{"id":"court_ctb_3559_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":3559,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"UNKNOWN","filed_date":null,"title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | -------------------------------------------","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| -----------------------------------------------------------                                                               | x                                                                       |\n|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|\n| In re:                                                                                                                    | :<br>:<br>Chapter 11                                                    |\n| 1<br>HO WAN KWOK,<br>et al.,                                                                                              | :<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.<br>24-05187<br>:<br>:<br>: |\n| WILDES & WEINBERG P.C.,                                                                                                   | :<br>:                                                                  |\n| Defendant.<br>-----------------------------------------------------------                                                 | :<br>:<br>:<br>x                                                        |\n\n### **SEALED MOTION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY RULE 9019, REGARDING SETTLEMENT WITH WILDES & WEINBERG, P.C.**\n\nLuc A. Despins, in his capacity as the Chapter 11 Trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the Chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\") of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\"), hereby submits this motion (the \"Motion\"), pursuant to Rule 9019(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), Rule 9019-1(a) of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for 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\nUnited States Bankruptcy Court District of Connecticut (the \"Local Rules\"), and the Court's *Order Directing Parties to Mediation, Appointing the Honorable James J. Tancredi as Mediator, and Amending Order Approving Procedures Applicable to Avoidance Claim Adversary Proceedings*  [Docket No. 3163] (the \"Procedures Order\"),<sup>2</sup> for entry of an order, substantially in the form attached hereto as **Exhibit A** (the \"Proposed Order\"), approving the terms of the settlement agreement (the \"Settlement Agreement\") reached between (a) the Trustee and (b) Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. (\"W&W\" and, together with the Trustee, the \"Parties\"). 3 In support of this Motion, the Trustee respectfully states the following:\n\n#### **PRELIMINARY STATEMENT**\n\n1. The Trustee has reached an agreement to resolve the Trustee's claims against W&W asserted in *Despins v. Wildes & Weinberg, P.C.* [Adv. Proc. No. 24-05187] (the \"Adversary Proceeding\"). The Parties have reached the proposed Settlement Agreement with the assistance of Judge Tancredi in Mediation Proceedings conducted pursuant to the Procedures Order. Judge Tancredi has issued his *Mediator's Report* [Adv. Proc. No. 24-05187 Docket No. 13] (the \"Mediator's Report\") stating his belief that the economics and terms of the Settlement Agreement are fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the Debtor's chapter 11 estate (the \"Estate\").\n\n2. Through the proposed settlement, the Estate will obtain funds for the benefit of creditors, without the cost and uncertainty of further litigation. The terms of the Settlement Agreement will create value for creditors and are clearly in the Estate's best interests, and, accordingly, the Motion should be granted.\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Procedures Order.\n\n<sup>3</sup> References herein to the \"Parties\" and the \"Trustee,\" include the respective attorneys, advisors, and/or professionals of the Parties, as applicable.\n\n#### **JURISDICTION AND VENUE**\n\n3. This Court has jurisdiction to consider the Motion pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 and the *Standing Order of Reference* from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. This is a core proceeding within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b).