{"id":"court_ctb_2449_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":2449,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":"2023-11-22","title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | -------------------------------------------","summary_zh":"授权并批准出售游艇的裁定 —— Ho Wan Kwok 破产案（郭文贵 / Guo Wengui / Miles Guo），CTB 22-50073 ECF #2449（2023-11-22立案）。破产法院签署裁定，批准第 11 章受托人以 375,000 美元的价格将游艇「Lady May II」无负担转让给买家 Patrick Cloppenburg。裁定同时授权在交割时向经纪商 Edmiston 支付 18,750 美元佣金，并豁免破产规则第 6004(h) 条规定的 14 天自动暂缓期。","summary_en":"Order Authorizing and Approving Sale of Vessel — In re Ho Wan Kwok (Miles Guo / Guo Wengui / 郭文贵), CTB 22-50073 ECF #2449 (filed 2023-11-22). The bankruptcy court entered an order approving the Chapter 11 Trustee's sale of the vessel Lady May II to Patrick Cloppenburg for $375,000 free and clear of liens, claims, and encumbrances. The order also authorizes payment of an $18,750 broker fee to Edmiston upon closing and waives the 14-day stay under Bankruptcy Rule 6004(h).","body_en":"# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------<br>x  |                         |\n|--------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|\n| :<br>In re:<br>:                                             | Chapter 11              |\n| :<br>HO WAN KWOK, et al.,1<br>:                              | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| :<br>Debtors.<br>:                                           | (Jointly Administered)  |\n| :<br>------------------------------------------------------x | Re: ECF No. 2375        |\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 II 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 May II3 to Patrick Cloppenburg (the \"Buyer\") free and clear of all liens, claims, interests and encumbrances pursuant to that certain purchase and sale agreement, dated November 22, 2023, by and among the Buyer and the Trustee (together with the related addendum, the \"PSA\"), (ii) authorizing and approving the PSA, and (iii) granting related relief, all as further detailed in the Motion; and a hearing on the Motion having been held on December 18, 2023 (the \"Hearing\"), during which hearing the declarations of Dirk Johnson [Docket Nos. 2375 and 2441] (the \"Johnson Declarations\") were reviewed by the Court and no party objected to the admission of the Johnson Declarations; and this Court having reviewed and considered the Motion, the Johnson Declarations in support of the requested relief, and no objections having been filed to the Motion, 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 II\" 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 II and/or included on the Lady May II's listing specification as of the date of the PSA (*i.e.*, November 22, 2023).\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-ininterest; (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; (ii) the Sale on the terms set forth in the PSA presents an orderly and expeditious sale of the Lady May II and the best opportunity to maximize the value of the Lady May II; 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 Declarations, 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 II; and (iv) the process conducted by the Trustee obtained the highest and best value for the Lady May II 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 II 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\n\nthe United States, any state, territory or possession or the District of Columbia. Such consideration constitutes the highest and best bid for the Lady May II. No other person or entity or group of persons or entities has offered to purchase the Lady May II 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 II.