Mergers by Incorporation and Bankruptcy: Analysis of Judgment No. 18261/2024

The recent judgment No. 18261 of July 3, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides important clarifications regarding mergers by incorporation of insolvent companies and the legal consequences in bankruptcy matters. This judgment fits into a complex legal framework, where civil and bankruptcy laws intertwine, highlighting the importance of understanding the process of extinction of the incorporated company and the procedures to be followed.

The Context of the Judgment

This decision emphasizes that a merger by incorporation results in the extinction of the incorporated company. This implies that, in the event the latter is insolvent, it can be subjected to bankruptcy within one year from its cancellation from the business register, in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 of the Bankruptcy Law. This aspect is crucial for creditors, as the possibility of declaring the bankruptcy of the incorporated company remains, despite its formal extinction.

Establishment of the Contradictory and the Role of the Incorporating Company

The judgment also clarifies the need for the correct establishment of the contradictory, as provided for by Article 15 of the Bankruptcy Law. It is highlighted that, although the incorporated company is extinct, it retains its identity for the purpose of the bankruptcy declaration. This aspect is fundamental, as it implies that the rights of creditors must be protected through compliance with appropriate legal procedures.

  • The incorporating company has the right to intervene in the pre-bankruptcy proceedings.
  • It may file an appeal against the bankruptcy judgment of the incorporated company.
  • The debtor subject to the notification of the appeal is identified as the incorporated company, despite its extinction.
Mergers by incorporation - Insolvent incorporated company - Applicability of Art. 10 Bankruptcy Law - Existence - Establishment of the contradictory against the incorporated company - Necessity - Incorporating company - Right to intervene. In matters of bankruptcy, a merger by incorporation, realizing an extinguishing-successive event of the involved companies, results in the extinction of the incorporated company which, if insolvent, is subject to bankruptcy within one year from cancellation from the business register, pursuant to Art. 10 of the Bankruptcy Law, so that, for the correct establishment of the contradictory pursuant to Art. 15 of the Bankruptcy Law, the debtor subject to the notification of the appeal and the notice of summons must be identified as the incorporated company which, although extinct, retains its identity for the possible declaration of bankruptcy, and the incorporating company may intervene in the pre-bankruptcy proceedings and file an appeal, in its capacity as an interested party, against the possible bankruptcy judgment of the incorporated company itself.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 18261/2024 represents an important step forward in understanding the dynamics related to mergers by incorporation and bankruptcy. It reminds us that, even in complex situations such as those involving insolvent companies, legal rules must be followed scrupulously to ensure the protection of creditors' rights. The role of the incorporating company is not only passive but active, allowing it to safeguard its interests in a context of uncertainties and legal risks.

Bianucci Law Firm