Bankruptcy Court Is Latest Battleground for Traders
Bankruptcy
In Six Flags Inc.'s bankruptcy case last fall, a hedge fund that owned senior bonds negotiated the theme-park company's reorganization plan, then dumped lower-ranking bonds it figured would lose value under the deal.
Other creditors cried foul. The hedge fund had used knowledge learned during its negotiations to gain an unfair edge, they suggested, accusing the fund of a "hijacking of the reorganization process."
So it goes in the rough-and-tumble new world of bankruptcy court. The bankruptcy process was created decades ago as a way to give ailing businesses a chance to heal and creditors a shot at repayment. Hedge funds and other big investors have transformed it into something else: a money-making venue where, after buying up distressed companies' debt at a deep discount, they can ply their sophisticated trading techniques in quest of profits. The "bankruptcy exchange," some call it.
This is perfectly legal, but is raising questions of transparency and fairness as the "distressed debt" investors joust with bankruptcy judges and others over what they must disclose as they trade in and out of a company's debt, even while trying to influence its reorganization.
Related listings
-
Tribune confident it will leave Ch. 11 in 2010
Bankruptcy 07/28/2010Tribune Co. believes it will still emerge from bankruptcy protection this year even though a court-appointed examiner concluded that talks leading up to a leveraged buyout of the company had bordered on fraud.In a memo to employees, Tribune CEO Randy...
-
Ruling on Visteon retiree benefits overturned
Bankruptcy 07/15/2010A federal appeals court has overturned rulings allowing auto parts supplier Visteon Corp. to terminate its retirees' health and life insurance benefits.In a ruling Tuesday, the appeals court in Philadelphia sided with attorneys representing some 2,10...
-
BP has options before bankruptcy, lawyers say
Bankruptcy 06/30/2010BP PLC has several options to explore in dealing with the worst environment disaster in U.S. history, but the oil giant may file for bankruptcy if it faces a never-ending flow of claims, lawyers and bankers said Tuesday. "BP has many options besides ...
Victorville CA DUI defense Attorneys
The outcome of a DUI defense will have a long-term effect on anyone’s life, making the decision to receive legal representation an easy one. The fact is, most people accused of a DUI are first offenders with no criminal background. Whether this is your first run in with the law or you have had previous convictions, you are in need of a DUI defense attorney.
The charges you are facing for a DUI range from fines, a 12-month suspension on your license and worst-case scenario, prison time. Your attorney will be able to analyze your situation to decide the best way to go about your case.
Our attorneys know the tricky ways to challenge all of the DUI tests and know how to claim improper collection of evidence. We will be able to negotiate on your behalf and free you from charges and help you keep your drivers license. The DUI process can last up to several months, we can make this process easier on you. .