SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit 99(30)
NJ Guaranty Settlement
This Settlement Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the Execution Date between and among the Congoleum Parties (as defined), the Committee (as defined), the Claimants’ Representatives (as defined) and the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association and New Jersey Surplus Lines Insurance Guaranty Fund (collectively referred to as the “NJ Guaranty Parties”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, certain Insolvent Insurers issued or allegedly issued certain excess liability insurance policies to the Congoleum Parties or under which the Congoleum Parties are or claim to be entitled to insurance and/or benefits; and
WHEREAS, one or more of the Congoleum Parties have been named as defendants in numerous asbestos-related claims; and
WHEREAS, the Congoleum Parties claim that they are entitled to statutory benefits pursuant to the terms of the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association Act, N.J.S.A. 17:30A-1, et seq. and the New Jersey Surplus Lines Insurance Guaranty Fund Act N.J.S.A. 17:22-6.70 et seq. as an insured under the Subject Policies.
NJ Guaranty Settlement
WHEREAS, on December 31, 2003, the Congoleum Parties filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, which is now pending as In re Congoleum Corporation, Civil Action No. 09-04371; and
WHEREAS, Congoleum and the NJ Guaranty Parties are parties to an insurance coverage action pending in the New Jersey Superior Court in Middlesex County, Congoleum v. ACE American Ins. Co., et al., Docket No. MID-L-8908-01 (N.J. Super. Ct.); and
WHEREAS, the Parties disagree with respect to whether and to what extent certain insurance policies may afford coverage for certain Claims and the extent to which the NJ Guaranty Parties have statutory obligations with respect to such Claims; and
WHEREAS, the NJ Guaranty Parties have raised certain objections in the Bankruptcy Case to proposed plans of reorganization and other matters; and
WHEREAS, the Parties, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, now wish fully and finally to compromise and resolve the disputes between or among them, including those arising in the Coverage Action and the Bankruptcy Case;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
2
NJ Guaranty Settlement
I. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below. Terms used in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural, and terms used in the plural shall be deemed to include the singular. The word “includes” means “includes but not limited to,” and the word “including” means “including but not limited to.”
A. “Approval Date” means the date by which the Approval Order has become a Final Order.
B. “Approval Order” means (i) an order in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 2; or (ii) an order in such other form agreed to in writing by the Parties, entered by the Bankruptcy Court that (a) approves this Agreement, (b) authorizes the Parties to undertake the settlement as set forth in this Agreement, and (c) provides for the Injunction.
C. “Asbestos Plaintiff” means any and all Persons with Asbestos-Released Claims.
D. “Asbestos-Released Claims” means any and all Claims arising out of, related to and/or attributable to, in any manner or fashion, the Congoleum-Related Parties’ manufacture, sale, distribution, installation, handling, operation or use of asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products, substances, or materials, alone or in combination with any other dust, mineral, fiber, substance or material. “Asbestos-Released Claims” also includes “Asbestos Claims” as that term is defined in the Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization, filed in the Bankruptcy Case, or the Plan, whichever is broader.
3
NJ Guaranty Settlement
E. “Bankruptcy Case” means the Chapter 11 case filed December 31, 2003, by the Congoleum Parties in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey and now pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, In re Congoleum Corporation, Civil Action No. 09-04371 (JAP), and shall include any appeals therefrom (and any adversary proceedings therein).
F. “Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended from time to time.
G. “Bankruptcy Court” means the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has exercised jurisdiction over the Bankruptcy Case and on August 17, 2009, withdrew the reference to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. References to “Bankruptcy Court” that involve orders or activities prior to August 17, 2009, are to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.
H. “Bankruptcy Rules” means the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
I. “Claim” means any past, present, or future claim, demand, action, cause of action, suit or liability of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether at law or in equity, known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, anticipated or
4
NJ Guaranty Settlement
unanticipated, accrued or unaccrued, fixed or contingent, which has been or may be asserted by or on behalf of any Person, whether seeking damages (including compensatory, punitive or exemplary damages) or equitable, mandatory, injunctive, or any other type of relief, including cross-claims, counterclaims, third-party claims, suits, lawsuits, administrative proceedings, notices of liability or potential liability (including Potentially Responsible Party or “PRP” notices), arbitrations, actions, rights, requests, causes of action or orders. “Claim” also includes “claim” as defined in Bankruptcy Code Section 101(5), and “demand” as defined in Bankruptcy Code Section 524(g)(5).
J. “Claimant Agreement” means “Claimant Agreement” as that term is defined in the Second Amended Plan of Reorganization.
K. “Claimants’ Representatives” means Xxxxxx X. Xxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxx.
L. “Committee” means the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee appointed in the Bankruptcy Case.
M. “Confirmation Order” means an order of the Bankruptcy Court approving a Plan that designates the NJ Guaranty Parties as Settling Asbestos Insurance Companies entitled to a Section 524(g) Injunction.
N. “Congoleum” means Congoleum Corporation, both individually and as debtor-in-possession in the Bankruptcy Case.
5
NJ Guaranty Settlement
O. “Congoleum Parties” means Congoleum, Congoleum Sales, Inc., and Congoleum Fiscal, Inc., both individually and as debtors-in-possession in the Bankruptcy Case.
P. “Congoleum-Related Parties” means (i) the Congoleum Parties, (ii) each of the Congoleum Parties’ respective present, direct and indirect, subsidiaries and divisions; (iii) the respective past and future, direct and indirect, parents, holding companies, subsidiaries, divisions, and corporate affiliates of the Persons described in Paragraphs I.P(i) and I.P(ii), solely in their capacities as such and to the full extent but only to the extent that the Congoleum Parties have the right, power or authority to give the releases set forth in Section V on behalf of the Persons described in this Paragraph I.P(iii); (iv) the direct and indirect predecessors, successors, and assigns of each of the Persons described in Paragraphs I.P(i) through I.P(iii), inclusive, solely in their capacities as such and to the full extent but only to the extent that the Congoleum Parties have the right, power or authority to give the releases set forth in Section V on behalf of the Persons described in this Paragraph I.P(iv); (v) any Insureds, to the extent that such Insureds do not fall within Paragraphs I.P(i) or I.P(ii), solely in their capacities as such and to the full extent but only to the extent that the Congoleum Parties have the right, power or authority to give the releases set forth in Section V on behalf of the Persons described in this Paragraph I.P(v); and (vi) the past and present respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, principals, attorneys, and representatives of each of the Persons described in Paragraphs I.P(i)
6
NJ Guaranty Settlement
through I.P(v), inclusive, but solely in their capacities as such and to the full extent but only to the extent that the Congoleum Parties have the right, power or authority to give the releases set forth in Section V on behalf of the Persons described in this Paragraph I.P(vi).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, American Biltrite Inc. and its officers and directors solely in their capacities as such (collectively, “ABI”) shall not be deemed to be a Congoleum-Related Party. To the extent that ABI has rights or interests under (x) the policies listed in Exhibit 1 hereto or (y) any other policies that were issued to any of the Congoleum Parties or their predecessors in interest prior to February 28, 1993 and that otherwise fall within the definition of “Subject Policies,” ABI is consenting to and being identified in this Agreement for the purpose of making clear that ABI is releasing any rights or Interests in, and agreeing not to seek to secure coverage under, policies insuring the Congoleum Parties that were issued prior to ABI’s acquisition of an interest in Congoleum effective February 28, 1993. The Parties acknowledge and agree that neither this Agreement nor the Approval Order shall affect, impair, change, modify, release, waive, channel, enjoin or transfer ABI’s rights or Claims arising under (a) any policy issued to or insuring ABI prior to February 28, 1993 (or ABI’s rights or the insurer’s obligations thereunder), except to the extent of ABI’s release of rights or Interests, if any, under policies within (x) or (y) above; (b) any policy issued to or insuring ABI on or after February 28, 1993 (or ABI’s rights or the insurer’s obligations thereunder); or (c) any settlement or coverage-in-place agreement applicable to (a) or (b) to which ABI is a signatory.