\n\n4. Venue in this District is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n5. The bases for the relief requested herein are Bankruptcy Rule 9019(a) and Local Rule 9019-1(a).\n\n#### **BACKGROUND**\n\n6. On February 15, 2022 (the \"Petition Date\"), the Debtor filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Court\") a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, thus commencing the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n7. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an official committee of unsecured creditors (\"Committee\") in this Chapter 11 Case. No examiner has been appointed in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n8. On June 15, 2022, the Court entered a memorandum of decision and order (the \"Trustee Order\") directing the United States Trustee to appoint a chapter 11 trustee in the Chapter 11 Case. Pursuant to the Trustee Order, the United States Trustee selected Luc A. Despins as the Trustee, and on July 8, 2022, the Court entered an order granting the appointment of Luc A. Despins as the Trustee in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n9. On February 12, 2024, the Trustee commenced the Adversary Proceeding by filing the *Complaint of Chapter 11 Trustee Seeking Avoidance and Recovery of Postpetition Transfers and Related Relief Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 549 and 550* against W&W to, among other things, avoid and recover certain alleged transfers (the \"Transfers\") that may be avoidable and/or recoverable pursuant to §§ 549 and 550 of the Bankruptcy Code (collectively, the \"Claims\") in an amount not less than \\$115,600.00.\n\n| 10. |                                                            |\n|-----|------------------------------------------------------------|\n|     |                                                            |\n|     | W&W has denied any potential liability with respect to the |\n|     |                                                            |\n\nClaims.\n\n### **SETTLEMENT**\n\n11. On May 2, 2024, the Court entered the Procedures Order, pursuant to which the Trustee's claims against W&W were referred to Mediation Proceedings.\n\n12. The Parties, through counsel, have engaged in good-faith discussions with respect\n\nto the Trustee's Claims. As a result of these discussions, and after multiple rounds of proposals and counterproposals, the Parties reached the Settlement Agreement attached hereto as **Exhibit B**.\n\n- 13. The salient provisions of the Settlement Agreement provide for the following: 4\n\t- b. On or before the tenth (10th) business day after receipt of the Settlement Amount, the Trustee will file a notice of dismissal of the Adversary Proceeding with prejudice;\n\n![](_page_3_Figure_10.jpeg)\n\n<sup>4</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, the terms of the Settlement Agreement shall control.\n\ne. The Settlement Agreement and its terms are confidential and may not be disclosed by either Party (i) without the other Party's written consent, or (ii) as required by Court order or applicable law.\n\n#### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n14. 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\n15. To approve a compromise and settlement under Bankruptcy Rule 9019, a bankruptcy court should find that the compromise and settlement is fair and equitable, reasonable, 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. 1993.), *aff'd*, 17 F.3d 600 (2d Cir. 1994) (citations omitted); *In re Enron Corp.,* No. 02 Civ. 8489(AKH), 2003 WL 230838, at \\*2 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Jan. 31, 2003). The decision to approve a particular settlement lies within the sound discretion of the bankruptcy court. *See Nellis v. Shugrue*, 165 B.R. 115, 122- 23 (S.D.N.Y. 1994).\n\n16. 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 F.3d\n\n452, 462 (2d Cir. 2007) (\"*Iridium*\").\n\n### **II. Settlement Agreement Should Be Approved**\n\n17. The Settlement Agreement is a positive outcome for the Estate and, by extension, the creditors of the Estate, and it is a fair and reasonable compromise under the circumstances and considering the applicable *Iridium* factors.