International Limited v Barlow: ChD 27 Feb 1998

Judges: Eben Hamilton QC Citations: [1998] 2 BCLC 164 Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 11(3)(c) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – Trident International Limited v Barlow; Hughes and Goodman (the Joint Administrators of Hamley Plc and Jeffrey (Rogers) Imports Limited CA 30-Jul-1999 A contractual possessory lien, coupled with a right to sell and … Continue reading Trident International Limited v Barlow: ChD 27 Feb 1998

Feetum and Other v Levy and Others: ChD 5 Jan 2005

The applicants sought a declaration that the appointment of the defendants as administrative receivers of the company, a limited liability company, was precluded by the 1986 Act. Held: The administrator had been appointed under a debenture, but the section precluded such appointments by proprietors of a floating charge unless one of the exceptions specified arose, … Continue reading Feetum and Other v Levy and Others: ChD 5 Jan 2005

Herbert Berry Associates Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners; re Herbert BerrySP, Regina (on The Application of) v The Lord Chancellor: HL 1977

The principle to the effect that the court should exercise its discretion to restrain a distress levied by a landlord before the commencement of a winding-up only where there were special circumstances rendering it inequitable that he should be permitted to do so, applies also to a distress levied by the Crown under a statutory … Continue reading Herbert Berry Associates Ltd v Inland Revenue Commissioners; re Herbert BerrySP, Regina (on The Application of) v The Lord Chancellor: HL 1977

Re Camburn Petroleum Products Ltd: ChD 1979

The court heard a contributors’ petition. The directors were in deadlock with equal shareholdings. The petition was not making good progress, and a creditor’s petition was then issued. The shareholder sought a stay. Held: There was a sufficient allegation of insolvency in the petition, and it was right that the petition should be allowed to … Continue reading Re Camburn Petroleum Products Ltd: ChD 1979

Bagnall QC v the Official Receiver: ChD 18 Jun 2003

The bankrupt was to receive his automatic discharge. The receiver had applied ex parte to suspend the automatic discharge. The bankrupt appealed. Held: The court had power to make such an order. The court had seen strong prima facie evidence that the bankrupt had failed in his obligation to co-operate with the receiver. The failure … Continue reading Bagnall QC v the Official Receiver: ChD 18 Jun 2003

Bell Davies Trading Ltd and Another v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 30 Jul 2004

The directors of the company had organised a scheme for imports from China which was thought to be an unlawful abuse of the import licensing scheme. When presneted with an application by the Secretary of State for the winding up of the company, the company gave undertakings as to their future conduct. They then sought … Continue reading Bell Davies Trading Ltd and Another v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 30 Jul 2004

Commissioners of Inland Revenue v The Wimbledon Football Club Limited, Ellis, Earp: CA 28 May 2004

The Commissioners appealed against a refusal of their application for a revocation of the defendant’s voluntary arrangement in that it had failed to comply with section 4. They complained that the arrangement was unfair to them. It had been agreed to pay football creditors in full at the expense of others, in order to avoid … Continue reading Commissioners of Inland Revenue v The Wimbledon Football Club Limited, Ellis, Earp: CA 28 May 2004

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Frid: HL 13 May 2004

The company went into insolvent liquidation. The secretary of state was to make payments to employees and there were other state preferential creditors. At the same time a refund of VAT was due from the Commissioners of customs and Excise. Held: The sums paid out and preferential debts could be set off against the VAT … Continue reading Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Frid: HL 13 May 2004

Buchler and another (as joint liquidators of Leyland DAF Limited) v Talbot and another (as joint administrative receivers of Leyland DAF Limited) and Stichting Ofasec and others: HL 4 Mar 2004

The liquidator sought to recover his expenses from assets charged under a floating charge in priority to the chargee. Held: Barleycorn was decided in error. The liquidators costs incurred in an insolvent winding up were not to be charged against the assets subject to the floating charge: ‘The winding up of a company is a … Continue reading Buchler and another (as joint liquidators of Leyland DAF Limited) v Talbot and another (as joint administrative receivers of Leyland DAF Limited) and Stichting Ofasec and others: HL 4 Mar 2004

