{"id":"court_ctb_1953_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1953,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":"2023-05-30","title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | -------------------------------------------","summary_zh":"批准出售「Lady May」号游艇裁定 —— Ho Wan Kwok 破产案（郭文贵 / Guo Wengui / Miles Guo），CTB 22-50073 ECF #1953（2023-05-30立案/2023-06-27签署）。破产法院作出正式裁定，批准受托人向 Herb Chambers Yachting, LLC 无负担出售超级游艇「Lady May」号，豁免破产规则 6004(h) 规定的 14 天自动暂缓执行期，并授权在交易完成时向经纪商 Edmiston 支付 1,157,500 美元销售佣金。","summary_en":"Order Approving Sale of Yacht Lady May — In re Ho Wan Kwok (Miles Guo / Guo Wengui), CTB 22-50073 ECF #1953 (filed May 30, 2023). The bankruptcy court entered an order on June 27, 2023 authorizing the Chapter 11 Trustee to sell the luxury yacht Lady May free and clear of all liens and claims to Herb Chambers Yachting, LLC, waiving the 14-day stay under Bankruptcy Rule 6004(h) and approving payment of a $1,157,500 sales commission to Edmiston.","body_en":"# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------  | x           |                         |\n|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                                  | :<br>:      | Chapter 11              |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,1                                   | :<br>:      | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.                                                | :<br>:<br>: | (Jointly Administered)  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------x |             |                         |\n\n# **ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 105 AND 363, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2002 AND 6004(c) AND LOCAL RULES 6004-1 AND 6004-2, (I) AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING SALE OF THE LADY MAY FREE AND CLEAR OF LIENS, CLAIMS, INTERESTS, AND ENCUMBRANCES, (II) AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT, AND (III) GRANTING RELATED RELIEF**\n\n Upon the motion (the \"Motion\")2 of Luc A. Despins, in his capacity as the chapter 11\n\ntrustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\"),\n\npursuant to pursuant to sections 105, 363(b), and 363(f) of title 11 of the United States Code (the\n\n\"Bankruptcy Code\"), Rules 2002, 6004(c), and 9014 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy\n\nProcedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), and Rules 6004-1 and 6004-2 of the Local Rules of\n\nBankruptcy Procedure of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the\n\n\"Local Rules\"), seeking entry of an order (i) authorizing and approving the Trustee's sale (the\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 shall having the meanings set forth in the Motion or the PSA, as applicable; provided, however, no capitalized terms used herein shall in any way be modified, amended, or supplemented in the PSA after this Order becomes final.\n\n\"Sale\") of the Lady May3 to Herb Chambers Yachting, LLC (the \"Buyer\") free and clear of all liens, claims, interests and encumbrances pursuant to that certain purchase and sale agreement, dated May 30, 2023, by and among the Buyer and the Trustee (together with the related addenda, dated May 30, 2023 and dated June 19, 2023, the \"PSA\"), (ii) authorizing and approving the PSA, and (iii) granting related relief, all as further detailed in the Motion; and hearing on the Motion having been held on June 27, 2023 (the \"Hearing\"), during which the Trustee's Exhibits 1 through 28 and the testimony of Mr. Johnson and the Trustee were admitted into evidence in support of the Sale; and this Court having reviewed and considered the Motion, the declaration of Dirk Johnson (the \"Johnson Declaration\") in support of the requested relief, and all objections thereto, and the arguments made by counsel and evidence adduced at the Hearing; and it appearing the terms of the PSA are in the best interests of the Debtor, the estate, creditors and other parties in interest; and after due deliberation thereon, and good cause appearing therefor,\n\n#### **THE COURT HEREBY FINDS THAT**: 4\n\n#### **Jurisdiction and Final Order**\n\nA. This Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine the approval of the Sale and the PSA under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1334 and 157, and the *Standing Order of Reference* from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. This is a core proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 157(b). Venue of this case in this district is proper under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n<sup>3</sup> For purposes of the sale under the PSA, the term \"Lady May\" consists all assets to be sold pursuant to the PSA, including all gear, machinery, equipment, furniture, fuel, consumables, all registered or unregistered tenders, toys, articles and appurtenances on board the Lady May and/or included on the Lady May's listing specification as of the date of the PSA (*i.e.