\n\n18. The Settlement Agreement provides for the Estate to obtain the Settlement Amount without further litigation, the cost of which may be substantial compared to the amounts at issue in the Trustee's Claims. Certain defendants to claims similar to those asserted against W&W have asserted defenses, including through motions to dismiss, which motions have not yet been decided by this Court or reviewed on appeal. While the Trustee is confident in the merits of the Claims, he recognizes that any litigation carries uncertainty. Moreover, the proposed settlement will result in the Estate obtaining funds without delay arising from litigation and potential appeals.\n\n19. Importantly, Judge Tancredi has reviewed the terms of the Settlement Agreement pursuant to the Mediation Procedures. The Parties thank Judge Tancredi for his service. As set forth in the Mediator's Report, Judge Tancredi stated that he has examined \"the claims and potential defenses and other facts and circumstances relating to [the Transfers] along with the highly complex and contested nature of the\" Chapter 11 Case, and that he believes \"the economics and terms of the settlement agreement are fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the [Estate] as measured by the standards of\" *Iridium*.\n\n20. The Trustee thus believes the proposed Settlement Agreement satisfies Bankruptcy Rule 9019 and should be approved.\n\n#### **NOTICE AND SEALED FILING**\n\n21. This Motion and the attached Settlement Agreement have been filed under seal, pursuant to the Procedures Order, because the Trustee believes: (a) public disclosure of the settlement terms would harm the Estate, and (b) the settlement terms constitute commercially sensitive and otherwise confidential information. (*See* Procedures Order at ¶ 2(w).) The terms of the settlement constitute commercially sensitive information, because, among other things, their disclosure would prejudice the Trustee's ability to resolve similar claims against other defendants and potential defendants; and the terms are otherwise confidential because the Settlement Agreement negotiated by the Parties provides for their confidentiality to be maintained. This is one of many settlements that the Trustee will propose to the Court for approval. Meanwhile, the Trustee is litigating and/or negotiating to resolve avoidance claims against hundreds of other transferees. It would be extremely prejudicial to the Estate to publicly file the settlement terms and thus reveal the Trustee's strategy and settlement tolerance to other defendants and potential defendants.\n\n22. Pursuant to the Procedures Order, upon filing, the Trustee will send a copy of this Motion as filed under seal and including the Settlement Agreement to: (a) W&W, (b) the Committee, and (c) the United States Trustee. The Trustee will also file a redacted version of this\n\nMotion, redacting confidential and commercially sensitive information and omitting the Settlement Agreement, on the public docket (the \"Redacted Filing\"). (*Id.*)\n\n23. Notice of the Redacted Filing will be sent (a) to all appearing parties who utilize the Court's case management/electronic case file system and (b) any party that requested notice in this Chapter 11 Case but is unable to accept electronic filing as indicated on the Notice of Electronic Filing. The Trustee submits that, under the circumstances, no other or further notice is required. The Trustee has contemporaneously filed his *Motion to Limit Service of Motions Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019 Regarding Settlements of Avoidance Claims* to approve service on the foregoing basis for this and other Avoidance Actions.\n\n#### **NO PREVIOUS REQUEST**\n\n24. No previous request for the relief sought herein has been made by the Trustee to this or any other court.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank*.]\n\nWHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, the Trustee respectfully requests entry of the Proposed Order granting the relief requested in the Motion and such other relief as is just and proper.