2015 VALCON, 2014

The strategic use of Examiners in some of the largest and most complex Chapter 11 cases has become more frequent in recent years. This panel explores the use of an Examiner to investigate, analyze and value potential causes of action and other contentious issues in ResCap and other significant Chapter 11 cases.

From the outset of AMR's chapter 11 filing in November 2011, the Creditors' Committee focused on working closely and collaboratively with the Debtors to craft innovative solutions for the airlines' labor and pension issues and to systematically evaluate AMR's restructuring alternatives, identify a path for emergence that maximized the value of the airline, and craft a confirmable plan of reorganization that would command the strong support of general unsecured creditors and other economic stakeholders.

This panel will present strategies and tips for presenting financial evidence in chapter 11 cases. Panelists will discuss the selection, roles and fee arrangements of financial advisors and experts, employment applications/standards under the Bankruptcy Code, disclosure, protecting privilege, opinion testimony, use of demonstrative evidence, witness preparation and more.

This panel will take a look at developments in legal standards for determining the whole enterprise valuation, and their impact on valuation methodology. What drives the market definition and its underlying policy? When is the market likely to be wrong (and how do you show when not to trust the market)? How reliable is a “robust auction,” and why might the outcome differ from an expert valuation? When is an expert valuation likely to be suspect? The status of the “new value doctrine” and related valuation issues will also be discussed.

In today’s environment, several options exist for effectuating a restructuring of a company in distress. When is a chapter 11 filing the best option given the costs, risks and potential for reputational damage, and when is it not? This panel will discuss the fundamental questions to be asked when considering the alternatives to bankruptcy and, more specifically, when bankruptcy preserves or creates value.