{"id":"court_ctb_1936_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1936,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"UNKNOWN","filed_date":"2023-06-23","title":"| UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT<br>DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT<br>BRIDGEPORT DIVISION<br>----------------------------------","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"| UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT<br>DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT<br>BRIDGEPORT DIVISION<br>----------------------------------------------------------------<br>x                                                                                  |                                                                                 |  |  |  |\n|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|\n| In re:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | :<br>:<br>Chapter 11                                                            |  |  |  |\n| et al.,1<br>HO WAN KWOK,                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | :<br>:<br>Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)                                               |  |  |  |\n| Debtors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | :<br>:<br>(Jointly Administered)<br>:                                           |  |  |  |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------<br>LUC A. DESPINS, CHAPTER 11<br>TRUSTEE,<br>Plaintiff,<br>v.                                                                                                             | x<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>Adv. Proceeding No. 23-05013 (JAM)<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>: |  |  |  |\n| HCHK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,<br>HCHK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC.,<br>LEXINGTON PROPERTY AND STAFFING, INC.,<br>HOLY CITY HONG KONG VENTURES, LTD.,<br>ANTHONY DIBATTISTA, YVETTE WANG,<br>and BRIAN HOFMEISTER (in his capacity<br>as assignee), | :<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:                                            |  |  |  |\n| Defendants.<br>----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                                                                            | :<br>x                                                                          |  |  |  |\n\n## **CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE'S MOTION, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY RULE 9019, REGARDING SETTLEMENT WITH ASSIGNEE OF HCHK ENTITIES UNDER NEW YORK COURT ASSIGNMENT PROCEEDINGS**\n\nLuc A. Despins, in his capacity as the chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the\n\nchapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\") of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\" or \"Kwok\"), plaintiff in\n\n<span id=\"page-0-0\"></span> <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\nthe above-captioned adversary proceeding, hereby submits this motion (the \"Motion\"), [2](#page-1-0) pursuant to Rule 9019(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\") and Rule 9019-1(a) of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Connecticut (the \"Local Rules\"), for entry of an order, substantially in the form attached hereto as **Exhibit 1** (the \"Proposed Order\") approving and setting forth the terms of the settlement agreement (the \"Settlement Agreement\") reached between (a) the Trustee and (b) Brian Hofmeister, in his capacity as assignee of the HCHK Entities[3](#page-1-1) and defendant in the abovecaptioned adversary proceeding (the \"Assignee\" and, together with the Trustee, the \"Parties\").[4](#page-1-2) In support of this Motion, the Trustee respectfully represents as follows:\n\n## **JURISDICTION AND VENUE**\n\n1. This Court has jurisdiction to consider the Motion pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157\n\nand 1334 and the *Standing Order of Reference* from the United States District Court for the\n\nDistrict of Connecticut. This is a core proceeding within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b).\n\n2. Venue in this District is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n3. The bases for the relief requested herein are Bankruptcy Rule 9019(a) and Local Rule 9019-1(a).\n\n<span id=\"page-1-0\"></span> <sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Motion have the meanings set forth in the *Complaint of Chapter 11 Trustee for Estate of Ho Wan Kwok Pursuant to Sections 105, 362, 363, 541, 542, 544, and 549 of the Bankruptcy Code Seeking (I) Declaratory Judgment that HCHK Technologies, Inc., HCHK Property Management, Inc., and Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc. are (A) Alter Egos of Debtor; or, (B) in the Alternative, an Order that Debtor Equitably Owns Such Entities and/or Their Property; and (II) Injunctive Relief* [Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 1] (the \"Complaint\").\n\n<span id=\"page-1-1\"></span><sup>3</sup> As defined in the Complaint, and referring collectively to (a) HCHK Technologies, Inc. (\"HCHK Technologies\"); (b) HCHK Property Management, Inc. (\"HCHK Property\"); and (c) Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc. (\"Lexington Property\").\n\n<span id=\"page-1-2\"></span><sup>4</sup> References herein to the \"Parties,\" \"Trustee,\" and \"Assignee\" include the respective attorneys, advisors, and/or professionals of the Parties, as applicable.\n\n#### **BACKGROUND**\n\n#### **I. New York Court Assignment Proceedings**\n\n4. On April 20, 2023, the HCHK Entities executed Deeds of Assignment purporting to assign all of their assets to the Assignee, and on April 25, 2023, the Deeds of Assignment were filed with the clerk of the Supreme Court of the State of New York for New York County (the \"New York Court\").\n\n5. Under the Deeds of Assignment, the Assignee is given the power to, among other things, \"settle any and all claims against or in favor of Assignor, with the full power to compromise, or, in Assignee's sole discretion, to sue or be sued, and to prosecute or defend any claim or claims of any nature whatsoever existing in favor of Assignor.\"[5](#page-2-0)\n\n6. In May 2023, the Assignee filed Assignee Affidavits and related documents with respect to the HCHK Entities in the New York Court, which issued orders to show cause why the Assignment Proceedings should not be commenced with respect the HCHK Entities, setting objection deadlines and hearing dates with respect to each of the HCHK Entities for June 2023.\n\n7. On May 31, 2023, in the Assignment Proceeding with respect to HCHK Technologies, the Assignee submitted to the New York Court a verified petition (the \"Application\") seeking entry of an order authorizing and approving his entry into an Interim Management Agreement (\"IMA\") with G-News Operations, LLC (\"GNews\"). Shortly thereafter, the New York Court entered an order setting a June 12, 2023 objection deadline and a June 14, 2023 hearing date with respect to the Application.\n\n<span id=\"page-2-0\"></span> <sup>5</sup> Ex. 13 to Complaint, HCHK Technologies Aff., Ex. B, Deed of Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors ¶ 4(f); Ex. 17 to Complaint, Lexington Property Aff., Ex. B, Deed of Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors ¶ 4(f); Ex. 18 to Complaint, HCHK Property Aff., Ex. B, Deed of Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors ¶ 4(f).\n\n## **II. Trustee Commences Adversary Proceeding**\n\n8. On June 8, 2023, the Trustee filed the Complaint, commencing the above-\n\ncaptioned adversary proceeding (the \"Adversary Proceeding\"). The Complaint seeks declaratory rulings that the HCHK Entities are alter egos of, or such entities and/or their assets are equitably owned by, the Debtor and, in addition, seeking an injunction against any commencement or continuation of the Assignment Proceedings. The Trustee also filed, on June 8, 2023, an emergency *ex parte* motion [Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 4] (the \"TRO Motion\") for a temporary restraining order (a \"TRO\"), and, on June 9, 2023, a supplemental emergency *ex parte*  TRO motion related to the Application and IMA with G-News. [Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 14].