\n\nDated: September 19, 2024 LUC A. DESPINS,\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE\n\nBy: */s/ Patrick R. Linsey* Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C.\n\n195 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\nDouglass Barron (*pro hac vice* pending) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6690 douglassbarron@paulhastings.com\n\n*Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\n## **EXHIBIT A**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| -----------------------------------------------------------                                                                                | x                                                                                         |\n|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|\n| :                                                                                                                                          | Chapter 11                                                                                |\n| :                                                                                                                                          | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)                                                                   |\n| Debtors.<br>:                                                                                                                              | (Jointly Administered)                                                                    |\n| -----------------------------------------------------------<br>:<br>LUC A. DESPINS, CHAPTER 11<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>Plaintiff,<br>:<br>:<br>: | x<br>Adv. Proceeding No.<br>24-05187                                                      |\n| WILDES & WEINBERG P.C.,<br>:                                                                                                               |                                                                                           |\n| Defendant.<br>:<br>:                                                                                                                       | x                                                                                         |\n|                                                                                                                                            | :<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>----------------------------------------------------------- |\n\n## **[PROPOSED] ORDER APPROVING, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY RULE 9019, MOTION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE REGARDING SETTLEMENT WITH WILDES & WEINBERG, P.C.**\n\nUpon the Motion,<sup>2</sup> 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\nKwok (the \"Debtor\"), for entry of an order approving a settlement agreement between the Trustee\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 in this Order have the meanings set forth in the Motion.\n\nand Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. ( \"W&W\" and, together with the Trustee, the \"Parties\"), as more fully described in the Motion and the settlement agreement attached to the Motion as Exhibit B (the \"Settlement Agreement\"); and the Court having jurisdiction to consider the Motion and the relief requested therein in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334; and this matter constituting a core proceeding within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2); and due and sufficient notice having been given under the particular circumstances and it appears that no other or further notice need be provided; and the relief requested being a reasonable exercise of the Trustee's sound business judgment consistent with his duties and in the best interests of the Trustee and the Estate and its creditors; and the Parties having participated in Mediation Proceedings pursuant to which Judge Tancredi has issued the Mediator's Report stating his belief that the terms of the Settlement Agreement are fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Estate; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is **ORDERED THAT**:\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 is approved pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019.