Edwards, Drummond Smith v Flightline Limited: CA 5 Feb 2003

The applicant company obtained an injunction against another company. That freezing injunction was discharged upon the payment of a sum into the names of the respective parties’ solicitors. The company went into liquidation, and the claimant disputed ownership of the sum with the provisional liquidators. Held: The deposit of the sum was insufficient to create … Continue reading Edwards, Drummond Smith v Flightline Limited: CA 5 Feb 2003

Percy v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 21 Dec 2001

The defendant had been convicted of using words or behaviour likely to cause harassment alarm or distress, when she defaced the US flag, and stood on it before a US military officer. She said that the defacing of flags was a common form of protest, that she had no intention to cause alarm or distress, … Continue reading Percy v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 21 Dec 2001

Mirror Group Newspapers Plc v Maxwell and Others (No 2): ChD 15 Jul 1997

The Court reminded insolvency practitioners of fiduciary duties to creditors when refusing application for further payment on account of costs. Ferris J considered the principles applicable to fixing the remuneration of receivers of the estate of Robert Maxwell appointed by the court under section 37 of the 1981 Act. Their total recoveries before their remuneration … Continue reading Mirror Group Newspapers Plc v Maxwell and Others (No 2): ChD 15 Jul 1997

Halabi v London Borough of Camden: ChD 14 Feb 2008

Ms Halabi applied to annul her bankruptcy order, made for non payment of her rates. She applied within approximately 6 months of her adjudication. Her bankrupt estate was solvent but illiquid. She had not previously appreciated that she had sufficient equity in her property (over andpound;70k) to borrow sufficient to discharge her debt. Held: The … Continue reading Halabi v London Borough of Camden: ChD 14 Feb 2008

Leisure (Norwich) II Ltd and Others v Luminar Lava Ignite Ltd: ChD 28 Mar 2012

four applications by the applicants, who are landlords of four properties that were let to companies that are now all in administration, by which applications the applicants apply for a. permission under Paragraph 43 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 (‘IA’) to forfeit the leases of the properties; and b. a direction under … Continue reading Leisure (Norwich) II Ltd and Others v Luminar Lava Ignite Ltd: ChD 28 Mar 2012

Patel v Jones: CA 24 May 2001

The defendant had been employed as a local government officer, and had accrued pension rights under the statutory scheme. He was made bankrupt, and later made redundant under circumstances triggering payment of the pension. The trustee claimed all or part of the pension. Held: He was entitled to the basic pension, pension lump sum, and … Continue reading Patel v Jones: CA 24 May 2001

Commissioners of Inland Revenue v Kahn and Another: CA 23 Mar 2000

Appeal against an order of Mr Justice Evans-Lombe on an application made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Insolvency Act 1986 by the joint liquidators of Toshoku Finance UK Plc (‘the Company’) for directions in relation to the discharge of an alleged liability to corporation tax on interest receivable after the commencement of the winding … Continue reading Commissioners of Inland Revenue v Kahn and Another: CA 23 Mar 2000

Re Tand N Ltd and Others: ChD 21 Oct 2004

Judges: Mr Justice Richards Citations: [2004] EWHC 2361 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – T and N Limited, Associated Companies of T and N Ltd (In Administration) v Royal and Sun Alliance Plc, and others ChD 9-May-2003 T and N had exposure to asbestosis claims; these … Continue reading Re Tand N Ltd and Others: ChD 21 Oct 2004

Lloyd v McMahon: HL 12 Mar 1987

The district auditor had issued a certificate under the 1982 Act surcharging the appellant councillors in the sum of 106,103, pounds being the amount of a loss incurred or deficiency caused, as the auditor found, by their wilful misconduct. Held: An aggrieved objector to local government spending should pursue his rights under the Act and … Continue reading Lloyd v McMahon: HL 12 Mar 1987

Lassman and Others v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 19 Apr 2000