7
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Q. “Coverage Action” means the insurance coverage action pending in the New Jersey Superior Court in Middlesex County, New Jersey, Congoleum v. ACE American Ins. Co., et al., Docket No. MID-L-8908-01 (N.J. Super. Ct.).
R. “Direct-Action Claim” means any Claim by a Person against any NJ Guaranty Party that arises from the activities of the Congoleum-Related Parties or their Interests in any Subject Policy, and any Asbestos-Released Claim by any Asbestos Plaintiff against any NJ Guaranty Party relating in any way to the Subject Policies, whether arising by contract, in tort or under the laws of any jurisdiction, including any statute that gives a third party a direct cause of action against an insurer.
S. “Execution Date” means the date on which the Agreement has been fully executed by all Parties hereto.
T. “Extra-Contractual Claim” means any Claim against a NJ Guaranty Party or a Congoleum-Related Party seeking any type of relief, including compensatory, exemplary or punitive damages, on account of alleged bad faith or reverse bad faith; failure to act in good faith; violation of any duty of good faith and fair dealing; violation of any unfair claims practices or insurance fraud act or similar statute, regulation or code; or any other similar type of alleged misconduct or omission, to the extent that such Claims relate to or arise out of the Subject Policies.
8
NJ Guaranty Settlement
U. “Final Order” means an order or judgment (including any modification or amendment thereof) that remains in effect and has not been reversed, vacated or stayed, and as to which the time to appeal or seek review, rehearing or writ of certiorari has expired and as to which no appeal or petition for review, reconsideration, rehearing or certiorari has been taken or, if taken, remains pending.
V. “Futures Representative” means R. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, the Legal Representative for Future Asbestos Personal Injury Claimants, appointed by order of the Bankruptcy Court dated February 18, 2004, and any successor to him.
W. “Injunction” means the injunction contained in Paragraph 6 of the Approval Order, which injunction shall enjoin, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all potential Claims against the NJ Guaranty Parties relating to or arising out of the Congoleum-Related Parties’ Interests in the Subject Policies, to the extent and as more fully set forth in the Approval Order.
X. “Insolvent Insurers” means Holland-America Insurance Company, Integrity Insurance Company, Midland Insurance Company, Mission Insurance Company, The Home Insurance Company, The Protective National Insurance Company of Omaha, Transit Casualty Company, and Western Employers Insurance Company, as well as any other insurer for which an Order of Liquidation
9
NJ Guaranty Settlement
is entered subsequent to the Execution Date; provided, however, that insurers that may become subject to Orders of Liquidation entered after the Execution Date shall not be deemed Insolvent Insurers in respect of Claims other than Asbestos-Released Claims, and this Agreement, the Approval Order, and the release, sale, and injunctive provisions therein shall not be deemed to impair or limit the Congoleum-Related Parties’ rights against the NJ Guaranty Parties with respect to any Claims other than Asbestos-Released Claims arising out of or related to any insurer that may become subject to an Order of Liquidation after the Execution Date.
Y. “Insolvent Insurer Entities” means (i) the Insolvent Insurers, (ii) the estates of the Insolvent Insurers, and (iii) any liquidator, receiver, state insurance department, or other Person besides the NJ Guaranty Parties that has legal or financial responsibility for payment of any Claims under the Subject Policies, and (iv) the successors or assigns of the Persons set forth in Paragraph Y(i) through (iii) inclusive.
Z. “Insurance Coverage Claim” means any Claim for insurance coverage and/or other benefits, whether under a policy of insurance or a statute, under or with respect to the Subject Policies.
AA. “Insured” means any Person entitled or allegedly entitled to insurance coverage and/or other benefits under the Subject Policies, including without limitation “insureds,” “named insureds” or “additional insureds” as those terms are defined or used in the Subject Policies.
10
NJ Guaranty Settlement
BB. “Interests” means all liens, Claims, encumbrances, interests and other rights of any nature, whether at law or in equity.
CC. “NJ Guaranty Parties” means NJ PLIGA and NJ SLIGF.
DD. “NJ Guaranty-Related Parties” means (i) the NJ Guaranty Parties; and (ii) the member insurers of the NJ Guaranty Parties but only in their capacities as such and not in their capacities as insurers of the Congoleum-Related Parties.
EE. “NJ PLIGA” means the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association, created pursuant to the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association Act, N.J.S.A. 17:30A-1 et seq.
FF. “NJ SLIGF” means the New Jersey Surplus Lines Insurance Guaranty Fund, created pursuant to the New Jersey Surplus Lines Insurance Guaranty Fund Act, N.J.S.A. 17:22-6.70 et seq.
GG. “Parties” means the Congoleum Parties, the NJ Guaranty Parties, the Committee, and the Claimants’ Representatives.
HH. “Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a joint venture, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a limited liability partnership, an estate, an unincorporated entity or organization whether private or public, and regardless of how created, a trust, a class or group of individuals, or any other entity or organization, including any federal, state or local governmental or quasi-governmental body or political subdivision, department, agency or instrumentality thereof.
11
NJ Guaranty Settlement
II. “Plan” means any plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court in the Bankruptcy Case.
JJ. “Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization” means the Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code of the Debtors, the Official Asbestos Claimants’ Committee and the Official Committee of Bondholders for Congoleum Corporation, et al., Dated as of October 22, 2009.
KK. “Section 524(g) Injunction” means an injunction issued pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 524(g) in connection with confirmation of a Plan.
LL. “Settlement Amount” means the sum of thirteen million U.S. dollars ($13,000,000) in immediately available funds.
MM. “Settling Asbestos Insurance Company” means “Settling Asbestos Insurance Company,” as that term is defined in the Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization or the equivalent term in any Plan.
NN. “Subject Policies” means the policies of insurance issued or allegedly issued by any of the Insolvent Insurers to a Congoleum-Related Party that are listed on Exhibit 1 hereto.
OO. “TDP” means “TDP” as that term is defined in the Second Amended Joint Plan or as that term is defined in any Plan confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court.
12
NJ Guaranty Settlement
PP. “Trust” means the “Plan Trust” as that term is defined in the Second Amended Joint Plan or some other similar trust established pursuant to a Plan approved by the Bankruptcy Court to pay Asbestos-Released Claims.
II. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes a final compromise and settlement of all issues between or among the Parties concerning the NJ Guaranty Parties’ obligations or alleged obligations with respect to the Subject Policies, including the application of the Subject Policies to Asbestos-Released Claims and to all other Claims and the application of certain statutes to the Congoleum Parties’ Claims related thereto.
III. PAYMENT OF SETTLEMENT AMOUNT
3.1 The NJ Guaranty Parties shall irrevocably pay the Settlement Amount to the Trust within thirty (30) days of the later of (a) the Approval Date or (b) the date the Confirmation Order becomes a Final Order. The NJ Guaranty Parties shall have the exclusive right to waive the occurrence of either or both of the payment-triggering conditions set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, in which event the NJ Guaranty Parties shall irrevocably make such payment within thirty (30) days after providing notice of such waiver in writing to the other Parties. If payment is made in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, then the NJ Guaranty Parties shall pay the Settlement Amount to Congoleum, which shall hold such payment until the earlier of when the Plan is confirmed by a Final Order or the dismissal or conversion of the Bankruptcy Case, and such Settlement
13
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Amount shall then be used only in connection with the payment of Asbestos-Released Claims and/or to pay other amounts that would be payable by the Trust pursuant to the Plan.
3.2 The NJ Guaranty Parties are not acting as volunteers in paying the Settlement Amount and the NJ Guaranty Parties’ payment of the Settlement Amount reflects potential liabilities and obligations to the Congoleum-Related Parties for amounts one or more of them allegedly is obligated to pay on account of certain Claims.
3.3 Subject to Paragraph 3.4, the NJ Guaranty Parties shall not seek, or assign or transfer any right to seek, reimbursement from any Person, including the Congoleum-Related Parties, of the Settlement Amount or any portion thereof, whether by way of a Claim for contribution, subrogation, indemnification, retrospective premiums, deductibles, or self-insured retentions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and without limiting the effect of the Injunction or any Section 524(g) Injunction barring any third party from pursuing any such Claim, if a third party pursues a contribution, subrogation or indemnification Claim against a NJ Guaranty Party relating to or arising out of any of the Claims released pursuant to Section V, then the NJ Guaranty Parties shall be free to assert all Claims and defenses, including a contribution, subrogation or indemnification Claim against such third party. The Congoleum Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to obtain agreements similar to those contained in this Paragraph 3.3 from all insurers with which they settle with respect to Claims released pursuant to Section
14
NJ Guaranty Settlement
V; provided, however, that the failure of the Congoleum Parties to obtain, after first employing such reasonable best efforts, an agreement similar to that contained in this Paragraph 3.3 from an insurer with which the Congoleum Parties settle with respect to Claims released pursuant to Section V below shall not in and of itself constitute a breach of this Agreement.
3.4 The NJ Guaranty Parties shall retain the right to seek reimbursement from the Insolvent Insurer Entities for a portion of the Settlement Amount so long as the amount sought from the Insolvent Insurer Entities responsible for a particular Insolvent Insurer is equal to or less than the amount allocated to that Insolvent Insurer as set forth in Exhibit 3 hereto. The Congoleum Parties and the Trust fully reserve all their rights and remedies against each of the Insolvent Insurer Entities, including the right to seek coverage of Claims from the Insolvent Insurer Entities, and nothing in the Agreement shall, or shall be deemed to, preclude or limit the Congoleum Parties’ and the Trust’s pursuit of such Claims against the Insolvent Insurer Entities.
IV. BANKRUPTCY-RELATED OBLIGATIONS
4.1 No later than five (5) business days after the Execution Date, Congoleum shall file a motion in the Bankruptcy Case seeking entry of the Approval Order, which motion shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the NJ Guaranty Parties, and shall use its reasonable best efforts promptly to obtain entry of the Approval Order as a Final Order. Congoleum shall serve by mail notice of the motion and the hearing thereon on each of those Persons identified in Paragraph E of the Approval Order.
15
NJ Guaranty Settlement
4.2 The NJ Guaranty Parties’ payment of the Settlement Amount is conditioned upon entry of a Section 524(g) Injunction (subject to the NJ Guaranty Parties’ exclusive right to waive such condition in writing and to make payment in accordance with the second sentence of Paragraph 3.1), and any Plan proposed or supported by a Party shall include a Section 524(g) Injunction and shall designate the NJ Guaranty Parties as Settling Asbestos Insurance Companies entitled to the full and complete benefit of any and all injunctions, including any injunction pursuant to Section 524(g) or Section 105 of the Bankruptcy Code.
4.3 Subsequent to the Execution Date, NJ Guaranty Parties shall not be required to withdraw any objections they have made in the Bankruptcy Case to confirmation of any plan of reorganization or to any other relief sought by the Congoleum Parties, but (except as provided in this paragraph) the NJ Guaranty Parties (i) shall not file any additional objections in the Bankruptcy Case, (ii) shall not pursue any objections or appeals they already have made, (iii) shall not serve or pursue any discovery requests in the Bankruptcy Case, and (iv) shall refrain from taking any other action, directly or indirectly, to hinder, delay or oppose confirmation of a Plan that is not inconsistent with this Agreement. Until such time as the Approval Order is entered by the Bankruptcy Court and becomes a Final Order, the Congoleum Parties shall provide and support reasonable extensions or adjournments of any filing, discovery or other deadlines or hearing
16
NJ Guaranty Settlement
dates in the Bankruptcy Case (including any pending appeals) and the NJ Guaranty Parties shall agree to, and support, all such reasonable extensions. Before the Approval Order is entered and becomes a Final Order, if and to the extent any extension or adjournment of any filing, discovery or other deadline or hearing date sought by the Parties in the Bankruptcy Case (including any pending appeals) is not granted, the NJ Guaranty Parties may make such filing (or take such discovery) by such deadline, appear and be heard at such hearing, and take such other action as they reasonably deem necessary to preserve their rights. Within three (3) business days after the Approval Order becomes a Final Order, the NJ Guaranty Parties shall withdraw all objections they have filed in the Bankruptcy Case to confirmation of the Plan, provided that the Plan is not inconsistent with this Agreement, and terminate any pending appeals. Except as provided above in this paragraph, the Parties fully reserve all of their rights pertaining to discovery, motions, objections and Claims made prior to the entry of the Approval Order in the Bankruptcy Case until such time as the Approval Order becomes a Final Order.
4.4 The Congoleum Parties shall not include any provision in any Plan that materially and adversely affects the rights and obligations of the NJ Guaranty Parties under this Agreement. Subsequent to the Execution Date and provided the Agreement does not become null and void pursuant to Paragraph 4.6, neither the Congoleum-Related Parties nor the NJ Guaranty Parties shall make any Claims against or seek discovery from one another in the Bankruptcy Case, or make any Claims against one another in any other venue that are subject to the releases set forth in Section V.
