5 Largest Bankruptcy Cases of the Last 20 Years
Cities, municipalities, and even large corporations file bankruptcy, in addition to individuals, couples, and local businesses in Greensboro, NC. While individual, couple, and local business bankruptcy filings hit closer to home, they very rarely make the news or become of national importance, like those of larger national or international corporations do.
The reasons behind large companies' business bankruptcy filings are vast, but most can be laid at the door of an economic downturn while others, riding high on the crest of an ever-growing bubble bound to burst at any moment, can be faulted for “creative bookkeeping.” Here, we provide a list of five corporations in order of lowest to highest declared assets that have filed for bankruptcy in the last 20 years.
#5: CIT Group, Inc
CIT Group (FKA Commercial Investment Trust) provided commercial financing, lending, leasing, and advisory services to more than 30 industries since its founding in 1908. Recently CIT became a bank holding company and, from 2004 to 2007, qualified for and received $2.3 billion in TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) federal funds. CIT filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on November 1, 2009, with $80.4 billion in declared assets. It emerged from bankruptcy 38 days later, on Dec. 10, 2009.
#4: General Motors
Just as Chrysler had faced financial difficulties, General Motors Company was forced into bankruptcy in 2009 as a result of the lagging economy. GM filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on June 1, 2009, with declared assets of $91 billion and emerged from bankruptcy just over a month later. It was partly financed by the U.S. government, which still owns a 27% stake in the company.
#3: WorldCom
As one of the largest telecommunications companies in the U.S., North Carolina included, during the 1990s, WorldCom propped up its stock using “creative accounting” methods, providing a false appearance of growth and profitability. It filed for bankruptcy on July 21, 2002, with declared assets of $103.9 billion. At the time, it was the largest company to ever file for Chapter 11.
#2: Washington Mutual
Washington Mutual, a savings bank holding company, experienced a financial collapse when a 10-day period of bank runs in 2008 resulted in withdrawals of $16.4 billion. Washington Mutual Bank, under Washington Mutual’s control, was seized and placed into the receivership of the FDIC. The company filed for relief under the Bankruptcy Code on September 26, 2008, with declared assets of $327.9 billion.
#1: Lehman Brothers
The fourth largest investment bank in the U.S., Lehman Brothers, experienced a devaluation of its assets which, in turn, resulted in a huge loss of clients, some of which likely resided here in Greensboro, NC. Having done business globally in banking, research, and trading, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy relief on September 15, 2008, with declared assets of $691 billion.
Greensboro, NC Bankruptcy Trends
In Greensboro, NC, bankruptcy filings have reflected broader economic trends and challenges faced by individuals and businesses alike. For instance, the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis saw a spike in filings across the state, with North Carolina experiencing over 1,100 bankruptcies in 2011 as residents grappled with financial hardships. However, over the years, the situation has shown signs of improvement, with bankruptcy filings decreasing significantly.
However, by 2019, this number had significantly decreased to 439 bankruptcies, indicating a substantial improvement in the economic conditions and financial health of both individuals and businesses within Greensboro and the wider state. This downturn in bankruptcies in Greensboro, North Carolina suggests a more stable economic environment, possibly influenced by various local and state-wide initiatives aimed at financial recovery and support for those in financial distress.
Help For Greensboro, NC Companies That Are Struggling Financially
A variety of financial hardships may lead to your Greensboro, NC business being encumbered in debt. Take time to review the following information about different bankruptcy chapters and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this debt relief option.
Our Ivey McClellan bankruptcy lawyers have extensive experience handling some of the most complex Greensboro, NC bankruptcy cases. Let us help you decide whether this debt relief option is the ideal way to resolve your financial woes and if so, help you begin preparing your case for filing. Reach out to schedule a consultation today.
