In a November 17, 2016 ruling likely to impact ongoing debt restructurings, pending bankruptcy proceedings and negotiations of new debt issuances, the Third Circuit recently overturned refusals by both the Delaware bankruptcy court and district court to enforce “make-whole” payments from Energy Futures Holding Company LLC and EFIH Finance Inc. (collectively, “EFIH”) to rule that the relevant indenture provisions supported the payments. The case was remanded to the bankruptcy court for further proceedings.
On May 15, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit issued a decision[1] in the much-watched litigation involving the residential construction company, TOUSA, Inc. ("TOUSA"). The decision reversed the prior decision of the District Court, [2] reinstating the ruling of the Bankruptcy Court.[3]
Background
Indentures often contain make-whole premiums payable upon early redemption of the debt, and term B loan agreements often include "soft call" protection in the form of prepayment premiums during the early life of the loan. If the debt issuer becomes subject to a chapter 11 proceeding after the debt issuance, the question then arises as to how this payment obligation is to be treated: Does the make-whole or prepayment premium constitute unmatured interest due as a result of the debt acceleration, which would be disallowed, or is it liquidated damages?
On Friday, the California Department of Financial Institutions closed Sonoma Valley Bank, headquartered in Sonoma, California, and appointed the FDIC as receiver.
On Friday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency closed Community National Bank at Bartow [http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/release/2010-101.htm], headquartered in Bartow, Florida, and Independent National Bank, headquartered in Ocala, Florida, and appointed the FDIC as receiver.
On Friday, the California Department of Financial Institutions closedButte Community Bank, headquartered in Chico, California, and Pacific State Bank, headquartered in Stockton, California, and appointed the FDIC as receiver for the two banks.
On Friday, the Office of Thrift Supervision closed Imperial Savings and Loan Association, headquartered in Martinsville, Virginia, and appointed the FDIC as receiver.
Friday, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Banking closed Lincoln Park Savings Bank, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and the FDIC was appointed receiver.
Friday, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Banking closed Wheatland Bank, headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, and the FDIC was appointed receiver.
Friday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency closed Amcore Bank, National Association, headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, and the FDIC was appointed receiver.