The claimants worked for Rotaprint when it went into receivership in 1988, and then for the receiver before being transferred to Pan Graphics. Statutory redundany payments were made on the receivership of Rotaprint. The claimants sought further redundancy payment on the insolvency of Rotaprint. The Secretary now appealed the decision of the EAT that payments … Continue reading Lassman and Others v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: CA 19 Apr 2000

Foxley v United Kingdom: ECHR 20 Jun 2000

A bankrupt was suspected of disposing of his assets to avoid a confiscation order. The trustee in bankruptcy obtained an order for the bankrupt’s post to be diverted to her whilst he was in prison. She opened all post and copied it before forwarding it to the bankrupt. This included correspondence with his legal advisers. … Continue reading Foxley v United Kingdom: ECHR 20 Jun 2000

Ashe v Mumford and Others: ChD 7 Mar 2000

The Regulation under question was procedural;, and a failure to comply with its requirements was not to be deemed fatal. The requirement for a trustee to identify the transactions to be set aside did not require every single part of the scheme to be detailed, provided as in this case the purpose of the scheme … Continue reading Ashe v Mumford and Others: ChD 7 Mar 2000

Powdrill and Another v Watson and Another: HL 23 Mar 1995

A receiver of a companies assets, who employed former staff of the company, beyond an initial period of 14 days, becomes personally responsible for their employment contracts, and consequently becomes liable for making redundancy payments. The 1870 Act could be used to determine arrears of salary attributable to the period prior to the administrators’ appointment.Lord … Continue reading Powdrill and Another v Watson and Another: HL 23 Mar 1995

Jacobs v Official Receiver; In re Jacobs (a bankrupt): ChD 3 Apr 1998

The bankrupt was due to have his automatic discharge, but the Official Receiver applied on the day before for the discharge for an interim suspension of the discharge to allow consideration of his alleged lack of co-operation. The bankrupt said the court had no power to make such an order. The Official receiver had served … Continue reading Jacobs v Official Receiver; In re Jacobs (a bankrupt): ChD 3 Apr 1998

Moore Stephens (A Firm) v Stone Rolls Ltd (in liquidation): HL 30 Jul 2009

The appellants had audited the books of the respondent company, but had failed to identify substantial frauds by an employee of the respondent. The auditors appealed a finding of professional negligence, relying on the maxim ex turpi causa non oritur actio. Held: (Mance and Scott LL dissenting) The appeal succeeded. The company could not bring … Continue reading Moore Stephens (A Firm) v Stone Rolls Ltd (in liquidation): HL 30 Jul 2009

Kilvert v Flackett: ChD 3 Aug 1998

A lump sum payable from a pension fund to bankrupt before his discharge was to be treated as income. Where bankrupt had sufficient other income he could be made subject to an income payments order. Citations: Times 03-Aug-1998 Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 310(7) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Insolvency Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.82775

Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005

Presumption of Damage in Defamation is rebuttable The defendant complained that the presumption in English law that the victim of a libel had suffered damage was incompatible with his right to a fair trial. They said the statements complained of were repetitions of statements made by US authorities. The claimant had asserted that no more … Continue reading Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005

Day v Haine and Another: ChD 19 Oct 2007

The liquidator sought directions from the court after former employees of the company submitted proofs of debt in respect of protective awards made for the company’s failure to consult on their redundancy before going into liquidation. Held: The Act provided one remedy only for enforcement, and the debts were not provable. At the date of … Continue reading Day v Haine and Another: ChD 19 Oct 2007

Oraki and Another v Dean and Dean: ChD 11 Jan 2017

Application for annulment of bankruptcies. Held: Though the judgment upon whih the order had originally been made had been obtained by fraud, that did not of itself discharge the bankruptcy. Judges: Robert Ham QC Citations: [2017] EWHC 11 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Insolvency Act 1986 264 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Insolvency Updated: 29 January 2022; … Continue reading Oraki and Another v Dean and Dean: ChD 11 Jan 2017

Re Paramount Airways Ltd (In Administration): CA 8 Apr 1992

It was said that there had been a transction at an undervalue within section 238. It was given effect by a transfer to a bank in Jersey, from which recovery was no sought. The bank claimed that the section did not have extra-territorial effect. Held: The argument failed; the section did not purport to have … Continue reading Re Paramount Airways Ltd (In Administration): CA 8 Apr 1992

LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd, The Joint Administrators of v Lehman Brothers International (Europe), The Joint Administrators of and Others: SC 17 May 2017

In the course of the insolvent administration of the bank, substantial additional sums were received. Parties appealed against some orders made on the application to court for directions as to what was to be done with the surplus. Held: The Court considered the so called waterfall of distributions made on liquidation which proved to be … Continue reading LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd, The Joint Administrators of v Lehman Brothers International (Europe), The Joint Administrators of and Others: SC 17 May 2017

Costley-Wood and Others v Rowley and Another (Re Patisserie Holdings Plc and Others): ChD 3 Dec 2021

Whether non-compliance with requirements of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 (‘Sch. B1’ and ‘the Act’) affected the subsequent validity and/or conduct of the administrations and subsequent liquidations. Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Jones [2021] EWHC 3205 (Ch) Bailii England and Wales Insolvency Updated: 31 December 2021; Ref: scu.670316

LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd, (The Joint Administrators of) and Others v Lomas and Others: CA 14 May 2015

Applications after recovery of surplus funds to repay creditors of Lehmann Brothers Ltd. The court had given orders as to the several uses of the surpluses. The parties appealed some elements of those orders. Held: Most elements were upheld, but some varied.Lewison LJ pointed out at when paying the interest, the administrator acts as agent … Continue reading LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd, (The Joint Administrators of) and Others v Lomas and Others: CA 14 May 2015

T and N Limited, Associated Companies of T and N Ltd (In Administration) v Royal and Sun Alliance Plc, and others: ChD 9 May 2003

T and N had exposure to asbestosis claims; these claims were insured by Lloyd’s but on terms that if payments were to be made, T and N should make certain reimbursements to Lloyd’s. T and N then insured with a captive company known as Curzon their liability to make such reimbursements. Lloyd’s called on T … Continue reading T and N Limited, Associated Companies of T and N Ltd (In Administration) v Royal and Sun Alliance Plc, and others: ChD 9 May 2003

Kahn and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue; In re Toshoku Finance plc: HL 20 Feb 2002

A company went into liquidation, being owed substantial sums by another company in the same group, but itself insolvent. A settlement did not include accrued interest, but was claimed to be taxed as if it had, and on an accruals basis. If so, was this an expense properly arising in the insolvency, and payable as … Continue reading Kahn and Another v Commissioners of Inland Revenue; In re Toshoku Finance plc: HL 20 Feb 2002

National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Former HL decision in Siebe Gorman overruled The company had become insolvent. The bank had a debenture and claimed that its charge over the book debts had become a fixed charge. The preferential creditors said that the charge was a floating charge and that they took priority. Held: The appeal was allowed. The debenture, although … Continue reading National Westminster Bank plc v Spectrum Plus Limited and others: HL 30 Jun 2005

Bilta (UK) Ltd and Others v Nazir and Others: ChD 30 Jul 2012

The company was said to have engaged in a fraud based on false European Trading Scheme Allowances, and had been wound up by the Revenue. The liquidators, in the company name, now sought recovery from former directors and associates. Held: The court dismissed the application: ‘First, the fact that there is, in accordance with my … Continue reading Bilta (UK) Ltd and Others v Nazir and Others: ChD 30 Jul 2012

Flightline Ltd v Edwards and Another: ChD 2 Aug 2002

Money had been paid into an account in the joint names of the parties’ solicitors in order to purchase the release of the applicants from an asset freezing order. The respondent company was in liquidation. It was argued that the payment of funds into the joint account made the claimant a secured creditor. The liquidators … Continue reading Flightline Ltd v Edwards and Another: ChD 2 Aug 2002

Spencer Michael v The Official Receiver, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: ChD 15 Jul 2010

Application pursuant to section 4(2) of the Human Rights Act 1998 for a declaration that Schedule 4A paragraph 5(2) of the Insolvency Act 1986 and section 11 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 are incompatible with Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Justice Arnold [2010] EWHC 2246 (Ch) Bailii Human … Continue reading Spencer Michael v The Official Receiver, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: ChD 15 Jul 2010

