Chapter 11

What Is Chapter 11?

Chapter 11 is a form of bankruptcy that involves a reorganization of a debtor’s business affairs, debts, and assets, and for that reason is known as "reorganization" bankruptcy.

Understanding Chapter 11

Named after the U.S. bankruptcy code 11, corporations generally file Chapter 11 if they require time to restructure their debts. This version of bankruptcy gives the debtor a fresh start. However, the terms are subject to the debtor’s fulfillment of its obligations under the plan of reorganization.

On Sept. 1, 2021, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Robert Drain approved a $4.3 billion settlement of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP. The settlement dissolves Purdue Pharma and creates a new public benefit company charged with funding opioid addiction treatment and prevention. It shields the former owners, the Sackler family — who will pay $4.5 billion, over nine years, including federal settlement fees — from legal claims related to the opioid epidemic. Purdue also agreed to release 30 million documents related to the case.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is the most complex of all bankruptcy cases. It is also usually the most expensive form of a bankruptcy proceeding. For these reasons, a company must consider Chapter 11 reorganization only after careful analysis and exploration of all other possible alternatives.

During a Chapter 11 proceeding, the court will help a business restructure its debts and obligations. In most cases, the firm remains open and operating. Many large U.S. companies file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and stay afloat. Such businesses include automobile giant General Motors, the airline United Airlines, retail outlet K-mart, and thousands of other corporations 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 steps in to run the company throughout the entire bankruptcy proceedings.

In Chapter 11, the individual or business filing bankruptcy has the first chance to propose a reorganization plan. These plans may include downsizing of 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.

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 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law by the president on March 27, 2020, raised the Chapter 11 subchapter V debt limit to $7,500,000. The change applies to bankruptcies filed after the CARES Act was enacted and sunsets one year later.

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 store, 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 by Gymboree, the company had received a commitment for a debtor in possession in the form of financing ($30 million in new money loans) provided by SSIG and Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Holdings, Inc. and a “roll-up” of all of Gymboree’s obligations under the “prepetition Term Loan Credit Agreement.”

CEO Shaz Kahng said that the company was “continuing to pursue a going-concern sale of its Janie and Jack business 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 shop.

This was the second time in two years that the Gymboree Group Inc. had filed for bankruptcy Chapter 11. The first time occurred in 2017, but at that time, the company was able to successfully reorganize and significantly lower its debts.

What Are the Chapters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code?

There are officially six chapters in the U.S. bankruptcy code and they address different aspects of the process. 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 the 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 the creditors. Unsecured debt, like credit card debt, is usually erased. However, Chapter 7 does not forgive any taxes that are owed or student loans. Individuals are allowed to keep "exempt" property.

Chapter 11 is a form of bankruptcy that involves a reorganization of a debtor’s business affairs, debts, and assets, and for that reason is known as "reorganization" bankruptcy. It is most often used by large entities, such as businesses, though it is available to individuals as well. The main difference is that the entity filing for bankruptcy remains in control of operations and is not required to liquidate 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 them 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.

What Are the Disadvantages of Filing Chapter 11?

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is the most complex of all bankruptcy cases. It is also usually the most expensive form of a bankruptcy proceeding. For a company that is struggling to the point where it is considering filing for bankruptcy, the legal costs alone might be a bit onerous. Plus, the reorganization plan has to be approved by the bankruptcy court and must be manageable enough to where they can reasonably pay off the debt over time. For these reasons, a company must consider Chapter 11 reorganization only after careful analysis and exploration of all other possible alternatives.