Form 8-K
false 0001735707 0001735707 2021-01-22 2021-01-22

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 22, 2021

 

 

GARRETT MOTION INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-38636   82-4873189

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

La Pièce 16, Rolle, Switzerland   1180
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +41 21 695 30 00

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

None   None   None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01

Entry into Material Definitive Agreement

As previously reported, on September 20, 2020, Garrett Motion Inc. (the “Company”) and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) each filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 (“Chapter 11”) of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”). The Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) are being jointly administered under the caption “In re Garrett Motion Inc., 20-12212.” As previously reported, in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, on January 11, 2021, the Company entered into a Plan Support Agreement (the “Plan Support Agreement”) with affiliated funds of Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (“Centerbridge”), affiliated funds of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), Honeywell International Inc. and certain other investors and parties (the “CO Group”) regarding restructuring transactions (the “Restructuring Transactions”) pursuant to a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Approved Plan”) on the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan Support Agreement. The Plan Support Agreement provides, inter alia, that the Company will conduct a rights offering of convertible Series A preferred stock of the Company (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) for a maximum aggregate value of $200 million to existing holders of the Company’s common stock (the “Rights Offering”), backstopped by Centerbridge, Oaktree, Attestor Value Master Fund LP, The Baupost Group, L.L.C., Cyrus Capital Partners, L.P., FIN Capital Partners LP, Hawk Ridge Capital Management LP, Keyframe Capital Partners, L.P., Newtyn Management, LLC, Sessa Capital (Master), L.P. and Whitebox Multi-Strategy Partners, L.P. (the “Equity Backstop Parties”) on a fully committed basis.

In accordance with the terms of the Plan Support Agreement, on January 22, 2021, the Debtors entered into an Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement (the “Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement”) with the Equity Backstop Parties, the material terms of which include, among other things:

 

   

The conduct of the Rights Offering by the Company;

 

   

The commitment of each Equity Backstop Party to (i) exercise its rights, as a stockholder of the Company, to purchase shares of the Series A Preferred Stock in the Rights Offering and (ii) purchase, on a pro rata basis (in accordance with percentages set forth in the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement), shares of Series A Preferred Stock which were offered but not subscribed for in the Rights Offering;

 

   

Reimbursement by the Debtors of professional fees and expenses and filing fees incurred by the Equity Backstop Parties in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases in an aggregate amount that, together with and inclusive of amounts to be reimbursed pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement, do not exceed $25 million prior to the Debtors’ emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases; and

 

   

Indemnification by the Debtors of losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by the Equity Backstop Parties in connection with the Restructuring Transactions.

The Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants. The Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement is subject to certain termination events, including, without limitation, (a) by mutual agreement of the parties, (b) by the Company following an uncured breach of a representation, warranty or covenant in the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement by an Equity Backstop Party, or (c) by the Equity Backstop Parties constituting each of Centerbridge, Oaktree and a number of the other Equity Backstop Parties holding at least a majority of the rights to purchase Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement (excluding any such rights held by Centerbridge and Oaktree) following an uncured breach by the Debtors of a representation, warranty or covenant in the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement. The Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement will automatically terminate if the Plan Support Agreement terminates with respect to the rights and obligations of the Debtors prior to the occurrence of the effective date of the Approved Plan in accordance with its terms.

The foregoing description of the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, which is furnished as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

In connection with the Plan Support Agreement, on January 22, 2021, the Debtors filed a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Proposed Plan”) and a related disclosure statement (the “Proposed Disclosure Statement”) with the Bankruptcy Court. The Proposed Plan is intended to implement the Restructuring Transactions contemplated by the Plan Support Agreement.


Although the Company intends to pursue the Restructuring Transactions in accordance with the terms set forth in the Proposed Plan and the Plan Support Agreement, there can be no assurance that the Proposed Plan will be approved by the Bankruptcy Court or that the Company will be successful in consummating the Restructuring Transactions or any other similar transaction on the terms set forth in the Proposed Plan, on different terms or at all. Bankruptcy law does not permit solicitation of acceptances of a proposed Chapter 11 plan of reorganization until the Bankruptcy Court approves a disclosure statement relating to the proposed plan. Accordingly, this Current Report on Form 8-K is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, a solicitation for a vote on the Proposed Plan.

Copies of the Proposed Plan and the Proposed Disclosure Statement are attached as Exhibit 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

Cautionary Information Regarding Trading in the Company’s Securities.

The Company’s securityholders are cautioned that trading in the Company’s securities during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases is highly speculative and poses substantial risks. Trading prices for the Company’s securities may bear little or no relationship to the actual recovery, if any, by holders thereof in the Company’s Chapter 11 Cases. Accordingly, the Company urges extreme caution with respect to existing and future investments in its securities.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibit hereto may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company or the Company’s management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated by the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by the Company’s forward-looking statements.


Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

10.1    Proposed Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, dated as of January 22, 2021, by and among the Debtors, Centerbridge Partners, L.P., Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., and the additional parties named therein.
99.1    Proposed Debtors’ Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated January 22, 2021.
99.2    Proposed Disclosure Statement for Debtors’ Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated January 22, 2021.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: January 25, 2021     Garrett Motion Inc.
    By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

      Jerome Maironi
      Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

EQUITY BACKSTOP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT

AMONG

GARRETT MOTION, INC.,

THE OTHER DEBTORS PARTY HERETO

AND

THE EQUITY BACKSTOP PARTIES PARTY HERETO

Dated as of January 22, 2021

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1

 

Definitions

     2  

Section 1.2

 

Construction

     12  
ARTICLE II

 

BACKSTOP COMMITMENT

 

Section 2.1

 

The Rights Offering; Subscription Rights

     13  

Section 2.2

 

The Commitments

     14  

Section 2.3

 

Equity Backstop Party Default; Replacement of Defaulting Equity Backstop Parties

     15  

Section 2.4

 

Funding

     16  

Section 2.5

 

Closing

     16  

Section 2.6

 

Designation and Assignment Rights

     17  
ARTICLE III

 

EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT

 

Section 3.1

 

Expense Reimbursement

     18  

Section 3.2

 

Tax Treatment of Rights Offering Backstop Commitments

     19  
ARTICLE IV

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

 

Section 4.1

 

Organization and Qualification

     19  

Section 4.2

 

Corporate Power and Authority

     19  

Section 4.3

 

Execution and Delivery; Enforceability

     20  

Section 4.4

 

Authorized and Issued Equity Interests

     21  

Section 4.5

 

Issuance

     21  

Section 4.6

 

No Conflict

     21  

Section 4.7

 

Consents and Approvals

     22  

Section 4.8

 

Arm’s-Length

     22  

Section 4.9

 

Company SEC Documents and Disclosure Statement

     22  

Section 4.10

 

Absence of Certain Changes

     23  

Section 4.11

 

No Violation; Compliance with Laws

     23  

Section 4.12

 

Legal Proceedings

     23  

Section 4.13

 

Tax Matters

     23  

Section 4.14

 

No Unlawful Payments

     25  

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont’d)

 

         Page  

Section 4.15

 

Compliance with Money Laundering and Sanctions Laws

     25  

Section 4.16

 

No Broker’s Fees

     25  

Section 4.17

 

Investment Company Act

     25  

Section 4.18

 

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     26  

Section 4.19

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     26  

Section 4.20

 

No Other Representations or Warranties

     26  
ARTICLE V

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE EQUITY BACKSTOP PARTIES

 

Section 5.1

 

Organization

     26  

Section 5.2

 

Organizational Power and Authority

     27  

Section 5.3

 

Execution and Delivery

     27  

Section 5.4

 

No Conflict

     27  

Section 5.5

 

Consents and Approvals

     27  

Section 5.6

 

No Registration

     28  

Section 5.7

 

Purchasing Intent

     28  

Section 5.8

 

Sophistication; Investigation

     28  

Section 5.9

 

No Broker’s Fees

     28  

Section 5.10

 

Sufficiency of Funds

     28  

Section 5.11

 

Sanctions

     29  

Section 5.12

 

No Prohibited Transactions

     29  

Section 5.13

 

ERISA

     29  

Section 5.14

 

No Other Representations or Warranties

     29  
ARTICLE VI

 

ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

 

Section 6.1

 

Blue Sky

     30  

Section 6.2

 

Use of Proceeds

     30  

Section 6.3

 

Securities Law Matters

     30  

Section 6.4

 

Antitrust Approval

     31  

Section 6.5

 

Registration Rights Agreement; Company Organizational Documents

     32  

Section 6.6

 

Access to Information

     32  
ARTICLE VII

 

CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES

 

Section 7.1

 

Conditions to the Obligations of the Equity Backstop Parties

     33  

Section 7.2

 

Waiver of Conditions to Obligations of Equity Backstop Parties

     34  

Section 7.3

 

Conditions to the Obligations of the Company

     34  

 

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont’d)

 

         Page  
ARTICLE VIII

 

INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

 

Section 8.1

 

Indemnification Obligations

     35  

Section 8.2

 

Indemnification Procedure

     36  

Section 8.3

 

Settlement of Indemnified Claims

     37  

Section 8.4

 

Contribution

     37  

Section 8.5

 

Treatment of Indemnification Payments

     37  

Section 8.6

 

No Survival

     38  
ARTICLE IX

 

TERMINATION

 

Section 9.1

 

Consensual Termination

     38  

Section 9.2

 

Automatic Termination

     38  

Section 9.3

 

Termination by the Equity Backstop Parties

     38  

Section 9.4

 

Termination by the Company

     39  

Section 9.5

 

Effect of Termination

     40  
ARTICLE X

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 10.1

 

Notices

     40  

Section 10.2

 

Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries

     42  

Section 10.3

 

Prior Negotiations; Entire Agreement

     42  

Section 10.4

 

Governing Law; Venue

     43  

Section 10.5

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     43  

Section 10.6

 

Counterparts

     43  

Section 10.7

 

Waivers and Amendments; Rights Cumulative; Consent

     44  

Section 10.8

 

Headings

     44  

Section 10.9

 

Specific Performance

     44  

Section 10.10

 

Damages

     44  

Section 10.11

 

No Reliance

     45  

Section 10.12

 

No Recourse

     45  

Section 10.13

 

Severability

     45  

ANNEXES

 

Annex A    Commitment Schedule

 

iii


EQUITY BACKSTOP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EQUITY BACKSTOP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 22, 2021, is made by and among Garrett Motion Inc. ((including as debtor in possession and a reorganized debtor, as applicable) the “Company”) and the other Debtors (as defined below), on the one hand, and each Equity Backstop Party (as defined below), on the other hand. Capitalized terms that are used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in Section 1.1 hereof or, if not defined therein, shall have the meanings given to them in the Plan Support Agreement (as defined below) (including the Restructuring Term Sheet (as defined below)), as applicable.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Parties are party to a Plan Support Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2021, by and among the Company, the other Debtors, the Equity Backstop Parties, Honeywell International Inc., the Initial Consenting Noteholders (as defined therein) and the other parties thereto (including the terms and conditions set forth in the term sheet attached thereto as Exhibit A (the “Restructuring Term Sheet”) and all other exhibits thereto, as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Plan Support Agreement”)), which (a) provides for the restructuring of the Debtors’ capital structure and financial obligations pursuant to a plan of reorganization to be filed in the Company’s jointly-administered voluntary cases under the caption In re Garrett Motion Inc., Case No. 20-12212 (MEW) (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Sept., 20, 2020) (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) that are pending under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq. (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”), implementing the terms and conditions of the Restructuring Transactions and (b) requires that the Plan be consistent with the Plan Support Agreement;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan and this Agreement, the Company will conduct a rights offering that will provide holders of common stock of the Company with the right to purchase their pro rata share of the Rights Offering Shares (as defined below) for an aggregate purchase price equal to the Rights Offering Amount (as defined below), to be issued on the Effective Date; and

WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, each Equity Backstop Party has agreed to purchase (on a several and not a joint basis) its Equity Backstop Percentage of the Unsubscribed Shares (as defined below), if any, and the Company has agreed to sell to each of the Equity Backstop Parties its Equity Backstop Percentage of such Unsubscribed Shares, if any.

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, agreements, representations, warranties and covenants contained herein, the Company, the other Debtors and each of the Equity Backstop Parties hereby agrees as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1    Definitions. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, whenever used in this Agreement (including any Exhibits and Schedules hereto), the following terms shall have the respective meanings specified therefor below:

Additional Investors” has the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with such Person as of the date on which, or at any time during the period for which, the determination of affiliation is being made; provided, that for purposes of this Agreement, no Equity Backstop Party shall be deemed an Affiliate of any of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

Affiliated Fund” means (a) any investment fund the primary investment advisor to which is an Equity Backstop Party or an Affiliate thereof or (b) one or more special purpose vehicles that are wholly owned by one or more Equity Backstop Parties or any investment fund described in clause (a), created for the purpose of holding the Rights Offering Backstop Commitment, and in each case with respect to which such Equity Backstop Party remains obligated to fund the Rights Offering Backstop Commitment.

Agreed Dilution” means any equity issued (i) pursuant to the MIP or (ii) on the Effective Date pursuant to the Plan and in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Antitrust Authorities” means the United States Federal Trade Commission, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice, the attorneys general of the several states of the United States and any other Governmental Entity, whether domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction pursuant to the Antitrust Laws, and “Antitrust Authority” means any of them.

Anti-Corruption Law” means the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, or any other applicable Law related to bribery or corruption.

Antitrust Laws” means the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, the HSR Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and any other Law, whether domestic or foreign, governing agreements in restraint of trade, monopolization, pre-merger notification, the lessening of competition through merger or acquisition or anti-competitive conduct, and any foreign investment Laws.

Applicable Consent” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.

Applicable Group” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(d).

 

2


Available Shares” means the Convertible Series A Preferred Shares that any Equity Backstop Party fails to purchase as a result of an Equity Backstop Party Default by such Equity Backstop Party.

Backstop Funding Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).

Backstop Shares” means, with respect to any Equity Backstop Party, the Unsubscribed Shares to be purchased by such Equity Backstop Party pursuant to this Agreement (including any Available Shares to be purchased by such Equity Backstop Party pursuant to Section 2.3).

Bankruptcy Code” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Bankruptcy Court” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Bankruptcy Rules” means the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as promulgated by the United States Supreme Court under section 2075 of title 28 of the United States Code, 28 U.S.C. § 2075, as applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases and the general, local, and chambers rules of the Bankruptcy Court.

BSA” means the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. Section 5311 et seq.), as amended.

BSA/PATRIOT Act” means the BSA, as amended by the Patriot Act and its implementing regulations.

Business” means the Company and its Subsidiaries’ business of researching, developing, designing, engineering, and manufacturing certain automotive products, including turbochargers, electric-boosting and connected vehicle technologies, for sale and distribution to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket.

Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, as defined in Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a).

Centerbridge” means Centerbridge Partners, L.P., acting solely in its capacity as an investment adviser on behalf of certain funds and accounts and wholly-owned entities of such funds and accounts.

Certificates of Designation” means the Series A Certificate of Designation and (if Series B Preferred Stock is issued pursuant to the terms of the Plan) the Series B Certificate of Designation.

Chapter 11 Cases” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).

Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

3


Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company SEC Documents” means all of the reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents (including exhibits and other information incorporated therein) filed with the SEC by the Company.

Company Organizational Documents” means collectively, the organizational documents of the Company, including any certificate of formation or incorporation, applicable charter, articles of incorporation, limited liability company agreement, bylaws, Certificates of Designation or any similar documents.

Confidentiality Agreements” means that certain confidentiality agreement, dated November 11, 2020, by and between Centerbridge Partners, L.P. and the Company; that certain confidentiality agreement, dated November 11, 2020, by and between Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and the Company; that certain confidentiality agreement, dated October 31, 2020, by and between Milbank LLP and the Company; and that certain confidentiality agreement, dated October 2, 2020, by and between Jones Day and the Company.

Confirmation Order” means the Order of the Bankruptcy Court that is not stayed confirming the Plan pursuant to section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Convertible Series A Preferred Shares” means shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock of the Company, the terms and conditions of which will be set forth in the Series A Certificate of Designation.

Contract” means any agreement, contract or instrument, including any loan, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, guarantee, deed of trust, license, franchise, commitment, lease, franchise agreement, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or other obligation, and any amendments thereto, whether written or oral, but excluding the Plan.

Control” means, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or agency or otherwise. “Controlled” has a correlative meaning.

COVID-19 Measures” means any quarantine, shelter in place, stay at home, workforce reduction, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester or similar restrictions imposed by any Law in connection with or in response to COVID-19.

Debtors” means, collectively: Garrett Motion Inc., BRH LLC, Calvari Limited, Friction Materials LLC, Garrett ASASCO Inc., Garrett Borrowing LLC, Garrett Holding Company Sàrl, Garrett LX I S.à r.l., Garrett LX II S.à r.l., Garrett LX III S.à r.l., Garrett Motion Australia Pty Limited, Garrett Motion Automotive Research Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Garrett Motion Holdings Inc., Garrett Motion Holdings II Inc., Garrett Motion International Services S.R.L., Garrett Motion Ireland A Limited, Garrett Motion Ireland B Limited, Garrett Motion Ireland C Limited, Garrett Motion Ireland Limited, Garrett Motion Italia S.r.l., Garrett Motion Japan Inc., Garrett Motion LLC, Garrett Motion México, Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable, Garrett Motion Romania S.R.L., Garrett Motion Sàrl, Garrett Motion Slovakia s.r.o., Garrett Motion Switzerland Holdings Sàrl, Garrett Motion UK A Limited, Garrett Motion UK B Limited, Garrett Motion UK C Limited, Garrett Motion UK D Limited, Garrett Motion UK Limited, Garrett Transportation I Inc., Garrett Transportation Systems Ltd, Garrett Transportation Systems UK II Ltd, Garrett TS Ltd and Garrett Turbo Ltd.

 

4


Defaulting Equity Backstop Party” means, in respect of an Equity Backstop Party Default that is continuing, the applicable defaulting Equity Backstop Party.

Definitive Documents” means the definitive documents and agreements governing the Restructuring Transactions as set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

DIP Facility” means any credit agreement for debtor-in-possession financing to which any Debtor is a party.

Disclosure Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

EBA Approval Obligations” means the obligations of the Company and the other Debtors under this Agreement and the EBA Approval Order.

EBA Approval Order” means the Order of the Bankruptcy Court that is not stayed (under Bankruptcy Rule 6004(h) or otherwise) that (a) authorizes the Company and the other Debtors to enter into and perform under this Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement, including all exhibits and other attachments and (b) provides that the Expense Reimbursement and the indemnification provisions contained herein shall constitute allowed administrative expenses of the Debtors’ estates under sections 503(b) and 507 of the Bankruptcy Code and shall be payable by the Debtors as provided in this Agreement without further Order of the Bankruptcy Court.

Effective Date” means the date upon which (a) no stay of the Confirmation Order is in effect, (b) all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan have been satisfied or are expressly waived in accordance with the terms thereof, as the case may be, and (c) the Restructuring Transactions and the other transactions to occur on the Effective Date pursuant to the Plan become effective or are consummated.

Eligible Holders” mean the holders of common stock of the Company that are eligible to participate in the Rights Offering pursuant to the Rights Offering Procedures.

Equity Backstop Amount” means, with respect to any Equity Backstop Party, an amount equal to such Equity Backstop Party’s Equity Backstop Percentage multiplied by the Rights Offering Amount.

Equity Backstop Party” means each Party listed as such on Annex A to this Agreement.

Equity Backstop Party Default” means the failure by any Equity Backstop Party to (a) deliver and pay the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price for such Equity Backstop Party’s Equity Backstop Percentage of any Unsubscribed Shares by the Funding Date in accordance with Section 2.4(b) or (b) fully exercise all Subscription Rights that are issued to it pursuant to the Rights Offering and duly purchase all Rights Offering Shares issuable to it pursuant to such exercise, in accordance with this Agreement and the Plan.

 

5


Equity Backstop Party Replacement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

Equity Backstop Percentage” means, with respect to any Equity Backstop Party, such Equity Backstop Party’s percentage of the Rights Offering Backstop Commitment as set forth opposite such Equity Backstop Party’s name under the column titled “Equity Backstop Percentage” on Annex A to this Agreement, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2.3(a). Any reference to “Equity Backstop Percentage” in this Agreement means the Equity Backstop Percentage in effect at the time of the relevant determination.

ERISA” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12.

ERISA Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.

Event” means any event, development, occurrence, circumstance, effect, condition, result, state of facts or change.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Existing Equity Backstop Party Purchaser” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(b).

Exit Credit Facilities” means “Credit Facilities”, as such term is defined in the Restructuring Term Sheet.

Expense Reimbursement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

Filing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(b).

Funding Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b).

Funding Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).

GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Governmental Entity” means any non-U.S. or U.S. federal, state or local government or subdivision thereof, or legislative, judicial, executive, administrative or regulatory body or other governmental or quasi-governmental entity with competent jurisdiction, including the Bankruptcy Court.

Honeywell” means Honeywell International Inc.

HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended from time to time.

Indemnified Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

 

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Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

Interim Cap” has the meaning given in Section 11.01 of the Plan Support Agreement.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Joint Filing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(c).

Knowledge of the Company” means the actual knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of Olivier Rabiller, Peter Bracke, Jerome Maironi, Sean Deason or Jean Philippe Bedu.

Law” means any law (statutory or common), statute, regulation, rule, code or ordinance enacted, adopted, issued or promulgated by any Governmental Entity.

Legal Proceedings” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12.

Legend” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).

Lien” means any lien, adverse claim, charge, option, right of first refusal, servitude, security interest, mortgage, pledge, deed of trust, easement, encumbrance, restriction on transfer, conditional sale or other title retention agreement, defect in title, lien or judicial lien as defined in sections 101(36) and (37) of the Bankruptcy Code or other restrictions of a similar kind.

Losses” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

Material Adverse Effect” means any Event, which individually, or together with all other Events, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, liabilities, finances, properties, results of operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to perform their obligations under, or to consummate the transactions contemplated by, the Transaction Agreements, including the Rights Offering, except to the extent such Event results from, arises out of, or is attributable to, the following (either alone or in combination):

(i) any circumstance or development generally affecting global, national or regional political conditions (including hostilities, acts of war, sabotage, terrorism or military actions, or any escalation or material worsening of any such hostilities, acts of war, sabotage, terrorism or military actions existing or underway) or in the general business, market, financial or economic conditions affecting the industries, regions and markets in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate, including any change in the United States or applicable foreign economies or securities, commodities or financial markets, changes in interest rates or exchange rates, tariffs, quotas or other trade restrictions or barriers, or force majeure events or “acts of God”;

(ii) any changes or modifications or proposed changes or modifications after the date hereof in applicable Law or GAAP, or in the interpretation or enforcement thereof;

 

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(iii) the execution, existence, performance, announcement, pendency or consummation of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including any act or omission of the Company or its Subsidiaries expressly required or prohibited, as applicable, by the Plan Support Agreement or this Agreement or consented to by the Requisite Consenting Parties in writing);

(iv) changes in the market price or trading volume of the claims or equity or debt securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries (but not the underlying facts giving rise to such changes unless such facts are otherwise excluded pursuant to the clauses contained in this definition);

(v) the departure of officers or directors of any of the Company or its Subsidiaries not in contravention of the terms and conditions of this Agreement (but not the underlying facts giving rise to such departure unless such facts are otherwise excluded pursuant to the clauses contained in this definition);

(vi) declarations of national emergencies, natural disasters, including any hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake, tsunami or other weather disaster, or any global health conditions (including any epidemic, pandemic, or other outbreak of illness, including as a result of the COVID-19 virus or other virus or disease and including any changes in Law in response thereto, such as COVID-19 Measures);

(vii) the occurrence of an Equity Backstop Party Default;

(viii) any failure by the Business to meet any internal or public projections or forecasts, estimates or predictions of revenues, earnings or other financial, accounting or reporting results or condition for any period, whether such projections, forecasts, estimates or predictions were made by the Company or any of its Affiliates or by independent third parties (but not the underlying facts giving rise to such failure unless such facts are otherwise excluded pursuant to the clauses contained in this definition);

(ix) any actions taken or failed to be taken by the Company at the Requisite Consenting Parties’ written request;

(x) the commencement, pendency or prosecution of the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, any Order of the Bankruptcy Court (which Order is consistent with this Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement) and any actions approved pursuant thereto (provided that such prosecution is in a manner contemplated by and consistent with the Plan Support Agreement and/or the Plan); or

(xi) the availability or cost of equity, debt or other financing to the Equity Backstop Parties or any of its Affiliates;

provided, that the exceptions set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (vi) shall not apply to the extent that such Event is disproportionately adverse to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate.

Milbank” means Milbank LLP.

 

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MIP” means any new management incentive plan to be adopted by the reorganized Company, the terms of which, including with respect to amount, form, structure, and vesting, shall be determined by the board of directors of the reorganized Company.

Money Laundering Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a).

Oaktree” means Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., acting solely in its capacity as an investment adviser on behalf of certain funds and accounts and wholly-owned entities of such funds and accounts.

OFAC” means the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

OFAC List” means the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons administered by OFAC or in any Executive Order issued by the President of the United States and administered by OFAC.

Order” means any judgment, order, award, injunction, writ, permit, license or decree of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator of applicable jurisdiction.

Parties” means the Company and each of the Equity Backstop Parties, but excludes, for the avoidance of doubt, the Debtors other than the Company.

PATRIOT Act” means the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, as amended.

Per Share Purchase Price” means $1.00.

Person” means an individual, firm, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, Governmental Entity or other entity or organization.

Petition Date” means September 20, 2020.

Plan” means the Debtors’ joint plan of reorganization to be approved by the Confirmation Order and in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement, including the Plan Supplement and all exhibits, supplements, appendices and schedules thereto, as may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time in accordance with its terms and with the Plan Support Agreement.

Plan Solicitation Order” means the Order of the Bankruptcy Court approving the Disclosure Statement and solicitation with respect to the Plan in form and substance consistent with the terms of Plan Support Agreement.

Plan Supplement” means the documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court as exhibits or supplements to the Plan, including any documents identified by the Plan or Disclosure Statement as such.

Plan Support Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

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Pre-Closing Period” means the period from the date of this Agreement to the earlier of the Closing Date and the date on which this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

Prohibition” means any Law or Order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Plan Support Agreement.

Put Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).

Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).

Related Party” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any former, current or future director, officer, agent, Affiliate, employee, general or limited partner, member, manager or stockholder of such Person and (b) any former, current or future director, officer, agent, Affiliate, employee, general or limited partner, member, manager or stockholder of any of the foregoing.

Related Purchaser” means, with respect to any Equity Backstop Party, any creditworthy Affiliate or Affiliated Fund of such Equity Backstop Party (other than any portfolio company of such Equity Backstop Party or its Affiliates).

Replacing Equity Backstop Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).

Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s directors, officers, members, partners, managers, employees, agents, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, advisors and other representatives.

Required Foreign Antitrust Clearances” means approvals or clearances under the Antitrust Laws of Austria and Germany.

Requisite Consenting Parties means each of (A) Centerbridge, (B) Oaktree and (C) Equity Backstop Parties constituting the Requisite Additional Investors (as defined in the Plan Support Agreement).

Restructuring Term Sheet” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Restructuring Transactions” has the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

Rights Offering” means the rights offering that is backstopped by the Equity Backstop Parties for the Rights Offering Amount in connection with the Restructuring Transactions substantially on the terms set forth in the Plan Support Agreement (as such terms may be amended from time to time in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement), and in accordance with the Plan Solicitation Order, the Rights Offering Procedures and this Agreement, as applicable.

 

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Rights Offering Amount” means the aggregate purchase price of the Rights Offering Shares, which shall be equal to two hundred million Dollars ($200,000,000) unless amended in accordance with Section 10.7.

Rights Offering Backstop Commitment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).

Rights Offering Expiration Time” means the time and the date on which the rights offering subscription forms must be duly delivered to the Rights Offering Subscription Agent in accordance with the Rights Offering Procedures, together with the applicable aggregate Per Share Purchase Price, if applicable.

Rights Offering Participants” means those Eligible Holders who duly subscribe for Rights Offering Shares in accordance with the Rights Offering Procedures.

Rights Offering Procedures” means the procedures with respect to the Rights Offering that are approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Plan Solicitation Order, as they may be amended from time to time in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement.

Rights Offering Shares” means the Convertible Series A Preferred Shares to be offered to Eligible Holders in the Rights Offering. For the avoidance of doubt, the Rights Offering Shares shall include all Unsubscribed Shares purchased by the Equity Backstop Parties pursuant to this Agreement).

Rights Offering Subscription Agent” means Kurtzman Carson Consultants.

Sanctions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(b).

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Series A Certificate of Designation” means that certain Series A Certificate of Designation setting forth the terms governing the Convertible Series A Preferred Shares in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties and reflecting, inter alia, the applicable terms set forth in the Restructuring Term Sheet.

Series B Certificate of Designation” means that certain Series B Certificate of Designation setting forth the terms governing the Series B Preferred Stock (if any), in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties and reflecting, inter alia, the applicable terms set forth in the Restructuring Term Sheet.

SOX” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.9.

Spin-Off Date” means October 1, 2018.

Subscription Rights” means the subscription rights to purchase Rights Offering Shares.

 

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Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other legal entity as to which such Person (either alone or through or together with any other Subsidiary), (a) owns, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the stock or other equity interests, (b) has the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body, or (c) has the power to direct the business and policies.

Sullivan & Cromwell” means Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Taxes” means all taxes, assessments, duties, levies or other mandatory governmental charges paid to a Governmental Entity, including all federal, state, local, foreign and other income, franchise, profits, gross receipts, capital gains, capital stock, transfer, property, sales, use, value-added, occupation, excise, severance, windfall profits, stamp, payroll, social security, withholding and other taxes, assessments, duties, levies or other mandatory governmental charges of any kind whatsoever paid to a Governmental Entity (whether payable directly or by withholding and whether or not requiring the filing of a return), all estimated taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, penalties and interest thereon and shall include any liability for such amounts as a result of being a member of a combined, consolidated, unitary or affiliated group, as transferee or successor, by Contract, as withholding agent, or otherwise.

Transaction Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).

Transfer” means to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, participate, permit the participation in, donate or otherwise encumber or dispose of, directly or indirectly (including through derivatives, options, swaps, pledges, forward sales, participations or other transactions in which any Person receives the right to own or acquire any current or future interest in a Subscription Right, a Rights Offering Share or common stock of the Company). “Transfer” used as a noun has a correlative meaning.

Unsubscribed Shares” means the Rights Offering Shares that have not been duly purchased by Rights Offering Participants (other than Equity Backstop Parties) in the Rights Offering.

willful or intentional breach” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.5.

Section 1.2    Construction. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a)    references to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules are references to the articles and sections or subsections of, and the exhibits and schedules attached to, this Agreement;

(b)    references in this Agreement to “writing” or comparable expressions include a reference to a written document transmitted by means of electronic mail in portable document format (pdf), facsimile transmission or comparable means of communication;

(c)    words expressed in the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa; words expressed in the masculine shall include the feminine and neuter gender and vice versa;

 

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(d)    the words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereto” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole, including all Exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement, and not to any provision of this Agreement;

(e)    the term “this Agreement” shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, modified, varied, novated or supplemented;

(f)    “include”, “includes” and “including” are deemed to be followed by “without limitation” whether or not they are in fact followed by such words;

(g)    references to “day” or “days” are to calendar days;

(h)    references to “the date hereof” means the date of this Agreement;

(i)    unless otherwise specified, references to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder in effect from time to time; and

(j)    references to “dollars” or “$” refer to currency of the United States of America, unless otherwise expressly provided.

ARTICLE II

BACKSTOP COMMITMENT

Section 2.1    The Rights Offering; Subscription Rights.

(a)    On and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, including entry of the EBA Approval Order by the Bankruptcy Court, the Company shall conduct the Rights Offering pursuant to and in accordance with the Rights Offering Procedures, this Agreement and the Plan Solicitation Order, as applicable.

(b)    If requested by the Requisite Consenting Parties from time to time prior to the Rights Offering Expiration Time (and any permitted extensions thereto), the Company shall notify, or cause the Rights Offering Subscription Agent to notify, within forty eight (48) hours of receipt of such request by the Company, the Equity Backstop Parties of the aggregate number of Subscription Rights known by the Company or the Rights Offering Subscription Agent to have been exercised pursuant to the Rights Offering as of the most recent practicable time before such request. The Rights Offering will be conducted, and the Rights Offering Shares (other than the Unsubscribed Shares) issued to Rights Offering Participants in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided in Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code. The offer and sale of the Unsubscribed Shares purchased by the Equity Backstop Parties pursuant to this Agreement will be conducted in reliance upon the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or another available exemption from registration under the Securities Act, as applicable, and the Plan and the Disclosure Statement shall each include a statement to such effect.

 

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(c)    All Convertible Series A Preferred Shares, including any such shares issued to Rights Offering Participants pursuant to the Rights Offering and any Unsubscribed Shares issued to Equity Backstop Parties pursuant to this Agreement, will be issued subject to Agreed Dilution.

Section 2.2    The Commitments.

(a)    On and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, including entry of the EBA Approval Order, each Equity Backstop Party agrees, severally (in accordance with its Equity Backstop Percentage) and not jointly, to exercise (or cause any of its Related Purchasers to exercise) all Subscription Rights that are issued to it (or such Related Purchaser) pursuant to the Rights Offering, and duly purchase all Rights Offering Shares issuable to it pursuant to such exercise, in accordance with the Rights Offering Procedures and the Plan; provided that any Defaulting Equity Backstop Party shall be liable to each Equity Backstop Party that is not a Defaulting Equity Backstop Party as a result of any breach of its obligations hereunder; provided further that no Equity Backstop Party shall be liable for the failure to exercise any of its Subscription Rights to the extent it is a result of a breach by the Company of the Rights Offering Procedures.

(b)    On and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, including entry of the Confirmation Order, each Equity Backstop Party hereby grants to the Company an option (collectively, the “Put Option”) to require such Equity Backstop Party to purchase (or cause any of its Related Purchasers to purchase) on a pro rata basis (in accordance with its Equity Backstop Percentage) Unsubscribed Shares on the Closing Date subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Upon the exercise of the Put Option (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may only be exercised by the Company with respect to all Equity Backstop Parties), each Equity Backstop Party agrees, severally and not jointly (in accordance with its Equity Backstop Percentage), to purchase (or cause any of its Related Purchasers to purchase), and the Company agrees to sell to such Equity Backstop Party (or Related Purchaser), on the Closing Date, for the applicable aggregate Per Share Purchase Price, the number of Unsubscribed Shares equal to (x) such Equity Backstop Party’s Equity Backstop Percentage multiplied by (y) the aggregate number of Unsubscribed Shares, rounded among the Equity Backstop Parties solely to avoid fractional shares as the Requisite Consenting Parties may determine in their sole discretion (provided that in no event shall such rounding reduce the aggregate commitment of such Equity Backstop Parties). The obligations of the Equity Backstop Parties to purchase such Unsubscribed Shares as described in this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as the “Rights Offering Backstop Commitment.” The Company shall exercise the Put Option by delivery to each Equity Backstop Party of a written put election notice.

 

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Section 2.3    Equity Backstop Party Default; Replacement of Defaulting Equity Backstop Parties.

(a)    Upon the occurrence of an Equity Backstop Party Default, the Equity Backstop Parties and their respective Related Purchasers (other than any Defaulting Equity Backstop Party) shall have the obligation, within ten (10) Business Days after receipt of written notice from the Company to all Equity Backstop Parties of such Equity Backstop Party Default, which notice shall be given promptly following the occurrence of such Equity Backstop Party Default and to all Equity Backstop Parties substantially concurrently, to make arrangements for one or more of the Equity Backstop Parties and their respective Related Purchasers (other than the Defaulting Equity Backstop Party) to purchase the Available Shares (such purchase, an “Equity Backstop Party Replacement”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in such amounts as may be agreed upon among the Equity Backstop Parties electing to purchase Available Shares, or, if no such agreement is reached, based upon the relative applicable Equity Backstop Percentages of any such Equity Backstop Parties (other than any Defaulting Equity Backstop Party) (such Equity Backstop Parties, the “Replacing Equity Backstop Parties”); provided, that, each Equity Backstop Party (and/or its applicable Related Purchasers) shall have the right to purchase such Equity Backstop Party’s pro rata share of the Available Shares, based upon the relative applicable Equity Backstop Percentages of the Equity Backstop Parties; provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, no non-Defaulting Equity Backstop Party shall be obligated to purchase a total number of Unsubscribed Shares greater than such Equity Backstop Party’s Equity Backstop Percentage (without giving effect to any commitment to purchase any Available Shares pursuant to this Section 2.3(a)) multiplied by the total aggregate number of Rights Offering Shares. Any Available Shares purchased by a Replacing Equity Backstop Party (and any commitment and applicable aggregate Per Share Purchase Price associated therewith) shall be included, among other things, in the determination of (x) the Unsubscribed Shares of such Replacing Equity Backstop Party for all purposes hereunder, (y) the Equity Backstop Percentage of such Replacing Equity Backstop Party for purposes of Section 2.3(c), Section 2.4(a) and Section 2.4(b) and (z) the Rights Offering Backstop Commitment of such Replacing Equity Backstop Party for purposes of the definition of “Requisite Consenting Parties.”

(b)    Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if an Equity Backstop Party is a Defaulting Equity Backstop Party, it shall not be entitled to any of the expense reimbursement applicable to such Defaulting Equity Backstop Party (including the Expense Reimbursement) or indemnification provided, or to be provided, under or in connection with this Agreement.

(c)    Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require an Equity Backstop Party to purchase more than its Equity Backstop Percentage of the Unsubscribed Shares.

(d)    For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 9.4, no provision of this Agreement shall limit the availability of money damages or the remedies set forth in Section 10.9 in connection with any such Defaulting Equity Backstop Party’s Equity Backstop Party Default. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, none of the Rights Offering Backstop Commitments of the Equity Backstop Parties shall be reduced for any reason.

 

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Section 2.4    Funding.

(a)    Funding Notice. No later than the fifth (5th) Business Day following the Rights Offering Expiration Time, the Rights Offering Subscription Agent shall, on behalf of the Company, deliver to each Equity Backstop Party a written notice (the “Funding Notice”) setting forth (i) the number of Rights Offering Shares elected to be purchased by the Rights Offering Participants, and the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price therefor; (ii) the aggregate number of Unsubscribed Shares, if any, and the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price therefor; (iii) the Equity Backstop Party’s Equity Backstop Percentage and the aggregate number of Backstop Shares as of that date to be issued and sold by the Company to such Equity Backstop Party, and the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price therefor; (iv) if applicable, the number of Rights Offering Shares such Equity Backstop Party is subscribed for in the Rights Offering and for which such Equity Backstop Party had not yet paid to the Rights Offering Subscription Agent the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price therefor, together with such aggregate Per Share Purchase Price; and (v) subject to the last sentence of Section 2.4(b), a segregated account maintained by the Rights Offering Subscription Agent for proceeds received in respect of the Rights Offering Backstop Commitment in accordance with terms and subject to conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Requisite Consenting Parties and the Company (Backstop Funding Account”), to which Backstop Funding Account such Equity Backstop Party shall deliver and pay the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price for such Equity Backstop Party’s Backstop Shares and, if applicable, the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price for the Rights Offering Shares such Equity Backstop Party has subscribed for in the Rights Offering. The Company shall promptly direct the Rights Offering Subscription Agent to provide any written backup, information and documentation relating to the information contained in the applicable Funding Notice as any Equity Backstop Party may request.

(b)    Funding. On such date reasonably agreed among the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties which shall not be earlier than the fourth (4th) Business Day following receipt of the Funding Notice or more than eight (8) Business Days prior to the planned Effective Date (the “Funding Date”), each Equity Backstop Party shall deliver and pay an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price for such Equity Backstop Party’s Backstop Shares, plus (ii) the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price for the Convertible Series A Preferred Shares issuable pursuant to such Equity Backstop Party’s exercise of all the Subscription Rights issued to it in the Rights Offering, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars into the Backstop Funding Account in satisfaction of such Equity Backstop Party’s Rights Offering Backstop Commitment and its obligations to fully exercise its Subscription Rights. If the Closing does not occur, all amounts deposited by the Equity Backstop Parties in the Backstop Funding Account shall be returned to such Equity Backstop Parties in accordance with the terms of the escrow agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all payments contemplated to be made by any Equity Backstop Party to the Backstop Funding Account pursuant to this Section 2.4 may instead be made, at the option of such Equity Backstop Party, to the segregated bank account of the Rights Offering Subscription Agent maintained by the Rights Offering Subscription Agent for receipt of the proceeds of the Rights Offering.

Section 2.5    Closing.

(a)    Subject to Article VII, unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing between the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties, the closing of the Rights Offering (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Milbank, 55 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 10001, at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date on which all of the conditions set forth in Article VII shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement (other than conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions). The date on which the Closing actually occurs shall be referred to herein as the “Closing Date”.

 

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(b)    At the Closing, the funds held in the Backstop Funding Account (and any amounts paid to a Rights Offering Subscription Agent bank account pursuant to the last sentence of Section 2.4(b)) shall, as applicable, be released and utilized in accordance with the Plan.

(c)    At the Closing, issuance of the Unsubscribed Shares will be made by the Company to each Equity Backstop Party (or to its designee in accordance with Section 2.6) against payment of the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price for the Unsubscribed Shares purchased by such Equity Backstop Party, in satisfaction of such Equity Backstop Party’s Rights Offering Backstop Commitment. The entry of any Unsubscribed Shares to be delivered pursuant to this Section 2.5(c) into the account of an Equity Backstop Party pursuant to the Company’s book entry procedures and delivery to such Equity Backstop Party of an account statement reflecting the book entry of such Unsubscribed Shares shall be deemed delivery of such Unsubscribed Shares for purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, all Unsubscribed Shares will be delivered with all issue, stamp, transfer, sales and use, or similar transfer Taxes or duties that are due and payable (if any) in connection with such delivery duly paid by the Company on behalf of the Company.

Section 2.6    Designation and Assignment Rights.

(a)    Each Equity Backstop Party shall have the right to require, by written notice to the Company no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, that all or any portion of its (x) Subscription Rights or (y) Rights Offering Backstop Commitment, in each case be issued in the name of, and delivered to one or more of its Related Purchasers, which notice of designation shall (i) be addressed to the Company and signed by such Equity Backstop Party and each such Related Purchaser, (ii) specify the number of Convertible Series A Preferred Shares to be delivered to or issued in the name of each such Related Purchaser and (iii) contain a confirmation by each such Related Purchaser of the accuracy of the representations made by each Equity Backstop Party under this Agreement as applied to such Related Purchaser; provided that no such designation shall relieve such Equity Backstop Party from any of its obligations under this Agreement.

(b)    Each Equity Backstop Party shall have the right to Transfer all or any portion of its (x) Subscription Rights or (y) Rights Offering Backstop Commitment, in each case to any other Equity Backstop Party or a creditworthy Related Purchaser to such other Equity Backstop Party (each, an “Existing Equity Backstop Party Purchaser”); provided, that (i) such Existing Equity Backstop Party Purchaser shall have been an Equity Backstop Party or its Related Purchaser as of immediately prior to such Transfer and (ii) if applicable, such Existing Equity Backstop Party Purchaser shall deliver to the Company a joinder to this Agreement, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties, that contains a confirmation of the accuracy of the representations made by each Equity Backstop Party under this Agreement as applied to such Person.

(c)    Other than as expressly set forth in this Section 2.6,, no Equity Backstop Party shall be permitted to Transfer all or any portion of its Subscription Rights or Rights Offering Backstop Commitment. Any Transfer made (or attempted to be made) in violation of this Agreement shall be deemed null and void ab initio and of no force or effect, regardless of any prior notice provided to the Company or any Equity Backstop Party, and shall not create (or be deemed to create) any obligation or liability of any other Equity Backstop Party or any Debtor to the purported transferee or limit, alter or impair any agreements, covenants, or obligations of the proposed transferor under this Agreement. After the Closing Date, subject to any transfer restrictions under U.S. federal and state securities laws which may be applicable, including the restrictions described in Section 6.3,, nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict in any way the ability of any Equity Backstop Party (or any permitted transferee thereof) to Transfer any of the Convertible Series A Preferred Shares or any interest therein.

 

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ARTICLE III

EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT

Section 3.1    Expense Reimbursement.

(a)    In accordance with and subject to the EBA Approval Order and the Confirmation Order, the Debtors will pay, in accordance with Section 3.1(b) below, (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including travel costs and expenses) of all of the attorneys, accountants, other professionals, advisors, and consultants incurred on behalf of the Equity Backstop Parties, or their Affiliates, in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases and/or the Restructuring Transactions (whether incurred before or after the Petition Date), including the fees and expenses of (A) Milbank, as primary counsel to Oaktree and Centerbridge, (B) Houlihan Lokey, as financial advisor to Oaktree and Centerbridge, (C) Jones Day as primary counsel to each Additional Investor, (D) Rothschild & Co., as financial advisor to each Additional Investor, (E) Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, as legal counsel to The Baupost Group, LLC, and (F) Ducera Partners LLC, as financial advisor to The Baupost Group, LLC and (ii) any applicable filing or other similar fees required to be paid in all applicable jurisdictions (such payment obligations in clauses (i) and (ii), the “Expense Reimbursement”); provided, that (x) amounts paid in respect of the Expense Reimbursement shall be subject to the Interim Cap pursuant to Section 11.01 of the Plan Support Agreement and (y) no amounts shall be payable in respect of the Expense Reimbursement to any Defaulting Equity Backstop Party or its Affiliates. The Expense Reimbursement shall, pursuant to the EBA Approval Order, constitute allowed administrative expenses against each of the Debtors’ estates under sections 503(b) and 507 of the Bankruptcy Code. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount payable pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be determined without duplication of recovery under the Plan Support Agreement.

(b)    Subject to the Interim Cap (i) the Expense Reimbursement accrued through the date on which the EBA Approval Order is entered shall be paid in accordance with the EBA Approval Order as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of the entry of the EBA Approval Order and (ii) the Expense Reimbursement shall thereafter be payable by the Debtors within three (3) Business Days from receipt of the applicable invoice in accordance with the EBA Approval Order; provided, that the Debtors’ final payment shall be made contemporaneously with the Closing in accordance with the terms of the Plan or, if the Closing does not occur, upon the termination of this Agreement.

(c)    The provisions for the payment of the Expense Reimbursement, and the indemnification provided herein, are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and without these provisions the Equity Backstop Parties would not have entered into this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.2    Tax Treatment of Rights Offering Backstop Commitments. The Equity Backstop Parties and the Debtors hereto agree to treat, for federal income tax purposes, the entering into of the Rights Offering Backstop Commitments pursuant to this Agreement as the granting of a put option by the Equity Backstop Parties to the Company in connection with the Debtors’ entry into the Plan Support Agreement. The Equity Backstop Parties and the Debtors shall not take any position or action inconsistent with such treatment and/or characterization.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except (a) as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents filed with the SEC and publicly available on the SEC’s Electronic Data-Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system on or after December 31, 2019 and prior to the date hereof (excluding any disclosures contained in the “Forward-Looking Statements” or “Risk Factors” sections thereof, or any other statements that are similarly predictive, cautionary or forward looking in nature), or (b) as disclosed in any filings made with the Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, and solely for the purposes of satisfying the conditions precedent to the obligations of the Equity Backstop Parties hereunder, the Company hereby represents and warrants to the Equity Backstop Parties (unless otherwise set forth herein, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date) as set forth below. None of the representations or warranties set forth in this Article IV shall be deemed to be given with respect to any period prior to the Spin-Off Date.

Section 4.1    Organization and Qualification. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (a) is a duly organized and validly existing corporation, limited liability company or other form of entity, as the case may be, and, if applicable, in good standing (or the equivalent thereof) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has the corporate, limited liability company or other applicable power and authority to own its property and assets and to transact the business in which it is currently engaged and presently proposes to engage and (c) except where the failure to have such authority or qualification would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the conduct of its business as currently conducted requires such qualifications.

Section 4.2    Corporate Power and Authority.

