RITANZ Auckland Networking Event – Aug 2022

Topic: Restructuring techniques in NZ and abroad: moves to provide better outcomes for stakeholders in a restructuring

Matt Kersey and Alex MacDuff (Russell McVeagh) and Laura Johns (Norton Rose Fulbright, Sydney) will compare NZ restructuring procedures with recent developments in restructuring procedures in Australia and UK. The UK has implemented a court supervised debtor in possession model with cross-class cramdown and cram-up with its recent Restructuring Plan and a standalone moratorium. Australia has introduced a new procedure for SME restructuring and liquidations and is exploring the improvement of schemes of arrangement to better support businesses. What can we learn from these developments and how might they assist improving outcomes and preserving enterprise value?

Presenters: Matt Kersey and Alex MacDuff, Russell McVeagh and Laura Johns, Norton Rose Fullbright, Sydney

Matt Kersey, Russell McVeagh

Matt is a restructuring and insolvency specialist with 30 years of experience in practice in New Zealand, the UK and Australia.  He leads Russell McVeagh’s restructuring and insolvency practice.  He acts on domestic and cross-border matters and appears as counsel in contentious matters.  He has been involved in many significant restructuring and workout matters in New Zealand and abroad.  Matt served on the RITANZ board between 2015-2021 and was the chair of the Regulatory Affairs committee.  He is an author of Heath and Whale on Insolvency and a member of the Editorial Board of International Corporate Rescue journal.

Laura Johns, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

Laura Johns is a restructuring, insolvency and banking litigation lawyer based in Sydney.

Laura has extensive experience in insolvency and banking dispute resolution. Laura advises Australia’s leading banks and other financial clients on complex corporate insolvency processes, litigation and recovery matters. She was part of the Australian legal team acting for Perpetual Trustees in the US and UK arising out of the Lehman’s bankruptcy. Recently, Laura had a lead role in the Bergin Inquiry conducted by the Honourable PA Bergin SC into Crown Casino supporting the Inquiry and Counsel assisting in all aspects of its work.

Laura acts for banks, insolvency practitioners, government bodies, security companies and creditors on issues connected with companies in financial distress and has assisted clients on a variety of insolvency and restructuring assignments domestically and internationally. She regularly advises on security enforcement, receiverships, voluntary administrations, liquidations and disputes.

Alex MacDuff, Russell McVeagh

Alex is a senior associate in Russell McVeagh’s Litigation team. He is a general commercial litigator who specialises in restructuring, insolvency and special situations.  Alex’s experience includes advising stakeholders across the capital structure on restructurings, stressed and distressed refinancings and insolvencies. Alex recently returned to Russell McVeagh after spending a number of years working in London for Allen & Overy’s Global Restructuring Group, where he advised on a number of high-profile cross-border and domestic matters including Greensill Capital, Thomas Cook, the Abraaj collapse, Intu Properties and Gategroup.

Date: 

Wed, 1o August 2022

Time:

Registration: 4:00pm

Presentation 4:40pm – 5:30pm

Refreshments and networking from 4:20pm to 6:30pm.

Note the bar will be closed at 6:30pm sharp and the host venue will need to be vacated by 7pm at the latest.

Venue:

Russell McVeagh, Vero Centre, Level 30, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland

Pricing:

Complimentary for RITANZ Members

Chartered Accountants ANZ Members $40.00 plus GST

Law Society Members $40.00 plus GST

NZCFI Members $40.00 plus GST

Standard (casual attendance) $50.00  plus GST

How to register:

Registration is required – RSVP here