Restructuring Plan sanctioned for OutsideClinic Ltd (Re Outsideclinic Ltd)
Restructuring & Insolvency analysis: On 28 March 2025, the High Court of Justice sanctioned a restructuring plan proposed by OutsideClinic Ltd binding on seven classes of creditor, including HMRC in its capacity as a preferential creditor. Five of the seven classes of creditors voted in favour of the restructuring plan at the plan meetings. The sixth creditor abstained from voting and of the creditors in the seventh category (four in total), only one creditor holding 83% by value of the creditors in this category attended and voted prompting an interesting debate as to what constitutes a dissenting creditor and when cross class cram down (CCCD) should be invoked. This case also sent a key message to companies looking to compromise preferential debt due to HMRC by way of a restructuring plan, which is that, in the appropriate circumstances, HMRC is prepared to support, and vote in favour of restructuring plans. Written by Hannah Gaskell, principal associate, and Sarah Teal, partner & head of Manchester Office at Shoosmiths LLP (Shoosmiths LLP acted for OutsideClinic).