*, May 30, 2023). For the avoidance of doubt, the Lady May II is not included as part of the Sale.\n\n<sup>4</sup> The findings and conclusions set forth herein constitute the Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 7052, made applicable to this proceeding pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9014.\n\nB. This Order constitutes a final order within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 158(a).\n\nNotwithstanding Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h), and to any extent necessary under Bankruptcy Rule 9014 and Rule 54(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as made applicable by Bankruptcy Rule 7054, this Court expressly finds that there is no just reason to delay the implementation of this Order, and expressly directs entry of judgment as set forth herein. The Buyer, being a good faith purchaser under section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code, may close the sale contemplated by the PSA at any time after the entry of this Order and shall not be subject to the stay provided by Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h).\n\n#### **Notice of Sale**\n\nC. Actual written notice of the Motion, the Hearing, and a reasonable opportunity to object or be heard with respect to the Motion and the relief requested therein, has been afforded to all known interested persons or entities.\n\nD. As evidenced by the certificates of service previously filed with this Court: (i) due, proper, timely, adequate and sufficient notice of the Motion, the Hearing, the entry of this Order, the Sale, and the relevant objection deadlines has been provided to all parties-in-interest; (ii) such notice was, and is, good, sufficient and appropriate under the circumstances of this chapter 11 case, provided a fair and reasonable opportunity for parties-in-interest to object, and to be heard, with respect thereto, and was provided in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules, and the applicable Local Rules; and (iii) no other or further notice of such matters is necessary or shall be required.\n\n## **Business Judgment**\n\nE. The Trustee has demonstrated good, sufficient, and sound business purposes and justifications for, and compelling circumstances to promptly consummate, the Sale and such\n\naction is an appropriate exercise of the Trustee's business judgment and in the best interests of the Debtor, his estate, and his creditors. Such business reasons include, but are not limited to, the facts that: (i) the Purchase Price and the other terms set forth in the PSA constitute the highest or otherwise highest and best offer received for the Lady May; (ii) the Sale on the terms set forth in the PSA presents an orderly and expeditious sale of the Lady May and the best opportunity to maximize the value of the Lady May; and (iii) unless the Sale is concluded expeditiously as provided for in this Order and pursuant to the PSA, potential creditor recoveries may be substantially diminished.\n\n#### **Marketing Process**\n\nF. As demonstrated by the Motion, the Johnson Declaration, the testimony and other evidence proffered or adduced at the Hearing, and the representations of the Trustee and his counsel made on the record at the Hearing: (i) the Trustee and his broker, Edmiston and Company Limited (\"Edmiston\"), engaged in a robust and extensive marketing and sale process; (ii) the Trustee and his advisors conducted a fair and open sale process; (iii) the sale process was non-collusive, duly noticed, and provided a full, fair, and reasonable opportunity for any entity to make an offer to purchase the Lady May; and (iv) the process conducted by the Trustee obtained the highest and best value for the Lady May for the Trustee and the Debtor's estate.\n\n#### **Fair Consideration; Highest or Best Value**\n\nG. The consideration to be provided by the Buyer under the PSA is fair and reasonable consideration for the Lady May and constitutes (i) reasonably equivalent value under the Bankruptcy Code, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, and the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act, (ii) fair consideration under the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, and (iii) reasonably equivalent value, fair consideration, and fair value under any other applicable laws of the United States, any state, territory or possession or the District of Columbia. Such consideration constitutes the highest and best bid for the Lady May. No other person or entity or group of persons or entities has offered to purchase the Lady May for an amount that would give equal or greater value to the Debtor's estate than the value provided by the Buyer pursuant to the PSA. Prompt approval of the Sale is the only means to maximize the value of the Lady May.