make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors

assignment for benefit of creditors

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Assignment for the benefit of the creditors (ABC)(also known as general assignment for the benefit of the creditors) is a voluntary alternative to formal bankruptcy proceedings that transfers all of the assets from a debtor to a trust for liquidating and distributing its assets. The trustee will manage the assets to pay off debt to creditors, and if any assets are left over, they will be transferred back to the debtor. 

ABC can provide many benefits to an insolvent business in lieu of bankruptcy . First, unlike in bankruptcy proceedings, the business can choose the trustee overseeing the process who might know the specifics of the business better than an appointed trustee. Second, bankruptcy proceedings can take much more time, involve more steps, and further restrict how the business is liquidated compared to an ABC which avoids judicial oversight. Thirdly, dissolving or transferring a company through an ABC often avoids the negative publicity that bankruptcy generates. Lastly, a company trying to purchase assets of a struggling company can avoid liability to unsecured creditors of the failing company. This is important because most other options would expose the acquiring business to all the debt of the struggling business. 

ABC has risen in popularity since the early 2000s, but it varies based on the state. California embraces ABC with common law oversight while many states use stricter statutory ABC structures such as Florida. Also, depending on the state’s corporate law and the company’s charter , the struggling business may be forced to get shareholder approval to use ABC which can be difficult in large corporations. 

[Last updated in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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• assignments benefits creditors abcs basics california

Assignments for the Benefits of Creditors - "ABC's" - The Basics in California

An assignment for the benefit of creditors (“ABC”) is a contract by which an economically troubled entity ("Assignor") transfers legal and equitable title, as well as custody and control, of its assets and property to an independent third party ("Assignee") in trust, who is required to apply the proceeds of sale of the property to the assignor's creditors in accord with priorities established by law.

ABCs are a well-established common law tool and alternative to formal bankruptcy proceedings. The method only makes sense if there are significant assets to liquidate. ABCs are most successful when the Assignor, Assignee and creditors cooperate but can be imposed even if the creditors are not supportive.

Assignors - Rights and Duties

Generally, any debtor – an individual, partnership, corporation or LLC - may make an assignment for the benefit of creditors. Individuals seldom utilize ABCs, though, because there is no discharge of all debts as there would normally occur in a completed bankruptcy filing. Thus, the protection and benefit of the process is quite limited for any personal obligor.

ABCs can benefit individual principals who have personally guaranteed company obligations or have personal liability on tax claims. Once the Assignment Agreement has been executed, a trust is automatically put in place over the assets transferred. The Assignor can neither rescind the contract nor control the proceedings, but the Assignor may be consulted as necessary and appropriate by the Assignee during the liquidation process.

Assets to be Assigned

Assignor may assign any non-exempt real, personal, and/or general intangible property that can be sold or conveyed. Note that such assets as intellectual property, trade names, logos, etc. may be so transferred and sold. When a corporation makes an assignment, all corporate property, tangible and intangible is transferred including accounts, and rights and credits of all kinds, both in law and equity. The assets only can be sold, not the corporation or its stock. Thus the corporation remains existing, albeit without any significant assets left. It becomes, effectively, a shell.

Assets are typically sold without representations or warranties. The sale is free and clear of known liens, claims and encumbrances - with the consent or full payoff of lien holders. Generally, Assignee warrants only that Assignee has title to the assets.

Assignees - Rights and Duties

The Assignee is generally an unrelated professional liquidator selected by the Assignor. The Assignee gathers the Assignor’s assets and sells the Assignor’s right, title and interest in those assets, then distributes the proceeds to Creditors in accordance with statutory priorities.

The Assignee has a fiduciary duty to the Creditors. Assignee’s duties include protecting the assets of the estate, administering them fairly and representing the estate. Assignee is free to enter into contracts to recover assets or liquidated claims, e.g. filing suit or taking other action.

The Assignee may be removed by a court for violations of the Assignment contract or nonfeasance (failure to act appropriately). The Assignee may not give up his/her/its duties without liability or a superior court order until creditors receive distribution of the proceeds of sale of the assets transferred.

Assignee usually prepares the Assignment documents, though the attorney for the Assignor may draft them as well. Often the terms are negotiated at length.