\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 II 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 II 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 II are adequately protected by having their liens, claims, interests, or encumbrances in the Lady May II 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 II 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 II 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 II to the Buyer will be a legal, valid, and effective transfer of the Lady May II, and will vest the Buyer with any legal, equitable and beneficial right, title, and interest of the Debtor in and to the Lady May II, 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 II.\n\n### **Waiver of Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h)**\n\nQ. The sale of the Lady May II must be approved and consummated promptly. The Trustee and the Buyer intend to close the Sale on or before December 31, 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 any objections are overruled.\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 II to the Buyer pursuant to the PSA free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances, and other interests is approved in all respects.\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 II in accordance with the terms of the PSA and this Order. The transfer of the Lady May II 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 II; and (c) be free and clear of all liens, claims, interests, and encumbrances against the Lady May II, 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 Trustee and the Debtor's estate of all right, title, and interest in and to the Lady May II.\n\n6. The consideration provided by the Buyer for the Lady May II 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 II 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\n\nmay 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 II by the Trustee to the Buyer shall constitute a legal, valid and effective transfer of the Lady May II, notwithstanding any requirement for approval or consent by any person, and vest the Buyer with all rights, title, and interests in the Lady May II, subject to the terms of the PSA.\n\n9. All liens, claims, interests, and/or encumbrances in, on, or against the Lady May II 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 II, 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 II 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 other 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,\n\nnothing 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 II have been unconditionally released, discharged, and terminated. The provisions of this Order authorizing and approving the transfer of the Lady May II free and clear of liens, claims, encumbrances, and other interests shall be self-executing, 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 II to the Buyer, (b) with the ability of the Buyer to acquire, take possession of, use and operate the Lady May II 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 Buyer 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\n\nstayed 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, and the PSA and each and every provision, term, and condition thereof (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the addenda thereto) are authorized and approved in their 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 creditors, 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 II, 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\n\nplan 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 II. 