\n\n### **Good Faith**\n\nH. The PSA and the Sale were negotiated, proposed, and entered into, and are being undertaken by the Trustee and the Buyer in good faith, without collusion, and from arms' length bargaining positions. Likewise, the value that the Debtor's estate will receive on consummation of the Sale is the product of arms' length negotiations between the Trustee, the Buyer, and their respective representatives and advisors.\n\nI. The Buyer is purchasing the Lady May in good faith, and is a good faith purchaser, within the meaning of section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code, and is therefore entitled to the full rights, benefits, privileges, and protections of that provision and any other applicable or similar bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy law.\n\nJ. Neither the Buyer nor the Trustee have engaged in any conduct that would prevent the application of section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code to the PSA or to the consummation of the Sale.\n\nK. The Buyer proceeded in good faith in all respects in connection with the Sale and this proceeding in that, among other things: (a) the Buyer's bid was the result of a competitive bidding process; (b) all payments to be made by the Buyer, and other agreements or arrangements entered into by the Buyer in connection with the Sale set forth in the PSA, have\n\nbeen disclosed; and (c) the Buyer has not violated section 363(n) of the Bankruptcy Code by any action or inaction.\n\nL. The Buyer is not an insider or an affiliate (as that term is defined in sections 101(2) and 101(31) of the Bankruptcy Code) of the Debtor.\n\n#### **Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code Is Satisfied**\n\nM. The Trustee is authorized to sell the Lady May free and clear of liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances against the Debtor or his estate, because one of more of the standards set forth in section 363(f)(1)-(5) of the Bankruptcy Code has been satisfied.\n\nN. Those holders of liens, claims, interests, or encumbrances who did not object (or who ultimately withdrew their objections, if any) to the Sale or the Motion have either consented to or are deemed to have consented to the Sale pursuant to section 363(f)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. In addition, one or more of the other subsections of section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code apply and, therefore, holders of liens, claims, interests, or encumbrances in the Lady May are adequately protected by having their liens, claims, interests, or encumbrances in the Lady May attach solely to the proceeds of the Sale in the same order of priority and with the same extent, validity, force, and effect that such holders had prior to the Sale.\n\nO. The Buyer would not have entered into the Sale and will not consummate the transactions contemplated thereby, thus adversely affecting the Debtor's estate and his creditors, (i) if the sale of the Lady May was not free and clear of all liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances or (ii) if the Buyer would, or in the future could, be liable for any such liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances. The total consideration to be provided under the PSA reflects the Buyer's reliance on this Order to provide it with title to and possession of the Lady\n\nMay free and clear of all liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances pursuant to sections 105(a) and 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n## **Validity of Transfer**\n\nP. The transfer of the Lady May to the Buyer will be a legal, valid, and effective transfer of the Lady May, and will vest the Buyer with any legal, equitable and beneficial right, title, and interest of the Debtor in and to the Lady May, free and clear of all liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances. The consummation of the Sale is legal, valid, and properly authorized under all applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including, without limitation, sections 105(a), 363(b), 363(f), and 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code, and all of the applicable requirements of such sections have been complied with in respect of the Sale. Subsequent to the Closing, the Debtor's estate will be relieved of all liability or other obligation of any kind with respect to claims arising from or related to the Buyer's post-Closing operation and/or ownership of the Lady May.