Preferential Claims and Avoidance

Assignee has statutory avoidance powers, similar to those granted to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee. [See Calif. CCP § 493.030 (termination of lien of attachment or temporary protective order), § 1800 et seq. (avoidance of preferential transfers); Calif. Civ.C. § 3439 et seq. (avoidance of fraudulent conveyances)]

Even so, courts may question this right outside a bankruptcy proceeding. There is also disagreement between the Federal Court (Ninth Circuit) and California state courts whether the Bankruptcy Code preempts the assignee's preference avoidance power under California statutory law.

Creditors - Rights and Duties

While not required to consent to an Assignment, secured creditors often must agree in advance since their cooperation frequently affects the liquidation of the assets. Secured creditors are not barred from enforcing their security by such an assignment. The acceptance of an Assignment by unsecured creditors is not necessary, since under common law the proceedings are deemed to benefit them through equality of treatment.

Note that all Creditors must file their claims within the statutory 150-180 day claim filing period.

ABCs in California do not require a public court filing, but most corporations require both board and shareholder approval. Costs and expenses, including the assignee’s fees, legal expenses and costs of administration, are paid first, just as in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy . Because an assignee’s fee is often based on a percentage value of the assigned assets, it can be difficult to procure assignees for smaller estates.

• Assignment Agreement is executed and ratified. Assignor turns over and assigns to Assignee all right, title and interest in the assets being assigned.
• Assignor gives Assignee a complete, certified list of creditors, including addresses and amounts owed.
• Assignee notifies Creditors within 30 days of execution that assignment has been made, provides an estimate of the probable distribution, and provides a claim form for each Creditor to file a claim in the Assignment estate.
• Creditors have 150-180 days from the date of written notice of the assignment to file their claims.
• After claim forms are returned and/or the Bar Date has passed, Assignee reconciles the claims and/or objects to any improper claim amounts.
• After liquidation, Assignee determines distribution amounts. Claim priority is determined first by state statute, then by Bankruptcy Code. First are secured creditors, then follow tax & wage claims.
• Assignee generally informs the IRS that assignment has been made and files notice with local Recorder.
• Assignee immediately searches for any previously undisclosed liens (UCC or real estate) to ensure complete notice to all creditors and interest holders.
• Assignee secures all assets. In limited situations where the business has enough cash, Assignee may continue to operate the business to maintain going-concern value - if no further debt will be incurred.

It normally takes about 12 months to conclude an ABC.

Effects of ABC

An ABC generally is faster and less costly than a bankruptcy proceeding. Parties can often agree and determine what is going to happen prior to execution of the assignment.

However, ABCs do not discharge individual Assignors from their debts, and do not provide for the reorganization of the business. There is no automatic stay, though in practice an ABC results in an informal and/or incomplete automatic stay if the creditors determine that the assets are beyond their reach.

Creditors are able to continue to pursue the Assignor. ABCs often block judgment creditors from attaching assets because the Assignor no longer has title to or interest in the assigned assets. Sometimes the Assignee is willing to allow the judgment if the judgment creditor submits its claim as described above. The assignee may also defend against a claim if the plaintiff is seeking a judgment which is unjustified and not fair to other creditors.

An ABC also provides grounds for filing an involuntary bankruptcy petition within 120 days of assignment.

The Statutes: California Code of Civil Procedure

§§493.010-493.060 “Effect of Bankruptcy Proceedings and General Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors”

§§1800-1802 “Recovery of Preferences and Exempt Property in an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors”

A Chapter 11 Reorganization can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and even a business Chapter 7 Liquidation bankruptcy can easily cost tens of thousands or more. The Assignment method, which pays the Assignee normally by a percentage of the assets sold, is cost-efficient but limited in the protection it may afford the Assignor, as described above. Before this method is attempted, competent legal counsel and certified public accountants should be consulted.

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Assignment For The Benefit Of Creditors: An Overview

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What is an assignment for the benefit of creditors? An assignment for the benefit of creditors ("ABC") is an alternative to a chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding. As in a chapter 7, the debtor's assets are shepherded and liquidated for the benefit of the debtor's creditors. An ABC is governed by statute and can either be court-supervised or conducted out of court. In New York, an ABC is governed by Article 2 of the Debtor and Creditor Law.

In an ABC proceeding, the debtor is referred to as an assignor, because it makes a transfer of all its assets to an assignee who serves as a trustee. The assignee is charged with placing all the assets in trust in order to liquidate and distribute the proceeds to creditors. While an ABC has many similarities with a chapter 7 liquidation, the two do differ in two important regards:

• an ABC does not afford a debtor an automatic stay from creditor collection; and
• a sale does not provide the purchaser with the right to purchase the assets free and clear of liens – unlike a 363 sale in Bankruptcy.

