Asset Sales in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

 Chapter 11 Bankruptcy is available to businesses that desire to sell their assets but have debts exceeding the value of the assets. While Chapter 7 can be used for a liquidation of assets there are circumstances where it is important to maximize the amount received and selling as a going concern makes more sense. A Chapter 11 liquidating plan can be used for that purpose. However, sometimes it is necessary to have a more immediate sale and waiting until the confirmation hearing is not an option. In that situation the company can seek to sell its assets through a sale pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. The section is usually used to sell specific assets but more and more it is used to sell all of the company’s assets. Generally the seller must demonstrate that business may not survive until confirmation and this is the best opportunity for creditors to be paid. The 363 sale is not for all sales but in some cases it may be the best option.