\n\n#### **Waiver of Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h)**\n\nQ. The sale of the Lady May must be approved and consummated promptly. The Trustee and the Buyer intend to close the Sale on or before June 30, 2023. The Trustee has demonstrated compelling circumstances and a good, sufficient, and sound business purpose and justification for the immediate approval and consummation of the Sale as contemplated by the PSA. Accordingly, there is sufficient cause to lift the stay contemplated by Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h) with regard to the transactions contemplated by this Order.\n\n### **THE COURT HEREBY ORDERS, ADJUDGES, AND DECREES:**\n\n1. The Motion is GRANTED and approved in all respects, and (i) the objections filed at ECF Nos. 1933, 1945, 1946, and 1947 are overruled and (ii) the objection of HK\n\nInternational Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC (\"HK USA\") and Mei Guo, filed at ECF No. 1939, is resolved by agreement through language added to paragraph 9 to this Order.\n\n2. The PSA is hereby approved as set forth herein.\n\n3. Pursuant to sections 363(b) and 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Sale of the Lady May to the Buyer pursuant to the PSA free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances, and other interests is approved in all respects. For the avoidance of doubt, the Lady May shall include the guest tender stored inside the Lady May, *i.e.*, the 2017 Williams Diesel Jet 625 with Serial Number WTPD40471718.\n\n4. Pursuant to sections 105(a), 363(b), and 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Trustee is authorized to transfer the Lady May in accordance with the terms of the PSA and this Order. The transfer of the Lady May by the Trustee to the Buyer in accordance with the PSA shall: (a) be valid, legal, binding, and effective; (b) vest the Buyer with all right, title, and interest of the Trustee in and to the Lady May; and (c) be free and clear of all liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances against the Lady May, in accordance with section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n5. Pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, this Order shall and does, as of the Closing, divest the Debtor and his estate of all right, title, and interest in and to the Lady May.\n\n6. The consideration provided by the Buyer for the Lady May under the PSA is fair and reasonable and shall be deemed for all purposes to constitute reasonably equivalent value, fair value, and fair consideration under the Bankruptcy Code and any other applicable law, and the Sale may not be avoided or rejected, or costs or damages imposed or awarded against the Buyer, under section 363(n) or any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n7. The Trustee is authorized and directed to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to (a) consummate the Sale concerning the transfer of the Lady May to the Buyer at a closing in accordance with the Motion, the PSA and this Order, (b) perform, consummate, implement, and close fully the PSA together with all additional instruments and documents that may be reasonably necessary or desirable to implement this Order, and the PSA, and (c) perform the obligations contemplated by this Order, and the PSA, including all actions reasonably requested by the Buyer in regard thereto.\n\n8. The sale of the Lady May by the Trustee to the Buyer shall constitute a legal, valid and effective transfer of the Lady May, notwithstanding any requirement for approval or consent by any person, and vest the Buyer with all rights, title, and interests in the Lady May, subject to the terms of the PSA.\n\n9. All liens, claims, interests, and/or encumbrances in, on, or against the Lady May shall automatically attach solely to the proceeds of the Sale with the same validity, priority, force, and effect that they now have as against the Lady May, subject to any claims and defenses the Trustee or the Debtor's estate may possess with respect thereto; *provided*, *however*, that such provision shall not preclude the Trustee's use of such proceeds, provided further that such use to pay the Trustee's professionals shall be subject to adjustment and/or disgorgement (other than Edmiston) in the event a final and no longer appealable order enters determining that the Lady May and/or its proceeds are property of HK USA, in which case HK USA shall be entitled to receive payment from the proceeds and/or the Debtor's estate to the extent of such finally determined interest; such adjustment and/or disgorgement shall only be ordered by this Court in the event and to the extent the Debtor's estate lacks the ability to independently satisfy the HK USA's liens, claims, interests and/or encumbrances, if any, from the proceeds of the Sale or\n\nother assets of the Debtor's estate. The Trustee acknowledges and agrees that the Sale authorized by this Order shall not equitably moot the appeal from this Court's Order Granting Partial Summary Judgement in *HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC v. Luc A. Despins, Trustee*, Adv. Proc. No. 22-05003 (JAM). Notwithstanding anything in this Order, nothing herein shall preclude the Trustee's right to object to the standing of HK USA and Mei Guo to be heard in the Debtor's chapter 11 case. This Order shall be effective as a determination that, on and as of the Closing, all liens, claims, interests, and/or encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever in, on, or against the Lady May have been unconditionally released, discharged, and terminated. The provisions of this Order authorizing and approving the transfer of the Lady May free and clear of liens, claims, encumbrances, and other interests shall be selfexecuting, and neither the Trustee nor the Buyer shall be required to execute or file releases, termination statements, assignments, consents, or other instruments in order to effectuate, consummate, and implement the provisions of this Order and the PSA.\n\n10. Subject to the terms, conditions, and provisions of this Order, all persons and entities are hereby forever prohibited and barred from taking any action that would adversely affect or interfere, or that would be inconsistent (a) with the ability of the Trustee to sell and transfer the Lady May to the Buyer, (b) with the ability of the Buyer to acquire, take possession of, use and operate the Lady May in accordance with the terms of the PSA and this Order, and (c) with the ability of the Trustee and the Buyer to perform their respective obligations thereunder; provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall not impair the right of any party in interest with the requisite standing to appeal this Order in accordance with applicable law or opposing any appeal of this Order.\n\n11. The Purchaser is entitled to all the protections afforded by section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Sale contemplated by the PSA and this Order are undertaken by the Buyer in good faith, as that term is used in section 363(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and, accordingly, the reversal or modification on appeal of the authorization provided herein to consummate the Sale shall not affect the validity of the Sale unless such authorization is duly stayed pending such appeal prior to the Closing. For the avoidance of doubt, the pendency of an appeal of this Order, absent a stay of this Order pending appeal, shall not constitute a basis not to consummate the Sale.\n\n12. The failure specifically to include any particular provisions of the PSA in this Order shall not diminish or impair the efficacy of such provision, it being the intent of this Court that the PSA and each and every provision, term, and condition thereof (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the addendum thereto) be, and therefore is, authorized and approved in its entirety; provided, however that the PSA may be modified, amended, or supplemented by the parties thereto, in a writing signed by all parties, without further notice to or order of this Court, provided that any such modification, amendment, or supplementation does not have a material adverse effect on the Debtor's estate, unless approved by order of this Court.\n\n13. The provisions of this Order, the PSA, and any actions taken pursuant hereto or thereto, shall survive entry of any order which may be entered confirming or consummating any chapter 11 plan, or which may be entered converting this chapter 11 case from chapter 11 to chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code or dismissing this chapter 11 case, and the terms and provisions of the PSA, as well as the rights and interests granted pursuant to this Order, the PSA, shall continue in this chapter 11 case or any superseding cases and shall be specifically performable and enforceable against and binding upon the Trustee, the Debtor, his estate, all\n\ncreditors, all holders of claim(s) (whether known or unknown) against the Debtor, all holders of liens, claims, interests, and/or encumbrances (whether known or unknown) against, in, or on all or any portion of the Lady May, the Buyer and its respective successors and permitted assigns, and any other trustee or other fiduciary hereafter appointed or elected as a legal representative of the Debtor under chapter 7 or chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, including without limitation plan fiduciaries, plan administrators, litigation or liquidation trustees appointed during the pendency of, or upon confirmation of a chapter 11 plan in this chapter 11 case.