{"id":"court_ctb_1359_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1359,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":null,"title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | -------------------------------------------","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"### **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| -----------------------------------------------------------      | x      |                         |\n|------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                                           | :<br>: | Chapter 11              |\n| 1<br>HO WAN KWOK,<br>et al.,                                     | :<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n|                                                                  | :      |                         |\n| Debtors.                                                         | :<br>: | (Jointly Administered)  |\n| -----------------------------------------------------------<br>x |        |                         |\n\n## **OMNIBUS REPLY OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE, GENEVER HOLDINGS COPRORATION, AND GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC (A) IN SUPPORT OF THEIR MOTION, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 363, FOR ENTRY OF ORDER FURTHER EXTENDING (I) SALE PROCESS OF SHERRY NETHERLAND APARTMENT AND (II) RETENTION OF SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY AS BROKER, AND (B) IN RESPONSE TO OBJECTIONS**\n\nTo the Honorable United States Bankruptcy Judge Julie A. Manning:\n\nLuc Despins, in his capacity as the chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Individual Debtor\"), Genever Holdings Corporation (\"Genever (BVI)\"), and Genever Holdings LLC (\"Genever (US)\" and, together with the Trustee, and Genever (BVI), the \"Movants\") respectfully submit this omnibus reply (the \"Reply\") (a) in support of the *Motion of Chapter 11 Trustee, Genever Holdings Corporation, and Genever Holdings LLC, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and 363, for Entry of Order Further Extending (I) Sale Process of Sherry Netherland Apartment and (II) Retention Of Sotheby's International Realty As Broker* [Docket No. 1257] (the \"Motion\")<sup>2</sup> and (b) in response\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Motion.\n\nto the objection filed by Bravo Luck Limited (\"Bravo Luck\") [Docket No. 1288] (the \"Bravo Luck Objection\") and the limited objection filed by Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. (\"PAX,\" and, together with Bravo Luck, the \"Objectors\") [Docket No. 1292] (the \"PAX Limited Objection,\" and, together with the Bravo Luck Objection, the \"Objections\"). In support of the Reply, the Movants respectfully state as follows.\n\n#### **REPLY**\n\n1. The Objectors raise a number of objections based on the terms of the Settlement Agreement and the legal requirements to modify the sale process pursuant to the Settlement Agreement. However, the Objectors misunderstand the relief sought in the Motion. The Motion does **not** seek to extend the sale process **pursuant to** the Settlement Agreement. As explained in the Motion, that sale process **expired on October 31, 2022**. 