Duplicate officeholders - too many cooks spoil the broth?

English administrators of a German-registered company cannot delegate their responsibilities (owed to the English court) to a German preliminary administrator appointed by the German court to the same company outside the regime of the EC Insolvency Regulation. There may be a duplication of expense if main and secondary officeholders are appointed, but a successful cooperation between the officeholders can produce benefits for creditors. The appointment of a German preliminary administrator may open secondary proceedings under the EC Insolvency Regulation. This will turn on the facts of each individual case. Where main proceedings are already opened there may be no need for a preliminary insolvency proceeding in a jurisdiction where the opening of secondary proceedings is contemplated.