(a)    The Company has, subject to entry of the EBA Approval Order and the Confirmation Order, the requisite corporate power and authority (i) (A) to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform the EBA Approval Obligations and (B) to perform each of its other obligations hereunder and (ii) subject to entry of the Plan Solicitation Order, to consummate the transactions contemplated herein and in the Plan, to enter into, execute and deliver all agreements to which it will be a party as contemplated by this Agreement, the Plan Support Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the DIP Facility, the Exit Credit Facilities, and such other agreements and any Plan supplements or documents referred to herein or therein or hereunder or thereunder, as they may from time to time be amended in accordance with their terms, collectively, the “Transaction Agreements”) and to perform its obligations under each of the Transaction Agreements (other than this Agreement). Subject to the receipt of the foregoing Orders, as applicable, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been or will be duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on behalf of the Company, and no other corporate authorizations or consents on the part of the Company are or will be necessary to authorize this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Agreements or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

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(b)    Subject to entry of the EBA Approval Order, the Plan Solicitation Order, and the Confirmation Order, each of the Debtors other than the Company has the requisite power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to enter into, execute and deliver each Transaction Agreement to which such other Debtor is contemplated to be a party and to perform its obligations thereunder. Subject to entry of the EBA Approval Order, the Plan Solicitation Order, and the Confirmation Order, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been or will be duly authorized by all requisite organizational action on behalf of each such other Debtor party thereto, and no other organizational authorizations or consents on the part of any such other Debtor party thereto are or will be necessary to authorize this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Agreements or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 4.3    Execution and Delivery; Enforceability. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and each of the Debtors. Subject to the entry of the EBA Approval Order, the Plan Solicitation Order, and the Confirmation Order, as applicable, each other Transaction Agreement will be, duly executed and delivered by the Company and each of the other Debtors party thereto. Upon entry of the EBA Approval Order and assuming due and valid execution and delivery hereof by the Equity Backstop Parties, the EBA Approval Obligations will constitute the valid and legally binding obligations of the Company and, to the extent applicable, the other Debtors, enforceable against the Company and, to the extent applicable, the other Debtors in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditor’s rights generally and subject to general principles of equity. Upon entry of the EBA Approval Order, the Plan Solicitation Order, and the Confirmation Order, and assuming due and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements by the Equity Backstop Parties and, to the extent applicable, any other parties hereof and thereof, each of the obligations of the Company and, to the extent applicable, the other Debtors hereunder and thereunder will constitute the valid and legally binding obligations of the Company and, to the extent applicable, the other Debtors, enforceable against the Company and, to the extent applicable, the other Debtors, in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditor’s rights generally and subject to general principles of equity.

 

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Section 4.4    Authorized and Issued Equity Interests.

(a)    As of the Closing Date, except as reserved in respect of the MIP, (i) the total issued equity interests of the Company will consist solely of (x) 75,813,634 shares of the common stock of the Company (less any shares of common stock of the Company canceled under the Plan and not including any additional shares of common stock of the Company issued pursuant to the Plan and in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement), (y) up to 1,250,800,000 Convertible Series A Preferred Shares, including Convertible Series A Preferred Shares issued under the Rights Offering and the Put Option, and (z) the Series B Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the Plan in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement, (ii) no equity interests will be held by the Company in its treasury, (iii) no equity interests will be reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options or other rights to purchase or acquire equity interests granted in connection with any employment arrangement, except as reserved in respect of the MIP, and (iv) no warrants to purchase equity interests will be issued and outstanding. Except as set forth in the prior sentence, as of the Closing Date, no shares of capital stock or other equity securities or voting interest in the Company will have been issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding.

(b)    Except as described in this Section 4.4 and except as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company Organizational Documents and this Agreement, as of the Closing Date, none of the Company or its Subsidiaries will be party to or otherwise bound by or subject to any outstanding option, warrant, call, right, security, commitment, Contract, arrangement or undertaking (including any preemptive right) that (i) obligates the Company or its Subsidiaries to issue, deliver, sell or transfer, or repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold or transferred, or repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired, any units or shares of the capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in, the Company or its Subsidiaries or any security convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into any capital stock of, or other equity or voting interest in, the Company or its Subsidiaries, (ii) obligates the Company or its Subsidiaries to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, security, commitment, Contract, arrangement or undertaking, (iii) restricts the Transfer of any units or shares of capital stock of the Company (other than any restrictions, subject to the approval of the Equity Backstop Parties, included in the Exit Credit Facilities or any corresponding pledge agreement) or (iv) relates to the voting of any equity interests in the Company or its Subsidiaries.

Section 4.5    Issuance. The Convertible Series A Preferred Shares to be issued pursuant to the Plan, including the Convertible Series A Preferred Shares to be issued in connection with the consummation of the Rights Offering and the Put Option and pursuant to the terms hereof, will, when issued and delivered on the Closing Date in exchange for the aggregate Per Share Purchase Price therefor, be duly and validly authorized, issued and delivered and shall be fully paid and non-assessable, and free and clear of all Liens (other than Transfer restrictions imposed hereunder or under the Company Organizational Documents or by applicable Law, including U.S. federal and state securities laws), preemptive rights, subscription and similar rights (other than any rights set forth in the Company Organizational Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement).

Section 4.6    No Conflict. Assuming the consents described in clauses (a) through (g) of Section 4.7 are obtained, the execution and delivery by the Company and, if applicable, any other Debtor, of this Agreement, the Plan and the other Transaction Agreements, the compliance by the Company and, if applicable, any other Debtor, with the provisions hereof and thereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein will not (a) conflict with, or result in a breach, modification or violation of, any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or result, except to the extent specified in the Plan, in the acceleration of, or the creation of any Lien under, or cause any payment or consent to be required under any Contract (other than any Contract whose terms provide that such Contract automatically terminates upon, or that another party thereto has the right to terminate such Contract upon, the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases and/or the entry of the Confirmation Order) to which any Debtor will be bound as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Plan or to which any of the property or assets of any Debtor will be subject as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Plan, (b) result in any violation of the provisions of any of the Debtors’ organizational documents (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, a breach or default that would be triggered as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases or the Company’s or any other Debtor’s undertaking to implement the Restructuring Transactions through the Chapter 11 Cases), or (c) result in any violation of any Law or Order applicable to any Debtor or any of their properties, except in each of the cases described in clause (a) or (c) for any conflict, breach, modification, violation, default, acceleration or Lien which would not reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4.7    Consents and Approvals. No consent, approval, authorization, Order, registration or qualification of or with any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over any of the Debtors or any of their properties (each, an “Applicable Consent”) is required for the execution and delivery by the Company and, to the extent relevant, the other Debtors, of this Agreement, the Plan and the other Transaction Agreements, the compliance by the Company and, to the extent relevant, the other Debtors, with the provisions hereof and thereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein, except for (a) the entry of the EBA Approval Order authorizing the Company to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform the EBA Approval Obligations, (b) the entry of the Plan Solicitation Order, (c) the entry by the Bankruptcy Court, or any other court of competent jurisdiction, of Orders as may be necessary in the Chapter 11 Cases from time-to-time, (d) the entry of the Confirmation Order, (e) filings, notifications, authorizations, approvals, consents, clearances or termination or expiration of all applicable waiting periods under any Antitrust Laws in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (f) such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or “Blue Sky” Laws in connection with the purchase of the Unsubscribed Shares by the Equity Backstop Parties, the issuance of the Subscription Rights or the issuance of the Rights Offering Shares pursuant to the exercise of the Subscription Rights, and (g) any Applicable Consents that, if not made or obtained, would not reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material and adverse to the Debtors.

Section 4.8    Arms-Length. Each of the Debtors acknowledges and agrees that (a) each of the Equity Backstop Parties is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s-length contractual counterparty to the Debtors with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby (including in connection with determining the terms of the Rights Offering) and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Debtors or any of their respective Subsidiaries and (b) no Equity Backstop Party is advising the Debtors or any of their respective Subsidiaries as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction.

Section 4.9    Company SEC Documents and Disclosure Statement. The Company has filed with or furnished to the SEC all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents (including exhibits and other information incorporated therein) required to be filed or furnished by them since December 31, 2018 under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act. As of their respective dates, and, if amended, as of the date of the last such amendment, each of the Company SEC Documents, including any financial statements or schedules included therein, (a) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such Company SEC Document or necessary in order to make the statements in such Company SEC Document, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (b) complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”), as the case may be, and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC under the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and SOX, as the case may be. The Disclosure Statement as approved by the Bankruptcy Court will contain “adequate information,” as such term is defined in section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, and will otherwise comply in all material respects with section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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Section 4.10    Absence of Certain Changes. Since September 30, 2020 to and including the date of this Agreement, no Event has occurred or exists that has had or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.11    No Violation; Compliance with Laws. (a) The Company is not in violation of its certificate of incorporation, charter or bylaws and (b) no other Debtor or any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of its respective certificate of incorporation or formation, charter, bylaws, limited liability company operating agreement or similar organizational document in any material respect. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is or has been at any time since the Spin-Off Date in violation of any Law or Order, except for any such violations that have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.12    Legal Proceedings. Other than the Chapter 11 Cases and any adversary proceedings or contested motions commenced in connection therewith, there are no material legal, governmental, administrative, judicial or regulatory investigations, audits, actions, suits, claims, arbitrations, demands, demand letters, claims, notices of noncompliance or violations, or proceedings (“Legal Proceedings”) pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened to which any of the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party or to which any property of any of the Company or its Subsidiaries is the subject which, if adversely determined, would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.13    Tax Matters.

(a)    Each of the Debtors and their respective Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed all U.S. federal, state, provincial, local and non-U.S. income and other material Tax returns required to have been filed by it and each such Tax return is true and correct in all material respects;

(b)    Each of the Debtors and their respective Subsidiaries has timely paid or caused to be timely paid all Taxes shown to be due and payable by it on the returns referred to in clause (a) and all other material Taxes or assessments (or made adequate provision (in accordance with GAAP) for the payment of all such Taxes due) with respect to all periods or portions thereof ending on or before the date hereof;

 

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(c)    As of the date hereof, with respect to the Debtors and their respective Subsidiaries, other than in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases and other than Taxes or assessments that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (i) no claims have been asserted in writing with respect to any material Taxes, (ii) no presently effective waivers or extensions of statutes of limitation with respect to Taxes have been given or requested and (iii) no Tax returns are being examined or audited by, and no written notification of intention to examine or audit has been received from, the IRS or any other Governmental Entity.

(d)    None of the Debtors nor any of their respective Subsidiaries has been included in any “consolidated,” “unitary” or “combined” Tax return provided for under any Law with respect to Taxes for any taxable period for which the statute of limitations has not expired (other than any such group the common parent of which is Honeywell, any Debtor or any of their current or past Subsidiaries (an “Applicable Group”)).

(e)    None of the Debtors nor any of their respective Subsidiaries (i) has (x) agreed to or is required to make any adjustment pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Code or any similar provision of Law, (y) any knowledge that any Governmental Entity has proposed any such adjustment or (z) any application pending with any Governmental Entity requesting permission for any change in accounting method, (ii) has any liability pursuant or attributable to or as a result of Section 965 of the Code of any Person other than one or members of an Applicable Group, (iii) will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any (1) installment sale or open transaction disposition made or entered into on or prior to the Closing Date, or (2) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.

(f)    The Debtors and each of their respective Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to the payment and withholding of Taxes, and have, within the time and in the manner prescribed by law, withheld and timely paid over to the proper Governmental Entity all required amounts from amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or other third party.

(g)    There are no material Liens for Taxes on any asset of any of the Company or its Subsidiaries other than Liens for Taxes not yet delinquent or for Taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made with respect thereto.

(h)    None of the Debtors nor any of their respective Subsidiaries has any liability for any material amount of Taxes of any Person other than the one or members of an Applicable Group, either by operation of Law, by Contract or as a transferee or successor. None of the Debtors nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party to any material Tax allocation or Tax sharing agreement with any third party (other than an agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (such as a lease or a license) or the principal purpose of which is not the sharing, assumption or indemnification of Tax).

 

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Section 4.14    No Unlawful Payments. Since the Spin-Off Date, none of the Company or its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of their respective directors, officers or employees has: (a) used any funds of any of the Company or its Subsidiaries for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense, in each case relating to political activity; (b) made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds; (c) violated or is in violation of any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or the UK Bribery Act of 2010; or (d) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other similar unlawful payment, in each case in violation of any applicable Anti-Corruption Law.

Section 4.15    Compliance with Money Laundering and Sanctions Laws.

(a)    The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and, since the Spin-Off Date have been at all times, conducted in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operate (and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any related or similar Laws (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no material Legal Proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity or any arbitrator involving any of the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened.

(b)    None of the Company or its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of their respective directors, officers, employees or other Persons acting on their behalf with express authority to so act is currently (i) subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the U.S. government (including the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department), the European Union or any of its member states, the United Nations Security Council or the United Kingdom (including by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation of Her Majesty’s Treasury) (collectively, “Sanctions”) or (ii) domiciled, organized or resident in any country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject or target of country-wide or territory-wide U.S. sanctions broadly prohibiting or restricting dealings in, with or involving such country or territory. The Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Rights Offering or the exercise of the Put Option, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any other Debtor, its Subsidiaries, joint venture partner or other Person, for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person that, to the Knowledge of the Company, is the subject or target of any Sanctions in violation of applicable Sanctions or other applicable Law, or in any manner that would constitute or give rise to a violation of Sanctions by any Party hereto (including the Equity Backstop Parties).

Section 4.16    No Brokers Fees. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party to any Contract with any Person (other than this Agreement) that would give rise to a valid claim against the Equity Backstop Parties for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the Rights Offering or the sale of the Unsubscribed Shares.

Section 4.17    Investment Company Act. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is, or immediately after giving effect to the Restructuring Transactions will be, an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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Section 4.18    Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company has established and maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act and has been designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and to the Knowledge of the Company, there are no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the date hereof.

Section 4.19    Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, including that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files and submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management of the Company as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Section 4.20    No Other Representations or Warranties Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article IV or in any certificate delivered with respect to this Agreement, none of the Company, the Debtors or any other Person makes any other express or implied representation or warranty on behalf of the Company or the Debtors. For the avoidance of doubt, none of the Company, the Debtors nor any other Person gives or makes any warranty or representation as to the accuracy or reasonableness of any forecasts, estimates, projections, statements of intent or statements of opinion provided to the Equity Backstop Parties or any of their Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives, including in any information memorandum, any management presentations and any other information made available to the Equity Backstop Parties or any of their Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives. Except as provided in this Article IV, the other Transaction Agreements or in any certificate delivered with respect to this Agreement, no Person makes any representation or warranty to the Equity Backstop Parties or any of their Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives regarding the probable success or profitability of the Business.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE EQUITY BACKSTOP PARTIES

Each Equity Backstop Party, severally (in accordance with its Equity Backstop Percentage) and not jointly, represents and warrants as to itself only (unless otherwise set forth herein, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date) as set forth below.

Section 5.1    Organization. Such Equity Backstop Party is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and, if applicable, in good standing (or the equivalent thereof) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization.

 

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Section 5.2    Organizational Power and Authority. Such Equity Backstop Party has the requisite power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which such Equity Backstop Party is contemplated to be a party and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and has taken all necessary action (corporate or otherwise) required for the due authorization, execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements.

Section 5.3    Execution and Delivery; Enforceability. This Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which such Equity Backstop Party is a party (a) has been, or prior to its execution and delivery will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by such Equity Backstop Party and (b) upon entry of the EBA Approval Order, the Plan Solicitation Order, and the Confirmation Order, and assuming due and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements by the Company and the other Debtors (as applicable), will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Equity Backstop Party, enforceable against such Equity Backstop Party in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar Laws limiting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.

Section 5.4    No Conflict. Assuming that the consents referred to in clauses (a) and (b) of Section 5.5 are obtained, the execution and delivery by such Equity Backstop Party of this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which such Equity Backstop Party is a party, the compliance by such Equity Backstop Party with all of the provisions hereof and thereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein (a) will not conflict with, or result in a breach, modification, termination or violation of, any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under (with or without notice or lapse of time or both), or result in the acceleration of, or the creation of any Lien under, any Contract to which such Equity Backstop Party is party or is bound or to which any of the property or assets of such Equity Backstop Party are subject, (b) will not result in any violation of the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or comparable constituent documents) of such Equity Backstop Party and (c) will not result in any material violation of any Law or Order applicable to such Equity Backstop Party or any of its properties, except in each of the cases described in clauses (a) or (c), for any conflict, breach, modification, termination, violation, default, acceleration or Lien which would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to prohibit or materially and adversely impact such Equity Backstop Party’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

Section 5.5    Consents and Approvals. No consent, approval, authorization, Order, registration or qualification of or with any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over such Equity Backstop Party or any of its properties is required for the execution and delivery by such Equity Backstop Party of this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which such Equity Backstop Party is a party, the performance of and compliance by such Equity Backstop Party with the provisions hereof and thereof and the consummation of the transactions (including the purchase by such Equity Backstop Party of its Backstop Shares or its portion of the Rights Offering Shares) contemplated herein and therein, except (a) any consent, approval, authorization, Order, registration or qualification which, if not made or obtained, would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to prohibit or materially and adversely impact such Equity Backstop Party’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which such Equity Backstop Party is a party and (b) filings, notifications, authorizations, approvals, consents, clearances or termination or expiration of all applicable waiting periods under any Antitrust Laws in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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Section 5.6    No Registration. Such Equity Backstop Party understands that (a) the issuance of the Unsubscribed Shares has not been registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act, the availability of which depends on, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of such Equity Backstop Party’s representations as expressed herein or otherwise made pursuant hereto, and (b) the Unsubscribed Shares cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available.

Section 5.7    Purchasing Intent. Such Equity Backstop Party is acquiring its Backstop Shares for its own account or accounts or funds over which it holds voting discretion, not otherwise as a nominee or agent, and not otherwise with the view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof not in compliance with applicable securities Laws, and such Equity Backstop Party has no present intention of selling, granting any other participation in, or otherwise distributing the same, except in compliance with applicable securities Laws.

Section 5.8    Sophistication; Investigation(a) . Such Equity Backstop Party has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters such that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Unsubscribed Shares. Such Equity Backstop Party is either a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A of the Securities Act or an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7) or (8) of the Securities Act. Such Equity Backstop Party further represents that it (i) has the knowledge, skill and experience in business, financial and investment matters so that such Equity Backstop Party is capable of evaluating the merits, risks and consequences of an investment in the Unsubscribed Shares, (ii) fully understands the limitations on transfer and restrictions on sales and other dispositions set forth in this Agreement and understands and (iii) is able to bear any economic risks associated with such investment (including the necessity of holding such shares for an indefinite period of time or the complete loss of such investment). Such Equity Backstop Party has independently evaluated the merits and risks of its decision to enter into this Agreement and, except for the representations and warranties expressly set forth in this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement, disclaims reliance on any representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or on behalf of any of the Debtors.

Section 5.9    No Brokers Fees. Such Equity Backstop Party is not a party to any Contract with any Person (other than the Transaction Agreements and any Contract giving rise to the Expense Reimbursement hereunder) that would give rise to a valid claim against any of the Debtors for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the Rights Offering or the sale of the Unsubscribed Shares.

Section 5.10    Sufficiency of Funds. Such Equity Backstop Party will have sufficient immediately available funds to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement, including the ability to make and complete the payment of the aggregate purchase price for such Equity Backstop Party’s Backstop Shares on the Funding Date.

 

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Section 5.11    Sanctions. Such Equity Backstop Party is not (i) a person or entity named on the OFAC List, or a person or entity prohibited by any OFAC sanctions program, (ii) a Designated National as defined in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515 or (iii) a non-U.S. shell bank or providing banking services indirectly to a non-U.S. shell bank. Such Equity Backstop Party agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable law, provided that such Equity Backstop Party is permitted to do so under applicable law. Such Equity Backstop Party represents that if it is a financial institution subject to the BSA/PATRIOT Act and that such Equity Backstop Party maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. Such Equity Backstop Party also represents that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed for the screening of its investors against the OFAC sanctions programs, including the OFAC List. Such Equity Backstop Party further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by such Equity Backstop Party and used to purchase the Backstop Shares were legally derived.

Section 5.12    No Prohibited Transactions. Such Equity Backstop Party represents and warrants that its acquisition and holding of the Backstop Shares will not constitute or result in a nonexempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), Section 4975 of the Code, or any applicable similar Law.

Section 5.13    ERISA. If such Equity Backstop Party is an employee benefit plan that is subject to Title I of ERISA, a plan, an individual retirement account or other arrangement that is subject to section 4975 of the Code or an employee benefit plan that is a governmental plan (as defined in section 3(32) of ERISA), a church plan (as defined in section 3(33) of ERISA), a non-U.S. plan (as described in section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) or other plan that is not subject to the foregoing but may be subject to provisions under any other federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code, or an entity whose underlying assets are considered to include “plan assets” of any such plan, account or arrangement (each, an “ERISA Plan”) subject to the fiduciary or prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code, such Equity Backstop Party represents and warrants that neither Company, nor any of its Affiliates has acted as the ERISA Plan’s fiduciary, or has been relied on for advice, with respect to its decision to acquire and hold the Backstop Shares and neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates shall at any time be relied upon as the ERISA Plan’s fiduciary with respect to any decision to acquire, continue to hold or transfer the Backstop Shares.

Section 5.14    No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article V or in any certificate delivered with respect to this Agreement, neither such Equity Backstop Party nor any other Person makes any other express or implied representation or warranty on behalf of the Equity Backstop Parties.

 

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ARTICLE VI

ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

Section 6.1    Blue Sky. The Company shall, on or before the Closing Date, take such action as the Company shall reasonably determine is necessary in order to obtain an exemption for, or to qualify the offer and sale of the Unsubscribed Shares to the Equity Backstop Parties pursuant to this Agreement under applicable securities and “Blue Sky” Laws of the states of the United States (or to obtain an exemption from such qualification), and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Equity Backstop Parties on or prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall timely make all filings and reports relating to the offer and sale of the Unsubscribed Shares issued hereunder required under applicable securities and “Blue Sky” Laws of the states of the United States following the Closing Date. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligations under this Section 6.1.

Section 6.2    Use of Proceeds. The Debtors will apply the proceeds from the exercise of the Subscription Rights and the sale of the Unsubscribed Shares for the purposes consistent with the Disclosure Statement and the Plan.

Section 6.3    Securities Law Matters.

(a)    The Backstop Shares shall be offered and sold, without registration under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act under the Securities Act and shall be “restricted securities” (within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act) subject to certain transfer restrictions under the U.S. federal securities laws unless sold pursuant to an exemption or a registration statement. Each Equity Backstop Party agrees that the Backstop Shares acquired by such Equity Backstop Party pursuant to this Agreement shall not be offered for sale, sold or otherwise transferred by such Equity Backstop Party (or, if applicable, any Related Purchaser of such Equity Backstop Party) except pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or in a transaction exempt from or not subject to registration under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.

(b)    Each book-entry statement in the share ledger or other appropriate records maintained by the Company or agent evidencing Unsubscribed Shares issued hereunder shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend (the “Legend”) in substantially the following form:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS BOOK ENTRY WERE ORIGINALLY ISSUED ON [DATE OF ISSUANCE], HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER.”

The Company shall remove the Legend set forth above from the share register or other appropriate Company records upon request, at any time after the restrictions described in such Legend cease to be applicable, including, as applicable, when such shares may be sold under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. The Company may reasonably request such opinions, certificates or other evidence that such restrictions no longer apply as a condition to removing the Legend.

 

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Section 6.4    Antitrust Approval.

(a)    Each Party agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Plan and the other Transaction Agreements, including (i) if applicable, filing, or causing to be filed, no later than thirty (30) days following the date hereof, the Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the United States Federal Trade Commission and any filings, notifications, notices or submissions (or, if required by any Antitrust Authority, any drafts thereof) under any other Antitrust Laws that are necessary to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable and (ii) promptly furnishing any documents or information reasonably requested by any Antitrust Authority.

(b)    The Company and each Equity Backstop Party subject to an obligation pursuant to the Antitrust Laws to notify or make any filing with respect to any transaction contemplated by this Agreement, the Plan or the other Transaction Agreements and that has notified the Company in writing of such obligation (each such Equity Backstop Party, a “Filing Party”) agree to reasonably cooperate with each other in the preparation of and as to the appropriate time of filing such notification and its content. The Company and each Filing Party shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law: (i) promptly notify each other of, and if in writing, furnish each other with copies of (or, in the case of material oral communications, advise each other orally) of any material communications from or with an Antitrust Authority; (ii) consult with each other Filing Party and the Company, and take into account reasonable comments made by a Filing Party and the Company before submitting any filings, briefs or any other material correspondence with the any Antitrust Authority; (iii) not participate in any meeting with an Antitrust Authority unless it consults with each other Filing Party and the Company, as applicable, in advance and, to the extent permitted by the Antitrust Authority and applicable Law, give each other Filing Party and the Company, as applicable, a reasonable opportunity to attend and participate thereat; (iv) furnish each other Filing Party and the Company, as applicable, with copies of all material correspondence and communications between such Filing Party or the Company and the Antitrust Authority; (v) furnish each other Filing Party with such necessary information and reasonable assistance as may be reasonably necessary in connection with the preparation of necessary filings or submission of information to the Antitrust Authority; and (vi) not withdraw its filing, if any, under the HSR Act or under the Antitrust Laws of Austria and Germany without the prior written consent of the Requisite Consenting Parties and the Company.

(c)    Should a Filing Party be subject to an obligation under the Antitrust Laws to jointly notify with one or more other Filing Parties (each, a “Joint Filing Party”) any transaction contemplated by this Agreement, the Plan or the other Transaction Agreements, such Joint Filing Party shall promptly notify each other Joint Filing Party of, and if in writing, furnish each other Joint Filing Party with copies of (or, in the case of material oral communications, advise each other Joint Filing Party orally of) any communications from or with an Antitrust Authority.

 

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(d)    The Company and each Filing Party shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all authorizations, approvals, consents, or clearances under any applicable Antitrust Laws, or to cause the termination or expiration of all applicable waiting periods under any Antitrust Laws in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case at the earliest possible date after the date of this Agreement. The communications contemplated by this Section 6.4 may be made by the Company or a Filing Party on an outside counsel-only basis or subject to other agreed upon confidentiality safeguards. The obligations in this Section 6.4 shall not apply to filings, correspondence, communications or meetings with Antitrust Authorities unrelated to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Plan or the other Transaction Agreements and shall not apply to any Filing Party that is not a party to the notified transaction.

Section 6.5    Registration Rights Agreement; Company Organizational Documents.

(a)    The Plan will provide that from and after the Effective Date, in the event that the Company is then a registrant pursuant to the terms of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each Equity Backstop Party shall be entitled to registration rights that are customary for a transaction of this nature, pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be entered into as of the Effective Date, which agreement shall be in form and substance consistent with the terms of the Plan Support Agreement and otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Requisite Consenting Parties and the Company (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). A form of the Registration Rights Agreement shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Court as part of the Plan Supplement or an amendment thereto.

(b)    The Plan will provide that, on the Effective Date, the Company Organizational Documents will be duly authorized, approved, adopted and in full force and effect. Forms of the Company Organizational Documents shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Court as part of the Plan Supplement or an amendment thereto.

Section 6.6    Access to Information. Subject to any limitations imposed by the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Court, any applicable Laws and the COVID-19 Measures, during the Pre-Closing Period, the Company shall, subject to the Confidentiality Agreements, furnish promptly to a designated Representative of the Equity Backstop Parties which is subject to a Confidentiality Agreement all reasonable information concerning the Debtors’ business, properties and personnel as may reasonably be requested, provided that the foregoing shall not require the Company (i) to permit any inspection, or to disclose any information, that in the reasonable judgment of the Company, would cause any of the Debtors to violate any of their respective obligations with respect to confidentiality to a third party if the Company shall have used its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, but failed to obtain, the consent of such third party to such inspection or disclosure, (ii) to disclose any legally privileged information of any of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) to violate or create any liability under any applicable Laws or Orders. All requests for information made in accordance with this Section 6.6 shall be directed to an executive officer of the Company or such Person as may be designated by the Company’s executive officers. All information received pursuant to this Section 6.6 shall be governed by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreements.

 

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ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES

Section 7.1    Conditions to the Obligations of the Equity Backstop Parties. The obligations of each Equity Backstop Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver in accordance with Section 7.2 of the following conditions prior to or at the Closing:

(a)    Rights Offering. The Rights Offering shall have been conducted, in all material respects, in accordance with the Plan Solicitation Order, the Rights Offering Procedures and this Agreement, as applicable.

(b)    Effective Date. The Effective Date shall have occurred, or shall be deemed to have occurred, concurrently with the Closing, as applicable, in accordance with the terms and conditions in the Plan and in the Confirmation Order.

(c)    Registration Rights Agreement; Company Organizational Documents.

(i)    The Registration Rights Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by the Company, shall otherwise have become effective with respect to the Equity Backstop Parties and the other parties thereto, and shall be in full force and effect.

(ii)    The Company Organizational Documents shall have been duly approved and adopted and shall be in full force and effect.

(d)    Required Antitrust Clearances; No Prohibition.

(i)    The waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated.

(ii)    All of the Required Foreign Antitrust Clearances shall have been obtained.

(iii)    No court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Prohibition.

(e)    Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (disregarding all materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers) on and as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Plan with the same effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Plan (except for such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct only as of the specified date), except where the failure to be so true and correct does not constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(f)    Covenants. The Debtors shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with all of their respective covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement that contemplate, by their terms, performance or compliance prior to the Closing Date.

(g)    Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred, and there shall not exist, any Event that has had or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

(h)    Officers Certificate. The Equity Backstop Parties shall have received on and as of the Closing Date a certificate of the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of the Company confirming that the conditions set forth in Section 7.1(e) (Representations and Warranties) and Section 7.1(f) (Covenants) have been satisfied.

(i)    Funding Notice. The Equity Backstop Parties shall have received the Funding Notice in accordance with the terms of Section 2.4. (and, if applicable, the written notice of the Company described in Section 2.3(a)).

(j)    Expense Reimbursement. The Debtors shall have paid all Expense Reimbursements accrued through the Closing Date pursuant to Section 3.1; provided, that invoices for such Expense Reimbursement must have been received by the Debtors at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date in order to be required to be paid on the Closing Date.

(k)    EBA Approval Order. The Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the EBA Approval Order in form and substance consistent with the Plan Support Agreement, and such Order shall not have been stayed, modified, or vacated on appeal.

Section 7.2    Waiver of Conditions to Obligations of Equity Backstop Parties. All or any of the conditions set forth in Section 7.1 may only be waived in whole or in part with respect to all Equity Backstop Parties by a written instrument executed by the Requisite Consenting Parties in their sole discretion and if so waived, all Equity Backstop Parties shall be bound by such waiver.

Section 7.3    Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby with the Equity Backstop Parties is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions:

(a)    Effective Date. The Effective Date shall have occurred, or shall be deemed to have occurred, concurrently with the Closing, in accordance with the terms and conditions in the Plan and in the Confirmation Order.

(b)    Required Antitrust Clearances; No Prohibition.

(i)    The waiting periods applicable to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated.

(ii)    All of the Required Foreign Antitrust Clearances shall have been obtained.

 

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(iii)    No court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Prohibition.

(c)    Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Equity Backstop Parties shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties made as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects only as of the specified date), except where the failure to be so true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially impede the Equity Backstop Parties from consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(d)    Covenants. The Equity Backstop Parties shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with all of their covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and in any other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

(e)    Officer’s Certificate. The Debtors shall have received on and as of the Closing Date a certificate of an officer of each of the Equity Backstop Parties confirming that the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(c) (Representations and Warranties) and Section 7.3(d) (Covenants) have been satisfied with respect to such Equity Backstop Party.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

Section 8.1    Indemnification Obligations. Following the entry of the EBA Approval Order, the Company and the other Debtors (the “Indemnifying Parties” and each, an “Indemnifying Party”) shall, jointly and severally, indemnify and hold harmless each Equity Backstop Party and its Affiliates, equity holders, members, partners, general partners, managers and its and their respective Representatives and controlling persons (each, an “Indemnified Person”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and costs and expenses (other than Taxes of the Equity Backstop Parties except to the extent otherwise provided for in this Agreement) (collectively, “Losses”) (but not including any fees and expenses that would be reimbursable by the Debtors as Expense Reimbursement pursuant to Article III if the Interim Cap were disregarded) actually sustained, incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Person arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Plan, the Rights Offering Procedures or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Rights Offering Backstop Commitment, the Rights Offering or the use of the proceeds of the Rights Offering, or any claim, challenge, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, regardless of whether any Indemnified Person is a party thereto, whether or not such proceedings are brought by the Company, the other Debtors, their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other Person, and reimburse each Indemnified Person upon demand for reasonable documented (with such documentation subject to redaction to preserve attorney client and work product privileges) legal (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) or other third-party expenses incurred in connection with investigating, preparing to defend or defending, or providing evidence in or preparing to serve or serving as a witness with respect to, any lawsuit, investigation, claim or other proceeding relating to any of the foregoing (including in connection with the enforcement of the indemnification obligations set forth herein), irrespective of whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Plan are consummated or whether or not this Agreement is terminated; provided, that the foregoing indemnity will not, as to any Indemnified Person, apply to Losses (a) as to a Defaulting Equity Backstop Party, its Related Parties or any Indemnified Person related thereto, to the extent caused by an Equity Backstop Party Default by such Equity Backstop Party or (b) to the extent they are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to arise from the bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnified Person.

 

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Section 8.2    Indemnification Procedure. Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Person of notice of the commencement of any claim, challenge, litigation, investigation or proceeding (an “Indemnified Claim”), such Indemnified Person will, if a claim is to be made hereunder against the Indemnifying Party in respect thereof, notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of the commencement thereof; provided, that (a) the omission to so notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability that it may have hereunder except to the extent it has been materially prejudiced by such failure and (b) the omission to so notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Person otherwise than on account of this Article VIII. In case any such Indemnified Claims are brought against any Indemnified Person and the Indemnified Person notifies the Indemnifying Party of the commencement thereof, the Indemnifying Party will be entitled to participate therein, and, at its election by providing written notice to such Indemnified Person, the Indemnifying Party will be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably acceptable to such Indemnified Person; provided, that if the parties (including any impleaded parties) to any such Indemnified Claims include both such Indemnified Person and the Indemnifying Party and based on advice of such Indemnified Person’s counsel there are legal defenses available to such Indemnified Person that are different from or additional to those available to the Indemnifying Party, such Indemnified Person shall have the right to select separate counsel to assert such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such Indemnified Claims. Upon receipt of notice from the Indemnifying Party to such Indemnified Person of its election to so assume the defense of such Indemnified Claims with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Person, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to such Indemnified Person for expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with the defense thereof or participation therein (other than reasonable costs of investigation) unless (i) such Indemnified Person shall have employed separate counsel (in addition to any local counsel) in connection with the assertion of legal defenses in accordance with the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel representing the Indemnified Persons who are parties to such Indemnified Claims (in addition to one local counsel in each jurisdiction in which local counsel is required)), (ii) the Indemnifying Party shall not have employed counsel reasonably acceptable to such Indemnified Person to represent such Indemnified Person within a reasonable time after the Indemnifying Party has received notice of commencement of the Indemnified Claims from, or delivered on behalf of, the Indemnified Person, (iii) after the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of the Indemnified Claims, the Indemnified Person determines in good faith that the Indemnifying Party has failed or is failing to defend such claim and provides written notice of such determination and the basis for such determination, and such failure is not reasonably cured within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of such notice by the Indemnifying Party, or (iv) the Indemnifying Party shall have authorized in writing the employment of counsel for such Indemnified Person.

 

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Section 8.3    Settlement of Indemnified Claims. In connection with any Indemnified Claim for which an Indemnified Person is assuming the defense in accordance with this Article VIII, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any Indemnified Claims effected by such Indemnified Person without the written consent of the Indemnifying Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). If any settlement of any Indemnified Claims is consummated with the written consent of the Indemnifying Party or if there is a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such Indemnified Claims, the Indemnifying Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against any and all Losses by reason of such settlement or judgment to the extent such Losses are otherwise subject to indemnification by the Indemnifying Party hereunder in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of, this Article VIII. The Indemnifying Party shall not, without the prior written consent of an Indemnified Person (which consent shall be granted or withheld, conditioned or delayed in the Indemnified Person’s sole discretion), effect any settlement of any pending or threatened Indemnified Claims in respect of which indemnity or contribution has been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person unless (i) such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person in form and substance satisfactory to such Indemnified Person from all liability on the claims that are the subject matter of such Indemnified Claims and (ii) such settlement does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

Section 8.4    Contribution. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Person or insufficient to hold it harmless from Losses that are subject to indemnification pursuant to Section 8.1, then the Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits received by the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Person, on the other hand, but also the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Person, on the other hand, as well as any relevant equitable considerations. The Indemnifying Parties also agree that no Indemnified Person shall have any liability based on their comparative or contributory negligence or otherwise to the Indemnifying Parties, any Person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of any of the Indemnifying Parties, or any other Person in connection with an Indemnified Claim.

Section 8.5    Treatment of Indemnification Payments. All amounts paid by an Indemnifying Party to an Indemnified Person under this Article VIII shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be treated as adjustments to the Per Share Purchase Price for all Tax purposes. The provisions of this Article VIII are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and without these provisions the Equity Backstop Parties would not have entered into this Agreement. The EBA Approval Order shall provide that the obligations of the Debtors under this Article VIII shall constitute allowed administrative expenses of the Debtors’ estates under sections 503(b) and 507 of the Bankruptcy Code and are payable without further Order of the Bankruptcy Court, and that the Debtors may comply with the requirements of this Article VIII without further Order of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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Section 8.6    No Survival. The representations and warranties set forth in Article IV and Article V of this Agreement shall terminate at, and shall not survive, the termination of this Agreement or Closing Date, as applicable, and neither the Debtors nor the Equity Backstop Parties shall have any Liability with respect to a breach thereof. The respective covenants and agreements of the Debtors and the Equity Backstop Parties set forth in this Agreement shall terminate at, and shall not survive, the Closing Date, and neither the Debtors nor the Equity Backstop Parties shall have any Liability with respect to a breach thereof, except for covenants and agreements that by their terms are to be satisfied after the Closing Date, which covenants and agreements shall survive until satisfied in accordance with their terms.

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION

Section 9.1    Consensual Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date by mutual written consent of the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties.

Section 9.2    Automatic Termination. This Agreement shall terminate automatically if the Plan Support Agreement terminates with respect to the rights and obligations of the Debtors prior to the occurrence of the Effective Date in accordance with its terms.

Section 9.3    Termination by the Equity Backstop Parties.

(a)    Notwithstanding the automatic stay imposed by section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, this Agreement may be terminated by the Requisite Consenting Parties upon written notice to the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following Events:

(i)    any Law or final and non-appealable Order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any Governmental Entity that prohibits the implementation of the Plan or the Rights Offering or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements; or

(ii)     (A) the Company or the other Debtors shall have breached any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement made by the Company or the other Debtors in this Agreement or any such representation or warranty shall have become inaccurate and such breach or inaccuracy would, individually or in the aggregate, cause a condition set forth in Section 7.1(e) (Representations and Warranties) or Section 7.1(f) (Covenants) not to be satisfied, (B) the Equity Backstop Parties shall have delivered written notice of such breach or inaccuracy to the Company, (C) such breach or inaccuracy is not cured by the Company or the other Debtors by the tenth (10th) Business Day after receipt of such notice, and (D) as a result of such failure to cure, any condition set forth in Section 7.1(e) (Representations and Warranties) or Section 7.1(f) (Covenants) is not capable of being satisfied; provided, that, the Requisite Consenting Parties may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.3(b) if any Equity Backstop Party is then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement under this Agreement, such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(c) or Section 7.3(d) would not be satisfied.

 

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(b)    Notwithstanding the automatic stay imposed by section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, this Agreement may be terminated by an Equity Backstop Party if this Agreement is amended, restated, modified, or changed in circumstances requiring the consent of such Equity Backstop Party in accordance with Section 10.7 without the written consent of such Equity Backstop Party.

(c)    Notwithstanding the automatic stay imposed by section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, this Agreement may be terminated, upon written notice to the Company, (i) by Centerbridge (with respect only to the rights and obligations of Centerbridge hereunder) upon termination of the rights and obligations of Centerbridge under the Plan Support Agreement, (ii) by Oaktree (with respect only to the rights and obligations of Oaktree hereunder) upon termination of the rights and obligations of Oaktree under the Plan Support Agreement, or (iii) by the Equity Backstop Parties constituting the Additional Investors (with respect only to the rights and obligations of such Additional Investors hereunder) upon the termination of the rights and obligations of the Additional Investors under the Plan Support Agreement; provided, that if (A) the EBA Approval Order has been entered by the Bankruptcy Court in respect of this Agreement, (B) the EBA Approval Order has not been entered by the Bankruptcy Court in respect of the Plan Support Agreement and (C) any Party (or group of Parties) would have the right to terminate pursuant to one of the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) had the EBA Approval Order been entered by the Bankruptcy Court in respect of the Plan Support Agreement, then such Party (or group of Parties) shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.3(c).

Section 9.4    Termination by the Company.

This Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon written notice to each Equity Backstop Party upon the occurrence of any of the following Events, subject to the rights of the Company to fully and conditionally waive, in writing, on a prospective or retroactive basis the occurrence of such Event:

(a)    any Law or final and non-appealable Order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any Governmental Entity that prohibits the implementation of the Plan or the Rights Offering or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements in a way that cannot be remedied by the Company in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Company; or

(b)    subject to the right of the Equity Backstop Parties to arrange an Equity Backstop Party Replacement in accordance with Section 2.3(a) (which will be deemed to cure any breach by the replaced Equity Backstop Party pursuant to this subsection (b)), (i) any Equity Backstop Party shall have breached any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement made by such Equity Backstop Party in this Agreement or any such representation or warranty shall have become inaccurate and such breach or inaccuracy would, individually or in the aggregate, cause a condition set forth in Section 7.3(c) (Representations and Warranties) or Section 7.3(d) (Covenants) not to be satisfied, (ii) the Company shall have delivered written notice of such breach or inaccuracy to such Equity Backstop Party, (iii) such breach or inaccuracy is not cured by such Equity Backstop Party by the tenth (10th) Business Day after receipt of such notice, and (iv) as a result of such failure to cure, any condition set forth in Section 7.3(c) (Representations and Warranties) or Section 7.3(d) (Covenants) is not capable of being satisfied; provided, that the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.4(b) if the Company is then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement under this Agreement, such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.1(e), Section 7.1(f) or Section 7.1(g) would not be satisfied.

 

39


Section 9.5    Effect of Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Article IX,, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no further obligations or liabilities on the part of the Parties; provided, that (i) the obligations of the Debtors to pay the Expense Reimbursement pursuant to Article III and to satisfy their indemnification obligations pursuant to Article VIII shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect until such obligations have been satisfied, (ii) the provisions set forth in Article VIII, this Section 9.5 and Article X shall survive the termination of this Agreement in accordance with their terms and (iii) subject to Section 10.10 (Damages), nothing in this Section 9.5 shall relieve any Party from liability for its gross negligence or any willful or intentional breach of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “willful or intentional breach” means a breach of this Agreement that is a consequence of an act undertaken by the breaching Party with the knowledge that the taking of such act would, or would reasonably be expected to, cause a breach of this Agreement.

ARTICLE X

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 10.1    Notices. All notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, sent via electronic facsimile (with confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or delivered by an express courier (with confirmation) to the parties hereto at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as may be specified by like notice):

(a)    If to the Company or any of the other Debtors:

Garrett Motion Inc.

La Piéce 16

1180 Rolle, Switzerland

Attn:    Sean Deason

Jerome P. Maironi

Email:   Sean.Deason@garrettmotion.com

 Jerome.Maironi@garrettmotion.com

 

40


with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

United States

Tel: (212) 558-3830

Attn: Scott Miller

          Andrew Dietderich

Email: millersc@sullcrom.com

           dietdericha@sullcrom.com

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

1 New Fetter Lane

London EC4A 1AN

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7959 8426

Attn: Evan S. Simpson

Email: simpsone@sullcrom.com

(b)    If to the Equity Backstop Parties:

To each Equity Backstop Party at the addresses or e-mail addresses set forth below the Equity Backstop Party’s signature in its signature page to this Agreement.

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Milbank LLP

Attn: Dennis F. Dunne, Andrew M. Leblanc,

Matthew Brod and Andrew C. Harmeyer

55 Hudson Yards

New York, NY 10001

Tel: (212) 530-5000

Fax: (212) 530-5219

Email:  ddunne@milbank.com

aleblanc@milbank.com

mbrod@milbank.com

aharmeyer@milbank.com

and

Jones Day

250 Vesey Street

New York, New York 10281 Attention: Anna Kordas

E-mail address: akordas@jonesday.com

 

41


-and-

Jones Day

555 S. Flower St.

50th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Attention: Bruce Bennett

Joshua M. Mester

James O. Johnston

E-mail address: bbennett@jonesday.com; jmester@jonesday.com;

jjohnston@jonesday.com

Section 10.2    Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned by any party hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties, other than an assignment by an Equity Backstop Party expressly permitted by Section 2.6 and any purported assignment in violation of this Section 10.2 shall be void ab initio. Except as provided in Article VIII with respect to the Indemnified Persons, this Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to in this Agreement) is not intended to and does not confer upon any Person any rights or remedies under this Agreement other than the Parties.

Section 10.3    Prior Negotiations; Entire Agreement.

(a)    This Agreement (including the Annexes and Schedules attached to and the documents and instruments referred to in this Agreement), the Plan Support Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreements constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements, arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, except that the parties hereto acknowledge that any confidentiality agreements heretofore executed among the parties hereto will each continue in full force and effect.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan (including any amendments, supplements or modifications thereto) or the Confirmation Order (and any amendments, supplements or modifications thereto) or an affirmative vote to accept the Plan submitted by any Equity Backstop Party, nothing contained in the Plan (including any amendments, supplements or modifications thereto) or Confirmation Order (including any amendments, supplements or modifications thereto) shall alter, amend or modify the rights of the Equity Backstop Parties under this Agreement unless such alteration, amendment or modification has been made in accordance with Section 10.7.

 

42


Section 10.4    Governing Law; Venue. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO SUCH STATE’S CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS WHICH WOULD REQUIRE OR PERMIT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. BY ITS EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES FOR ITSELF THAT ANY LEGAL ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING AGAINST IT WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER ARISING UNDER, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED IN ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING, SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE BANKRUPTCY COURT, OR IF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT DOES NOT HAVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK, AND BY EXECUTING AND DELIVERING THIS AGREEMENT, EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS AND SUBMITS ITSELF TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURT, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY AGREE THAT MAILING OF PROCESS OR OTHER PAPERS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH ACTION OF PROCEEDING TO AN ADDRESS PROVIDED IN WRITING BY THE RECIPIENT OF SUCH MAILING, OR IN SUCH OTHER MANNER AS MAY BE PERMITTED BY LAW, SHALL BE VALID AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE THEREOF AND HEREBY WAIVE ANY OBJECTIONS TO SERVICE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE MANNER HEREIN PROVIDED.

Section 10.5    Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JURISDICTION IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE.

Section 10.6    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by way of electronic signature and delivery or in any number of counterparts, all of which will be considered one and the same agreement and will become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each other party hereto (including via facsimile, portable document format (pdf) or other electronic transmission), it being understood that each party hereto need not sign the same counterpart.