17
NJ Guaranty Settlement
4.5 If and when the Plan becomes effective, the rights and obligations of the Congoleum-Related Parties under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been assigned to the Trust without need of further action by any Party or Person, and the Trust shall be bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement. The Congoleum-Related Parties shall also continue to be bound by this Agreement and shall retain the obligations and benefits hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after a Plan is confirmed, the Congoleum-Related Parties shall have no obligations hereunder for any obligations of the Trust over which the Congoleum-Related Parties have no control, and the Trust shall have no obligations hereunder for any obligations of the Congoleum-Related Parties over which the Trust has no control.
4.6 If for any reason (i) the Approval Order is not entered by the Bankruptcy Court on or before June 30, 2010, or (ii) a Final Order is entered either dismissing the Bankruptcy Case or converting it to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, then the NJ Guaranty Parties shall have the right to declare this Agreement null and void provided that they have not already paid, or provided notice of their intention to pay, the Settlement Amount pursuant to the second sentence of Paragraph 3.1. In the event that the NJ Guaranty Parties have paid the Settlement Amount and a Final Order has been entered either dismissing the Bankruptcy Case or converting it to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy
18
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Code, then this Agreement shall remain in place, but the Parties shall be excused from performing any obligations provided herein which cannot be performed absent the pendency of a case under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In the event that the NJ Guaranty Parties have not paid the Settlement Amount and have not provided notice in writing of their intention of doing so within thirty (30) days pursuant to the second sentence of Paragraph 3.1, the Congoleum Parties shall have the right to declare the Agreement null and void once forty-five (45) days have passed following entry of a Final Order (i) dismissing the Bankruptcy Case, (ii) converting the Bankruptcy Case to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (iii) denying the motion seeking entry of the Approval Order. In addition, either of the Congoleum Parties or the NJ Guaranty Parties may declare the Agreement null and void if the Bankruptcy Court does not enter an Approval Order on or before June 30, 2010.
4.7 If this Agreement becomes null and void pursuant to Paragraph 4.6 herein, then: (1) the Agreement, except for Sections I (other than ABI’s release of rights and interests, if any, as set forth in Paragraph I.P.), VII through IX, XII, XVII through XX and Paragraphs 4.6 and 4.7, which shall remain in full force and effect, shall be vitiated and shall be a nullity; (2) the Parties shall have all of the rights, defenses, and obligations under or with respect to any and all Subject Policies that they would have had absent this Agreement; (3) none of the NJ Guaranty Parties and none of the Congoleum-Related Parties shall be bound by the terms of the Approval Order; (4) the NJ Guaranty Parties shall not be entitled to
19
NJ Guaranty Settlement
claim the benefit of any injunctive provisions in the Approval Order, the Confirmation Order, or the Plan; and (5) any otherwise applicable statutes of limitation or repose, or other time-related limitation, shall be deemed to have been tolled for the period from the Execution Date through the date the Agreement becomes null and void.
4.8 All obligations of the Congoleum Parties under this Agreement shall be treated as post-petition administrative expenses, shall be deemed incorporated into any Plan, and shall survive any discharge in bankruptcy.
V. TERMINATION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS AND RELEASES
5.1 Effective upon the Execution Date, but subject to the NJ Guaranty Parties’ payment of the Settlement Amount, the Congoleum Parties (for themselves and on behalf of the Congoleum-Related Parties), the Committee and the Claimants’ Representatives each hereby fully, finally and completely releases and waives any and all Claims against any of the NJ Guaranty-Related Parties relating to, arising out of, or in connection with any Claims the Congoleum-Related Parties may have against the NJ Guaranty-Related Parties arising out of the insolvencies of the Insolvent Insurers. This release expressly includes: (i) all matters at issue in the Coverage Action; (ii) all Insurance Coverage Claims; (iii) all Claims attributable to the conduct of or conduct in connection with the Coverage Action and the Bankruptcy Case; (iv) all Claims arising from the Claimant Agreement or the events culminating in the filing of the Bankruptcy Case; and (v) all Claims seeking attorneys’ fees or litigation-related costs in connection with the
20
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Coverage Action or the Bankruptcy Case or for substantial contribution in connection with the Bankruptcy Case. For the avoidance of any doubt, the releases and waivers set forth above do not, and shall not be construed to, extend to the Insolvent Insurer Entities.
5.2 Effective upon the Execution Date, but subject to the NJ Guaranty Parties’ payment of the Settlement Amount, the NJ Guaranty Parties (for themselves and on behalf of the NJ Guaranty-Related Parties) each hereby fully, finally and completely releases and waives any and all Claims against any of the Congoleum-Related Parties, the Committee, and the Claimants’ Representatives relating to, arising out of, or in connection with any Claims the Congoleum-Related Parties may have against the NJ Guaranty-Related Parties arising out of the insolvencies of the Insolvent Insurers. This release expressly includes: (i) all matters at issue in the Coverage Action; (ii) all Insurance Coverage Claims; (iii) all Claims attributable to the conduct of or conduct in connection with the Coverage Action and the Bankruptcy Case; (iv) all Claims arising from the Claimant Agreement or the events culminating in the filing of the Bankruptcy Case; and (v) all Claims seeking attorneys’ fees or litigation-related costs in connection with the Coverage Action or the Bankruptcy Case or for substantial contribution in connection with the Bankruptcy Case. For the avoidance of any doubt, the releases and waivers set forth above do not, and shall not be construed to, extend to the Insolvent Insurer Entities.
21
NJ Guaranty Settlement
5.3 Without limiting the effect of the Injunction or any Section 524(g) Injunction, the Congoleum Parties, the Committee, and the Claimants’ Representatives shall use their reasonable best efforts to include in the Plan and/or attachments thereto (including the proposed TDPs) provisions to require that any Asbestos Plaintiff who accepts payment from the Trust, shall execute a final and complete release and waiver of any and all Asbestos-Released Claims against any of the NJ Guaranty Parties insofar as they relate to the Subject Policies.
5.4 The Parties recognize and understand that Claims that have been or may be asserted against the Congoleum-Related Parties and/or the Trust may increase or decrease in amount or in severity over time, that Claims that have been or may be asserted against the Congoleum-Related Parties and/or the Trust may include progressive, cumulative, unknown, and/or unforeseen elements, and that there may be hidden, unknown, and unknowable damages, defense expenses, or other costs related to such Claims. Nevertheless, the Parties willingly enter into this Agreement, including the releases set forth in this Section V.
5.5 The Parties acknowledge they have been advised by their respective legal counsel and are familiar with the provisions of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of the executing of the release which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.
22
NJ Guaranty Settlement
In furtherance of this Agreement, the Parties expressly waive any and all rights they may have under any contract, statute, code, regulation, ordinance, or the common law, which may limit or restrict the effect of a general release as to Claims, including Insurance Coverage Claims, that they do not know or suspect to exist in their favor at the time of the execution of this Agreement.
5.6 Nothing in this Section V is intended to, nor shall be construed to, release, waive or otherwise affect the Parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement.
5.7 The release provisions of this Section V are intended to release and shall be construed and deemed to effect a release only of Claims arising from, relating to, or involving any policy of insurance or portion thereof that is a Subject Policy.
