What is Receivership?

Understanding receivership as a mechanism for asset protection and creditor recovery

Definition and Purpose

Receivership is a legal mechanism whereby a court or secured creditor appoints a receiver to take control of specific assets or an entire business for the purpose of preserving value, managing operations, and realizing assets to satisfy creditor claims. Unlike judicial management, which prioritizes rehabilitation, receivership typically focuses on asset protection and orderly liquidation to maximize creditor recoveries.

Types of Receivership

Court-Appointed Receivers

Courts appoint receivers in various contexts including disputed property, partnership dissolution, shareholder disputes, fraud or mismanagement allegations, and where asset preservation is necessary pending litigation.

Privately-Appointed Receivers

Secured creditors may appoint receivers pursuant to security agreements when borrowers default. Private receivers act primarily for the appointing creditor's benefit.

Powers and Duties

  • Taking Possession: Immediate control of assets
  • Asset Management: Prudent management to preserve value
  • Realization: Selling assets to maximize recoveries
  • Distribution: Distributing proceeds according to legal priorities

Explore Judicial Management

Learn about judicial management as a rehabilitation-focused alternative to receivership.