To commence an ABC, an assignor executes an assignment conveying all its assets to the assignee, who becomes a fiduciary on behalf of the assignor and its creditors. The assignee then collects and liquidates assets by collecting accounts receivable, conducting an auction sale, sometimes to a stalking horse bidder who starts the bidding, or through a going out of business sale.

An assignor also has powers under state law to recover fraudulent pre-ABC transfers of assets and preferential payments made to creditors. In New York, the "look-back period" for recovering these transfers is four years.

When it comes to distribution of the assets collected by the assignee, an ABC proceeding follows an established order of priority, which is set forth in either the state's unique ABC laws or in the deed of assignment. The assignee tallies the proofs of claim that were filed by the creditors in the proceeding and pays the claims, either in full or on a pro rata basis in accordance with the priority scheme.

After the assignor's assets have been liquidated and creditors have been paid out, the assignee must prepare an accounting detailing the flows of monies in and out of the estate during the case, which may have to be filed with the court supervising the proceedings. As part of the accounting process, the assignee asks the court to close the estate, which notifies all interested parties that (i) the estate has been fully administered, (ii) that the assignee's work is complete, (iii) that no further distributions need be made, and (iv) that the assignment is terminated.

An ABC is a useful, cost-effective alternative to a traditional chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, and may suitably serve liquidation requirements in some situations.

Originally published 03/07/2023

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors – an often-overlooked state law alternative to Chapter 7 bankruptcy

For some folks the three letters ABC are a reminder of elementary school and singing a song to learn the alphabet.  For others, it is a throw back to the early 70’s when the Jackson Five and its lead singer Michael, still with his adolescent high voice, sang a catchy love song.  Then there is a select group of people in the world of corporate workouts, liquidations and bankruptcies, who know those three letters to stand for the A ssignment for the B enefit of C reditors – a voluntary state law liquidation process that may arguably offer a hospitable and friendly alternative to federal bankruptcy.  This article is a brief summary of this potentially attractive alternative to bankruptcy.

 The Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (“ABC”), also known as a General Assignment, is a state law procedure governed by state statute or common law.  Over 30 states have codified statutes, and the remainder of states rely on common law.  See Practical Issues in Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors , by Robert Richards & Nancy Ross, ABI Law Review Vol. 17:5 (2009) at p. 6 (listing state statutes).  In some states, the statutory authority and common law can coexist.  At its most basic, the ABC process involves the transfer of all assets by a financially distressed debtor (the assignor) to an individual or entity (the assignee) with fiduciary obligations who then liquidates the assets and pays creditors.  The assignment agreement is essentially a contract involving the transfer and control of property, in trust, to a third party.  In some states that have enacted a statute, state courts may supervise the process (and at different levels of involvement depending on the statute).  The statutory scheme in other states such as California and Nevada, and in states where common law govern, do not provide for judicial oversight..  

ABCs are promoted as less expensive and more flexible than a chapter 7 liquidation and may proceed substantially faster than bankruptcy liquidation. See generally Practical Issues in Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors , ABI Law Review Vol. 17:5 (2009) at p. 8 (citations omitted).  In addition, the ABC process may provide four other noteworthy benefits not available in a bankruptcy.  First, the liquidating company chooses the assignee, there is no appointment of a random trustee or formal election required like in a bankruptcy.  This freedom of choice allows the assignor to evaluate the reputation and experience of proposed assignees, as well as select an assignee with familiarity in the nature of the assignor’s business and/or with more expansive contacts in the industry to facilitate the sale/liquidation.  Second, the ABC process generally falls under the radar of the media (particularly in states that do not require court supervision), and the assignor may avoid publicity, often negative, that can be associated with bankruptcy proceedings.  Third, with an ABC, the assignee has the ability to sell the assets without the imposition of potentially cumbersome requirements of Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, and in some cases, can conduct a sale the same day as the general assignment.  Finally, the ABC process generally authorizes the sale of assets free of unsecured creditor debt.  In essence, in an ABC, a company buying assets from a distressed business does not acquire the debt of the assignor.