\n\n14. This Order is and shall be binding upon and govern the acts of all persons and entities (including, without limitation, all filing agents, filing officers, title agents, title companies, recorders of mortgages, recorders of deeds, registrars of deeds, administrative agencies, governmental departments, and secretaries of state, federal and local officials) who may be required by operation of law, the duties of their office, or contract to accept, file, register, or otherwise record or release any documents or instruments, or who may be required to report or insure any title or state of title in or to the Lady May. Each of the foregoing persons and entities shall accept for filing any and all of the documents and instruments necessary and appropriate to release, discharge, and terminate any of the liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances against the Lady May or to otherwise consummate the Sale contemplated by this Order, and the PSA. All liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances of record as of the date of this Order shall be forthwith deemed removed and stricken as against the Lady May. All persons and entities described in this paragraph are authorized and specifically directed to strike all such recorded liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances against the Lady May from their records, official and otherwise.\n\n15. The terms and provisions of the PSA and this Order shall be binding in all respects upon, or shall inure to the benefit of, the Trustee, the Debtor's estate and its creditors, the Buyer and its affiliates, successors, and assigns, and any affected third parties, including all persons asserting liens, claims, interests, or encumbrances in, on, or against the Lady May, notwithstanding any subsequent appointment of any other trustee, examiner, or receiver under any chapter of the Bankruptcy Code or any other law, and all such provisions and terms shall likewise be binding on such trustee, examiner, or receiver and shall not be subject to rejection or avoidance by the Trustee, the Debtor, his estate, his creditors or any such trustee, examiner, or receiver.\n\n16. Upon the Closing, the Trustee is authorized to pay the Full Fee (as defined in the Edmiston Retention Order) equal to 5% of the Purchase Price, *i.e.*, \\$1,157,500.00 to Edmiston. In addition, (a) if the Closing is not consummated due to the Trustee's non-performance, the Trustee shall pay the aforementioned Full Fee to Edmiston and (b) if the Closing is not consummated due to the Buyer's non-performance, the Trustee shall pay to Edmiston an amount equal to \\$200,000 out of the Deposit, which amount will count against, and reduce, any commission that Edmiston may earn (in accordance with its engagement letter with the Trustee) if a sale of the Lady May is consummated with a different buyer.\n\n17. For the avoidance of doubt, no estate causes of action are being sold as part of the Sale.\n\n18. Notwithstanding the provisions of Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h) or any applicable provisions of the Local Rules, this Order shall not be stayed after the entry hereof, but shall be effective and enforceable immediately upon entry, and the 14-day stay provided in Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h) is hereby expressly waived and shall not apply. The Trustee and the Buyer intend to close the Sale on or before June 30, 2023. Any party objecting to this Order must exercise due diligence in filing an appeal and pursuing a stay within the time prescribed by law and prior to the Closing, or risk its appeal will be foreclosed as moot.\n\n19. Nothing in this Order shall modify or waive any closing conditions or termination rights in the PSA, and all such conditions and rights shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.\n\n20. As of the Closing, all agreements of any kind whatsoever and all orders of this Court entered prior to the date hereof shall be deemed amended and/or modified to the extent required to permit the consummation of the Sale, including, without limitation, the transfer of the Lady May to the Buyer and the occurrence of the Closing.\n\n21. No bulk sales law or any similar law of any state or other jurisdiction applies in any way to the Sale.\n\n22. To the extent necessary, the requirements of Local Rule 6004-2(b) are hereby waived.\n\n23. A closing statement shall be filed on the Court's docket within 10 days of closing of the Sale.\n\n24. To the extent that there is a conflict between the provisions of this Order and the PSA, this Order shall prevail.\n\n25. This Court shall retain jurisdiction to, among other things, (a) interpret, enforce, and implement the terms and provisions of this Order and the PSA (including all amendments thereto, any waivers and consents thereunder, and of each of the agreements executed in connection therewith) and (b) adjudicate disputes related to this Order and the PSA (including all amendments thereto, any waivers and consents thereunder, and of each of the agreements executed in connection therewith).\n\nDated at Bridgeport, Connecticut this 27th day of June, 2023.