 

43


Section 10.7    Waivers and Amendments; Rights Cumulative; Consent. This Agreement may be amended, restated, modified, or changed only by a written instrument signed by the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties; provided that, in addition, each Equity Backstop Party’s prior written consent shall be required for any amendment that would have the effect of: (a) directly or indirectly modifying such Equity Backstop Party’s Equity Backstop Amount other than in accordance with Section 2.3(a); (b) increasing the Per Share Purchase Price to be paid in respect of the Rights Offering Shares (except to the extent resulting from a proportionate decrease in the number of Convertible Series A Preferred Shares to be offered in the Rights Offering); (c) increasing the Rights Offering Amount without each Equity Backstop Party having the opportunity (but not the obligation) to participate pro rata in such increase (for the avoidance of doubt, this clause shall only apply to the Rights Offering Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement and shall not apply to any subsequent issuance of Convertible Series A Preferred Shares, it being agreed that no Equity Backstop Party shall be required to purchase such Convertible Series A Preferred Shares); (d) amending any of the following: (i) Section 2.6 (Designation and Assignment Rights), (ii) this Section 10.7, (iii) the definition of “Requisite Consenting Parties”; or (e) otherwise having a materially adverse and disproportionate (as compared to other Equity Backstop Parties) effect on such Equity Backstop Party; provided, further, that a written instrument signed by the Company and the Requisite Consenting Parties shall be required to amend, restate, modify or change any provision that gives the Requisite Consenting Parties consent rights with respect to any matter. The terms and conditions of this Agreement may be waived (i) by the Debtors only by a written instrument executed by the Company and (ii) by the Equity Backstop Parties only by a written instrument executed by the Requisite Consenting Parties (provided that each Equity Backstop Party’s prior written consent shall be required for any waiver having the effects referred to in the first proviso of this Section 10.7). Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, following the termination of the rights and obligations of an Equity Backstop Party pursuant to Section 9.3(c), the Company and one or more remaining Equity Backstop Parties may, without the consent of the Requisite Consenting Parties, agree to amend this Agreement to increase the Equity Backstop Percentages of such agreeing Equity Backstop Party or Parties such that, following such increase, the sum of all Equity Backstop Percentages equals one hundred percent (100%). No delay on the part of any Party in exercising any right, power or privilege pursuant to this Agreement will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any waiver on the part of any Party of any right, power or privilege pursuant to this Agreement, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege pursuant to this Agreement, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege pursuant to this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the rights and remedies provided pursuant to this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies which any Party otherwise may have at law or in equity. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall affect or otherwise impair the rights, including consent rights, of the Equity Backstop Parties under the Plan Support Agreement or any other Definitive Document.

Section 10.8    Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 10.9    Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions without the necessity of posting a bond to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Unless otherwise expressly stated in this Agreement, no right or remedy described or provided in this Agreement is intended to be exclusive or to preclude a Party from pursuing other rights and remedies to the extent available under this Agreement, at law or in equity.

Section 10.10    Damages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, none of the parties hereto will be liable for, and none of the parties hereto shall claim or seek to recover, any punitive, special, indirect or consequential damages or damages for lost profits.

 

44


Section 10.11    No Reliance. No Equity Backstop Party or any of its Related Parties shall have any duties or obligations to the other Equity Backstop Parties in respect of this Agreement, the Plan or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except those expressly set forth herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) no Equity Backstop Party or any of its Related Parties shall be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties to the other Equity Backstop Parties, (b) no Equity Backstop Party or any of its Related Parties shall have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers on behalf of any other Equity Backstop Party, (c) no Equity Backstop Party or any of its Related Parties shall have any duty to the other Equity Backstop Parties to obtain, through the exercise of diligence or otherwise, to investigate, confirm, or disclose to the other Equity Backstop Parties any information relating to the Company, the other Debtors or any of their respective Subsidiaries that may have been communicated to or obtained by such Equity Backstop Party or any of its Affiliates in any capacity, (d) no Equity Backstop Party may rely, and each Equity Backstop Party confirms that it has not relied, on any due diligence investigation that any other Equity Backstop Party or any Person acting on behalf of such other Equity Backstop Party may have conducted with respect to the Company, the other Debtors or any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities, and (e) each Equity Backstop Party acknowledges that no other Equity Backstop Party is acting as a placement agent, initial purchaser, underwriter, broker or finder with respect to its Unsubscribed Shares or Equity Backstop Percentage of its Rights Offering Backstop Commitment.

Section 10.12    No Recourse. Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in this Agreement, and notwithstanding the fact that certain of the Parties may be partnerships or limited liability companies, each party hereto covenants, agrees and acknowledges that no recourse under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement shall be had against any Party’s Affiliates, or any of such Party’s Affiliates’ or respective Related Parties in each case other than the Parties to this Agreement and each of their respective successors and permitted assignees under this Agreement (including any applicable Related Purchaser), whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any applicable Law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any of the Related Parties (other than any applicable Related Purchaser), as such, for any obligation or liability of any Party under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection herewith for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or liabilities or their creation; provided, however, nothing in this Section 10.12 shall relieve or otherwise limit the liability of any party hereto or any of their respective successors or permitted assigns for any breach or violation of its obligations under this Agreement or such other documents or instruments. For the avoidance of doubt, prior to the Effective Date, none of the parties hereto will have any recourse, be entitled to commence any proceeding or make any claim under this Agreement or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby except against any of the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assigns (including the applicable Related Purchasers), as applicable.

Section 10.13    Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein will not be in any way impaired thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the parties hereto will be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

45


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

DEBTORS:
GARRETT MOTION INC.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   SVP General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
BRH LLC
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
CALVARI LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
FRICTION MATERIALS LLC
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT ASASCO INC.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


GARRETT BORROWING LLC
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT HOLDING COMPANY SÀRL
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT LX I S.À R.L.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT LX II S.À R.L.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT LX III S.À R.L.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


GARRETT MOTION AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH MEXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION HOLDINGS INC.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION HOLDINGS II INC.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION INTERNATIONAL SERVICES S.R.L.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION IRELAND A LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION IRELAND B LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


GARRETT MOTION IRELAND C LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION IRELAND LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:
  Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION ITALIA S.R.L.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION JAPAN INC.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION LLC
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


GARRETT MOTION MÉXICO, SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA DE CAPITAL VARIABLE
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION ROMANIA S.R.L.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION SÀRL
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION SLOVAKIA S.R.O.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION SWITZERLAND HOLDINGS SÀRL
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION UK A LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


GARRETT MOTION UK B LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION UK C LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION UK D LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT MOTION UK LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT TRANSPORTATION I INC.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS LTD
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


GARRETT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS UK II LTD
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT TS LTD
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
GARRETT TURBO LTD
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


EQUITY BACKSTOP PARTIES:

OAKTREE OPPORTUNITIES FUND XB HOLDINGS

(DELAWARE), L.P.

By:

  Oaktree Fund GP, LLC General Partner

Its:

  General Partner

By:

  Oaktree Fund GP I, L.P.

Its:

  Managing Member

By:

 

/s/ Kaj Vazales

  Name:   Kaj Vazales
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

By:

 

/s/ Ross Rosenfelt

  Name:   Ross Rosenfelt
  Title:   Authorized Signatory

Notice Information:

333 S. Grand Avenue, 28th Floor, Los Angeles CA 90071

Attn:

  Corporate Actions Team

Email:

 

jmikes@oaktreecapital.com;

kvazales@oaktreecapital.com;

rrosenfelt@oaktreecapital.com;

pkaganas@oaktreecapital.com

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


OAKTREE OPPORTUNITIES FUND XI HOLDINGS

(DELAWARE), L.P.

By:   Oaktree Fund GP, LLC General Partner
Its:   General Partner
By:   Oaktree Fund GP I, L.P.
Its:   Managing Member
By:  

/s/ Kaj Vazales

  Name:   Kaj Vazales
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
By:  

/s/ Jordan Mikes

  Name:   Jordan Mikes
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
Notice Information:
333 S. Grand Avenue, 28th Floor, Los Angeles CA 90071
Attn:   Corporate Actions Team
Email:  

jmikes@oaktreecapital.com;

kvazales@oaktreecapital.com;

rrosenfelt@oaktreecapital.com;

pkaganas@oaktreecapital.com

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


CENTERBRIDGE PARTNERS, L.P.
By:  

Centerbridge Special Credit Partners General

Partner III, L.P.

Its:   General Partner
By:   CSCP III Cayman GP, Ltd.
Its:   General Partner
By:  

/s/ Vivek Melwani

  Name:   Vivek Melwani
  Title:   Senior Managing Director

 

Notice Information:

c/o Centerbridge Partners, L.P.,

 

375 Park Avenue,

New York, New York 10152
Facsimile: (212) 672-5001
Email: legalnotices@centerbridge.com
Attn: The Office of the General Counsel

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


ATTESTOR VALUE MASTER FUND LP
By:  

/s/ F.S.Andreae

  Name:   F.S. Andreae
  Title:   Authorized Attorney

Notice Information:

c/o Attestor Limited

 

7 Seymour Street

London W1H 7JW

Email:

 
 

friedrich.andreae@attestorcapital.com

ops@attestorcapital.com

legal:attestorcapital.com

Attention to: : F.S. Andreae

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


THE BAUPOST GROUP, L.L.C.

By:

 

/s/ Joshua A. Greenhill

  Name:   Joshua A. Greenhill
  Title:   Partner

Notice Information:

The Baupost Group, L.L.C.

 

10 St. James Ave., Suite 1700,

Boston, MA 02116

 

legal@baupost.com;

jag@baupost.com

Attention: Joshua Greenhill & Legal Dept.

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


CYRUS CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P., in its capacity as investment manager to and on behalf of certain managed funds and accounts
By:  

/s/ Jennifer M. Pulick

  Name:   Jennifer M. Pulick
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
Notice Information:

65 East 55th Street, 35th Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

ops@cyruscapital.com; jmah@cyruscapital.com;

jpulick@cyruscapital.com

Attn: General Counsel and Operations Dept

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


FIN CAPITAL PARTNERS LP
BY: FINN MANAGEMENT GP LLC,
ITS GENERAL PARTNER
By:  

/s/ Brian Finn

  Name:   Brian Finn
  Title:   Manager

Notice Information:

336 West 37th Street, Suite 200

New York, NY 10018

Attention: Brian Finn

Email: brian.finn@fincap.uk

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


HAWK RIDGE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LP
By:  

/s/ David Bradley

  Name:   David Bradley
  Title:   COO/CFO/CCO

 

Notice Information:

12121 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 900

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Email: dbradley@hawkridgellc.com

Attention to: David Bradley

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


KEYFRAME CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P., in its capacity as investment manager to and on behalf of certain managed funds and accounts
By:  

/s/ Jennifer M. Pulick

  Name:   Jennifer M. Pulick
  Title:   Authorized Signatory
Notice Information:

65 East 55th Street, 35th Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

ops@cyruscapital.com; jr@kryframecapital.com

Attn: John Rapaport and Operations Dept

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


NEWTYN MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:  

/s/ Eugene Dozortsev

  Name:   Eugene Dozortsev
  Title:   Managing Member
Notice Information:
60 East 42nd Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10165
Email: edozortsev@newtyn.com
Attn: Eugene Dozortsev

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


SESSA CAPITAL (MASTER), L.P.
By:  

/s/ Jae Hong

  Name:   Jae Hong
  Title:   President & COO
Notice Information:

888 Seventh Avenue,

 

30th Floor, New York,

New York 10019
Jae.Hong@sessacapital.com
Attention to: Jae Hong

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]


WHITEBOX MULTI-STRATEGY PARTNERS, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Luke Harris

  Name:   Luke Harris
  Title:   General Counsel – Corporate, Transaction and Litigation

Notice Information: Whitebox Advisors LLC, 3033

    Excelsior Blvd, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55416

AThau@whiteboxadvisors.com
Attention: Andrew Thau

 

[Signature page to Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement]

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

 

    x   
In re   :    Chapter 11
  :   
GARRETT MOTION INC., et al.,1                                            :    Case No. 20-12212 (MEW)
  :   
Debtors.                   :    Jointly Administered
  :   
    x   

DEBTORS’ AMENDED JOINT PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE

Andrew G. Dietderich

Brian D. Glueckstein

Alexa J. Kranzley

Benjamin S. Beller

SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

Telephone: (212) 558-4000

Facsimile: (212) 558-3588

Counsel to the Debtors

Dated: January 22, 2021

 

 

1 

The last four digits of Garrett Motion Inc.’s tax identification number are 3189. Due to the large number of debtor entities in these Chapter 11 Cases, which are being jointly administered, a complete list of the Debtors and the last four digits of their federal tax identification numbers is not provided herein. A complete list of such information may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ claims and noticing agent at http://www.kccllc.net/garrettmotion. The Debtors’ corporate headquarters is located at La Pièce 16, Rolle, Switzerland.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

  INTRODUCTION      1  

2.

  DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION      2  
  2.1   

Definitions

     2  
  2.2   

Rules of Interpretation

     22  
  2.3   

Computation of Time

     23  
  2.4   

References to Monetary Figures

     23  
  2.5   

Consent Rights

     23  

3.

  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CLAIMS, PROFESSIONAL FEE CLAIMS, DIP CLAIMS, PRIORITY TAX CLAIMS AND STATUTORY FEES      24  
  3.1   

Administrative Expense Claims

     24  
  3.2   

Professional Fee Claims

     25  
  3.3   

DIP Claims

     26  
  3.4   

Treatment of Priority Tax Claims

     27  
  3.5   

Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses and Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee Expenses

     27  
  3.6   

Statutory Fees Payable Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1930

     28  
  3.7   

Payment of Transaction Expenses

     28  

4.

  CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF OTHER CLAIMS AND INTERESTS      29  
  4.1   

Separate Plan

     29  
  4.2   

Summary of Classes and Treatment of Claims Against and Interests in the Debtors

     29  
  4.3   

Treatment of Claims and Interests

     30  

5.

  ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN      37  
  5.1   

Voting of Claims or Interests

     37  
  5.2   

Acceptance by Impaired Classes

     37  
  5.3   

Elimination of Vacant Classes

     37  
  5.4   

Special Provisions Regarding Unimpaired Claims

     37  
  5.5   

Confirmation Pursuant to Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code

     38  

6.  

  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN      39  
  6.1   

Operations Between the Confirmation Date and Effective Date

     39  
  6.2   

Sources of Cash for Plan Distributions

     39  
  6.3   

Purchase of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock by PSA Investors

     39  
  6.4   

Rights Offering of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock

     39  
  6.5   

Plan Support Agreement and Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement

     40  
  6.6   

Honeywell Settlement and Make-Whole Settlement

     40  
  6.7   

Acceleration of Vested Options and Assumption of Outstanding Equity Awards

     41  
  6.8   

New Preferred Stock

     41  
  6.9       

Exemption from Registration

     41  

 

i


  6.10   

Registration Rights Agreement

     42  
  6.11   

Exit Facilities

     43  
  6.12   

Management Incentive Plan

     44  
  6.13   

Dilution of GMI Common Stock After the Effective Date

     44  
  6.14   

Organizational Existence

     44  
  6.15   

Retention of Professionals

     44  
  6.16   

Cancellation of Existing Interests, Existing Indebtedness and Related Agreements

     45  
  6.17   

Additional Implementing Transactions

     46  
  6.18   

Section 1146 Exemption from Certain Transfer Taxes and Recording Fees

     46  
  6.19   

Insurance Policies

     47  
  6.20   

Preservation of Causes of Action

     47  
  6.21   

Effectuating Documents and Further Transactions

     47  
  6.22   

Pension Plan

     48  
7.   PROVISIONS REGARDING GOVERNANCE OF THE REORGANIZED DEBTORS      49  
  7.1   

Organizational Action

     49  
  7.2   

Organizational Documents

     49  
  7.3   

Directors and Officers of the Reorganized Debtors

     50  
8.   EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES      51  
  8.1   

Assumption and Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

     51  
  8.2   

Claims Based on Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

     51  
  8.3   

Objections to and Cure of Defaults for Assumed Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

     52  
  8.4   

Modifications, Amendments, Supplements, Restatements or Other Agreements

     52  
  8.5   

Indemnification and Reimbursement Obligations

     53  
  8.6   

Reservation of Rights

     53  
9.   PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISTRIBUTIONS      54  
  9.1   

Distribution Agents

     54  
  9.2   

Timing and Delivery of Distributions

     54  
  9.3   

Manner of Payment Under Plan

     56  
  9.4   

Undeliverable Distributions

     57  
  9.5   

Reversion

     58  
  9.6   

Claims or Interests Paid by Third Parties

     58  
  9.7   

Setoffs

     59  
  9.8   

No Postpetition Interest on Claims

     59  
  9.9   

No Payment Over the Full Amount

     59  
10.   CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES      60  
  10.1   

Administration Responsibilities

     60  
  10.2   

Estimation of Claims

     60  
  10.3   

Expungement and Disallowance of Paid, Satisfied, Amended, Duplicated, or Superseded Claims or Interests

     60  
  10.4     

Amendments to Proofs of Claim

     60  
  10.5   

No Distributions Pending Allowance

     61  
  10.6   

Distributions After Allowance

     61  

 

ii


11.   EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION      62  
  11.1   

Vesting of Assets

     62  
  11.2   

Compromise and Settlement of Claims and Controversies

     62  
  11.3   

Subordinated Claims

     62  
  11.4   

Release of Liens

     63  
  11.5   

Discharge

     63  
  11.6   

Term of Injunction or Stays

     63  
  11.7   

Release by the Debtors

     64  
  11.8   

Exculpation

     64  
  11.9   

Voluntary Release by Holders of Claims and Interests

     65  
  11.10   

Injunction

     66  
  11.11   

Scope of Releases

     67  
  11.12   

Honeywell and Debtor Mutual Release

     67  
  11.13   

Preservation of Causes of Action

     68  
12.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN      69  
  12.1   

Conditions to Effectiveness

     69  
  12.2   

Waiver of Conditions to Confirmation or Effectiveness

     70  
13.   MODIFICATION, REVOCATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF THE PLAN      71  
  13.1   

Plan Modifications

     71  
  13.2   

Effect of Confirmation on Modification

     71  
  13.3   

Revocation or Withdrawal of the Plan and Effects of Non-Occurrence of Confirmation or Effective Date

     72  
14.   RETENTION OF JURISDICTION BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT      73  
15.   MISCELLANEOUS      76  
  15.1   

Expedited Tax Determination

     76  
  15.2   

Plan Supplement

     76  
  15.3   

Additional Documents

     76  
  15.4   

Exhibits; Schedules; Plan Supplement

     76  
  15.5   

Claims Against Other Debtors

     76  
  15.6   

Nonseverability

     76  
  15.7   

Governing Law

     77  
  15.8   

Dissolution of Committees

     77  
  15.9   

Binding Effect

     77  
  15.10   

Notices

     78  
  15.11   

Reservation of Rights

     81  
  15.12   

No Stay of Confirmation Order

     81  
  15.13   

Waiver or Estoppel

     82  
  15.14   

Successors and Assigns

     82  
  15.15   

Entire Agreement

     82  
  15.16   

Conflicts

     82  
  15.17   

Post-Effective Date Service

     82  

 

iii


1.

INTRODUCTION

Garrett Motion Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GMI”), and its debtor Affiliates, as debtors-in-possession in the above-captioned Chapter 11 Cases (together with GMI, the “Debtors”), propose the following joint plan of reorganization (including the Plan Supplement and all other exhibits and schedules hereto and as may be modified, amended or supplemented in accordance with the terms hereof, the “Plan”) pursuant to section 1121(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. Each Debtor is a proponent of the Plan for purposes of section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Chapter 11 Cases have been consolidated for procedural purposes only and are being jointly administered pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court. The Plan constitutes a separate Plan for each of the Debtors, and the classification of Claims and Interests set forth herein shall apply separately to each of the Debtors. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Section 2.

 


2.

DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION

 

  2.1

Definitions

Except as otherwise provided herein, each capitalized term used in the Plan shall have the meaning set forth below:

2.1.1    “Additional Investors” means Attestor Value Master Fund LP; The Baupost Group, L.L.C., acting on behalf of certain managed funds; Cyrus Capital Partners, L.P., solely in its capacity as investment manager to and on behalf of certain managed funds and accounts; FIN Capital Partners LP acting to behalf of certain managed funds; Hawk Ridge Capital Management LP acting to behalf of certain managed funds; IngleSea Capital acting on behalf of certain managed funds or accounts; Keyframe Capital Partners, L.P., solely in its capacity as investment manager to and on behalf of certain managed funds; Newtyn Management, LLC on behalf of its advisee funds; Sessa Capital (Master), L.P.; and Whitebox Multi-Strategy Partners, L.P.

2.1.2    “Ad Hoc Lender Group” has the meaning set forth in the Restructuring Support Agreement.

2.1.3    “Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses” means, collectively, all reasonable and documented fees and expenses of (i) Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, as counsel to the Ad Hoc Lender Group, (ii) PJT Partners LP, as financial advisor to the Ad Hoc Lender Group, and (iii) any other professional retained by the Ad Hoc Lender Group in accordance with the Final DIP Order.

2.1.4     “Administrative Expense Claim Bar Date” means the date that is 30 calendar days after notice of entry of the Effective Date, which notice shall set forth such deadline and be served on all parties known by the Debtors to hold or to potentially hold Administrative Expense Claims; provided that the deadline for filing requests for payment of Administrative Expense Claims arising under section 503(b)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code shall be the Bar Date.

2.1.5    “Administrative Expense Claim” means any Claim for the costs and expenses of administration of the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 327, 328, 330, 503(b), 507(a)(2), 507(b) or 1114(e)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, including: (i) the actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred after the Petition Date and through the Effective Date of preserving the Estates and operating the businesses of the Debtors, (ii) Professional Fee Claims, (iii) all fees and charges assessed against the Estates pursuant to sections 1911-1932 of chapter 123 of title 28 of the United States Code, and (iv) all requests for compensation or expense reimbursement for making a substantial contribution in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to sections 503(b)(3), (4) and (5) of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent such request is granted by the Bankruptcy Court.

2.1.6    “Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in section 101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. With respect to any Person that is not a Debtor, the term “Affiliate” shall apply to such Person as if the Person were a Debtor.

 

2


2.1.7    “Allowed” means, with respect to any Claim or Interest, except as otherwise provided herein: (i) a Claim or Interest arising before the Effective Date (a) as to which a Proof of Claim has been filed in the Chapter 11 Cases, which has not been withdrawn and as to which no objection has been filed by the applicable deadlines set forth in the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, or as determined by the Bankruptcy Court, or (b) that is allowed or determined by a Final Order of a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) any Claim or Interest that is agreed to, compromised, settled or otherwise resolved pursuant to the authority of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, (iii) any Claim or Interest expressly allowed in the Plan or by Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, or (iv) any Interest registered in the ownership register or otherwise on the Debtors’ books and records, maintained by, or on behalf of, the Debtors as of the Confirmation Date; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall retain all claims and defenses with respect to Allowed Claims that are Reinstated or otherwise Unimpaired pursuant to the Plan (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Administrative Expense Claims not paid prior to the Effective Date). “Allow” and “Allowance” shall have correlative meanings.

2.1.8    “Amortization” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

2.1.9    “Applicable Premium” has the meaning set forth in the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.

2.1.10     “Avoidance Action” means any and all avoidance, recovery, subordination or other claim, action or remedy that may be brought by or on behalf of the Debtors or their Estates or other authorized parties-in-interest under the Bankruptcy Code or applicable non-bankruptcy law, including actions or remedies under sections 502, 510, 542, 544, 545, 547 through and including 553 and 724(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or under similar local, state, federal or foreign statutes and common law, including fraudulent transfer laws.

2.1.11    “Bankruptcy Code” means title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.

2.1.12    “Bankruptcy Court” means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases.

2.1.13    “Bankruptcy Rules” means the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the general, local and chambers rules of the Bankruptcy Court as applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases and as amended from time to time.

2.1.14    “Bar Date” means the dates established by the Bankruptcy Court by which Proofs of Claim must have been filed with respect to such Claims, pursuant to: (a) the Order Establishing Deadlines for Filing Proofs of Claim Against Certain Debtors and Approving Form and Manner of Notice Thereof [D.I. 323], entered by the Bankruptcy Court on November 4, 2020; (b) the Order Establishing Deadlines for Filing Proofs of Claim Against Certain Debtors and Approving Form and Manner of Notice Thereof [D.I. 550], entered by the Bankruptcy Court on December 15, 2020; (c) the Order Establishing Deadline for Filing Securities Proofs of Claim With Respect to Garrett Motion Inc. Common Stock and Approving Form and Manner of Notice Thereof [D.I. 560], entered by the Bankruptcy Court on December 17, 2020; (d) any further orders of the Bankruptcy Court establishing separate deadlines for filing Proofs of Claim; or (e) the Plan.

 

3


2.1.15    “Borrowers” means Swiss Borrower, TLB Borrower and Co-Borrower.

2.1.16    “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, a “legal holiday” (as defined in Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a)) or any other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are required or authorized to close by law or executive order.

2.1.17    “Cash” or “$” means the legal tender of the United States of America or equivalents thereof.

2.1.18    “Cash-Out Consideration” means Cash in an amount equal to $6.25 per share of Existing Common Stock properly delivered for cancellation under the Cash-Out Option.

2.1.19    “Cash-Out Option” means the right available to each Holder of Existing Common Stock, as described in Section 4.3.11 of the Plan, to elect to receive its Cash-Out Consideration in full and final satisfaction of its Existing Common Stock and in lieu of receiving (a) GMI Common Stock and (b) Subscription Rights under the Plan.

2.1.20    “Cause of Action” means any action, claim, cause of action, controversy, proceeding, reimbursement claim, affirmative defense, demand, right, Lien, indemnity, guaranty, suit, obligation, liability, loss, damage, remedy, judgment, account, defense, offset (including setoff or recoupment rights), power, privilege, license and franchise of any kind or character whatsoever, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, Contingent or non-contingent, matured or unmatured, suspected or unsuspected, liquidated or unliquidated, disputed or undisputed, secured or unsecured, and assertable directly or derivatively, whether arising before, on or after the Petition Date, in contract or in tort, in law or in equity or pursuant to any other theory of law. For the avoidance of doubt, Cause of Action includes: (i) any right of setoff, counterclaim or recoupment and any claim for breach of contract or for breach of duties imposed by law or in equity, (ii) the right to object to or otherwise contest Claims or Interests, (iii) any claim pursuant to section 362 or chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code, (iv) any Avoidance Action, (v) any claim or defense, including fraud, mistake, duress and usury, and any other defenses set forth in section 558 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (vi) any claim under any state or foreign law, including any fraudulent transfer or similar claim.

2.1.21    “Centerbridge” means Centerbridge Partners, L.P.

2.1.22    “Certificate” means any instrument evidencing a Claim or an Interest.

2.1.23    “Chapter 11 Cases” means (i) when used with reference to a particular Debtor, the chapter 11 case pending for that Debtor under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court and (ii) when used with reference to all Debtors, the jointly administered chapter 11 cases pending for the Debtors in the Bankruptcy Court.

 

4


2.1.24    “Claim” means a “claim” as defined in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.25    “Claims Objection Deadline” means 11:59 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on the 90th calendar day after the Effective Date, subject to further extensions and/or exceptions as may be ordered by the Bankruptcy Court upon motion on notice to all parties filing a notice of appearance and request for service pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002 in the Chapter 11 Cases.

2.1.26    “Claims Register” means the official register of Claims maintained by the Notice and Claims Agent.

2.1.27    “Class” means a class of Claims or Interests classified by Section 4 of the Plan pursuant to section 1122(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.28    “Co-Borrower” means Garrett Borrowing LLC.

2.1.29    “Committees” means the Equity Committee and the UCC.

2.1.30    “Commitment Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

2.1.31    “Company Entity” means a Debtor or any Affiliate of a Debtor.

2.1.32    “Confirmation Date” means the date upon which the Bankruptcy Court enters the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases, within the meaning of Bankruptcy Rules 5003 and 9021.

2.1.33    “Confirmation Hearing” means the hearing held by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 1128(a) of the Bankruptcy Code to consider Confirmation of the Plan, as such hearing may be, or may have been, continued from time to time.

2.1.34    “Confirmation” means the entry of the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases.

2.1.35     “Confirmation Order” means the order of the Bankruptcy Court entered confirming the Plan pursuant to section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, which such order shall be consistent in all respects with the Plan Support Agreement and Restructuring Support Agreement and otherwise be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to (a) the Requisite Consenting Lenders and (b) the Commitment Parties as and to the extent required by the Plan Support Agreement.

2.1.36    “Consenting Lenders” has the meaning set forth in the Restructuring Support Agreement.

2.1.37    “Consenting Noteholders” means those certain holders of Senior Subordinated Notes that are or become party to the Plan Support Agreement.

 

5


2.1.38    “Contingent” means, when used in reference to a Claim, any Claim the liability for which attaches or is dependent upon the occurrence or happening of, or is triggered by, an event that has not yet occurred as of the date on which such Claim is sought to be estimated or on which an objection to such Claim is filed, whether or not such event is within the actual or presumed contemplation of the holder of such Claim and whether or not a relationship between the holder of such Claim and the applicable Debtor now or hereafter exists or previously existed.

2.1.39    “Convertible Series A Certificate of Designation” means that certain Convertible Series A Certificate of Designation described in the Plan Supplement and setting forth the terms governing the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock.

2.1.40    “Convertible Series A Preferred Stock” means the convertible series A preferred stock of New GMI having the terms set forth in the Convertible Series A Certificate of Designation to be issued on the Effective Date pursuant to the Plan.

2.1.41    “Coordination Agreement” means that certain Coordination Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2020, by and among Centerbridge, Oaktree, and Honeywell, together with all schedules, annexes and exhibits attached thereto, and as may be amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

2.1.42    “Creditor” means any holder of a Claim against any of the Debtors.

2.1.43    “Cure Cost” means the amounts, including, where applicable, an amount of $0.00, required to cure any and all monetary defaults under an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease (or such lesser amounts as may be agreed upon by the parties to an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease) that is to be assumed by the Debtors pursuant to section 365 or 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.44    “Current Directors” means the directors of the board of GMI immediately prior to the Effective Date.

2.1.45    “D&O Insurance Policies” means any Insurance Policies for directors’, managers’, officers’ and any other Insured (as defined in such policy) entities’ liability (including employment practices liability and fiduciary liability) maintained on behalf of the Debtors prior to the Effective Date.

2.1.46    “Debt Cap” means an amount equal to $1,190 million plus the amount of all promissory note cash collateral, supply chain financing cash collateral and cash collateralized L/Cs outstanding as of the Effective Date that the Debtors, the Plan Sponsors and the Requisite Additional Investors reasonably believe will be released to the Reorganized Debtors within 90 days of the Effective Date.

 

6


2.1.47    “Debt Commitment Letters” means, collectively, (a) that certain commitment letter, dated as of December 21, 2020, together with the exhibits and attachments thereto (as each may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms), by and among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Royal Bank of Canada, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., Fifth Third Bank, National Association, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., KeyBank National Association, and Gearbox FinCo LLC related to the Exit Facilities, and (b) the commitment letters that such banks or financial institutions delivered to the Plan Sponsors prior thereto in connection with the Exit Facilities.

2.1.48    “Debtor Released Claims” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7 of the Plan.

2.1.49    “Debtor Releases” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.7 of the Plan.

2.1.50    “Debtors” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction hereto.

2.1.51    “Definitive Documents” has the meaning set forth in the Restructuring Support Agreement.

2.1.52    “DIP Agent” means Citibank N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent for the lenders under the DIP Credit Agreement and any successor agent appointed in accordance with the terms of the DIP Credit Agreement.

2.1.53    “DIP Claims” means any Claim against any of the Debtors arising out of or related to the DIP Facility or the DIP Facility Documents, including any outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and fees, costs, expenses, reimbursement obligations, premiums and all other amounts that are outstanding obligations under the DIP Facility Documents.

2.1.54    “DIP Credit Agreement” means that certain Senior Secured Super-Priority Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2020, by and among GMI, as borrower, each lender party thereto from time to time, and the DIP Agent, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including all exhibits and annexes thereto.

2.1.55    “DIP Facility Documents” means the DIP Credit Agreement, together with all other agreements, documents, filings and instruments delivered or entered into in connection with the DIP Credit Agreement or the DIP Facility, including the DIP Guarantee Agreement, the DIP U.S. Collateral Agreement, any other pledge, guarantee and collateral agreements, financing statements, perfection documents, intercreditor agreements, subordination agreements, fee letters and security documents, each as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

2.1.56    “DIP Facility” means that certain senior secured superpriority debtor-in-possession credit facility governed by the DIP Facility Documents.

2.1.57    “DIP Guarantee Agreement” means that certain Debtor-in-Possession Guarantee Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2020, by and among each of the Guarantors from time to time party thereto and the DIP Agent, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

 

7


2.1.58    “DIP Required Lenders” has the meaning set forth in the Final DIP Order.

2.1.59    “DIP Secured Parties” means, collectively, the DIP Agent and the lenders, issuing banks, arrangers and other secured parties under the DIP Facility.

2.1.60    “DIP U.S. Collateral Agreement” means that certain Debtor-in-Possession U.S. Collateral Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2020, by and among GMI, the other U.S. Subsidiary Loan Parties party thereto from time to time (as defined therein) and the DIP Agent, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

2.1.61    “Disclosure Statement” means the disclosure statement for the Plan, including all exhibits, appendices and schedules thereto, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

2.1.62    “Disputed” means, with respect to any Claim or Interest, a Claim or Interest or any portion thereof that is not Allowed but that has not been disallowed by a Final Order.

2.1.63    “Distribution Agent” means any Person or Entity designated or retained by the Debtors (prior to the Effective Date) or the Reorganized Debtors (after the Effective Date), without the need for any further order of the Bankruptcy Court, to serve as distribution agent under the Plan.

2.1.64    “Distribution Date” means any date, including the Effective Date, on which a distribution to a holder of an Allowed Claim or an Allowed Interest is contemplated to be made under the Plan and as more fully set forth in Section 9.2 of the Plan.

2.1.65    “DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.

2.1.66    “Effective Date” means the first Business Day on or after the Confirmation Date on which the conditions to the effectiveness of the Plan specified in Section 12.1 of the Plan have been either satisfied or waived as set forth herein.

2.1.67    “Eligible Holder” has the meaning set forth in the Rights Offering Procedures.

2.1.68    “Entity” means an “entity” as defined in section 101(15) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.69    “Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement” means that certain Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, dated as of January 22, 2021, as may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and the Plan Support Agreement (subject to the applicable consent rights of the Commitment Parties provided in the Plan Support Agreement), among GMI, the other Debtors party thereto, and the Equity Backstop Parties thereto.

 

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2.1.70     “Equity Backstop Party” shall have the meaning set forth in the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement.

2.1.71    “Equity Commitment Letters” means those commitment letters to purchase shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $1,050.8 million in Cash, in the aggregate, executed, collectively, by the Equity Commitment Parties in connection with the Plan Support Agreement, as may be amended, modified, or replaced by the agreement of the Debtors and the Equity Commitment Parties in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement.

2.1.72    “Equity Commitment Parties” means the PSA Investors or their affiliated funds and accounts that have committed, severally and not jointly, to the Equity Commitment Letters.

2.1.73    “Equity Committee” means the official committee of equity security holders of the Debtors appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code, as may be reconstituted from time to time.

2.1.74    “ERISA” means Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 1301-1461.

2.1.75    “Estate” means, with respect to each Debtor, the estate created as to such Debtor in its Chapter 11 Case pursuant to section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.76    “Exculpated Parties” means (i) the Debtors, (ii) the Reorganized Debtors, (iii) the UCC and its members, in their capacities as such, (iv) the Equity Committee and its members, in their capacities as such, (v) the Commitment Parties, (vi) the Prepetition Credit Agreement Secured Parties, (vii) the DIP Secured Parties, (viii) the Exit Facilities Parties, (ix) the Equity Backstop Parties, (x) the Equity Commitment Parties, (xi) the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, and (xii) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (xi), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

2.1.77    “Executory Contract” means a contract to which one or more of the Debtors is a party and that is subject to assumption or rejection pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.78    “Excluded Ordinary Course Claims” means all Claims of the Debtors and any of their Affiliates, on the one hand, and all Claims of Honeywell and any of its Affiliates, on the other hand, arising under any assumed Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or otherwise arising prior to the Effective Date in the ordinary course of their business dealings. Excluded Ordinary Course Claims shall include, among other Claims, all Claims under the Employee Matters Agreement, Intellectual Property Agreement, Trademark License Agreement, Transition Services Agreement, or Cash Repatriation Agreement (each as defined in the Honeywell Proofs of Claim).

 

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2.1.79    “Existing Common Stock” means the existing issued and outstanding common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GMI.

2.1.80    “Exit Facilities Documents” means the definitive documents governing the Exit Facilities.

2.1.81    “Exit Facilities” means, collectively, “Credit Facilities” as that term is defined in the Plan Support Agreement, to be provided under the Exit Facilities Documents with an aggregate outstanding funded amount on the Effective Date not to exceed the Debt Cap.

2.1.82    “Exit Facilities Parties” means, collectively, any administrative agent, the collateral agent, arranger, joint bookrunner, or lender under the Exit Facilities.

2.1.83    “Final DIP Order” means the Final Order (I) Authorizing Debtors to (A) Obtain Postpetition Financing and (B) Use Cash Collateral, (II) Granting Liens and Providing Claims with Superpriority Administrative Expenses Status, (III) Granting Adequate Protection to the Prepetition Secured Parties, (IV) Modifying the Automatic Stay, (V) Scheduling a Final Hearing and (VI) Granting Related Relief [D.I. 281], as may be amended or modified from time to time by order of the Bankruptcy Court with the consent of the DIP Required Lenders and Requisite Consenting Lenders.

2.1.84    “Final Order” means, as applicable, an order or judgment of the Bankruptcy Court or other court of competent jurisdiction with respect to the relevant subject matter that has been entered on the docket maintained by the clerk of such court, which has not been reversed, vacated, stayed, modified or amended, and as to (i) which the time to appeal, petition for certiorari or move for a new trial, reargument or rehearing has expired, and as to which no appeal, petition for certiorari or other proceedings for a new trial, reargument or rehearing is pending or has been timely taken or (ii) if an appeal, writ of certiorari, new trial, reargument or rehearing has been sought, such order or judgment shall have been affirmed by the highest court to which such order was appealed, or certiorari shall have been denied, or a new trial, reargument or rehearing shall have been denied or resulted in no modification of such order or judgment, or such appeal, petition for certiorari or move for a new trial, reargument or rehearing shall have otherwise been dismissed with prejudice, and the time to take any further appeal, petition for certiorari or move for a new trial, reargument or rehearing shall have expired; provided, however, no order or judgment shall fail to be a “Final Order” solely because of the possibility that a motion pursuant to section 502(j) or 1144 of the Bankruptcy Code or under Rule 60 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or Federal Bankruptcy Rule 9024 has been or may be filed with respect to such order or judgment.

2.1.85    “General Unsecured Claim” means any Claim against any of the Debtors that is not an Administrative Expense Claim, Priority Tax Claim, Other Priority Claim, Other Secured Claim, DIP Claim, Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim, Honeywell Plan Claim, Intercompany Claim or Section 510(b) Claim.

 

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2.1.86    “GMI Common Stock Rights” means the GMI Options, GMI RSUs, GMI PSUs and GMI CPSUs.

2.1.87    “GMI Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of New GMI.

2.1.88    “GMI CPSU” means each outstanding performance unit under the Stock Incentive Plan.

2.1.89    “GMI Option” means each outstanding option to purchase shares of GMI Common Stock under the Stock Incentive Plan.

2.1.90    “GMI PSU” means each outstanding performance stock unit under the Stock Incentive Plan.

2.1.91    “GMI RSU” means each outstanding restricted stock unit under the Stock Incentive Plan.

2.1.92    “GMI” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction hereto.

2.1.93    “Governmental Unit” means a “governmental unit” as defined in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.94    “Holder” means an Entity holding a Claim or an Interest, as applicable.

2.1.95    “Honeywell” means Honeywell International Inc., its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, professional advisors, consultants and related Persons.

2.1.96    “Honeywell Adversary Proceeding” means the adversary proceeding captioned Garrett Motion Inc. et al. v. Honeywell International Inc. et al., Adv. Pro. No. 20-01223-MEW and all claims, objections and Causes of Action asserted therein, as stayed by the Stipulation and Order to Stay Proceedings [D.I. 36].

2.1.97    “Honeywell Estimation Proceeding” means the proceedings to estimate Honeywell’s claims governed by the Order Establishing Procedures for the Estimation of Claims of Honeywell et al. Against the Debtors [D.I. 540], as stayed by the Stipulation and Order to Stay Proceedings [D.I. 737].

2.1.98    “Honeywell Indemnification Guarantee Agreement” means that certain Indemnification Guarantee Agreement, dated September 27, 2018, by and among Honeywell ASASCO 2 Inc., Garrett ASASCO Inc., and the other Guarantors party thereto, as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof.

 

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2.1.99    “Honeywell Indemnity Agreement” means, collectively: (i) that certain Indemnification and Reimbursement Agreement, dated September 12, 2018 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among Honeywell ASASCO Inc., Honeywell ASASCO 2 Inc. and Honeywell International Inc.; and (ii) that certain Contribution and Assignment Agreement, dated September 14, 2018 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time), by and between Honeywell ASASCO Inc. and Garrett ASASCO Inc., as each may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof.

2.1.100    “Honeywell Indemnity Documents” means the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement together with the Honeywell Indemnification Guarantee Agreement, and any related documents thereto, as each may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof.

2.1.101     “Honeywell Litigation” means the Honeywell Adversary Proceeding and the Honeywell Estimation Proceeding.

2.1.102    “Honeywell Plan Claims” means any Claim held by Honeywell or any of its Affiliates arising under, derived from, based on, or relating to the Honeywell Terminated Agreements or the potential contingent, unliquidated contractual Claims and Causes of Action identified in the Honeywell Proofs of Claim; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that Honeywell Plan Claims shall not include (a) any Excluded Ordinary Course Claim or (b) the payment of Honeywell’s Transaction Expenses as set forth in Section 3.7 of the Plan and in the Plan Support Agreement.

2.1.103    “Honeywell Proofs of Claim” means the proofs of claim filed by Honeywell against the Debtors with Claim Numbers 276 through 316.

2.1.104    “Honeywell Settlement” means the full and final settlement and compromise of all Honeywell Plan Claims and the Honeywell Litigation, in consideration for the treatment of the Honeywell Plan Claims under the Plan (including the involvement of the Plan Sponsors in the Reorganized Debtors’ capital structure and their ownership of the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock in the amounts contemplated by the Plan Support Agreement) and the inclusion of (a) Honeywell and its related Persons as Exculpated and Released Parties under the Plan and (b) the mutual releases set forth in Section 11.12 of the Plan.

2.1.105    “Honeywell Terminated Agreements” means (i) the Honeywell Indemnity Documents and (ii) the Tax Matters Agreement.

2.1.106    “Impaired” means, with respect to any Class of Claims or Interests, a Class of Claims or Interests that is impaired within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.107    “Insurance Policy” and, collectively, the “Insurance Policies” means each of the insurance policies issued to or for the benefit of any Debtor(s) or any of their predecessors-in-interest at any time and any agreements, documents or instruments related thereto, including the D&O Insurance Policies and any other insurance policy for directors’, managers’ and officers’ liability.

 

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2.1.108    “Insurer” means any company or other entity that issued an Insurance Policy, any third-party administrator, and any respective predecessors and/or affiliates thereof.

2.1.109    “Intercompany Claim” means any Claim held by a Debtor against any other Company Entity or by a Company Entity against a Debtor.

2.1.110    “Intercompany Interest” means any Interest held by a Debtor in a Company Entity or by a Company Entity in a Debtor.

2.1.111    “Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2018, by and among GMI, as Holdings, Garrett LX I S.à r.l., as Lux Notes Issuer, Garrett LX II S.à r.l., as LuxCo 2, Garrett LX III S.à r.l., as Lux Borrower, Garrett Motion Sàrl (f/k/a Honeywell Technologies Sàrl), as Swiss Borrower, Garrett Borrowing LLC, as U.S. Co-Borrower and as U.S. Co-Notes Issuer, the other Debtors and Grantors party thereto, the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, as Senior Secured Administrative Agent, Senior Secured Collateral Agent and a Senior Priority Representative for the Senior Secured Credit Agreement Secured Parties, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as Senior Subordinated Notes Trustee and a Senior Subordinated Priority Representative for the Senior Subordinated Notes Secured Parties, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Senior Subordinated Collateral Agent for the Senior Subordinated Notes Secured Parties, the Intra-Group Lenders from time to time party thereto, Honeywell ASASCO 2, Inc., as Honeywell Indemnity, and each additional Representative from time to time party thereto, as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

2.1.112    “Interest” means any equity security within the meaning of section 101(16) of the Bankruptcy Code or any other equity or ownership interest, including, without limitation, all issued, unissued, authorized or outstanding limited liability company membership interests (including common and preferred) or other equity interests, together with any warrants, options, convertible securities, liquidating preferred securities or contractual rights to purchase or acquire any such equity interests at any time and all rights arising with respect thereto.

2.1.113    “IRC” means the Internal Revenue Code.

2.1.114    “Lien” means a “lien” as defined in section 101(37) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.115    “Local Rules” means the Local Bankruptcy Rules for the Southern District of New York.

2.1.116    “Make-Whole Litigation” means the adversary proceeding captioned Garrett Borrowing LLC v. Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, 1:20-ap-01319 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), and all claims, objections and Causes of Action asserted therein, as stayed by the Stipulation and Order to Stay Proceedings [D.I. 12].

2.1.117    “Make-Whole Settlement” means the full and final settlement and compromise of the Make-Whole Litigation, in consideration for the treatment under the Plan of the Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims arising under, derived from, or based on the Applicable Premium.

 

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2.1.118    “Management Side Letters” means side letters to be entered into on or prior to the Effective Date between New GMI and members of the Debtors’ senior management team holding GMI Common Stock Rights (and such other holders of GMI Common Stock Rights as may be mutually agreed by the Debtors and the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell and the Requisite Additional Investors) setting forth certain retention terms applicable to the proceeds of the GMI Common Stock Rights received pursuant to the Plan, which letters will be in form and substance acceptable to the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, and the Requisite Additional Investors.2

2.1.119    “Management Side Letter Recipient” means each individual required to execute a Management Side Letter.

2.1.120    “New Board” means the board of directors of New GMI appointed as of the Effective Date.

2.1.121    “New GMI” means GMI, as reorganized pursuant to and under the Plan, and any successor thereto, by merger, consolidation or otherwise, on or after the Effective Date.

2.1.122    “New Preferred Stock” means the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock.

2.1.123    “Notice and Claims Agent” means the Debtors’ notice and claims agent, Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC.

2.1.124    “Oaktree” means Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.

2.1.125    “Offered Shares” has the meaning set forth in the Rights Offering Procedures.

2.1.126    “Other Priority Claim” means a Claim entitled to priority in right of payment pursuant to section 507(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, other than an Administrative Expense Claim or a Priority Tax Claim.

2.1.127    “Other Secured Claim” means any Secured Claim or portion thereof, other than a Secured Tax Claim, a Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim or DIP Claim.

2.1.128    “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

 

2 

Management Side Letters to provide for repayment of 50% of the net proceeds received with respect to the cash-out of the GMI Common Stock Rights upon a resignation without Good Reason or a termination by New GMI for Cause, in each case, prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, Definitions of Good Reason and Cause will be set forth in the Management Side Letters and consistent with the definitions set forth in the Garrett Motion Inc. Severance Plan for Designated Officers.

 

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2.1.129    “Pension Plan” means the Garrett Motion Inc. Pension Plan, which is a single-employer defined benefit pension plan covered by ERISA covering approximately 1,300 participants, with GMI as the contributing sponsor, and for which the PBGC has asserted that each of the Debtors is either a contributing sponsor of the Pension Plan or a member of the contributing sponsor’s controlled group within the meaning of 29 U.S.C. §§ 1301(a)(13), (14) and thus jointly and severally liable.

2.1.130    “Person” means a “person” as defined in section 101(41) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.131    “Petition Date” means, with respect to a Debtor, the date on which such Debtor commenced its Chapter 11 Cases.

2.1.132    “Plan” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction hereto.

2.1.133    “Plan Sponsors” means Oaktree and Centerbridge (each, acting solely in its capacity as an investment advisor on behalf of certain funds and accounts and wholly-owned entities of such funds and accounts).

2.1.134    “Plan Supplement” means one or more compilations of documents and forms of documents, instruments, schedules and exhibits to the Plan, as each such document, agreement, instrument, schedule and exhibit and form thereof may be altered, restated, modified or replaced from time to time, including subsequent to the filing of any such documents. Each such document, agreement, instrument, schedule or exhibit, or form thereof, is referred to herein as a “Plan Supplement.”

2.1.135    “Plan Support Agreement” means that certain Plan Support Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2021 by and among the Debtors and the Commitment Parties, together with all schedules, annexes and exhibits attached thereto, and as may be amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

2.1.136    “Plan Term Sheet” means the term sheet setting forth certain terms and conditions of the Restructuring Transactions, attached as Exhibit A to the Plan Support Agreement, together with all schedules, annexes and exhibits and as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

2.1.137    “Prepetition Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2018, by and among GMI, as holdings, Garrett LX III S.à r.l., as Lux Borrower, Garrett Borrowing LLC, as U.S. Co-Borrower, Garrett Motion Sàrl (f/k/a Honeywell Technologies Sàrl), as Swiss Borrower, the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, as Administrative Agent, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

2.1.138    “Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent under the Prepetition Credit Agreement, and any successor agent appointed in accordance with the terms of the Prepetition Credit Agreement.