On the down side, ABCs do not provide the protection of the automatic stay that is triggered upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition.  In some situations, the debtor entity needs to stop the pursuit of creditors immediately, and a bankruptcy proceeding will supply this relief.  Unlike bankruptcy, the sale through an ABC: i) is not free and clear of liens; ii) unexpired leases cannot be assumed and assigned without the consent of the contract counter-party; and iii) insolvency can trigger a default under an unexpired lease or executory contract. See generally Practical Issues in Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors , ABI Law Review Vol. 17:5 (2009) at p. 20. In general, an ABC is not a good choice for debtors that have secured creditors that do not consent because there is no mechanism for using cash collateral or transferring assets free and clear of liens without the secured creditors’ consent.  In cases where junior lienholders are out of the money, there is no incentive for those creditors to voluntarily release their liens.  In addition, while unsecured creditors do not have to consent to the general assignment for it to be valid, choosing this alternative forum may cause concern for creditors (particularly those used to the transparency of a court-supervised bankruptcy or receivership proceeding) and invite the filing of an involuntary bankruptcy. Therefore, it is prudent to involve major creditors in the process, and perhaps even in the pre-assignment planning. In addition, if an involuntary petition is filed, the assignee could request that the bankruptcy court abstain in order to proceed with the ABC.

Using the ABC state process in lieu of filing for bankruptcy in federal court may result in a more streamlined, efficient liquidation process that is less expensive and likely completed quicker than a federal bankruptcy proceeding.  In some jurisdictions, such as New Jersey, workout professionals note anecdotally that corporate clients fare better under this state law alternative rather than the lengthy, more complicated federal bankruptcy proceedings.

Many bankruptcy professionals are unfamiliar with the procedures of ABC and are reluctant to recommend it as a method for liquidating assets and administering claims.  This lack of familiarity may be a disservice to potential clients.  

[ View source .]

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The ABCs of Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors (ABCs)

General assignments for the benefit of creditors (ABCs) have been and continue to be a popular business liquidation device for the orderly wind down of corporations, limited liability companies, and even nonprofit corporations and general partnerships. Just as in bankruptcy, an ABC can also be used to facilitate a going-concern sale of the debtor’s assets to a third-party.

August 11, 2020 at 09:29 AM

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Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: A Remedy to Avoid Bankruptcy

May 24, 2021

When it comes to California contract law, ABC contracts are a well-established tool that can help individuals and entities avoid a formal bankruptcy filing. “ABC” stands for “Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors,” and the term describes a contract in which an economically troubled “Assignor” transfers control of its assets and property to an independent third party. This third party is called the “Assignee,” and they liquidate and wind-up the entity. 

How Do ABCs Work?

When a business is struggling financially without much hope of recovery, bankruptcy isn’t the only option. ABC contracts can help the entity avoid traditional or formal bankruptcy proceedings. 

These contracts work when there are significant assets that are ready to be liquidated. If the entity doesn’t have valuable assets, then an ABC contract is not typically a realistic option. However, in these circumstances where there are significant assets, the Assignor transfers all custody, control, and title to a neutral third party. 

This neutral third party navigates and facilitates the liquidation of assets and transfer of funds to the assignor’s creditors. 

Benefits of Using an ABC

There are several benefits to using an ABC. 

One of the biggest factors for most entities is avoiding Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Because ABCs are governed by state law, not federal law, struggling companies can pursue an ABC contract on their own without going through the courts. 

Working with a neutral third party can take away a lot of the stress that accompanies economic difficulties. Instead of trying to liquidate assets and transfer funds to creditors, struggling companies can pass those challenges on to the Assignee. 

Lastly, Assignors get to choose their own Assignees. That means that they are not at the mercy of the court to assign a bankruptcy trustee they don’t know or trust. When a company pursues an ABC contract, they maintain more control over process and costs. 

Going through financial difficulties can lead to feelings of helplessness and a loss of control, but this is something that you continue to have control over. 

Responsibilities of an Assignee

When the Assignor assigns property to the Assignee, that can include all corporate property, both tangible and intangible, as well as accounts, rights, and credits, including law and equity credits. 

The Assignee liquidates and sells these assets. (Note that the Assignee cannot sell the corporation or the stock.) Importantly, the corporation continues to exist during this process, even though there are no assets left by the end of the process.

The Assignee typically sells all assets without any representation or warranty. An as-is sale allows things to proceed quickly; ABCs are known for being one of the fastest ways to address significant debt issues. 