\n\n4. The Trustee is authorized, pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, to execute, deliver, implement, and fully perform any and all obligations, instruments, documents and papers and to take any and all actions reasonably necessary or appropriate to consummate the settlement reflected in the Settlement Agreement and to perform any and all obligations contemplated therein immediately upon entry of this Order.\n\n5. This Order shall be effective and enforceable immediately upon entry pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 6004(h).\n\n2\n\n6. This Court shall retain jurisdiction to hear and determine all matters arising from or related to this Order and to the Settlement Agreement.\n\n### **EXHIBIT B**\n\n**Settlement Agreement**\n\n### **FILED UNDER SEAL**\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| -----------------------------------------------------------                                                               | x                                                                         |\n|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|\n| In re:                                                                                                                    | :<br>:<br>Chapter 11                                                      |\n| 1<br>HO WAN KWOK,<br>et al.,                                                                                              | :<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. 24-05187<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>: |\n| WILDES & WEINBERG P.C.,                                                                                                   | :                                                                         |\n| Defendant.<br>-----------------------------------------------------------                                                 | :<br>:<br>:<br>x                                                          |\n\n# **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe foregoing, inclusive of all exhibits thereto, was filed under seal (the \"Sealed Filing\") and was filed in redacted form and omitting the Settlement Agreement (the \"Redacted Filing\") using the Court's case management/electronic case files (\"CM/ECF\") system in the abovecaptioned chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Chapter 11 Case\") and in the above-captioned adversary proceeding (the \"Adversary Proceeding\").\n\n<span id=\"page-15-0\"></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\nNotice of the Redacted Filing will be sent automatically via email by operation of the CM/ECF system to all parties appearing in the Chapter 11 Case and the Adversary Proceeding that are eligible to receive electronic notice and within one business day by U.S. Mail to any appearing parties not eligible to receive electronic notice.\n\nNotice of the Sealed Filing will be sent by manual email within one business day to (a) Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. (at michael@wildeslaw.com), (b) the Committee (at igoldman@pullcom.com and kmayhew@pullcom.com), and (c) the United States Trustee (at holley.l.claiborn@usdoj.gov).\n\nDated this 19th day of September 2024 at New Haven, Connecticut\n\n*/s/ Patrick R. Linsey*  Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 plinsey@npmlaw.com","body_zh":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n----------------------------------------------------------- x\n\n关于：\n第 11 章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，\n案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。\n（合并审理）\n\nLUC A. DESPINS，第 11 章受托人，\n原告，\nv. x\n\n对抗程序案号：\n24-05187\n\nWILDES & WEINBERG P.C.，\n\n被告。\n\nx\n第 11 章受托人依据《破产程序规则》第 9019 条就与 WILDES & WEINBERG, P.C. 和解事宜提交的封存动议\n\nLuc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）以其在 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“债务人”）的第 11 章案件（“第 11 章案件”）中获任命的第 11 章受托人（“受托人”）身份，谨此依据《联邦破产程序规则》（“《破产规则》”）第 9019(a) 条、\n\n1 本等第 11 章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（亦称 Miles Guo、Miles Kwok 以及其他诸多化名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：8202）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 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和联络之目的）。