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 II 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 II. 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 II 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 II, 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\n\nlikewise 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.*, \\$18,750 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 \\$5,500 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 II 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 November 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 II 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 19th day of December, 2023.","body_zh":"美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n关于：\n：　第11章\n：\nHo Wan Kwok（郭文贵）等人，1\n：　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n：\n债务人。\n：　（合并管理）\n：\n------------------------------------------------------x　事由：ECF No. 2375\n依据《破产法典》第105条和第363条、《破产程序规则》第2002条和第6004(c)条以及地方法则第6004-1条和第6004-2条，就以下事项作出的命令：(I) 授权并批准不附带留置权、请求权、权益及负担出售“Lady May II”号游艇；(II) 授权并批准购买和出售协议；及 (III) 准予相关救济\n\n兹就Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯潘）以Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）第11章案件中获任命的第11章受托人（“受托人”）身份提出的动议（“本动议”）2，根据《美国法典》第11编（“《破产法典》”）第105条、第363(b)条和第363(f)条、《联邦破产程序规则》（“《破产程序规则》”）第2002条、第6004(c)条和第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（“《地方法则》”）第6004-1条和第6004-2条，请求作出命令：(i) 授权并批准受托人根据买方与受托人于November 22, 2023订立的特定购买和出售协议（连同相关补充协议，合称“PSA”），将“Lady May II”号游艇3不附带任何留置权、请求权、权益及负担出售给Patrick Cloppenburg（帕特里克·克洛彭堡）（“买方”）（“出售”）；(ii) 授权并批准PSA；及 (iii) 准予相关救济，详情载于本动议；且本院已于December 18, 2023举行本动议听证会（“听证会”），在该听证会上，本院审阅了Dirk Johnson（德克·约翰逊）的声明[Docket Nos. 2375 and 2441]（“Johnson声明”），且任何一方均未对接纳Johnson声明提出异议；且本院已审阅并考虑本动议、支持所请求救济的Johnson声明，且未有人对本动议提出异议，以及律师在听证会上提出的论点和提交的证据；且PSA的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；且经充分审议并有正当理由，\n\n本院兹认定如下：4\n管辖权和终局命令\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作出的常设移送命令，对出售及PSA的批准享有审理和裁决的管辖权。本案为28 U.S.C. § 157(b)项下的核心程序。本案在本地区的审判地根据28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409属适当。\n\n3 就根据PSA进行的出售而言，“Lady May II”一词包括根据PSA将出售的全部资产，包括截至PSA日期（即November 22, 2023）位于“Lady May II”号游艇上和/或列于该游艇清单规格说明中的所有装备、机器、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。\n\n4 本文所载认定和结论构成本院依据《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尽管有《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条的规定，并在《破产程序规则》第9014条以及经由《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，并明确指示按本文所载作出判决。作为《破产法典》第363(m)条项下善意购买人的买方，可在本命令作出后任何时间完成PSA所设想的出售，且不受《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条规定的停止执行限制。\n出售通知\n\nC. 已向所有已知利害关系人或实体实际发出本动议和听证会的书面通知，并给予其就本动议及其中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、恰当、及时、充分且足够地通知本动议、听证会、本命令的作出、出售及相关异议期限；(ii) 该等通知在本第11章案件情形下过去及现在均属妥当、充分和适当，向利害关系方提供了就此提出异议和陈述意见的公平合理机会，并已按照《破产法典》《破产程序规则》及适用的《地方法则》发出；及 (iii) 无需亦不得要求就该等事项发出其他或进一步通知。\n商业判断\n\nE. 受托人已证明，为迅速完成出售存在良好、充分且合理的商业目的和正当理由以及令人信服的情形，该等行动是受托人商业判断的适当行使，并符合债务人、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所载购买价及其他条款构成就“Lady May II”号游艇收到的最高报价，或在其他方面为最高及最佳报价；(ii) 按PSA所载条款进行出售，能够以有序和迅速的方式出售“Lady May II”号游艇，并提供最大化该游艇价值的最佳机会；及 (iii) 除非依本命令规定并根据PSA迅速完成出售，潜在的债权人受偿可能会大幅减少。\n营销程序\n\nF. 