Assignees protect the assets of the estate or corporation. They are required to administer those assets fairly and in the interest of the Assignor and its creditors. 

How to Choose an Assignee

Choosing an Assignee is about finding the right third party representative. We recommend that you look for the following characteristics in your chosen Assignee:

• Experience: Choose an Assignee who has significant experience with managing and liquidating assets for struggling businesses.
• Reputation: These days, reputation means everything. It’s easy to find out through some searching if a potential Assignee is qualified and reputable. 
• Knowledge: A knowledgeable Assignee will be able to answer your questions about the process and chart out likely outcomes.  

Do You Need an Assignee? 

Griswold Law regularly manages and sells business assets. We serve as court-appointed receivers as well as ABC-contracted Assignees. To learn more about ABCs and how we can help you avoid bankruptcy, reach out today .

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Corporate trust, what is assignment for the benefit of creditors, explaining an emerging alternative to bankruptcy to resolve distress.

What is an ABC?

Assignment for the benefit of creditors (ABC) is a state law winddown procedure that allows for the orderly winddown of a company. The ABC provides for the appointment of an independent fiduciary representative – known as an assignee. The assignee manages the orderly wind down of the business and monetizes the company’s assets for the benefit of the company’s creditors. The assignee will then distribute the proceeds generated from the sale of the company’s assets to the company’s creditors according to state law.

Important pre-approval considerations :

• The decision must be approved by both the board and shareholders.
• Jurisdiction matters – 35 states have some form of an ABC in its laws. Each state will have different considerations and procedures to follow.

What are the benefits of an ABC?

• Choice: Unlike a receivership or a Chapter 7 Case, the board has the ability to select the assignee.
• Time: A bankruptcy case is a lengthy process with many procedural requirements. Most ABCs are significantly less time-consuming than a bankruptcy case or a receivership.  
• Savings: The shortened engagement time for ABCs means billing is leaner – many times, ABCs can provide higher returns.
• Distributions to Creditors: Since the cost of an ABC is usually less than a bankruptcy case or a receivership, the actual return to creditors is usually greater in an ABC than in a bankruptcy case or a receivership. In addition, due to the expedited nature of an ABC, distributions to creditors will usually occur sooner in an ABC than in a bankruptcy case or a receivership.

What else should be considered in ABCs?

ABCs have some key differences from bankruptcies which should be carefully considered. For example, there are no automatic stays or statutory caps for landlord claims or employment claims in ABC. Leases and other executory contracts may be more difficult to assign in an ABC than in a bankruptcy case. In addition, ABCs can only be used for a winddown or sale of the business, not reorganization of the business

Interested in learning more?

Resolute’s team of experts include Steve O’Neill , who has more than 35 years of legal experience in ABCs, complex bankruptcy cases, and sale/winddown of companies; and Jeremiah Foster , who has served bankruptcy trustee and liquidating trustee in a variety of ventures.

Please contact us if you would if you’d like to learn more about ABCs or explore your company’s options.

Parsippany: (973) 538-4700

Fein Such Kahn & Shepard

Is an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors like a Bankruptcy?

At first, an assignment for the benefit of creditors (ABC) may seem similar to a bankruptcy claim. However, upon a deeper look, it is clear that an assignment for the benefit of creditors is different. Similar to liquidation proceedings in chapter 7 or chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, an ABC can be used by either an individual or a business if they are going through significant financial difficulties. In both cases, the struggling debtor sells off all its assets in order to pay back its outstanding debts to its creditors. This mechanism helps to maximize the return for creditors.

An assignment for the benefit of creditors is distinct from bankruptcy proceedings because it is a much less formal process governed by state law rather than federal law. The informal nature of these proceedings means that it is faster and easier to marshal a debtor’s assets, liquidate same, and distribute proceeds equitably to creditors under an assignment rather than under federal bankruptcy law. Furthermore, an ABC often requires less court involvement and provides more flexibility to the assignee to make liquidation decisions as required. This is generally beneficial for both creditors and debtors because it is faster, less expensive, and more private than traditionally afforded bankruptcy liquidations.