\n\n9. On June 12, 2023, the Court entered its *Order Granting in Part Emergency* Ex\n\nParte *Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction* [Adv. Proc. 23-\n\n05013, Docket No. 18] (the \"TRO Order\"). Among other things, the TRO Order stated that:\n\n(i) the Defendants; (ii) the Defendants' officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys; and (iii) any person in active concert or participations with the Defendants and/or the Defendants' officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys including, without limitation, G-News Operations, LLC (\"G-News\") and Ms. Irene Feng, are temporarily restrained and enjoined from commencing or continuing the Assignment Proceedings (or any other judicial, administrative, or other actions or proceedings with respect to the HCHK Entities and/or their assets), including the Interim Management Agreement (\"IMA\") with G-News[6](#page-3-0)\n\n10. The TRO Order also set forth a litigation schedule with respect to the TRO\n\nMotion, including a deadline of June 23, 2023 for objections and lists of witnesses and exhibits,\n\na deadline of June 24, 2023 for any reply in support of the TRO Motion, and a hearing date of\n\nJune 26, 2023.\n\n<span id=\"page-3-0\"></span> <sup>6</sup> TRO Order, at 14-15.\n\n## **III. Settlement Agreement Between Trustee and Assignee[7](#page-4-0)**\n\n11. Following the entry of the TRO Order, the Trustee and the Assignee engaged in extensive good faith discussions with respect to the issues raised in the Complaint and TRO Motion. As a result of these discussions, the Parties reached the Settlement Agreement, which is designed to accomplish both (1) the immediate transfer, on an interim basis and pending the outcome of the Adversary Proceeding, of over \\$38 million of the HCHK Entities' cash, currently held in accounts controlled by the Assignee, into accounts controlled by the Trustee, and (2) the comprehensive resolution of the open issues between the Parties. Critically, the Settlement Agreement will also, by resolving the open issues between the Trustee and the Assignee, open the door towards a relatively quick and inexpensive resolution of this Adversary Proceeding in favor of the estate on the Trustee's alter ego claims. This is because the Settlement Agreement ensures that the Assignee will not oppose the relief sought by the Trustee, and the Trustee reserves the right to challenge the standing of any other party that attempts to oppose the Trustee's claims.\n\n12. The Settlement Agreement contemplates that the Assignee will take various actions, set forth in the Proposed Order, that would otherwise be enjoined under the existing TRO Order. As such, the Proposed Order expressly modifies the terms of the TRO Order so as to effect the Settlement Agreement. The Settlement Agreement, as memorialized in the Proposed Order, contemplates the resolution of all issues between the Parties in three stages, described below:\n\n<span id=\"page-4-0\"></span> <sup>7</sup> To the extent of any inconsistencies between the summary description of the Settlement Agreement in this Motion and the terms and conditions of the Settlement Agreement as set forth in the Proposed Order, the terms of the Proposed Order shall control.\n\n#### **a. Stage One of Settlement Agreement**\n\n13. In the initial stage of the Settlement Agreement, the Assignee has agreed that he will, pursuant to the attached Proposed Order, promptly transfer all the funds of the HCHK Entities within the Assignee's control, including cash deposited in accounts at ConnectOne Bankcorp., Inc., in the approximate amount of \\$38,835,734.27 (the \"HCHK Funds,\" and such transfer, the \"Initial HCHK Funds Transfer\"), to segregated custodial accounts controlled by the Trustee at a financial institution (the \"Trustee Accounts\"), where such funds may be invested in treasury securities with a maximum maturity of six months and held on an interim basis pending this Court's ruling on the alter ego and/or equitable ownership causes of action set forth in the Complaint (any such ruling by this Court, a \"Dispositive Ruling\"). For the avoidance of doubt, pending the issuance of a Dispositive Ruling, the Trustee will not be authorized to use the HCHK Funds for any purpose other than as set forth in the Proposed Order.\n\n14. Relatedly, the Assignee has agreed that he will, pursuant to the attached Proposed Order, make available to the Trustee all non-privileged corporate records (including in electronic form) and other documents pertaining to the HCHK Entities in the possession of the Assignee.\n\n15. The Assignee has also agreed that he will, pursuant to the attached Proposed Order, take no position and file no pleadings with respect to the relief sought by the Trustee in (a) the Complaint, (b) the TRO Motion, or (c) any motion for summary judgment, for judgment on the pleadings, for a default judgment, or other dispositive judgment (each, a \"Dispositive Motion\") filed in this Adversary Proceeding, as long as such Dispositive Motion is consistent with the settlement set forth herein and that appropriate notice of the requested relief is provided. Moreover, the Assignee has agreed that he will not oppose, or assist any party opposing, the\n\n6\n\nrelief sought in the Adversary Proceeding or any pleadings filed therein, will not assign to anyone his rights under the Deeds of Assignment, and will not agree to modify any such rights.\n\n16. The Parties have also agreed that, pursuant to the Proposed Order, the entry of the Proposed Order and the occurrence of the Initial HCHK Funds Transfer will be without prejudice to the rights of any party (other than the Assignee) to file pleadings and take positions in connection with the Adversary Proceeding, including by opposing a Dispositive Motion, subject to standing requirements, and that all rights of the Trustee to oppose any party, including by challenging such party's standing, will be reserved.\n\n#### **b. Stage Two of Settlement Agreement**\n\n17. In the second stage of the Settlement Agreement, the Parties have agreed that, following the entry of the Proposed Order and the occurrence of the Initial HCHK Funds Transfer, the Assignee will be authorized under the Proposed Order, solely pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement and for the sole purpose of implementing the Settlement Agreement, to take certain actions with respect to the Assignment Proceedings and the HCHK Entities (the \"Authorized Assignee Actions\").\n\n18. The Authorized Assignee Actions will consist of (1) the Assignee seeking relief from the New York Court, subject to the review and prior approval of the Trustee, with respect to (a) the commencement of the Assignment Proceedings; (b) the approval of the retention of the Assignee's counsel Cole Schotz P.C. and McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC; (c) the approval of the retention of the Assignee's financial advisor, DLA, LLC; (d) the approval of retention of the Assignee's appraiser, A. Atkins Appraisal Corp., (e) the procedural consolidation and joint administration of the Assignment Proceedings; and (f) the approval of the Assignee's efforts to secure the HCHK Entities' funds by opening accounts with ConnectOne Bankcorp,\n\nInc. and depositing such funds across multiple accounts so that the funds in each account are within the federally-insured limit of \\$250,000; and (g) the discharge of the Assignee and the closing of the Assignment Proceedings; (2) the Assignee's termination of the IMA with G-News and withdrawal of the Application filed in the New York Court with respect to the IMA with G-News; (3) the Assignee's continued administration of the HCHK Entities pending a Dispositive Ruling, subject to the prior approval of the Trustee, including by (a) securing leased premises of the HCHK Entities at 3 Columbus Circle, in New York, New York (the \"Columbus Circle Offices\"), as well as the assets of the HCHK Entities located therein (the \"Columbus Circle Assets\"); (b) notifying the landlord and/or sublandlord of the Columbus Circle Offices of the intention to vacate, when appropriate; (c) arranging for the storage and/or disposition of the Columbus Circle Assets; (d) complying with subpoenas issued by the United States Department of Justice; (e) securing the HCHK Entities' books, records, and other material stored on company devices pending a Dispositive Ruling; (f) cancelling security and utility services at the Columbus Circle Offices; and (g) addressing payroll and termination issues related to the HCHK Entities' three remaining employees and any employee plans; and (4) such other actions as the Trustee and Assignee agree are reasonable and necessary to effectuate the Settlement Agreement, the preservation and transition of the HCHK Entities' assets to the Trustee, and conclusion of the Assignment Proceedings. The Trustee may advance to the Assignee a portion of the HCHK Funds from the Trustee's Accounts in connection with funding Authorized Assignee Actions, from which the Assignee may pay expenses (other than certain professional fees and expenses discussed below) associated with the Authorized Assignee Actions subject to the approval of the Trustee.