BSA Law is pleased to announce its successful representation of JBF Group, a leading manufacturer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and owner of the largest PET manufacturing facility in Europe, in bankruptcy restructuring proceedings in Ras Al Khaimah, where the parent company of JBF Bahrain and JBF Belgium is incorporated.
Our restructuring and insolvency team, led by Michael Kortbawi, Nadia El Tannir, and Maroun Abou Harb, managed the court restructuring proceedings before the Ras Al Khaimah Courts under the UAE Federal Bankruptcy Law.
The entire process spanned over six years, including multiple commercial and criminal litigation proceedings and extensive push and pull with creditors. The matter was eventually transferred to the Bankruptcy Court in Ras Al Khaimah, which opened bankruptcy proceedings and approved the restructuring of JBF’s business pursuant to Title 4 of the previous UAE Federal Bankruptcy Law.
Key Highlights of Our Role:
- BSA Law represented JBF RAK in all litigation and execution proceedings, including restructuring proceedings, and defended JBF RAK against objections from opposing creditors.
- Our team worked closely with the Court appointed trustee regarding the company’s operations in the UAE, Bahrain, and Belgium.
- We liaised with senior creditors both before and after the restructuring plan’s ratification, working closely with financial advisors to finalize the plan.
- Following ratification, BSA Law filed the necessary applications to implement the restructuring plan with UAE authorities, including the Bankruptcy Court, Execution Courts, Public Prosecutor, and other UAE authorities.
- Upon implementation of the restructuring plan, BSA Law facilitated the removal of all execution measures previously taken against JBF RAK LLC and its shareholders.
This case tested the limits of the UAE Federal Bankruptcy Law, demonstrating that the system is well-equipped to handle complex restructuring proceedings involving international parties, complicated operations, and multiple jurisdictions.