Understanding Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors in New Jersey

In New Jersey, an assignment for the benefit of creditors is governed by New Jersey statutes that codify the preexisting common law. The proceedings are voluntary processes whereby the debtor designates an assignee who is empowered to marshal and liquidate (sell) the assets of the debtor and then distribute the proceeds of the sale to the debtor’s creditors. The assignee must ensure that all of the financial liquidations are done for the benefit of the creditors and with the sole goal of repaying outstanding debts. This is significant because in New Jersey, the debtor can choose its assignee rather than relying on a court-appointed trustee in bankruptcy who may not understand the nuances of the debtor’s finances. The ability to choose the assignee can be beneficial because an assignee with an understanding of the debtor’s finances can expedite the liquidation process rather than spend valuable time learning the ropes.

An ABC in New Jersey is generally cheaper than filing formal bankruptcy proceedings because it is faster and usually requires less litigation. The expeditious nature cuts down on the debtor’s and creditor’s legal bills and other costs associated with ongoing litigation. Still, creditors should be counseled to make sure that the liquidation is being conducted properly, and that the assignee is obtaining a fair return on the sale of the assets to maximize the recovery of the debts owed to the creditors.

FSKS is on Your Side

At FSKS, our attorneys are experienced in both bankruptcy and assignments for the benefit of creditors in New Jersey. We have a strong track record of success in the area of creditor’s rights and pride ourselves on being one of the strongest and most successful Creditors’ Rights firms in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. We’re ready to give you trusted advice and help maximize your return.

If you require assistance with or have questions regarding an assignment for the benefit of creditors in New Jersey, please contact Vincent DiMaiolo, Jr. ( [email protected] ), Nicholas Canova ( [email protected] ), or Tammy L. Terrell-Benoza ( [email protected] ) at (973) 538-4700 .

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Assignment For The Benefit Of Creditors

If you do not want to file a bankruptcy petition and cannot get creditors to agree to a workout, you might want to look to the state courts for some relief. In most states (including New York and New Jersey), companies look to a set of statutes governing the assignment for the benefit of creditors or an “ABC”.  However, this option is only used in the event the company has a lot of creditors and the company managers have decided to wind up the business.

In an ABC, the company’s board of directors makes the decision to liquidate through the ABC process and authorizes an officer to commence that proceeding.  That officer prepares and signs a written assignment of all of the company’s assets and debts to a third party.  The assignment contents must comply with very specific state requirements.

Once the assignment is complete, the assignee will look to see if the company can be sold as a going concern. The assignee will also send each creditor a claim form to assert their claim against the debtor.  If the assignee cannot sell the company as a going concern, the assignee will put each individual asset up for sale. The assignee will use his/her contacts to find buyers for assets and use publication notices specific to the industry to find buyers and generate cash to pay creditors.

This process almost always yields more for creditors than a chapter 7 bankruptcy because the administrative expenses of a chapter 7 bankruptcy are much higher than they are in state court, and the sale process is usually less cumbersome than it would be under a bankruptcy filing.  Once all of the assets are sold and there is nothing left to liquidate, the assignee will pay creditors in the order of their priority, which is set under the state’s statute.  The entire process usually takes about 6 months.

It should be noted that to the extent any of the company’s managers have personally guaranteed debt, unless the debt is paid in full through an ABC, the guarantor will not be relieved of his/her guaranty obligations.

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Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors: Florida | Practical Law

Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors: Florida

Practical law state q&a w-023-1232  (approx. 21 pages).

Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors

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Our Business Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy practice group regularly advises clients in a broad range of industries nationally on issues relating to financial distress, insolvency and the exercise of associated rights and remedies. Our extensive experience and substantial knowledge of the law enables us to develop innovative business strategies and solutions for our clients’ most difficult challenges.

In connection with representations involving the sale of distressed businesses, we have advised each of the key stakeholders including buyers, sellers, sponsors, lenders, directors and officers. Our clients in distressed business transactions include public and private companies, private equity firms and financial institutions. We understand the complexities and sensitivities in these matters and recognize that each transaction has a different mix of risk, certainty, speed and expense. Our job is to understand our client’s needs, master the facts, develop an optimal strategy for accomplishing our client’s business objectives that anticipates all potential challenges and identifies solutions in advance, and efficiently execute the agreed upon strategy to successful completion.

Client feedback lauds our practice group as “five-star” for providing “a very high level of client service” and for going “above and beyond to assist the client.” We are also known for being “proactive and attentive. Always accessible. Creative and forward with advice.”

