TMA Chicago Midwest Podcast

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest podcast, Sandy Prabhakar, managing director at Armory, shares insights from his more than 20 years of experience. He discusses the typical distressed situations where investment bankers are brought in to help, the process of distressed sales and refinancing, and key differences between out-of-court and in-court transactions. Sandy also shares strategies for addressing regulatory issues in distressed M&A, as well as the current trends and his outlook for the future. He goes on to discuss his years-long involvement in the TMA Chicago Midwest chapter, where he currently serves as treasurer, along with the importance of young professionals’ participation in organizations such as TMA.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest podcast, President and Chief Executive Officer of MorrisAnderson Dan Dooley discusses his expertise in distressed franchise work. He explains that franchise workouts are unique, mostly due to the existence and power of the franchisor and the franchise agreement. This turns a franchise workout into a three-party affair between the franchisor, franchisee and lender. The concerns of franchisees in distress are survival and often minimizing personal guarantees, while franchisors are primarily concerned with maintaining their brand and revenue stream, and lenders are focused on repayment. Dan goes on to explain that this unique dynamic can pose additional challenges for distressed sales in the franchise space, which often require franchisor consent. Finally, Dan describes his time as a past president of the TMA Chicago Midwest chapter, highlighting the importance of networking, assuming the professional responsibility of volunteering to help sustain the industry, and stepping aside to allow new leaders to emerge in organizations such as TMA.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest podcast, Robert Meyers, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Republic Business Credit, discusses the role of refinancing and lending in today’s restructuring landscape. Rob provides insights into the refinancing process and the flexibility that non-bank lenders have in stepping in when banks are looking to exit. He highlights the value of being proactive and following up with industry contacts to improve a company’s chances of getting refinanced. Rob goes on to share his experiences and challenges as a past president of the TMA Chicago Midwest chapter, as well as the importance of deepening relationships and getting involved in professional organizations such as TMA.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest Podcast, host Paul Musser speaks with Angela Allen, a partner at Jenner & Block. They discuss Angela’s career in insolvency and restructuring and the role of women in the industry. She highlights the challenges faced by women in the field and the need for support for parents of young children. Paul and Angela then discuss the increased distress in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry and the legal issues that arise in bankruptcy cases and distressed sales in this sector. Angela also talks about her involvement in the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) and the benefits of networking and professional organizations.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest Podcast, host Paul Musser speaks with Jim Keane and Greg Milligan from Harney Partners. They delve into the increased importance of receiverships as a way of selling or liquidating distressed companies and offer some practical advice on when parties should consider receiverships and how they work. The guests also discuss their own restructuring journeys and give some business development advice based on what they’re seeing in the restructuring market.

Host Paul Musser welcomes as his guest Judge Timothy A. Barnes, who presides over matters in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago. Judge Barnes brings a unique perspective to the bench, having worked in private practice at major law firms in different segments of the insolvency industry, including on behalf of debtors, then lenders, and in complex litigation and international cases. As part of their conversation, Paul and Judge Barnes discussed the personalities that drew Judge Barnes to the law, the bankruptcy practice and the bench. And they talked about current trends that he is seeing in his courtroom, his passion for Chapter 15 cases and international insolvency law, and why the Seventh Circuit’s K-Mart decision should not stop commercial debtors from filing their Chapter 11 cases in Chicago.

Podcast Host Paul Musser speaks with Jamie Cote, a Vice President at Hilco Real Estate, where he uses both conventional and accelerated structured sales as well as auctions to aid clients in achieving their business goals. Jamie has more than 20 years and $1.5 billion of real estate sales expertise, consisting of nearly every asset class on a national basis. In their conversation, Paul and Jamie discuss the general state of distress in real estate, including what’s happening with office space in urban and suburban areas in an era of remote or hybrid work and increased interest rates. Jamie also shares tips for buyers and sellers, and the two discuss where there are increased areas of distress and what’s coming back post-pandemic. They close the episode with tips on how industry events can strengthen career development, especially when one plays the bass.

Podcast host Paul Musser speaks with Jack O’Connor, the 2024 TMA Chicago Midwest Chapter president and a partner in the Financial Services & Restructuring Group at Levenfeld Pearlstein. The conversation is centered around Jack's theme for the chapter year, "Success Through Service." They discuss Jack's path to leadership in TMA and the personal and professional benefits of being an active member of the organization, such as expanding networks and opportunities for referrals.

TMA Chicago Midwest Podcast hosted by Paul Musser of Katten” features active members and sponsors of TMA Chicago Midwest, a regional chapter of the Turnaround Management Association.

Hosted by Insolvency and Restructuring Partner Paul Musser, each episode features conversations with turnaround practitioners, lenders, attorneys and investors. The podcast strives to demystify the world of corporate renewal and restructuring and explore the personal motivations of experts in the field.

Disclaimer

The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to suggest standards of care applicable to attorneys in any given situation. This podcast is considered attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Any views, opinions or comments made by external guest speakers are not to be attributed to TMA/Chicago-Midwest Chapter or Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and/or Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP or their individual attorneys/lawyers. All rights reserved.

In this special Platinum Sponsor Spotlight, the Turnaround Management Association Chicago/Midwest Chapter thanks Jenner & Block, for their dedication and commitment to TMA.  Tune in as #TMAChicago member, Kevin Morse of Clark Hill Law, interviews Jenner & Block Partner, Melissa Root.

We hope you find this interview informative and without further ado, please enjoy this episode of the podcast.  

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