\n\n《美国康涅狄格区破产法院破产程序本地规则》（“《本地规则》”）第 9019-1(a) 条以及本法院《指示各方进行调解、任命 James J. Tancredi 阁下为调解员并修改适用于撤销之诉对抗程序之程序的裁定》[案卷号 3163]（“《程序裁定》”）2，提请作出大体采用本动议附件 A 格式的裁定（“拟议裁定”），以批准 (a) 受托人与 (b) Wildes & Weinberg, P.C.（“W&W”，与受托人统称“各方”）3 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初步陈述\n\n1. 受托人已达成协议，以解决受托人在 Despins 诉 Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. 案 [对抗程序案号 24-05187]（“对抗程序”）中向 W&W 主张的权利请求。各方在 Tancredi 法官的协助下，通过依据《程序裁定》进行的调解程序达成了拟议的和解协议。Tancredi 法官已出具其《调解员报告》[对抗程序案号 24-05187 案卷号 13]（“《调解员报告》”），表示其认为和解协议的经济利益和条款是公平、合理且符合债务人第 11 章破产财团（“破产财团”）的最佳利益的。\n\n2. 通过拟议和解，破产财团将为债权人的利益获得资金，而无需承担进一步诉讼的费用和不确定性。和解协议的条款将为债权人创造价值，显然符合破产财团的最佳利益，因此，应当准许本动议。\n\n2 本文中使用但未作定义的首字母大写术语应具有《程序裁定》中所规定的含义。\n\n3 本文中提及的“各方”和“受托人”在适用情况下分别包括各方的律师、顾问和/或专业人员。\n管辖权与审判地\n\n3. 依据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 及 1334 以及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格区联邦地方法院）的常规移送裁定，本法院对审理本动议享有管辖权。在 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 的含义范围内，本案属于核心程序。\n\n4. 依据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 及 1409，本司法管辖区的审判地是适当的。\n\n5. 本文所请求救济的依据为《破产规则》第 9019(a) 条及《本地规则》第 9019-1(a) 条。\n背景\n\n6. 2022年2月15日（“申请日”），债务人向 United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格区破产法院）（“本法院”）提交了依据《破产法典》第 11 章寻求救济的自愿破产申请，从而启动了本第 11 章案件。\n\n7. 2022年3月21日，美国受托人（United States Trustee）在本第 11 章案件中任命了无担保债权人官方委员会（“委员会”）。本第 11 章案件中未任命调查员（examiner）。\n\n8. 2022年6月15日，本法院作出一项判决理由备忘录及裁定（“《受托人裁定》”），指示美国受托人在本第 11 章案件中任命一名第 11 章受托人。依据《受托人裁定》，美国受托人选任 Luc A. Despins 为受托人；2022年7月8日，本法院作出准许任命 Luc A. Despins 为本第 11 章案件受托人的裁定。\n\n9. 2024年2月12日，受托人通过针对 W&W 提起《第 11 章受托人依据〈破产法典〉第 549 条和第 550 条寻求撤销并追回申请后转让及相关救济的起诉状》启动了对抗程序，旨在（其中包括）撤销并追回某些依据《破产法典》第 549 条和第 550 条可能可予撤销和/或追回的据称转让（“转让”）（统称“各项权利请求”），涉及金额不少于 $115,600.00。\n\n10. W&W 否认就各项权利请求承担任何潜在责任。\n和解\n\n11. 2024年5月2日，本法院作出了《程序裁定》，据此，受托人针对 W&W 的权利请求被移交至调解程序。\n\n12. 各方已通过律师就受托人的各项权利请求进行了善意商讨。作为这些商讨的结果，并在多轮提案与反提案之后，各方达成了作为本动议附件 B 附上的和解协议。\n\n- 13. 和解协议的主要条款规定如下：4\n\t- b. 在收到和解金额后的第十（10）个营业日或之前，受托人将提交带有偏见地（即不得重新起诉）撤销对抗程序的通知；\n\n4 若本动议中对和解协议的概要描述与和解协议的条款及条件存在任何不一致之处，应以和解协议的条款为准。\n\ne. 和解协议及其条款具有保密性，任何一方均不得在以下情况之外披露：(i) 未经另一方书面同意，或 (ii) 法院裁定或适用法律所要求的披露。\n所请求的救济\n\n14. 通过本动议，受托人提请依据《破产规则》第 9019(a) 条作出裁定，整体批准和解协议，并授权各方按照其条款订立和执行和解协议。\n所请求救济的依据\nI. 批准和解协议的标准\n\n15. 依据《破产规则》第 9019 条批准妥协与和解时，破产法院应当认定该妥协与和解是公平合理、公正的，且符合债务人破产财团的最佳利益。参见，例如 Air Line Pilots Ass'n, Int'l 诉 Am. Nat'l Bank & Tr. Co. of Chi. 案（In re Ionosphere Clubs, Inc. 案），156 B.R. 414, 426 (S.D.N.Y. 1993)，后经 17 F.3d 600 (2d Cir. 1994) 维持原判（引文省略）；In re Enron Corp. 案，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合理的裁量权范围。参见 Nellis 诉 Shugrue 案，165 B.R. 115, 122-23 (S.D.N.Y. 1994)。\n\n16. 重要的是，“和解并不必须是债务人本来所能获得的最佳结果”。In re Adelphia Commc'ns Corp. 案，327 B.R. 143, 159 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2005)（援引 In re Penn Cent. Transp. Co. 案，596 F.2d 1102, 1114 (3d Cir. 1979)）。相反，法院只需“审视相关争议并审查该和解是否低于合理性范围的最低点”。出处同上（援引 In re W.T. Grant Co. 案，699 F.2d 599, 608 (2d Cir. 1983)）。在判定特定和解是否落入“合理性范围”内时，法院会考量以下因素：\n\n(1) 诉讼胜诉可能性与和解未来收益之间的权衡；(2) 发生复杂且旷日持久的诉讼的盖然性，“及其伴随的费用、不便和拖延”……；(3) “债权人的首要利益”，包括每个受影响组别的相对收益“以及债权人对拟议和解未提出异议或积极支持的程度”；(4) 其他利害关系方是否支持该和解；(5) 支持和解的“律师的胜任能力和经验”，以及审查和解的“破产法院法官的经验和知识”；(6) “高级管理人员和董事所获得的免责的性质和广泛程度”；以及 (7) “和解在多大程度上属于公平独立交易磋商的产物”。\n\nMotorola, Inc. 诉 Official Comm. of Unsecured Creditors 案（In re Iridium Operating LLC 案），478 F.3d 452, 462 (2d Cir. 2007)（“Iridium 案”）。\nII. 和解协议应当予以批准\n\n17. 和解协议对破产财团以及进而对破产财团的债权人而言是一项积极成果，在当前情况下并考虑到适用的 Iridium 案各项考量因素，该协议是一项公平合理的妥协。\n\n18. 和解协议使破产财团能够在无需进一步诉讼的情况下获得和解金额，而与受托人各项权利请求所涉金额相比，诉讼费用可能是巨大的。针对与向 W&W 主张的权利请求类似的某些被告已提出抗辩，包括通过驳回起诉动议提出抗辩，而这些动议尚未由本法院作出裁决或在上诉中受到审查。尽管受托人对其权利请求的实体胜诉理由充满信心，但他认识到任何诉讼都带有不确定性。此外，拟议和解将使破产财团获得资金，而不会因诉讼和潜在上诉而产生拖延。\n\n19. 重要的是，Tancredi 法官已依据调解程序审查了和解协议的条款。各方对 Tancredi 法官的付出表示感谢。正如《调解员报告》所述，Tancredi 法官表示他已审查了“与[转让]有关的权利请求、潜在抗辩以及其他事实和情况，连同本第 11 章案件高度复杂和具争议性的性质”，并且他认为“按照 Iridium 案的标准衡量，和解协议的经济利益和条款是公平、合理的，并且符合[破产财团]的最佳利益”。\n\n20. 因此，受托人认为拟议的和解协议符合《破产规则》第 9019 条的规定，应当予以批准。\n通知与封存提交\n\n21. 本动议及所附和解协议已依据《程序裁定》予以封存提交，因为受托人认为：(a) 公开披露和解条款将损害破产财团，且 (b) 和解条款构成商业敏感信息以及其他保密信息。（参见《程序裁定》第 2(w) 段。）