 

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2.1.139    “Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim” means any Claim arising out of or related to the Prepetition Credit Agreement Documents.

2.1.140    “Prepetition Credit Agreement Documents” mean the Prepetition Credit Agreement and any Prepetition Credit Agreement Guarantee together with all other agreements, documents, filings and instruments delivered or entered into in connection with the Prepetition Credit Agreement or any Prepetition Credit Agreement Guarantee, including any pledge and collateral agreements, financing statements, perfection documents, intercreditor agreements, subordination agreements, fee letters and security documents, each as amended restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.

2.1.141    “Prepetition Credit Agreement Guarantee” means any guarantee of any obligation arising under the Prepetition Credit Agreement Documents.

2.1.142    “Prepetition Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, the Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, and all other lenders, issuing banks, arrangers and other secured parties under the Prepetition Credit Agreement Documents.

2.1.143    “Priority Tax Claim” means a Claim (whether secured or unsecured) of a Governmental Unit against any Debtor entitled to priority pursuant to section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.144    “Pro Rata” means, as applicable, with respect to an Allowed or estimated Claim or Interest, the percentage represented by a fraction (i) the numerator of which shall be an amount equal to such Allowed or estimated Claim or Interest and (ii) the denominator of which shall be an amount equal to the aggregate amount of Allowed and estimated Claims or Interests in the same Class as such Claim or Interest, except in cases where Pro Rata is used in reference to multiple Classes, in which case Pro Rata means the portion that such Holder’s Claim or Interest in a particular class bears to the aggregate amount of all Allowed and estimated Claims or Interests in such multiple Classes.

2.1.145    “Professional” means a Person or Entity: (i) employed in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to a Bankruptcy Court order in accordance with sections 327 or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code and to be compensated for services rendered prior to the Effective Date, pursuant to section 327, 328, 329, 330 or 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (ii) for which compensation and reimbursement has been awarded by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 503(b)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.146    “Professional Fee Claim” means any Claim of a Professional seeking an award by the Bankruptcy Court of compensation for services rendered or reimbursement of expenses incurred through and including the Effective Date under sections 330, 331, 503(b)(2), 503(b)(3), 503(b)(4) or 503(b)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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2.1.147    “Professional Fee Escrow Account” means an account to be funded by the Debtors on or prior to the Effective Date in an amount equal to the Professional Fee Reserve Amount.

2.1.148    “Professional Fee Reserve Amount” means the estimate, as determined in accordance with Section 3.2.3 of the Plan, of the aggregate amount of unpaid Professional Claims for all Professionals through the Effective Date.

2.1.149    “Proof of Claim” means a proof of claim against a Debtor filed by a holder of a Claim against any Debtor.

2.1.150    “PSA Investors” means, collectively, the Plan Sponsors and the Additional Investors.

2.1.151    “PSA Professionals” means, collectively: (a) Milbank LLP, as legal counsel to the Plan Sponsors, and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as financial advisor to the Plan Sponsors; (b) Kirkland & Ellis LLP, as legal counsel to Honeywell, and TRS Advisors LLC and Centerview Partners LLC as financial advisors to Honeywell; (c) Jones Day, as legal counsel to each Additional Investor, and Rothschild & Co. as financial advisor to each Additional Investor; (d) Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, as legal counsel to The Baupost Group, LLC, and Ducera Partners LLC, as financial advisor to The Baupost Group, LLC; and (e) Ropes & Gray LLP, as legal counsel to the Consenting Noteholders, and Moelis & Co., as financial advisor to the Consenting Noteholders.

2.1.152    “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement described in the Plan Supplement with respect to the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, to be entered into on the Effective Date by New GMI and the PSA Investors.

2.1.153     “Reinstated” means, with respect to any Claim or Interest, that such Claim or Interest shall be rendered Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.154    “Related Party” means ,with respect to any person or entity, each and all of such person’s or entity’s current and former affiliates, and such entities’ and their current and former predecessors, successors and assigns, subsidiaries, direct or indirect equity holders (regardless of whether such interest are held directly or indirectly), affiliates, managed accounts or funds, directors, managers, officers and each of their current and former officers, directors, managers, principals, shareholders, members, equityholders, partners, employees, agents, advisory board members, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, fund advisors and investment and other professionals, and each of the foregoing Person’s respective heirs, executors, estates, successors, assigns and nominees.

 

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2.1.155    “Released Parties” means (i) the Exculpated Parties and (ii) each of their respective current and former directors, officers, equity holders (regardless of whether such interests are held directly or indirectly), affiliated investment funds or investment vehicles, employees, consultants, agents, affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, members, managers, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, participants, subsidiaries, managed accounts or funds, partners, limited partners, general partners, principals, fund advisors, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

2.1.156    “Releasing Parties” means (i) the Released Parties, (ii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to accept the Plan, (iii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to reject the Plan but elect on their ballot to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests, (iv) all holders of Claims and Interests not described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) who elect to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests; and (v) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (iv), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

2.1.157    “Reorganized Debtor” means a Debtor, as reorganized pursuant to and under the Plan, or any applicable successor(s) thereto, by asset purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, on or after the Effective Date.

2.1.158    “Requisite Additional Investors” means, at any relevant time, the Additional Investors holding at least a majority of the commitments to purchase the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock (other than through the Rights Offering) held by all such Additional Investors.

2.1.159    “Requisite Consenting Lenders” has the meaning set forth in the Restructuring Support Agreement.

2.1.160    “Requisite Consenting Noteholders” has the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

2.1.161    “Restructuring Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

2.1.162    “Restructuring Support Agreement” means that certain Restructuring Support Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2020, by and among GMI, the Debtors party thereto and the Consenting Lenders party thereto, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including all exhibits and annexes thereto.

2.1.163    “Restructuring Transactions” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.12 hereof.

2.1.164    “Rights Offering” means the offering of Subscription Rights in accordance with the Rights Offering Procedures.

 

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2.1.165    “Rights Offering Procedures” means the procedures with respect to the Rights Offering authorized pursuant to the Solicitation Procedures Order.

2.1.166    “Schedules” means, collectively, the schedules of assets and liabilities, schedules of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases, and statements of financial affairs filed by the Debtors pursuant to section 521 of the Bankruptcy Code, as such schedules may be or may have been amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time.

2.1.167    “Section 510(b) Claim” means any Claim against GMI arising from or related to Existing Common Stock having the same priority as Existing Common Stock pursuant to section 510(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.168     “Secured Claim” means a Claim that is (i) secured by a Lien on property in which an Estate has an interest or that is subject to setoff under section 553 of the Bankruptcy Code, to the extent of the value of the Claim Holder’s interest in the Estate’s interest in such property or to the extent of the amount subject to setoff, as applicable, as determined pursuant to section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, or (ii) Allowed pursuant to the Plan as a Secured Claim.

2.1.169    “Secured Tax Claim” means any Secured Claim that, absent its secured status, would be entitled to priority in right of payment under section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code (determined irrespective of time limitations), including any related Secured Claim for penalties.

2.1.170    “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as now in effect or hereafter amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.

2.1.171    “Security” means a security as defined in section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act.

2.1.172    “Series B Certificate of Designation” means that certain Series B Certificate of Designation described in the Plan Supplement and setting forth the terms governing the Series B Preferred Stock.

2.1.173    “Series B Preferred Stock” means the series B preferred stock of New GMI having the terms set forth in the Series B Certificate of Designation to be issued on the Effective Date pursuant to the Plan.

2.1.174    “Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim” means any Claim arising out of or related to the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture and the Senior Subordinated Notes Guarantee.

2.1.175    “Senior Subordinated Notes Guarantee” means any guarantee of any obligation arising under the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.

2.1.176    “Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee” means Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as indenture trustee of the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, and any successor trustee appointed in accordance with the terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.

 

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2.1.177    “Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee Expenses” means the reasonable and documented compensation, fees, expenses, disbursements, advancements, indemnity claims, and any amounts due to the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, including, without limitation, attorneys’ and agents’ fees, expenses, and disbursements incurred by the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, whether prior to or after the Petition Date and whether prior to or after consummation of the Plan, and reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with disbursements made pursuant to the Plan or the cancellation and discharge of the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture and all documents related thereto, in each case to the extent payable or reimbursable under the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture and in accordance with the Final DIP Order.

2.1.178    “Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of September 27, 2018, among GMI, as Parent, Garrett LX I S.à r.l., as Issuer, Garrett Borrowing LLC, as Co-Issuer, the guarantors named therein, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as Trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, as Security Agent and Paying Agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as Registrar and Transfer Agent, pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated Notes were issued, as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

2.1.179    “Senior Subordinated Notes” means the 5.125% senior notes, due 2026, outstanding under the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.

2.1.180    “Solicitation Procedures Order” means the Order (I) Approving the Disclosure Statement and Form and Manner of Notice of Disclosure Statement Hearing; (II) Establishing a Voting Record Date for the Plan; (III) Approving Solicitation Packages and Procedures for the Distribution Thereof; (IV) Approving the Forms of Ballots; (V) Establishing Procedures for Voting on the Plan; and (VI) Establishing Notice and Objection Procedures for the Confirmation of the Plan [D.I. [●]].

2.1.181    “Stock Incentive Plan” means the Garrett Motion Inc. Stock Incentive Plan existing on the Petition Date.

2.1.182    “Stock Register” means the ownership register of GMI Common Stock maintained by, or behalf of, the Debtors.

2.1.183    “Subscribing Holder” means any Eligible Holder that exercises its Subscription Rights and purchases shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock through the Rights Offering.

2.1.184     “Subscription Rights” means the rights to subscribe for and acquire Convertible Series A Preferred Stock on the Effective Date pursuant to the Rights Offering.

2.1.185    “Swiss Borrower” means Garrett Motion Sàrl.

 

20


2.1.186    “Tax Matters Agreement” means that certain Tax Matters Agreement, dated September 12, 2018, by and among Honeywell International Inc., GMI, Honeywell ASASCO Inc. and Honeywell ASASCO 2 Inc., as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

2.1.187    “TLB Borrower” means Garrett LX III S.à r.l.

2.1.188    “Transaction Expenses” mean, collectively, all reasonable and documented fees and expenses of the PSA Professionals that are reimbursable under the Plan Support Agreement (regardless of when such fees are or were incurred).

2.1.189    “Unsubscribed Shares” means any Offered Shares that are not purchased by Eligible Holders in the Rights Offering.

2.1.190    “U.S. Debtors” mean GMI, Garrett Motion Holdings Inc., Garrett Motion Holdings II Inc., Garrett Transportation I Inc., BRH LLC, Friction Materials LLC and Garrett Motion International Services S.R.L.

2.1.191    “U.S. Trustee Fees” mean fees arising under 28 U.S.C. § 1930(a)(6) and, to the extent applicable, accrued interest thereon arising under 31 U.S.C. § 3717.

2.1.192    “U.S. Trustee” means the Office of the United States Trustee for the Southern District of New York.

2.1.193    “UCC” means the official committee of unsecured creditors of the Debtors appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code, as may be reconstituted from time to time.

2.1.194    “Unclaimed Distribution” means any distribution under the Plan on account of an Allowed Claim or Interest to a Holder that has not: (i) accepted a particular distribution or, in the case of a distribution made by check, negotiated such check, (ii) given written notice to the Distribution Agent of an intent to accept a particular distribution, (iii) responded in writing to the request of the Distribution Agent for information necessary to facilitate a particular distribution, or (iv) taken any other action necessary to facilitate such distribution.

2.1.195    “Unexpired Lease” means a lease to which one or more of the Debtors is a party and that is subject to assumption or rejection under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.196    “Unimpaired” means, with respect to a Class of Claims or Interests, a Class of Claims or Interests that is not impaired within the meaning of such term in section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

2.1.197    “United States of America,” “United States” or “U.S.” means the United States of America and its federal agencies.

 

21


2.1.198    “Voting Record Date” means the record date for voting on the Plan, which shall be February 15, 2021.

 

  2.2

Rules of Interpretation

For the purposes of this Plan: (i) in the appropriate context, each term, whether stated in the singular or the plural, shall include both the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, feminine and the neuter gender, (ii) any reference herein to the word “including” or any word of similar import shall be read to mean “including without limitation,” (iii) unless otherwise specified, all references herein to “Sections” are references to Sections hereof or hereto, (iv) unless otherwise specified, the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereto” refer to the Plan in its entirety rather than a particular portion of the Plan, (v) captions and headings to Sections are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the interpretation of the Plan, (vi) unless otherwise specified herein, the rules of construction set forth in section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply, (vii) unless otherwise specified, all references herein to exhibits are references to exhibits in the Plan Supplement, (viii) all references to docket numbers of documents filed in the Chapter 11 Cases are references to the docket numbers under the Bankruptcy Court’s Case Management/Electronic Case Files system, (ix) all references to statutes, regulations, orders, rules of courts and the like shall mean as amended from time to time, and as applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases, unless otherwise stated, (x) any reference herein to a contract, agreement, lease, plan, policy, document or instrument being in a particular form or on particular terms and conditions means that the same shall be substantially in that form or substantially on those terms and conditions, (xi) any reference herein to a contract, agreement, lease, plan, policy, document or instrument or schedule or exhibit thereto, whether or not filed, shall mean the same as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof, (xii) any effectuating provisions may be interpreted by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, with the consent of the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, the Requisite Consenting Lenders, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders and the Requisite Additional Investors (as provided in the Plan Support Agreement or the Restructuring Support Agreement, as applicable), in such a manner that is consistent with the overall purpose and intent of the Plan, all without further Bankruptcy Court order, (xiii) any reference to an Entity as a Holder of a Claim or Interest includes that Entity’s successors and permitted assigns, (xiv) references to “shareholders,” “directors” and/or “officers” shall also include “members” and/or “managers,” as applicable, as such terms are defined under the applicable limited liability company laws, (xv) except as otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, where this Plan contemplates that any Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, shall take any action, incur any obligation, issue any security or adopt, assume, execute or deliver any contract, agreement, lease, plan, policy, document or instrument on or prior to the Effective Date, the same shall be duly and validly authorized by the Plan and effective against and binding upon such Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, on and after the Effective Date without further notice to, order of or other approval by the Bankruptcy Court, action under applicable law, regulation, order or rule, or the vote, consent, authorization or approval of the board of directors of any Debtor or any other Entity, and (xvi) except as otherwise provided in the Plan, anything required to be done by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, on the Effective Date may be done on the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

 

22


  2.3

Computation of Time

In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a) shall apply. If any payment, distribution, act or deadline under the Plan is required to be made or performed or occurs on a day that is not a Business Day, then the making of such payment or distribution, the performance of such act or the occurrence of such deadline shall be deemed to be on the next succeeding Business Day, but shall be deemed to have been completed or to have occurred as of the required date.

 

  2.4

References to Monetary Figures

All references in the Plan to monetary figures shall refer to currency of the United States of America unless otherwise expressly provided.

 

  2.5

Consent Rights

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) any and all consent rights of all parties to the Plan Support Agreement or the Restructuring Support Agreement under such agreements with respect to the form and substance of this Plan, all exhibits to the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the proposed form of Confirmation Order, and any other Restructuring Documents or Definitive Documents, including any amendments, restatements, supplements, or other modifications to such agreements and documents, and any consents, waivers, or other deviations under or from any such documents, as more fully set forth in the Plan Support Agreement or the Restructuring Support Agreement, as applicable, are incorporated herein by this reference and shall be fully enforceable as if stated in full herein, (ii) to the extent provided in the Plan Support Agreement, any action or inaction that may be taken by the Debtors hereunder shall be reasonably acceptable to (a) the Plan Sponsors, (b) Honeywell, (c) solely to the extent such action or inaction adversely affects the Additional Investors, the Requisite Additional Investors, and (d) solely to the extent such action or inaction adversely affects the Consenting Noteholders, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and (iii) to the extent provided in the Restructuring Support Agreement, any action or inaction that may be taken by the Debtors hereunder shall be reasonably acceptable to the Requisite Consenting Lenders. Failure to reference herein any right, privilege or obligation provided for by the Plan Support Agreement or Restructuring Support Agreement shall not impair any such right, privilege or obligation.

 

23


3.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CLAIMS, PROFESSIONAL FEE CLAIMS, DIP CLAIMS, PRIORITY TAX CLAIMS AND STATUTORY FEES

 

  3.1

Administrative Expense Claims

 

  3.1.1    Treatment

of Administrative Expense Claims

Except to the extent that the applicable Holder of an Allowed Administrative Expense Claim agrees to less favorable treatment with the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, each Holder of an Allowed Administrative Expense Claim shall receive, on account of such Allowed Administrative Expense Claim to the extent any portion of such Allowed Administrative Expense Claim has not been paid in full during the course of the Chapter 11 Cases, payment in full in Cash (i) on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the later of the Effective Date and the date such Claim is Allowed, (ii) if such Allowed Administrative Expense Claim is for goods and services provided to the Debtors in the ordinary course of business, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable transaction documentation or course of business dealings with the applicable Debtor, (iii) as otherwise may be agreed upon by such Holder and the applicable Debtor or, after the Effective Date, Reorganized Debtor, or (iv) as otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  3.1.2    Filing

Administrative Expense Claims

Absent order of the Bankruptcy Court to the contrary, and except for Transaction Expenses, all requests for payment of Administrative Expense Claims that accrued on or before the Effective Date (other than on account of Professional Fee Claims and U.S. Trustee Fees) must be filed with the Notice and Claims Agent and served on counsel for the Debtors by the Administrative Expense Claim Bar Date. Any Holder of an Administrative Expense Claim who is required to, but does not, file and serve a request for payment of such Administrative Expense Claim pursuant to the procedures specified in the Confirmation Order on or prior to the Administrative Expense Claim Bar Date shall be forever barred, estopped and enjoined from asserting such Administrative Expense Claim against the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors or their respective property, and such general Administrative Expense Claim shall be deemed discharged as of the Effective Date.

Following the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, in their sole discretion, shall have exclusive authority to settle Administrative Expense Claims without further Bankruptcy Court approval.

Unless the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors or any other Entity object to a timely filed and properly served Administrative Expense Claim by the Claims Objection Deadline, such Administrative Expense Claim shall be deemed Allowed in the amount requested. If the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors or any other Entity object to an Administrative Expense Claim, the parties may confer to try to reach a settlement and, failing that, the Bankruptcy Court shall determine whether such Administrative Expense Claim should be Allowed and, if so, in what amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, requests for payment of Administrative Expense Claims need not be filed for Administrative Expense Claims that (i) are for goods or services provided to the Debtors in the ordinary course of business, (ii) previously have been Allowed by Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, (iii) are for Cure Costs, (iv) are on account of postpetition taxes (including any related penalties or interest) owed by the Debtors to any Governmental Unit, or (v) the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, have otherwise agreed in writing do not require such a filing.

 

24


  3.2

Professional Fee Claims

 

  3.2.1    Final

Fee Applications

All final requests for payment of Professional Fee Claims shall be filed and served no later than 30 days after the Effective Date. The Bankruptcy Court shall determine the Allowed amounts of such Professional Fee Claims. Any objections to Professional Fee Claims must be filed and served on the Debtors and the requesting party no later than 30 days after service of the final request for payment of Professional Fee Claims.

Except to the extent that the applicable Holder of an Allowed Professional Fee Claim agrees to less favorable treatment with the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, each Holder of a Professional Fee Claim that has been approved by the Bankruptcy Court shall be paid in full in Cash.

 

  3.2.2    Professional

Fee Escrow Account

On or prior to the Effective Date, the Debtors shall fund the Professional Fee Escrow Account with Cash equal to the aggregate Professional Fee Reserve Amount for all Professionals. The Professional Fee Escrow Account shall be maintained in trust for the Professionals. Such funds in the Professional Fee Escrow Account shall not constitute property of the Debtors’ Estates, except as otherwise expressly set forth in the last sentence of this paragraph. The amount of Professional Fee Claims owing to the Professionals on and after the Effective Date shall be paid in Cash to such Professionals from funds held in the Professional Fee Escrow Account, without interest or other earnings therefrom, as soon as reasonably practicable after such Claims are Allowed by a Bankruptcy Court order; provided that the Debtors’ obligation with respect to Professional Fee Claims will not be limited nor be deemed to be limited in any way to the balance of funds held in the Professional Fee Escrow Account. When all Allowed Professional Fee Claims have been paid in full, amounts remaining in the Professional Fee Escrow Account, if any, shall revert to the Reorganized Debtors, without any further notice to, action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court by any other Entity.

 

  3.2.3    Professional

Fee Reserve Amount

To receive payment for unbilled fees and expenses incurred through and including the Effective Date, the Professionals shall estimate their accrued Professional Fee Claims prior to and as of the Confirmation Date, along with an estimate of fees and expenses to be incurred through and including the Effective Date, and shall deliver such good-faith estimates to the Debtors and counsel to the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, and the Additional Investors by no later than seven days before the Effective Date; provided, however, that such estimates shall not be considered an admission or limitation with respect to the fees and expenses of such Professional. If a Professional does not provide such estimate, the Debtors may estimate the unbilled fees and expenses of such Professional. The total amount so estimated shall comprise the Professional Fee Reserve Amount. To the extent the Professional Fee Reserve Amount is not sufficient to pay all Allowed Professional Fee Claims in full, the remaining aggregate amount of the Allowed Professional Fee Claims shall be paid by the Debtors.

 

25


  3.2.4

Post-Effective Date Fees and Expenses

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, from and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may, in the ordinary course of business and without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, pay in Cash the legal, professional or other fees and expenses related to the implementation and consummation of the Plan incurred by the Reorganized Debtors or any Professional following the Effective Date. Upon the Effective Date, any requirement that Professionals comply with sections 327 through 331 and 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code in seeking retention or compensation for services rendered after such date shall terminate, and each Reorganized Debtor may employ and pay any Professional for services rendered or expenses incurred after the Effective Date in the ordinary course of business without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  3.3

DIP Claims

All DIP Claims shall be Allowed in the full amount due and owing under the DIP Facility Documents and the Final DIP Order. For the avoidance of doubt, the DIP Claims shall not be subject to any avoidance, reduction, setoff, recoupment, recharacterization, subordination (equitable, contractual or otherwise), counterclaim, defense, disallowance, impairment, objection or any challenges under applicable law or regulation.

Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed DIP Claim agrees to a less favorable treatment, on the Effective Date, each Holder of an Allowed DIP Claim shall receive Cash equal to the full amount of its Allowed DIP Claims in full and final satisfaction of such Claims. Distributions to Holders of DIP Claims shall be deemed completed when made to (or at the direction of) the DIP Agent, which shall be deemed to be the Holder of such Claims for purposes of distributions to be made hereunder. Once received by the DIP Agent, distributions shall be made as soon as practicable to the Holders of Allowed DIP Claims in accordance with the DIP Agreement. If the DIP Agent is unable to make, or consents to the Reorganized Debtors making, such distributions, the Reorganized Debtors, with the DIP Agent’s cooperation, shall make such distributions to the extent practicable to do so.

Upon the indefeasible payment and satisfaction in full of all Allowed DIP Claims, and termination of all commitments made and incurred pursuant to the DIP Credit Agreement, the DIP Facility Documents and all Liens and security interests granted pursuant to the DIP Facility Documents, whether in the Chapter 11 Cases or otherwise, shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect, and all obligations of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, arising out of or related to the DIP Claims shall be automatically discharged and released, in each case, without further action by the DIP Agent or the DIP Lenders. The DIP Agent and the DIP Lenders shall take all actions to effectuate and confirm such termination, release, and discharge as reasonably requested by the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, in each case at the sole expense of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable.

 

26


  3.4

Treatment of Priority Tax Claims

Except to the extent that the applicable Holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim has been paid by the Debtors before the Effective Date, or such Holder agrees to less favorable treatment, each Holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim shall receive, on account of such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, at the option of the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, (i) payment in full in Cash made on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, (ii) regular installment payments in accordance with section 1129(a)(9)(C) of the Bankruptcy Code, or (iii) such other amounts and in such other manner as may be determined by the Bankruptcy Court to provide the Holder of such Allowed Priority Tax Claim deferred Cash payments having a value, as of the Effective Date, equal to such Allowed Priority Tax Claim.

The Reorganized Debtors shall have the right, in their sole discretion, to pay any Allowed Priority Tax Claim or any remaining balance of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim (together with accrued but unpaid interest) in full at any time after the Effective Date without premium or penalty.

 

  3.5

Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses and Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee Expenses

Any outstanding and unpaid Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses incurred, or estimated to be incurred, up to and including the Effective Date shall be paid in full in Cash on the Effective Date without the requirement to file a fee application with the Bankruptcy Court or comply with any guidelines of the U.S. Trustee, and, subject to the Final DIP Order, without any requirement for review or approval by the Bankruptcy Court or any Entity. All Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses to be paid on the Effective Date shall be estimated, as necessary, prior to and as of the Effective Date and such estimate shall be delivered to the Debtors; provided that such estimate shall not be considered an admission or limitation with respect to such Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses. In addition, the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors shall continue to pay the Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses, as necessary, after the Effective Date when due and payable in the ordinary course solely to the extent related to implementation, consummation and defense of the Plan, whether incurred before, on or after the Effective Date, without any requirement for review or approval by the Bankruptcy Court or any Entity.

Any outstanding and unpaid Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee Expenses incurred, or estimated to be incurred, up to and including the Effective Date, shall be paid in full in Cash on the Effective Date without the requirement to file a fee application with the Bankruptcy Court or comply with any guidelines of the U.S. Trustee, and, subject to the Final DIP Order, without any requirement for review or approval by the Bankruptcy Court or any Entity. All Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee Expenses to be paid on the Effective Date shall be estimated, as necessary, prior to and as of the Effective Date and such estimate shall be delivered to the Debtors; provided that such estimate shall not be considered an admission or limitation with respect to such Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee Expenses.

 

27


  3.6

Statutory Fees Payable Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1930

All fees due and payable pursuant to section 1930 of Title 28 of the U.S. Code prior to the Effective Date shall be paid by the Debtors on the Effective Date. After the Effective Date, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors shall be jointly and severally liable to pay any and all such fees when due and payable. The Debtors shall file all quarterly reports due prior to the Effective Date when they become due, in a form reasonably acceptable to the U.S. Trustee. After the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall file with the Bankruptcy Court quarterly reports when they become due, in a form reasonably acceptable to the U.S. Trustee, which reports shall include a separate schedule of disbursements made by the Distribution Agent during the applicable period, attested to by an authorized representative of the Distribution Agent. Notwithstanding the substantive consolidation of the Debtors called for in the Plan, each and every one of the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors shall remain obligated to pay quarterly fees to the U.S. Trustee until the earliest of that particular Debtor’s case being closed, dismissed or converted to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

3.7

Payment of Transaction Expenses

On the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall, to the extent invoiced at least two days prior to the Effective Date (which invoice may include good faith estimates of Transaction Expenses to be incurred by a PSA Professional through the Effective Date), pay the Transaction Expenses, in each case, whether accrued prepetition or postpetition, to the extent not otherwise paid during the Chapter 11 Cases; provided that any estimated Transaction Expenses shall not be considered an admission or limitation with respect to such PSA Professional’s fees and expenses; provided, further, for the avoidance of doubt, no invoices shall be required to include itemized time detail. The Transaction Expenses shall be payable without the requirement to (a) file retention applications, fee applications, or any other applications in the Chapter 11 Cases, or (b) comply with any guidelines of the U.S. Trustee. The Transaction Expenses shall be Allowed in full as Administrative Claims upon incurrence, and shall not be subject to any offset, defense, counterclaim, reduction, or credit.

The Transaction Expenses described in this Section 3.7 shall (1) not be subject to the Administrative Claims Bar Date and (2) be payable without an application to the Bankruptcy Court and without notice and a hearing.

 

28


4.

CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF OTHER CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

Pursuant to sections 1122 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, all Claims and Interests, except for Claims addressed in Section 3 of the Plan, are classified for all purposes as set forth in this Section 4. A Claim or Interest shall be deemed classified in a particular Class only to the extent that the Claim or Interest qualifies within the description of that Class, and shall be deemed classified in a different Class to the extent that any remainder of such Claim or Interest qualifies within the description of such different Class. A Claim or Interest is in a particular Class only to the extent that such Claim or Interest is Allowed in that Class and has not been paid or otherwise satisfied prior to the Effective Date. For any Claim or Interest where a Proof of Claim has been filed, upon payment or satisfaction of such Claim or Interest and notice of such payment or satisfaction to the Holder of such Claim or Interest, such Claim or Interest may be adjusted or expunged on the Claims Register without a claims objection having to be filed and without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

Except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan, the Confirmation Order or other order of the Bankruptcy Court, or required by applicable non-bankruptcy law, in no event shall any Holder of an Allowed Claim be entitled to receive payments that in the aggregate exceed the Allowed amount of such Holder’s Claim.

 

  4.1

Separate Plan

The Plan constitutes a separate Plan for each Debtor, and the classification of Claims and Interests set forth herein shall apply separately to each of the Debtors. Certain of the Debtors may not have Claims or Interests in a particular Class, and such Claims or Interests shall be treated as set forth herein. For all purposes under the Plan, each Class will contain sub-Classes for each Debtor, except that Classes 10 and 11 shall be vacant at each Debtor other than GMI. Tabulation of votes accepting or rejecting the Plan shall be conducted on a Debtor-by-Debtor basis.

 

  4.2

Summary of Classes and Treatment of Claims Against and Interests in the Debtors

The following table designates the Classes of Claims against and Interests in the Debtors, as applicable, and specifies which of those Classes are (i) Impaired or Unimpaired by the Plan and (ii) entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan in accordance with section 1126 of the Bankruptcy Code or presumed to accept or deemed to reject the Plan.3 All of the potential Classes for the Debtors are set forth herein. Certain of the Debtors may not have Claims or Interests in one or more particular Classes, and such Classes of Claims or Interests shall be treated as set forth in Section 5.3 of the Plan. For all purposes under the Plan, each Class will contain sub Classes for each Debtor, except that Class 10 shall be vacant at each Debtor other than GMI. Tabulation of votes accepting or rejecting the Plan shall be conducted on a Debtor-by-Debtor basis.

 

 

3 

The information in the table is provided in summary form, and is qualified in its entirety by Section 4.3 of the Plan.

 

29


Class

  

Designation

  

Status

 

Voting Rights

1    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired  

Not Entitled to Vote

(Presumed to Accept)

2    Other Priority Claims    Unimpaired  

Not Entitled to Vote

(Presumed to Accept)

3    Secured Tax Claims    Unimpaired  

Not Entitled to Vote

(Presumed to Accept)

4    Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims    Impaired   Entitled to Vote
5    Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims    Impaired or Unimpaired   Entitled to Vote
6    Honeywell Plan Claims    Impaired   Entitled to Vote
7    General Unsecured Claims    Unimpaired  

Not Entitled to Vote

(Presumed to Accept)

8    Intercompany Claims    Impaired or Unimpaired  

Not Entitled to Vote

(Presumed to Accept or Deemed to Reject)

9    Intercompany Interests    Impaired or Unimpaired  

Not Entitled to Vote

(Presumed to Accept or Deemed to Reject)

10    Section 510(b) Claims    Impaired  

Not Entitled to Vote

(Deemed to Reject)

11    Existing Common Stock    Impaired   Entitled to Vote

 

  4.3

Treatment of Claims and Interests

 

  4.3.1

Class 1 – Other Secured Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 1 consists of all Other Secured Claims.

 

  ii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed Other Secured Claim agrees to less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, compromise, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for its Allowed Other Secured Claim, each Holder of an Allowed Other Secured Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors: (A) payment in full in Cash; (B) delivery of the collateral securing its Allowed Other Secured Claim and payment of any interest required under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code; (C) Reinstatement of its Allowed Other Secured Claim; or (D) such other treatment rendering its Allowed Other Secured Claim Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

30


  iii.

Voting: Claims in Class 1 are Unimpaired. Each Holder of an Other Secured Claim is conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. No Holder of Other Secured Claims is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  4.3.2

Class 2 – Other Priority Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 2 consists of all Other Priority Claims.

 

  ii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed Other Priority Claim agrees to a less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for its Allowed Other Priority Claim, each Holder of an Allowed Other Priority Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors, payment in full in Cash or such other treatment rendering its Allowed Other Priority Claim Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

  iii.

Voting: Claims in Class 2 are Unimpaired. Each Holder of an Other Priority Claim is conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. No Holder of an Other Priority Claim is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  4.3.3

Class 3 – Secured Tax Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 3 consists of all Secured Tax Claims.

 

  ii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of a Secured Tax Claim agrees to a less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for its Allowed Secured Tax Claim, each Holder of an Allowed Secured Tax Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors: (A) payment in full in Cash of the unpaid portion of such Holder’s Allowed Secured Tax Claim on the later of the Effective Date and such date such Secured Tax Claim becomes an Allowed Secured Tax Claim, or (B) equal semi-annual Cash payments commencing as of the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter and continuing for five years from the Petition Date, in an aggregate amount equal to such Allowed Secured Tax Claim, together with interest at the applicable rate under non bankruptcy law, subject to the option of the Reorganized Debtors to prepay some or all of such Allowed Secured Tax Claim at any time during such time period.

 

31


  iii.

Voting: Claims in Class 3 are Unimpaired. Each Holder of a Secured Tax Claim is conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. No Holder of a Secured Tax Claim is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  4.3.4

Class 4 – Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 4 consists of all Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims.

 

  ii.

Allowance: Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims shall be Allowed as Secured Claims in the aggregate principal amount of no less than $1,466,710,090, plus accrued and unpaid interest at the non-default contractual rate up to and including the Effective Date, plus all unpaid costs, fees and expenses outstanding under the Prepetition Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims shall not be subject to any avoidance, reduction, setoff, recoupment, recharacterization, subordination (equitable, contractual or otherwise), counterclaim, defense, disallowance, objection, or any challenges under applicable law or regulation.

 

  iii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim agrees to a less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of and in exchange for its Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim, each Holder of an Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim shall receive on the Effective Date payment in Cash in an amount equal to such Holder’s Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims.

 

  iv.

Voting: Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims are classified as Impaired under the Plan, and votes on the Plan are being solicited from Holders of Claims in Class 4 (Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims), in accordance with the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement. In the event the Restructuring Support Agreement is validly terminated by the Debtors or the Requisite Consenting Lenders, the Debtors reserve the right, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Plan Support Agreement and the proposed treatment of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims provided therein, to seek to classify the Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims as Unimpaired, not entitled to vote, and presumed to accept the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, all parties’ rights (including the rights of the Debtors and Requisite Consenting Lenders upon a valid termination of the Restructuring Support Agreement) are reserved with respect to whether Class 4 is Impaired or Unimpaired, and nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver by any party of any or all of such party’s rights with respect to the foregoing.

 

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  4.3.5

Class 5 – Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 5 consists of all Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims.

 

  ii.

Allowance: Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims shall be Allowed in the aggregate principal amount of €350,000,000, plus accrued and unpaid interest to and including the Effective Date at the non-default contract rate (excluding any interest on account of the Applicable Premium), plus all unpaid costs, fees and expenses outstanding under the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture as of the Effective Date (excluding the Applicable Premium), plus $15,000,000 on account of Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims arising under, derived from, or based on the Applicable Premium (to be allocated to each Holder of a Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim Pro Rata based on the principle amount of its Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim).

 

  iii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim agrees to a less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of and in exchange for its Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim, each Holder of an Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim shall receive payment in full in Cash on the Effective Date of such Holder’s Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim.

 

  iv.

Voting: Claims in Class 5 are Impaired or Unimpaired. Holders of Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims will be conditionally solicited.

 

  4.3.6

Class 6 – Honeywell Plan Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 6 consists of all Honeywell Plan Claims.

 

  ii.

Treatment: In full and final satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of and in exchange for each of its Allowed Honeywell Plan Claims, Honeywell shall receive: (a) a payment of $375 million in Cash on the Effective Date and (b) the Series B Preferred Stock issued on the Effective Date.

 

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  iii.

Voting: Claims in Class 6 are Impaired. Each Holder of an Allowed Honeywell Plan Claim is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  4.3.7

Class 7 General Unsecured Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 7 consists of all General Unsecured Claims.

 

  ii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim agrees to less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of and in exchange for its Allowed General Unsecured Claim, each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors: (a) Reinstatement of such Allowed General Unsecured Claim pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code; (b) payment in full in Cash on the later of (i) the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter or (ii) the date such payment is due in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms and conditions of the particular transaction giving rise to such Allowed General Unsecured Claim; or (c) such other treatment rendering such Allowed General Unsecured Claim Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

  iii.

Voting: Claims in Class 7 are Unimpaired. Each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim is conclusively deemed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. No Holder of a General Unsecured Claim is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  4.3.8

Class 8 – Intercompany Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 8 consists of all Intercompany Claims.

 

  ii.

Treatment: Each Allowed Intercompany Claim shall be either Reinstated or cancelled and released without any distribution, as reasonably agreed between the Debtors, Honeywell, the Plan Sponsors, and the Requisite Additional Investors.

 

  iii.

Voting: Claims in Class 8 are Impaired or Unimpaired. Each Holder of an Intercompany Claim is conclusively deemed to have accepted or rejected the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) or 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. No Holder of an Intercompany Claim is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

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  4.3.9

Class 9 – Intercompany Interests

 

  i.

Classification: Class 9 consists of all Intercompany Interests.

 

  ii.

Treatment: Each Allowed Intercompany Interest shall be either Reinstated or cancelled and released without any distribution, as reasonably agreed between the Debtors, Honeywell, the Plan Sponsors, and the Requisite Additional Investors.

 

  iii.

Voting: Interests in Class 9 are Impaired or Unimpaired. Each Holder of an Intercompany Interest is conclusively deemed to have accepted or rejected the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) or 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. No Holder of an Intercompany Interest is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  4.3.10

Class 10 – Section 510(b) Claims

 

  i.

Classification: Class 10 consists of all Holders of Section 510(b) Claims.

 

  ii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed Section 510(b) Claim agrees to a less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release, and discharge of and in exchange for its Allowed Section 510(b) Claim, each Holder of an Allowed Section 510(b) Claim, if any, shall be entitled to receive, (x) its Pro Rata share of the aggregate Cash payments received or recoverable from any Insurance Policies on account of any Allowed Section 510(b) Claims and (y) solely to the extent that such payments are less than the amount of its Allowed 510(b) Claim, such treatment that is consistent with section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code and otherwise acceptable to the Debtors and the Commitment Parties in accordance with their consent rights under the Plan Support Agreement.

 

  iii.

Voting: Claims in Class 10 are impaired. Because no Section 510(b) Claims have yet become Allowed Claims, no Holder of a Section 510(b) Claim is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan. Each Holder of an Allowed Section 510(b) Claim is conclusively presumed to have rejected the Plan pursuant to section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code

 

  4.3.11

Class 11 – Existing Common Stock

 

  i.

Classification: Class 11 consists of any and all Holders of Existing Common Stock.

 

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  ii.

Treatment: Except to the extent that a Holder of Existing Common Stock agrees to a less favorable treatment, in full and final satisfaction, compromise, settlement, release, discharge and cancellation of and in exchange for its shares of Existing Common Stock either, each Holder of Existing Common Stock shall receive (a) (i) a number of shares of GMI Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing Common Stock held by such Holder, and (ii) its Pro Rata share (determined with respect to all Holders of Interests in Class 11) of the Subscription Rights or (b) if such Holder of Existing Common Stock timely exercises its Cash-Out Option, its Cash-Out Consideration; provided that only those Holders of Existing Common Stock who vote to accept the Plan are eligible to exercise the Cash-Out Option.

 

  iii.

Voting: Interests in Class 11 are Impaired. Each Holder of Existing Common Stock is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

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5.

ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN

 

  5.1

Voting of Claims or Interests

Each Holder of a Claim or Interest in an Impaired Class that is entitled to vote on the Plan as of the Voting Record Date pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan shall be entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  5.2

Acceptance by Impaired Classes

Pursuant to sections 1126(c) and (d) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as otherwise provided in section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code, (i) an Impaired Class of Claims shall have accepted the Plan if the Holders of at least two-thirds in dollar amount and more than one-half in number of the Claims of such Class entitled to vote that actually vote on the Plan have voted to accept the Plan and (ii) an Impaired Class of Interests shall have accepted the Plan if the Holders of at least two-thirds in dollar amount of such Class entitled to vote that actually vote on the Plan have voted to accept the Plan. Prepetition Credit Agreement (Class 4), Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims (Class 5), Honeywell Plan Claims (Class 6) and Holders of Existing Common Stock (Class 11) are or may be Impaired, and the votes of Holders of Claims or Interests in such Classes will be solicited. Section 510(b) Claims (Class 9) are Impaired and deemed to reject the Plan, and Claims in such Class will not be solicited. No other votes from any other classes of Claims or Interests will be solicited. If Holders of Claims or Interests in a particular Impaired Class of Claims or Interests were given the opportunity to vote to accept or reject the Plan, but no Holders of Claims or Interests in such Impaired Class voted to accept or reject the Plan, then such Class shall be deemed to have accepted the Plan.

 

  5.3

Elimination of Vacant Classes

Any Class of Claims or Interests that does not have a Holder of an Allowed Claim or Allowed Interest or a Claim or Interest temporarily Allowed by the Bankruptcy Court solely for voting purposes as of the date of the Confirmation Hearing shall be deemed eliminated from the Plan solely for purposes of (i) voting to accept or reject the Plan and (ii) determining acceptance or rejection of the Plan by such Class pursuant to section 1129(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

  5.4

Special Provisions Regarding Unimpaired Claims

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, nothing herein shall be deemed to affect, diminish, or impair the Debtors’ or the Reorganized Debtors’ rights and defenses, both legal and equitable, with respect to any Reinstated Claim or Unimpaired Claim, including legal and equitable defenses to setoffs or recoupment against Reinstated Claims or Unimpaired Claims; and, except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, nothing herein shall be deemed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any claim, Cause of Action, right of setoff, or other legal or equitable defense which the Debtors now have or had immediately prior to the Petition Date, against or with respect to any Claim that is Unimpaired by the Plan. Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, the Reorganized Debtors shall have, retain, reserve, and be entitled to assert all such claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff, and other legal or equitable defenses which the Debtors now have or had immediately prior to the Petition Date fully as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced, and all of the Reorganized Debtors’ legal and equitable rights with respect to any Reinstated Claim or Claim that is Unimpaired by this Plan may be asserted after the Confirmation Date and the Effective Date to the same extent as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced. Unless Allowed, Claims that are Unimpaired shall remain Disputed Claims under the Plan.

 

37


  5.5

Confirmation Pursuant to Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code

If there is one or more rejecting Class of Claims or Interests, the Debtors shall seek Confirmation pursuant to section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to any such rejecting Class or Classes. Subject to Sections 13 and 15.4 of the Plan, the Debtors (subject to the consent of the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, the Requisite Additional Investors and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders (each, as provided in the Plan Support Agreement), and the Consenting Lenders (as provided in the Restructuring Support Agreement) reserve the right to amend the Plan to the extent that Confirmation pursuant to section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code requires modification, including by modifying the treatment applicable to a Class of Claims or Interests to render such Class of Claims or Interests Unimpaired to the extent permitted by the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules.

 

38


6.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

 

  6.1

Operations Between the Confirmation Date and Effective Date

During the period from the Confirmation Date through and until the Effective Date, the Debtors may continue to operate their businesses as debtors-in-possession in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects, and as otherwise necessary to consummate the Plan in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement and Restructuring Support Agreement, subject to all applicable orders of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  6.2

Sources of Cash for Plan Distributions

Cash payments or distribution to be made hereunder shall be funded from the existing Cash of the Debtors and the Cash proceeds of (a) the purchase of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock by (i) the PSA Investors pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement, (ii) the Equity Backstop Parties, and (iii) Holders of Existing Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Offering, and (b) the Exit Facilities.

 

  6.3

Purchase of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock by PSA Investors

On the Effective Date, the PSA Investors shall purchase, and New GMI shall issue to such PSA Investors, a number of shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $1,050.8 million in Cash, in the aggregate, consistent with and subject to the terms of the Plan Support Agreement and the Equity Commitment Letters. On the Effective Date, New GMI and the PSA Investors shall be deemed to be parties to, or the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock shall otherwise be governed by, the Convertible Series A Certificate of Designation, without the need for execution by the PSA Investors.

 

  6.4

Rights Offering of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock

The Debtors will implement the Rights Offering in accordance with the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement and the Rights Offering Procedures. The Rights Offering shall consist of a distribution of Subscription Rights to acquire Convertible Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $200 million in accordance with the Solicitation Procedures Order. Only those Eligible Holders of Existing Common Stock that do not exercise their Cash-Out Option shall be eligible to participate in the Rights Offering.

The Equity Backstop Parties have agreed (i) to exercise their Subscription Rights received in the Rights Offering as set forth in the Plan Support Agreement and Plan Term Sheet and (ii) to purchase (on a several and not joint basis) all of the Offered Shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock subject to the Rights Offering that are not purchased by other Eligible Holders, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement.

On the Effective Date, New GMI, the Equity Backstop Parties, and the Eligible Holders of Existing Common Stock that exercise their Subscription Rights in the Rights Offering shall be deemed to be parties to or the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock shall otherwise be governed by the Convertible Series A Certificate of Designation, without the need for execution by such parties.

 

39


  6.5

Plan Support Agreement and Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement

To the extent not previously approved pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court authorizing entry into the Plan Support Agreement, the Equity Commitment Letters, and the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, entry into each of the Plan Support Agreement, the Equity Commitment Letters, and the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement shall be authorized by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Confirmation Order and the Debtors shall continue to perform thereunder and comply therewith in all respects through and including the Effective Date.

 

  6.6

Honeywell Settlement and Make-Whole Settlement

Confirmation of the Plan shall constitute the approval of the Honeywell Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date. The Honeywell Settlement is inseverable from the Plan and Honeywell has agreed to the Honeywell Settlement solely in the context of, and the Honeywell Settlement is predicated on the occurrence of the Effective Date of, (a) the Plan and (b) Centerbridge and Oaktree serving as Plan Sponsors and PSA Investors. The entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the Honeywell Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code in connection with the Plan and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, as well as a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that, taking into consideration and in the context of the global resolution of multiple Claims, Causes of Action, and disputes among the Debtors and Honeywell, and the value of the Plan to the Debtors and their Estates, taken as a whole, the Honeywell Settlement is fair, equitable, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Debtors and their Estates. On the Effective Date, the Honeywell Litigation shall be deemed dismissed with prejudice.

Confirmation of the Plan shall constitute the approval of the Make-Whole Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date. The entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the Make-Whole Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code in connection with the Plan and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, as well as a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that, taking into consideration and in the context of the resolution of the Make-Whole Litigation, and the value of the Plan to the Debtors and their Estates, taken as a whole, the Make-Whole Settlement is fair, equitable, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Debtors and their Estates. On the Effective Date, the Make-Whole Litigation shall be deemed dismissed with prejudice.

 

40


  6.7

Acceleration of Vested Options and Assumption of Outstanding Equity Awards

Immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Plan, (a) outstanding GMI Options will accelerate and vest in full (to the extent not yet vested), (b) vested GMI Options (including those GMI Options that vested prior to the Effective Date under their terms) shall be deemed exercised on a net settled basis, and (c) the shares of GMI Common Stock issued upon the exercise of such GMI Options shall be deemed outstanding as of the Effective Date. Each Holder of GMI Common Stock acquired or issued in respect of such exercised GMI Options shall be deemed to have exercised its Cash-Out Option with respect to such shares of GMI Common Stock. GMI Options that are “out of the money” shall be cancelled for no consideration. Additionally, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Plan, outstanding GMI PSUs, GMI CPSUs and GMI RSUs will accelerate and vest pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreements except that GMI CPSUs (and, for the avoidance of doubt, GMI PSUs) will vest based on target levels without proration. Such vested GMI RSUs and GMI PSUs, as applicable, will each entitle each Holder thereof to the number of shares of GMI Common Stock underlying each such award, in each case determined in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement, and the shares of GMI Common Stock issued as a result thereof shall be deemed outstanding as of the Effective Date and each such Holder shall be deemed to have exercised its Cash-Out Option with respect to such shares of GMI Common Stock. Such vested GMI CPSUs will each entitle the Holder thereof to an amount in Cash determined in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements. The foregoing treatment shall be subject to the terms of the Management Side Letters. As a condition to each Management Side Letter Recipient’s receipt of proceeds in connection with the foregoing, such individual must first execute his or her Management Side Letter. The aggregate amount payable in connection with the foregoing shall not exceed $13,100,000. GMI shall not issue, award or grant any additional equity-based or equity-linked incentive awards prior to the Effective Date.