VI. DISMISSAL OF COVERAGE ACTION
Upon the Execution Date, Congoleum and the NJ Guaranty Parties shall continue completely to stand still in the Coverage Action with respect to one another, including with respect to third-party discovery relevant to their claims and defenses against one another, and they shall promptly file such papers as are necessary to effect such a standstill of the Coverage Action. Such standstill shall remain in place until such time as this Agreement has been declared null and void or the NJ Guaranty Parties have paid the Settlement Amount, but nothing in this Section VI shall preclude the NJ Guaranty Parties from filing any necessary pleadings (1) Congoleum Corp. v. ACE American Ins. Co. et al., Docket No. AM-214-09T3 (N.J. App. Div.); provided that prior to the filing of such pleadings, they first
23
NJ Guaranty Settlement
have sought but failed to obtain from the relevant court an extension of the filing deadline. Within ten (10) days of the date the NJ Guaranty Parties pay the Settlement Amount, Congoleum and the NJ Guaranty Parties shall dismiss all of their Claims against one another in the Coverage Action with prejudice and without costs. Absent this Agreement becoming null and void in accordance with its terms, the Congoleum Parties and the NJ Guaranty Parties covenant that they shall not initiate or prosecute any action against one another for Claims that would fall within the releases described in Section V of this Agreement.
VII. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTIES
Each of the Parties separately represents and warrants (subject in the cases of the Congoleum Parties to the entry of the Approval Order) as follows:
(a) It has the requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform the obligations imposed on it by this Agreement;
(b) The execution and delivery of, and the performance of the obligations contemplated by, this Agreement have been approved by duly authorized representatives of the Party, and by all other necessary actions of the Party;
(c) Each Party has expressly authorized its undersigned representative to execute this Agreement on the Party's behalf as its duly authorized agent;
24
NJ Guaranty Settlement
(d) This Agreement has been thoroughly negotiated and analyzed by its counsel and has been executed and delivered in good faith, pursuant to arms’ length negotiations, and for value and valuable consideration; and
(e) Its employees and outside counsel involved in the Bankruptcy Case and the Coverage Action are not aware of any pending Insurance Coverage Claims, other than the Claims asserted by the Congoleum Parties against the NJ Guaranty Parties under the Subject Policies listed on Exhibit 1, against any of the NJ Guaranty Parties by others that would be released by Section V or barred by an injunction contemplated and provided for by this Agreement or the Approval Order.
VIII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, including the exhibits hereto, constitutes a single integrated written contract that expresses the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties. Except as otherwise expressly provided, this Agreement supersedes all prior communications, settlements, and understandings between the Parties and their representatives regarding the matters addressed by this Agreement. Except as explicitly set forth in this Agreement, there are no representations, warranties, promises, or inducements, whether oral, written, expressed, or implied, that in any way affect or condition the validity of this Agreement or alter or supplement its terms. Any statements, promises, or inducements, whether made by any Party or any agents of any Party, that are not contained in this Agreement shall not be valid or binding.
25
NJ Guaranty Settlement
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Except as necessary to enforce any undertakings set forth in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement is or shall be deemed to be (a) an admission by any of the NJ Guaranty Parties that any Congoleum Party or the Trust was or is entitled to any statutory benefits pursuant to the terms of the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association Act, N.J.S.A. 17:30A-1, et seq. and the New Jersey Surplus Lines Insurance Guaranty Fund Act N.J.S.A. 17:22-6.70 et seq. with respect to Asbestos-Released Claims or any other Claims or as to the validity of any of the coverage positions that have been or could have been asserted by the Congoleum Parties and/or the Trust; or (b) an admission by the Congoleum Parties as to the validity of any of the coverage positions or defenses to coverage (statutory or otherwise) that have been or could have been asserted by the NJ Guaranty Parties with respect to Asbestos-Released Claims or any other Claims.
9.2 By entering into this Agreement, the Parties have not waived nor shall be deemed to have waived any right, obligation, privilege, defense or position they may have asserted or might assert in connection with any Claim, matter, Person or insurance policy outside the scope of this Agreement. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, no Person other than the Parties hereto shall have any legally enforceable rights or benefits under this Agreement.
9.3 This Agreement represents a compromise of disputed Claims and shall not be deemed an admission or concession by any Party of liability, culpability, or wrongdoing. The NJ Guaranty Parties’ entry into this Agreement
26
NJ Guaranty Settlement
does not constitute an endorsement of any plan of reorganization for Congoleum or any related TDP or a statement of position of any kind as to whether any such plan of reorganization as proposed or confirmed is lawful.
9.4 This Agreement and the relief provided for herein is independent of, and shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the Parties under, other settlement agreements resolving disputes in the Coverage Action that have or may be entered into by and between Congoleum and Persons other than the NJ Guaranty Parties that are or were parties in the Coverage Action. Nor shall any insurer-beneficiary of a release under such other agreements be entitled to any rights, relief or benefits hereunder.
X. RIGHT OF REVIEW
After the Confirmation Order becomes a Final Order, the Trust shall cooperate, at the sole expense of the NJ Guaranty Parties, in the NJ Guaranty Parties’ reasonable requests for information as follows: the NJ Guaranty Parties shall have the right, at their own expense, upon reasonable request and notice, and at a time and place convenient to the Trust, to review any payments funded in whole or in part by the proceeds of this Agreement; provided, however, that claimants’ personal identification information shall be maintained in strict confidence. Neither the Trust nor any trustee shall have any obligation to create any new documents or to collect any information in connection with any such review beyond those ordinarily created or maintained by the Trust, as applicable, and the NJ Guaranty Parties shall not be permitted to challenge the allowance or payment
27
NJ Guaranty Settlement
of Claims by the Trust, as applicable, or any administrative payments or costs of the Trust, as applicable. This Section X and any results of such a review contemplated hereunder shall not affect the NJ Guaranty Parties’ payment obligations under this Agreement. The NJ Guaranty Parties shall not provide any results of such review to any other Person and shall keep any and all such results confidential, except that the NJ Guaranty Parties may provide such results to any of their auditors, tax consultants, regulators, or reinsurers for the purpose of obtaining reinsurance for any portion of the Settlement Amount, or complying with applicable regulations, provided that the NJ Guaranty Parties shall inform such parties that the review and/or audit results and information contained therein are confidential, and use reasonable efforts to obtain a commitment from such parties to maintain the confidentiality of the information.
XI. COOPERATION
Each Party agrees to take such steps and to execute any documents as may be reasonably necessary or proper to effectuate the purpose and intent of this Agreement and to preserve its validity and enforceability. In the event that any action or proceeding of any type whatsoever is commenced or prosecuted by any Person not a Party hereto to invalidate, interpret, or prevent the validation, enforcement, or carrying out of all or any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Parties mutually agree, represent, warrant, and covenant to cooperate fully in opposing such action or proceeding.
28
NJ Guaranty Settlement
XII. CONSTRUCTION
This Agreement was negotiated among the Parties hereto at arms’ length and in good faith, with each Party receiving advice from independent legal counsel. It is the intent of the Parties that no part of this Agreement be construed against any of the Parties hereto because of the identity of the drafter. It is agreed among the Parties hereto that this is not an insurance contract and that no special rules of construction apply to this Agreement, including the doctrine of contra proferentem.
