5 octobre 2021
R&I Update – October 2021 – 5 de 5 Publications
The German Act on the Stabilisation and Restructuring Framework for Business (StaRUG) came into force on 1 January 2021, incorporating the EU Restructuring Directive into German law. It provides the first pre-insolvency restructuring framework for the reorganisation of companies facing "imminent illiquidity" and the possibility of involving dissenting creditors. The restructuring plan – which is very similar to the English Scheme of Arrangement and the German insolvency plan – is the central instrument.
The StaRUG also expands the scope of obligations and the associated potential liability risks for a company's management. Section 1 StaRUG explicitly provides a declaratory, general regulation on the early crisis detection and reaction obligations of the management of limited liability legal entities. Specifically, the managing directors, regardless of the company's size and sector, are obliged to:
The management must implement an early crisis detection system that provides an up-to-date database on the economic and financial situation of the company, monitored and updated regularly. The central element is a company's liquidity planning for the next 24 months.
The management is entitled to choose countermeasures to overcome a potential crisis within the scope of its own judgement, applying the required standard of care. If the management fails to implement an early crisis detection system or if countermeasures are not properly taken to address identified risks, personal liability could apply. This means that documenting the fulfilment of early crisis detection obligations and the corresponding management of developments is crucial.
To discuss the issues raised in this article in more detail, please reach out to a member of our Restructuring & Insolvency team.
5 October 2021
par Amy Patterson
5 October 2021
par Louise Jennings
5 October 2021
par Angela Sharma
5 October 2021
5 October 2021
par Dr. Rembert T. Graf Kerssenbrock, LL.M. (Beijing) et Tobias Rhode, LL.B.