A representative sample of our completed ABC transactions include:

Health, Life Sciences & Wellness

• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a life sciences company specializing in cancer treatment options.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a provider of musculoskeletal wellness and soft tissue illness treatment and prevention solutions to employers.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a manufacturer of radiation protective products for the health care, dental, veterinary and nuclear industries.

Technology & Software

• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a developer of three-dimensional long-range facial recognition technology.
• Representing an assignee in a motion technologies company’s ABC in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a developer of technology in the cable television industry.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a developer of marker-less motion capture software and systems.

Manufacturing

• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a developer of energy conversion systems for wind energy and industrial markets, including advising our client on liquidation of assets and distribution to creditors.
• Representing three assignees in the ABC for the world’s largest privately held designer, manufacturer and marketer of winch systems.

Media, Entertainment & Leisure

• Representing the senior lender in the ABC for a nationwide religious bookstore.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a developer of interactive video games and digital content.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a vacation rental distributor.
• Representing the assignees in multiple ABCs involving a national trampoline park.

Consumer Products

• Representing a special purpose entity in the ABC for an online grocery provider.
• Representing the assignees in the ABCs for an online estate auction house.

Real Estate & Other Services

• Representing the assignees in the ABCs for an office leasing company with 22 U.S. locations.
• Representing a secured lender’s interest in an ABC involving a government contract-related dispute.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a provider of advertising material.
• Representing three assignees in the ABC for an SAS company.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a provider of a mobile delivery network software development kit.
• Representing the assignees in multiple ABCs for a software company based in Denver, Colorado.
• Representing the assignee in the ABC for a software company based in Missoula, Montana.

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Assignments For The Benefit Of Creditors

What Is Assignment For The Benefit Of Creditors

An assignment for the benefit of creditors is a state court-administered proceeding somewhat similar to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding whereby an individual, a partnership, or a corporation in financial difficulty is able to liquidate its assets in an orderly manner and pay its creditors a pro-rata share of their individual claims. However there are significant differences between an assignment for the benefit of creditors, a state court receivership or a bankruptcy proceeding, that must be taken into account when an attorney is advising a client in financial distress. These differences will be highlighted in this presentation.

An Assignment is voluntary and is commenced by the “assignor” executing a formal “Deed of Assignment” in favor of an “assignee”. In substance it is similar to a deed of real estate and must be recorded in the county clerk’s office of the county of the assignor or the clerk of the Superior Court. The contents of the Deed of Assignment should confirm to N.J.S.A. 2A:19-4, and contain an inventory of assets. (See 44 New Jersey Practice Series Form 3.111) The deed effectively transfers all the assets of the assignor to the assignee who is empowered to liquidate the assets after receiving court approval, for the best prices available, at auction, or otherwise, in the assignee’s discretion, all, however for the benefit of the creditors of the assignor who will receive their pro-rata dividend depending on the amount of their claim, after payment of administration expenses.

History of Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors.

Assignments have an interesting history. They originated in the Middle Ages and were utilized by merchants who belonged to Guilds. When a merchant found himself in financial trouble he would voluntarily turn over all his assets to a member of the Guild who would make arrangements for sale and disposition of the property and pay the debtor’s creditors a fair share of the proceeds. The concept then was that members of Guild were the most knowledgeable people in the industry and could produce the most at a sale. For example, if the debtor was a jeweler, a furrier, or a cabinet maker, the Guild members who knew the market for the products would be able to get the best prices. The assignee would be a member of the Guild and the members would have confidence in that person to fairly and effectively liquidate the debtor’s assets.

The concept of a voluntary assignment was retained through the ages and ultimately was codified by statute. In New Jersey assignments are governed by N.J.S.A. 2A:19-1 et seq. The interesting thing about the codification of the common law is that the law retained the provision that the assignor can select his own assignee. In a state court receivership or a bankruptcy preceding the person designed to liquidate the assets is a “Receiver” or “Trustee”, and in each of these cases the debtor has no say in who is to be designated to liquidate the assets. The court makes the decision. This is an important concept to take into account when an attorney is considering what avenue to recommend when advising his/her client who is in financial difficulty.

