Corporate Restructuring Services

We Help Struggling Businesses Regain Control

Helping Struggling Businesses Regain Control, Avoid Bankruptcy, and Plan for Growth


Facing financial pressure is never easy—but you’re not alone. For more than 50 years, we’ve stood beside local businesses in VancouverSurrey, and the Lower Mainland—helping them face difficult decisions, regain control, rebuild confidence, and move forward with clarity.

As Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs), we offer both informal and formal corporate restructuring services with one goal: helping your business recover, realign, and succeed.

What is Corporate Restructuring?


Corporate restructuring involves reorganizing a company’s finances, operations, or ownership structure to address financial challenges and support long-term success. It’s often used when a business is under financial strain but wants to avoid shutting down or declaring bankruptcy.

Restructuring may include:

  • Renegotiating debt with creditors to make payments more manageable
  • Creating informal agreements to delay or reduce obligations without legal filings
  • Filing formal proposals (like a Division I Proposal) to stop legal action and restructure debt through a court-approved plan
  • Streamlining operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency
  • Restructuring ownership or leadership, if needed

The ultimate goal is to help the business regain control, protect jobs and assets, and build a path toward recovery and growth.

Types of Restructuring Services


A. Informal Restructuring

When financial pressure is building, but formal legal steps aren’t yet necessary.

Informal restructuring is ideal if you’re early in the process—struggling with cash flow or mounting debts, but still operating and communicating with creditors. These strategies don’t require court filings and often provide the breathing room you need to get back on track.

Options Include:

Pre-Proposal Workouts

We help you create a recovery plan before things escalate—addressing issues early can often prevent the need for formal action.

Informal Agreements with Creditors

We negotiate with lenders and suppliers on your behalf to reduce or pause payments, freeze interest, or create a custom repayment schedule.

Liquidity Stabilization

We identify quick wins—like reducing overheads, selling non-essential assets, or improving cash flow cycles—to restore short-term financial health.

Best For:

Businesses that are still in control, have cooperative creditors, and want to avoid legal proceedings.

B. Formal Restructuring

When informal efforts aren’t enough, or creditors are already taking legal action.

Formal restructuring is a legal process overseen by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (like us) and protected under federal law. They stop creditor actions, protect your business from lawsuits or garnishments, and give you time to restructure properly.

Options Include:

Division I Proposal (Under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act)

A court-approved plan that lets you reorganize your debt while continuing operations.

  • Stops legal action, collection calls, and garnishments immediately
  • Requires creditor approval (but often preferred over bankruptcy)

CCAA Restructuring (Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act)

A more flexible option for larger businesses with over $5 million in debt, involving multiple creditors or complex financing.

  • Offers more time and flexibility than a Division I Proposal
  • Tailored to mid- to large-sized companies facing significant financial stress

Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) Arrangements

You stay in control of your company while restructuring. We help manage the process, ensure compliance, and coordinate with stakeholders while you focus on running your business.

Best For:

Businesses under creditor pressure, with complex debt, or needing legal protection to continue operating during restructuring.

How Corporate Restructuring Helps Businesses Like Yours


  • Stabilizes Cash Flow Quickly
  • Avoids Bankruptcy Where Possible
  • Preserves Jobs and Business Continuity
  • Helps Restructure Debts and Obligations
  • Helps Retain Relationships with Creditors and Suppliers
  • Improves Stakeholder Confidence
  • Prepares for Long-Term Success
 

Who’s Involved in a Corporate Restructuring — and How We Coordinate It


1. Business Owners & Directors

You remain at the heart of decision-making. We advise, support, and help you take steps to protect your company and your responsibilities as a director.

2. Creditors & Lenders

These may include banks, suppliers, landlords, and government agencies. Our job is to ensure transparent, fair communication so that your creditors understand the plan and feel confident enough to vote in favour of it (where required).

3. Licensed Insolvency Trustee (Crowe MacKay)

As neutral officers of the court, we don’t just represent one party—we facilitate the entire process, ensure compliance with legislation, and act in the best interest of all stakeholders.

4. Employees, Shareholders, and Other Stakeholders

Depending on the plan, employees may remain fully employed or see some changes. Shareholders may need to vote on equity or financing changes. Other stakeholders (such as landlords, key vendors, or leasing partners) are also kept informed and often play a role in the process.

5. How We Manage Oversight

  • Regular updates to all parties
  • Transparent and legally compliant documentation
  • Fair treatment of creditors
  • Support for directors with legal and fiduciary duties

FAQ's


How do I know if my business needs restructuring?
If you’re consistently behind on payments, borrowing to cover payroll, or facing pressure from creditors, restructuring may be the solution. We offer free confidential consultations to help assess your options.
What’s the difference between informal and formal restructuring?
Informal restructuring involves privately negotiated agreements without legal filing. Formal restructuring (like a Division I Proposal) is a legally binding process overseen by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.
Can I keep running my business during the restructuring process?
In most cases, yes. Particularly with Division I Proposals or CCAA filings, owners/directors often remain in control during the process.
What is a Division I Proposal, and how does it work?
It’s a formal debt restructuring tool under the BIA that allows you to propose new repayment terms to your creditors. If approved by creditors and the court, it lets you avoid bankruptcy and continue operations.
What role does a Licensed Insolvency Trustee play in corporate restructuring?
LITs are federally regulated professionals who oversee formal proposals, communicate with creditors, ensure compliance with insolvency law, and provide impartial guidance to all involved parties.
Will restructuring affect my credit or ability to get future financing?
It may have a short-term impact, especially with lenders. However, it’s often less damaging than bankruptcy and can lead to a stronger long-term financial profile.
How long does the restructuring process take?
It depends on complexity. Informal plans can be implemented in weeks; formal processes like Division I Proposals may take several months to finalize.
What happens to my employees during restructuring?
Our goal is to preserve jobs wherever possible. Some roles may be impacted if operational changes are needed, but we always strive to keep core teams intact.
How much does corporate restructuring cost, and what are the payment options?
Costs depend on the complexity of the case. Our team provides upfront estimates, and in many cases, payments are built into the restructuring plan itself.

Ready to Regain Control of Your Business?


Start Restructuring—Before It’s Too Late. Book a free consultation with our Licensed Insolvency Trustees by calling (604) 689 3928, emailing [email protected], or filling in the form below.

Book a Free Consultation

Our licensed experts are here to answer all your questions about bankruptcy and consumer proposals. Whether you're an individual or a business, we’ll help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the process with care and confidence.

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