\n\n8\n\n19. With respect to the Authorized Assignee Actions, the Parties understand and agree that any relief granted by the New York Court in connection with the Assignment Proceedings will not be binding on this Court with respect to any payment to the Assignee's professionals or the Assignee himself under the Settlement Agreement, which will be determined solely by this Court in connection with the third, final stage of the Settlement Agreement, discussed below.\n\n#### **c. Stage Three of Settlement Agreement**\n\n20. In connection with the third and final stage of the Settlement Agreement, the Trustee has agreed that, in the event the Court issues a Dispositive Ruling in favor of the Trustee, the Trustee will pay from the Trustee Accounts, as a settlement payment pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code (and subject to the Trustee's review of documentation supporting the Assignee's professionals' fees), the following amounts payable to the Assignee and his professionals: (1) with respect to the Assignee, an amount of \\$550,000.00; (2) with respect to Cole Schotz P.C. (\"Cole Schotz\"), an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by Cole Schotz in connection with the preparation and prosecution of the Assignment Proceedings since March 22, 2023 through filing of the Motion, which amount will be no greater than \\$400,000.00; (3) with respect to McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC (\"MSB\"), an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by MSB, as proposed counsel to the Assignee, since April 20, 2023 through the filing of the Motion, which amount will be no greater than \\$75.000.00; (4) with respect to A. Atkins Appraisal Corp., an amount of \\$7,800.00; (5) with respect to DLA, LLC (\"DLA\"), an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by DLA, as proposed financial advisor to the Assignee, since May 1, 2023 through the filing of the Motion, which amount will be no greater than \\$155,000.00; and (6) with respect to each of Cole\n\nSchotz, MSB and DLA, an amount equal to the incremental reasonable fees and expenses incurred, by each firm from and after the filing of the Motion, subject to the Trustee's approval of such fees and expenses prior to their incurrence, in connection with Authorized Assignee Actions..\n\n21. Other key terms of the Settlement Agreement are (1) an injunction (the \"Channeling Injunction\") under which, in the event the Court issues a Dispositive Ruling in favor of the Trustee, all creditors and/or equity holders of the HCHK Entities will be barred and enjoined and restrained from commencing, prosecuting or asserting any request, claim, or cause of action, including but not limited to, causes of action for contribution or indemnification, however denominated, against the Assignee, and specifically precluding any claims against the Assignee with respect to any matter relating to the Settlement Agreement or Proposed Order, except as raised through the appropriate pleading filed in this Court; and (2) the exculpation (the \"Exculpation\") of the Assignee with respect to any liability to any person or entity for any act taken or omitted to be taken in connection with, relating to, or arising out of, (a) the Assignment Proceedings; (b) this Adversary Proceeding; (c) the Settlement Agreement; and (d) formulating, negotiating, preparing, disseminating, implementing, or effecting consummation of this Motion and the Proposed Order (other than an act in contravention of this Motion or the implementation of the Proposed Order) or any contract, instrument, release, agreement or document created or entered into, or any other act taken or omitted to be taken in good faith, in connection with the Assignment Proceedings, this Adversary Proceeding, the Settlement Agreement, this Motion, and the Proposed Order; *provided*, *however*, that the foregoing will not affect the liability of any person or entity that otherwise would result from any such act or omission to the extent such act or omission is determined by a final order to have constituted fraud, willful misconduct or gross\n\nnegligence. The Channeling Injunction and Exculpation are necessary elements of the Settlement Agreement to ensure global peace and the avoidance of a multiplicity of litigation in other fora.\n\n22. Finally, in the event of a final order against the Trustee on both the alter ego and equitable ownership claims, the Trustee will promptly return the HCHK Funds in his control to the Assignee.\n\n#### **IV. Notice of Entry of Proposed Order to Assignment Proceedings Notice Parties**\n\n23. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, notice of the entry of the Proposed Order will be provided to all parties in interest in the Assignment Proceedings, including, but not limited to, the HCHK Entities and all creditors of the HCHK Entities (collectively, the \"Assignment Proceedings Notice Parties\"), through the filing by the Assignee in the New York Court of a notice with respect to the Proposed Order prepared by the Assignee (the \"Settlement Order Notice\") and the service of such notice on the Assignment Proceedings Notice Parties. A copy of the form Settlement Order Notice is attached to the Proposed Order as **Exhibit A** thereto.\n\n#### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n24. By this Motion, the Trustee seeks entry of an order pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019(a) approving the Settlement Agreement in its entirety and authorizing the Parties to enter into and implement the Settlement Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.\n\n#### **BASIS FOR THE RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n#### **I. Standard for Approving the Settlement Agreement**\n\n25. To approve a compromise and settlement under Bankruptcy Rule 9019, a bankruptcy court should find that the compromise and settlement is fair and equitable,\n\nreasonable, and in the best interests of the debtor's estate. *See, e.g.*, *Air Line Pilots Ass'n, Int'l v. Am. Nat'l Bank & Tr. Co. of Chi. (In re Ionosphere Clubs, Inc.),* 156 B.R. 414, 426 (S.D.N.Y.\n\n1993.), *aff'd*, 17 F.3d 600 (2d Cir. 1994) (citations omitted); *In re Enron Corp.,* No. 02 Civ.\n\n8489(AKH), 2003 WL 230838, at \\*2 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Jan. 31, 2003). The decision to approve\n\na particular settlement lies within the sound discretion of the bankruptcy court. *See Nellis v.*\n\n*Shugrue*, 165 B.R. 115, 122-23 (S.D.N.Y. 1994).\n\n26. Importantly, the \"settlement need not be the best that the debtor could have obtained.\" *In re Adelphia Commc'ns Corp.*, 327 B.R. 143, 159 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2005) (citing *In re Penn Cent. Transp. Co.*, 596 F.2d 1102, 1114 (3d Cir. 1979)). Instead, the court needs only \"canvass the issues and see whether the settlement falls below the lowest point in the range of reasonableness.\" *Id.* (citing *In re W.T. Grant Co.*, 699 F.2d 599, 608 (2d Cir. 1983)).In deciding whether a particular settlement falls within the \"range of reasonableness,\" courts consider the following factors:\n\n(1) the balance between the litigation's possibility of success and the settlement's future benefits; (2) the likelihood of complex and protracted litigation, \"with its attendant expense, inconvenience, and delay\" . . .; (3) the \"paramount interests of the creditors,\" including each affected class's relative benefits \"and the degree to which creditors either do not object to or affirmatively support the proposed settlement\"; (4) whether other parties in interest support the settlement; (5) the \"competency and experience of counsel\" supporting, and \"[t]he experience and knowledge of the bankruptcy court judge\" reviewing, the settlement; (6) \"the nature and breadth of releases to be obtained by officers and directors\"; and (7) \"the extent to which the settlement is the product of arm's length bargaining.\"\n\n*Motorola, Inc. v. Official Comm. of Unsecured Creditors* (*In re Iridium Operating LLC*), 478\n\nF.3d 452, 462 (2d Cir. 2007) (\"*Iridium*\").\n\n### **II. Settlement Agreement Should Be Approved**\n\n27. The Settlement Agreement is an excellent outcome for the chapter 11 estate and,\n\nby extension, the Debtor's creditors, and it is fair and reasonable under the circumstances and in\n\nlight of the applicable *Iridium* factors.\n\n- 28. The benefits to the estate from the Settlement Agreement are significant:\n\t- a. Pursuant to the Initial HCHK Funds Transfer, over \\$38 million in cash will immediately be transferred, on an interim basis, to the Trustee's Accounts, pending a Dispositive Ruling in the Adversary Proceeding.\n\t- b. The Settlement Agreement resolves all open issues between the Trustee and the Assignee.\n\t- c. Because the Settlement Agreement ensures that the Assignee will not oppose the relief sought by the Trustee, the Settlement Agreement is likely to assist the Trustee in his efforts to successfully resolve the Adversary Proceeding given the lack of standing by other parties that might seek to oppose the Trustee's claims. The Settlement Agreement explicitly reserves the Trustee's ability to challenge the standing of other parties.