 

  6.8

New Preferred Stock

On the Effective Date, New GMI’s governing documents shall have provided for the issuance of authorized New Preferred Stock and New GMI shall issue or reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of New Preferred Stock as required to make distributions pursuant to the Plan. The shares of New Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Plan and any shares of GMI Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, including in connection with the consummation of the Rights Offering and the transactions contemplated by the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, shall be authorized without the need for further corporate action or without any further action by any Person and, once issued, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

  6.9

Exemption from Registration

Pursuant to section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code and, to the extent that section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is inapplicable, section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or the regulations promulgated thereunder, the offering, issuance, exchange, or distribution of any Securities pursuant to the Plan shall be exempt from, among other things, the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act and any other applicable United States, state, or local law requiring registration for offer or sale of a Security or registration or licensing of an issuer of, underwriter of, or broker or dealer in, a Security.

 

41


Except with respect to any Person that is an underwriter as defined in section 1145(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or an “affiliate” as defined in the Securities Act, as applicable, the issuance of the Subscription Rights, the issuance of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to an exercise of the Subscription Rights (other than any Unsubscribed Shares), the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock to Honeywell, and the issuance of any GMI Common Stock under Article IV of the Plan shall be exempt from registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act (or any State or local law requiring registration for offer or sale of a security) under section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code. To the extent section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable, the Securities to be issued under the Plan (a) are not “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, and (b) are freely tradable and transferable by any initial recipient thereof that (i) is not an “affiliate” of the Debtors as defined in Rule 144(a)(1) under the Securities Act, (ii) has not been such an “affiliate” within 90 days of such transfer, and (iii) is not an entity that is an “underwriter” as defined in Section 1145(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. Should New GMI elect on or after the Effective Date to reflect any ownership of the Securities to be issued under the Plan through the facilities of DTC, New GMI need not provide any further evidence other than the Plan or the Confirmation Order with respect to the treatment of the Securities to be issued under the Plan under applicable securities laws. DTC shall be required to accept and conclusively rely upon the Plan and Confirmation Order in lieu of a legal opinion regarding whether the Securities to be issued under the Plan are exempt from registration and/or eligible for DTC book-entry delivery, settlement, and depository services. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no entity (including, for the avoidance of doubt, DTC) may require a legal opinion regarding the validity of any transaction contemplated by the Plan, including, for the avoidance of doubt, whether the Securities to be issued under the Plan are exempt from registration and/or eligible for DTC book-entry delivery, settlement, and depository services.

To the extent Securities are issued pursuant to the Plan in reliance on section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or the regulations promulgated thereunder (including any Unsubscribed Shares, shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock issued directly to the PSA Investors or shares of GMI Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock issued directly to the PSA Investors or Unsubscribed Shares), the offering, issuance, exchange, or distribution of such Securities pursuant to the Plan shall be conducted in a manner that is exempt from, among other things, the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act and any other applicable United States, state, or local law requiring registration for offer or sale of a Security or registration or licensing of an issuer of, underwriter of, or broker or dealer in, a Security. Any such Securities shall be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act and shall only be transferable if registered under the Securities Act or if transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

New GMI shall take such steps as are reasonably necessary to list the GMI Common Stock on a national exchange.

 

  6.10

Registration Rights Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall enter into and perform and execute and deliver the Registration Rights Agreement and take all actions required by the Registration Rights Agreement, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement.

 

42


  6.11

Exit Facilities

On the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall enter into and perform and execute and deliver the Exit Facilities Documents to which such Reorganized Debtor is contemplated to be a party on the Effective Date. The Reorganized Debtors shall borrow under such Exit Facilities and use the proceeds of such borrowings for any purpose permitted thereunder, including to fund distributions under and in accordance with the Plan, and ongoing business operations, and for general corporate purposes and working capital needs. Without limiting the foregoing, the Reorganized Debtors shall pay, as and when due, all fees, expenses, losses, damages, indemnities and other amounts, including any applicable refinancing premiums and applicable exit fees, provided under the DIP Facilities Documents related to the DIP Facilities and/or the Exit Facilities Documents relating to such Exit Facilities.

Confirmation of the Plan shall be deemed (a) approval of the Exit Facilities and all transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and all actions to be taken, undertakings to be made, and obligations to be incurred by the Reorganized Debtors in connection therewith, including the payment of all fees, expenses, losses, damages, indemnities and other amounts provided for by the Exit Facilities Documents, and (b) authorization for the Reorganized Debtors to enter into and perform under the Exit Facilities Documents. The Exit Facilities Documents shall constitute legal, valid, binding and authorized obligations of the Reorganized Debtors, enforceable in accordance with their terms. The financial accommodations to be extended pursuant to the Exit Facilities Documents are being extended, and shall be deemed to have been extended, in good faith, for legitimate business purposes, are reasonable, shall not be subject to avoidance, recharacterization or subordination (including equitable subordination) for any purposes whatsoever, and shall not constitute preferential transfers, fraudulent conveyances or other voidable transfers under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable non-bankruptcy law.

On the Effective Date, all of the liens and security interests to be granted in accordance with the Exit Facilities Documents (a) shall be deemed to be approved; (b) shall be legal, binding and enforceable liens on, and security interests in, the collateral granted under respective Exit Facilities Documents in accordance with the terms of the Exit Facilities Documents; (c)(i) shall be deemed perfected on the Effective Date, and (ii) the priorities of such liens and security interests shall be as set forth in the respective Exit Facilities Documents, in the case of this clause (ii), subject only to such liens and security interests as may be permitted under the Exit Facilities Documents; and (d) shall not be subject to avoidance, recharacterization, or subordination (including equitable subordination) for any purposes whatsoever and shall not constitute preferential transfers, fraudulent conveyances or other voidable transfers under the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable non-bankruptcy law. The Reorganized Debtors and the secured parties (and their designees and agents) under such Exit Facilities Documents shall make all filings and recordings, and to obtain all governmental approvals and consents to establish and perfect such liens and security interests under the provisions of the applicable state, provincial, federal or other law (whether domestic or foreign) that would be applicable in the absence of the Plan and the Confirmation Order (it being understood that perfection of the liens and security interests granted under the Exit Facilities Documents shall occur automatically by virtue of the entry of the Confirmation Order and funding on or after the Effective Date, and any such filings, recordings, approvals and consents shall not be necessary or required), and will thereafter cooperate to make all other filings and recordings that otherwise would be necessary under applicable law to give notice of such liens and security interests to third parties. To the extent that any Holder of a Secured Claim that has been satisfied or discharged pursuant to the Plan, or any agent for such Holder, has filed or recorded any liens and/or security interests to secure such Holder’s Secured Claim, then as soon as practicable on or after the Effective Date, such Holder (or the agent for such Holder), at the Reorganized Debtors’ expense, shall take any and all steps requested by the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors or any administrative agent under the Exit Facilities Documents that are necessary to cancel and/or extinguish such liens and/or security interests (it being understood that such liens and security interests held by Holders of Secured Claims that are satisfied on the Effective Date pursuant to the Plan shall be automatically canceled/or extinguished automatically on the Effective Date by virtue of the entry of the Confirmation Order).

 

43


  6.12

Management Incentive Plan

Following the Effective Date, a management incentive plan shall provide for GMI Common Stock or similar interests in New GMI to be reserved for directors, officers, or employees of the Reorganized Debtors, as determined by the New Board.

 

  6.13

Dilution of GMI Common Stock After the Effective Date

All GMI Common Stock shall be subject to dilution by (i) the issuance of GMI Common Stock in respect of Section 510(b) Claims, if any, (ii) any management incentive plan established by New GMI following the Effective Date, (iii) the conversion of any Convertible Series A Preferred Stock following the Effective Date, and (iv) any issuance of GMI Common Stock (other than in connection with the Plan) that is validly effectuated by New GMI following the Effective Date, including in connection with any conversion of any shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock into GMI Common Stock.

 

  6.14

Organizational Existence

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, each Debtor shall, as a Reorganized Debtor, continue to exist after the Effective Date as a separate legal Entity, each with all the powers of a corporation or other form of organization, as applicable, under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization and without prejudice to any right to alter or terminate such existence (whether by merger or otherwise) under the law of the applicable state or other jurisdiction.

 

  6.15

Retention of Professionals

The Reorganized Debtors shall have the right to retain the services of attorneys, accountants, and other professionals on their own behalf that, in the discretion of the Reorganized Debtors, are necessary to assist the Reorganized Debtors in the performance of their duties and to administer the Plan. The payment of the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of the retained professionals of the Reorganized Debtors shall not be subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

44


  6.16

Cancellation of Existing Interests, Existing Indebtedness and Related Agreements

On the Effective Date, except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Plan, all rights of any Holder of Interests in the Debtors, including, without limitation, options or warrants to purchase Interests, or obligating the Debtors to issue, transfer or sell Interests of the Debtors, shall be cancelled.

Upon the indefeasible payment in full in Cash of its Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim or Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim, each Holder of such Allowed Claim shall be deemed to have surrendered its respective loan or note, and all such surrendered loans, notes, loan documents and indentures shall be deemed to be cancelled as to the Debtors pursuant to this Section 6.16 of the Plan, except to the extent otherwise provided herein. Such Claims shall be cancelled solely with respect to the Debtors, and such cancellation shall not alter the obligations or rights of any non-Debtor third parties vis-à-vis one another with respect to such Claims.

Upon the indefeasible payment in full in Cash of all Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, or promptly thereafter, Holders of such Allowed Claims shall deliver to the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, any termination statements, instruments of satisfaction, or releases of all security interests with respect to its Allowed Claim that may reasonably be required in order to terminate any related financing statements, mortgages, mechanic’s liens, or lis pendens, and take any and all other steps reasonably requested by the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, that are necessary to cancel and/or extinguish any Liens or security interests securing such Holder’s Claim; provided, however, that the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall be solely responsible for all costs and expenses associated with any of the foregoing actions or requests.

Except as otherwise set forth herein, upon the indefeasible payment in full in Cash of all Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, the Prepetition Credit Agreement Documents and Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, respectively, shall terminate, except as necessary to (i) enforce the rights and Claims of the respective agent or trustee vis-à-vis the applicable lenders or holders and any parties other than the Debtors, including, for avoidance of doubt, pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) allow the respective agent or trustee to receive distributions under the Plan and to distribute them to the applicable lenders or holders in accordance with the terms of the applicable documents, and (iii) preserve any rights of the respective agent or trustee and any predecessor thereof as against any money or property distributable to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims or Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims.

 

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If the record Holder of Senior Subordinated Notes is DTC or its nominee or another securities depository or custodian thereof, and such Senior Subordinated Notes are represented by a global security held by or on behalf of DTC or such other securities depository or custodian, then each Holder of the applicable Senior Subordinated Notes shall be deemed to have surrendered such Holder’s note, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness upon surrender of such global security by DTC or such other securities depository or custodian thereof.

 

  6.17

Additional Implementing Transactions

On the Effective Date, the applicable Debtors shall, in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement and Restructuring Support Agreement and subject to the consent rights of the Commitment Parties and Consenting Lenders, respectively, thereunder, enter into any transaction and shall take any actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effect the transactions described herein, including, as applicable, the issuance of all securities, notes, instruments, certificates and other documents required to be issued pursuant to the Plan, one or more intercompany mergers, consolidations, amalgamations, arrangements, continuances, restructurings, conversions, dispositions, dissolutions, transfers, liquidations, spinoffs, intercompany sales, purchases, or other corporate transactions, including, without limitation, any Restructuring Transaction contemplated by the Plan Support Agreement or Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement (collectively, the “Restructuring Transactions”).

 

  6.18

Section 1146 Exemption from Certain Transfer Taxes and Recording Fees

Pursuant to, and to the fullest extent permitted by, section 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, any transfers from the Debtors to the Reorganized Debtors or to any other Entity, pursuant to, in contemplation of, or in connection with the Plan (including any transfer pursuant to: (i) the issuance, distribution, transfer, or exchange of any debt, equity security, or other interest in the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors; (ii) the creation, modification, consolidation, assumption, termination, refinancing and/or recording of any mortgage, deed of trust or other security interest, or the securing of additional indebtedness by such or other means; (iii) the making, assignment or recording of any lease or sublease; (iv) the grant of collateral as security for any or all of the New Exit Facilities; or (v) the making, delivery or recording of any deed or other instrument of transfer under, in furtherance of, or in connection with, the Plan, including any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or other instrument of transfer executed in connection with any transaction arising out of, contemplated by, or in any way related to the Plan) shall not be subject to any document recording tax, stamp tax, conveyance fee, intangibles or similar tax, mortgage tax, real estate transfer tax, sales and use tax, mortgage recording tax, Uniform Commercial Code filing or recording fee, regulatory filing or recording fee, or other similar tax or governmental assessment, and the appropriate state or local government officials or agents shall, and shall be directed to, forgo the collection of any such tax, recordation fee or government assessment and to accept for filing and recordation any of the foregoing instruments or other documents without the payment of any such tax, recordation fee or government assessment. The Bankruptcy Court shall retain specific jurisdiction with respect to these matters.

 

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  6.19

Insurance Policies

All Insurance Policies (including tail coverage liability insurance), surety bonds, and indemnity agreements entered into in connection with surety bonds to which any Debtor is a party as of the Effective Date shall be deemed to be and treated as executory contracts and shall be assumed by the applicable Debtor or Reorganized Debtor and shall continue in full force and effect thereafter in accordance with their respective terms. Nothing in the Plan, including any releases, shall diminish or impair the enforceability of any Insurance Policies or other policies of insurance that may cover insurance claims or other claims against the Debtors or any other Person and such policies shall continue in full force and effect after the Effective Date in accordance with their respective terms.

 

  6.20

Preservation of Causes of Action

Except as otherwise provided in Section 11 or the other provisions of the Plan, as of the Effective Date, each Cause of Action of the Debtors shall be preserved and, along with the exclusive right to enforce such Cause of Action, shall vest exclusively in the applicable Reorganized Debtor. Unless a Cause of Action is expressly waived, relinquished, released or compromised in the Plan or an order of the Bankruptcy Court, the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, expressly reserve such Cause of Action for later adjudication and, accordingly, no doctrine of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable or otherwise), laches or other preclusion doctrine shall apply to such Cause of Action as a consequence of the Confirmation, the Plan, the vesting of such Cause of Action in the Reorganized Debtors, any order of the Bankruptcy Court or these Chapter 11 Cases. No Person may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as an indication that the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, will not pursue such Cause of Action.

 

  6.21

Effectuating Documents and Further Transactions

The Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, may take all actions to execute, deliver, file or record such contracts, instruments, releases and other agreements or documents, and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and implement the provisions of the Plan. The secretary and any assistant secretary of each Debtor or Reorganized Debtor shall be authorized to certify or attest to any of the foregoing actions.

Prior to, on or after the Effective Date (as appropriate), all matters provided for pursuant to the Plan that would otherwise require approval of the shareholders, directors or members of the Debtors shall be deemed to have been so approved and shall be in effect prior to, on or after the Effective Date (as appropriate), pursuant to applicable law, and without any requirement of further action by the shareholders, directors, managers or partners of the Debtors, or the need for any approvals, authorizations, actions or consents.

 

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On the Effective Date, the organizational documents of the Reorganized Debtors shall become effective without further action from any Person or Entity, and shall be binding and enforceable upon each of the parties thereto.

 

  6.22

Pension Plan.

Upon the Effective Date, New GMI shall be deemed to have assumed the Pension Plan and shall comply with all applicable statutory provisions of ERISA and the IRC, including, but not limited to, satisfying the minimum funding standards pursuant to 26 U.S.C. §§ 412, 430, and 29 U.S.C. §§ 1082, 1083; paying the PBGC premiums in accordance with 29 U.S.C. §§ 1306 and 1307; and administering the Pension Plan in accordance with its terms and the provisions of ERISA and the IRC. In the event that the Pension Plan terminates after the Effective Date, New GMI and each of its controlled group members will be responsible for the liabilities imposed by Title IV of ERISA.

Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan, the Confirmation Order or the Bankruptcy Code (including section 1141 thereof) to the contrary, neither the Plan, the Confirmation Order, nor the Bankruptcy Code shall be construed as discharging, releasing, exculpating, or relieving any applicable Person or Entity from any liability or responsibility with respect to the Pension Plan under any law, governmental policy, or regulatory provision. PBGC and the Pension Plan shall not be enjoined or precluded from enforcing such liability or responsibility against any such Person or Entity as a result of any of the provisions of the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or the Bankruptcy Code. All proofs of claim filed by PBGC shall be deemed withdrawn upon the Effective Date.

 

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7.

PROVISIONS REGARDING GOVERNANCE OF THE REORGANIZED DEBTORS

 

  7.1

Organizational Action

On and after the Effective Date, the adoption, filing, approval, and ratification, as necessary, of all limited liability company, corporate, or related actions contemplated hereby for each of the Reorganized Debtors shall be deemed authorized and approved in all respects. Without limiting the foregoing, such actions may include: (i) the adoption of the organizational documents of the Reorganized Debtors, (ii) the nomination, election, or appointment, as the case may be, of officers, directors, managers, board of managers, or managing members for New GMI (or the other Reorganized Debtors), (iii) the issuance of the Securities contemplated by the Plan, (iv) the Restructuring Transactions to be effectuated pursuant to the Plan and (v) the qualification of any Reorganized Debtors as foreign corporations if and wherever the conduct of business by such entities requires such qualifications, in each case, consistent with the Plan Support Agreement.

All matters provided for herein involving the organizational structure of any Debtor or any Reorganized Debtor, or any limited liability company or corporate action required by any Debtor or any Reorganized Debtor in connection with the Plan, shall be deemed to have occurred and shall be in effect, without any requirement of further action by the security holders or directors of such Debtor or Reorganized Debtor or by any other stakeholder or any other corporate action.

On and after the Effective Date, the appropriate officers of each Reorganized Debtor and members of the board of directors, board of managers, or equivalent body of each Reorganized Debtor are authorized and directed to issue, execute, deliver, file, and record any and all agreements, documents, securities, deeds, bills of sale, conveyances, releases, and instruments contemplated by the Plan in the name of and on behalf of such Reorganized Debtor and to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

  7.2

Organizational Documents

The organizational documents of the Reorganized Debtors, including the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of New GMI, shall be amended or adopted or deemed amended or adopted as may be required to be consistent with the provisions of the Plan (including the Plan Supplement) and the Bankruptcy Code including, among other purposes, to authorize the new Interests in the Reorganized Debtors (including as provided in the governance documents of the Reorganized Debtors). After the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may amend and restate their certificates of incorporation, bylaws, certificates of formation, operating agreements or other analogous organizational documents, as applicable, as permitted by the terms thereof and applicable law and may file amended and restated certificates of incorporation (or other formation documents, if applicable) with the Secretary of State in any appropriate jurisdiction.

 

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  7.3

Directors and Officers of the Reorganized Debtors

On the Effective Date, the management, control and operation of each Reorganized Debtor shall become the general responsibility of the board of managers, directors, members or managing members, as applicable, of such Reorganized Debtor or other governing body as provided in the applicable governing documents.

On the Effective Date, the term of the Current Directors shall expire, such Current Directors shall cease to hold office or have any authority from or after such time, and such Current Directors shall be replaced by the New Board. The New Board shall initially consist of seven directors elected or nominated in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement; provided that the number of directors may be subject to increase with the consent of (a) Honeywell (solely for so long as the Amortization remaining on the Series B Preferred Stock is greater than $125 million) and (b) a majority of the outstanding shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock prior to the conversion thereof. The New Board shall initially consist of: (1) two members nominated by Oaktree; (2) two members nominated by Centerbridge; (3) one member elected by Honeywell; (4) one member nominated by the Additional Investors; and (5) one member of New GMI’s executive management team, in each case as provided in the Plan Support Agreement.

The classification and composition of the New Board shall be consistent with applicable non-bankruptcy law and the terms of the New GMI’s governing documents. In the Plan Supplement, to the extent known, the Debtors will disclose, pursuant to section 1129(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, the identity and affiliations of the Persons proposed to serve on the New Board. The New Board members shall serve from and after the Effective Date in accordance with applicable non-bankruptcy law and the terms of the New GMI’s governing documents.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan, confirmation of the Plan shall not discharge, impair or otherwise modify any advancement, indemnity or other obligations of the D&O Insurance Policies. In addition, after the Effective Date, none of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors shall terminate or otherwise reduce the coverage under the D&O Insurance Policies with respect to conduct occurring prior to the Effective Date, and all directors and officers of the Debtors who served in such capacity at any time prior to the Effective Date shall be entitled from the insurers to the full benefits of any such policy for the full term of such policy regardless of whether such directors and officers remain in such positions after the Effective Date.

As of the Effective Date, each Reorganized Debtor shall be authorized to procure and maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies for the benefit of its respective directors, officers, members, trustees and managers in the ordinary course of business.

 

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8.

EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

 

  8.1

Assumption and Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

All Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases other than the Honeywell Terminated Agreements will be deemed assumed, and the Honeywell Terminated Agreements that are Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases will be deemed rejected as of the Effective Date in accordance with sections 365 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, pursuant to the Honeywell Settlement.

Entry of the Confirmation Order by the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute an order approving the assumptions or rejections of such Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases as set forth in the Plan, all pursuant to sections 365(a) and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and effective on the occurrence of the Effective Date. Each Executory Contract and Unexpired Lease assumed pursuant to the Plan or by Bankruptcy Court order shall revest in and be fully enforceable by the applicable contracting Reorganized Debtor in accordance with its terms, except as such terms may have been modified by the Debtors and the applicable counterparty, or by order of the Bankruptcy Court. To the maximum extent permitted by law, to the extent any provision in any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease assumed pursuant to the Plan restricts or prevents, or purports to restrict or prevent, or is breached or deemed breached by, the assumption of such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease (including any “change of control” provision), then such provision shall be deemed modified such that the transactions contemplated by the Plan shall not entitle the non-Debtor Entity party thereto to terminate such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or to exercise any other default-related rights with respect thereto.

 

  8.2

Claims Based on Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

Unless otherwise provided by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, all Proofs of Claim with respect to Claims arising from the rejection of Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases pursuant to the Plan or the Confirmation Order, if any, must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court within 30 days after the later of (1) the effective date of such rejection, or (2) the Effective Date.

Any Claims arising from the rejection of an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease not filed within such time will be disallowed, forever barred from assertion, and shall not be enforceable against, as applicable, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, or property of any of the foregoing, without the need for any objection by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or further notice to, or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court or any other Entity, and any Claim arising out of the rejection of such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease shall be deemed fully satisfied, released, and discharged, and be subject to the permanent injunction set forth in Section 11.10 of the Plan, notwithstanding anything in the Schedules or a Proof of Claim, as applicable, to the contrary.

Claims arising from the rejection of the Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases shall be classified as General Unsecured Claims in Class 7 and shall be treated in accordance with Section 4.3.7 of the Plan and may be objected to in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Plan and the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules.

 

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  8.3

Objections to and Cure of Defaults for Assumed Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

To the extent a monetary default exists under an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease proposed to be assumed pursuant to the Plan, such monetary default shall be satisfied, pursuant to section 365(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, by payment of the applicable Cure Cost by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, on the Effective Date or promptly thereafter, in the ordinary course of business, or on such other terms as the parties to such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease may otherwise agree. For the avoidance of doubt, Cure Costs may be paid in installments following the Effective Date in a manner consistent with the Bankruptcy Code.

Objections to the assumption of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or any applicable Cure Cost shall be made in accordance with the Solicitation Procedures Order.

Assumption of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease pursuant to the Plan or otherwise shall result in the full release and satisfaction of any Claims held by the non-Debtor Entity party thereto against, or defaults, whether monetary or nonmonetary, including defaults of provisions restricting the change in control or ownership interest composition or other bankruptcy-related defaults, by, the applicable Debtor(s) arising under any assumed Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease at any time prior to the effective date of the assumption; provided, however, that the counterparty to such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease may seek additional amount(s) on account of any defaults occurring between the filing of the notice of assumption and the occurrence of the Effective Date of the Plan.

Any Proofs of Claim filed with respect to an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease that has been assumed shall be deemed disallowed and expunged, without further notice to or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  8.4

Modifications, Amendments, Supplements, Restatements or Other Agreements

Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, each Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease that is assumed shall include all modifications, amendments, supplements, restatements or other agreements that in any manner affect such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease, including easements, licenses, permits, rights, privileges, immunities, options, rights of first refusal and any other interests, unless any of the foregoing agreements has been previously rejected or repudiated or is rejected or repudiated under the Plan.

Modifications, amendments, supplements, and restatements to prepetition Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases that have been executed by the Debtors during the Chapter 11 Cases shall not be deemed to alter the prepetition nature of the Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease, or the validity, priority or amount of any Claims or Interests that may arise in connection therewith.

 

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  8.5

Indemnification and Reimbursement Obligations

On and from the Effective Date, and except as prohibited by applicable law or subject to the limitations set forth herein, the Reorganized Debtors shall be deemed to have assumed all indemnification obligations currently in place for the Debtors’ directors, officers, managers, employees, attorneys, other professionals, and agents, whether in the bylaws, certificates of incorporation (or other formation documents), board resolutions, employment contracts or other agreements of the Debtors.

 

  8.6

Reservation of Rights

Nothing contained in the Plan, nor the Debtors’ delivery of a notice of proposed assumption of a contract or lease to the applicable contract and lease counterparties, shall constitute an admission by the Debtors that any such contract or lease is in fact an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or that any Debtor or Reorganized Debtor would have any liability thereunder.

Notwithstanding any non-bankruptcy law to the contrary, the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve and do not waive any right to receive, or any continuing obligation of a counterparty to provide, warranties or continued maintenance obligations on goods previously purchased, or services previously received, by the contracting Debtors from counterparties to rejected Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases.

 

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9.

PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISTRIBUTIONS

 

  9.1

Distribution Agents

The Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, shall have the authority, each in their or its sole discretion, to enter into agreements with one or more Distribution Agents to facilitate the distributions required hereunder. To the extent the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, determine to utilize a Distribution Agent to facilitate any distributions, such Distribution Agent would first be required to: (i) affirm its obligation to facilitate the prompt distribution of any documents, (ii) affirm its obligation to facilitate the prompt distribution of any recoveries or distributions required under the Plan, and (iii) waive any right or ability to set off, deduct from or assert any Lien or other encumbrance against the distributions required under the Plan to be distributed by such Distribution Agent.

The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may pay to the Distribution Agents all of their reasonable and documented fees and expenses without the need for any approvals, authorizations, actions or consents of the Bankruptcy Court or otherwise. The Distribution Agents shall submit detailed invoices to counsel to the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors for all fees and expenses for which the Distribution Agents seek reimbursement, and the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall pay those amounts that they, in their sole discretion, deems reasonable, and shall object in writing to those fees and expenses, if any, that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, deem to be unreasonable. In the event that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, object to all or any portion of the amounts requested to be reimbursed in a Distribution Agent’s invoice, the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and such Distribution Agent shall endeavor, in good faith, to reach mutual agreement on the amount of the appropriate payment of such disputed fees and/or expenses. In the event that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and a Distribution Agent are unable to resolve any differences regarding disputed fees or expenses, either party shall be authorized to move to have such dispute heard by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  9.1.1

Powers of the Distribution Agent

The Distribution Agent shall be empowered to: (i) effect all actions and execute all agreements, instruments and other documents necessary to perform its duties under the Plan, (ii) make all distributions contemplated hereby, (iii) employ professionals to represent it with respect to its responsibilities, and (iv) exercise such other powers as may be vested in the Distribution Agent by order of the Bankruptcy Court, pursuant to the Plan, or as deemed by the Distribution Agent to be necessary and proper to implement the provisions hereof.

 

  9.2

Timing and Delivery of Distributions

 

  9.2.1

Timing

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, distributions to be made under the Plan shall be made on (a) the later of (i) the Effective Date or (ii) the date that a Claim or Interest becomes an Allowed Claim or Interest, or (b) such other date that is determined by the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, in accordance with the Plan. The Reorganized Debtors may commence distributions to beneficiaries of the Estates at any time after the Effective Date, subject to the terms of the Plan and the Confirmation Order.

 

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  9.2.2

De Minimis Distributions

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, none of the Reorganized Debtors nor the Distribution Agent shall have any obligation to make any distributions under the Plan with a value of less than $50, unless a written request therefor is received by the Distribution Agent from the relevant recipient within 120 days after the later of (i) the Effective Date and (ii) the date such Claim or Interest becomes an Allowed Claim or Interest. De minimis distributions for which no such request is timely received shall revert to the Reorganized Debtors. Upon such reversion, the relevant Allowed Claim or Interest of less than $50 (and any Claim or Interest on account of such missed distributions) shall be automatically deemed satisfied, discharged, and forever barred, notwithstanding any federal or state escheat laws to the contrary.

 

  9.2.3

Record Date and Delivery of Distributions

Distributions shall only be made to the record holders of Allowed Claims and Interests as of the Confirmation Date, except as to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, and DIP Claims whose distribution is to be administered by the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee and DIP Agent, respectively, which distributions shall be deposited with the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, and DIP Agent, respectively, for distribution to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims and DIP Claims, respectively, in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the terms of the governing agreement. Distributions on account of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims and DIP Claims shall be deemed completed upon delivery to the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee and DIP Agent, as applicable. On the Confirmation Date, the Claims Register and the Stock Register shall be closed and the Distribution Agent shall be authorized and entitled to recognize only those Holders of Claims or Interests listed on the Claims Register or Stock Register as of the close of business on the Confirmation Date. If a Claim or Interest is transferred 20 or fewer days before the Confirmation Date, the Distribution Agent, at the direction of the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, shall make distributions to the transferee only to the extent practical, and, in any event, only if the relevant transfer form contains an unconditional and explicit certification and waiver of any objection to the transfer by the transferor.

If any dispute arises as to the identity of a Holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest that is entitled to receive a distribution pursuant to the Plan, the Distribution Agent may, in lieu of making such distribution to such Entity, make the distribution into an escrow account until the disposition thereof is determined by Final Order or by written agreement among the interested parties to such dispute.

 

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Except as otherwise provided herein, the Distribution Agent, at the direction of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall make all distributions required under the Plan to Holders of Allowed Claims or Interests. Except as otherwise provided herein, and notwithstanding any authority to the contrary, distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims or Interests shall be made to Holders of record as of the Confirmation Date by the Distribution Agent, as appropriate: (i) to the signatory set forth on any Proof of Claim filed by such Holder or other representative identified therein (or at the last known address of such Holder if no Proof of Claim is filed or if the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or the Distribution Agent have been notified in writing of a change of address), or (ii) at the address set forth in any written notice of change of address delivered to the Notice and Claims Agent. The Reorganized Debtors, the Distribution Agent and the Notice and Claims Agent shall not incur any liability whatsoever on account of the delivery of any distributions under the Plan.

 

  9.3

Manner of Payment Under Plan

 

  9.3.1

Cash Payments

At the Distribution Agent’s option, any Cash payment may be made by check, wire transfer or any other customary payment method.

 

  9.3.2

Allocation of Plan Distributions Between Principal and Interest

To the extent that any Claim entitled to a distribution under the Plan is based upon any obligation or instrument that is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as indebtedness of any Debtor and accrued but unpaid interest thereon, such distribution shall be allocated first to the principal amount of the Claim (as determined for federal income tax purposes) and then, to the extent the consideration exceeds the principal amount of the Claim, to accrued but unpaid interest.

 

  9.3.3

Compliance Matters

In connection with the Plan, to the extent applicable, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors and the Distribution Agent shall comply with all tax withholding and reporting requirements imposed on them by any federal, state, local or foreign tax law, and all distributions pursuant hereto shall be subject to such withholding and reporting requirements. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors and the Distribution Agent shall be authorized to take all actions necessary or appropriate to comply with such withholding and reporting requirements, including withholding in kind, liquidating a portion of the distributions to be made under the Plan to generate sufficient funds to pay applicable withholding taxes, withholding distributions pending receipt of information necessary to facilitate such distributions, or establishing any other mechanisms they believe are reasonable and appropriate. For purposes of the Plan, any withheld amount (or property) shall be treated as if paid to the applicable claimant. Each Reorganized Debtor reserves the right to allocate all distributions made under the Plan in compliance with all applicable wage garnishments, alimony, child support and other spousal awards, liens and encumbrances. Distributions in full or partial satisfaction of Allowed Claims shall be allocated first to trust fund-type taxes, then to other taxes, and then to the principal amount of Allowed Claims, with any excess allocated to unpaid interest that has accrued on such Claims.

 

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  9.3.4

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate

Except as otherwise provided herein or in an order of the Bankruptcy Court, or as agreed to by any Holder and either the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, any Claim or Interest (other than Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims) asserted in a currency other than U.S. dollars shall be automatically deemed converted, as of the Effective Date, to the equivalent U.S. dollar value using the exchange rate on the first Business Day prior to the Petition Date, as quoted at 4:00 p.m. (New York time), at the mid-range spot rate of exchange for the applicable foreign currency as published in The Wall Street Journal, National Edition, on the first Business Day after the Petition Date; provided that instead of such automatic conversion, the Debtors may instead elect, subject to the consent of the Plan Sponsors, to make payments on account of any such Claim or Interest pursuant to the Plan in the applicable foreign currency.

Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims shall be paid in the applicable currency provided in the Prepetition Credit Agreement or Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, respectively, and otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

  9.3.5

Fractional Payments and Distributions

Whenever the Plan would otherwise call for, with respect to a particular Entity, payment of a fraction of a dollar, the actual payment shall reflect a rounding of such fraction to the nearest whole dollar (up or down), with half dollars being rounded down. To the extent that Cash to be distributed under the Plan remain undistributed as a result of the aforementioned rounding, such Cash shall be treated as an Unclaimed Distribution.

 

  9.3.6

Fractional Shares

No fractional shares of GMI Common Stock shall be distributed under the Plan. When any distribution pursuant to the Plan on account of an Allowed Interest would otherwise result in the issuance or delivery of a number of shares of GMI Common Stock that is not a whole number, the actual distribution of shares of GMI Common Stock shall be rounded to the next lower whole number with no further payment or other distribution therefor. The total number of shares of GMI Common Stock to be distributed to holders of Allowed Interests shall be adjusted downward as necessary to account for the rounding provided in this Section 9.3.6.

 

  9.4

Undeliverable Distributions

In the event that any distribution to any Holder is returned as undeliverable, or no address for such Holder is found in the Debtors’ records, no further distribution to such Holder shall be made unless and until the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent is notified in writing of the then-current address of such Holder, at which time such distribution shall be made to such Holder not less than 30 days thereafter. Undeliverable distributions shall remain in the possession of the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent until such time as such distribution becomes deliverable or such distribution reverts to the Reorganized Debtors, or is cancelled pursuant to Section 9.5 herein, and shall not be supplemented with any interest, dividends or other accruals of any kind.

 

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  9.5

Reversion

Any distribution under the Plan, including distributions made by the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent or the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee in accordance with Section 9.2.3 herein, that is an Unclaimed Distribution for a period of six months thereafter, shall be deemed unclaimed property under section 347(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, and such Unclaimed Distribution shall revest in the Reorganized Debtors. Upon such revesting, the Claim or Interest of any Holder or its successors and assigns with respect to such property shall be cancelled, discharged and forever barred, notwithstanding any applicable federal or state escheat, abandoned, or unclaimed property laws to the contrary. The provisions of the Plan regarding undeliverable distributions and Unclaimed Distributions shall apply with equal force to distributions that are issued by the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent made pursuant to any indenture or Certificate, notwithstanding any provision in such indenture or Certificate to the contrary and notwithstanding any otherwise applicable federal or state escheat, abandoned or unclaimed property law.

Nothing contained herein shall require the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent to attempt to locate any Holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest whose distribution is declared an undeliverable or an Unclaimed Distribution.

 

  9.6

Claims or Interests Paid by Third Parties

No distributions under the Plan shall be made on account of an Allowed Claim that is payable under one of the Debtors’ Insurance Policies until the Holder of such Allowed Claim has exhausted all remedies with respect to such Insurance Policy.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, payments to Holders of Claims covered by an Insurance Policy and otherwise payable under the Plan shall be made from the proceeds of such Insurance Policy in accordance with the provisions of any such applicable Insurance Policy. Nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any Cause of Action that the Debtors or any Entity may hold against any other Entity, including Insurers, nor shall anything contained herein constitute or be deemed a waiver by such insurers of any rights or defenses, including coverage defenses, held by Insurers.

To the extent a Creditor receives a distribution on account of a Claim or Interest and also receives payment from a party that is not a Debtor, Reorganized Debtor or Distribution Agent on account of such Claim or Interest, such Creditor shall, within 30 calendar days of receipt thereof, repay and/or return the distribution to the Reorganized Debtor to the extent the Creditor’s total recovery on account of such Claim or Interest from the third party and under the Plan exceeds the amount of the Claim or Interest as of the date of any such distribution under the Plan.

 

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  9.7

Setoffs

Except as otherwise provided herein, a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, or as agreed to by the Holder and the Reorganized Debtors, each as applicable, pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code (including section 553 thereof), applicable non-bankruptcy law, or such terms as may be agreed to by the Holder and the Reorganized Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors may, without any further notice to, or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, set off against any Allowed Claim or Interest and the distributions to be made on account of such Allowed Claim or Interest (before any distribution is made on account of such Allowed Claim or Interest), any claim, right and Cause of Action of any nature that the Reorganized Debtors, each as applicable, may hold against the Holder of such Allowed Claim or Interest, to the extent such claim, right or Cause of Action against such Holder has not been otherwise compromised or settled on or prior to the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the Plan or otherwise); provided that neither the failure to effect such a setoff nor the allowance of any Claim or Interest pursuant to the Plan shall constitute a waiver or release by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors of any such Claims or Interests, rights and Causes of Action that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may possess against or in such Holder. In no event shall any Holder of a Claim or Interest be entitled to set off any Claim or Interest against any Claim or Interest, right, or Cause of Action of a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, unless such Holder has filed a Proof of Claim in these Chapter 11 Cases preserving such setoff and a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court has been entered, authorizing and approving such setoff.

 

  9.8

No Postpetition Interest on Claims

Unless otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan, the Final DIP Order or the Confirmation Order, required by applicable law, or agreed to by the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, no Holder of a Claim or Interest against the Debtors shall be entitled to interest accruing on or after the Petition Date with respect to such Claim or Interest, notwithstanding any dispute or other delay with respect to any distribution.

 

  9.9

No Payment Over the Full Amount

In no event shall a Holder of a Claim or Interest receive more than the full payment of such Claim or Interest. To the extent any Holder has received payment in full with respect to a Claim or Interest, such Claim or Interest shall be expunged without an objection to such Claim or Interest having been filed and without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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10.

CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES

 

  10.1

Administration Responsibilities

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, after the Effective Date the Reorganized Debtors shall have the sole authority to (i) file, withdraw or litigate to judgment objections to Claims or Interests, (ii) settle or compromise any Disputed Claim without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, and (iii) administer and adjust, or cause to be administered and adjusted, the Claims Register to reflect any such settlements or compromises without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court. Nothing in this Section 10.1 shall limit the ability under the Bankruptcy Code of any party-in-interest to object to any Claim or Interest unless otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  10.2

Estimation of Claims

Before the Effective Date, the Debtors, or after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, may, within their reasonable discretion, at any time request that the Bankruptcy Court estimate any Disputed Claim that is contingent or unliquidated pursuant to section 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, regardless of whether any party previously has objected to such Claim or whether the Bankruptcy Court has ruled on any such objection, and the Bankruptcy Court shall retain jurisdiction to estimate any such Claim, including during the litigation of any objection to any Claim or during the appeal relating to such objection.

Claims may be estimated and subsequently compromised, settled, withdrawn or resolved by any mechanism approved by the Bankruptcy Court or under the Plan. No Claims held by Honeywell (including the Honeywell Plan Claims) shall be subject to any estimation proceeding.

 

  10.3

Expungement and Disallowance of Paid, Satisfied, Amended, Duplicated, or Superseded Claims or Interests

Any Claim or Interest that has been paid, satisfied, amended, duplicated or superseded may be adjusted or expunged on the Claims Register by the Reorganized Debtors on or after 14 calendar days after the date on which notice of such adjustment or expungement has been filed with the Bankruptcy Court, without an objection to such Claim or Interest having to be filed, and without any further action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  10.4

Amendments to Proofs of Claim

On or after the Effective Date, a Proof of Claim may not be amended (other than solely to update or correct the name or address of the Holder of such Claim) without the prior authorization of the Bankruptcy Court or the Reorganized Debtors, and any such amended Proof of Claim filed without such prior authorization shall be deemed disallowed in full and expunged without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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  10.5

No Distributions Pending Allowance

If an objection to the amount, validity, priority, or classification of a Claim or Interest or a portion thereof is filed or is intended to be filed as set forth herein or a Claim or Interest otherwise remains a Disputed Claim or Interest, except as otherwise provided in a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, no payment or distribution provided under the Plan shall be made on account of such Claim or Interest or portion thereof, as applicable, unless and until such Disputed Claim becomes an Allowed Claim or Interest.

 

  10.6

Distributions After Allowance

To the extent that a Disputed Claim or Interest ultimately becomes a finally Allowed Claim or Interest, distributions (if any) shall be made to the Holder of such Allowed Claim or Interest in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan.

 

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11.

EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION

 

  11.1

Vesting of Assets

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in any contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created pursuant to the Plan or in the Confirmation Order, upon the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 1141(b) and (c) of the Bankruptcy Code, all property (including all interests, rights and privileges related thereto) of each of the Debtors shall vest in each of the respective Reorganized Debtors free and clear of all Claims, Liens, encumbrances, charges and Interests. All Liens, Claims, encumbrances, charges and Interests shall be deemed fully released and discharged as of the Effective Date, except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, as of the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may operate their businesses and may use, acquire, and dispose of property and settle and compromise Claims and Interests without supervision or approval by the Bankruptcy Court and free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and the Local Rules and in all respects as if there were no pending cases under any chapter or provision of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Debtors.

 

  11.2

Compromise and Settlement of Claims and Controversies

Pursuant to sections 363 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, and in consideration for the distributions and other benefits provided pursuant to the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall constitute a good-faith compromise of all Claims, Causes of Action and controversies relating to the contractual, legal and subordination rights that a Holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest may have against any Debtor, or any distribution to be made on account of such an Allowed Claim or Interest. The entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the compromise or settlement of all such Claims or controversies and the Bankruptcy Court’s finding that such compromise or settlement is in the best interests of the Debtors and their Estates and is fair, equitable and reasonable. In accordance with the provisions of the Plan, pursuant to sections 363 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019(a), without any further notice or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may compromise and settle Claims against them and Causes of Action against other entities.

 

  11.3

Subordinated Claims

The allowance, classification and treatment of all Allowed Claims and Interests and the respective distributions and treatments under the Plan take into account, conform to, and satisfy the relative priority and rights of the Claims and Interests in each Class in connection with any contractual, legal and equitable subordination rights relating thereto; provided, however, that the Debtors reserve the right to reclassify or modify the treatment of any Allowed Claim or Interest in accordance with any contractual, legal, or equitable subordination relating thereto, unless otherwise provided in a settlement agreement concerning such Allowed Claim or Interest, provided, further, that in no event shall the Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, or DIP Claims be reclassified or subordinated pursuant to section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code, principles of equitable subordination or otherwise.

 

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  11.4

Release of Liens

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, or in any contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created pursuant to the Plan or the Confirmation Order, on the Effective Date and concurrently with the applicable distributions made pursuant to the Plan and, in the case of a DIP Claim or Secured Claim, indefeasible payment and satisfaction in full in cash of the portion of the DIP Claim or Secured Claim that is Allowed as of the Effective Date in accordance with the Plan, all mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests against any property of the Estates shall be fully released, settled, discharged and compromised, and all rights, titles and interests of any holder of such mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests against any property of the Estates shall revert to the applicable Debtor and its successors and assigns. The Debtors, or after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall be authorized to file any necessary or desirable documents to evidence such release in the name of the party secured by such pre-Effective Date mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests.

 

  11.5

Discharge

Pursuant to and to the fullest extent permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, the treatment of Claims and Interests under the Plan shall be in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release, discharge and termination, as of the Effective Date, of all Claims of any nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, against, and Interests in, the Debtors, any property of the Estates, or any property of the Reorganized Debtors, including all Claims of the kind specified in section 502(g), 502(h) or 502(i) of the Bankruptcy Code, in each case whether or not: (i) a Proof of Claim or Interest based upon such Claim, debt, right or Interest is filed or deemed filed pursuant to section 501 of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) a Claim or Interest based upon such Claim, liability, obligation or Interest is Allowed pursuant to section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (iii) the Holder of such a Claim, liability, obligation or Interest has accepted the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein, any default by the Debtors or their Affiliates with respect to any Claim that existed immediately prior to or on account of the filing of these Chapter 11 Cases shall be deemed cured on the Effective Date.

 

  11.6

Term of Injunction or Stays

Unless otherwise provided herein, any injunction or stay arising under or entered during the Chapter 11 Cases under section 105 or 362 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise that is in existence on the Confirmation Date shall remain in full force and effect until the later of the Effective Date and the date indicated in the order providing for such injunction or stay.

 

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  11.7

Release by the Debtors

For good and valuable consideration, including the service of the Released Parties to facilitate the administration of the Chapter 11 Cases and the implementation of the transactions contemplated by the Plan, on and after the Effective Date, the Released Parties shall be released and discharged by the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors and their Estates, including any successor and assign to the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or any estate representative, from all claims, obligations, rights, suits, damages, causes of action, remedies and liabilities whatsoever, including any derivative claims asserted or assertable on behalf of a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, and its successors, assigns, and representatives, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities laws or otherwise, including those that any of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or their Estates would have been legally entitled to assert in their own right (whether individually or collectively) or on behalf of the holder of any Claim or Interest or any other Person, based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, the conduct of the businesses of the Debtors, these Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, the release or discharge of any mortgage, lien or security interest, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the administration of Claims and Interests prior to or during these Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, dissemination, implementation, administration, confirmation and/or effectuation of the Restructuring Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof), the Plan Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof, including the Coordination Agreement), the Equity Commitment Letters, the Debt Commitment Letters, the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Plan, any plan supplement, any disclosure statement or, in each case, related agreements, instruments or other documents, any action or omission with respect to intercompany claims and intercompany settlements, any action or omission as an officer, director, agent, representative, fiduciary, controlling Person, member, manager, affiliate or responsible party, or upon any other act or omission, transaction, agreement, event, or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date of the Plan, other than claims or liabilities arising out of or relating to any act or omission of a Released Party to the extent such act or omission is determined by a final order in a court of competent jurisdiction to have constituted gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, or a criminal act.

 

  11.8

Exculpation

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, as of the Effective Date, the Debtors and their respective directors, officers, employees, attorneys, investment bankers, financial advisors, restructuring advisors and other professional advisors, representatives and agents will be deemed to have solicited acceptances of this Plan in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code and any applicable non-bankruptcy law, rule or regulation governing the adequacy of disclosure in connection with the solicitation.

 

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The Exculpated Parties shall neither have nor incur any liability arising on or after the Petition Date to any Entity for any act or omission in connection with these Chapter 11 Cases, including (i) the operation of the Debtors’ businesses during the pendency of these Chapter 11 Cases; (ii) the administration of Claims and Interests during these Chapter 11 Cases; (iii) formulating, negotiating, preparing, disseminating, implementing, administering, confirming and/or effecting the Restructuring Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof), the Plan Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof, including the Coordination Agreement), the Equity Commitment Letters, the Debt Commitment Letters, the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, any disclosure statement, the Plan, any plan supplement, and any related contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection therewith (including the solicitation of votes for the Plan or other actions taken in furtherance of confirmation or consummation of the Plan); (iv) the offer or issuance of any securities under or in connection with the Plan; or (v) the administration or adjudication of Claims, other than liability resulting from any act or omission that is determined by final order in a court of competent jurisdiction to have constituted gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud or a criminal act.