\n\n![](_page_13_Picture_10.jpeg)","body_zh":"美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院\n\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n关于：　：\n：　第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人1　：\n：　案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。　：\n：\n：　（合并管理）\n\n根据《破产法典》第105条及第363条、《破产程序规则》第2002条及第6004(c)条以及地方法则第6004-1条及第6004-2条作出的命令：(I) 授权并批准将“梅夫人”号无留置权、债权、权益及负担地出售，(II) 授权并批准购买及出售协议，以及 (III) 准予相关救济\n\n根据Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）以其在Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）第11章案件中获任命的第11章受托人（以下简称“受托人”）身份提出的动议（以下简称“动议”）2，依据《美国法典》第11编（以下简称“《破产法典》”）第105条、第363(b)条及第363(f)条、《联邦破产程序规则》（以下简称“《破产程序规则》”）第2002条、第6004(c)条及第9014条，以及美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院破产程序地方法则（以下简称“《地方法则》”）第6004-1条及第6004-2条，请求作出命令：(i) 授权并批准受托人依据买方与受托人于2023年5月30日订立的特定购买及出售协议（连同相关附件，即日期为2023年5月30日及2023年6月19日的附件，以下简称“PSA”），向Herb Chambers Yachting, LLC（赫伯·钱伯斯游艇有限责任公司，以下简称“买方”）无留置权、债权、权益及负担地出售“梅夫人”号3（以下简称“出售”）；(ii) 授权并批准PSA；以及 (iii) 准予相关救济，具体均如动议中进一步详述；且本院已于2023年6月27日就该动议举行听证（以下简称“听证会”），在听证会上，受托人证据1至28以及Johnson先生和受托人的证词均获准作为支持出售的证据；且本院已审阅并考虑该动议、Dirk Johnson（德克·约翰逊）为支持所请求救济而提交的声明（以下简称“Johnson声明”）、就此提出的所有异议，以及律师在听证会上提出的论点和采纳的证据；且PSA条款显然符合债务人、破产财产、债权人及其他利害关系方的最佳利益；且经适当审议，并有充分理由，现本院认定如下：4\n\n管辖权及终局命令\n\nA. 本院根据28 U.S.C. §§ 1334 and 157以及美国康涅狄格州联邦地区法院的移送常设命令，对出售和PSA的批准具有审理及裁定管辖权。本案根据28 U.S.C. § 157(b)属于核心程序。本案在本地区的审判地根据28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409适当。\n\n3 就依据PSA进行出售而言，“梅夫人”号一词包括根据PSA将予出售的全部资产，包括截至PSA日期（即2023年5月30日）“梅夫人”号船上和/或列于“梅夫人”号清单规格中的所有装具、机械、设备、家具、燃料、消耗品、所有已登记或未登记的附属艇、玩具、物品及附属物。为免疑义，“梅夫人II”号不作为出售的一部分。\n\n4 本文所列认定和结论构成本院根据《破产程序规则》第7052条作出的事实认定和法律结论；该条根据《破产程序规则》第9014条适用于本程序。\n\nB. 本命令构成28 U.S.C. § 158(a)所称的终局命令。\n\n尽管《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条另有规定，并且在《破产程序规则》第9014条以及经《破产程序规则》第7054条适用的《联邦民事诉讼规则》第54(b)条所要求的任何范围内，本院明确认定，不存在延迟执行本命令的正当理由，并明确指示按本文规定录入判决书。作为《破产法典》第363(m)条项下善意购买人的买方，可在本命令录入后任何时间完成PSA所设想的出售，且不受《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条规定的中止约束。\n\n出售通知\n\nC. 已向所有已知利害关系个人或实体实际提供关于该动议、听证会的书面通知，以及就该动议和其中所请求的救济提出异议或陈述意见的合理机会。\n\nD. 如先前向本院提交的送达证明所示：(i) 已向所有利害关系方适当、适式、及时、充分且足够地提供关于该动议、听证会、本命令的录入、出售以及相关异议期限的通知；(ii) 在本第11章案件的具体情形下，该等通知过去及现在均属良好、充分且适当，向利害关系方提供了公平合理的机会，以就其提出异议和陈述意见，并且该等通知系依照《破产法典》《破产程序规则》及适用的《地方法则》提供；以及 (iii) 无须亦不应要求就该等事项提供任何其他或进一步通知。\n\n商业判断\n\nE. 受托人已证明，迅速完成出售具有良好、充分及合理的商业目的、正当理由和令人信服的情形；该行动系对受托人商业判断的适当行使，且符合债务人、其破产财产及其债权人的最佳利益。该等商业理由包括但不限于以下事实：(i) PSA所载购买价格及其他条款构成就“梅夫人”号收到的最高报价，或以其他方式构成最高且最佳报价；(ii) 按PSA所载条款进行出售，能够以有序且迅速的方式出售“梅夫人”号，并提供最大化“梅夫人”号价值的最佳机会；以及 (iii) 除非如本命令所规定并依照PSA迅速完成出售，否则债权人的潜在受偿可能会大幅减少。\n\n营销程序\n\nF. 如该动议、Johnson声明、在听证会上提出或采纳的证词及其他证据，以及受托人及其律师在听证会上记录在案的陈述所证明：(i) 受托人及其经纪人Edmiston and Company Limited（埃德米斯顿有限公司，以下简称“Edmiston”）开展了有力且广泛的营销及出售程序；(ii) 受托人及其顾问实施了公平且公开的出售程序；(iii) 该出售程序不存在串通，已妥为通知，并为任何实体提出购买“梅夫人”号的报价提供了充分、公平及合理的机会；以及 (iv) 受托人实施的程序为受托人及债务人的破产财产取得了“梅夫人”号的最高且最佳价值。\n\n公平对价；最高或最佳价值\n\nG. 买方根据PSA提供的对价，是对“梅夫人”号公平合理的对价，并构成：(i) 《破产法典》《统一欺诈性转让法》及《统一可撤销交易法》项下合理等值的价值；(ii) 《统一欺诈性让与法》项下的公平对价；以及 (iii) 美国、任何州、领地、属地或哥伦比亚特区任何其他适用法律项下合理等值的价值、公平对价及公平价值。该等对价构成对“梅夫人”号的最高且最佳报价。没有其他个人、实体或个人或实体团体提出以高于或等于买方根据PSA提供的价值购买“梅夫人”号，从而使债务人破产财产获得相等或更大价值。及时批准出售是最大化“梅夫人”号价值的唯一方式。\n\n善意\n\nH. PSA及出售由受托人和买方以善意、无串通且在独立交易地位下谈判、提出并订立，且正在由其实施。同样，债务人破产财产在完成出售时将收到的价值，是受托人、买方及其各自代表和顾问之间独立谈判的结果。\n\nI. 买方系善意购买“梅夫人”号，且属于《破产法典》第363(m)条所称的善意购买人，因此有权获得该条款以及任何其他适用或类似破产法和非破产法的全部权利、利益、特权及保护。\n\nJ. 买方和受托人均未从事任何会妨碍《破产法典》第363(m)条适用于PSA或出售完成的行为。\n\nK. 买方在与出售及本程序有关的一切方面均以善意行事，其中包括：(a) 买方的报价系竞争性竞价程序的结果；(b) 买方应支付的全部款项以及买方就PSA载明的出售所订立的其他协议或安排均已披露；以及 (c) 买方未以任何作为或不作为违反《破产法典》第363(n)条。\n\nL. 买方并非债务人的内部人或关联方（该等术语定义见《破产法典》第101(2)条及第101(31)条）。\n\n《破产法典》第363(f)条已获满足\n\nM. 受托人获授权无留置权、债权、权益及负担地出售“梅夫人”号，以解除针对债务人或其破产财产的留置权、债权、权益及负担，原因是《破产法典》第363(f)(1)-(5)条规定的一项或多项标准已获满足。\n\nN. 未对出售或动议提出异议的留置权、债权、权益或负担持有人（或者最终撤回其异议者，如有），均已根据《破产法典》第363(f)(2)条同意或被视为同意出售。此外，《破产法典》第363(f)条的其他一项或多项款项亦适用，因此，“梅夫人”号留置权、债权、权益或负担的持有人，因其对“梅夫人”号的留置权、债权、权益或负担仅按与出售前相同的优先顺序及相同的范围、效力和作用附着于出售所得款项，而获得充分保护。\n\nO. 如出现以下情形，买方不会订立出售，亦不会完成其所设想的交易，从而对债务人的破产财产及其债权人产生不利影响：(i) “梅夫人”号的出售并非无任何及所有留置权、债权、权益及负担；或 (ii) 买方将会或未来可能就任何该等留置权、债权、权益及负担承担责任。PSA项下将提供的总对价，反映了买方依赖本命令，依据《破产法典》第105(a)条及第363(f)条向其提供无任何及所有留置权、债权、权益及负担的“梅夫人”号所有权及占有。\n\n转让的有效性\n\nP. 将Lady May号转让给买方，将构成对Lady May号合法、有效且具有效力的转让，并使买方取得债务人在Lady May号中及对Lady May号享有的任何法定、衡平及受益权利、所有权和权益，不附带任何留置权、请求权、权益及负担。根据《破产法典》的所有适用规定，包括但不限于《破产法典》第105(a)、363(b)、363(f)及363(m)条，完成该出售均属合法、有效且已获适当授权，并且就该出售而言，已遵守该等条款的所有适用要求。交割后，债务人财产将免除因买方在交割后经营和／或拥有Lady May号而产生或与之相关的任何种类的请求权所涉的所有责任或其他义务。\n\n放弃适用《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条\n\nQ. 对Lady May号的出售必须迅速获得批准并完成。受托人与买方拟于2023年6月30日或之前完成该出售的交割。受托人已证明，按照PSA所设想的方式立即批准并完成该出售，具有令人信服的情形以及充分、充足且合理的商业目的和正当理由。因此，有充分理由就本命令所设想的交易解除《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条所设想的暂停。\n\n本院特此命令、裁定并判决：\n\n1. 本动议在所有方面均获准并获批准，且（i）对ECF Nos. 1933、1945、1946及1947提出的异议予以驳回，以及（ii）HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC（“HK USA”）和Mei Guo（郭美）在ECF No. 1939提出的异议，已通过在本命令第9段中增加的措辞以协议方式解决。