\n\t- d. The Settlement Agreement provides for the continued administration by the Assignee of the HCHK Entities, the Columbus Circle Offices, and the Columbus Circle Assets, lessening the Trustee's administrative burden.\n\n29. Moreover, there is very little cost or disadvantage to the chapter 11 estate imposed by the Settlement Agreement.\n\n> a. The Settlement Agreement allows the Assignee to take certain Authorized Assignee Actions, including seeking limited relief in the New York Court, but his New York Court filings will be subject to the review and prior approval of the Trustee, and will only be used to comply with procedural requirements in the Assignment Proceedings in furtherance of the Settlement Agreement. Moreover,\n\nthe Parties understand and agree that New York Court rulings do not bind this Court on matters within this Court's jurisdiction, such as the payment of professional fees from estate funds.\n\nb. The Settlement Agreement provides that, in conjunction with obtaining a Dispositive Ruling in favor of the Trustee, the Trustee will be authorized and directed to pay, as a settlement payment pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, amounts payable to the Assignee and his professionals, subject also to the Trustee's review of the underlying documentation supporting such professionals' fees. These amounts are modest given the benefits of the Settlement Agreement to the estate and are subject to strict caps. Moreover, these are payments for value given that the Assignee and his professionals will be providing the estate with valuable administrative services, as noted above.\n\n30. The Settlement Agreement meets all the relevant *Iridium* factors in resounding fashion, providing significant immediate and future benefits to the estate and its creditors, in particular, the potential to \"short-circuit\" what could otherwise be time consuming and expensive Adversary Proceeding litigation. The Settlement Agreement was reached between the Trustee and the Assignee, who controls all of the HCHK Entities' assets and rights under the Deeds of Trust. Each side of the negotiation was composed of fiduciaries (the Trustee and the Assignee) assisted by experienced counsel and at arm's length. The Settlement Agreement contains no releases of officers and directors.\n\n31. Moreover, the Channeling Injunction and Exculpation are key terms of the Settlement Agreement, required by the Assignee, that are warranted and appropriate under Bankruptcy Rule 9019 and section 105 of the Bankruptcy Code. Notably, the Channeling\n\n14\n\nInjunction and Exculpation only take effect in the event that the Court issues a Dispositive Ruling under which the HCHK Entities and/or their assets are added to the chapter 11 estate (and, as such, are within this Court's subject matter jurisdiction).\n\n32. Put simply, the Settlement Agreement is a positive development for the chapter 11 estate, and the Trustee believes the Settlement Agreement satisfies Bankruptcy Rule 9019 and should be approved.\n\n#### **NOTICE**\n\n33. Notice of this Motion will be given to (i) the United States Trustee; (ii) the Assignee; (iii) the Debtor; (iv) the official committee of unsecured creditors; (v) the Defendants; (vi) by electronic filing utilizing the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system, to all appearing parties who utilize the CM/ECF system; (vii) any party who requested notice in these chapter 11 cases, but is unable to accept electronic filing as indicated on the Notice of Electronic Filing; and (viii) through the filing by the Assignee in the New York Court of a notice with respect to the 9019 Motion prepared by the Assignee (the \"Settlement Motion Notice\") and the service of such notice on the Assignment Proceedings Notice Parties.[8](#page-14-0) The Trustee submits that, under the circumstances, no other or further notice is required.\n\n#### **NO PREVIOUS REQUEST**\n\n34. No previous request for the relief sought herein has been made by the Trustee to this or any other court.\n\n<span id=\"page-14-0\"></span> <sup>8</sup> A copy of the form Settlement Motion Notice is attached as an exhibit to the *Motion of Chapter 11 Trustee (I) to Expedite Hearing on, and (II) to Limit Service of, Chapter 11 Trustee's Motion, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, Regarding Settlement With Assignee of HCHK Entities Under New York Court Assignment Proceedings* (the \"Motion to Expedite and Limit Service\"), filed concurrently herewith together with the related proposed order (the \"Order Expediting Consideration and Limiting Service\"). The Settlement Motion Notice will be served upon the Assignment Proceedings Notice parties upon its approval by the Court pursuant to the entry of the Order Expediting Consideration and Limiting Service.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank*.]\n\nWHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, the Trustee respectfully requests entry of the\n\nProposed Order granting the relief requested in the Motion and such other relief as is just and\n\nproper.\n\nDated: June 23, 2023 LUC A. DESPINS,\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE\n\nBy: */s/ Patrick R. Linsey*\n\nPatrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*and*\n\nNicholas A. Bassett *(pro hac vice* pending) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n*and*\n\nAvram E. Luft *(pro hac vice* pending) Douglass Barron (*pro hac vice* pending) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 aviluft@paulhastings.com\n\n*Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 1936 Filed 06/23/23 Entered 06/23/23 13:46:58 Page 18 of 28\n\n# **EXHIBIT 1**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n| UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT<br>DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT<br>BRIDGEPORT DIVISION<br>----------------------------------------------------------------<br>x                                                                                  |                                                                                 |  |  |  |\n|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|\n| In re:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | :<br>:<br>Chapter 11                                                            |  |  |  |\n| et al.,1<br>HO WAN KWOK,                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | :<br>:<br>Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)                                               |  |  |  |\n| Debtors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | :<br>:<br>(Jointly Administered)<br>:                                           |  |  |  |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------<br>LUC A. DESPINS, CHAPTER 11<br>TRUSTEE,<br>Plaintiff,<br>v.                                                                                                             | x<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>Adv. Proceeding No. 23-05013 (JAM)<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>: |  |  |  |\n| HCHK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,<br>HCHK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC.,<br>LEXINGTON PROPERTY AND STAFFING, INC.,<br>HOLY CITY HONG KONG VENTURES, LTD.,<br>ANTHONY DIBATTISTA, YVETTE WANG,<br>and BRIAN HOFMEISTER (in his capacity<br>as assignee), | :<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:                                            |  |  |  |\n| Defendants.<br>----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                                                                            | :<br>x                                                                          |  |  |  |\n\n# **[PROPOSED] ORDER APPROVING, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTYC RULE 9019, CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE'S SETTLEMENT WITH ASSIGNEE OF HCHK ENTITIES UNDER NEW YORK COURT ASSIGNMENT PROCEEDINGS**\n\nUpon the Motion, [2](#page-18-1) of Luc A. Despins, in his capacity as the Chapter 11 Trustee (the\n\n\"Trustee\") appointed in the above-captioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\") of Ho Wan\n\n<span id=\"page-18-0\"></span> <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<span id=\"page-18-1\"></span><sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Order have the meanings set forth in the Motion.\n\nKwok (the \"Debtor\"), for entry of an order, approving a settlement agreement between the Trustee and the Assignee, as more fully described in the Motion; and the Court having jurisdiction to consider the Motion and the relief requested therein in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334.\n\n1. The Motion is GRANTED.