 

  11.9

Voluntary Release by Holders of Claims and Interests

For good and valuable consideration, including the service of the Released Parties to facilitate the administration of the Chapter 11 Cases, the implementation of the reorganization contemplated by the Plan, the release of mortgages, liens and security interests on property of the Estates, and distributions made pursuant to the Plan, on and after the Effective Date, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Releasing Parties (regardless of whether a Releasing Party is a Released Party) shall be deemed to conclusively, absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably and forever release, waive and discharge the Released Parties of any and all claims, obligations, rights, suits, damages, causes of action, remedies and liabilities whatsoever, including any derivative claims asserted or assertable on behalf of a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor and its successors, assigns, and representatives, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities laws or otherwise, including, those that any of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or their Estates would have been legally entitled to assert in their own right (whether individually or collectively) or on behalf of the holder of any Claim or Interest or any other Person, based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, the conduct of the businesses of the Debtors, these Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the administration of Claims and Interests prior to or during these Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, dissemination, implementation, administration, confirmation and/or effectuation of the Restructuring Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof), the Plan Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof, including the Coordination Agreement), the Equity Commitment Letters, the Debt Commitment Letters, the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Plan, any plan supplement, any disclosure statement or, in each case, related agreements, instruments or other documents, any action or omission with respect to intercompany claims or intercompany settlements, any action or omission as an officer, director, agent, representative, fiduciary, controlling Person, member, manager, affiliate or responsible party, or upon any other act or omission, transaction, agreement, event, or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date of the Plan, other than claims or liabilities arising out of or relating to any act or omission of a Released Party to the extent such act or omission is determined by a final order in a court of competent jurisdiction to have constituted gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, or a criminal act.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Releasing Party shall be deemed to have released (a) any Section 510(b) Claim against the Debtors, or (b) any claim arising from rescission of a purchase or sale of Existing Common Stock or for damages arising from the purchase or sale of Existing Common Stock against one or more of the Debtors’ current or former officers or directors; provided that each Releasing Party shall only be entitled to assert the claims identified in subclause (b) above as a member of a class in a class action in which such Releasing Party is not a lead plaintiff and to respond to or oppose any objections or challenges to such Releasing Party’s inclusion in such class action.

 

  11.10

Injunction

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, all Persons or Entities who have held, hold or may hold (i) Claims or Interests that arose prior to the Effective Date, (ii) Causes of Action that have been released pursuant to Sections 11.7 and 11.9 of the Plan or are subject to exculpation pursuant to Section 11.8 of the Plan (but only to the extent of the exculpation provided in Section 11.8 of the Plan), or (iii) Claims, Interests or Causes of Action that are otherwise discharged, satisfied, stayed, or terminated pursuant to the terms of the Plan and all other parties-in-interest seeking to enforce such Claims, Interests or Causes of Action are permanently enjoined, from and after the Effective Date, from (a) commencing or continuing in any manner any action or other proceeding of any kind with respect to any such Claim (including a section 510(b) Claim) against or Interest in the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or property of any Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, other than to enforce any right to a distribution pursuant to the Plan, (b) the enforcement, attachment, collection or recovery by any manner or means of any judgment, award, decree or order against the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors or property of any Debtors or Reorganized Debtors with respect to any such Claim or Interest, other than to enforce any right to a distribution pursuant to the Plan, (c) creating, perfecting or enforcing any Lien or encumbrance of any kind against the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or against the property or interests in property of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors with respect to any such Claim or Interest, other than to enforce any right to a distribution pursuant to the Plan, or (d) asserting any right of setoff (except for setoffs validly exercised prepetition) or subrogation of any kind against any obligation due from the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or against the property or interests in property of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, with respect to any such Claim or Interest. Such injunction shall extend to any successors or assignees of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors and their respective properties and interests in properties.

 

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  11.11

Scope of Releases

Each Person providing releases under the Plan, including the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, their Estates and the Releasing Parties, shall be deemed to have granted the releases set forth in the Plan notwithstanding that such Person may hereafter discover facts in addition to, or different from, those which it now knows or believes to be true, and without regard to the subsequent discovery or existence of such different or additional facts, and such Person expressly waives any and all rights that it may have under any statute or common law principle which would limit the effect of such releases to those claims or causes of action actually known or suspected to exist at the time of execution of such release.

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein, including, without limitation, the releases, waivers, and exculpations provided in Sections 11.7–11.9, shall constitute a release, waiver, discharge, or limitation of any kind of any rights, liabilities, or obligations arising under the Plan or any other agreement, document or instrument executed in connection with the Plan.

 

  11.12

Honeywell and Debtor Mutual Release

For good and valuable consideration, on the Effective Date, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, and their Estates, including any successor and assign to the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or any Estate representative, shall release any and all Claims and Causes of Action, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity, or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities law, or otherwise, against Honeywell and its Related Parties based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part (i) the spin-off of the Debtors by Honeywell, (ii) the Honeywell Terminated Agreements, and (iii) all actions taken in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases (whether arising prior to or after the Petition Date) before the Effective Date; provided that such release shall not include any Excluded Ordinary Course Claims.

For good and valuable consideration, on the Effective Date, Honeywell shall release any and all Claims and Causes of Action, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities law, or otherwise, against the Debtors and its Related Parties based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part (i) the spin-off of the Debtors by Honeywell (and any litigation commenced in connection therewith), (ii) the Honeywell Terminated Agreements, and (iii) all actions taken in connection with the Debtors’ chapter 11 cases (whether arising prior to or after the Petition Date) before the Effective Date; provided that such release shall not include any Excluded Ordinary Course Claims.

 

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  11.13

Preservation of Causes of Action

Except as expressly provided in this Section 11 of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any rights or Causes of Action that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may have or that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may choose to assert on behalf of the Estates under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable non-bankruptcy law, including (i) any and all Causes of Action or Claims against any Person or Entity, to the extent such Person or Entity asserts a cross-claim, counterclaim and/or claim for setoff that seeks affirmative relief against the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, and in each case, their officers, directors or representatives or (ii) the turnover of any property of the Estates to the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors.

No Entity may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan, the Plan Supplement or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as any indication that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, will not pursue any and all available Causes of Action against them. The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve all rights to prosecute any and all Causes of Action against any Entity, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.

Except as set forth in this Section 11 of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any rights or Causes of Action that the Debtors had immediately prior to the Petition Date or the Effective Date against or regarding any Claim or Interest left Unimpaired by the Plan. The Reorganized Debtors shall have, retain, reserve, and be entitled to assert all such rights and Causes of Action as fully as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced, and all of the Reorganized Debtors’ legal and equitable rights respecting any Claim or Interest left Unimpaired by the Plan may be asserted after the Confirmation Date to the same extent as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced.

Except as set forth in this Section 11 of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to release any post-Effective Date obligations of any party under the Plan, or any document, instrument or agreement (including those set forth in the Plan Supplement) executed to implement the Plan.

Unless any Causes of Action against an Entity are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised or settled in the Plan, including pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan or a Final Order, the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve all Causes of Action for later adjudication and, therefore, no preclusion doctrine, including the doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable or otherwise), or laches shall apply to such Causes of Action upon, after, or as a consequence of the Confirmation or occurrence of the Effective Date.

 

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12.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN

 

  12.1

Conditions to Effectiveness

The following are conditions precedent to the occurrence of the Effective Date, each of which must be satisfied on or prior to the Effective Date or waived in accordance with Section 12.2 of the Plan:

 

  i.

All definitive documentation for the Restructuring Transactions have been executed and remain in full force and effect;

 

  ii.

The Bankruptcy Court has entered the Confirmation Order, in form and substance consistent with the Plan Support Agreement and the Restructuring Support Agreement, which shall be in full force and effect, and shall not have been stayed, modified or vacated on appeal;

 

  iii.

The Debtors have filed the final version of the Plan, any supplement thereto, and all of the schedules, documents and exhibits contained therein, and all other schedules, documents, supplements and exhibits to the Plan;

 

  iv.

The Plan Support Agreement has not been terminated by the Debtors, Honeywell, the Plan Sponsors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Additional Investors, and remains in full force and effect;

 

  v.

The Equity Commitment Letters remain in full force and effect and have not been terminated in accordance with their terms;

 

  vi.

The Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement remains in full force and effect and has not been terminated in accordance with its terms;

 

  vii.

The Debtors have obtained all applicable authorizations, consents, regulatory approvals, rulings, or documents that are necessary to implement and effectuate the Plan (and all applicable waiting periods have expired);

 

  viii.

The Debtors have implemented the Restructuring Transactions in a manner consistent with the Plan and the Plan Support Agreement;

 

  ix.

The Rights Offering has been conducted in accordance with the Rights Offering Procedures;

 

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  x.

No governmental entity or federal or state court of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law or order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent), in any case which is in effect and which prevents or prohibits consummation of the Plan, and no governmental entity has instituted any action or proceeding (which remains pending at what would otherwise be the Effective Date) seeking to enjoin, restrain or otherwise prohibit consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Plan;

 

  xi.

All Ad Hoc Lender Group Expenses have been paid in full in Cash as provided in the Restructuring Support Agreement;

 

  xii.

All Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee Expenses have been paid in full in Cash; and

 

  xiii.

All Transaction Expenses then known or submitted to the Debtors have been paid in full or reimbursed when due in Cash, or a customary professional fee escrow has been established and funded on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, the Requisite Additional Investors, and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders.

 

  12.2

Waiver of Conditions to Confirmation or Effectiveness

Except as set forth below, subject to the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Plan Support Agreement, and upon the prior written consent of Honeywell, the Plan Sponsors, the Requisite Additional Investors, and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders (to the extent of their consent rights as provided in the Plan Support Agreement) collectively, the Debtors may waive any of the conditions set forth in Section 12.1 of the Plan at any time, without any notice to other parties-in-interest or the Bankruptcy Court and without any formal action other than proceeding to confirm and/or consummate the Plan; provided, however, that the prior written consent of the Requisite Consenting Lenders shall be necessary to waive any such condition over which the Requisite Consenting Lenders have a consent right pursuant to the Restructuring Support Agreement. Subject to the Restructuring Support Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement, the failure of the Debtors to exercise any of the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any other rights, and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right, which may be asserted at any time.

 

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13.

MODIFICATION, REVOCATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF THE PLAN

 

  13.1

Plan Modifications

Subject to the Restructuring Support Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement, including all consent rights contained therein, certain restrictions and requirements set forth in section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3019, and those restrictions on modifications set forth in the Plan, the Debtors may alter, amend or modify the Plan as it applies to any particular Debtor, including the Plan Supplement, without additional disclosure pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code prior to the Confirmation Date. After the Confirmation Date and before substantial consummation of the Plan, the Debtors may institute proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to remedy any defect or omission or reconcile any inconsistencies in the Plan, including the Plan Supplement, the Disclosure Statement, or the Confirmation Order, relating to such matters as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and effects of the Plan.

After the Confirmation Date, but before the Effective Date, subject to the reasonable consent of the Plan Sponsors and any applicable consent rights set forth in the Plan Support Agreement or the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Debtors may make appropriate technical adjustments and modifications to the Plan, including the Plan Supplement, without further order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court; provided, that such adjustments and modifications do not materially and adversely affect the treatment of holders of Claims or Interests and are otherwise permitted under section 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code; provided further, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Debtors may not modify or seek to modify the treatment of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims or DIP Claims without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders (as defined in the Prepetition Credit Agreement) or DIP Required Lenders, as applicable (with email from counsel being sufficient in each case).

 

  13.2

Effect of Confirmation on Modification

Entry of a Confirmation Order shall mean that all modifications and amendments to the Plan since the solicitation thereof are approved pursuant to section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, and do not require additional disclosure or resolicitation under Bankruptcy Rule 3019.

 

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  13.3

Revocation or Withdrawal of the Plan and Effects of Non-Occurrence of Confirmation or Effective Date

Subject to the Restructuring Support Agreement and the Plan Support Agreement, the Debtors reserve the right to revoke, withdraw, or delay consideration of the Plan before the Confirmation Date, either entirely or as to any one or more of the Debtors. If the Plan is revoked, withdrawn, or delayed as to fewer than all of the Debtors, such revocation, withdrawal or delay shall not affect the enforceability of the Plan as it relates to the Debtors for which the Plan is not revoked, withdrawn, or delayed. If the Debtors revoke or withdraw the Plan in its entirety or if the Confirmation Date or the Effective Date does not occur, then, absent further order of the Bankruptcy Court, (i) the Plan shall be null and void in all respects, (ii) any settlement or compromise not previously approved by Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court embodied in the Plan (including the fixing or limiting to an amount certain any Claim or Interest or Class of Claims or Interests), assumption or rejection of executory contracts or leases effected by the Plan, and any document or agreement executed pursuant hereto shall be deemed null and void, and (iii) nothing contained in the Plan shall (A) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims by or against, or any Interests in, such Debtors or any other Person or Entity, (B) prejudice in any manner the rights of such Debtors or any other Person or Entity or (C) constitute an admission of any sort by the Debtors or any other Person or Entity.

If the Effective Date does not occur, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain jurisdiction over any request to extend the deadline for assuming or rejecting Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases.

 

72


14.

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT

Notwithstanding the entry of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain its existing jurisdiction over all matters arising in or out of, or related to, the Chapter 11 Cases or the Plan pursuant to sections 105(a) and 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code, including jurisdiction to:

 

  i.

Allow, disallow, determine, liquidate, classify, estimate, or establish the priority, secured or unsecured status, or amount of any Claim or Interest, including the resolution of any request for payment of any Administrative Expense Claim and the resolution of any and all objections to the secured or unsecured status, priority, amount, or allowance of Claims or Interests;

 

  ii.

Decide and resolve all matters related to the granting and denying, in whole or in part, any applications for allowance of compensation or reimbursement of expenses to Professionals authorized pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or the Plan;

 

  iii.

Resolve any matters related to: (i) the assumption, assumption and assignment, or rejection of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease and, if necessary, liquidate, any Claims arising therefrom, including any disputes regarding cure obligations in accordance with the Plan, (ii) any potential contractual obligation under any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease that is assumed, and (iii) any dispute regarding whether a contract or lease is, or was, executory or expired;

 

  iv.

Ensure that distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims or Interests are accomplished pursuant to the Plan and adjudicate any and all disputes from, or relating to, distributions under the Plan;

 

  v.

Adjudicate, decide or resolve any motions, adversary proceedings, contested or litigated matters, and any other matters and Causes of Action, and grant or deny any applications, involving a Debtor that may be pending before the Bankruptcy Court on the Effective Date;

 

  vi.

Adjudicate, decide or resolve any and all matters related to section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

  vii.

Enter and implement such orders as may be necessary or appropriate to execute, implement, or consummate the provisions of the Plan and all contracts, instruments, releases, indentures, and other agreements or documents created in connection with the Plan, Plan Supplement, or Disclosure Statement;

 

73


  viii.

Enter and enforce any order for the sale of property pursuant to sections 363, 1123, or 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

  ix.

Adjudicate, decide, or resolve any and all disputes as to the ownership of any Claim or Interest;

 

  x.

Issue injunctions, enter and implement other orders, or take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to restrain interference by any Person or Entity with enforcement of the Plan;

 

  xi.

Resolve any cases, controversies, suits, disputes, or Causes of Action with respect to the existence, nature, and scope of the releases, injunctions, and other provisions contained in the Plan, and enter such orders as may be necessary or appropriate to implement and enforce such releases, injunctions, and other provisions;

 

  xii.

Enter and implement such orders as are necessary or appropriate if the Confirmation Order is for any reason modified, stayed, reversed, revoked, or vacated;

 

  xiii.

Determine any other matters that may arise in connection with or relate to the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the Disclosure Statement, the Confirmation Order or any contract, instrument, release, indenture, or other agreement or document created in connection with the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or the Disclosure Statement;

 

  xiv.

Enter an order or final decree concluding or closing the Chapter 11 Cases;

 

  xv.

Consider any modifications of the Plan, to cure any defect or omission or to reconcile any inconsistency in any Bankruptcy Court order, including the Confirmation Order;

 

  xvi.

Hear and determine disputes, cases, controversies, or Causes of Action arising in connection with the interpretation, implementation, or enforcement of the Plan, Confirmation Order, or any other agreement, document or instrument executed in connection with the Plan;

 

  xvii.

Hear and determine all disputes involving the existence, nature or scope of the Debtors’ discharge;

 

  xviii.

Hear and determine matters concerning state, local or federal taxes in accordance with sections 346, 505, or 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

74


  xix.

Enforce all orders previously entered by the Bankruptcy Court; and

 

  xx.

Adjudicate all other matters over which the Bankruptcy Court has jurisdiction;

provided, however, that the Bankruptcy Court shall not retain jurisdiction over disputes concerning documents contained in the Plan Supplement or any other Restructuring Documents, in each case, that have a jurisdictional, forum selection or dispute resolution clause that refers disputes to a different court, or allows Entities to bring disputes to a different court, and any disputes concerning documents contained in the Plan Supplement or any other Restructuring Document that contain such clauses shall be governed in accordance with the provisions of such documents.

 

75


15.

MISCELLANEOUS

 

  15.1

Expedited Tax Determination

The Reorganized Debtors may request an expedited determination of taxes under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code for all returns filed for or on behalf of the Reorganized Debtors for all taxable periods ending on or before the Effective Date.

 

  15.2

Plan Supplement

Draft forms of certain documents, agreements, instruments, schedules, and exhibits specified in the Plan shall, where expressly so provided for in the Plan, be contained in the Plan Supplement and filed from time to time.

 

  15.3

Additional Documents

The Debtors, Reorganized Debtors, all Holders of Claims or Interests receiving distributions hereunder, and all other parties-in-interest may and shall, from time to time, prepare, execute, and deliver any agreements or documents and take any other actions as may be necessary or advisable to effectuate the provisions and intent of the Plan.

 

  15.4

Exhibits; Schedules; Plan Supplement

All exhibits and schedules to the Plan, including the Plan Supplement, are incorporated into and are a part of the Plan as if set forth in full herein.

 

  15.5

Claims Against Other Debtors

Nothing in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement or any document or pleading filed in connection therewith shall constitute or be deemed to constitute an admission that any of the Debtors are subject to or liable for any Claim against any other Debtor.

 

  15.6

Nonseverability

If, prior to Confirmation, any term or provision of the Plan is held by the Bankruptcy Court to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the Bankruptcy Court shall not have the power to alter such term or provision to make it valid or enforceable; provided that, at the request of the Debtors, with the reasonable consent of the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, the Requisite Additional Investors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Lenders, in each case, solely and as to the extent their respective rights are affected by such provision, the Bankruptcy Court shall have the power to alter such term or provision to make it valid and enforceable to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the original purpose of the term or provision held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, and such term shall then be applicable as altered to the extent any such alteration is reasonably acceptable to the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, the Requisite Additional Investors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Lenders; provided, further, that the Honeywell Settlement is not assignable, transferrable, or portable, and Honeywell shall not be required to proceed with the Honeywell Settlement other than pursuant to the terms of the Plan. Notwithstanding any such holding or alteration, the remainder of the terms and provisions of the Plan will remain in full force and effect and will in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated by such holding or alteration; provided, however, that the votes of holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims shall be resolicited if any such holding or alteration renders the treatment of the Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims hereunder different from the treatment of such Claims provided by the Restructuring Support Agreement without the consent of Requisite Consenting Lenders. The Confirmation Order shall constitute a judicial determination and shall provide that each term and provision of the Plan, as it may have been altered in accordance with the foregoing, is: (i) valid and enforceable pursuant to its terms, (ii) integral to the Plan and may not be deleted or modified without the reasonable consent of the Debtors, and as provided in the Plan Support Agreement or Restructuring Support Agreement, as applicable, the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, the Requisite Additional Investors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Lenders and (iii) nonseverable and mutually dependent.

 

76


  15.7

Governing Law

Unless a rule of law or procedure is supplied by federal law (including the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules) or unless otherwise specifically stated herein or therein, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws, shall govern the construction and implementation of the Plan and any agreement, document or instrument executed or entered into in connection with the Plan (except as otherwise set forth in those agreements, in which case the governing law of such agreement shall control); provided that corporate or limited liability company governance matters relating to the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, not incorporated or formed (as applicable) in the State of New York shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation (as applicable) of the applicable Debtor or Reorganized Debtor.

 

  15.8

Dissolution of Committees

After the Effective Date, the Committees’ functions shall be restricted to and shall not be heard on any issue except applications filed pursuant to sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code. Upon the resolution of all matters set forth in the prior sentence, the Committees shall dissolve, and the members thereof shall be released and discharged from all rights and duties arising from, or related to, the Chapter 11 Cases.

 

  15.9

Binding Effect

Notwithstanding Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e), 6004(h), or 7062 or otherwise, upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the terms of the Plan and the Plan Supplement shall be immediately effective and enforceable and deemed binding upon the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, any and all Holders of Claims and Interests (irrespective of whether Holders of such Claims or Interests are deemed to have accepted the Plan), all Entities that are parties to or are subject to the settlements, compromises, releases, discharges and injunctions described in the Plan, each Entity acquiring property under the Plan and any and all non-Debtor parties to Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases with the Debtors.

 

77


  15.10

Notices

To be effective, any notice, request or demand to or upon, as applicable, the Debtors, the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, the Ad Hoc Lender Group, the DIP Agent, the UCC, the Equity Committee, the Plan Sponsors, Honeywell, the Additional Investors, and the U.S. Trustee must be in writing (email being sufficient) and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when actually received and confirmed by the relevant party as follows:

 

If to the Debtors:

Garrett Motion Inc.

47548 Halyard Drive

Plymouth, MI 48170
Attention:    General Counsel
with a copy to:

Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004
Attention:    Andrew G. Dietderich (dietdericha@sullcrom.com)
   Brian D. Glueckstein (gluecksteinb@sullcrom.com)
   Alexa J. Kranzley (kranzleyj@sullcrom.com)
   Benjamin S. Beller (bellerb@sullcrom.com)
Telephone:    (212) 558-4000
Facsimile:    (212) 558-3588
If to the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent:

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP

180 Maiden Lane

New York, New York 10038
Attention:    Kristopher M. Hansen (khansen@stroock.com)
   Jonathan D. Canfield (jcanfield@stroock.com)
   Joanne Lau (jlau@stroock.com)
   Alexander A. Fraser (afraser@stroock.com)
Telephone:    (212) 806-6056
Facsimile:    (212) 806-6006

 

78


If to the Ad Hoc Lender Group:
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Attention:    Scott J. Greenberg (sgreenberg@gibsondunn.com)
   Steven A. Domanowski (sdomanowski@gibsondunn.com)
   Robert A. Klyman (rklyman@gibsondunn.com)
   Matthew G. Bouslog (mbouslog@gibsondunn.com)
Telephone:    (212) 351-5928
Facsimile:    (212) 716-0798
If to the DIP Agent:
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
Attention:    Ray C. Schrock, P.C. (ray.schrock@weil.com)
   Candace M. Arthur, Esq. (candace.arthur@weil.com)
Telephone:    (212) 310-8000
Facsimile:    (212) 310-8007
If to the UCC:
White & Case LLP
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attention:    Brian Pfeiffer (brian.pfeiffer@whitecase.com)
   John Ramirez (john.ramirez@whitecase.com)
Telephone:    (212) 819-8200
Facsimile:    (212) 354-8113
If to the Equity Committee:
Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP
1633 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
Attention:    Andrew K. Glenn (aglenn@kasowitz.com)
   David S. Rosner (drosner@kasowitz.com)
   Matthew B. Stein (mstein@kasowitz.com)
   Shai Schmidt (sschmidt@kasowtiz.com)
Telephone:    (212) 506-1700
Facsimile:    (212) 506-1800

 

79


If to the Plan Sponsors:

Milbank LLP

55 Hudson Yards

New York, New York 10003
Attention:    Dennis F. Dunne (ddunne@milbank.com)
   Andrew M. Leblanc (aleblanc@milbank.com)
   Mattbew L. Brod (mbrod@milbank.com)
   Andrew C. Harmeyer (aharmeyer@milbank.com)
Telephone:    (212) 530-5000
Facsimile:    (212) 530-5219
If to the Additional Investors:

Jones Day

250 Vesey Street

New York, New York 10281
Attention:    Anna Kordas (akordas@jonesday.com)
Telephone:    (212) 326-3939
Facsimile:    (212) 755-7306
-and-   

Jones Day

555 S. Flower St.

50th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention:    Bruce Bennett (bbennett@jonesday.com)
   Joshua M. Mester (jmester@jonesday.com)
   James O. Johnston (jjohnston@jonesday.com)
Telephone:    (213) 489-3939
Facsimile:    (213) 243-2539
If to Honeywell:

Honeywell International Inc.

300 South Tryon Street, Suite 600

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Attention:    Anne Madden, SVP and General Counsel
(anne.madden@honeywell.com)

 

80


with copies to:

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022
Attention:    Nicole L. Greenblatt, P.C. (nicole.greenblatt@kirkland.com)
   Alexander J. Nicas (alex.nicas@kirkland.com)
Telephone:    (212) 446-4800
Facsimile:    (212) 446-4900
-and-   

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654
Attention:    Joseph M. Graham (joe.graham@kirkland.com)
   Alexander Warso (alex.warso@kirkland.com)
Telephone:    (312) 862-2000
Facsimile:    (312) 862-2200
If to the U.S. Trustee:
Office of the United States Trustee

U.S. Federal Office Building

201 Varick Street, Suite 1006

New York, New York 10014
Attention:    Paul Schwartzberg
   Benjamin Higgins
Telephone:    (212) 510-0500
Facsimile:    (212) 668-2256

 

  15.11

Reservation of Rights

Except as expressly set forth herein, the Plan shall have no force or effect unless the Bankruptcy Court shall enter the Confirmation Order. Before the Effective Date, none of the filing of the Plan, any statement or provision contained herein or the taking of any action by the Debtors related to the Plan shall be or shall be deemed to be an admission or waiver of any rights of the Debtors of any kind, including as to the holders of Claims or Interests or as to any treatment or classification of any contract or lease.

 

  15.12

No Stay of Confirmation Order

The Confirmation Order shall contain a waiver of any stay of enforcement otherwise applicable, including pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e), 6004(h), or 7062.

 

81


  15.13

Waiver or Estoppel

Each Holder of a Claim or an Interest shall be deemed to have waived any right to assert any argument, including the right to argue that its Claim or Interest should be Allowed in a certain amount, be Allowed in a certain priority, be secured, or not be subordinated by virtue of an agreement made with the Debtors or their counsel, or any other Entity, if such agreement was not disclosed in the Plan, the Disclosure Statement or papers filed with the Bankruptcy Court prior to the Confirmation Date.

 

  15.14

Successors and Assigns

The rights, benefits, and obligations of any Entity named or referred to in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of any heir, executor, administrator, successor or assign, affiliate, officer, director, manager, agent, representative, attorney, beneficiaries, or guardian, if any, of each Entity.

 

  15.15

Entire Agreement

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, and without limiting the effectiveness of the Plan Support Agreement or Restructuring Support Agreement, the Plan and Confirmation Order supersede all previous and contemporaneous negotiations, promises, covenants, agreements, understandings, and representations on such subjects, all of which have become merged and integrated into the Plan.

 

  15.16

Conflicts

Except as set forth in the Plan, to the extent that any provision of the Disclosure Statement, the Plan Supplement, or any other order (other than the Confirmation Order) referenced in the Plan (or any exhibits, schedules, appendices, supplements, or amendments to any of the foregoing), conflict with or are in any way inconsistent with any provision of the Plan, the Plan shall govern and control. In the event of an inconsistency between the Confirmation Order and the Plan, the Confirmation Order shall control.

 

  15.17

Post-Effective Date Service

After the Effective Date, the Debtors are authorized to limit the list of Entities receiving documents pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002 to those Entities that have filed renewed requests for service.

 

82


New York, New York

January 22, 2021

Respectfully Submitted,

SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP

Andrew G. Dietderich

Brian D. Glueckstein

Alexa Kranzley

Benjamin S. Beller

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

Telephone:     (212) 558-4000

Facsimile:      (212) 558-3588

E-mail:           dietdericha@sullcrom.com

                        gluecksteinb@sullcrom.com

                        kranzleya@sullcrom.com

                       bellerb@sullcrom.com

Counsel to the Debtors

 

83

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

 

    x   
In re   :    Chapter 11
  :   
  :    Case No. 20-12212 (MEW)
GARRETT MOTION INC., et al.,1                                            :   
Debtors.                   :    Jointly Administered
  :   
  :   
    x   

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR DEBTORS’ AMENDED JOINT PLAN OF

REORGANIZATION UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE

Andrew G. Dietderich

Brian D. Glueckstein

Alexa J. Kranzley

Benjamin S. Beller

SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, New York 10004

Telephone:    (212) 558-4000

Facsimile:     (212) 558-3588

E-mail:          dietdericha@sullcrom.com

            gluecksteinb@sullcrom.com

            kranzleya@sullcrom.com

            bellerb@sullcrom.com

Dated: January 22, 2021

 

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OF VOTES OF ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN. THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS BEING SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL BUT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT. ACCEPTANCES OR REJECTIONS MAY NOT BE SOLICITED UNTIL A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT. THE INFORMATION IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

 

 

1 

The last four digits of Garrett Motion Inc.’s tax identification number are 3189. Due to the large number of debtor entities in these Chapter 11 Cases, which are being jointly administered, a complete list of the Debtors and the last four digits of their federal tax identification numbers is not provided herein. A complete list of such information may be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ claims and noticing agent at http://www.kccllc.net/garrettmotion. The Debtors’ corporate headquarters is located at La Pièce 16, Rolle, Switzerland.


A SOLICITATION OF VOTES IS BEING CONDUCTED TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT ACCEPTANCES OF THE AMENDED JOINT CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF GARRETT MOTION INC. AND ITS AFFILIATED DEBTORS.

 

THE VOTING DEADLINE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN IS 8:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON MARCH 24, 2021, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE DEBTORS (THE “VOTING DEADLINE”).

THE RECORD DATE FOR DETERMINING WHICH HOLDERS OF CLAIMS MAY VOTE ON THE PLAN IS FEBRUARY 15, 2021 (THE “VOTING RECORD DATE”).

 

RECOMMENDATION BY THE DEBTORS

The Board of Directors of Garrett Motion Inc. and the board of directors, managers or members, as applicable, of each of its affiliated Debtors have approved the transactions contemplated by the Plan (as defined herein) and recommend that all creditors whose votes are being solicited submit ballots to accept the Plan.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (OR THE EQUIVALENT AUTHORIZED BODY) OF EACH OF THE DEBTORS HAS APPROVED THE SOLICITATION OF VOTES TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED AND DESCRIBED HEREIN.

THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING VOTES TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE CHAPTER 11 PLAN IT DESCRIBES HEREIN. NO PERSON SHOULD USE OR RELY ON THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE.

THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO PARTIES-IN-INTEREST AS A SETTLEMENT PROPOSAL AND IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL RULE OF EVIDENCE 408 AND OTHER APPLICABLE RULES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADMISSION OF FACT, LIABILITY, STIPULATION OR WAIVER IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PENDING, THREATENED AND POTENTIAL LITIGATION, ARBITRATIONS OR DISPUTES.

IF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT DOES NOT CONFIRM THE CHAPTER 11 PLAN AND/OR THE CHAPTER 11 PLAN DOES NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE, NO PORTION OF THE CHAPTER 11 PLAN, INCLUDING ANY SETTLEMENTS, WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE.

THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT SUMMARIZES CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND DOCUMENTS RELATED THERETO; STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELEVANT TO CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN; EVENTS IN THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION. ALTHOUGH THE DEBTORS BELIEVE SUCH SUMMARIES ARE FAIR AND ACCURATE, THEY ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY DO NOT SET FORTH THE ENTIRETY OF SUCH DOCUMENTS OR STATUTORY PROVISIONS.

 

ii


FACTUAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY MANAGEMENT OF THE DEBTORS, EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY NOTED.

THE DEBTORS ARE MAKING THE STATEMENTS AND PROVIDING THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AS OF THE DATE HEREOF, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY NOTED. ALTHOUGH THE DEBTORS MAY SUBSEQUENTLY UPDATE THE INFORMATION IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, THE DEBTORS HAVE NO AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO DO SO. HOLDERS OF CLAIMS OR INTERESTS REVIEWING THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT SHOULD NOT INFER THAT, AT THE TIME OF THEIR REVIEW, THE FACTS SET FORTH HEREIN HAVE NOT CHANGED SINCE THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT WAS FILED.

THE FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS PROVIDED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAVE BEEN PREPARED BY MANAGEMENT OF THE DEBTORS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THEIR FINANCIAL ADVISORS. THESE FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS, WHILE PRESENTED WITH NUMERICAL SPECIFICITY, ARE NECESSARILY BASED ON A VARIETY OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS THAT, ALTHOUGH CONSIDERED REASONABLE BY MANAGEMENT, MAY NOT BE REALIZED AND ARE INHERENTLY SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS, ECONOMIC, COMPETITIVE, INDUSTRY, REGULATORY, MARKET AND FINANCIAL UNCERTAINTIES AND CONTINGENCIES, MANY OF WHICH ARE BEYOND THE DEBTORS’ CONTROL. THE DEBTORS CAUTION THAT NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THESE FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS OR THE ABILITY TO ACHIEVE THE PROJECTED RESULTS. SOME ASSUMPTIONS INEVITABLY WILL NOT MATERIALIZE. FURTHER, EVENTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OCCURRING SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE ON WHICH THESE FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS WERE PREPARED MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE ASSUMED AND/OR MAY HAVE BEEN UNANTICIPATED, AND THUS THE OCCURRENCE OF THESE EVENTS MAY AFFECT FINANCIAL RESULTS IN A MATERIALLY ADVERSE OR MATERIALLY BENEFICIAL MANNER. THE FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS, THEREFORE, MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON AS A GUARANTEE OR OTHER ASSURANCE OF THE ACTUAL RESULTS THAT WILL OCCUR.

NO PERSON SHOULD RELY ON ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN. THE DEBTORS HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT OR CONCERNING THE PLAN OTHER THAN THAT WHICH IS CONTAINED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.

 

iii


EACH HOLDER OF A CLAIM OR INTEREST ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE PLAN SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE PLAN AND THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY BEFORE CASTING A BALLOT. THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL, BUSINESS, FINANCIAL OR TAX ADVICE. ANY PERSONS DESIRING ANY SUCH ADVICE OR OTHER ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN ADVISORS.

UPON CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN, CERTAIN OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY SIMILAR FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAW, IN RELIANCE ON THE EXEMPTIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 1145 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE TO THE EXTENT SUCH EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. OTHER SECURITIES MAY BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO OTHER APPLICABLE EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS TO THE EXTENT SUCH EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. TO THE EXTENT EXEMPTIONS UNDER SECTION 1145 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE OR APPLICABLE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW DO NOT APPLY, THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO A VALID EXEMPTION OR UPON REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 1125(e) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE, A DEBTOR OR ANY OF ITS AGENTS THAT PARTICIPATES, IN GOOD FAITH AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE, IN THE OFFER, ISSUANCE, SALE, OR PURCHASE OF A SECURITY, OFFERED OR SOLD UNDER THE PLAN, OF THE DEBTOR, OF AN AFFILIATE PARTICIPATING IN A JOINT PLAN WITH THE DEBTOR, OR OF A NEWLY ORGANIZED SUCCESSOR TO THE DEBTOR UNDER THE PLAN, IS NOT LIABLE, ON ACCOUNT OF SUCH PARTICIPATION, FOR VIOLATION OF ANY APPLICABLE LAW, RULE, OR REGULATION GOVERNING THE OFFER, ISSUANCE, SALE, OR PURCHASE OF SECURITIES.

THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 1125 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND BANKRUPTCY RULE 3016(b) AND NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR OTHER NON-APPLICABLE BANKRUPTCY LAWS. THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE “SEC”), NOR HAS THE SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN.

THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES.

THE DEBTORS MAKE STATEMENTS IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT THAT ARE CONSIDERED FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS UNDER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS. THE DEBTORS CONSIDER ALL STATEMENTS REGARDING ANTICIPATED OR FUTURE MATTERS TO BE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.

 

iv


STATEMENTS CONCERNING THESE AND OTHER MATTERS ARE NOT GUARANTEES OF SUCCESS OR THE DEBTORS’ ABILITY TO SATISFY ALL CLAIMS OR INTERESTS TO BE PAID UNDER THE PLAN. THERE ARE RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES, AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED. SEE ARTICLE IX OF THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, ENTITLED “CERTAIN RISK FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED PRIOR TO VOTING,” FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH A DECISION BY A HOLDER OF AN IMPAIRED CLAIM OR INTEREST TO ACCEPT THE PLAN.

 

v


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

     1  

A.

 

Purpose of this Disclosure Statement

     4  

B.

 

Recovery Analysis and Treatment of Claims and Interests

     5  

C.

 

Separate Plan

     9  

D.

 

Voting on the Plan

     10  

E.

 

Confirmation of the Plan

     12  

ARTICLE II BACKGROUND

     12  

A.

 

Overview of the Debtors’ Businesses

     12  

B.

 

The Debtors’ Corporate Structure and Global Operations

     15  

C.

 

Summary of the Debtors’ Assets and Operations

     16  

D.

 

Liabilities – The Debtors’ Prepetition Funded Indebtedness

     17  

E.

 

Liabilities Owed to Honeywell Arising Out of the Debtors’ Spin-Off from Honeywell

     20  

F.

 

Existing Common Stock

     25  

G.

 

Factors Leading to the Commencement of These Chapter 11 Cases

     25  

ARTICLE III SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND INITIATIVES IN THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES

     31  

A.

 

Commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases

     31  

B.

 

The Chapter 11 Cases

     32  

C.

 

Debtor-In-Possession Financing and Cash Collateral

     34  

D.

 

Continuation of the Debtors’ Operations

     35  

E.

 

Appointment of a Creditors’ Committee

     36  

F.

 

Retention of Debtor Professionals

     36  

G.

 

Schedules and Statements and 341 Meeting

     37  

H.

 

Bar Dates and Claims Process

     38  

I.

 

The Bidding Procedures

     38  

J.

 

The Post-Petition Marketing Process

     40  

K.

 

Initial COH Group Plan Proposal

     41  

L.

 

Modifications to the Terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement

     41  

M.

 

Honeywell Action and the Estimation Motion

     42  

N.

 

COH Group’s Motion to Modify Exclusivity

     43  

O.

 

Securities Actions

     44  

P.

 

Debtors’ Complaint Against Indenture Trustee

     44  

Q.

 

Appointment of an Equity Committee

     45  

R.

 

The Initial OWJ Bid

     45  

S.

 

Selection of KPS Final Bid At the Auction and Filing of Initial Plan

     46  

T.

 

Plan Support Agreement and Selection of the Final COH Group Plan Proposal

     47  

U.

 

Benefits of the Honeywell Settlement Embedded in the Plan Support Agreement

     49  

V.

 

Honeywell’s Position on the Honeywell Settlement

     52  

W.

 

Equity Committee Motion

     53  

ARTICLE IV SUMMARY OF THE PLAN

     53  

A.

 

Classification, Treatment and Voting of Claims and Interests

     55  

B.

 

Implementation of the Plan

     56  

C.

 

Treatment of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

     66  

D.

 

Provisions Governing Distributions

     68  

E.

 

Settlement, Release, Injunction and Related Provisions

     74  

 

i


ARTICLE V STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN

     81  

A.

 

The Confirmation Hearing

     81  

B.

 

Confirmation Standards

     82  

C.

 

Best Interests Test

     86  

D.

 

Financial Feasibility

     88  

E.

 

Acceptance by Impaired Classes

     88  

F.

 

Confirmation Without Acceptance by All Impaired Classes

     91  

G.

 

Classification

     92  

H.

 

Valuation of the Debtors

     93  

ARTICLE VI VOTING PROCEDURES

     93  

A.

 

Parties-in-Interest Entitled to Vote

     94  

B.

 

Voluntary Releases under the Plan

     95  

C.

 

Classes under the Plan

     95  

D.

 

Solicitation Packages

     96  

E.

 

Voting Procedures

     97  

ARTICLE VII EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION

     100  

A.

 

Binding Effect of Confirmation

     100  

B.

 

Good Faith

     100  

ARTICLE VIII SECURITIES LAW MATTERS

     100  

A.

 

Bankruptcy Code Exemptions from Registration Requirements

     100  

ARTICLE IX CERTAIN RISK FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED PRIOR TO VOTING

     103  

A.

 

Certain Bankruptcy Law Considerations

     104  

B.

 

Risk Factors Relating to Securities to Be Issued Under the Plan

     110  

C.

 

Risks Related to Debtors’ Ongoing Operations during the Case

     112  

D.

 

Operational Risks for the Reorganized Debtors

     115  

E.

 

Financing Risks for the Reorganized Debtors

     132  

F.

 

Additional Risks Factors

     133  

ARTICLE X CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN

     134  

A.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to the Debtors

     135  

B.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims

     137  

C.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims or Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims

     139  

D.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of GMI Common Stock

     140  

E.

 

FATCA

     143  

F.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

     143  

ARTICLE XI RECOMMENDATION

     144  

 

ii


Appendices and Exhibits

 

Appendix A    Debtors’ Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code
Appendix B    Liquidation Analysis
Appendix C    Solicitation Procedures Order
Appendix D    Financial Projections
Appendix E    Estimated Enterprise Valuation Analysis
Exhibit A    Debtors’ Organizational Structure

 

iii


ARTICLE I

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On September 20, 2020 (the “Petition Date”), Garrett Motion Inc. (“GMI” and, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the “Company”) and its affiliated debtors and debtors-in-possession (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”) voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq. (the “Bankruptcy Code”) (the “Chapter 11 Cases”).2

Simultaneous with the filing of the Disclosure Statement for Debtors’ Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (this “Disclosure Statement”), the Debtors are filing the Debtors’ Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, dated January 22, 2021 (as may be further amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, including the Plan Supplement and all other exhibits and schedules thereto, in each case, as they may be further amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Plan”).

The Plan provides for the recapitalization and reorganization of the Debtors through the Restructuring Transactions. The Plan is annexed hereto as Appendix A and is incorporated herein by reference.

The principal features of the Plan are set forth in the Plan Support Agreement (the “Plan Support Agreement”) among Centerbridge Partners, L.P. (“Centerbridge”), Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), Honeywell International Inc. (“Honeywell”), certain shareholders represented by Jones Day (the “Additional Investors,” and collectively, the “COH Group”), and certain senior noteholders (the “Consenting Noteholders”), who collectively hold more than 88% of the Senior Notes and 58% of GMI’s Common Stock. The Debtors entered into the Plan Support Agreement to maximize the value of the Debtors’ estates following the Debtors’ extensive auction process and after hard fought, arm’s-length negotiations among the parties thereto. The Plan and Plan Support Agreement, as further described in this Disclosure Statement, provide for the following restructuring transactions:

 

  i.

the infusion of significant debt and equity commitments to support the Debtors’ go forward operations and payments under the Plan as follows:

 

  a.

committed direct equity investments by certain members of the COH Group in the amount of $1,050.8 million in the aggregate to purchase Convertible Series A Preferred Stock from the Reorganized Debtors;

 

  b.

a $200 million rights offering available to Holders of Existing Common Stock to purchase Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, which is fully backstopped by Centerbridge, Oaktree, and the Additional Investors for no additional backstop fee; and

 

 

2 

Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Plan.


  c.

committed debt financing of $1.5 billion;

 

  ii.

payment in full in cash, plus accrued and unpaid interest at the non-default contractual rate, for Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims;

 

  iii.

payment in full in cash, plus accrued and unpaid interest in cash at the non-default contractual rate through the Effective Date plus $15 million in cash in resolution of claims related to the Applicable Premium, for Holders of Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims;

 

  iv.

payment in full in cash for all other secured and unsecured creditors, except Honeywell, who has agreed to its treatment;

 

  v.

a global settlement with Honeywell, who will receive on the Effective Date $375 million in cash and Series B Preferred Stock issued by the Reorganized Debtors pursuant to which the Reorganized Debtors will pay Honeywell a total of $834.8 million in the aggregate through 2030, subject to the various put and call rights set forth therein (the “Honeywell Settlement”); and

 

  vi.

Holders of Existing Common Stock will have the option to receive a number of shares of GMI Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing Common Stock held by each such Holder and each such Holder’s Pro Rata share of the Subscription Rights or, at such Holder’s election (unless such stockholder is a party to the Plan Support Agreement), receive cash in the amount of $6.25 per share in exchange for cancellation of their shares.

The Plan is a significant achievement for the Debtors and has support from the Debtors’ senior lenders, senior noteholders, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Creditors’ Committee”), Honeywell, and a majority of GMI’s stockholders. After evaluating all sale and restructuring proposals made in connection with the Bankruptcy Court approved-auction process and by other parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors determined, in their business judgment, that entry into the Plan Support Agreement with its committed equity and debt financing, significant “cash out” option for other stockholders, and a settlement with Honeywell that resolves numerous litigation issues is in the best interests of the Debtors’ estates and all stakeholders.

 

2


The consensual global resolution of Honeywell’s claims against the Debtors, and treatment thereof, is an integral, non-severable component of the Plan. Honeywell contractually agreed through the Plan Support Agreement to convert its claims into preferred equity at a significant discount to the amount at which Honeywell believes its claims are worth. Honeywell also has agreed to forgo having special governance rights on account of its Series B Preferred Stock and to limit its representation on the Company’s seven-member (or larger, with Honeywell consent) board to a single director. Honeywell’s agreement to accept the foregoing treatment and remain in the Debtors’ capital structure on these terms, however, is predicated on Centerbridge and Oaktree serving as the Plan Sponsors, including their investment in, and associated control of, the Reorganized Debtors as contemplated by the Plan Support Agreement. Centerbridge and Oaktree have committed to invest a significant amount of new equity capital in the Reorganized Debtors in the form of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock and, through this investment, they will have the right to nominate a majority of the members to the New Board. Honeywell’s willingness to settle its claims and remain in the capital structure is based, in significant part, on its trust and confidence in the Plan Sponsors and the members of the New Board to act as exemplary corporate stewards in guiding the direction of the Debtors’ business post-emergence. Accordingly, the Honeywell Settlement is not “portable” to any alternative plans.

Honeywell’s agreement to the proposed treatment of its claims facilitates and crystallizes recoveries for Holders of Existing Common Stock by providing such Holders with a substantial, minimum cash recovery option without the threat that Honeywell’s claims could significantly reduce or eliminate recoveries to common stockholders. The Debtors determined in their business judgment that the Honeywell Settlement incorporated into the Plan is in the best interests of their estates based upon (a) the relative merits of each parties’ respective litigation positions, (b) the time and cost required to continue litigation against Honeywell, (c) the possibility that continued litigation could result in one or more adverse rulings, (d) potential confirmation litigation around the treatment of Honeywell’s claims in any alternative plan, and (e) all other facts and circumstances in the Chapter 11 Cases, including the likelihood of generating stakeholder support for, or executing on, any alternative transaction. Further, the Debtors and the board of directors of each of GMI, Debtor Garrett ASASCO Inc. (“ASASCO”), and Garrett Motion Holdings Inc. (“GMHI”) have determined that the Plan Support Agreement and the Honeywell Settlement incorporated therein (including the size of the Honeywell Plan Claims and their treatment under the Plan), are fair, equitable, and reasonable. Resolving Honeywell’s claims and all related litigation also removes a material impediment to confirmation of the Plan and allows the Debtors to expeditiously move the Chapter 11 Cases to completion with the support of a majority of their stakeholders.

The classification, treatment status and voting rights of Classes of Claims and Interests under the Plan include: Claims in Class 7 (General Unsecured Claims) are Unimpaired under the Plan and will either be Reinstated, paid in full and/or assumed by one or more Reorganized Debtors; Claims in Classes 4 (Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims), 5 (Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims) and 6 (Honeywell Plan Claims) are or may be Impaired under the Plan and have consented to such treatment pursuant to the RSA or the Plan Support Agreement (each, as defined herein), respectively. Accordingly, all non-Debtor Classes of Claims against the Debtors are Unimpaired under the Plan or have consented to be impaired under the Plan, with the exception of Claims in Class 10 (Section 510(b) Claims), if any, which are mandatorily subordinated to all other Claims pursuant to section 510(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

In addition, each Holder of Existing Common Stock in Class 11 (Existing Common Stock) will receive in exchange for its shares of Existing Common Stock, either (a) (i) the same number of shares of Existing Common Stock in New GMI, and (ii) its Pro Rata share of the Subscription Rights in connection with the Rights Offering of up to $200 million of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, or (b) if such Holder timely exercises its Cash-Out Option, its Cash-Out Consideration in the form of Cash in the amount of $6.25 with respect to each share of Existing Common Stock properly delivered under the Cash-Out Option.