3\n\n2. Rather, the Motion seeks authorization for Movants to continue to attempt to sell the Sherry Netherland Apartment under the auspices of the Sales Officer as well as continue to retain Sotheby's as broker to market the Sherry Netherland Apartment (collectively, the \"Extensions\"). But these sale efforts would **not** be conducted pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, but rather, would be a new, separate sales process, while adopting some of the terms of the Settlement Agreement. Motion ¶ 24. Such terms include employing former bankruptcy judge Melanie L. Cyganowski as sales officer in connection with the process, as well as retaining Sotheby's as the sales broker. However, the Motion does not seek to revive the \"now-expired sales process\" under which \"PAX's and Bravo Luck's [enjoyed] consultation and consent\n\n<sup>3</sup> The Settlement Agreement provides that the sale process shall be limited to 180 days from the retention of the broker, subject to extension upon written agreement of Genever (US), Bravo Luck and PAX, or by further order of the court for cause shown. The SDNY Bankruptcy Court previously entered stipulations and orders extending the sale process of the Sherry Netherland Apartment and Sotheby's retention by Genever (US). *See* Docket Nos. 202 and 222 in Case No. 22-50592. Pursuant to the most recent stipulation and order entered on October 21, 2022 [Docket No. 222 in Case No. 22-50592], the sale process and Sotheby's retention were both extended through October 31, 2022.\n\nrights.\" Motion ¶ 27. Indeed, those rights expired at the same time that the sale process under the Settlement Agreement expired, *i.e.*, on October 31, 2022.\n\n3. In particular, Bravo Luck, which notably does not oppose the continued efforts to sell the Sherry Netherland Apartment, asserts that Movants have violated the Settlement Agreement by not obtaining written authorization from Bravo Luck to extend the sale process, and by \"seek[ing] to terminate Bravo Luck's consent and consultation rights\" in the Settlement Agreement. Bravo Luck Objection ¶ 3.<sup>4</sup> Additionally, Bravo Luck suggests that by doing so, the Movants are \"attempting to circumvent the correct procedure for seeking relief from a final Settlement Order as required under [Civil Procedure] Rule 60. . . as incorporated into [Bankruptcy] Rule 9024.\" Bravo Luck Objection ¶ 8. However, these objections are inapposite, as Movants are **not** seeking to modify the sale process pursuant to the Settlement Agreement—a process that expired by its own terms on October 30, 2022. Instead, Movants seek authorization to continue to attempt to sell the Sherry Netherland Apartment, outside the ambit of the Settlement Agreement, while retaining the services of the Sales Officer and Sotheby's. Rule 60 simply does not apply under these circumstances.\n\n4. Similarly, PAX, which also does not oppose the continued efforts to sell the Sherry Netherland Apartment, argues that Movants are allegedly attempting to diminish PAX's rights under the Settlement Agreement and that Movants have failed to show \"why cause exists to now exclude PAX from the [marketing and sales] process\" which \"the Settlement Agreement specifically safeguards against.\" PAX Objection at 4. But again, Movants need not show such\n\n<sup>4</sup> Additionally, while Bravo Luck argues that, the issue of whether the consent rights under the Settlement Agreement are vague is not ripe at this time because the terms are not currently being interpreted by the Court. Bravo Luck Objection ¶ 7. However, the interpretation of the terms is not at issue, rather the vague scope of the consent rights is yet another reason why the Movants do not seek to move forward with the sale process pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.\n\ncause because the sale process pursuant to the Settlement Agreement has expired and Movants do **not** seek to revive it.