\n\n2. All objections to the Motion, if any, that have not been withdrawn, waived or settled, and all reservations of rights included therein, are overruled.\n\n3. The Settlement Agreement between the Trustee and the Assignee is approved pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019.\n\n4. **Modification of TRO Order:** The *Order Granting in Part Emergency* Ex Parte *Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction* [Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 18] (the \"TRO Order\") is hereby modified to the extent it enjoins any action set forth herein.\n\n5. **Initial HCHK Funds Transfer.** Promptly following entry of this Order, the Assignee[3](#page-19-0) shall transfer the HCHK Funds to the Trustee Accounts, where such funds may be invested in treasury securities with a maximum maturity of six months and held on an interim basis pending the Dispositive Ruling in the Adversary Proceeding. The HCHK Funds shall constitute all the funds of the HCHK Entities within the Assignee's control, including cash deposited in accounts at ConnectOne Bankcorp., Inc., in the approximate amount of \\$38,835,734.27. For the avoidance of doubt, pending the issuance of a Dispositive Ruling, the\n\n<span id=\"page-19-0\"></span> <sup>3</sup> References herein to the \"Parties,\" \"Trustee,\" and \"Assignee\" include the respective attorneys, advisors, and/or professionals of the Parties, as applicable.\n\nTrustee shall not be authorized to use the HCHK Funds for any purpose other than as set forth herein.\n\n6. **Corporate Records.** The Assignee shall immediately make available to the Trustee all non-privileged corporate records (including in electronic form) and other documents pertaining to the HCHK Entities in the possession of the Assignee.\n\n7. **Assignee to Take No Position in Adversary Proceeding.** The Assignee shall take no position and file no pleadings with respect to the relief sought by the Trustee in (a) the Complaint, (b) the TRO Motion, or (c) any Dispositive Motion filed in the Adversary Proceeding, as long as such Dispositive Motion is consistent with the settlement set forth herein and that appropriate notice of the requested relief is provided. Moreover, the Assignee shall not oppose, or assist any party opposing, the relief sought in the Adversary Proceeding or any pleadings filed therein, shall not assign to anyone his rights under the Deeds of Assignment, and shall not agree to modify any such rights.\n\n8. **No Prejudice.** The entry of this Order and the occurrence of the Initial HCHK Funds Transfer shall be without prejudice to the rights of any party (other than the Assignee) to file pleadings and take positions in connection with the Adversary Proceeding, including by opposing a Dispositive Motion, subject to standing requirements; provided that, all rights of the Trustee to oppose any party, including by challenging such party's standing, shall be reserved.\n\n9. **Authorized Assignee Actions.** Following the entry of this Order and the occurrence of the Initial HCHK Funds Transfer, the Assignee shall be authorized, solely pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement and for the sole purpose of implementing the Settlement Agreement, to take certain Authorized Assignee Actions. The Authorized Assignee Actions shall consist of (1) the Assignee seeking relief from the New York Court, subject to the\n\n3\n\nreview and prior approval of the Trustee, with respect to (a) the commencement of the Assignment Proceedings; (b) the approval of the retention of the Assignee's counsel Cole Schotz P.C. and McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC; (c) the approval of the retention of the Assignee's financial advisor, DLA, LLC; (d) the approval of retention of the Assignee's appraiser, A. Atkins Appraisal Corp., (e) the procedural consolidation and joint administration of the Assignment Proceedings; and (f) the approval of the Assignee's efforts to secure the HCHK Entities' funds by opening accounts with ConnectOne Bankcorp, Inc. and depositing such funds across multiple accounts so that the funds in each account are within the federally-insured limit of \\$250,000; and (g) the discharge of the Assignee and the closing of the Assignment Proceedings; (2) the Assignee's termination of the IMA with G-News and withdrawal of the Application filed in the New York Court with respect to the IMA with G-News; (3) the Assignee's continued administration of the HCHK Entities pending a Dispositive Ruling, subject to the prior approval of the Trustee, including by (a) securing the Columbus Circle Offices as well as the Columbus Circle Assets; (b) notifying the landlord and/or sublandlord of the Columbus Circle Offices of the intention to vacate, when appropriate; (c) arranging for the storage and/or disposition of the Columbus Circle Assets; (d) complying with subpoenas issued by the United States Department of Justice; (e) securing the HCHK Entities' books, records, and other material stored on company devices pending a Dispositive Ruling; (f) cancelling security and utility services at the Columbus Circle Offices; and (g) addressing payroll and termination issues related to the HCHK Entities' three remaining employees and any employee benefit plans; and (4) such other actions as the Trustee and Assignee agree are reasonable and necessary to effectuate the Settlement Agreement, the preservation and transition of the HCHK Entities' assets to the Trustee, and conclusion of the Assignment Proceedings. The Trustee may advance\n\nto the Assignee a portion of the HCHK Funds from the Trustee's Accounts in connection with funding Authorized Assignee Actions, from which the Assignee may pay expenses (other than professional fees and expenses which are governed by paragraph 11 below) associated with the Authorized Assignee Actions subject to the approval of the Trustee.\n\n10. **New York Court Orders Not Binding:** Any relief granted by the New York Court in connection with the Assignment Proceedings shall not be binding on this Court with respect to issues within this Court's exclusive jurisdiction, such as the chapter 11 estate's payment to the Assignee's professionals or the Assignee himself under the Settlement Agreement.\n\n11. **Approval of Settlement Payment:** In the event the Court issues a Dispositive Ruling in favor of the Trustee, the Trustee shall pay from the Trustee Accounts, as a settlement payment pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code (and subject to the Trustee's review of documentation supporting the Assignee's professionals' fees), the following amounts payable to the Assignee and his professionals: (1) with respect to the Assignee, an amount of \\$550,000.00; (2) with respect to Cole Schotz P.C. (\"Cole Schotz\"), an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by Cole Schotz in connection with the preparation and prosecution of the Assignment Proceedings since March 22, 2023 through filing of the Motion, which amount shall be no greater than \\$400,000.00; (3) with respect to McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC (\"MSB\"), an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by MSB, as proposed counsel to the Assignee, since April 20, 2023 through the filing of the Motion, which amount shall be no greater than \\$75.000.00; (4) with respect to A. Atkins Appraisal Corp., an amount of \\$7,800.00; (5) with respect to DLA, LLC (\"DLA\"), an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by DLA, as proposed financial advisor to the Assignee, since May 1, 2023\n\nthrough the filing of the Motion, which amount shall be no greater than \\$155,000.00; and (6) with respect to each of Cole Schotz, MSB and DLA, an amount equal to the incremental reasonable fees and expenses incurred by each firm from and after the filing of the Motion, subject to the Trustee's approval of such fees and expenses prior to their incurrence, in connection with Authorized Assignee Actions.\n\n12. **Modification of Bar Date Order:** In the event the Court issues a Dispositive Ruling in favor of the Trustee, the Trustee shall be authorized and directed to seek an amendment to this Court's bar date order to allow creditors (if any) of the HCHK Entities to file claims in the Debtor's chapter 11 case.\n\n13. **Channeling Injunction:** In the event the Court issues a Dispositive Ruling in favor of the Trustee, all creditors and/or equity holders of the HCHK Entities shall be barred and enjoined and restrained from commencing, prosecuting or asserting any request, claim, or cause of action, including but not limited to, causes of action for contribution or indemnification, however denominated, against the Assignee, and in particular claims against the Assignee with respect to any matter relating to the Settlement Agreement or Proposed Order, except as raised through the appropriate pleading filed in this Court. The Channeling Injunction is a necessary and reasonable element of the Settlement Agreement agreed upon in good faith, for value, and for the benefit of the chapter 11 estate.