 

3


The Debtors believe that the Plan provides the best and most prompt possible recovery to Holders of Claims and Interests. The Debtors believe that (i) through the Plan, Holders of Allowed Claims and Interests will obtain a recovery from the Debtors’ estates equal to or greater than the recovery that they would receive if the Debtors’ assets were liquidated under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) consummation of the Plan will maximize the recovery of the Holders of Allowed Claims and Interests.

 

A.

Purpose of this Disclosure Statement

Chapter 11 is the chapter of the Bankruptcy Code primarily used for business reorganization. Chapter 11 helps a company maximize recovery to all stakeholders. The consummation of a plan is the principal objective of a chapter 11 case. A plan sets forth the means for satisfying claims against, and interests in, the debtors. Confirmation of a plan by a bankruptcy court binds the debtors and any creditor or interest holder of the debtors. Subject to certain limited exceptions, the order approving confirmation of a plan enjoins parties from enforcing any debt that arose prior to the date of confirmation of the plan or from bringing any causes of action against the debtors in connection with such debt.

In general, a plan (a) divides claims and interests into separate classes, (b) specifies the property that each class is to receive under the plan and (c) contains provisions necessary to implement the plan. Under the Bankruptcy Code, “claims” and “interests,” rather than “creditors” and “equity holders,” are classified because creditors and equity holders may hold claims and interests in more than one class.

The Debtors submit this Disclosure Statement pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code for the purpose of soliciting votes on the proposed Plan. The purpose of this Disclosure Statement is to provide the Holders of Claims and Interests who are entitled, and will be solicited, to vote on the Plan with adequate information to make an informed judgment about the Plan. According to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, acceptances of a chapter 11 plan may be solicited only after a Bankruptcy Court approved written disclosure statement has been provided to each creditor or interest holder who is entitled to vote on the plan.

This Disclosure Statement includes, among other things, information pertaining to the Debtors’ prepetition business operations and financial history and the events leading up to the Chapter 11 Cases. In addition, an overview of the Plan is included, which overview sets forth certain terms and provisions of the Plan, the effects of Confirmation of the Plan, certain risk factors associated with the Plan and the manner in which distributions will be made under the Plan. This Disclosure Statement also discusses the Confirmation process and the procedures for voting, which procedures must be followed by the Holders of Claims and Interests entitled to vote under the Plan for their votes to be counted.

The Plan and Disclosure Statement are the outcome of extensive negotiations among the Debtors, the COH Group, the Senior Noteholders, the Consenting Lenders and other stakeholders. The Debtors believe the Plan is reflective of these good faith negotiations and will treat Holders of Claims and Interests in an economic and fair manner.

 

4


Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Plan; provided, that any capitalized term used herein that is not defined herein or in the Plan, but is defined in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules, will have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules, as applicable.

 

B.

Recovery Analysis and Treatment of Claims and Interests

The Plan organizes the Debtors’ creditor and equity constituencies into groups called Classes. For each Class, the Plan describes (a) the underlying Claim or Interest, (b) the recovery available to the Holders of Claims or Interests in that Class under the Plan, (c) whether the Class is Impaired under the Plan, meaning that each Holder will receive less than full value on account of its Claim or Interest or that the rights of Holders under law will be altered in some way and (d) the form of any consideration (e.g., Cash, stock or a combination thereof) that Holders will receive on account of their respective Claims or Interests.

In accordance with section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Plan does not classify Administrative Expense Claims, Professional Fee Claims, DIP Claims and Priority Tax Claims, which will generally be paid in Cash when approved by the Bankruptcy Court or in the ordinary course on or after the Effective Date.

The classification of Claims and Interests pursuant to the Plan is as follows3:

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Status

  

Voting Rights

1    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    Not Entitled to Vote (Presumed to Accept)
2    Other Priority Claims    Unimpaired    Not Entitled to Vote (Presumed to Accept)
3    Secured Tax Claims    Unimpaired    Not Entitled to Vote (Presumed to Accept)
4    Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims    Impaired    Entitled to Vote
5    Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims    Impaired or Unimpaired    Entitled to Vote
6    Honeywell Plan Claims    Impaired    Entitled to Vote
7    General Unsecured Claims    Unimpaired    Not Entitled to Vote (Presumed to Accept)
8    Intercompany Claims    Impaired or Unimpaired    Not Entitled to Vote (Presumed to Accept or Deemed to Reject)
9    Intercompany Interests    Impaired or Unimpaired    Not Entitled to Vote (Presumed to Accept or Deemed to Reject)
10    Section 510(b) Claims    Impaired   

Not Entitled to Vote

(Deemed to Reject)

11    Existing Common Stock    Impaired    Entitled to Vote

 

3 

Holders of Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims will be conditionally solicited. Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims are classified as “impaired” under the Plan, and votes on the Plan are being solicited from Holders of Claims in Class 4 (Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims), in accordance with the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement. In the event the Restructuring Support Agreement is validly terminated by the Debtors or the Requisite Consenting Lenders, the Debtors reserve the right, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Plan Support Agreement and the proposed treatment of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims provided therein, to seek to classify the Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims as “unimpaired”, not entitled to vote, and presumed to accept the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, all parties’ rights (including the rights of the Debtors and Requisite Consenting Lenders upon a valid termination of the Restructuring Support Agreement) are reserved with respect to whether Class 4 is Impaired or Unimpaired, and nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver by any party of any or all of such party’s rights with respect to the foregoing.

 

5


The table below provides a summary of the classification, treatment and estimated recoveries of Claims and Interests under the Plan. This information is provided in summary form for illustrative purposes only, is subject to material change based on contingencies related to the claims reconciliation process, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Plan. For a more detailed description of the treatment of Claims and Interests under the Plan, see Article IV below—Summary of the Plan.

THE PROJECTED RECOVERIES SET FORTH IN THE TABLE BELOW ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND ARE

THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

SUMMARY OF TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS AND ESTIMATED RECOVERIES

 

CLASS

  

TREATMENT

  

ESTIMATED

ALLOWED

CLAIMS

  

ESTIMATED PERCENT

RECOVERY RANGE

              

Plan

   Liquidation
1    Each Holder of an Allowed Other Secured Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors: (A) payment in full in Cash; (B) delivery of the collateral securing its Allowed Other Secured Claim and payment of any interest required under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code; (C) Reinstatement of its Allowed Other Secured Claim; or (D) such other treatment rendering its Allowed Other Secured Claim Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.    [●]    [●]    [●]

 

6


CLASS

  

TREATMENT

  

ESTIMATED

ALLOWED

CLAIMS

  

ESTIMATED PERCENT

RECOVERY RANGE

              

Plan

   Liquidation
2    Each Holder of an Allowed Other Priority Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors, payment in full in Cash or such other treatment rendering its Allowed Other Priority Claim Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.    [●]    [●]    [●]
3    Each Holder of an Allowed Secured Tax Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors: (A) payment in full in Cash of the unpaid portion of such Holder’s Allowed Secured Tax Claim on the later of the Effective Date and such date such Secured Tax Claim becomes an Allowed Secured Tax Claim, or (B) equal semi-annual Cash payments commencing as of the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter and continuing for five years from the Petition Date, in an aggregate amount equal to such Allowed Secured Tax Claim, together with interest at the applicable rate under non bankruptcy law, subject to the option of the Reorganized Debtors to prepay some or all of such Allowed Secured Tax Claim at any time during such time period.    [●]    [●]    [●]
4    Each Holder of an Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim shall receive on the Effective Date payment in Cash in an amount equal to such Holder’s Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims.    [●]    [●]    [●]
5    Each Holder of an Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim shall receive payment in full in Cash on the Effective Date of such Holder’s Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim.    [●]    [●]    [●]

 

7


CLASS

  

TREATMENT

  

ESTIMATED

ALLOWED

CLAIMS

  

ESTIMATED PERCENT

RECOVERY RANGE

              

Plan

   Liquidation
6    Honeywell shall receive: (a) a payment of $375 million in Cash on the Effective Date and (b) the Series B Preferred Stock issued on the Effective Date.    [●]    [●]    [●]
7    Each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall receive, at the option of the Plan Sponsors: (a) Reinstatement of such Allowed General Unsecured Claim pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code; (b) payment in full in Cash on the later of (i) the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter or (ii) the date such payment is due in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms and conditions of the particular transaction giving rise to such Allowed General Unsecured Claim; or (c) such other treatment rendering such Allowed General Unsecured Claim Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.    [●]    [●]    [●]
8    Each Allowed Intercompany Claim shall be either Reinstated or cancelled and released without any distribution, as reasonably agreed between the Debtors, Honeywell, the Plan Sponsors, and the Requisite Additional Investors.    [●]    [●]    [●]
9    Each Allowed Intercompany Interest shall be either Reinstated or cancelled and released without any distribution, as reasonably agreed between the Debtors, Honeywell, the Plan Sponsors, and the Requisite Additional Investors.    [●]   

[●]

   [●]

 

8


CLASS

  

TREATMENT

  

ESTIMATED

ALLOWED

CLAIMS

  

ESTIMATED PERCENT

RECOVERY RANGE

              

Plan

   Liquidation
10    Each Holder of an Allowed Section 510(b) Claim, if any, shall be entitled to receive, (x) its Pro Rata share of the aggregate Cash payments received or recoverable from any Insurance Policies on account of any Allowed Section 510(b) Claims and (y) solely to the extent that such payments are less than the amount of its Allowed 510(b) Claim, such treatment that is consistent with section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code and otherwise acceptable to the Debtors and the Commitment Parties in accordance with their consent rights under the Plan Support Agreement.    [●]    [●]    [●]
11    Each Holder of Existing Common Stock shall receive (a) (i) a number of shares of GMI Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing Common Stock held by such Holder, and (ii) its Pro Rata share (determined with respect to all Holders of Interests in Class 11) of the Subscription Rights or (b) if such Holder of Existing Common Stock timely exercises its Cash-Out Option, its Cash-Out Consideration; provided that only those Holders of Existing Common Stock who vote to accept the Plan are eligible to exercise the Cash-Out Option.   

[●]

   [●]    [●]

 

C.

Separate Plan

The Plan constitutes a separate Plan for each Debtor, and the classification of Claims and Interests set forth herein shall apply separately to each of the Debtors. Certain of the Debtors may not have Claims or Interests in a particular Class, and such Claims or Interests shall be treated as set forth herein. For all purposes under the Plan, each Class will contain sub-Classes for each Debtor, except that Classes 10 and 11 shall be vacant at each Debtor other than GMI. Tabulation of votes accepting or rejecting the Plan shall be conducted on a Debtor-by-Debtor basis.

 

9


D.

Voting on the Plan

 

  1.

Parties-in-Interest Entitled to Vote

Under section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, a class of claims or interests is deemed to be “impaired” under a plan unless: (a) the plan leaves unaltered the legal, equitable and contractual rights to which such claim or interest entitles the holder thereof; or (b) notwithstanding any legal right to an accelerated payment of such claim or interest, the plan cures all existing defaults (other than defaults resulting from the occurrence of events of bankruptcy) and reinstates the maturity of such claim or interest as it existed before the default.

In general, under section 1126(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holder of a claim or interest that is allowed under a plan is entitled to vote to accept or reject the plan if such claim or interest is impaired under the plan. Under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holder of a claim that is not impaired under a plan is deemed to have accepted the plan, and the plan proponent need not solicit such holder’s vote. Under section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holder of an impaired claim or impaired interest that will not receive any distribution under the plan in respect of such claim or interest is deemed to have rejected the plan and is not entitled to vote on the plan. For a detailed description of the treatment of Claims and Interests under the Plan, refer to Article IV below—Summary of the Plan.

Classes 1 (Other Secured Claims), 2 (Other Priority Claims), 3 (Secured Tax Claims), and 7 (General Unsecured Claims) are Unimpaired under, and deemed under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code to have accepted, the Plan.

Classes 4 (Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims), 6 (Honeywell Plan Claims) and 11 (Existing Common Stock) are Impaired under, and entitled to vote to accept or reject, the Plan. Class 5 (Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims) is Impaired or Unimpaired and will be conditionally solicited.

Classes 8 (Intercompany Claims) and 9 (Intercompany Interests) are held by the Debtors and are either deemed to reject or deemed to accept the Plan.

Class 10 (Section 510(b) Claims) comprises Claims that are unliquidated, disputed or have not been adjudicated and Allowed as of the Voting Record Date and therefore are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

Except as described in Article V below—Statutory Requirements for Confirmation of the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code requires, as a condition to confirmation of the Plan, that each Impaired Class accept the Plan. Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code defines acceptance of a plan by a class of claims as acceptance by holders of at least two-thirds in dollar amount and more than one-half in number of claims in such class that have voted to accept or reject the plan. Section 1126(d) of the Bankruptcy Code defines acceptance of a plan by a class of interests as acceptance by holders of at least two-thirds in dollar amount of interests in such class that have voted to accept or reject the plan. Holders of claims or interests who fail to vote are deemed neither to accept nor to reject the Plan. For a more detailed description of the requirements for confirmation of the Plan, refer to Article V below—Statutory Requirements for Confirmation of the Plan.

 

10


Even if the Plan has not been accepted by all Impaired Classes entitled to vote, section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code allows the Bankruptcy Court to confirm the Plan, provided that the Plan has been accepted by at least one Impaired Class of Claims. Notwithstanding the failure of an Impaired Class to accept the Plan, the Plan can be confirmed by a procedure commonly known as cram-down, provided the Plan does not “discriminate unfairly” and is “fair and equitable,” for the purposes of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to each Class of Claims or Interests that is Impaired under, and has not accepted, the Plan. For a more detailed description of the requirements for confirmation of a nonconsensual plan, refer to Article V below—Statutory Requirements for Confirmation of the Plan.

 

  2.

Submitting a Ballot

If you are the record Holder of a Claim or Interest in a Class entitled to vote on the Plan, accompanying this Disclosure Statement is a ballot (the “Ballot”) for voting to accept or reject the Plan.

Classes 4 (Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims), 5 (Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims), 6 (Honeywell Plan Claims) and 11 (Existing Common Stock) are entitled to, or are being solicited to, vote to accept or reject the Plan. If you are entitled to or are being solicited to vote, you should carefully review this Disclosure Statement, including the attached appendices and the instructions accompanying your Ballot or Ballots. Then, indicate your acceptance or rejection of the Plan by voting for or against the Plan on the enclosed Ballot or Ballots and return the Ballot or Ballots to Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC (the “Solicitation Agent” or “KCC”) or by submitting a Ballot or Ballots through the online electronic ballot portal (as described on the Ballot) maintained by KCC. For further information, refer to Article VI below—Voting Procedures, and the Solicitation Procedures Order attached hereto as Appendix C.

Ballots cast by Holders in Classes entitled to vote must be received by the Solicitation Agent by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 24, 2021. Ballots received after the Voting Deadline will not be counted or considered for any purpose in determining whether the Plan has been accepted or rejected.

For further information, refer to Article VI below—Voting Procedures.

 

  3.

Recommendation

The Debtors recommend that Holders of Claims and Interests entitled to vote on the Plan vote to accept the Plan. The Debtors believe that the Plan, which has the overwhelming support of the Debtors’ secured creditors, Honeywell, the Creditors’ Committee, and a majority of Debtors’ Existing Common Stock is the best possible outcome for these estates. The Plan is in the best interests of the Debtors’ estates, represents the best available path to recapitalize the Debtors’ operations and balance sheet, and ensures the Debtors will continue to employ thousands of employees. As such, the Debtors seek Bankruptcy Court approval of the Plan and strongly urge all Holders of Claims and Interests to vote to accept the Plan by returning their ballots, so as to be received by the Solicitation Agent by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 24, 2021.

 

11


E.

Confirmation of the Plan

 

  1.

Plan Objection Deadline

Objections to confirmation of the Plan (the “Confirmation of the Plan”) must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served so as to be actually received on or before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time on March 24, 2021. Unless objections to the Confirmation are timely served and filed in compliance with the Solicitation Procedures Order, they will not be considered by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  2.

Confirmation Hearing

The Bankruptcy Court has scheduled the hearing to consider the Confirmation of the Plan (the “Confirmation Hearing”) for April 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. The Confirmation Hearing may be adjourned by the Bankruptcy Court or the Debtors without further notice other than by announcement in open court and/or notice(s) of adjournment filed on the docket with the Bankruptcy Court’s permission.

ARTICLE II

BACKGROUND

 

A.

Overview of the Debtors’ Businesses

Although the business has existed for decades, GMI in its current corporate form was established in Delaware on March 14, 2018 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell.

On October 1, 2018, GMI and the other Debtors were spun off from Honeywell, and GMI became an independent, publicly traded company. Prior to the commencement of these Chapter 11 Cases, GMI traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “GTX.” In connection with the spin-off, certain Debtors entered into various agreements with Honeywell including the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement, both which are further discussed in Article II.ELiabilities – Liabilities Owed to Honeywell Arising Out of the Debtors’ Spin-Off from Honeywell.

GMI is the direct or indirect parent of the 36 other Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases: BRH LLC; Calvari Limited; Friction Materials LLC.; ASASCO; Garrett Borrowing LLC; Garrett Holding Company Sàrl; Garrett LX I S.à r.l.; Garrett LX II S.à r.l.; Garrett LX III S.à r.l.; Garrett Motion Automotive Research Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V; Garrett Motion Australia Pty Limited; GMHI; Garrett Motion Holdings II Inc.; Garrett Motion International Services S.r.l.; Garrett Motion Ireland A Limited; Garrett Motion Ireland B Limited; Garrett Motion Ireland C Limited; Garrett Motion Ireland Limited; Garrett Motion Italia S.r.l.; Garrett Motion Japan Inc.; Garrett Motion LLC; Garrett Motion Mexico S.A. de C.V; Garrett Motion Romania S.r.l.; Garrett Motion Sàrl; Garrett Motion Slovakia s.r.o.; Garrett Motion Switzerland Holdings Sàrl; Garrett Motion UK A Limited; Garrett Motion UK B Limited; Garrett Motion UK C Limited; Garrett Motion UK D Limited; Garrett Motion UK Limited; Garrett Transportation I Inc.; Garrett Transportation Systems Ltd; Garrett Transportation Systems UK II Ltd; Garrett TS Ltd; and Garrett Turbo Ltd.

 

12


The Company’s business has a long and illustrious history in designing, manufacturing and selling highly engineered turbocharger, electric-boosting and connected vehicle technologies for original equipment manufacturers (the “OEMs”) and the automotive aftermarket. The Company has been the industry leader in turbochargers since the 1950s.

A turbocharger provides an engine with a controlled and pressurized air intake, which intensifies and improves the combustion of fuel to increase the amount of power sent through the transmission, improve efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions of the engine. In a combustion engine, a mixture of air and fuel is breathed into the combustion chamber, which is then ignited and combusts. The combustion drives the engine piston downward which provides the energy necessary to run the vehicle. The combustion, however, generates exhaust gas that results in wasted power in engines without a turbocharger. The turbocharger uses this exhaust gas and a turbine to spin an air-compression wheel, which breathes in denser, more pressurized air into the combustion chamber. The pressurized air intake results in less fuel consumption by the engine and permits smaller engine designs. The below diagram demonstrates how this exhaust gas is used to make the engine run more efficiently.

 

LOGO

 

13


Turbocharger Air Flow

1)    Turbocharger compressor inlet (ingests ambient air from air filter)

2)    Turbocharger compressor outlet (outputs compressed hot air)

3)    Cooling thru charge air cooler

4)    Engine air inlet (compressed air flows into engine)

5)    Engine exhaust (very hot, high pressure)

6)    Turbocharger turbine inlet (hot, high pressure exhaust from engine flows in)

7)    Turbocharger turbine outlet (exhaust flow, now cooler and lower pressure, goes to exhaust line)

The Debtors offer turbocharger products for gasoline and diesel engines that enhance performance, fuel economy and drivability. The Debtors’ products cover a wide range of applications, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles for on-highway (medium and heavy duty trucks) and off-highway (agriculture, mining equipment, and diesel generation) applications.

The Debtors also have developed electric-boosting technologies targeted for use in electrified powertrains, primarily hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. The Debtors’ products in this segment include electric turbochargers and electric compressors that provide more responsive driving and optimized fuel economy. The Debtors’ early-stage and collaborative relationships with their global OEM customer base have enabled them to increase their knowledge of customer needs for vehicle safety, predictive maintenance, and advanced controllers to develop new connected and software-enabled products.

In addition, the Debtors engineer and provide technologies, products and services that support the growing connected vehicle market, which include software focused on automotive cybersecurity and integrated vehicle health management. The Debtors’ focus in this sector is on developing solutions for enhancing the cybersecurity of connected vehicles, as well as in-vehicle monitoring to provide maintenance diagnostics, which reduce vehicle downtime and repair costs. For example, the Debtors’ intrusion detection and prevention system uses anomaly detection technology that functions like virus detection software to perform real-time data analysis to ensure every message received by a car’s computer is valid. The Debtors’ integrated vehicle health management tools detect intermittent faults and anomalies within complex vehicle systems to provide a more thorough understanding of the real-time health of a vehicle system and to enable customers to fix faults before they actually occur.

The Debtors’ products are highly engineered for each individual powertrain platform, requiring close collaboration with their customers in the earliest years of powertrain and new vehicle design. The Debtors’ turbocharging and electric-boosting products enable their customers to improve vehicle performance while addressing continually evolving and converging regulations that mandate significant increases in fuel efficiency and reductions in exhaust emissions worldwide.

 

14


In addition to their OEM business, the Debtors also sell components and technologies in the global aftermarket through a distribution network of more than 190 distributors covering 160 countries. Through this network, the Debtors provide approximately 5,300 part-numbers and products to service garages across the globe. GMI is a leading brand in the independent aftermarket for both service replacement turbochargers as well as high-end performance and racing turbochargers. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, OEM sales contributed approximately 87% and 86% of the Company’s revenues, while the Company’s aftermarket and other products contributed 11% and 12% of the Company’s revenues.

 

B.

The Debtors’ Corporate Structure and Global Operations

The Debtors operate in the global OEM and automotive aftermarket marketplaces. In 2019, approximately 56% of the Company’s revenues came from sales to customers located in Europe, 28% from sales to customers located in Asia, 15% from sales to customers in North America, and 1% from sales to customers in other international markets. The following graphic summarizes the Company’s revenues for 2019, by geography, product line, and customer.

 

LOGO

The assets and operations of the Debtors and their non-debtor affiliates span more than 22 countries. The Company’s comprehensive portfolio of turbocharger, electric-boosting and connected vehicle technologies is supported by five research and development (“R&D”) centers, 14 close-to-customer engineering facilities and 13 factories, which are strategically located around the world. An organization chart of the Debtors is attached as Exhibit A.

The Company has a corporate headquarters located in Switzerland, the home jurisdiction of Debtor Garrett Motion Sàrl (“GMS”). GMS is the primary point of contact with customers and suppliers in Europe. Customer contracts and supplier contracts are generally entered into by GMS, which holds most of the Debtors’ inventory and outsources R&D, manufacturing, and distribution services to both Debtor and non-Debtor affiliates.

The Company’s intellectual property is generally owned by Debtor Garrett Transportation I, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GTI”). In connection with the spin-off, GTI acquired legal ownership of patents, registered copyrights, registered trademarks and domain names, and unregistered copyrights and trade secrets, exclusively related to the turbocharger, electric-boosting and connected vehicle technologies businesses previously owned by Honeywell. GTI is also party to intellectual property cost-sharing and licensing arrangements with GMS, pursuant to which intellectual property developed in connection with the parties’ development and manufacture of turbocharger technology and related turbocharger applications is, and will be, owned by GTI and licensed to GMS for use by it and other Company subsidiaries in the Company’s global operations.

 

15


GTI is the primary point of contact for customers in the United States and serves as the distribution arm for the Company’s U.S. operations. GTI purchases finished products, developed from the intellectual property it owns, from GMS and sells these products in the United States market.

The Company’s operations outside of the United States have self-sufficient sales, engineering and production capabilities. In high-growth regions, including China and India, the Company has established a local footprint, which has helped it secure strong positions with in-region OEM customers who demand localized engineering and manufacturing content but also require the capabilities and track record of a global leader.

The Company’s primary manufacturing facilities are located in: Kodama, Japan; Ansa, Korea; Shanghai, China; Wuhan, China; Pune, India; Presov, Slovakia; Bucharest, Romania; Cheadle, England; Waterford, Ireland; Thaon-Les-Vosges, France; Mexicali, Mexico; and Guarulhos, Brazil. Its primary research and development facilities are located in: Shanghai, China; Bangalore, India; Bucharest, Romania; Brno, Czech Republic; Thaon-Les-Vosges, France; and domestically in Torrance, California. Its primary software development centers are located in: Bucharest, Romania; Prague, Czech Republic; and domestically in Atlanta, Georgia.     

 

C.

Summary of the Debtors’ Assets and Operations

 

  1.

Assets

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $2.47 billion in total assets on its consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, including certain assets held by non-Debtor affiliates. Approximately $465 million of those assets were in the form of property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation.

As of the Petition Date, the Company had approximately $297 million in cash on hand. The Debtors maintain cash in bank accounts around the world, chiefly in the United States, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland and Ireland.

 

  2.

The Debtors’ Officers and Directors

The Company’s senior management team primarily resides in Switzerland. The members of GMI’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) are residents of the United States, France, Germany and Switzerland. Board of Directors meetings, before the COVID-19 pandemic, were generally held in New York City.

The following table lists GMI’s executive officers and directors and their respective positions.

 

16


Name                     

  

Position                                                                                  

Olivier Rabiller    Director, President & Chief Executive Officer
Carlos Cardoso    Chairman of the Board
Maura J. Clark    Director
Courtney Enghauser    Director
Susan L. Main    Director
Carsten J. Reinhardt    Director
Jerome Stoll    Director
Scott Tozier    Director
Craig Balis    Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer
Peter Bracke    Chief Transformation Officer
Sean Deason    Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Daniel Deiro    Senior Vice President, Global Customer Management & General Manager Japan/Korea
Thierry Mabru    Senior Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain
Jerome Maironi    Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Fabrice Spenninck    Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

 

  3.

The Debtors’ Employees

As of the Petition Date, the Company had approximately 6,750 employees worldwide, approximately 3,510 of which were employed by the Debtors in the following jurisdictions: Australia (9), Ireland (240), Italy (37), Japan (125), Mexico (799), Romania (1,055), Slovakia (784), Switzerland (110), the United Kingdom (121) and the United States (230).

The Debtors’ employees comprise full- and part-time employees, including salaried employees, administrative support staff and other personnel. As of the Petition Date, approximately 2,200 of the Debtors’ employees were represented by collective bargaining agreements, works councils or unions, and all such employees were located outside the United States. The Debtors’ employees have unique skills, knowledge and an understanding of the Debtors’ operations and infrastructure that are essential to preserving operational stability and efficiency.

The Company’s non-debtor entities also had employees located in Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Korea, India, Morocco, Russia, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

 

D.

Liabilities – The Debtors’ Prepetition Funded Indebtedness

As of the Petition Date, the Debtors had approximately $1.864 billion in aggregate outstanding funded debt, excluding accrued and unpaid interest.

 

 

4 

Assuming a 1.18 USD to EUR currency exchange rate and without reducing the aggregate debt balance for original issue discount.

 

17


  1.

The Credit Agreement Facilities

GMI is party to the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2018, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”), among GMI, as Holdings, Debtor Garrett LX III S.à r.l., as Lux Borrower (the “Lux Borrower”), Debtor Garrett Borrowing LLC, as U.S. Co-Borrower (the “U.S. Co-Borrower”), Debtor GMS, as Swiss Borrower (the “Swiss Borrower” and, together with the Lux Borrower and the U.S. Co-Borrower, the “Borrowers”), Debtor Garrett LX I S.à r.l. (“LuxCo 1”), Debtor Garrett LX II S.à r.l., the lenders and issuing banks party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (and any successor agent appointed in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreement Agent”). The Credit Agreement states that it is governed by New York law.

The Credit Agreement provides for senior secured financing, originally consisting of (i) a seven-year senior secured first-lien term loan B loan facility, which consists of a tranche denominated in Euro of €375 million and a tranche denominated in U.S. Dollars of $425 million (the “Term B Facility”), (ii) a five-year senior secured first-lien term loan A facility in an aggregate principal amount of €330 million (the “Term A Facility” and, together with the Term B Facility, the “Term Loan Facilities”) and (iii) a five-year senior secured first-lien revolving credit facility in an aggregate commitment amount of €430 million, with revolving loans to the Swiss Borrower to be made available in a number of currencies including Australian dollars, Euros, pounds sterling, Swiss francs, U.S. dollars and yen (the “Revolving Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facilities, the “Senior Credit Facilities”). The Revolving Facility and the Term A Facility each mature on September 27, 2023. The Term B Facility matures on September 27, 2025. As of the Petition Date, the outstanding principal amount under the Revolving Credit Facility was $370 million, and the outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan Facilities was approximately $1,077 million.5

Each of the Debtors guaranteed the obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities. The Senior Credit Facilities’ obligations and related guarantees are secured by a first-priority security interest (subject to certain permitted liens, certain exclusions, and the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement (as defined below) on substantially all of the Debtors’ assets, subject to common restrictions and limitations on security interests in non-U.S. jurisdictions.

The loans under the Senior Credit Facilities bear interest at fluctuating rates measured by reference, at the option of the Borrower and subject to certain conditions and limitations, under each Senior Credit Facility, to either (a) a base rate, (b) an adjusted LIBOR rate, or (c) an adjusted EURIBOR rate, in each case, plus an applicable margin.

On June 12, 2020, the Company entered into an amendment (the “2020 Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement, which granted covenant relief with respect to the total leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio tests in the Credit Agreement. In exchange for such relief, the Borrowers agreed to an increased interest rate applicable to loans under the different Senior Credit Facilities and a tightening of certain baskets applicable to the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens and make investments and restricted payments. The covenant relief obtained through the 2020 Amendment also resulted in the triggering of a Payment Deferral Period (as defined below) under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement (as defined below), as discussed below.

 

 

5 

Assuming a 1.18 USD to EUR currency exchange rate and without reducing the aggregate debt balance for original issue discount.

 

18


  2.

The Senior Notes

Debtor LuxCo 1 and Debtor Garrett Borrowing LLC (each, a “Notes Issuer” and collectively, the “Notes Issuers”) issued €350 million in principal amount of senior notes (the “Senior Notes”) pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of September 27, 2018 (the “Indenture”), among GMI, as Parent, Debtor LuxCo 1, as Notes Issuer, Debtor Garrett Borrowing LLC, as the other Notes Issuer, the guarantors identified therein (the “Notes Guarantors”), Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), Deutsche Bank AG, as security agent and paying agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and transfer agent. Each of the Debtors guarantees the obligations under the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bear interest at 5.125% annually and mature on October 15, 2026 and the Indenture Trustee and holders of the Senior Notes have asserted that they are entitled to certain premium payments under the Indenture in the event of the repayment of the Notes by the Debtors. The Indenture states that the Indenture and the Notes are governed by New York law.

The Senior Notes are secured by a share pledge by Debtor LuxCo 1 over the shares of Debtor Garrett LX II S.à r.l. and an intercompany note with respect to the on-lending of the proceeds of the Senior Notes.

 

  3.

The Intercreditor Agreement

To govern the relationship between the Senior Credit Facilities, the Senior Notes, the Indemnity Obligations (as defined below) and certain Intercompany Claims, the Debtors entered into that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2018 (the “Intercreditor Agreement”), among GMI, certain Debtors and non-debtors, the Credit Agreement Agent, the Indenture Trustee and Honeywell ASASCO 2 Inc. (the Honeywell affiliate initially holding the Indemnity Obligations). The Intercreditor Agreement creates a waterfall for recoveries in which the Senior Credit Facilities are paid ahead of the Senior Notes and, generally, all current and future third-party funded debt (including both the Senior Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes) are paid ahead of the Indemnity Obligations and Intra-Group Indebtedness (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement). The Intercreditor Agreement also establishes certain related rights benefitting the Senior Credit Facilities, such as the right of the applicable agent, in certain circumstances, to release subsidiary guarantees in connection with a sale transaction if the proceeds of the sale transaction are applied in accordance with the agreed waterfall and other related requirements in the Intercreditor Agreement are satisfied. The Intercreditor Agreement states that it is to be governed by New York law.

 

19


E.

Liabilities Owed to Honeywell Arising Out of the Debtors’ Spin-Off from Honeywell

In connection with the Company’s spin-off from Honeywell, certain of the Debtors executed separation agreements with Honeywell. These agreements included, among others, the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement (each as defined and described below). These agreements required important subsidiaries, including ASASCO (as defined below), to make payments to Honeywell calculated by reference to certain historical and future liabilities. As described further in Article III.MHoneywell Action and the Estimation Motion, Honeywell filed proofs of claim (the “Proofs of Claim”) in the Chapter 11 Cases on December 18, 2020, asserting, among other things, approximately $1.95 billion in claims against each Debtor under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement. Honeywell’s claims were scheduled to be the subject of an estimation evidentiary hearing in the Bankruptcy Court from February 1, 2021 to February 5, 2021, and from February 8, 2021 to February 12, 2021. Pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement, the Debtors have agreed to suspend all litigation activities related to and stay the proceedings to estimate Honeywell’s claims through the Effective Date and to dismiss with prejudice such proceedings upon the Effective Date. On January 15, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court approved a stipulation staying the estimation proceeding [D.I. 73] and a separate stipulation staying the Honeywell Action (as defined herein) [1:20-ap-01223 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), D.I. 36].

The scope and nature of the Company’s legacy liabilities relating to the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement have been the subject of prolonged and intense dispute between the Company and Honeywell. Sections E.1-2 below include an overview of the situation from the perspective of the Debtors. Certain arguments made and positions taken by Honeywell are described in Section E.3.

 

  1.

Honeywell Indemnity Agreement

ASASCO is party to the Indemnification and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2018, as amended (the “Honeywell Indemnity Agreement”), among Honeywell ASASCO Inc., Honeywell ASASCO 2 Inc.,6 and Honeywell International Inc. The Honeywell Indemnity Agreement requires that ASASCO make payments to Honeywell ASASCO 2 in an amount equal to 90% of the covered liabilities, less 90% of Honeywell’s relative insurance proceeds (the “Legacy Honeywell Asbestos Liabilities”) in any given year, including judgments, settlements, and the legal costs of defense, up to a cap equal to a USD equivalent of €149.6 million per year.7 This figure represents $175 million divided by the exchange rate (~1.17 USD = 1 EUR) at the time of the spin. By its terms, the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement continues for 30 years after the spin-off—until December 31, 2048—unless there are three consecutive years during which the amounts owed to Honeywell under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement are less than the Euro-equivalent of $25 million. The payments also cover certain other environmental-related liabilities and non-United States asbestos-related liabilities. The Honeywell Indemnity Agreement states that it is governed by New York law. As further discussed in this Article II.E.1Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and Article III.MHoneywell Action and the Estimation Motion, the Debtors dispute their liability under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement.

 

 

6 

The Honeywell Indemnity Agreement was initially entered into among other Honeywell subsidiaries as of September 12, 2018. In connection with the spin-off, ASASCO assumed Honeywell ASASCO Inc.’s obligations under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement two days later, on September 14, 2018.

7 

On April 1, 1985, the Bendix Corporation was merged into Allied Corporation, which was subsequently merged into AlliedSignal Inc. On December 4, 1999, AlliedSignal Inc. merged with Honeywell Inc. and Honeywell Inc. ceased to exist as a legal entity. On that same day, AlliedSignal Inc. changed its name to Honeywell International Inc. Honeywell is the defendant in those cases as the successor-in-interest to the Bendix Corporation. Honeywell retained all Bendix-related liabilities to third parties in connection with the spin-off and control of the defense of claims.

 

20


ASASCO’s obligations under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement (the “Honeywell Indemnity Agreement Obligations”) are guaranteed by each of ASASCO’s direct and indirect subsidiaries that are Debtors in these Chapter 11 Cases (the “ASASCO Group”) as well as Debtor Garrett Motion International Services S.R.L. (together with the ASASCO Group, the “Indemnity Guarantors”)8 pursuant to the Indemnification Guarantee Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2018 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Indemnity Guarantee Agreement”), between Honeywell ASASCO 2 Inc., ASASCO, and the Indemnity Guarantors.

The Honeywell Indemnity Agreement Obligations and the obligations under the Indemnity Guarantee Agreement (the “Indemnity Guarantee Obligations” and, together with the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement Obligations, the “Indemnity Obligations”) are expressly subordinated in right of payment to both the Senior Credit Facility and to the Senior Notes, including the payment of post-petition interest at the contract rate and for other amounts, pursuant to the terms of both the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Indemnity Guarantee Agreement. The Indemnity Obligations also are subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Credit Facility and Senior Notes by the Intercreditor Agreement.

In addition, the Indemnity Guarantee Agreement includes foreign jurisdiction-specific limitations on the guarantee obligations of applicable foreign guarantors, including limitations on such guarantee obligations of Swiss Borrower and any of its Swiss subsidiaries (the “Swiss Guarantors”). That limitation language limits payments on account of the Indemnity Guarantee Obligations by the Swiss Guarantors to the freely distributable value of such Swiss Guarantor. Accordingly, the Debtors believe that, under Swiss law, no payment under the Indemnification Guarantee Agreement from the Swiss Guarantors would be available unless all other creditors of the Swiss Guarantors (including intercompany creditors) are satisfied in full.9

 

 

8 

The Indemnity Guarantors are: Calvari Limited, Garrett Borrowing LLC, Garrett Holding Company Sàrl, Garrett LX I S. à.r.l., Garrett LX II S. à r.l., Garrett LX III S. à r.l., Garrett Motion Automotive Research Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V, Garrett Motion Australia Pty Limited, Garrett Motion Ireland A Limited, Garrett Motion Ireland B Limited, Garrett Motion Ireland C Limited, Garrett Motion Ireland Limited, Garrett Motion Italia S.R.L., Garrett Motion Japan, Inc., Garrett Motion LLC , Garrett Motion Mexico, Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable, Garrett Motion Romania S.R.L., Garrett Motion Sarl, Garrett Motion Slovakia s.r.o., Garrett Motion Switzerland Holdings Sarl, Garrett Motion UK A Limited, Garrett Motion UK B Limited, Garrett Motion UK C Limited, Garrett Motion UK D Limited, Garrett Motion UK Limited, Garrett Transportation Systems Ltd, Garrett Transportation Systems UK II Ltd, Garrett TS Ltd, Garrett Turbo Ltd. Debtor Garrett Motion International Services S.R.L., which is neither a direct nor indirect subsidiary of ASASCO, executed a supplement to the Indemnity Guarantee Agreement establishing Garrett Motion International Services S.R.L. as an Indemnity Guarantor. The Debtors have asserted that the Indemnity Guarantee Agreement is explicit that only the subsidiaries of ASASCO are required to be Indemnity Guarantors. Honeywell disputes this assertion.

9 

Honeywell disputes this viewpoint and nothing herein should be interpreted or construed as Honeywell’s consent to such viewpoint.

 

21


The Honeywell Indemnity Agreement further contains a deferral mechanism (the “Deferral Mechanism”) whereby Honeywell Indemnity Agreement Obligations are deferred (without interest) for any period in which the Company falls out of compliance with its financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement (such deferral period, a “Payment Deferral Period”). The Honeywell Indemnity Agreement provides for a once-per-year “catch-up” payment pursuant to which, once the Company comes back into compliance with its financial covenants, the Company will pay outstanding accrued amounts to the extent the Company has capacity to make such payments under the Credit Agreement basket capacity, with unpaid accrued amounts rolling over to the following year’s catch-up payment.

The Honeywell Indemnity Agreement also imposes on ASASCO and the Indemnity Guarantors loan-like covenants and restrictions on activities that largely track the covenants and restrictions imposed on the Debtors under the Credit Agreement, including with respect to the ability to merge into or acquire other companies.10

The Company retained Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP (“Quinn Emanuel”) to, among other things, review the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and related potential defenses and causes of action. Throughout 2019, the Company negotiated with Honeywell regarding the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the level of information being provided by Honeywell with respect to the underlying Legacy Honeywell Asbestos Liabilities. The Company and Honeywell mediated in September 2019, but that mediation was unsuccessful.

On December 2, 2019, GMI and ASASCO commenced an action in connection with the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement in the New York Supreme Court against Honeywell, certain of its subsidiaries and certain of their respective employees for declaratory judgment, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duties, corporate waste, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment (the “Honeywell Action”). The Honeywell Action seeks to establish, among other things, that the financial obligations and the affirmative and negative covenants under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement are not enforceable, in whole or in part. As further discussed in Article III.MHoneywell Action and the Estimation Motion, the Honeywell Action has been removed to the Bankruptcy Court.

Since September of 2018, ASASCO has made approximately €205.4 million in payments to Honeywell on account of the Indemnity Obligations. Those payments were made under protest and subject to ASASCO’s claims seeking to invalidate the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement in whole or in part.

As a result of the 2020 Amendment to the Senior Credit Facility discussed above, the Deferral Mechanism in the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement was triggered and will remain in place until the Company is in compliance with certain financial covenants. As a result, and even if the automatic stay were not otherwise in effect, no payments currently would be due under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement, and under the terms of the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement, no further payments will be due by ASASCO or the Indemnity Guarantors unless and until the Company is again in compliance with certain financial covenants for the benefit of its lenders. The Company had deferred approximately €68.5 in aggregate asserted indemnity payments in 2020.

 

 

10 

Honeywell disputes this viewpoint and nothing herein should be interpreted or construed as Honeywell’s consent to such viewpoint.

 

22


Honeywell has asserted in its Proofs of Claim filed on December 18, 2020, that it is owed “Not less than $1,800.90 million” on account of asbestos and environmental indemnification claims. The Debtors believe that this amount is overstated, including for the reasons stated in the Honeywell Action, and because Honeywell did not discount its claim to present value as of the Petition Date. The amount of Honeywell’s claim is the subject of the upcoming estimation proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court. See Article III.MHoneywell Action and the Estimation Motion.

The Debtors believe that the Indemnity Obligations are liabilities only of the ASASCO Group and the Indemnity Guarantors. Except for Garrett Motion International Services S.R.L., the circumstances of which are discussed above at footnote 6 above, none of GMI, its immediate subsidiary Garrett Motion Holdings Inc. (“GMHI”), GTI, or the Debtor subsidiaries of GTI (collectively, the “GMI Group”) are party to the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement or the Indemnity Guarantee Agreement. Honeywell, on the other hand, has asserted in its Proofs of Claim that “All Debtors” may be liable based on “Non-Contractual Claims, including but not limited to Tort Claims or other Claims Under Applicable Law.” The Debtors dispute Honeywell’s assertion.

 

  2.

Tax Matters Agreement

Certain Debtors are party to the Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2018 (the “Tax Matters Agreement”), among Honeywell, GMI, Honeywell ASASCO Inc. and Honeywell ASASCO 2 Inc., governing the respective tax-related rights, responsibilities and obligations of Honeywell and the Debtors after the spin-off transaction.

Like the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement is also subject to a pending dispute. In response to the mandatory transition tax imposed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Honeywell included in the Tax Matters Agreement an obligation of ASASCO to pay Honeywell for the amount of Honeywell’s 2017 net tax liability under Section 965(h)(6)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code that Honeywell determines was attributable to the Debtors (the “MTT Payment Obligation”). As of the Petition Date, ASASCO has paid Honeywell ASASCO 2 €32.8 million towards the MTT Payment Obligations as of the Petition Date, under protest and a reservation of rights. Honeywell previously calculated the MTT Payment Obligation at $240 million, to be paid in eight annual installments from November 2018 through April 2025. Honeywell subsequently revised its calculations to approximately $268 million. In its Proofs of Claim filed on December 18, 2020, Honeywell reduced its MTT Payment Obligation claim to $96.3 million after a thorough reevaluation.

ASASCO disputes the amount asserted by Honeywell with respect to the MTT Payment Obligation.

 

23


The MTT Payment Obligation is a liability only of ASASCO and is not guaranteed by any other Debtor. Because the ASASCO operations are conducted by its subsidiaries, chiefly GMS, the Debtors believe that the MTT Payment Obligation is structurally junior to other creditors of the ASASCO Group.

The Tax Matters Agreement also states that GMI is responsible and will indemnify Honeywell for certain taxes (other than the MTT Payment Obligation)—including income taxes, sales taxes, value added tax (“VAT”), and payroll taxes for all tax periods, including tax periods prior to the completion date of the spin-off transaction—that are attributable to the Debtors. In its Proofs of Claim, Honeywell asserts $29.7 million in other tax claims.

 

  3.

Certain Positions Taken by Honeywell and Disputed by the Debtors

Honeywell has consistently disputed the Debtors’ characterization of the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement, asserting that, in addition to such agreements having been conditions precedent to the spin-off, the obligations imposed thereby are valid and legally enforceable. In addition, Honeywell claimed that all financial obligations and covenants are legally enforceable. See Memorandum of Law in Support of Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss Adversary Proceeding (the “Motion to Dismiss”), Garrett Motion Inc. v. Honeywell International Inc., 1:20-ap-01223 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), D.I. 7.

In particular, in its Motion to Dismiss the Honeywell Action, Honeywell argued that (i) the spin-off was not a violation if its fiduciary duties under Delaware law, (ii) the Honeywell Indemnification Agreement is not unconscionable, (iii) the Honeywell Indemnification Agreement was entered into by ASASCO in connection with the receipt of assets by the Debtors in the spin-off, and (iv) that Honeywell is entitled to full payment under the Honeywell Indemnification Agreement because the settlement amounts and associated legal expenses are properly subject to indemnification under New York law, among other things. Moreover, in the Chapter 11 Cases, Honeywell asserted that the Indemnity Obligations are or may become obligations of all of the Debtors pursuant to the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement. Specifically, in its Proofs of Claim, Honeywell has asserted that sections 2.12 and 2.15(f) of the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement provide Honeywell with certain contractual protections, which if violated would result in breach of contract and tort claims against all Debtors. In addition, Honeywell has asserted that the waterfall structure of the Intercreditor Agreement requires all Debtors to repay the Indemnity Obligations prior to any recovery to other general unsecured creditors or equity holders notwithstanding, notwithstanding which Debtor entities are party to the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement. Accordingly, Honeywell asserted “contingent, unliquidated contractual and tort claims against all other Debtors” in its Proofs of Claims.

As discussed more fully below, the Plan and Plan Support Agreement embody a settlement of these disputes and the consensual compromise and treatment of the Honeywell Plan Claims, as further set forth herein.

 

24


  4.

Estimation of Claims

Honeywell’s claims under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement are subject to an estimation trial that was scheduled to occur from February 1, 2021 to February 5, 2021, and from February 8, 2021 to February 12, 2021, pursuant to the Order Establishing Procedures for the Estimation of Claims of Honeywell et al. Against the Debtors [Docket No. 540]. Pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement, the Honeywell Settlement and the Stipulation and Order to Stay Proceedings [D.I. 737], the Debtors have agreed to suspend all litigation activities related to and stay the proceedings to estimate Honeywell’s claims through the Effective Date and to dismiss with prejudice such proceedings upon the Effective Date. More information is available in Article III.MHoneywell Action and the Estimation Motion.

 

F.

Existing Common Stock

GMI is authorized to issue 400 million shares of $0.001 par value stock common stock, of which 76,202,169 shares were issued as of September 30, 2020. On the Petition Date, GMI was notified by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) that, as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases, the NYSE had commenced proceedings to delist the Existing Common Stock from the NYSE.

The NYSE indefinitely suspended trading of the Company’s common stock on September 21, 2020. On October 8, 2020, the NYSE removed the Company’s common stock from listing and registration on the NYSE effective as of the opening of business on October 19, 2020.

 

G.

Factors Leading to the Commencement of These Chapter 11 Cases

 

  1.

Challenges Posed by the Debtors’ Capital Structure

 

  (a)

Inability to Invest in Research & Development

The Company’s business model requires constant investment in new technology, both to improve the Company’s existing products and to develop new products to meet customer demands. A failure to invest in technology for any sustained period of time could result in a loss of customers, market share and margin.

