Summary

In a 10 page decision signed May 5, 2011, Judge Walsh of the Delaware Bankruptcy Court denied a motion to dismiss and held that the plaintiff Litigation Trustee satisfied the “particularity” requirements of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) and 9(b), despite having his complaint allege that each transfer within a 13 page list of transfers was fraudulent. Judge Walsh’s opinion is available here (the “Opinion”).

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Introduction

In January of this year, George L Miller, the chapter 7 trustee (the "Trustee") in the WL Homes bankruptcy, began filing avoidance actions against various creditors. As alleged in the complaints, the Trustee seeks the recovery of what he deems are "preferential transfers" pursuant to 11 U.S.C. section 547(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. This post will look briefly at the WL Homes bankruptcy, as well as provide information on common issues that arise in preference litigation.

Background on the Bankruptcy Proceeding

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On October 12, 2010, Consolidated Horticulture Group, LLC and Hines Nursery LLC (the "Debtors"), filed petitions for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. According to the Declaration filed by Debtors' President and CEO, Stephen Thigpen (the "Declaration"), Debtors are one of the largest commercial nurseries in North America, selling shrubs and container-grown plants to commercial and retail customers. Decl.

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On May 23, 2017, Don A. Beskrone, the chapter 7 trustee for the estate of PennySaver USA Publishing, LLC filed preference actions against 46 defendants. PennySaver was an iconic company that specialized in the production, printing, and dissemination of a free weekly publication, offering coupons and classified ads to targeted audiences.

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