\n\n2. PSA特此按本命令所载内容获批准。\n\n3. 根据《破产法典》第363(b)及363(f)条，特此在所有方面批准依照PSA将Lady May号出售给买方，且不附带任何留置权、请求权、负担及其他权益。为免生疑，Lady May号应包括存放于Lady May号内部的附属艇，即序列号为WTPD40471718的2017 Williams Diesel Jet 625。\n\n4. 根据《破产法典》第105(a)、363(b)及363(f)条，受托人获授权依照PSA及本命令的条款转让Lady May号。受托人依照PSA向买方转让Lady May号应当：（a）有效、合法、具有约束力并具有效力；（b）使买方取得受托人在Lady May号中及对Lady May号享有的全部权利、所有权和权益；以及（c）依照《破产法典》第363(f)条，不附带针对Lady May号的任何留置权、请求权、权益及负担。\n\n5. 根据《破产法典》第363条，本命令自交割时起应当并确实剥夺债务人及其财产在Lady May号中及对Lady May号享有的一切权利、所有权和权益。\n\n6. 买方根据PSA为Lady May号提供的对价公平且合理，并应在所有目的下视为构成《破产法典》及任何其他适用法律项下的合理等值、公平价值及公平对价；根据第363(n)条或《破产法典》的任何其他规定，不得撤销或否决该出售，亦不得向买方施加或裁定费用或损害赔偿。\n\n7. 受托人获授权并被指示采取一切必要或适当行动，以（a）依照本动议、PSA及本命令，在交割时完成有关向买方转让Lady May号的出售；（b）履行、完成、实施并全面交割PSA，以及为实施本命令和PSA而可能合理必要或适宜的一切附加文书和文件；以及（c）履行本命令及PSA所设想的义务，包括买方就此合理要求采取的一切行动。\n\n8. 尽管可能要求任何人士批准或同意，受托人向买方出售Lady May号应构成对Lady May号合法、有效且具有效力的转让，并使买方取得Lady May号的全部权利、所有权和权益，但须受PSA条款约束。\n\n9. Lady May号中、上或针对Lady May号的一切留置权、请求权、权益和／或负担，应自动仅附着于出售所得款项，其有效性、优先顺位、效力及效果与其现时针对Lady May号者相同，但受托人或债务人财产就此可能享有的任何请求权及抗辩所限；但前述规定不得排除受托人使用该等所得款项；进一步规定，如最终且不再可上诉的命令作出裁定，认定Lady May号和／或其所得款项为HK USA的财产，则受托人为支付其专业人士而使用该等所得款项的行为须予调整和／或返还（Edmiston除外），在该等情形下，HK USA有权从所得款项和／或债务人财产中收取付款，额度以如此最终裁定的权益为限；仅在债务人财产无法从出售所得款项或债务人财产的其他资产中独立清偿HK USA的留置权、请求权、权益和／或负担（如有）的情形下及范围内，本院方可命令作出该等调整和／或返还。受托人确认并同意，本命令授权的出售不会使HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC v. Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）, Trustee, Adv. Proc. No. 22-05003 (JAM)一案中对本院《准许部分简易判决命令》的上诉在衡平法上失去意义。尽管本命令有任何规定，本文任何内容均不得排除受托人对HK USA及Mei Guo在债务人第11章案件中享有陈述意见资格提出异议的权利。本命令应当作为一项裁定而生效，即在交割时及自交割时起，Lady May号中、上或针对Lady May号的任何种类或性质的一切留置权、请求权、权益和／或负担，均已无条件解除、消灭及终止。本命令中授权及批准不附带留置权、请求权、负担及其他权益转让Lady May号的规定，应自行执行；为实现、完成及实施本命令和PSA的规定，受托人和买方均无需签立或提交解除文件、终止声明、转让文件、同意书或其他文书。\n\n10. 在遵守本命令的条款、条件及规定的前提下，特此永久禁止并阻止所有人士及实体采取任何会不利影响、干扰或不一致于下列事项的行动：（a）受托人向买方出售及转让Lady May号的能力；（b）买方依照PSA及本命令条款取得、占有、使用及运营Lady May号的能力；以及（c）受托人与买方履行其各自据此承担义务的能力；但前述限制不得损害任何具有必要资格的利害关系方依照适用法律对本命令提出上诉或反对对本命令提出的任何上诉的权利。\n\n11. 买受人有权享有《破产法典》第363(m)条所赋予的所有保护。PSA及本命令所设想的出售由买方善意进行，该术语的含义适用《破产法典》第363(b)条；因此，除非在交割前就该上诉适当中止该授权，否则在上诉中撤销或修改本文所授予的完成出售的授权，不得影响该出售的有效性。为免生疑，在未于上诉期间中止本命令的情况下，对本命令提出上诉尚未审结，不构成不完成该出售的依据。\n\n12. 本命令未具体纳入PSA的任何特定条款，不得削弱或损害该条款的效力；本院意图在于，PSA及其每一项规定、条款和条件（包括但不限于其附录）均获整体授权和批准，且因此特此获整体授权和批准；但PSA可由其各方签署书面文件予以修改、修订或补充，无需另行通知本院或取得本院命令，前提是任何该等修改、修订或补充不会对债务人财产产生重大不利影响，除非经本院命令批准。\n\n13. 本命令、PSA的规定以及依照本命令或PSA所采取的任何行动，应在任何可能作出的确认或完成任何第11章计划的命令生效后继续有效，或在任何可能作出的将本第11章案件从《破产法典》第11章转换为第7章或驳回本第11章案件的命令生效后继续有效；PSA的条款和规定，以及依照本命令、PSA授予的权利和权益，应在本第11章案件或任何后续案件中继续有效，并应可获得强制履行及执行，且对受托人、债务人、其财产、所有债权人、所有对债务人享有请求权的持有人（不论已知或未知）、所有对Lady May号全部或任何部分享有或针对其主张留置权、请求权、权益和／或负担的持有人（不论已知或未知）、买方及其各自的继受人和获准受让人，以及此后根据《破产法典》第7章或第11章被任命或选举为债务人法定代表人的任何其他受托人或其他受托人，均具有约束力，包括但不限于在本第11章案件中第11章计划审理期间或确认后被任命的计划受托人、计划管理人、诉讼或清算受托人。\n\n14. 本命令对可能因法律实施、其职务职责或合同而被要求接受、提交、登记或以其他方式记录或解除任何文件或文书，或者可能被要求就Lady May号中或对Lady May号的任何所有权或所有权状态进行报告或承保的所有人士及实体（包括但不限于所有申报代理人、申报官员、产权代理人、产权公司、抵押登记官、契据登记官、契据注册官、行政机构、政府部门以及州、联邦和地方官员）具有并应具有约束力，并规范其行为。上述每一人士及实体均应接受提交一切为解除、消灭及终止针对Lady May号的任何留置权、请求权、权益及负担，或以其他方式完成本命令及PSA所设想出售而必要及适当的文件和文书。截至本命令日期登记在案的一切留置权、请求权、权益及负担，应立即视为已从Lady May号中移除并予以注销。本段所述所有人士及实体均获授权并被明确指示，从其正式及其他记录中注销所有该等已登记的针对Lady May号的留置权、请求权、权益及负担。\n\n15. PSA 及本命令的条款和规定，在所有方面均对受托人、债务人财产及其债权人、买方及其关联方、继受人和受让人，以及任何受影响的第三方具有约束力，或者使其受益，包括就 Lady May 主张留置权、权利主张、权益或负担的所有人员；即使其后根据《破产法》任何章节或任何其他法律任命任何其他受托人、审查员或接管人，亦不受影响。所有该等规定和条款同样对该等受托人、审查员或接管人具有约束力，且不得由受托人、债务人、其财产、其债权人或任何该等受托人、审查员或接管人拒绝履行或撤销。\n\n16. 于交割时，受托人获授权向 Edmiston（埃德米斯顿）支付相当于购买价款 5% 的全额费用（定义见 Edmiston Retention Order（Edmiston 聘任命令）），即 $1,157,500.00。此外，(a) 如因受托人未履行义务而未完成交割，受托人应向 Edmiston 支付上述全额费用；以及 (b) 如因买方未履行义务而未完成交割，受托人应从保证金中向 Edmiston 支付相当于 $200,000 的金额；如随后与不同买方完成 Lady May 的出售，该金额将计入并减少 Edmiston 根据其与受托人签订的委托函可获得的任何佣金。\n\n17. 为免生疑问，作为本次出售的一部分，未出售任何财产诉因。\n\n18. 尽管 Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h) 或地方法规的任何适用规定另有规定，本命令在作出后不应中止，而应于作出时立即生效并可执行；特此明确放弃 Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h) 规定的 14 日期限中止，且该中止不适用。受托人和买方拟于 2023 年 6 月 30 日或之前完成本次出售的交割。任何对本命令提出异议的当事人，必须在法律规定的期限内并于交割前，尽到适当注意义务提出上诉并寻求中止；否则，其上诉将因无实际意义而被排除。\n\n19. 本命令的任何内容均不得修改或放弃 PSA 中的任何交割条件或终止权利，所有该等条件和权利均应依其条款继续完全有效。\n\n20. 自交割之日起，在本命令日期之前作出的任何类型的所有协议及本院所有命令，均应在为允许完成本次出售所必需的范围内视为已被修订和/或修改，包括但不限于将 Lady May 转让给买方及完成交割。\n\n21. 任何州或其他司法管辖区的批量销售法或任何类似法律，均不以任何方式适用于本次出售。\n\n22. 在必要范围内，特此放弃 Local Rule 6004-2(b) 的要求。\n\n23. 应于本次出售交割后 10 日内向本院案卷提交一份交割说明。\n\n24. 如本命令的规定与 PSA 发生冲突，以本命令为准。\n\n25. 本院保留管辖权，以便除其他事项外，(a) 解释、执行和实施本命令及 PSA 的条款和规定（包括对其作出的所有修订、其项下的任何放弃和同意，以及就此签署的每一份协议）；以及 (b) 裁决与本命令及 PSA 有关的争议（包括对其作出的所有修订、其项下的任何放弃和同意，以及就此签署的每一份协议）。\n\n2023 年 6 月 27 日于康涅狄格州布里奇波特签署。","key_entities":["Je","Kwok","Guo","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Miles Guo","Paul Hastings"],"ecf_references":[{"doc_number":1939,"court":"CTB"}],"word_count":4534,"status":"published","published_at":"2023-05-30 00:00:00","created_at":"2023-05-30","updated_at":"2026-08-23 18:26:34"}