Swift and Another v Dairywise Farms Limited and others: CA 1 Feb 2001

The company lent money to farmers secured against their milk quotas. They had to petition for a winding up, and the liquidators requested authority to continue the milk loan repayment schemes. The milk quotas had been vested in the farmers, and the liquidators sought directions form the court as to protection of the milk quotas, … Continue reading Swift and Another v Dairywise Farms Limited and others: CA 1 Feb 2001

Brown and Another (Joint Administrators of Oceancrown Ltd) v Stonegale Ltd: SCS 11 Dec 2013

Administrators sought to have set aside transactions made before the companies went into administration. Held: Rejecting the director’s arguments, the Lord Ordinary said: ‘No one paid anything for 110, 210, 260 Glasgow Road and 64 Roslea Drive. The sellers, namely Oceancrown, Loanwell and Questway, did not receive anything in return for the dispositions under challenge. … Continue reading Brown and Another (Joint Administrators of Oceancrown Ltd) v Stonegale Ltd: SCS 11 Dec 2013

Re International Tin Council: ChD 1987

An order for the winding up of a foreign company operates universally, applies to all the foreign company’s assets and brings into play the full panoply of powers and duties under the Insolvency Act 1986 like any other winding up order. Millett J said: ‘The statutory trusts extend to [foreign] assets, and so does the … Continue reading Re International Tin Council: ChD 1987

Regina v Daniel: CACD 22 Mar 2002

The defendant appealed a conviction for hiding assets from her receiver following her bankruptcy. He said that recent case law suggested that the burden of establishing the defence under section 352 was evidential only. Held: The conviction predated the Human Rights Act, and was correct at the time. The Carass ruling applied also to the … Continue reading Regina v Daniel: CACD 22 Mar 2002

Henderson v Foxworth Investments Limited and Another: SC 2 Jul 2014

It was said that land, a hotal and gold courses, had been sold at an undervalue and that the transaction was void as against the seller’s liquidator. Held: The appeal was allowed. The critical issue was whether ‘the alienation was made for adequate consideration’. One element was that the same debt said to have been … Continue reading Henderson v Foxworth Investments Limited and Another: SC 2 Jul 2014

Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

The prosecutor had lead and relied at trial on evidence obtained by compulsory questioning under the 1986 Act. Held: In doing so the prosecutor was acting to give effect to section 433. The decision in Lambert to disallow retrospective effect of Human Rights decisions in appeal cases may have been incorrect, but will be followed. … Continue reading Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

Attorney-General’s Reference (No 7 of 2000): CACD 29 Mar 2001

The defendant had been convicted of offences under the Insolvency Act. Evidence of his gambling was found in cheque stubs, bank statements, returned cheques and a betting file containing loose gambling statements by way of computer print outs produced by Ladbrokes and a bookmaker’s schedule of gambling transactions. The bankrupt had not contributed himself to … Continue reading Attorney-General’s Reference (No 7 of 2000): CACD 29 Mar 2001

Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

In the course of ancillary relief proceedings in a divorce, questions arose regarding company assets owned by the husband. The court was asked as to the power of the court to order the transfer of assets owned entirely in the company’s names. The judge had made such an order, finding evidence that the companies had … Continue reading Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd and Others: SC 12 Jun 2013

Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission v Beesley and Another: ChD 11 Mar 2010

The agency challenged the inclusion in an individual voluntary arrangement of the father’s arrears of child support. The creditors meeting had approved a full and final settlement. 94% of the debts were arrears of child support. The Commission said that such arrears were not subject to the arrangement, and the arrangement was unfair to it. … Continue reading Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission v Beesley and Another: ChD 11 Mar 2010

McGuinness v Norwich and Peterborough Building Society: CA 9 Nov 2011

The appellant had guaranteed his brother’s loan from the respondent, and the guarantee having been called in and unpaid, he had been made bankrupt. He now appealed saying that the guarantee debt, even though of a fixed amount could not form the basis of a statutory demand without action being taken on the debt first. … Continue reading McGuinness v Norwich and Peterborough Building Society: CA 9 Nov 2011

