Russian corporate liquidation proceedings are opened for up to six months and may be extended by the commercial court on a case participant’s motion for no more than six additional months per extension. Extension is not automatic: the applicant should identify unfinished mandatory work, explain its relevance and provide a realistic timetable.
File in advance
The motion should reach the court before the current term expires.
Identify the work
Auctions, recovery, litigation, missing records or distributions must be described specifically.
Court controls
The order is immediately enforceable and may be appealed.
When Extension Is Justified
The court examines whether estate formation, sale and distributions can be completed within the current term. Relevant matters include pending auctions, recovery of receivables, document production, avoidance or liability disputes, allocation of proceeds and preparation of the final report.
Who Applies and When
Article 124 permits a person participating in the bankruptcy case to apply. The liquidation administrator usually files because that person controls the procedure calendar. Supreme Court Plenum Resolution No. 40 requires the motion to be made sufficiently before expiry.
Contents of the Motion
- the opening date and current end date;
- remaining estate assets and their status;
- the stage of auctions, recovery and disputes;
- objective reasons for non-completion;
- a dated action plan;
- the precise additional period requested;
- the effect on expenses and expected creditor recovery.
Supporting Evidence
- orders in pending disputes;
- federal-register disclosures and auction documents;
- enforcement records;
- correspondence seeking debtor documentation;
- creditor meeting or committee minutes;
- the administrator’s report and completion timetable.
Court Review
Following the 2024 amendments, the issue is considered under Article 60(2). The court tests necessity, connection with liquidation goals and proportionality of the requested term. The order is immediately enforceable and appealable.
| Court question | Strong support | Weak support |
|---|---|---|
| Work remaining | Specific assets, auctions, disputes and distributions | General statement that work is unfinished |
| Reason for delay | Documents, dates and external procedural causes | Administrator workload alone |
| Term requested | Milestones and time calculation | Maximum term without calculation |
| Creditor benefit | Expected recovery or necessary distribution | No connection to the estate |
| Expense control | Estimate and cost controls | Unexplained increase in current expenses |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the term always six months?
No. The court opens proceedings for up to six months and fixes the actual date.
Can one motion seek another year?
No single extension under Article 124 may exceed six months. Each further period requires separate justification.
May a creditor apply?
Yes, if the creditor is a case participant and proves the need.
Is extension automatic if work remains?
No. The court examines the final-report status and the evidence.
Can the extension order be appealed?
Yes. Article 124 expressly permits appeal.
Official Sources
- Article 124 of Federal Law No. 127-FZ.
- Article 60.
- Article 149.
- Supreme Court Plenum Resolution No. 40.
Related guides: corporate bankruptcy, auction challenges and external administration.
Need to Support or Oppose an Extension?
An initial consultation can review unfinished work, evidence, requested term and procedural position.
BOOK AN INITIAL CONSULTATIONThis material is general information. The decision depends on the estate, pending disputes, participant conduct and the record of the particular case.