Conversion of Chapter 11 business bankruptcy to Chapter 7 bankruptcy

When a business is struggling, often it will turn to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to reorganize its debts. Through Chapter 11 a business can often reduce unsecured debts like claims of suppliers, restructure secured debt and pay priority tax debts over time, among other things. Often these changes are enough to allow the business to again be successful. But sometimes, for various reasons, it is not enough. What happens then? One possibility is the case is dismissed. Another possibility is the case is converted to Chapter 7. In that case, a trustee will sell the assets to the highest bidder. This is exemplified by the South Jersey bankruptcy of Geets Diner in Williamstown New Jersey. The restaurant had filed Chapter 11 in 2015. In August 2016 the case converted to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In January 2017 the assets, which included the land, building, equipment and liquor license were sold to the highest bidder. The restaurant will now be reopened by the new owners and the proceeds from the sale will be used to pay creditors of the debtor.