和解条款构成商业敏感信息，原因包括披露这些条款将损害受托人与其他被告及潜在被告解决类似权利请求的能力；这些条款亦属其他保密信息，因为各方协商达成的和解协议规定了应对其予以保密。这是受托人将向本法院提请批准的诸多和解之一。与此同时，受托人正在通过诉讼和/或谈判解决针对数百名其他受让人的撤销之诉请求。如果公开提交和解条款，从而向其他被告和潜在被告暴露受托人的策略及和解底线，将对破产财团造成极大损害。\n\n22. 根据《程序裁定》（Procedures Order），提交后，受托人（Trustee）将把本动议作为密封提交的文件（包括《和解协议》（Settlement Agreement））的副本发送给：(a) W&W，(b) 委员会（Committee），以及 (c) 美国联邦受托人（United States Trustee）。受托人还将在公开案卷中提交本动议的涂黑删减版，该版本涂黑删减了机密和具有商业敏感性的信息，并省略了《和解协议》（即“删减提交文件”（Redacted Filing））。（同上。）\n\n23. 删减提交文件的通知将发送给：(a) 所有使用法院案件管理/电子案卷系统出庭的当事人，以及 (b) 在本第11章案件中要求获得通知但在《电子提交通知》上表明无法接受电子提交的任何当事人。受托人认为，在当前情况下，无需其他或进一步的通知。受托人同时提交了其《根据破产规则9019限制与撤销权主张和解相关的动议送达的动议》，以批准在此类和本案以及其他撤销权诉讼（Avoidance Actions）的上述基础上进行送达。\n此前无请求\n\n24. 受托人此前未就本动议所寻求的救济向本法院或任何其他法院提出过请求。\n\n[本页其余部分有意留白。]\n\n为此，基于上述理由，受托人谨请求作出《拟议裁定》，以批准本动议中请求的救济以及公正恰当的其他救济。\n\n日期：2024年9月19日\n康涅狄格州纽黑文\nLUC A. DESPINS（卢克·A·德斯宾斯），\n第11章受托人\n\n签署人：/s/ Patrick R. Linsey\nPatrick R. Linsey（ct29437）\nNEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C.\n\n195 Church Street, 13th Floor\nNew Haven, Connecticut 06510\n(203) 781-2847\nplinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n及\n\nNicholas A. Bassett（临时出庭代理申请待决中）\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及\n\nDouglass Barron（临时出庭代理申请待决中）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, New York 10166\n(212) 318-6690\ndouglassbarron@paulhastings.com\n\n第11章受托人之法律代理人\n证据附件 A\n\n拟议裁定\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格区 布里奇波特分院\n\n----------------------------------------------------------- x\n\n: 第11章\n: 案件编号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1\n: （合并审理）\n\nLUC A. DESPINS，第11章受托人，\n:\n:\n原告，\n:\n:\n: x\n对抗制程序编号\n24-05187\nWILDES & WEINBERG P.C.，\n\n被告。\n:\n: x\n\n[拟议] 根据破产规则9019批准第11章受托人关于与 WILDES & WEINBERG, P.C. 和解的动议的裁定\n\n经审理在 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“债务人”）上述标题载明的第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中被任命的第11章受托人（“受托人”）Luc A. Despins 的动议2，该动议请求作出裁定，批准受托人与 Wildes & Weinberg, P.C.（“W&W”，与受托人合称“双方当事人”）之间的和解协议，如动议及作为动议证据附件 B 附随的和解协议（“《和解协议》”）中所更详尽描述的那样；且本法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 和 1334 享有审理本动议及其中所请求救济的管辖权；且本事项构成 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2) 含义内的核心程序；且在具体情况下已给予充分恰当的通知，且看来无需提供其他或进一步的通知；且所请求的救济是受托人合理行使其健全的商业判断权，符合其职责，并符合受托人、破产财团（Estate）及其债权人的最大利益；且双方当事人已参加调解程序，Tancredi 法官根据该程序出具了《调解员报告》，表明其认为《和解协议》的条款是公平、合理的，且符合破产财团的最大利益；经审慎研议并具备充分理由，特此裁定：\n\n1. 批准动议。\n\n2. 对本动议的所有异议（如有），凡未撤回、放弃或和解的，以及其中包含的所有权利保留，均予以驳回。\n\n3. 根据破产规则9019，批准《和解协议》。\n\n4. 授权受托人在本裁定作出后，根据破产规则9019立即签署、交付、执行并充分履行任何及所有义务、文书、文件和材料，并采取合理必要或适当的任何及所有行动，以达成《和解协议》中体现的和解，并履行其中预期的任何及所有义务。\n\n5. 根据破产规则6004(h)，本裁定自作出起立即生效并具有可执行性。\n6. 本法院应保留管辖权，以审理和裁决因本裁定及《和解协议》引起的或与之相关的所有事项。\n证据附件 B\n\n和解协议\n密封提交\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格区 布里奇波特分院\n\n----------------------------------------------------------- x\n\n关于： :\n:\n第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK，\n等人，1 :\n:\n案件编号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。 :\n:\n（合并审理）\n\nLUC A. DESPINS，第11章\n受托人，\n原告，\n诉 x\n\n对抗制程序编号 24-05187\n\nWILDES & WEINBERG P.C.， :\n被告。\n\nx\n送达证书\n\n上述文件（包括其所有证据附件）已在上述标题载明的 Ho Wan Kwok 的第11章案件（“第11章案件”）及上述标题载明的对抗制程序（“对抗制程序”）中，通过法院的案件管理/电子案卷（“CM/ECF”）系统密封提交（即“密封提交文件”），并以涂黑删减形式且省略《和解协议》进行了提交（即“删减提交文件”）。\n\n1 这些第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称郭文贵、Miles Guo、Miles Kwok 以及诸多其他化名）（税务识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号后四位：8202）和 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 和 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于通知与联络目的）。\n\n删减提交文件的通知将通过 CM/ECF 系统的运行，自动以电子邮件形式发送给第11章案件和对抗制程序中所有有资格接收电子通知的出庭当事人，并在一个工作日内通过美国邮政（U.S. Mail）发送给没有资格接收电子通知的任何出庭当事人。\n\n密封提交文件的通知将在一个工作日内通过手动电子邮件发送给：(a) Wildes & Weinberg, P.C.（邮箱：michael@wildeslaw.com），(b) 委员会（邮箱：igoldman@pullcom.com 和 kmayhew@pullcom.com），以及 (c) 美国联邦受托人（邮箱：holley.l.claiborn@usdoj.gov）。\n\n日期：2024年9月19日，于康涅狄格州纽黑文\n\n/s/ Patrick R. Linsey Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 plinsey@npmlaw.com","key_entities":["Kwok","Despins","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","Paul Hastings","Miles Guo","Je","CIPA"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":3131,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 13:52:07"}