\n\n5. To reiterate, Movants simply seek authorization to continue to attempt to sell the Sherry Netherland Apartment under the auspices of the Sales Officer and with the assistance of Sotheby's. There is no basis to resort to Rule 60 or require Movants to show as to why the sale process pursuant to the Settlement Agreement should be modified. No such modification is being sought by Movants for the simple reason that the sale process under the Settlement Agreement has expired.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank.*]\n\nWHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, the Movants respectfully request that the Court\n\noverrule the Objections and enter the Proposed Order granting the relief requested in the Motion\n\nand such other relief as is just and proper.\n\nDated: January 20, 2023 at New Haven, Connecticut\n\n Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@npmlaw.com dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*and and*\n\n Kevin J. Nash, Esq. Luc A. Despins, Esq. GOLDBERG WEPRIN FINKEL PAUL HASTINGS LLP GOLDSTEIN LLP 200 Park Avenue 1501 Broadway, 22nd Floor New York, New York 10166 New York, New York 10036 (212) 318-6000 (212) 221-5700\n\n*Counsel for Genever Holdings LLC Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee Debtor and Debtor-in-Possession*\n\n#### GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION\n\nBy: /s/ *Patrick R. Linsey*  Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*Counsel for Genever Holdings Corporation Debtor and Debtor-in-Possession*\n\n### GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC LUC A. DESPINS, CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE\n\nBy: /s/ *Patrick R. Linsey* By: /s/ *Patrick R. Linsey*\n\n#### **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\nIn re:\n\nHO WAN KWOK, *et al.*<sup>1</sup>\n\nChapter 11 Case No.\n\n22-50073 (JAM)\n\nDebtor.\n\n(Jointly Administered)\n\n# **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that the foregoing Reply was electronically filed. Notice of the filing was sent by e-mail to all parties to the above-captioned chapter 11 case qualified to receive electronic notice by operation of the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system. Parties may access this filing through the Court's CM/ECF system.\n\nDated: January 20, 2023 New Haven, Connecticut\n\nBy: */s/ Patrick R. Linsey* Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).","body_zh":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n----------------------------------------------------------- x\n\n关于： :\n: 第 11 章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等， :\n: 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。 :\n: （合并审理）\n\nx\n第 11 章受托人、GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION 与 GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC 依据《破产法典》第 327、328 及 363 条提请作出进一步延长 (I) 雪莉荷兰公寓出售程序及 (II) 继续聘用苏富比国际地产作为经纪人的裁定的动议的综合答辩，以及对异议的回应\n\n致尊敬的美国破产法官 Julie A. Manning（朱莉·A·曼宁）：\n\nLuc Despins（吕克·德斯平斯），以其在 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵，即“个人债务人”）的第 11 章案件中被任命的第 11 章受托人（即“受托人”）身份，连同 Genever Holdings Corporation（即“Genever (BVI)”）以及 Genever Holdings LLC（即“Genever (US)”，并与受托人及 Genever (BVI) 合称为“动议人”），谨此提交本综合答辩（即“答辩”）：(a) 支持《第 11 章受托人、Genever Holdings Corporation 与 Genever Holdings LLC 依据〈破产法典〉第 327、328 及 363 条提请作出进一步延长 (I) 雪莉荷兰公寓出售程序及 (II) 继续聘用 Sotheby's International Realty（苏富比国际地产）作为经纪人的裁定的动议》[ECF 第 1257 号]（即“动议”）2；以及 (b) 回应\n\n1 这些第 11 章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称郭文贵、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok，以及其他多个化名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：8202）和 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 及 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和联络目的）。\n\n2 本文中使用但未予定义的首字母大写术语具有动议中所规定的含义。