George N. Panagakis

George Panagakis serves as deputy practice leader of Skadden’s Corporate Restructuring Group. He represents clients in complex business reorganizations, debt restructurings and insolvency matters. Mr. Panagakis advises companies experiencing financial difficulties as well as lenders, creditors, purchasers or other parties with an interest in such companies.

Mr. Panagakis has been lead counsel in numerous Chapter 11 cases, including Amcore Financial, Inc.; Avado Brands, Inc.; Eagle Food Centers, Inc.; Enesco International, Inc.; Hartmarx Corporation; Ingersoll International, Inc.; Master Graphics, Inc.; Neumann Homes, Inc.; Primus Telecommunications; The Shorebank Corporation; and Synagro Technologies, Inc.

He also has led the successful out-of-court restructurings of a major beverage producer, a major communications company, a satellite telecommunications company, a global baking supply company, a major steel company and a tier-one auto supply company.

In addition, Mr. Panagakis has had primary responsibilities in the restructuring of Torm A/S and Clipper Group, two of the largest shipping companies in Denmark and a host of other companies, including Comdisco, Inc.; County Seat Stores, Inc.; Delphi Corporation; Friedman’s, Inc.; Service Merchandise, Inc.; and USN Communications, Inc.

Mr. Panagakis also has advised creditors and other parties in interest in troubled situations. In particular, Mr. Panagakis has represented CIT Group, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan Chase, Nuveen Investments and other lenders as agents or significant participants in both debtor-in-possession and out-of-court rescue loans, as well as Silver Point Capital in connection with the out-of-court restructuring of one of its portfolio companies.

Mr. Panagakis also has represented the largest creditor group in the Johns-Manville Trust restructuring and has represented official committees in the American Home Patients, Inc.; Ben Franklin Stores, Inc.; and Nutritional Sourcing Inc. Chapter 11 cases, as well as several informal creditor committees. In addition, Mr. Panagakis has represented various parties in connection with the purchase of distressed companies or their assets.

Education:

• J.D., Northwestern University School of Law, 1990 (Northwestern University Law Review)
• B.A., Northwestern University, 1987

Admissions : Illinois

Associations:

• Chicago Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section Co-Chair (2003-2007)
• Turnaround Management Association (1997-Present)
• American Bankruptcy Institute (2003-Present)