\n\n14. **Exculpation:** In the event the Court issues a Dispositive Ruling in favor of the Trustee, the Assignee shall neither have, nor incur, any liability to any person or entity for any act taken or omitted to be taken in connection with, relating to, or arising out of, (a) the Assignment Proceedings; (b) this Adversary Proceeding; (c) the Settlement Agreement; and (d) formulating, negotiating, preparing, disseminating, implementing, or effecting consummation of the Motion and this Order (other than an act in contravention of the Motion or the implementation of this Order) or any contract, instrument, release, agreement or document created or entered into, or any other act taken or omitted to be taken in good faith, in connection with the Assignment Proceedings, this Adversary Proceeding, the Settlement Agreement, the Motion, and this Order; *provided*, *however*, that the foregoing shall not affect the liability of any person or entity that otherwise would result from any such act or omission to the extent such act or omission is determined by a final order to have constituted fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence.\n\n15. **Return of HCHK Funds to Assignee:** In the event of a final order against the Trustee on both the alter ego and equitable ownership claims, the Trustee shall promptly return the HCHK Funds in his control to the Assignee.\n\n16. **Approval of Notice of Order:** The Court hereby approves the form Settlement Order Notice, attached as **Exhibit A** hereto, to be served on the Assignment Proceedings Notice Parties.\n\n17. This Order shall be effective and enforceable immediately upon entry pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 6004(h).\n\n18. This Court shall retain jurisdiction to hear and determine all matters arising from or related to this Order.\n\nSigned this \\_\\_ day of \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_, 2023\n\n Hon. Julie A. Manning United States Bankruptcy Judge\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n# **EXHIBIT A**\n\n**Settlement Order Notice**\n\n| SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK<br>COUNTY OF NEW YORK<br>-----------------------------------------------------------------------x |           |             |                       |\n|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------|-------------|-----------------------|\n| In the Matter of the General Assignment for the<br>Benefit of Creditors of:                                                              |           | :<br>:      |                       |\n| HCHK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,                                                                                                                 |           | :<br>:<br>: | Index No. 510008/2023 |\n|                                                                                                                                          | Assignor, | :           |                       |\n| -<br>to -                                                                                                                                |           | :<br>:      |                       |\n| BRIAN HOFMEISTER,                                                                                                                        | Assignee. | :<br>:<br>: |                       |\n| -----------------------------------------------------------------------x                                                                 |           | :<br>:      |                       |\n\n### **NOTICE OF ENTRY OF ORDER BY BANKRUPTCY COURT APRPOVING ASSIGNEE'S SETTLEMENT WITH CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE**\n\nPLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on June 8, 2023, Luc A. Despins (the \"**Chapter 11 Trustee**\"), in his capacity as the chapter 11 trustee appointed in the chapter 11 bankruptcy case of Ho Wan Kwok (\"**Kwok**\") pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"**Bankruptcy Court**\") under Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) (the \"**Chapter 11 Case**\"), filed an adversary complaint (the \"**Complaint**\") in the Chapter 11 Case, under Adversary Proceeding No. 23-05013 (the \"**Adversary Proceeding**\"), against, among other defendants, HCHK Technologies, Inc. (\"**HCHK Technologies**\"), HCHK Property Management, Inc. (\"**HCHK Property**\"), Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc. (\"**Lexington Property**,\" and together with HCHK Technologies and HCHK Property, the \"**Assignors**\"), and Brian Hofmeister, in his capacity as assignee for the benefit of creditors of the Assignors (the \"**Assignee**\"), seeking declaratory judgment that the Assignors are alter egos of, or such entities and/or their assets are equitably owned by, Kwok and, in addition, seeking an injunction against any commencement or continuation of the Assignors' assignment for the benefit of creditor proceedings (the \"**Assignment Proceedings**\");\n\nPLEAST TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that on June 8, 2023, the Chapter 11 Trustee also filed an emergency *ex parte* motion seeking a temporary restraining order (the \"**TRO Motion**\"). On June 12, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court issued a temporary restraining order (the \"**TRO**\") which, *inter alia*, temporarily restrains and enjoins the Assignee from commencing or continuing the Assignment Proceedings (or any other judicial, administrative, or other actions or proceedings with respect to the Assignors and/or their assets);\n\nPLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, following extensive good faith negotiations and discussions, the Assignee and the Chapter 11 Trustee have reached a settlement agreement (the \"**Settlement Agreement**\") regarding the TRO and Adversary Proceeding, the terms of which are set forth in the Chapter 11 Trustee's motion seeking the Bankruptcy Court's approval of the\n\nSettlement Agreement (the \"**Settlement Approval Motion**\"), which was filed in the Adversary Proceeding on June 23, 2023;\n\nPLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, following a hearing held in the Bankruptcy Court, on \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court entered an Order (the \"**Settlement Order**\"), a copy of which is attached hereto, granting the Settlement Approval Motion and approving the Settlement Agreement in all respects.<sup>1</sup>\n\nDated: New York, New York June \\_\\_, 2023\n\nCOLE SCHOTZ P.C.\n\nBy: */s/ DRAFT*\n\nWarren A. Usatine Ryan T. Jareck Nolan E. Shanahan 1325 Avenue of the Americas 19th Floor New York, NY 10019 (212) 752-8000\n\n*Proposed Counsel to Brian Hofmeister, Assignee*\n\nTO:\n\nThis notice is being served upon all parties in interest, including, but not limited, to the assignors and all creditors, secured, general or otherwise, of the assigned estates by email, where known, and by first class mail to each party's last known address, where available.\n\n<sup>1</sup> In the event of any inconsistency between the Settlement Order and this notice, the Settlement Order shall control.","body_zh":"美国破产法院\n康涅狄格州联邦地区\n布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n关于：　：\n：\n第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，1\n：\n案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。　：\n：\n（合并管理）\n\nLUC A. DESPINS（卢克·A·德斯平斯），第11章\n受托人，\n原告，\n诉　x\n\n对抗程序案号 23-05013 (JAM)\n\nHCHK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.（HCHK 科技公司）、\nHCHK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC.（HCHK 物业管理公司）、\nLEXINGTON PROPERTY AND STAFFING, INC.（莱克星顿物业与人力资源公司）、\nHOLY CITY HONG KONG VENTURES, LTD.（圣城香港创投有限公司）、\nANTHONY DIBATTISTA（安东尼·迪巴蒂斯塔）、YVETTE WANG（王悦特），\n以及 BRIAN HOFMEISTER（布赖恩·霍夫迈斯特）（以其\n受让人身份），　：\n\n被告。\n\nx\n第11章受托人根据《破产规则》第9019条就与纽约法院转让程序中 HCHK 实体受让人达成和解所提出的动议\n\nLuc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）以其作为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“债务人”或“Kwok”）第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中获任命的第11章受托人（“受托人”）的身份，并作为上述标题所列对抗程序中的原告，特此提交本动议（“本动议”），[2] 根据《联邦破产程序规则》（“《破产规则》”）第9019(a)条及《美国康涅狄格州联邦地区破产法院地方破产程序规则》（“《地方法规》”）第9019-1(a)条，请求作出一项裁定，该裁定实质上应采用随附的附件1（“拟议裁定”）的形式，批准并载明受托人与 Brian Hofmeister（布赖恩·霍夫迈斯特）以其作为 HCHK 实体[3]受让人及上述标题所列对抗程序被告的身份（“受让人”，与受托人合称“双方”）[4]达成的和解协议（“和解协议”）的条款。为支持本动议，受托人谨陈述如下：\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（又名 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号后四位：8202）以及 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，收件人为 Luc A. Despins，作为 Ho Wan Kwok 财产的受托人（仅为通知和通信之目的）。\n\n管辖权及审判地\n\n1. 本法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 和 1334，以及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格州联邦地区法院）作出的移送常设命令，对审理本动议具有管辖权。