XIII. NOTICE
All notices, demands, payments, accountings or other communications that any Party desires or is required to give shall be given in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if hand delivered, faxed, emailed or if mailed by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Parties at the addresses noted below, or such other address as any Party may designate in writing from time to time:
As to the Congoleum Parties:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx III
Congoleum Corporation
00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
xxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Facsimile: 781/237-6880
29
NJ Guaranty Settlement
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, XX
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
xxxxxx@xxx.xxx
Facsimile: 202/662-6291
-and-
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Pillsbury Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
xxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Facsimile: 212/858-1500
As to the NJ Guaranty Parties:
With a copy to:
30
NJ Guaranty Settlement
As to the Committee:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx, Chtd.
Xxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, XX
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
xxx@xxxxxxx.xxx
Facsimile: 202/429-3301
As to the Claimants’ Representatives:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx, Esq.
Motley Rice LLC
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx.
X.X. Xxx 0000
Xx. Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
-and-
Xxxxx Xxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Notice shall be provided to the Trust at such address designated by Congoleum or as the Trust may designate in writing.
XIV. HEADINGS
Titles and captions contained in the Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience and are for reference purposes only. Such titles and captions in no way are intended to define, limit, expand or describe the scope of this Agreement, nor the intent of any provision thereof.
31
NJ Guaranty Settlement
XV. EXECUTION AND DELIVERY
This Agreement may be executed in counterpart originals, all of which, when so executed and taken together, shall be deemed an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Each counterpart may be delivered by facsimile or electronic mail, and a faxed or electronically mailed copy of a signature shall have the same force and effect as an original signature.
XVI. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
16.1 The Parties agree that before resorting to litigation they will attempt to resolve informally any disputes arising under this Agreement through good faith negotiations for a period of sixty (60) days after written notification regarding such dispute.
16.2 The Parties agree to submit all disputes relating to this Agreement to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court. If the Bankruptcy Court refuses to exercise jurisdiction over any such dispute, the Parties may submit such dispute to a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of New Jersey. The terms and conditions of this Agreement are to be interpreted and construed under the laws of the State of New Jersey.
XVII. ASSIGNMENT
Except as expressly provided by this Agreement or by the Plan, this Agreement shall not be assignable by any Party hereto without the prior written consent of the Parties.
32
NJ Guaranty Settlement
XVIII. AMENDMENT
This Agreement may not be amended, altered or modified except by a written agreement duly executed by each Party (or its successors or assigns).
XIX. NO WAIVER
Neither the waiver by a Party hereto of a breach of or a default under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor the failure of a Party, on one or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder shall thereafter be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any such provisions, rights, or privileges hereunder.
XX. AGREEMENT INADMISSIBLE
All settlement-related communications leading up to this Agreement shall be deemed to fall within the protection afforded to compromises and to offers to compromise by Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence and any similar state law provisions. Except as necessary with respect to the motion seeking the Approval Order, any evidence of the terms of this Agreement or negotiations or discussions associated with this Agreement shall be inadmissible in any action or proceeding for purposes of establishing any rights, duties, or obligations of the Parties, except in (i) an action or proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement, (ii) any possible action or proceeding between any of the Parties and any of the Insolvent Insurer Entities, (iii) as otherwise directed by any court of competent jurisdiction, or (iv) as otherwise provided herein. This Agreement shall not be used as evidence or in any other manner, in any court or dispute resolution proceeding, to create, prove, or interpret the Parties’ obligations under any insurance policy.
33
NJ Guaranty Settlement
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties, by their duly authorized representatives, have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date set forth with the respective signatures below:
FOR THE CONGOLEUM PARTIES
|
||
(on behalf of themselves and the Congoleum-Related Parties as defined in Paragraphs I.O. and I.P.)
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
|
|
Name:
|
Xxxxxx X. Fesit
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Date:
|
01/28/2010
|
|
34
NJ Guaranty Settlement
FOR NJ GUARANTY PARTIES (on behalf of themselves and the NJ Guaranty-Related Parties as defined in Paragraph X.XX. and X.XX.)
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
|
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Operating Officer
|
|
Date:
|
01/28/2010
|
|
FOR THE COMMITTEE (as defined in Paragraph I.L.)
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
|
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
|
Attorney
|
|
Date:
|
01/28/2010
|
|
35
NJ Guaranty Settlement
FOR THE CLAIMANTS’ REPRESENTATIVES (as defined in Paragraph I.K.)
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxx
|
|
Name:
|
Xxxxx Xxxxx
|
|
Title:
|
||
Date:
|
01/29/2010
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
|
|
Name:
|
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
|
|
Title:
|
||
Date:
|
||
36
NJ Guaranty Settlement
CONSENTED TO BY THE FUTURES REPRESENTATIVE (as defined in Paragraph I.V.)
|
||
By:
|
/s/ R. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
|
R. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
|
FCR
|
|
Date:
|
01/28/2010
|
|
CONSENTED TO BY AMERICAN BILTRITE, INC.
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
|
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
|
President and Chief Operating Officer
|
|
Date:
|
01/28/2010
|
37
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Exhibit 1
INSOLVENT INSURER
|
POLICY NUMBER
|
COVERAGE PERIOD
|
Holland-America Insurance Company
|
R83678
|
01/01/81 – 01/01/82
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL200500
|
01/01/79 – 01/01/80
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL201439
|
01/01/80 – 01/01/81
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL201522
|
01/01/81 – 01/01/82
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL203766
|
01/01/82 – 01/01/83
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL207014
|
01/01/83 – 01/01/84
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL207970
|
01/01/84 – 01/01/85
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL207970
|
01/01/84 – 01/01/85
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
XL210163
|
01/01/85 – 01/01/86
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL111017004473-7
|
10/12/72 – 01/01/76
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL145821
|
01/01/76 – 01/01/77
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL152158
|
01/01/77 – 01/01/78
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL148361
|
01/01/78 – 01/01/79
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL160344
|
01/01/79 – 01/01/80
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL706593
|
01/01/80 – 01/01/81
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL723759
|
01/01/81 – 01/01/82
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL724778
|
01/01/82 – 01/01/83
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL748705
|
01/01/83 – 01/01/84
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL770107
|
01/01/84 – 01/01/85
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
XL770108
|
01/01/84 – 01/01/85
|
Mission Insurance Company
|
M81757
|
01/01/75 – 04/01/76
|
Mission Insurance Company
|
M831963
|
04/01/76 – 04/01/77
|
Mission Insurance Company
|
M856066
|
01/01/80 – 01/01/81
|
The Home Insurance Company
|
HEC-9-79-13-74
|
01/28/70 - 02/16/73
|
The Protective National Insurance Company of Omaha
|
XUB1807281
|
01/01/84 – 01/01/85
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU956394
|
01/01/83 – 01/01/84
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU957115
|
01/01/85 – 01/01/86
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU955066
|
01/01/79 – 01/01/80
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU955427
|
01/01/80 – 01/01/81
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU955786
|
01/01/81 – 01/01/82
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU955787
|
01/01/81 – 01/01/82
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU956122
|
01/01/82 – 01/01/83
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU956123
|
01/01/82 – 01/01/83
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU956395
|
01/01/83 – 01/01/84
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU956652
|
01/01/84 – 01/01/85
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
SCU956653
|
01/01/84 – 01/01/85
|
Western Employers Insurance Company
|
EX1O-0185-20348
|
01/01/85 – 01/01/86
|
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Exhibit 0
XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXX
XXXXXXXX XX XXX XXXXXX
|
|
In re:
CONGOLEUM CORPORATION, et al.,
Debtors.
|
Case No. 09-04371 (JAP)
Chapter 11
Case No. 03-51524
Jointly Administered
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH
THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
The Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law set forth on the following pages, numbered three (3) through seven (7), are hereby APPROVED AND ENTERED, and the Relief set forth on the following pages, numbered seven (7) through fourteen (14) is hereby GRANTED AND ORDERED.
