Bondholders the Big Winners as CIT Files for Bankruptcy

CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) on Sunday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. CIT's filing is the fifth largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, behind Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (OTC: LEHMQ), Washington Mutual Inc. (OTC: WAMUQ), WorldCom Inc., and General Motors Corp.

But unlike Lehman Bros. and Washington Mutual, which were completely broken apart and branches of their businesses sold off, CIT expects to wipe out $10 billion in unsecured debt and emerge from its bankruptcy with its core business intact.

"None of CIT's operating subsidiaries, including CIT bank, will be
included in the filings," the company said in a statement. "As a result, all operating entities are expected to continue normal operations during the pendency cases."