Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 are both chapters of the United States Bankruptcy Code that pertain to businesses. They offer different approaches for addressing financial difficulties and restructuring debt. Here's a comparison of Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy for businesses:
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:
- Liquidation: Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often referred to as liquidation bankruptcy. In this process, the business's assets are sold off, and the proceeds are used to pay off creditors to the extent possible. After this process, the business is typically dissolved.
- Eligibility: Most types of businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, some businesses might not qualify due to factors like excessive debt or lack of assets.
- Automatic Stay: Upon filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an automatic stay is imposed, which stops creditors from attempting to collect debts. This gives the business a temporary reprieve from collection activities.
- Trustee: A bankruptcy trustee is appointed to oversee the liquidation process. The trustee identifies and sells the business's assets and distributes the proceeds to creditors.
- Debts Discharged: At the end of the Chapter 7 process, most of the business's remaining debts are discharged, meaning the business is no longer legally obligated to pay them.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy:
- Reorganization: Chapter 11 bankruptcy is designed to allow businesses to reorganize and continue operating while repaying creditors over time. It's often referred to as "reorganization bankruptcy."
- Eligibility: Businesses of all sizes can file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, including corporations, partnerships, and individuals with substantial business-related debts.
- Automatic Stay: Similar to Chapter 7, filing for Chapter 11 also initiates an automatic stay, providing relief from creditor actions.
- Control Retained: Unlike Chapter 7, in Chapter 11, the existing management and ownership usually retain control of the business's operations while working on a reorganization plan.
- Reorganization Plan: The core of Chapter 11 is the development of a reorganization plan. This plan outlines how the business will repay its creditors over time, potentially reducing the debt amounts, interest rates, and extending repayment terms.
- Creditor Approval: For the reorganization plan to be approved, it typically requires the support of creditors holding a majority of the debt. If approved, the plan is implemented, and the business continues operations under the terms of the plan.
- Flexibility: Chapter 11 offers more flexibility for businesses to modify contracts, leases, and debt terms to make the repayment process more manageable.