DATED: _______________
|
_____________________________________
|
|
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
United States District Judge
|
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 2
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
Upon the motion, dated ______, 2010 (the “Motion”)1, of the above-captioned debtors and debtors-in-possession (the “Debtors”) for an order pursuant to sections 105(a) and 363 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) and rules 2002, 6004 and 9019 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the “Bankruptcy Rules”) (i) authorizing the Debtors to enter into a compromise and settlement with the NJ Guaranty Parties with respect to certain Subject Policies issued by Insolvent Insurers designated in the Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which (among other things) the Congoleum Parties, on behalf of themselves, the Congoleum-Related Parties and Debtors’ bankruptcy estates, will provide the NJ Guaranty Parties general releases, as set forth in the Settlement Agreement (the “Agreement,” a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1); (ii) approving the Agreement in all respects; and (iii) enjoining Claims against the NJ Guaranty Parties and the Congoleum-Related Parties as described in Paragraphs 6 and 7 below (the “Injunctions”). The appearances of all interested parties and all responses and objections to the Motion, if any, have been duly noted in the record of the hearing
1 Except as otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement (as defined herein).
2
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 3
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
held on __________, 2010 (the “Hearing”). Upon the record of the Hearing, the Motion, said responses and objections, if any, and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefore, the Court hereby makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW:2
Jurisdiction, Final Order and Statutory Predicates
A. The Court has jurisdiction over the Motion and relief requested therein, including responses and objections thereto, if any, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334, and this matter is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)(A), (N), and (O). Venue of these cases and the Motion in this district is proper under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.
B. This Order constitutes a final and immediately appealable order within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 158(a).
2 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. To the extent any of the following findings of fact constitute conclusions of law, they are adopted as such. To the extent any of the following conclusions of law constitute findings of fact, they are adopted as such.
3
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 4
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
C. The statutory predicates for the relief sought in the Motion are sections 105(a) and 363 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules 6004 and 9019.
Retention of Jurisdiction
D. It is necessary and appropriate for the Court to retain jurisdiction to, among other things, interpret and enforce the terms and provisions of this Order and the Agreement, and to adjudicate, if necessary, any and all disputes arising under or relating in any way to, or affecting, any of the transactions contemplated under the Agreement.
Notice of the Motion
E. The Debtors have provided due and adequate notice of the Motion, the Hearing, the Agreement and the subject matter thereof to all parties in interest pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 2002 and 6004. Such notice was good and sufficient under the particular circumstances, and no further notice is necessary. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, adequate notice of the Motion, the Hearing and the Agreement has been provided, and a reasonable opportunity to object or be heard with respect to the Motion and the relief requested therein has been afforded, to all parties in interest, including without limitation (i) the Asbestos Claimants’
4
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 5
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
Committee appointed in the Bankruptcy Case (the “Committee”); (ii) the Futures Representative appointed in the Bankruptcy Case; (iii) all known Asbestos Plaintiffs including (a) all claimants or counsel for claimants who have voted on any proposed plan of reorganization submitted by the Debtors, and (b) all such claimants who are known to the Debtors through participation in the Bankruptcy Case, the filing of a pre-petition lawsuit, or otherwise; (iv) the Claimants’ Counsel (as defined in the Plan); (v) the Collateral Trustee (as defined in the Plan) of the Congoleum Collateral Trust; (vi) all existing or former parties in the Coverage Action; (vii) all other entities known by the Congoleum Parties to have provided general liability insurance to the Congoleum-Related Parties prior to 1990; (viii) all other Insureds known to the Congoleum Parties; (ix) the United States Trustee; and (x) all other Persons or Entities that, as of the date the Motion was filed, had filed a notice of appearance and demand for service of papers in the Bankruptcy Case or were otherwise listed on the master service list maintained by the Debtors in the Bankruptcy Case.
Sound Business Judgment and Reasonableness
F. The relief requested in the Motion is in the best interests of the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates, their creditors, Asbestos Plaintiffs and other parties-
5
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 6
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
in-interest. The Debtors have demonstrated good, sufficient and sound business purposes and justifications for the relief requested in the Motion and the approval of the transactions contemplated thereby.
G. The Agreement is fair and reasonable and in the best interests of the Debtors and their bankruptcy estates. The Settlement Amount represents fair and reasonable consideration for the release of Claims and the other provisions as set forth in the Agreement. The Agreement is also in the best interests of the Asbestos Plaintiffs and other parties in interest because if the Plan is confirmed, it is contemplated that the proceeds of the settlement will be paid to the Trust established pursuant to the Plan to pay Plan Trust Asbestos Claims (as defined in the Plan).
H. The Debtors have demonstrated that the probability of success for the Debtors in litigation over the matters resolved by the Agreement, including without limitation the Coverage Disputes, is uncertain; that the litigation of the matters resolved by the Agreement would be complex and costly to the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates; and that the entry into the Agreement is necessary and appropriate to assist the Debtors’ reorganization, is consistent with the reasonable range of potential litigation outcomes, and is in the best interests of the Debtors, their
6
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 7
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
bankruptcy estates, and the Debtors’ creditors, including without limitation, the Asbestos Plaintiffs, and all parties in interest because, among other reasons, the Agreement contemplates the payment of the Settlement Amount to the Trust provided that a Plan providing for the creation of such a Trust is confirmed.
Good Faith Negotiations
I. The Agreement was negotiated and proposed, and has been entered into by the Parties, in good faith, from arm’s-length bargaining positions, and without fraud or collusion. Each Party to the Agreement was represented by counsel. The consideration to be realized by the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates pursuant to the Agreement is fair and reasonable.
For all of the foregoing and after due deliberation, IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED THAT:
1. The Motion is GRANTED and APPROVED in all respects.
2. For the reasons set forth herein and on the record at the Hearing, all objections to the Motion and the relief requested therein and/or granted in this Order that have not been withdrawn, waived, or settled, and all reservations of rights included in such objections, are overruled on the merits.
7
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 8
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
3. Pursuant to and to the fullest extent permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, the Congoleum Parties are authorized and directed to enter into and consummate the Agreement in accordance with the terms and subject only to the conditions specified herein and in the Agreement. The Congoleum Parties and the NJ Guaranty Parties are each hereby authorized to take all actions and execute all documents and instruments that the Congoleum Parties and the NJ Guaranty Parties deem necessary or appropriate to implement and effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Agreement.