本案属于 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 所称的核心程序。\n\n2. 根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 和 1409，本地区为适当审判地。\n\n3. 本文所请求救济的依据为《破产规则》第9019(a)条及《地方法规》第9019-1(a)条。\n\n2 本动议中使用但未定义的大写术语，具有《第11章受托人代表 Ho Wan Kwok 财产根据《破产法典》第105、362、363、541、542、544及549条提起的起诉书，请求：(I) 宣告 HCHK Technologies, Inc.、HCHK Property Management, Inc. 及 Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc. 为：(A) 债务人的另一个自我；或 (B) 作为替代救济，裁定债务人衡平地拥有该等实体及/或其财产；以及 (II) 禁令救济》[Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 1]（“起诉书”）中规定的含义。\n\n3 如起诉书所定义，且统称为：(a) HCHK Technologies, Inc.（“HCHK Technologies”）；(b) HCHK Property Management, Inc.（“HCHK Property”）；及 (c) Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc.（“Lexington Property”）。\n\n4 本文中对“双方”“受托人”和“受让人”的提及，视情况包括双方各自的律师、顾问及/或专业人士。\n\n背景\n\nI. 纽约法院转让程序\n\n4. 2023年4月20日，HCHK 实体签署了转让契据，声称将其全部资产转让给受让人；2023年4月25日，该等转让契据向 Supreme Court of the State of New York for New York County（纽约州纽约县最高法院）（“纽约法院”）书记官提交备案。\n\n5. 根据转让契据，受让人被授予的权力包括但不限于：“就针对转让人或有利于转让人的任何及所有请求达成和解，拥有完全的和解权；或者，由受让人自行决定提起诉讼或应诉，并就一切性质的、现有的有利于转让人的任何请求或多项请求提起诉讼或进行抗辩。”[5]\n\n6. 2023年5月，受让人就 HCHK 实体向纽约法院提交受让人宣誓书及相关文件；纽约法院就 HCHK 实体分别作出说明理由命令，要求说明为何不应启动转让程序，并就各 HCHK 实体设定了2023年6月的异议截止日期和听证日期。\n\n7. 2023年5月31日，在涉及 HCHK Technologies 的转让程序中，受让人向纽约法院提交经核证的申请书（“申请”），请求作出命令，授权并批准其与 G-News Operations, LLC（“GNews”）订立临时管理协议（“IMA”）。此后不久，纽约法院作出命令，就该申请设定2023年6月12日为异议截止日期，并设定2023年6月14日为听证日期。\n\n5 起诉书附件13，HCHK Technologies 宣誓书，附件B，为债权人利益而作的转让契据 ¶ 4(f)；起诉书附件17，Lexington Property 宣誓书，附件B，为债权人利益而作的转让契据 ¶ 4(f)；起诉书附件18，HCHK Property 宣誓书，附件B，为债权人利益而作的转让契据 ¶ 4(f)。\n\nII. 受托人提起对抗程序\n\n8. 2023年6月8日，受托人提交起诉书，启动上述标题所列对抗程序（“对抗程序”）。起诉书请求作出宣告性裁定，认定 HCHK 实体为债务人的另一个自我，或该等实体及/或其资产由债务人衡平地拥有；此外，请求禁止启动或继续进行任何转让程序。受托人还于2023年6月8日提交紧急单方动议 [Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 4]（“TRO 动议”），请求临时限制令（“TRO”）；并于2023年6月9日提交与申请及同 G-News 订立的 IMA 有关的补充紧急单方 TRO 动议。[Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 14]。\n\n9. 2023年6月12日，本法院作出《部分准许紧急单方临时限制令及初步禁令动议的命令》[Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 18]（“TRO 命令”）。除其他事项外，TRO 命令规定：\n\n(i) 被告；(ii) 被告的高级职员、代理人、雇员及律师；以及 (iii) 任何与被告及/或被告的高级职员、代理人、雇员及律师积极协同行动或参与的人，包括但不限于 G-News Operations, LLC（“G-News”）及 Irene Feng 女士，均被暂时限制并禁止启动或继续进行转让程序（或与 HCHK 实体及/或其资产有关的任何其他司法、行政或其他诉讼或程序），包括与 G-News 订立的临时管理协议（“IMA”）[6]\n\n10. TRO 命令还规定了与 TRO 动议有关的诉讼时间表，包括2023年6月23日提交异议及证人和证据清单的截止日期、2023年6月24日提交任何支持 TRO 动议的答复的截止日期，以及2023年6月26日的听证日期。\n\n6 TRO 命令，第14-15页。\n\nIII. 受托人与受让人之间的和解协议[7]\n\n11. 在作出 TRO 命令后，受托人与受让人就起诉书和 TRO 动议提出的问题进行了广泛的善意讨论。作为这些讨论的结果，双方达成和解协议，该协议旨在实现：(1) 立即在临时基础上，并在等待对抗程序结果期间，将目前存放于受让人控制账户中的超过 $38 million 的 HCHK 实体现金转入受托人控制的账户；以及 (2) 全面解决双方之间尚未解决的问题。至关重要的是，和解协议还将通过解决受托人与受让人之间尚未解决的问题，为以有利于财产的方式，就受托人关于另一个自我的主张相对迅速且低成本地解决本对抗程序打开道路。这是因为和解协议确保受让人不会反对受托人请求的救济，且受托人保留质疑任何其他试图反对受托人主张的一方当事人诉讼资格的权利。\n\n12. 和解协议设想受让人将采取拟议裁定中规定的各种行动；在现有 TRO 命令下，该等行动本应被禁止。因此，拟议裁定明确修改 TRO 命令的条款，以实施和解协议。载于拟议裁定中的和解协议设想分三个阶段解决双方之间的所有问题，如下所述：\n\n7 如本动议中对和解协议的概述与拟议裁定中规定的和解协议条款和条件之间存在任何不一致，应以拟议裁定的条款为准。\n\na. 和解协议的第一阶段\n\n13. 在和解协议的初始阶段，受让人已同意，其将根据所附拟议裁定，迅速将受让人控制范围内 HCHK 实体的全部资金，包括存入 ConnectOne Bankcorp., Inc. 账户中约为 $38,835,734.27 的现金（“HCHK 资金”，以及该等转移，“初始 HCHK 资金转移”），转入由受托人在一家金融机构控制的独立托管账户（“受托人账户”）；该等资金可投资于最长期限为六个月的国库证券，并在临时基础上持有，等待本法院就起诉书中所列另一个自我及/或衡平所有权诉因作出裁定（本法院作出的任何该等裁定，“决定性裁定”）。为免生疑，在作出决定性裁定之前，受托人无权将 HCHK 资金用于拟议裁定所规定用途以外的任何用途。\n\n14. 与此同时，受让人已同意，其将根据所附拟议裁定，向受托人提供受让人持有的与 HCHK 实体有关的所有非特权公司记录（包括电子形式）及其他文件。\n\n15. 受让人还已同意，其将根据所附拟议裁定，就受托人在下列文件中请求的救济不采取任何立场，亦不提交任何诉状：(a) 起诉书；(b) TRO 动议；或 (c) 在本对抗程序中提出的任何简易判决动议、根据诉状作出判决的动议、缺席判决动议或其他决定性判决动议（各称为“决定性动议”），只要该等决定性动议与本文所载和解一致，并且已就所请求的救济提供适当通知。此外，受让人已同意，其不会反对或协助任何反对在对抗程序中请求的救济或其中提交的任何诉状的一方当事人，不会将其在转让契据下的权利转让给任何人，亦不会同意修改任何该等权利。\n\n16. 各方还同意，根据拟议命令，拟议命令的作出及首次 HCHK 资金转移的发生，不妨害任何一方（受让人除外）就对抗诉讼提交诉状和采取立场的权利，包括在符合诉讼资格要求的前提下反对终局性动议的权利；受托人反对任何一方（包括质疑该方的诉讼资格）的所有权利均予以保留。\n\nb. 和解协议第二阶段\n\n17. 在和解协议的第二阶段，各方同意，在拟议命令作出及首次 HCHK 资金转移发生后，受让人将根据拟议命令获授权，仅依照和解协议的条款并仅为实施和解协议之目的，就让与程序及 HCHK 实体采取某些行动（以下简称“获授权的受让人行动”）。\n\n18. 获授权的受让人行动将包括：(1) 受让人就下列事项向纽约法院（New York Court）寻求救济，但须经受托人审查及事先批准：(a) 启动让与程序；(b) 批准聘任受让人的律师 Cole Schotz P.C.（科尔·肖茨律师事务所）及 McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC（麦克马尼蒙、斯科特兰及鲍曼有限责任公司）；(c) 批准聘任受让人的财务顾问 DLA, LLC（DLA 有限责任公司）；(d) 批准聘任受让人的评估师 A. Atkins Appraisal Corp.（A. Atkins 评估公司）；(e) 对让与程序进行程序性合并及联合管理；以及 (f) 批准受让人为保障 HCHK 实体资金而作出的努力，即在 ConnectOne Bankcorp, Inc.（ConnectOne 银行公司）开立账户，并将该等资金存入多个账户，以使每个账户中的资金均处于联邦保险限额 $250,000 以内；以及 (g) 解除受让人的职责并结案让与程序；(2) 受让人终止与 G-News 的 IMA，并撤回就与 G-News 的 IMA 向纽约法院提交的申请；(3) 在作出终局性裁决前，受让人在经受托人事先批准的前提下继续管理 HCHK 实体，包括：(a) 保障 HCHK 实体位于纽约州纽约市 3 Columbus Circle 的租赁场所（以下简称“Columbus Circle 办公室”），以及位于其中的 HCHK 实体资产（以下简称“Columbus Circle 资产”）；(b) 在适当时通知 Columbus Circle 办公室的出租人和/或转租出租人拟迁离的意图；(c) 安排储存和/或处置 Columbus Circle 资产；(d) 遵从美国司法部（United States Department of Justice）发出的传票；(e) 在作出终局性裁决前，保障存储于公司设备上的 HCHK 实体账簿、记录及其他材料；(f) 取消 Columbus Circle 办公室的安保及公用事业服务；以及 (g) 处理与 HCHK 实体剩余三名雇员及任何雇员计划有关的工资和终止雇佣问题；以及 (4) 受托人与受让人同意为实现和解协议、保存并将 HCHK 实体资产移交受托人以及完成让与程序而属合理及必要的其他行动。受托人可就资助获授权的受让人行动，向受让人预支受托人账户中的一部分 HCHK 资金，受让人可从中支付与获授权的受让人行动相关的费用（下文讨论的某些专业费用及开支除外），但须经受托人批准。\n\n19. 就获授权的受让人行动而言，各方理解并同意，纽约法院就让与程序给予的任何救济，对于根据和解协议向受让人的专业人士或受让人本人作出的任何付款，均不对本院具有约束力；该等付款将仅由本院在下文所述和解协议的第三个、最终阶段确定。\n\nc. 和解协议第三阶段\n\n20. 就和解协议的第三个及最终阶段而言，受托人同意，如本院作出有利于受托人的终局性裁决，受托人将从受托人账户中，依《破产法典》第 363 条作为和解付款（并以受托人审查支持受让人专业人士费用的文件为条件），支付应付受让人及其专业人士的下列金额：(1) 就受让人而言，金额为 $550,000.00；(2) 就 Cole Schotz P.C.（“Cole Schotz”）而言，金额等于 Cole Schotz 自 March 22, 2023 起至提交本动议期间，就准备及推进让与程序所发生的合理费用及开支，该金额不超过 $400,000.00；(3) 就 McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC（“MSB”）而言，金额等于 MSB 作为受让人的拟聘律师自 April 20, 2023 起至提交本动议期间所发生的合理费用及开支，该金额不超过 $75.000.00；(4) 就 A. Atkins Appraisal Corp. 而言，金额为 $7,800.00；(5) 就 DLA, LLC（“DLA”）而言，金额等于 DLA 作为受让人的拟聘财务顾问自 May 1, 2023 起至提交本动议期间所发生的合理费用及开支，该金额不超过 $155,000.00；以及 (6) 就 Cole Schotz、MSB 及 DLA 中的每一家而言，金额等于各该公司自提交本动议之时及之后，就获授权的受让人行动所发生的增量合理费用及开支，但该等费用及开支在发生前须经受托人批准。\n\n21. 和解协议的其他关键条款包括：(1) 一项禁令（以下简称“导流禁令”），据此，如本院作出有利于受托人的终局性裁决，HCHK 实体的所有债权人和/或股权持有人将被禁止、禁令约束及限制，不得针对受让人提起、推进或主张任何请求、索赔或诉因，包括但不限于无论如何命名的分担或赔偿诉因；该禁令尤其排除针对受让人就与和解协议或拟议命令有关的任何事项提出的任何索赔，但通过向本院提交适当诉状提出的索赔除外；以及 (2) 对受让人的责任豁免（以下简称“责任豁免”），即受让人对于因下列事项而采取或未采取的任何行为所产生的、对任何个人或实体的任何责任，获得责任豁免：(a) 让与程序；(b) 本对抗诉讼；(c) 和解协议；以及 (d) 制定、谈判、准备、传播、实施或促成本动议及拟议命令的完成（违反本动议或拟议命令实施的行为除外），或就让与程序、本对抗诉讼、和解协议、本动议及拟议命令，善意地制定或订立的任何合同、文书、豁免、协议或文件，或善意采取或未采取的任何其他行为；但前述规定不影响任何个人或实体因该等行为或不作为原本应承担的责任，只要该等行为或不作为被最终命令认定构成欺诈、故意不当行为或重大过失。导流禁令及责任豁免是和解协议的必要要素，以确保全面终结争议并避免在其他审理机构发生多重诉讼。\n\n22. 最后，如就另我主张及衡平所有权主张两者作出不利于受托人的最终命令，受托人将立即向受让人返还其控制下的 HCHK 资金。\n\nIV. 向让与程序通知当事人发出拟议命令作出通知\n\n23. 根据和解协议，将通过受让人在纽约法院提交一份由受让人拟备的、有关拟议命令的通知（以下简称“和解命令通知”），并将该通知送达让与程序通知当事人，向让与程序中的所有利害关系方提供拟议命令作出的通知，包括但不限于 HCHK 实体及 HCHK 实体的所有债权人（以下统称“让与程序通知当事人”）。和解命令通知的表格副本作为其附件 A 附于拟议命令之后。\n\n请求的救济\n\n24. 受托人通过本动议，请求根据《破产规则》9019(a) 作出命令，全面批准和解协议，并授权各方依照其条款订立及实施和解协议。\n\n请求救济的依据\n\nI. 批准和解协议的标准\n\n25. 为根据《破产规则》9019 批准一项和解及清偿，破产法院应认定该和解及清偿公平、衡平、合理，并符合债务人财产的最佳利益。参见，例如，Air Line Pilots Ass'n, Int'l v. Am. Nat'l Bank & Tr. Co. of Chi. (In re Ionosphere Clubs, Inc.), 156 B.R. 414, 426 (S.D.N.Y. 1993.), aff'd, 17 F.3d 600 (2d Cir. 1994)（引文省略）；In re Enron Corp., No. 02 Civ. 8489(AKH), 2003 WL 230838, at *2 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Jan. 31, 2003)。批准特定和解的决定属于破产法院的合理裁量权。参见 Nellis v. Shugrue, 165 B.R. 115, 122-23 (S.D.N.Y. 1994)。\n\n26. 重要的是，“和解不必是债务人本可获得的最佳和解。”In re Adelphia Commc'ns Corp., 327 B.R. 143, 159 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2005)（引用 In re Penn Cent. Transp. Co., 596 F.2d 1102, 1114 (3d Cir. 1979)）。相反，法院仅需“审视争议事项，并判断该和解是否低于合理性范围的最低点。”Id.（引用 In re W.T. Grant Co., 699 F.2d 599, 608 (2d Cir. 1983)）。在决定某项特定和解是否处于“合理性范围”内时，法院考虑下列因素：\n\n(1) 诉讼成功的可能性与和解未来利益之间的平衡；(2) 发生复杂且旷日持久诉讼的可能性，“及其随之而来的费用、不便和延误”……；(3) “债权人的首要利益”，包括每一受影响类别的相对利益，“以及债权人不反对或明确支持拟议和解的程度”；(4) 其他利害关系方是否支持该和解；(5) 支持该和解的律师的“能力与经验”，以及审查该和解的“破产法院法官的经验与知识”；(6) “高管及董事将获得的豁免的性质及范围”；以及 (7) “该和解在何种程度上是公平交易谈判的产物。”\n\nMotorola, Inc. v. Official Comm. of Unsecured Creditors (In re Iridium Operating LLC), 478 F.3d 452, 462 (2d Cir. 2007)（“Iridium”）。\n\nII. 应批准和解协议\n\n27. 和解协议对于第 11 章财产、并进而对于债务人的债权人而言，是一项极佳结果；在本案情形下并根据适用的 Iridium 因素，该协议公平且合理。\n\n28. 和解协议对破产财产具有重大益处：\na. 根据初始 HCHK 资金划转，超过 $38 million 的现金将立即临时划转至受托人账户，等待对抗程序中的决定性裁定。\nb. 和解协议解决了受托人与受让人之间所有尚未解决的问题。\nc. 由于和解协议确保受让人不会反对受托人所请求的救济，鉴于其他可能试图反对受托人请求的当事人缺乏诉讼地位，和解协议很可能有助于受托人成功解决对抗程序。和解协议明确保留受托人对其他当事人诉讼地位提出质疑的权利。\nd. 和解协议规定由受让人继续管理 HCHK 实体、哥伦布圆环办公室及哥伦布圆环资产，从而减轻受托人的管理负担。\n\n29. 此外，和解协议给第11章破产财产造成的成本或不利影响极小。\n\na. 和解协议允许受让人采取某些获授权的受让人行动，包括在纽约法院（New York Court）寻求有限救济，但其向纽约法院提交的文件将受制于受托人的审查和事先批准，并且仅将用于遵守让与程序中为推进和解协议所需的程序性要求。此外，各方理解并同意，纽约法院的裁决对本院管辖范围内的事项不具有约束力，例如从破产财产资金中支付专业人士费用。\n\nb. 和解协议规定，在取得有利于受托人的决定性裁定的同时，受托人将获授权并被指示根据《破产法典》第363条，作为和解付款，支付应付给受让人及其专业人士的款项，但亦须由受托人审查支持该等专业人士费用的基础文件。鉴于和解协议对破产财产的益处，该等金额数额适中，且受严格上限限制。此外，这些付款具有对价价值，因为如上所述，受让人及其专业人士将向破产财产提供有价值的管理服务。\n\n30. 和解协议以显著方式满足所有相关的 Iridium 因素，为破产财产及其债权人带来重大即时和未来利益，尤其是可能“短路”原本可能耗时且昂贵的对抗程序诉讼。和解协议由受托人与受让人达成，后者控制 HCHK 实体的全部资产及信托契据项下的权利。谈判双方均由受托人和受让人这两名受信义务人组成，并由经验丰富的律师协助，且以独立公平方式进行。和解协议不包含对高级管理人员及董事的任何免责。\n\n31. 