Chapter 11 bankruptcy

A provision of the U.S. bankruptcy law which enables a failing firm to apply to the courts for protection against all creditors while it is reorganized to pay its debts. This provision enables a firm to avoid being closed down by any single creditor and gives investors a chance to decide whether the firm can again be made profitable. At the same time, it gives dishonest management the opportunity to loot the firm's assets while the case is before the courts.