Some General Observations

An assignment is rarely appropriate for an individual because, unlike a bankruptcy proceeding, the assignor does not receive a discharge. Accordingly, unless the attorney for the debtor was able to negotiate a release of the creditor’s claims in advance, and an agreement to the assignment, this avenue would not be appropriate. However, it should be mentioned that since Assignments generally proceed much quicker, more efficiently, and often produce better results and a higher dividend for creditors, in a given case, especially where the debtor has had a good relationship with his creditors the attorney should consider seeking the approval of the creditor body for the assignment and obtain agreement in writing from each of the creditors to accept the dividend in full satisfaction of their claim. When the attorney for the debtor decides to take the assignment route he should select an attorney as assignee who is familiar with liquidation proceedings, knows how to protect the assets pending their disposition by sale or otherwise, and knows experienced appraisers and  auctioneers who are familiar with the markets, who will properly appraise the assets and advertise the assets in a manner designed to command the best prices.

Assignee’s Powers and Duties & Administration of the Estate

Execution of the deed vests in the assignee legal title to all the assignor’s real and personal property, including property located outside of New Jersey. In effect, the assignee stands in the shoes of the assignor and has the right to commence actions on behalf of the estate, settle claims and take any other action relative to the handling of the assets that the assignor could have done had he/she not make the assignment. The assignee will immediately inspect the premises of the debtor, obtain insurance if necessary to protected the assets, change locks at the debtor’s place of business, deal with the utilities, the landlord, arrange with the postmaster for forwarding mail to the assignee, and in general do all that is necessary to protect the assets, just as the assignor would have done. All these steps are taken on an emergent basis, another reason why the debtor’s attorney should select an experienced attorney knowledgeable about the process of dealing with insolvent estates, someone who deals with locksmiths, landlords, impatient creditors, taxing authorities, lien holders, all clamoring for payment of their overdue bills. When necessary the assignee will seek court approval for retention of experts, such as accountants, appraisers, and auctioneers, and any other experts the assignee deems necessary for the proper administration of the estate.

The assignee will give proper notice to the creditors of the estate and advise them that their claims must be filed by a certain date or be barred from participation in any dividend.

The assignee with meet with the assignor for the purpose of familiarizing himself with the nature of the business, determining what causes of action should be investigated, as well as the validity of claims filed by creditors .

In unusual circumstances it might be advisable to continue the assignee’s business for a limited period of time either to wind down certain operations, collect receivables , or some other valid reason. The assignee must receive formal approval from the court in order to take this step.

After taking possession of the debtor’s property and making a determination of the extent of the assets of the debtor’s estate, the assignee, before disposing of the debtor’s property by private or public sale, must immediately conduct proper searches to learn whether there are any valid liens on the property. This search includes a title search if real estate is involved, a Uniform Commercial Code search to see if there are any encumbrances on inventory or accounts receivable. Tax searches and a judgment search must be made to see if there are any private or governmental  liens on the debtor’s property. Having conducted all the proper searches the assignee should promptly proceed to liquidate the assignor’s property and convert it to cash, terminate any leases and surrender the property to the landlord.

It is common to liquidate the assets of the estate at a public auction, and the assignee will take steps to select an appraiser, and auctioneer that he is familiar with, and advertise the date of the public sale of assets and give notice to the creditors. On occasion a private sale might be appropriate, but in this instance court approval should be obtained and notice should be given to creditors. These are all steps which are, subject to court sanction, within the powers of the assignee.

Other powers of the assignee are recovery of fraudulent transfers and preferential transfers. There are significant differences in the time periods involved here that are different from the bankruptcy statutes and must be taken into account by the assignor’s attorney when deciding if an assignment is appropriate for the client. For example, the preference period under the assignment statute is 120 days, one month longer than that provided for in the Bankruptcy Code. Another important difference between an Assignment and a Bankruptcy proceeding is the limit of the recovery of former employees for unpaid wage, benefit, or vacation time. Under the Bankruptcy Code an employee may recover up to $11,725.00 for any unpaid wage claim; the limit under the Assignment Act is $400.00 These two factors alone might be important consideration in deciding which proceeding to employ.

Assignee’s Final Account and Procedure

Once all assets have been liquidated, all claims examined and approved, the assignee makes a final accounting with the court, on notice to creditors and the procedure is not essentially different from that in a state court receivership or a bankrupcty court, except the forms and the time periods are different. If the court approves the accounts, formal papers are filed to complete the case and creditors are given their dividends. The Surrogate of the county examines and approves the final accounting of the assignee. The judge assigned to the case awards fees to the assignee from the proceeds of the sale of assets. After payment of dividends to the creditors this concludes the case.

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