McCartney and Unite The Union and Another v Nortel Networks UK Ltd (In Administration): ChD 22 Apr 2010

The administrators gave employees of the company notice of termination of their employment. Then administrators refused consent under para 43(6) to actions against the company in the Northern Ireland Industrial Tribunal for protective awards, unfair dismissal, breach of contract and otherwise. The claims were issued anyway, and the administrators argued that they were a nullity, … Continue reading McCartney and Unite The Union and Another v Nortel Networks UK Ltd (In Administration): ChD 22 Apr 2010

Somerville v Scottish Ministers: HL 24 Oct 2007

The claimants complained of their segregation while in prison. Several preliminary questions were to be decided: whether damages might be payable for breach of a Convention Right; wheher the act of a prison governor was the act of the executive; whether time ran from the date of the first breach, whether want of proportionality is … Continue reading Somerville v Scottish Ministers: HL 24 Oct 2007

In re Brightlife Ltd: ChD 1987

Parties contractual freedom to be respected A clause in a debenture gave a charge which provided that the chargor should not: ‘deal with its book or other debts or securities for money otherwise than in the ordinary course of getting in and realising the same which expression shall not authorise the selling, factoring or discounting … Continue reading In re Brightlife Ltd: ChD 1987

Rainy Sky Sa and Others v Kookmin Bank: SC 2 Nov 2011

Commercial Sense Used to Interpret Contract The Court was asked as to the role of commercial good sense in the construction of a term in a contract which was open to alternative interpretations. Held: The appeal succeeded. In such a case the court should adopt the more, rather than the less, commercial construction, applying the … Continue reading Rainy Sky Sa and Others v Kookmin Bank: SC 2 Nov 2011

McGrath and others v Riddell and others: HL 9 Apr 2008

(Orse In Re HIH Casualty and General Insurance Ltd)HIH, an Australian Insurance company, became insolvent. An order was sought for the collection and remission of it assets in England under a letter of request from the Australia Court. Held: Once it was accepted that an English court may order the liquidator here to remit funds … Continue reading McGrath and others v Riddell and others: HL 9 Apr 2008

Pillar Denton Ltd and Others v Jervis and Others: CA 24 Feb 2014

The corporate tenant became insolvent, but the administrators continued in occupation. The parties now disputed whether the rent (payable in advance) was a provable debt or an administration expense.The court was asked whether a company in administration was liable to pay a quarter’s rent as an administration expense even though the amount had fallen due … Continue reading Pillar Denton Ltd and Others v Jervis and Others: CA 24 Feb 2014

Re Kaytech International plc; Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Kaczer and others: CA 1999

Robert Walker LJ said that the expression ‘de facto director’ had been in use for a long time, and commented on the failure to distinguish in pleadings between pleas that someone was a shadow or a de facto director. The two different labels were not necessarily mutually exclusive. He said: ‘However the two concepts do … Continue reading Re Kaytech International plc; Secretary of State for Trade and Industry v Kaczer and others: CA 1999

In re Hydrodam (Corby) Limited: ChD 1994

ET plc wholly owned MCP Ltd which wholly owned Landsaver MCP Limited, which wholly owned Hydrodam (Corby) Limited (‘HCL’). The only de jure directors of HCL were two Channel Island companies. HCL went into compulsory liquidation and its liquidator brought claims under section 214 of the 1986 Act for wrongful trading against 14 defendants, including … Continue reading In re Hydrodam (Corby) Limited: ChD 1994

Rubin and Another v Eurofinance Sa and Others: SC 24 Oct 2012

The Court was asked ‘whether, and if so, in what circumstances, an order or judgment of a foreign court . . in proceedings to adjust or set aside prior transactions, eg preferences or transactions at an undervalue, will be recognised and enforced in England. The appeals also raise the question whether enforcement may be effected … Continue reading Rubin and Another v Eurofinance Sa and Others: SC 24 Oct 2012