However also: “Mr. Brewer, Debtor’s counsel, has provided information to the Trustee suggesting that the schedules as they relate to assets are false.” (motion to dismiss)

also (same source) “While the Debtor operated numerous book shops in England and Wales, it lists not one asset on its schedule A or B, but lists on the petition that the estimated value of assets is in excess of $100,000.”

Also to the point is:

“8. There are hundreds of creditors, many who are former employees and almost all the creditors are in the United Kingdom. The Debtor’s business, the book stores, was all located in the United Kingdom. The Debtor was created and operated under the laws of the United Kingdom. Numerous creditors need documents and other information, and it is a burden for them to have to deal with a bankruptcy case in the United States. If there are tangible assets that have not been identified, they are most likely in the United Kingdom. The Debtor lists thousands of dollars in payments within 90 days, but almost all of these are to entities located in the United Kingdom and for amounts that would not warrant attempts to pursue because of the distance and expense involved in litigating with a foreign defendant.”

The contradictory statements require some kind on investigation so that assets can be realised for the benefit of creditors – those following in detail in the UK will have seen reports of stock movements and attempted sale/lease of property as well as the involvement of various entities and trading names.

I think Mr Williams seems to have been well aware that there may be assets in the UK. His main point seems to be that it will be less convenient and more expensive to run a liquidation in the US. Mr Brewer seems to be arguing the opposite – I know what I’d think if I were a creditor.