如本动议、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作出的记录在案陈述所证明：(i) 受托人及其经纪人Edmiston and Company Limited（埃德米斯顿有限公司）（“Edmiston”）开展了有力且广泛的营销和出售程序；(ii) 受托人及其顾问进行了公平和公开的出售程序；(iii) 该出售程序不存在串通，已适当通知，并为任何实体提出购买“Lady May II”号游艇的报价提供了充分、公平和合理的机会；及 (iv) 受托人所进行的程序为受托人和债务人破产财产取得了“Lady May II”号游艇的最高及最佳价值。\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“Lady May II”号游艇的公平合理对价，并构成：(i) 《破产法典》《统一欺诈性转让法》和《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；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“Lady May II”号游艇的最高及最佳报价。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提供给债务人破产财产之价值的金额购买“Lady May II”号游艇。迅速批准出售是最大化“Lady May II”号游艇价值的唯一方式。\n善意\n\nH. PSA及出售均由受托人与买方基于善意、无串通并在独立交易地位下谈判、提出及订立，且正在据此进行。同样，债务人破产财产在完成出售时将获得的价值，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“Lady May II”号游艇，并为《破产法典》第363(m)条所称的善意购买人，因此有权获得该条规定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、特权和保护。\n\nJ. 买方和受托人均未从事任何会阻碍《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相关的所有方面均系善意行事，其中包括：(a) 买方的报价是竞争性竞价程序的结果；(b) 买方应作出的所有付款，以及买方就出售订立的、载于PSA的其他协议或安排，均已披露；及 (c) 买方未因任何作为或不作为违反《破产法典》第363(n)条。\n\nL. 买方不是债务人的内部人或关联方（该术语定义见《破产法典》第101(2)条和第101(31)条）。\n《破产法典》第363(f)条已获满足\n\nM. 受托人获授权将“Lady May II”号游艇出售，且不附带针对债务人或其破产财产的留置权、请求权、权益及负担，因为《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. 对出售或本动议未提出异议（或最终撤回其异议，如有）的留置权、请求权、权益或负担持有人，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)条的一个或多个其他款项适用；因此，“Lady May II”号游艇上留置权、请求权、权益或负担的持有人，因其对该游艇的留置权、请求权、权益或负担仅按其在出售前所具有的同等优先顺位、范围、有效性、效力和效果附着于出售所得款项，而获得充分保护。\n\nO. 若(i)“Lady May II”号游艇的出售并非不附带所有留置权、请求权、权益及负担，或(ii)买方将会或未来可能对任何该等留置权、请求权、权益及负担承担责任，买方本不会订立出售，也不会完成由此设想的交易，从而对债务人破产财产及其债权人产生不利影响。根据PSA提供的全部对价反映出买方依赖本命令，以根据《破产法典》第105(a)条和第363(f)条取得不附带所有留置权、请求权、权益及负担的“Lady May II”号游艇所有权和占有权。\n转让的有效性\n\nP. 向买方转让 Lady May II（Lady May II号游艇）将构成对 Lady May II 合法、有效且具有法律效力的转让，并将使买方取得债务人就 Lady May II 所享有的一切法定权利、衡平权利及受益权利、所有权和权益，且不存在任何留置权、请求权、权益及权利负担。根据《破产法典》所有适用条款，包括但不限于《破产法典》第105(a)、363(b)、363(f)和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，已遵守上述各条的所有适用要求。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 II 而产生或与之有关的任何请求权所对应的一切责任或其他任何性质的义务。\n\n放弃适用《破产程序规则》6004(h)\n\nQ. 对 Lady May II 的出售必须得到迅速批准并完成。受托人和买方拟于2023年12月31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，存在令人信服的情形、良好、充分且合理的商业目的及正当理由。因此，对于本命令所设想的交易，有充分理由解除《破产程序规则》6004(h)所规定的停止执行期限。\n\n法院特此命令、裁定并判决：\n\n1. 该动议在所有方面均获准并获批准，任何异议均予驳回。\n\n2. PSA 特此按本命令所载内容予以批准。\n\n3. 根据《破产法典》第363(b)和363(f)条，特此在所有方面批准依照 PSA 将 Lady May II 出售给买方，且该出售不存在任何留置权、请求权、权利负担及其他权益。\n\n4. 根据《破产法典》第105(a)、363(b)和363(f)条，受托人获授权依照 PSA 及本命令的条款转让 Lady May II。受托人依照 PSA 向买方转让 Lady May II 应当：(a) 合法、有效、具有约束力并具有法律效力；(b) 使买方取得受托人就 Lady May II 所享有的一切权利、所有权和权益；以及 (c) 根据《破产法典》第363(f)条，Lady May II 不存在任何针对其的留置权、请求权、权益及权利负担。\n\n5. 根据《破产法典》第363条，本命令应且确实自交割之日起，使受托人及债务人财产丧失其就 Lady May II 所享有的一切权利、所有权和权益。\n\n6. 买方根据 PSA 为 Lady May II 提供的对价公平合理，并应就一切目的被视为构成《破产法典》及任何其他适用法律下的合理等值、公允价值和公平对价；且不得根据《破产法典》第363(n)条或《破产法典》的任何其他条款撤销或否决该出售，或向买方施加或裁定成本或损害赔偿。\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) 按照该动议、PSA 和本命令，在交割时完成有关将 Lady May II 转让给买方的出售；(b) 履行、完成、实施并最终完成 PSA，以及为实施本命令和 PSA 而可能合理必要或适宜的所有附加文书和文件；以及 (c) 履行本命令和 PSA 所设想的义务，包括买方就此合理要求的一切行动。\n\n8. 尽管可能要求任何人予以批准或同意，受托人向买方出售 Lady May II 应构成对 Lady May II 合法、有效且具有法律效力的转让，并使买方取得 Lady May II 的一切权利、所有权和权益，但须受 PSA 条款约束。\n\n9. Lady May II 上、对其或针对其的一切留置权、请求权、权益和/或权利负担，应自动仅附着于出售所得款项，并具有其目前针对 Lady May II 所具有的相同有效性、优先顺位、效力和效果，但须受受托人或债务人财产可能就此享有的任何请求权及抗辩所约束；但是，该规定不应妨碍受托人使用该等所得款项；进一步规定，若作出最终且不可再上诉的命令，认定 Lady May II 和/或其所得款项属于 HK USA（HK USA）的财产，则使用该等款项支付受托人的专业人员费用应予调整和/或返还（Edmiston（Edmiston）除外），在此情形下，HK USA 有权自所得款项和/或债务人财产中收取相当于该最终认定权益范围内的款项；仅在债务人财产无能力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/或权利负担（如有）时，且仅在该等范围内，本法院方可命令作出该等调整和/或返还。