4. The terms of the Agreement (including without limitation the releases set forth in Section V) are approved in their entirety, and this Order and the Agreement in accordance with its terms shall be binding upon the Congoleum Parties, their bankruptcy estates and all of their creditors and shareholders, the NJ Guaranty Parties, all Persons holding Interests or Claims against the Congoleum Parties or the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates (including without limitation all holders of Asbestos-Released Claims against the Congoleum Parties), the Futures Representative and each of the Persons whose interests he represents, the Committee, the Collateral Trustee, the Congoleum Collateral Trust, the Claimants’ Representatives, the Congoleum Parties’ insurers other than the NJ Guaranty
8
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 9
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
Parties, any Insureds (in addition to the Congoleum Parties), all other parties in interest, and upon the effective date of any Plan, the Trust, and each of the foregoing entities’ successors and assigns.
5. The NJ Guaranty Parties shall pay the Settlement Amount as provided in the Agreement.
6. Pursuant to and to the fullest extent permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, all Persons that have held or asserted, that hold or assert, or that may in the future hold or assert any Claim or Interest of any kind or nature against or in any of the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates or the Congoleum-Related Parties, based upon, arising out of, derived from or attributable in any way (a) to the NJ Guaranty Parties’ responsibility for the Subject Policies or (b) to any matters released in Section V of the Agreement (including, but not limited to, any Asbestos-Released Claim, any Extra-Contractual Claim, any Insurance Coverage Claim or any Direct-Action Claim), whenever or wherever arising or asserted (including all thereof in the nature of or sounding in tort, contract, warranty or any other theory of law, equity or admiralty), shall be and hereby are barred, estopped and permanently enjoined from asserting any such Claims or Interests against any of the NJ Guaranty Parties and from continuing, commencing, or otherwise proceeding or
9
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 10
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
taking any action against the NJ Guaranty Parties to enforce such Interests or Claims or for the purpose of directly or indirectly collecting, recovering or receiving payments from any NJ Guaranty Party to recover with respect to any such Claim or Interest arising from the Subject Policies.
7. Pursuant to and to the fullest extent permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, all Persons that have held or asserted, that hold or assert, or that may in the future hold or assert any Claim or Interest of any kind or nature against or in any of the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates and the Congoleum-Related Parties, based upon, arising out of, derived from or attributable in any way to the settlement of Claims or Interests against the NJ Guaranty Parties arising from the Subject Policies whenever or where ever arising or asserted (including all thereof in the nature of or sounding in tort, contract, warranty or any other theory of law, equity or admiralty), shall be and hereby are enjoined from asserting any such Claims or Interests against any of the Congoleum-Related Parties, the Committee, the Claimants’ Representatives or the Trust to enforce such Interests or Claims or for the purpose of directly or indirectly collecting, recovering or receiving payments from any Congoleum-Related Party, the Committee, the Claimants’ Representatives or the Trust to recover with respect to any such Claim or Interest, and any such Claims or Interests shall be channeled to the Settlement Amount, which shall constitute the sole recourse for any such Claim or Interest.
10
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 11
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
8. The NJ Guaranty Parties shall retain the right to seek reimbursement from the Insolvent Insurer Entities for a portion of the Settlement Amount so long as the amount sought from the Insolvent Insurer Entities responsible for a particular Insolvent Insurer is equal to or less than the amount allocated to that Insolvent Insurer as set forth in Exhibit 3 to the Agreement. The Congoleum Parties and the Trust have fully reserved and shall retain all their rights and remedies against each of the Insolvent Insurer Entities, including the right to seek coverage of Claims from the Insolvent Insurer Entities, and nothing in the Agreement or this Order shall, or shall be deemed to, preclude or limit the Congoleum Parties’ and the Trust’s pursuit of such Claims against the Insolvent Insurer Entities.
9. Nothing in this Approval Order or the Agreement shall affect, impair, change, modify, release, waive, channel, enjoin or transfer ABI’s rights or Claims arising under (a) any policy issued to or insuring ABI prior to February 28, 1993 (or ABI’s rights or the insurer’s obligations thereunder), except to the extent of ABI’s release of rights or Interests, if any, under Policies listed in Exhibit 1 of the
11
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 12
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
Agreement or any other policies that were issued to any of the Congoleum Parties or their predecessors in interest prior to February 28, 1993 and that otherwise fall within the definition of Subject Policies; (b) any policy issued to or insuring ABI on or after February 28, 1993 (or ABI’s rights or the insurer’s obligations thereunder); or (c) any settlement or coverage-in-place agreement applicable to (a) or (b) to which ABI is a signatory. The Congoleum-Related Parties have also fully reserved their rights against the NJ Guaranty Parties with respect to Claims other than Asbestos-Released Claims in respect of any insurers that become subject to Orders of Liquidation after the Execution Date.
10. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, the settlement and mutual release of Claims as set forth in the Agreement are hereby approved as of the Execution Date of the Agreement. This Order shall be effective and enforceable immediately upon entry and its provisions shall be self-executing and shall not be stayed under Bankruptcy Rule 6004(g).
11. All obligations of the Debtors under the Agreement shall be deemed administrative expenses of the Debtors’ bankruptcy estates under sections 503(b) and 507(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.
12
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Page 13
|
|
Debtors:
|
Congoleum Corporation, et al.
|
Case No.:
|
09-04371 (JAP)/Chapter 11 No. 03-51524 (Jointly Administered)
|
Caption of Order:
|
ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ GUARANTY PARTIES
|
12. The failure specifically to include any particular provision of the Agreement in this Order shall not diminish or impair the effectiveness of such provision, it being the intent of the Court and the effect of this Order that the Agreement be and hereby is authorized and approved in its entirety.
13. This Court shall retain jurisdiction to interpret and enforce the provisions of this Order and the Agreement in all respects, and to adjudicate, if necessary, any and all disputes arising under or relating in any way to, or affecting, any of the transactions contemplated under the Agreement. Such jurisdiction shall be retained even if a Plan is confirmed and/or the Bankruptcy Case is closed, and the Bankruptcy Case may be reopened for such purpose.
14. Each and every federal, state, and local governmental agency or department is hereby directed to accept this Order and the Agreement approved herein in lieu of any document necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and this Order.
15. The provisions of this Order are nonseverable and mutually dependent.
13
NJ Guaranty Settlement
Exhibit 3
Insolvent Insurer Allocation
Insolvent Insurer
|
Allocated Amount
|
Holland-America Insurance Company
|
$0.00
|
Integrity Insurance Company
|
$0.00
|
Midland Insurance Company
|
$0.00
|
Mission Insurance Company
|
$13,000,000.00
|
The Home Insurance Company
|
$0.00
|
The Protective National Insurance
Company of Omaha |
$0.00
|
Transit Casualty Company
|
$0.00
|
Western Employers Insurance Company
|
$0.00
|
Total
|
$13,000,000.00
|