此外，导流禁令和免责是和解协议的关键条款，由受让人要求，并且根据《破产程序规则》第9019条及《破产法典》第105条具有充分依据且适当。值得注意的是，导流禁令和免责仅在本院作出决定性裁定、将 HCHK 实体和/或其资产纳入第11章破产财产时生效（因此，该等实体和/或资产属于本院的事项管辖权范围）。\n\n32. 简而言之，和解协议是第11章破产财产的积极进展，受托人认为和解协议符合《破产程序规则》第9019条，并应予批准。\n\n通知\n\n33. 本动议的通知将送达：（i）美国受托人；（ii）受让人；（iii）债务人；（iv）无担保债权人正式委员会；（v）被告；（vi）通过使用本院电子提交文件（“CM/ECF”）系统进行电子提交，送达所有使用 CM/ECF 系统的出庭当事人；（vii）任何在这些第11章案件中请求接收通知、但如电子提交通知所示无法接受电子提交的当事人；以及（viii）由受让人在纽约法院提交其编制的有关 9019 动议的通知（“和解动议通知”），并向让与程序通知当事人送达该通知。[8] 受托人主张，在此情形下，无需其他或进一步通知。\n\n此前未提出请求\n\n34. 受托人此前未曾向本院或任何其他法院提出本文件所请求救济的请求。\n\n8 格式和解动议通知副本作为附件附于《第11章受托人动议：根据〈破产程序规则〉第9019条，就纽约法院让与程序下与 HCHK 实体受让人的和解，（I）请求加快审理，以及（II）限制送达第11章受托人动议》（“加快审理及限制送达动议”），该动议与相关拟议命令（“加快审议及限制送达命令”）一并于本文件同时提交。和解动议通知将在本院通过作出加快审议及限制送达命令予以批准后，向让与程序通知当事人送达。\n\n[本页其余部分特意留白。]\n\n因此，基于上述理由，受托人谨请求作出拟议命令，准许动议所请求的救济，并给予其他公正和适当的救济。\n\n日期：June 23, 2023　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　LUC A. DESPINS（卢克·A·德斯平斯），\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut（康涅狄格州纽黑文）　　　　第11章受托人\n\n签署人：/s/ Patrick R. Linsey\n\nPatrick R. Linsey（帕特里克·R·林赛）（ct29437）\nNEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C.（纽伯特、佩佩与蒙蒂思律师事务所）\n195 Church Street, 13th Floor\nNew Haven, Connecticut 06510\n(203) 781-2847\nplinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n以及\n\nNicholas A. Bassett（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特）（pro hac vice 待决）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP（普衡律师事务所）\n2050 M Street NW\nWashington, D.C., 20036\n(202) 551-1902\nnicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n以及\n\nAvram E. Luft（阿夫拉姆·E·卢夫特）（pro hac vice 待决）\nDouglass Barron（道格拉斯·巴伦）（pro hac vice 待决）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP（普衡律师事务所）\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, New York 10166\n(212) 318-6079\naviluft@paulhastings.com\n\n第11章受托人代理律师\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 1936 Filed 06/23/23 Entered 06/23/23 13:46:58 Page 18 of 28\n\n附件1\n\n拟议命令\n\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT（美国破产法院）\nDISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT（康涅狄格区）\nBRIDGEPORT DIVISION（布里奇波特分庭）\n\nx\n\n关于：　：\n：\n第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，1　：\n：\nCase No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。　：\n：\n（合并管理）\n\nLUC A. DESPINS（卢克·A·德斯平斯），第11章\n受托人，\n原告，\n诉　x\n\nAdv. Proceeding No. 23-05013 (JAM)\n\nHCHK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.（HCHK 技术公司）、\nHCHK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC.（HCHK 物业管理公司）、\nLEXINGTON PROPERTY AND STAFFING, INC.（莱克星顿物业及人事公司）、\nHOLY CITY HONG KONG VENTURES, LTD.（圣城香港创投有限公司）、\nANTHONY DIBATTISTA（安东尼·迪巴蒂斯塔）、YVETTE WANG（伊薇特·王）、\n以及 BRIAN HOFMEISTER（布赖恩·霍夫迈斯特）（以其\n受让人身份），　：\n\n被告。\n\nx\n\n[拟议] 根据《破产程序规则》第9019条批准第11章受托人与纽约法院让与程序下 HCHK 实体受让人达成和解的命令\n\n经 Luc A. Despins 以其作为上述标题所示 Ho Wan Kwok（“债务人”）第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中获任命的第11章受托人（“受托人”）的身份提出的动议，[2] 请求作出命令批准受托人与受让人之间的和解协议，具体如动议中更充分描述；且本院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 对审理该动议及其中所请求的救济具有管辖权。\n\n1. 准许该动议。\n\n2. 对该动议提出的所有异议，如有，凡未被撤回、放弃或和解者，以及其中所载的一切权利保留，均予驳回。\n\n3. 根据《破产程序规则》第9019条，批准受托人与受让人之间的和解协议。\n\n4. 修改 TRO 命令：在其禁止本命令所规定任何行动的范围内，现修改《部分准许紧急单方临时限制令及初步禁令动议的命令》[Adv. Proc. 23-05013, Docket No. 18]（“TRO 命令”）。\n\n5. 初始 HCHK 资金划转。本命令作出后，受让人[3]应立即将 HCHK 资金划转至受托人账户，该等资金可投资于最长期限为六个月的国债证券，并在对抗程序中作出决定性裁定之前临时持有。HCHK 资金应包括受让人控制范围内 HCHK 实体的全部资金，包括存放于 ConnectOne Bankcorp., Inc.（ConnectOne 银行公司）账户内、约为 $38,835,734.27 的现金。为免生疑问，在作出决定性裁定之前，受托人不得获授权将 HCHK 资金用于本命令规定以外的任何目的。\n\n6. 公司记录。受让人应立即向受托人提供其所持有的与 HCHK 实体有关的全部非特权公司记录（包括电子形式）及其他文件。\n\n7. 受让人在对抗程序中不得持有立场。对于受托人在（a）起诉状、（b）TRO 动议或（c）对抗程序中提交的任何终局性动议中所请求的救济，受让人不得持有任何立场，亦不得提交任何诉状，只要该等终局性动议符合本命令所载和解内容，且已对所请求救济给予适当通知。此外，受让人不得反对或协助任何反对对抗程序中所请求救济或其中所提交任何诉状的当事人，不得将其在让与契据项下的权利让与任何人，亦不得同意修改任何该等权利。\n\n8. 不妨害权利。本命令的作出及初始 HCHK 资金划转的发生，不妨害任何当事人（受让人除外）就对抗程序提交诉状及持有立场的权利，包括在符合诉讼地位要求的前提下反对终局性动议；但受托人反对任何当事人的一切权利均予保留，包括对该当事人的诉讼地位提出质疑的权利。\n\n9. 受让人获授权采取的行动。本裁定录入后且初始 HCHK 资金转移发生后，受让人仅可依据和解协议的条款，并仅为执行和解协议之目的，获授权采取某些获授权的受让人行动。获授权的受让人行动包括：(1) 受让人在受托人审查并事先批准的前提下，就下列事项向纽约州法院申请救济：(a) 启动转让程序；(b) 批准聘任受让人的律师 Cole Schotz P.C. 和 McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC；(c) 批准聘任受让人的财务顾问 DLA, LLC；(d) 批准聘任受让人的评估师 A. Atkins Appraisal Corp.；(e) 对转让程序进行程序合并及联合管理；及 (f) 批准受让人为保障 HCHK 实体资金而作出的努力，包括在 ConnectOne Bankcorp, Inc. 开立账户，并将该等资金存入多个账户，以使每一账户中的资金均处于联邦保险限额 \\$250,000 之内；及 (g) 解除受让人的职务并结案转让程序；(2) 受让人终止与 G-News 签订的 IMA，并撤回就与 G-News 签订的 IMA 向纽约州法院提交的申请；(3) 在终局裁定作出前，受让人在受托人事先批准的前提下继续管理 HCHK 实体，包括：(a) 保障 Columbus Circle 办公场所及 Columbus Circle 资产；(b) 在适当时通知 Columbus Circle 办公场所的房东和/或转租房东拟腾退该场所；(c) 安排储存和/或处置 Columbus Circle 资产；(d) 遵从 United States Department of Justice（美国司法部）发出的传票；(e) 在终局裁定作出前，保障存储于公司设备中的 HCHK 实体账簿、记录及其他材料；(f) 取消 Columbus Circle 办公场所的安保和公用事业服务；及 (g) 处理与 HCHK 实体仅余三名雇员及任何雇员福利计划有关的薪酬和离职问题；及 (4) 受托人和受让人同意为实现和解协议、将 HCHK 实体资产保全并移交受托人以及结束转让程序而属合理且必要的其他行动。受托人可从受托人账户中的 HCHK 资金预付一部分给受让人，用于资助获授权的受让人行动；受让人可从中支付与获授权的受让人行动有关的费用（受下文第 11 段规限的专业费用和开支除外），但须经受托人批准。\n\n10. 纽约州法院裁定不具有约束力：纽约州法院就转让程序授予的任何救济，对于属于本院专属管辖范围内的问题，不对本院具有约束力，例如第 11 章财产根据和解协议向受让人的专业人士或受让人本人支付款项。\n\n11. 批准和解付款：如本院作出有利于受托人的终局裁定，受托人应根据 Bankruptcy Code（破产法）第 363 条，从受托人账户中支付下列应付给受让人及其专业人士的款项，作为和解付款（并以受托人审查支持受让人专业人士费用的文件为条件）：(1) 就受让人而言，金额为 \\$550,000.00；(2) 就 Cole Schotz P.C.（“Cole Schotz”）而言，金额相当于 Cole Schotz 自 March 22, 2023 起至提交本动议期间，为准备和推进转让程序所产生的合理费用和开支，但该金额不得超过 \\$400,000.00；(3) 就 McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC（“MSB”）而言，金额相当于 MSB 作为受让人的拟聘律师，自 April 20, 2023 起至提交本动议期间所产生的合理费用和开支，但该金额不得超过 \\$75.000.00；(4) 就 A. Atkins Appraisal Corp. 而言，金额为 \\$7,800.00；(5) 就 DLA, LLC（“DLA”）而言，金额相当于 DLA 作为受让人的拟聘财务顾问，自 May 1, 2023 起至提交本动议期间所产生的合理费用和开支，但该金额不得超过 \\$155,000.00；及 (6) 就 Cole Schotz、MSB 和 DLA 各方而言，金额相当于各事务所自提交本动议之时及之后，就获授权的受让人行动所产生的增量合理费用和开支，但该等费用和开支须在发生前经受托人批准。\n\n12. 修改申报期限裁定：如本院作出有利于受托人的终局裁定，受托人获授权并被指示寻求修改本院的申报期限裁定，以允许 HCHK 实体的债权人（如有）在债务人的第 11 章案件中申报债权。\n\n13. 导向禁令：如本院作出有利于受托人的终局裁定，HCHK 实体的所有债权人和/或股权持有人均被禁止、禁制及限制对受让人启动、推进或主张任何请求、债权或诉因，包括但不限于无论如何称谓的分担或赔偿诉因；尤其不得就与和解协议或拟议裁定有关的任何事项对受让人提出债权，但通过向本院提交适当诉状提出的除外。导向禁令是善意、有对价且为第 11 章财产利益而达成的和解协议中必要且合理的要素。\n\n14. 免责：如本院作出有利于受托人的终局裁定，受让人对于任何人或实体，就其与下列事项有关、涉及下列事项或由下列事项引起而采取或未采取的任何行动，均不承担或发生任何责任：(a) 转让程序；(b) 本对抗程序；(c) 和解协议；及 (d) 制定、谈判、准备、传播、执行或完成本动议及本裁定（违反本动议或本裁定执行规定的行为除外），或制定或订立任何合同、文书、解除文件、协议或文件，或就转让程序、本对抗程序、和解协议、本动议及本裁定善意采取或未采取的任何其他行动；但是，前述规定不影响任何人或实体就任何该等行为或不作为本应承担的责任，但以该等行为或不作为经终局裁定认定构成欺诈、故意不当行为或重大过失的范围为限。\n\n15. 向受让人返还 HCHK 资金：如对受托人的替身实体和衡平所有权两项主张均作出不利于受托人的终局裁定，受托人应立即将其控制的 HCHK 资金返还给受让人。\n\n16. 批准裁定通知：本院特此批准作为本裁定附件 A 附上的和解裁定通知格式，以向转让程序通知当事人送达。\n\n17. 本裁定应根据 Bankruptcy Rule 6004(h) 于录入后立即生效并可执行。\n\n18. 本院保留管辖权，以审理和裁定因本裁定产生或与本裁定有关的所有事项。\n\n签署于 2023 年 ________ 月 __ 日\n\nHon. Julie A. Manning（朱莉·A·曼宁法官） United States Bankruptcy Judge（美国破产法官）\n\n____________________________________________________________\n附件 A\n\n和解裁定通知\n\nSUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK（纽约州最高法院）\nCOUNTY OF NEW YORK（纽约县）\n\n关于为下列主体债权人利益而作出一般转让之事项：\n\nHCHK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.，：\n：\n：Index No. 510008/2023\n转让人，：\n-\n转让给：\n\nBRIAN HOFMEISTER（布赖恩·霍夫迈斯特），受让人。：\n\n-----------------------------------------------------------------------x：\n\n破产法院批准受让人与第 11 章受托人和解之裁定的录入通知\n\n特此通知，June 8, 2023，Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）（“第 11 章受托人”）以其作为在 United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格联邦地区破产法院）（“破产法院”）审理的 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“Kwok”）第 11 章破产案件中获任命的第 11 章受托人的身份，在 Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)（“第 11 章案件”）项下，于第 11 章案件中提交了一份对抗性起诉状（“起诉状”），即 Adversary Proceeding No. 23-05013（“本对抗程序”），起诉包括下列被告在内的各方：HCHK Technologies, Inc.（“HCHK Technologies”）、HCHK Property Management, Inc.（“HCHK Property”）、Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc.（“Lexington Property”，并与 HCHK Technologies 及 HCHK Property 合称“转让人”），以及 Brian Hofmeister，其身份为转让人债权人利益转让的受让人（“受让人”）；该起诉状寻求确认判决，确认转让人为 Kwok 的替身实体，或该等实体和/或其资产由 Kwok 衡平所有；此外，还寻求禁令，禁止任何启动或继续进行转让人为债权人利益而作出的转让程序（“转让程序”）；\n\n进一步通知，June 8, 2023，第 11 章受托人还提交了一项紧急单方动议，请求颁发临时限制令（“TRO 动议”）。June 12, 2023，破产法院颁发了一项临时限制令（“TRO”），该限制令尤其暂时限制并禁止受让人启动或继续进行转让程序（或就转让人和/或其资产采取任何其他司法、行政或其他行动或程序）；\n\n进一步通知，经广泛的善意谈判和讨论后，受让人与第 11 章受托人已就 TRO 和本对抗程序达成和解协议（“和解协议”）；其条款载于第 11 章受托人为请求破产法院批准和解协议而提出的动议（“和解批准动议”）中，该动议于 June 23, 2023 在本对抗程序中提交；\n\n进一步通知，在破产法院举行听证后，于 2023 年 __________，破产法院录入了一项裁定（“和解裁定”），其副本附于本通知，准予和解批准动议并在所有方面批准和解协议。1\n\n日期：New York, New York June __, 2023\n\nCOLE SCHOTZ P.C.\n\n签字：/s/ DRAFT\n\nWarren A. Usatine\nRyan T. Jareck\nNolan E. Shanahan\n1325 Avenue of the Americas\n19th Floor\nNew York, NY 10019\n(212) 752-8000\n\nBrian Hofmeister 受让人的拟聘律师\n\n致：\n\n本通知通过电子邮件（如已知）及通过一级邮件寄送至各方最后已知地址（如可获得），向所有利害关系方送达，包括但不限于转让人以及转让财产的所有有担保、一般或其他债权人。\n\n1 如和解裁定与本通知之间存在任何不一致，应以和解裁定为准。","key_entities":["HCHK","Je","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Guo","Paul Hastings","Miles Guo","CIPA"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":7367,"status":"published","published_at":"2023-06-23 00:00:00","created_at":"2023-06-23","updated_at":"2026-08-23 20:32:08"}