受托人确认并同意，本命令所授权的出售不会使 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC（HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC）诉 Luc A. Despins（Luc A. Despins）、受托人一案，Adv. Proc. No. 22-05003 (JAM) 中对本法院《准许部分即决判决命令》提出的上诉在衡平法上失去实际意义。尽管本命令有任何相反规定，本命令中的任何内容均不妨碍受托人对 HK USA 和 Mei Guo（Mei Guo）在债务人第11章案件中陈述意见的资格提出异议。本命令应作为一项认定而生效，即在交割时及自交割日起，Lady May II 上、对其或针对其的任何种类或性质的一切留置权、请求权、权益和/或权利负担均已无条件解除、清偿并终止。本命令中授权并批准无留置权、请求权、权利负担及其他权益地转让 Lady May II 的条款应自行执行；为使本命令和 PSA 的条款生效、完成及实施，受托人或买方均无需签署或提交解除文件、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、条件和规定的前提下，特此永久禁止并阻止一切个人和实体采取任何会对下列事项产生不利影响、造成干扰或与之不一致的行动：(a) 受托人向买方出售并转让 Lady May II 的能力；(b) 买方依照 PSA 和本命令的条款取得、占有、使用及经营 Lady May II 的能力；以及 (c) 受托人和买方履行其各自在该等文件项下义务的能力；但是，上述限制不应损害任何具备必要资格的利害关系方根据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. 买方有权获得《破产法典》第363(m)条所提供的一切保护。买方本着善意进行 PSA 和本命令所设想的出售，该术语应按《破产法典》第363(b)条中的含义解释；因此，除非在交割前就该上诉适当暂停执行该授权，否则在上诉中撤销或修改本命令所提供的完成出售授权，不影响该出售的有效性。为免生疑问，在未因上诉而暂停执行本命令的情况下，本命令上诉未决不得构成不完成该出售的理由。\n\n12. 本命令未具体载入 PSA 的任何特定条款，不得减损或损害该条款的效力；PSA 及其每一项条款、期限和条件（为免生疑问，包括其附件）均在整体上获得授权和批准；但是，PSA 可由其当事方在经全体当事方签署的书面文件中修改、修订或补充，无需进一步通知本法院或取得本法院命令，但任何该等修改、修订或补充不得对债务人财产产生重大不利影响，除非经本法院命令批准。\n\n13. 本命令、PSA 的条款以及据此采取的任何行动，应在作出任何确认或完成任何第11章计划的命令后继续有效，或在作出任何将本第11章案件从《破产法典》第11章转换为第7章或驳回本第11章案件的命令后继续有效；PSA 的条款和规定，以及根据本命令和 PSA 授予的权利和权益，应在本第11章案件或任何继受案件中继续有效，并可被具体履行和执行，且对受托人、债务人、其财产、所有债权人、对债务人享有请求权的所有持有人（无论已知或未知）、对 Lady May II 的全部或任何部分持有或主张留置权、请求权、权益和/或权利负担的所有持有人（无论已知或未知）、买方及其各自的继承人和获准受让人，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信人，均具有约束力，包括但不限于在本第11章案件中第11章计划未决期间或该计划获确认时被任命的计划受信人、计划管理人、诉讼受托人或清算受托人。\n\n14. 本命令对所有可能依法、基于其职务职责或基于合同而被要求接受、提交、登记或以其他方式记录或解除任何文件或文书，或可能被要求报告或保险 Lady May II 中或就其的任何所有权或所有权状态的个人和实体（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）均具有约束力，并规范其行为。上述每一个人和实体均应接受提交一切为解除、清偿和终止任何针对 Lady May II 的留置权、请求权、权益及权利负担，或以其他方式完成本命令和 PSA 所设想出售所必需及适当的文件和文书。本命令之日登记在案的一切留置权、请求权、权益及权利负担，应立即被视为已从 Lady May II 中移除并注销。特此授权并明确指示本段所述所有个人和实体从其官方及其他记录中注销一切针对 Lady May II 的该等已登记留置权、请求权、权益及权利负担。\n\n15. 尽管随后根据《破产法典》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，PSA 和本命令的条款和规定应在所有方面对受托人、债务人财产及其债权人、买方及其关联方、继承人和受让人，以及任何受影响的第三方具有约束力，或使其受益，包括对 Lady May II 上、对其或针对其主张留置权、请求权、权益或权利负担的所有人；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，且不受受托人、债务人、其财产、其债权人或任何该等受托人、审查员或接管人的否决或撤销。\n\n16. 于成交时，受托人获授权向Edmiston支付全额费用（定义见Edmiston聘用裁定），该费用相当于购买价的5%，即$18,750。此外，(a) 如因受托人未履行义务而未完成成交，受托人应向Edmiston支付前述全额费用；以及(b) 如因买方未履行义务而未完成成交，受托人应从保证金中向Edmiston支付相当于$5,500的金额，该金额将计入并减少Edmiston如与不同买方完成Lady May II的出售而可能赚取的任何佣金（依照其与受托人之间的委聘函）。\n\n17. 为免生疑，作为本次出售的一部分，未出售任何破产财产的诉因。\n\n18. 尽管《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条或地方法规的任何适用规定另有规定，本裁定在作出后不应被中止，而应于作出时立即生效并可执行；兹明确放弃《破产程序规则》第6004(h)条规定的14日期间中止，且该中止不适用。受托人与买方拟于2023年11月30日或之前完成本次出售的成交。任何反对本裁定的当事人必须在法律规定的期限内且在成交之前，以适当勤勉提出上诉并寻求中止，否则其上诉可能因已无实际意义而被阻却。\n\n19. 本裁定中的任何内容均不得修改或放弃PSA中的任何成交条件或终止权利，所有该等条件和权利均应依其条款继续完全有效。\n\n20. 自成交时起，任何性质的所有协议以及本院于本裁定日期之前作出的所有命令，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 II转让给买方及发生成交。\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，兹放弃地方法规6004-2(b)的要求。\n\n23. 应于本次出售成交后10日内，在法院案卷中提交一份成交声明。\n\n24. 如本裁定的规定与PSA之间存在冲突，应以本裁定为准。\n\n25. 本院应保留管辖权，以便其中包括：(a) 解释、执行和落实本裁定及PSA的条款和规定（包括其所有修订、其项下的任何豁免和同意，以及与其相关签署的各项协议）；以及(b) 裁决与本裁定及PSA有关的争议（包括其所有修订、其项下的任何豁免和同意，以及与其相关签署的各项协议）。\n\n于2023年12月19日订立于康涅狄格州布里奇波特。","key_entities":["Je","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","Despins","Miles Guo","Paul Hastings"],"ecf_references":[{"doc_number":2375,"court":"CTB"}],"word_count":4475,"status":"published","published_at":"2023-11-22 00:00:00","created_at":"2023-11-22","updated_at":"2026-08-23 18:23:38"}