\n\nBravo Luck Limited（即“Bravo Luck”）提交的异议 [ECF 第 1288 号]（即“Bravo Luck 异议”）以及 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P.（即“PAX”，并与 Bravo Luck 合称为“异议人”）提交的有限异议 [ECF 第 1292 号]（即“PAX 有限异议”，并与 Bravo Luck 异议合称为“异议”）。为支持本答辩，动议人谨陈述如下。\n答辩\n\n1. 异议人基于《和解协议》的条款以及依据《和解协议》修改出售程序的法律要求提出了多项异议。然而，异议人误解了动议中所寻求的救济。动议并非寻求依据《和解协议》延长出售程序。正如动议中所解释的那样，该出售程序已于 2022年10月31日 到期。3\n\n2. 相反，动议寻求授权动议人在出售专员的主持下继续尝试出售雪莉荷兰公寓（Sherry Netherland Apartment），并继续聘用苏富比（Sotheby's）作为经纪人对雪莉荷兰公寓进行营销推广（统称为“延期”）。但这些出售努力并非依据《和解协议》进行，而是在采纳《和解协议》部分条款的同时展开的一项全新的、独立的出售程序。动议第 24 段。这些条款包括聘用前破产法官 Melanie L. Cyganowski 作为与该程序相关的出售专员，以及继续聘用苏富比作为销售经纪人。然而，动议并非寻求恢复“现已到期的出售程序”——在该程序下“PAX 和 Bravo Luck [享有] 协商权和同意\n\n3 《和解协议》规定，出售程序自聘用经纪人之日起限于 180 天，但经 Genever (US)、Bravo Luck 与 PAX 书面同意，或经法院基于充分理由另行下达裁定，可以延长。SDNY Bankruptcy Court（纽约南区破产法院）此前曾作出多项合意协议与裁定，延长雪莉荷兰公寓的出售程序以及 Genever (US) 对苏富比的聘用。见案号 22-50592 中的 ECF 第 202 号和第 222 号。依据 2022年10月21日 作出的最新合意协议与裁定 [案号 22-50592 中的 ECF 第 222 号]，出售程序和苏富比的聘用均延长至 2022年10月31日。\n\n权”。动议第 27 段。事实上，这些权利在《和解协议》下的出售程序到期时已一并终止，即于 2022年10月31日 终止。\n\n3. 特别是，值得注意的是并不反对继续努力出售雪莉荷兰公寓的 Bravo Luck 主张，动议人未获得 Bravo Luck 的书面授权来延长出售程序，并“试图终止 Bravo Luck 在《和解协议》中的同意权和协商权”，从而违反了《和解协议》。Bravo Luck 异议第 3 段。4 此外，Bravo Luck 认为动议人通过这样做，“试图规避《民事诉讼规则》第 60 条……经《破产诉讼规则》第 9024 条引入所要求的、针对终局和解裁定寻求救济的正当程序。”Bravo Luck 异议第 8 段。然而，这些异议并不切题，因为动议人并未寻求依据《和解协议》来修改出售程序——该程序根据其自身条款已于 2022年10月30日（原文如此）到期。相反，动议人是在《和解协议》范围之外寻求授权继续尝试出售雪莉荷兰公寓，同时保留出售专员和苏富比的服务。在这些情况下，第 60 条根本不适用。\n\n4. 同样，同样不反对继续努力出售雪莉荷兰公寓的 PAX 辩称，动议人据称试图削弱 PAX 在《和解协议》下的权利，并且动议人未能证明“为何存在充分理由现将 PAX 排除在 [营销和出售] 程序之外”，而这一程序是“《和解协议》明确予以保障的”。PAX 异议第 4 页。但同样地，动议人无需证明此类\n\n4 此外，虽然 Bravo Luck 辩称，《和解协议》下的同意权是否含糊不清的问题目前尚未成熟，因为法院目前并未在解释这些条款。Bravo Luck 异议第 7 段。然而，条款的解释并非争议焦点，相反，同意权范围的模糊不清正是动议人为何不寻求依据《和解协议》推进出售程序的又一原因。\n\n充分理由，因为依据《和解协议》的出售程序已经到期，且动议人并不寻求将其恢复。\n\n5. 重申一遍，动议人仅是寻求授权在出售专员的主持下并在苏富比的协助下继续尝试出售雪莉荷兰公寓。没有任何依据去援引第 60 条，或要求动议人证明为何应当修改依据《和解协议》进行的出售程序。动议人未寻求任何此类修改，原因很简单：《和解协议》下的出售程序已经到期。\n\n[本页余下部分有意留白。]\n\n据此，基于前述理由，动议人谨请求法院\n\n驳回异议，并作出所提议的裁定，准予动议中所请求的救济，\n\n以及准予公正和适当的其他救济。\n\n日期：2023年1月20日 于 Connecticut（康涅狄格州）New Haven（纽黑文）\n\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@npmlaw.com dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n及 及\n\nKevin J. Nash, 律师 Luc A. Despins, 律师 GOLDBERG WEPRIN FINKEL PAUL HASTINGS LLP GOLDSTEIN LLP 200 Park Avenue 1501 Broadway, 22nd Floor New York, New York 10166 New York, New York 10036 (212) 318-6000 (212) 221-5700\n\n债务人及自行管理的债务人 Genever Holdings LLC 之律师 第 11 章受托人之律师\nGENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION\n\n签署人：/s/ Patrick R. Linsey Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n债务人及自行管理的债务人 Genever Holdings Corporation 之律师\nGENEVER HOLDINGS LLC LUC A. DESPINS，第 11 章受托人\n\n签署人：/s/ Patrick R. Linsey 签署人：/s/ Patrick R. Linsey\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION\n\n关于：\n\nHO WAN KWOK 等 1\n\n第 11 章案号\n\n22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。\n\n（合并审理）\n送达证明\n\n下述签字人特此证明，前述答辩已通过电子方式提交。提交通知已通过电子邮件发送给上述第 11 章案件中所有有资格通过法院电子备案（“CM/ECF”）系统接收电子通知的当事人。各当事人可通过法院的 CM/ECF 系统查阅本文件。\n\n日期：2023年1月20日 康涅狄格州纽黑文\n\n签署人：/s/ Patrick R. Linsey Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n1 这些第 11 章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称郭文贵、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok，以及其他多个化名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：8202）和 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 及 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和联络目的）。","key_entities":["Je","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Guo","Paul Hastings","Miles Guo","Luc Despins","Finkel"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":1606,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 12:58:16"}