The Company’s current balance sheet constrains its ability to make the investments in technology for the future. The Company has no access to incremental debt to fund R&D or capital expenditures given its high leverage. The Company’s ability to sell equity to raise funds and to use internally generated cash flow for R&D or capital expenditures are limited by debt-service costs and the Indemnity Obligation and MTT Payment Obligations at ASASCO.

 

  (b)

Balance Sheet Concerns of Customers and Partners

The Company sells products to OEMs pursuant to long-term arrangements in which the OEMs order essential components from the Company years in advance of the production of vehicles. The OEMs rely on the Company to be in a position to perform these long-term commitments. Similarly, the Company has long-term commitments to its own suppliers, and the Company typically carries a substantial negative working capital balance based on suppliers’ understanding of the ability and willingness of the Company to perform its commitments as a core part of the automobile industry’s value chain.

 

25


The Company has maintained its business and financial relationships with OEMs and suppliers during its short existence since the spin-off with considerable success. But the Company’s balance sheet problems have made doing so more difficult and if not addressed could create concerns among OEMs and suppliers as the Company’s technological advantages decline with underinvestment. The Company is substantially overleveraged and significantly more leveraged than one of its primary competitors.

 

LOGO

 

   Source:    Company filings, Capital IQ, FactSet
   Notes:    Net leverage based on LTM EBITDA, debt and cash as of latest reporting period.
      Illustrative value of MTT Payment Obligation and Subordinated Indemnity Obligations as of
      June 30, 2020 based on Company’s 10-Q filing.

 

  (c)

Reacting to Industry Consolidation

The automotive industry outlook is highly uncertain. The industry is facing rapid technological changes and unprecedented disruptions that will impact the industry for years to come. From a shift in consumer preferences towards electric vehicles to full-scale automation, industry participants are facing increased competition from new participants. When these factors are considered in light of slumping car sales in the overall automotive market, it is clear that the automotive industry is ripe for consolidation among industry participants.

The Company’s ability to participate in such consolidation and compete on a go-forward basis is limited by its capital structure. Even if the Debtors could have arranged an out-of-court sale or business combination that paid or refinanced all of their funded debt, the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement continues until 2048 and limits strategic transactions available to the Company.

 

26


In addition, the Debtors have no access to equity capital if they wish to grow as an independent company due to the Company’s funded debt and its Indemnity Obligations. With its cash flow trapped by this combination of instruments, GMI has never paid dividends to its shareholders.

 

  2.

Exploration of Strategic Alternatives Before COVID-19

GMI’s Board of Directors regularly reviews, assesses and discusses the Debtors’ industry, performance, strategy, competitive position and strategic options in light of economic and market conditions and the Debtors’ leveraged capital structure, all with a view to preserving and maximizing the value of the Debtors.

In late 2019 and early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of the ongoing industry consolidation, the Company evaluated a range of potential merger partners. As the Company faces changing consumer preferences and new entries into the market, the Board of Directors felt that a business combination would best position the Company to compete on a go-forward basis. However, the Company was unable to generate any significant traction with any of these parties due to a variety of factors, including the Company’s over-leveraged capital structure. In the midst of this process, on January 28, 2020, two of the Company’s most logical merger partners, Delphi and BorgWarner, announced they had entered into a definitive agreement under which BorgWarner would acquire Delphi in an all-stock transaction, citing the strength of scale for powertrain products and the ability to maintain future flexibility across combustion, hybrid and electric propulsion systems.

In connection with its efforts to consider available strategic options, GMI hired Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and Perella Weinberg Partners LP (“PWP”) to provide financial advice and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (“S&C”) to provide legal advice. At the direction of the Board of Directors, representatives of Morgan Stanley and PWP conducted preliminary market test conversations on a “no-names basis” with approximately 15 parties during the fourth quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020 regarding a potential merger with, or acquisition of, the Debtors. While no potential strategic buyers expressed interest in exploring a potential transaction, multiple financial sponsors expressed interest. All financial sponsors insisted on potential transaction structures in which the balance sheet of the Company—including its excessive funded debt leverage, the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and other legacy liabilities—could be left behind or discharged and the business of the Company acquired free and clear of those burdens.

 

  3.

COVID-19 Accelerates Strategic Review

In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus, COVID-19, was identified in Wuhan, China. The virus was declared a pandemic and spread across the world, including throughout geographical locations in which the Debtors operate.

 

27


The business operations of the Debtors were materially disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related response measures. As a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s manufacturing facility in Wuhan, China was shut down for six weeks in February and March and the Company saw diminished production in its Shanghai, China facility over the same time period. When the Company’s facilities in China re-opened, manufacturing facilities in Mexicali, Mexico and Pune, India were shut down for five weeks in April and May 2020, and manufacturing facilities in Europe operated at reduced capacity through June 2020. These production disruptions significantly reduced the Company’s production volumes and had a material adverse impact on the Debtors’ business, results of operations and financial condition. The Debtors also have faced stay-at-home orders from local governments, new paid time-off policies, employee furloughs, state-funded layoffs, sickness of employees and their families and the desire of employees to avoid contact with large groups of people, adding to the adverse impact on the Debtors’ business.

One consequence for the Company of the COVID-19 pandemic was an acceleration of its strategic review process. While the Company obtained some relief under its Credit Agreement through the 2020 Amendment discussed above, the Board of Directors and senior management recognized that the 2020 Amendment was a temporary stop-gap and would not resolve the Company’s more fundamental financial challenges. After discussions with its advisors, the Board of Directors decided to renew focus on a competitive marketing process for the purchase of the Debtors’ business by a financial sponsor.

The pandemic response also included careful monitoring of global liquidity and the consideration of potential court-supervised restructuring processes. In particular, the Company commenced work with AlixPartners LLP (“Alix”) and S&C to review feasible restructuring processes given the Company’s global footprint and capital structure, settling on the use of chapter 11 in New York as a potential alternative.

Due to the heightened liquidity and confidentiality concerns, the Company launched a formal process with non-disclosure agreements (“NDA”) to six sponsors who had expressed interest in earlier conversations. One additional financial sponsor later proactively reached out to the Company, expressed interest and executed an NDA. At the outset of the process, each sponsor was asked to consider an investment in a variety of forms, including minority common or preferred stock investments as well as a whole company purchase.

On June 15, 2020, the Debtors received five non-binding indications of interest (“IOI”) from financial sponsors to purchase their business. Of the five parties who submitted IOIs, three were selected to move to the second phase on the basis of their valuations and the Company’s view of their ability to consummate a transaction. All second-round bidders made clear to the Company that they would not purchase the Company except in a chapter 11 proceeding or other process that could deliver the business free and clear of its current balance sheet.

After three weeks of diligence access, one of the parties elected to remove itself from consideration for the transaction. The remaining two parties conducted an additional three weeks of diligence, expert sessions with management and outside advisors, reviewed a virtual data room with more than 50,000 pages of the Debtors’ documents, and submitted over 400 specific due diligence questions. The Debtors received two non-binding proposals on August 3, 2020. On August 13, 2020, GMI signed an Exclusivity Agreement with a new company formed by KPS Capital Partners, LP (together with its affiliates, “KPS” or the “Stalking Horse Bidder”). After a negotiating period, the Company entered into the initial stalking horse purchase agreement (the “Initial Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement”) on September 20, 2020.

 

28


  4.

Initial Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement

The Initial Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement contemplated the purchase by the Stalking Horse Bidder of substantially all of the assets and operations of the Debtors upon effectiveness of a chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Stalking Horse Purchase”). The Stalking Horse Purchase was structured as the purchase of the assets of Debtors GMI, GMHI and ASASCO, and an acquisition of the stock of Debtor GTI and LuxCo 1 (who in turn own, directly or indirectly, all of the other material Debtor subsidiaries). As consideration for the purchase, the Stalking Horse Bidder agreed to pay aggregate cash consideration of $2.1 billion, subject to customary adjustments for net cash, working capital and accrued transaction expenses at the time of closing, and to assume all ordinary course trade claims and various other assumed liabilities (the “Stalking Horse Bid”).

The Initial Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement also provided for certain assets and liabilities to be excluded from the transaction perimeter and remain behind in a liquidating trust (the “Liquidating Trust”) after closing of the Stalking Horse Purchase. Excluded liabilities included all liabilities under the Senior Credit Facility, the Senior Notes, the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement, the Indemnity Guarantee Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement and various other excluded contracts and liabilities identified by the Stalking Horse Bidder. Excluded liabilities were expected to be paid from the proceeds of the purchase, to the extent available in accordance with the rules of priority established by the Bankruptcy Code and the Intercreditor Agreement. Excluded assets included claims against Honeywell relating to the spin-off, rights under non-assumed contracts and other excluded assets as agreed in the Initial Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement.

The Stalking Horse Purchase, as contemplated by the Initial Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, was expected to substantially reduce the funded debt of the Company, as well as to eliminate legacy liabilities. The following chart shows the funded debt of the Company on the Petition Date versus the funded debt contemplated by the Stalking Horse Bidder after consummation of the Stalking Horse Purchase as of the Petition Date.

 

29


Tranche

   Petition
Date
     Final
DIP Order
     Adj.     Fund      Exit  

DIP Financing

     —          250        (250     —          —    

RCF(1)

     370        370        (370     —          —    

Term Loan A(1)

     297        297        (297     —          —    

Term Loan B (EUR)(1)

     362        362        (362     —          —    

Term Loan B (USD)

     418        418        (418     —          —    

Exit RCF(2)

     —          —          —         —          —    

Exit Term Loan

     —          —          —         1,100        1,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Secured Debt

     1,447        1,697        (1,697     1,100        1,100  

Senior Notes(1)

     413        413        (413     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Funded Debt

     1,860        2,110        (2,110     1,100        1,100  

Honeywell I/O & MTT(3)

     1,341        1,341        (1,341     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Obligations

     3,201        3,451        (3,451     1,100        1,100  

Gross Leverage (No I/O & MTT)

     4.2x        4.8x             2.5x  

Gross Leverage (With I/O & MTT)

     7.2x        7.8x             2.5x  

LTM EBITDA (06/30/20)

   $ 442             

As described below in Article III.LModifications to the Terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, the Debtors received a Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal (as defined below) and negotiated the Proposed A&R Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement (as defined below).

 

  5.

Creditor Discussions and the Restructuring Support Agreement

As negotiations with the Stalking Horse Bidder progressed, the Company began discussions with certain lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities who were subject to, or expressed a willingness to enter into, appropriate confidentiality arrangements. Loans under the Senior Credit Facility traded at a discount to par value prior to the Petition Date. The Company believed that obtaining lender support prior to commencing these Chapter 11 Cases was important for many reasons, including the acceleration of substantial secured indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facilities that the Company might not be able to repay or refinance in the absence of the Stalking Horse Purchase, the need for the consent of requisite lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities to grant liens on non-U.S. collateral to support debtor-in-possession financing, and the desire of both the Debtors and the Stalking Horse Bidder to implement the Stalking Horse Purchase pursuant to a pre-arranged chapter 11 plan of reorganization with assurance of the support and approval of the Company’s largest and most senior class of creditors.

The Stalking Horse Bidder required the execution and delivery of the RSA (as defined below) from requisite lenders as a condition to the effectiveness of the Initial Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement. On the Petition Date, the Debtors entered into the Restructuring Support Agreement (as amended, the “RSA”) with lenders holding approximately 61% of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities. Since the Petition Date, additional lenders have signed the RSA, and as of the date hereof, lenders holding in excess of 67% of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities are party to the RSA (the “Consenting Lenders”).

 

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The RSA obligates the Consenting Lenders to, among other things, support the consummation of the Stalking Horse Purchase (in the absence of a better bid at Auction (as defined below), to vote to approve the related plan of reorganization on the terms described in an annex to the RSA, and to take various other actions to assist the Debtors in the prosecution of these Chapter 11 Cases from time to time. Pursuant to the plan described in the RSA, holders of claims under the Senior Credit Facilities will receive payment in full in cash on the effective date of the Plan, other than default interest in an amount expected to equal approximately $15 million (assuming a 210-day case). In return for the commitments from the Consenting Lenders, the Debtors agree in the RSA to, among other things, use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct these Chapter 11 Cases in a manner consistent with the certain milestones, and to pursue the Stalking Horse Purchase or another transaction providing treatment no less favorable to the Consenting Lenders, subject to the Debtors’ fiduciary obligations and other limitations and conditions.

On January 6, 2021, the RSA was amended to, among other things, update certain milestones relating to plan solicitation and confirmation.

 

  6.

Independent Directors

Recognizing that ASASCO—if it is shown to be unable to pay all allowed claims—may have divergent interests from the GMI Group with respect to certain intercompany matters, the Debtors determined prior to the commencement of these Chapter 11 Cases to engage independent directors at ASASCO and GMHI. In August 2020, both ASASCO and GMHI established separate transaction committees (the “ASASCO Transaction Committee” and the “GMHI Transaction Committee” and, together, the “Transaction Committees”). The ASASCO Transaction Committee is comprised of Neal Goldman as independent director (the “ASASCO Independent Director”) and the GMHI Transaction Committee is comprised of Alex Greene as independent director (the “GMHI Independent Director” and, together with the ASASCO Independent Director, the “Independent Directors”).     

Each of the Transaction Committees is advised by external legal counsel and other advisors. The ASASCO Transaction Committee hired Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (“Simpson Thacher”) as legal counsel and FTI Consulting Inc. (“FTI”) to advise on valuation and purchase price allocation. The GMHI Transaction Committee hired Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (“Schulte”) as legal counsel and is utilizing the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) (GMI’s accounting firm) to advise on valuation and purchase price allocation.

ARTICLE III

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND INITIATIVES IN THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES

The following is a general summary of significant events since the Petition Date, including a discussion of the Debtors’ restructuring and business initiatives.

 

A.

Commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases

The commencement of a chapter 11 case creates an estate that is composed of all of the legal and equitable interests of the debtor as of that date. The Bankruptcy Code provides that the debtor may continue to operate its business and remain in possession of its property as a “debtor in possession.” Following the Petition Date, the Debtors continue to operate their businesses and manage their properties as debtors and debtors-in-possession. The Debtors also sought and obtained from the Bankruptcy Court to have their cases jointly administered for procedural purposes only.

 

31


B.

The Chapter 11 Cases

 

  1.

First Day Relief

On the Petition Date, the Debtors filed a number of “first day” motions (the “First Day Motions”) and applications designed to ease the Debtors’ transition into Chapter 11, maximize the value of the Debtors’ assets and minimize the effects of the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases. On September 21, 22, 24 and 25 and October 6, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered orders granting the first-day motions (the “First Day Orders”), allowing the Debtors to continue certain normal business activities not specifically authorized under the Bankruptcy Code or as to which the Bankruptcy Code requires prior court approval. In particular, the Bankruptcy Court authorized entered orders:

 

   

on an interim basis, (a) authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, (i) to continue to use their cash management system, including existing Debtor bank accounts, and (ii) pay or honor certain prepetition obligations related thereto; (b) authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors to continue to perform intercompany transactions with each other and with non-Debtors on a post-petition basis in the ordinary course of business and consistent with historical practice; and (c) waiving the requirements of section 345(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent such requirements are inconsistent with the Debtors’ current practices [D.I. 53; D.I. 72];

 

   

(i) authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to (a) maintain a consolidated list of creditors in lieu of submitting a separate matrix for each Debtor, (b) file a consolidated list of the Debtors’ top 30 unsecured creditors, and (c) file the portions of the creditor matrix containing the addresses of the Debtors’ former and current employees and individual independent contractors under seal, and (ii) establishing procedures for notifying parties of the commencement of these Chapter 11 Cases [D.I. 75];

 

   

(i) extending the time for the Debtors to file their schedules and statements by 30 days, (ii) extending the time for the Debtors to file their 2015.3 reports to the date that is 44 days from the Petition Date, and (iii) waiving the requirements to file the list of equity security holders [D.I. 77];

 

   

on an interim basis, authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to (i) continue their insurance policies and pay all obligations in respect thereof, and (ii) renew, supplement, modify or purchase new insurance policies or obtain new insurance coverage as needed in the ordinary course of business [D.I. 78];

 

32


   

on an interim basis, authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to pay (or use tax credits to offset), in the ordinary course of business, certain taxes and fees [D.I. 79];

 

   

on an interim basis, authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to pay prepetition claims of (i) critical vendors in an amount not to exceed $52 million and (ii) potential lien claimants [D.I. 49];

 

   

on an interim basis, authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to pay prepetition claims of foreign vendors in an amount not to exceed $125 million [D.I. 73];

 

   

on an interim basis, authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to (i) maintain and administer their customer programs and honor all prepetition obligations to customers in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice and (ii) maintain, continue, renew, replace, implement, modify, terminate or create new customer programs [D.I. 74];

 

   

on an interim basis, authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to (i) pay the prepetition employee obligations and (ii) maintain the employee compensation and benefits and pay related administrative obligations [D.I. 48];

 

   

on an interim basis, authorizing, but not directing, the Debtors, in their sole discretion, to (i) enter into and perform under the hedging and derivative contracts, and (ii) provide credit support under the hedging and derivative contracts in the ordinary course and pursuant to past practices [D.I. 170];

 

   

on an interim basis, (a) establishing notice and objection procedures related to certain transfers of equity securities and declarations of worthlessness for federal or state tax purposes with respect to Existing Common Stock or any beneficial ownership thereof; and (b) directing that any purchase, sale, or other transfer of common stock in violation of the procedures set forth shall be null and void ab initio [D.I. 90];

 

   

authorizing the retention and appointment of Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC (“KCC”) as claims and noticing agent [D.I. 76]; and

 

   

enforcing and restating the automatic stay, ipso facto and antidiscrimination provisions [D.I. 81].

Pursuant to the final orders entered on October 20, 2020 [D.I. 247, 248], the Debtors are authorized to pay up to $103 million of prepetition claims of critical vendors and lienholders and to pay up to $305 million of prepetition claims of foreign vendors.

 

33


The Bankruptcy Court also granted final orders with respect to certain normal business activities related to taxes and fees [D.I. 244], the administration of customer program [D.I. 245], insurance [D.I. 246], hedging and derivative contracts [D.I. 249], cash management systems [D.I. 253], procedures related to certain transfers of equity securities and declarations of worthlessness [D.I. 259], and employee obligations and benefits [D.I. 287].

In addition, the commencement of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases triggered the automatic stay under section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, which, with limited exceptions, enjoined all collection efforts and actions by creditors, the enforcement of all liens against property of the Debtors and the commencement or continuation of prepetition litigation against the Debtors. Subject to limited exceptions, the automatic stay will remain in effect until the Effective Date of the Plan.

 

C.

Debtor-In-Possession Financing and Cash Collateral

In addition to the other First Day Motions, on September 20, 2020, the Debtors also filed the Debtors’ Motion for Entry of Interim and Final Orders, Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105, 361, 362, 363, 364, 503, 506, 507 and 552, (I) Authorizing Debtors to (A) Obtain Post-petition Financing and (B) Use Cash Collateral, (II) Granting Liens and Providing Claims with Superpriority Administrative Expense Status, (III) Granting Adequate Protection to the Prepetition Secured Parties, (IV) Modifying the Automatic Stay, (V) Scheduling a Final Hearing and (VI) Granting Related Relief [D.I. 17] (the “DIP Motion”). The DIP Motion sought authority to obtain post-petition financing on a non-amortizing senior secured, super-priority and priming debtor-in-possession term loan facility in the aggregate maximum principal amount of up to $250 million (the “DIP Facility”) and authorizing certain Debtors to jointly and severally guarantee the Borrower’s obligations under the DIP Facility.

Following the filing of the DIP Motion, certain stockholders represented by the law firm of Jones Day (the “Jones Day Stockholders”) filed a limited objection [D.I. 35]. In addition, Centerbridge and Oaktree offered to provide junior DIP financing to the Debtors. Although the Debtors did not select this junior DIP financing proposal, as a result of the Centerbridge and Oaktree proposal and other factors, the Debtors were able to obtain material concessions from their existing DIP lenders, including the removal of restrictive case milestones from the DIP Facility and a more flexible and less expensive approach to maturity extensions. In addition, as a result of the competition introduced into the financing process and other factors, the Debtors were able to negotiate the removal of a 1.00% prepayment premium from the DIP Facility, saving the Estates up to $2.5 million in fees.

At a hearing on September 21, 2020 (the “First Interim DIP Hearing”), certain interested parties, including the Jones Day Stockholders, objected to the relief sought through the DIP Motion. At the First Interim DIP Hearing, the Debtors agreed to adjourn the hearing on the DIP Motion and agreed to confer with counsel to certain interested parties in order to agree to a form of order authorizing the Debtors to use cash collateral, pending the Second Interim DIP Hearing. On September 22, 2020, with the consent of, among other parties, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the Prepetition Required Lenders (as such term is defined in the Interim Cash Collateral Order) the Debtors submitted to the Court by certification of counsel the proposed Interim Order (I) Authorizing Use of Cash Collateral and Affording Adequate Protection; (II) Modifying the Automatic Stay; (III) Scheduling a Continued Interim Hearing; and (IV) Granting Related Relief, which the Court entered the same day [D.I. 56] (the “Interim Cash Collateral Order”). The Interim Cash Collateral Order, among other things, scheduled a continued interim hearing on the DIP Motion on September 29, 2020 (the “Continued Interim DIP Hearing”) and set an automatic termination date of the Interim Cash Collateral Order of September 30, 2020 (the “Cash Collateral Outside Date”). On September 30, 2020, with the consent of the Prepetition Required Lenders, the Debtors submitted to the Court by certification of counsel a proposed order extending the Cash Collateral Outside Date to the earlier of entry of an order of the Court approving the DIP Motion and October 9, 2020. The Continued Interim DIP Hearing was rescheduled to October 6, 2020.

 

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Prior to the Continued Interim DIP Hearing, objections to the relief requested in the DIP Motion were filed by (i) Honeywell [D.I. 103] (the “Honeywell Objection”); (ii) the Jones Day Stockholders, which was later withdrawn prior to the Continued Interim DIP Hearing [D.I. 160]; (iii) Gabelli Funds, LLC and S. Muoio & Co. LLC (“Gabelli/Muoio”) [D.I. 110], which was later partially withdrawn prior to the Continued Interim DIP Hearing [D.I. 163]; and (iv) Caterpillar Inc. [D.I. 116]. The Debtors filed their Omnibus Reply in Support of Debtors’ Motion for Entry of Interim and Final Orders, Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105, 361, 362, 363, 364, 503, 506, 507 and 552, (I) Authorizing Debtors to (A) Obtain Post-petition Financing and (B) Use Cash Collateral, (II) Granting Liens and Providing Claims with Superpriority Administrative Expense Status, (III) Granting Adequate Protection to the Prepetition Secured Parties, (IV) Modifying the Automatic Stay, (V) Scheduling a Final Hearing and (VI) Granting Related Relief [D.I. 142]. Honeywell subsequently filed a sur-reply [D.I. 150] reiterating certain of its initial concerns in the Honeywell Objection, but stating that it no longer objected to an interim draw of $100 million under the DIP Facility.

The Court held the Continued Interim DIP Hearing on October 6, 2020 at which the objections were heard and overruled by the Bankruptcy Court, and the Court approved the DIP Motion on an interim basis and entered an order authorizing, among other things, the Debtors to draw up to $100 million under the DIP Facility (the “Interim DIP Order”) [D.I. 169]. By the Interim DIP Order, the Court set a hearing to consider final approval of the relief sought in the DIP Motion for October 21, 2020 (the “Final DIP Hearing”).

Prior to the Final DIP Hearing, Honeywell filed a limited objection [D.I. 231] and Gabelli/Muoio withdrew their objection to the DIP Motion [D.I. 243]. In addition, prior to the Final DIP Hearing, with the consent of the requisite lenders party to the DIP Facility, the Debtors reduced the size of the DIP Facility from $250 million to $200 million [D.I. 251]. The Bankruptcy Court held the Final DIP Hearing on October 21, 2020 and approved the DIP Facility on a final basis in the aggregate principal amount of $200 million, and entered a final order granting the relief sought in the DIP Motion [D.I. 281].

 

D.

Continuation of the Debtors’ Operations

From the Petition Date, the Debtors operated in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with the First Day Orders, the Debtors have paid and continue to pay certain prepetition claims of creditors permitted under orders entered by the Bankruptcy Court, including vendors, lienholders and employees, and in the ordinary course of business as amounts become due and payable. The Debtors are also continuing to satisfy their obligations under their customer programs.

 

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E.

Appointment of a Creditors’ Committee

On October 5, 2020, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Creditors’ Committee”) was appointed by the Office of the United States Trustee for Region 2 (the “U.S. Trustee”) pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code to represent the interests of unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 Cases [D.I. 161]. The initial members of the Creditors’ Committee were Ireland Defined Benefit Plan, Wuxi Best Precision Machinery Co. and Pierburg GmbH.

The Creditors’ Committee selected White & Case, LLP as its legal counsel and Conway Mackenzie LLC and Lazard Frères & Co. as its financial advisors. The retentions of White & Case LLP and Conway Mackenzie LLC were approved by the Bankruptcy Court [D.I. 331, 473], and the hearing on the retention of Lazard Frères & Co. retention adjourned to January 26, 2021 [D.I. 539]. On November 19, 2020, the Creditors’ Committee was reconstituted to two members: the Ireland Defined Benefit Plan and Pierburg GmbH [D.I. 423].

 

F.

Retention of Debtor Professionals

The Debtors retained the following advisors in the Chapter 11 Cases, among others: (i) S&C, as legal counsel to the Debtors; (ii) Alix, as restructuring advisors; (iii) PWP, as restructuring investment banker; (iv) Morgan Stanley, as financial advisor and M&A investment banker; (v) Quinn Emanuel, as special counsel in connection with the Honeywell Action; (vi) Deloitte AG (“Deloitte AG”) as auditor and advisory services provider; (vii) Schulte as counsel to the GMHI Transaction Committee; (viii) Simpson Thacher as counsel to the ASASCO Transaction Committee; (ix) FTI as financial advisor to the ASASCO Transaction Committee; (x) KCC, as claims and noticing agent and administrative agent; and (xi) PwC as tax compliance, tax consulting, accounting advisory and valuation services provider.

On September 24, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court approved the retention of KCC [D.I. 100]. On October 26, 2020, the retentions of S&C [D.I. 285], Alix [D.I. 286], Quinn Emanuel [D.I. 293], Schulte [D.I. 289], Simpson Thacher [D.I. 294], and FTI [D.I. 290] were approved by the Bankruptcy Court. The Bankruptcy Court approved the retentions of PWP and Morgan Stanley at the hearing dated November 23, 2020 (the “November Omnibus Hearing”) [D.I. 512, 533]. On December 15, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court approved the retention of PwC [D.I. 549].

On September 30, 2020, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Debtors’ Motion for Entry of an Order Pursuant to Sections 105(a) and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016 and Local Rule 2016-1 Establishing Procedures for Monthly Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses of Professionals [D.I. 133] (the “Professional Expenses Motion”). The Professional Expenses Motion was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on October 26, 2020 [D.I. 291]. The Professional Expenses Motion applies to professionals retained by the Debtors and any statutory committees appointed in the cases.

On September 30, 2020, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Debtors’ Motion for Entry of an Order Implementing Certain Procedures to Retain, Compensate and Reimburse Professionals Utilized in the Ordinary Course of Business [D.I. 134] (the “Ordinary Course Professionals Motion”). The Ordinary Course Professionals Motion was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on October 26, 2020 [D.I. 295].

 

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On December 22, 2020, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Supplemental Application of Debtors and Debtors in Possession for Entry of an Order Authorizing Retention and Employment of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP as Special Counsel Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327(e), 328(a), and 1107(b), as of December 1, 2020 [D.I. 646] seeking approval of Quinn Emanuel’s representation of the Debtors in connection with the Securities Claims (as defined below), whether in the Securities Actions (as defined below) or in these bankruptcy cases. The Debtors also have requested that Quinn Emanuel represent various of the individual co-defendants in the Securities Actions who are currently officers or directors of the Debtors, provided that the cost of such defense is not paid by the estates, but rather by applicable directors and officers insurance.

 

G.

Schedules and Statements and 341 Meeting

Pursuant to section 521 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 1007(c), and orders of the Bankruptcy Court granting extensions of time, on November 3, 2020, the Debtors filed on behalf of Garrett Motion Inc., Garrett Motion Holdings Inc., Garrett ASASCO Inc., and Garrett Motion Holdings II Inc. (the “Initial Reporting Debtors”) (i) schedules of assets and liabilities, (ii) a schedule of current income and expenditures, (iii) a schedule of executory contracts and unexpired leases, and (iv) a statement of financial affairs (collectively, the “Initial Reporting Debtors’ Schedules”) [D.I. 313-320]. The Debtors also filed the Periodic Report Regarding Value, Operations, and Profitability of Entities in which the Debtors’ Estates Hold a Substantial or Controlling Interest pursuant to Rule 2015.3 [D.I. 321]. On November 3, 2020, GMI filed an amended schedule [D.I. 636].

The Debtors who are not the Initial Reporting Debtors (the “Subsequent Reporting Debtors”) sought a further extension of time to file their (i) schedules of assets and liabilities, (ii) a schedule of current income and expenditures, (iii) a schedule of executory contracts and unexpired leases, and (iv) a statement of financial affairs until December 18, which the Bankruptcy Court granted on November 7, 2020 (collectively, the “Subsequent Reporting Debtors’ Schedules”) [D.I. 335]. The Subsequent Reporting Debtors’ Schedules were filed on December 18, 2020 [D.I. 569-635].

On November 24, 2020, the U.S. Trustee conducted a meeting of creditors pursuant to section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “341 Meeting”). The 341 Meeting was continued to and concluded on January 5, 2021.

 

37


H.

Bar Dates and Claims Process

On November 4, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, which, among other things, (i) established December 18, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, as the deadline for all non-governmental units (as defined in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code), including 503(b)(9) claims to file proofs of claim solely against the Initial Reporting Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases (the “Initial Reporting Debtors General Bar Date”); (ii) established May 3, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, as the deadline for all governmental units (as defined in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code) to file proofs of claim solely against the Initial Reporting Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases (the “Initial Reporting Debtors Governmental Bar Date”, together with the Initial Reporting Debtors General Bar Date, the “Initial Reporting Debtors Bar Dates”); (iii) established the later of (a) the Initial Reporting Debtors General Bar Date or the Initial Reporting Debtors Governmental Bar Date, as applicable, and (b) 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the date that is 30 days from the date the applicable amendment or supplement to the applicable Seller Debtor’s schedules is served on such entity as the amended bar date (the “Amended Initial Reporting Debtors Bar Dates”) and (iv) approving the form and manner of notice of the Initial Reporting Debtors Bar Dates [D.I. 323].

On December 15, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, which, among other things, (i) established March 1, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, as the deadline for all non-governmental units (as defined in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code), including 503(b)(9) claims to file proofs of claim solely against the Subsequent Reporting Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases (the “Subsequent Reporting Debtors General Bar Date”); (ii) established June 14, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, as the deadline for all governmental units (as defined in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code) to file proofs of claim solely against the Subsequent Reporting Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases (the “Subsequent Reporting Debtors Governmental Bar Date” and, together with the Subsequent Reporting Debtors General Bar Date, the “Subsequent Reporting Debtors Bar Dates”); (iii) established the later of (a) the Subsequent Reporting Debtors General Bar Date or the Subsequent Reporting Debtors Governmental Bar Date, as applicable, and (b) 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the date that is 30 days from the date the applicable amendment or supplement to the applicable Seller Debtor’s schedules is served on such entity as the amended bar date (the “Amended Subsequent Reporting Debtors Bar Dates”) and (iv) approving the form and manner of notice of the Subsequent Reporting Debtors Bar Dates [D.I. 550].

On December 17, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, which, among other things, (i) established March 1, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, as a separate and specific securities claim bar date (the “Securities Claims Bar Date”) for claims against the Debtors arising from rescission of a purchase or sale of common stock of GMI, for damages arising from the purchase or sale of common stock of GMI, or for reimbursement or contribution allowed under section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code on account of such claims arising (or deemed to have arisen) prior to the Petition Date for all Securities Claims arising prior to the Petition Date (collectively, the “Securities Claims”) and (ii) approving the form and manner of notice of the Securities Claims Bar Date [D.I. 560].

 

I.

The Bidding Procedures

The Debtors and their advisors developed bidding and auction procedures for the marketing and sale of their assets in these Chapter 11 Cases in an orderly and value maximizing manner (the “Bidding Procedures”). On September 20, 2020 the Debtors filed the Debtors’ Motion for One or More Orders (A) Authorizing and Approving Bid Procedures, (B) Authorizing and Approving the Stalking Horse Bid Protections, (C) Scheduling a Sale Hearing, (D) Authorizing and Approving Assumption and Assignment Procedures, (E) Approving Notice Procedures and (F) Granting Other Relief [D.I. 18] (the “Bidding Procedures Motion”).

 

38


Subsequent to the filing of the Bidding Procedures Motion, objections were filed by the ad hoc group of certain unaffiliated holders of 5.125% senior notes due 2026 (“Noteholders”) [D.I. 199]; Gabelli/Muoio [D.I. 203]; the Jones Day Stockholders [D.I. 205]; Honeywell [D.I. 218]; and Centerbridge and Oaktree [D.I. 220] (collectively, the “Bidding Procedures Objections”). The Creditors’ Committee reserved its rights with respect to the relief sought in the Bidding Procedures Motion and sought a delay of the hearing to consider the Bidding Procedures Motion [D.I. 229]. Among other things, the Bidding Procedures Objections raised objections to the auction process timeline, the proposed $63 million break-up fee and uncapped expense reimbursement, the Debtors’ prepetition marketing process, and the discretion granted to the Debtors with respect to qualified bid and diligence access.

In response to the Bidding Procedures Objections, the Stalking Horse Bidder submitted a revised proposal, which included amendments to the Bidding Procedures, the purchase of ASASCO, an increased purchase price by $500 million, and the opportunity for existing shareholders to co-invest alongside the Stalking Horse Bidder [D.I. 233] as described in Article III.LModifications to the Terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement.

A hearing on the Bidding Procedures Motion was held on October 21, 2020 (the “Initial Bidding Procedures Hearing”), at which the Debtors presented testimony from Ms. Regina Savage, a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, and Mr. Sean Deason, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. After presenting evidence in support of the Bidding Procedures Motion, the Court directed the Debtors and the objecting parties to confer with respect to the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal and the Debtors’ business judgment that the Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal (as defined below) represented a superior proposal. The Court adjourned the Initial Bidding Procedures to October 23, 2020 (the “Continued Bidding Procedures Hearing”). At the Continued Bidding Procedures Hearing, the Court heard additional arguments about the terms of the Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal and the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal and why the Debtors elected, in their business judgment, to seek approval of the Bidding Procedures in connection with the Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal. Following the Continued Bidding Procedures Hearing, the Bankruptcy Court approved the Bidding Procedures Motion and entered an Order (A) Authorizing and Approving Bid Procedures, (B) Authorizing and Approving the Stalking Horse Bid Protections, (C) Scheduling a Sale Hearing, (D) Approving Notice Procedures and (E) Granting Other Relief [D.I. 282] (the “Bidding Procedures Order”).

 

39


Under the Bidding Procedures Order, parties were entitled to submit competing proposals to purchase the Acquired Assets pursuant to section 363 or section 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code in accordance with the terms of the Bidding Procedures. The Bidding Procedures Order approved the following timeline:

 

Date

  

Event

12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 20, 2020    Indications of Interest Deadline
Not later than 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 7, 2020    Bid Deadline
Within one business day after the Bid Deadline    Notification to each bidder whether such bidder is a qualified bidder
No later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the business day prior to the Auction    Provision of copies of the starting bid to all qualified bidders
At a time no later than December 18, 2020    Auction (if necessary)
Within one business day following the conclusion of the Auction, if any    Deadline to file notice of the identity of the successful bidder and alternate bidder at the Auction, and the amount of the successful bid, with the Bankruptcy Court

On December 4, 2020, the Debtors filed the Notice of Extension of the Bid Deadline extending the Bid Deadline to December 10, 2020 at 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time [D.I. 511]. On December 15, 2020, the Debtors filed their Notice of Auction Date scheduling the Auction for December 18, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time [D.I. 552]. On December 17, 2020, the Debtors filed their Notice of Adjournment of Auction Date adjourning the Auction (as defined below) to December 21, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time in light of the competitive process that was ongoing [D.I. 562].

 

J.

The Post-Petition Marketing Process

Following the Petition Date and in accordance with the Bidding Procedures Order, the Debtors and their advisors continued to engage in discussions with various interested parties on a range of potential strategic alternatives, including a sale of substantially all of the Debtors’ assets and a stand-alone recapitalization and reorganization. The Debtors and their advisors conducted an extensive marketing process, including, among other things, engaging with 28 interested parties, including those that had participated in the Debtors’ pre-petition marketing process. 15 of these parties executed new non-disclosure agreements, and one party participated under a pre-petition non-disclosure agreement. Of those who executed non-disclosure agreements, 14 were granted access to a virtual data room containing over 200,000 pages of information regarding the Debtors’ businesses and operations. The Debtors’ management gave five management presentations to eight interested parties and, along with the Debtors’ advisors, participated in numerous calls with interested parties to address diligence and related topics. In addition to these calls and in response to diligence questions submitted by interested parties, the Debtors’ and their advisors added over 100,000 pages of information to the virtual data room. Throughout the post-petition marketing process, the Debtors regularly informed and consulted with the Creditors’ Committee and the Equity Committee.

By the time of the start of the Auction, the Debtors had engaged with 17 interested parties under non-disclosure agreements as part of the post-petition marketing process. As described in Article III.S, KPS and two groups of interested parties submitted bids by the Bid Deadline while the other interested parties ultimately informed the Debtors that they were not interested in the transaction and chose not to submit a bid by the Bid Deadline or participate in the Auction.

 

40


K.

Initial COH Group Plan Proposal

Each of Centerbridge and Oaktree publicly disclosed their entry, on October 13, 2020, into that certain Coordination Agreement (as amended, the “Coordination Agreement”) between and among Honeywell, Oaktree, Centerbridge, and the Jones Day Shareholders (collectively, the “COH Group”). The disclosure of the Coordination Agreement was the first public acknowledgment of Honeywell’s partnership with Centerbridge and Oaktree. On October 21, 2020, each of Centerbridge, Oaktree, and the Additional Investors publicly disclosed their entry into an Amended and Restated Coordination Agreement, dated October 20, 2020, between and among Honeywell, Oaktree, Centerbridge, and the Additional Investors (i.e., the COH Group). Copies of these agreements were sent to the Debtors as an alternative to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement.

The Coordination Agreement contemplated a stand-alone reorganization of the Debtors (the “Initial COH Group Plan Proposal”), which included, among other things: (a) a settlement with Honeywell for cash and new preferred stock of New GMI; (b) the retention by shareholders of GMI of their common stock; (c) the issuance of new preferred stock of New GMI to Centerbridge, Oaktree, and the Additional Investors; and (d) a rights offering of additional new preferred stock of New GMI [D.I. 233]. The Initial COH Group Plan Proposal was the COH Group’s response to the Debtors’ attempt to implement a sale plan pursuant to the Stalking Horse Purchase, and reflected the preference and commitment among the stakeholder parties to sponsor a stand-alone reorganization of the Company that would best preserve the relative economic positions of all stakeholders in the Company while simultaneously preventing future business risk.

The Coordination Agreement was amended and restated on November 2, 2020 to add certain Noteholders as parties thereto. On December 22, 2020, the Coordination Agreement was further amended and restated to provide for, among other things, the extension of certain deadlines relating to the filing and consummation of a chapter 11 plan consistent with the terms of the Coordination Agreement and certain economic changes to the terms of the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal.

 

L.

Modifications to the Terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement

On October 19, 2020, the Debtors received a proposal from the Stalking Horse Bidder to improve the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase conditioned on the Bankruptcy Court’s entry of the Bidding Procedure Order in accordance with the timeline set forth in the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement (the “Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal”) [D.I. 233].

Following the Bankruptcy Court’s entry of the Bidding Procedures order on October 24, 2020, the Debtors worked with the Stalking Horse Bidder to prepare proposed amendments to the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement and other transaction documentation to reflect the terms of the Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal and to make further improvements to the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase, which culminated in the Stalking Horse Bidder delivering to the Debtors an executed proposal to amend and restate the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement on November 23, 2020 (the “First Proposed A&R Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement”).

 

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M.

Honeywell Action and the Estimation Motion

Following the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors removed the Honeywell Action to the Bankruptcy Court. Garrett Motion Inc. v. Honeywell International Inc., 1:20-ap-01223 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), D.I. 1. Both the Creditors’ Committee and the Equity Committee intervened and are now parties in the Honeywell Action. Id., D.I. 24, 31.

On October 13, 2020, Honeywell filed its Motion to Dismiss. Id., D.I. 7. The Debtors filed their Plaintiffs’ Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss on November 12, 2020. Id., D.I. 18. Honeywell filed its Reply in Support Of Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss on November 16, 2020. Id., D.I. 19. The Bankruptcy Court heard oral argument and gave preliminary guidance on Motion to Dismiss at a hearing on November 18, 2020. The Bankruptcy Court has not issued its decision on the Motion to Dismiss.

In addition, on November 2, 2020, the Debtors filed the Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to Sections 105(a) and 502(c) to Establish Procedures for Estimating the Maximum Amount of Honeywell’s Claims and Related Relief [D.I. 309] (the “Estimation Procedures Motion”), seeking to establish certain procedures for estimating Honeywell’s claims against the Debtors. Honeywell filed its Honeywell International Inc.’s Objection to the Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to Sections 105(a) and 502(c) to Establish Procedures for Estimating the Maximum Amount of Honeywell’s Claims and Related Relief [D.I. 362] on November 12, 2020, asserting that (i) estimation was only necessary to the extent Honeywell’s claims were required to be immediately liquidated and paid in cash as part of a liquidating sale plan, and (ii) if the Court nevertheless viewed estimation as helpful, the estimation should address all issues related to Honeywell’s claims. The Debtors filed their Reply in Support of Debtors’ Motion Pursuant to Sections 105(a) and 502(c) to Establish Procedures for Estimating the Maximum Amount of Honeywell’s Claims and Related Relief [D.I. 384] on November 16, 2020.

The Estimation Procedures Motion was heard on November 18, 2020. On December 11, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered its Order Establishing Procedures for the Estimation of Claims of Honeywell et al. Against the Debtors [D.I. 540], which provides, among other things, that the Bankruptcy Court will hold an evidentiary hearing to estimate Honeywell’s claims for purposes of allowance under section 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, which hearing was scheduled to take place from February 1, 2021 to February 5, 2021, and from February 8, 2021 to February 12, 2021.

On December 18, 2020, Honeywell filed its Proofs of Claim with respect to its claims against the Debtors, including under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement. The Proofs of Claim assert (i) not less than $1,800.90 million in claims under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement, (ii) contingent and unliquidated claims (including “Non-Contractual Claims, including but not limited to Tort Claims or other Claims Under Applicable Law”) under the Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) not less than $126 million under the Tax Matters Agreement, (iv) not less than $10.31 million in claims under the Cash Repatriation Agreement dated February 10, 2020, (v) contingent and unliquidated indemnification and guarantee claims under various other agreements and “Non-Contractual Claims, including but not limited to Tort Claims or other Claims Under Applicable Law,” (vi) contingent, unliquidated claims under other contracts, (vii) lawsuit claims of not less than $86,186.16, (viii) Shared Facilities claims of not less than $1,099,636, (ix) other miscellaneous claims of not less than $5,919,918, and (x) other unliquidated, contingent claims.

 

42


The Debtors dispute the Proofs of Claim, including for, among other things, the reasons set forth in the Honeywell Action, and because Honeywell did not discount its claims to present value as of the Petition Date.

Honeywell’s Proofs of Claim are the subject of the estimation evidentiary hearing that was scheduled for early February 2021. The estimation hearing was set to determine, among other things, the allowed amount of Honeywell’s Proofs of Claim and the appropriate discount rate to apply to the nominal amount of Honeywell’s claims against the Debtors. In preparation for the hearing, Honeywell produced 24,673 documents and the Debtors produced 7,664 documents. Honeywell disclosed four expert witnesses; the Debtors disclosed nine. The parties had together requested depositions of 30 fact witnesses, and would have conducted expert depositions as well. On January 27, 2021, the parties would have exchanged pre-trial briefs, up to 40 pages, addressing the legal and factual issues in dispute. These disputed issues likely would have included the amount of Honeywell’s claims in nominal dollars, the Debtors’ legal defenses to those claims, and the appropriate discount rate to apply to those claims.11

At the estimation proceeding, both parties would have presented testimony from both fact and expert witnesses, and expected to use all 10 days allotted by the Bankruptcy Court. However, pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement and the Honeywell Settlement, the Debtors have agreed to suspend all litigation activities related to and stay the Honeywell Action as well as the proceedings to estimate Honeywell’s claims through the Effective Date and to dismiss with prejudice such proceedings upon the Effective Date. On January 15, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court entered its Stipulation and Order to Stay Proceedings [D.I. 737], and its Stipulation and Order to Stay Proceedings, In re Garrett Motion Case No. 20-01223 [D.I. 36], which provide for the stay of the Adversary Proceeding and the estimation proceeding.

 

N.

COH Group’s Motion to Modify Exclusivity

On November 7, 2020, the COH Group filed the Plan Sponsors’ Motion to Modify the Debtors’ Exclusive Periods to File a Chapter 11 Plan and Solicit Acceptances [D.I. 340] (the “Exclusivity Modification Motion”) seeking an order from the Court modifying the Debtors’ exclusive right to file a chapter 11 plan under section 1121(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to allow the COH Group to file its own alternative chapter 11 plan in parallel with the Debtors’ proposed chapter 11 plan based on the terms of the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal, as amended and restated on November 2, 2020, to add certain Consenting Noteholders and to provide the Noteholders with a consensual plan treatment.

In response, the Debtors filed the Debtors’ Objection to Motion to Modify Exclusivity [D.I. 389]. At the November Omnibus Hearing, the Bankruptcy Court denied the Exclusivity Modification Motion without prejudice to the COH Group’s right to renew the motion [D.I. 477].

 

 

11 

On December 15, 2020, the Debtors filed an Amended Notice of Counterclaims or Causes of Action Relating to Disallowance or Amount of Claims Asserted by Honeywell [D.I. 556] amending the original counterclaims and causes of action asserted in the Honeywell Action, which included removing the original “solvency” complaint against Honeywell.

 

43


O.

Securities Actions

After the Petition Date, in September and October 2020, three separate actions by purchasers of the Debtors’ securities (the “Securities Claims”) were filed against GMI and/or certain of its current or former directors and/or officers, asserting claims under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, based on, among other things, disclosures concerning the Spin-Off and the Debtors’ bankruptcy filing. Those actions are: (i) Husson v. Garrett Motion, Inc. et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-07992 (S.D.N.Y., filed September 25, 2020); (ii) The Gabelli Asset Fund et al. v. Su Ping Lu et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-08296 (S.D.N.Y., filed October 5, 2020); and (iii) Froehlich v. Olivier Rabiller et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-09279-JPC (S.D.N.Y., filed November 5, 2020) (collectively, the “Securities Actions”). Although, as applicable, the Securities Actions currently are stayed as against the Debtors, the Securities Claims asserted therein may be the subject of proofs of claim that have been or will be filed on or before the Securities Claims Bar Date.

 

P.

Debtors’ Complaint Against Indenture Trustee

On November 13, 2020, certain of the Debtors (the “Plaintiffs”) filed a complaint against the Indenture Trustee seeking declaratory judgment on two claims for relief that the Debtors do not owe, and the Noteholders are not entitled to, any make-whole premium under the Indenture (the “Make-Whole”). Garrett Borrowing LLC v. Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, 1:20-ap-01319 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), [D.I. 1, 5] (the “Make-Whole Litigation”). Certain Noteholders have contended in these Chapter 11 Cases that the Noteholders are entitled to payment of the Make-Whole under the terms of the Indenture, which provide for the payment of the Make-Whole if the Debtors exercise their right to redeem the Senior Notes prior to maturity, as a result of the Debtors’ commencement of their Chapter 11 Cases. The Plaintiffs believe that the Noteholders are not entitled to any Make-Whole because the Debtors have not exercised their right of redemption as contemplated by the Indenture and, in the alternative, the Make-Whole should be disallowed as unmatured interest pursuant to Section 502(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.    On January 8, 2021, the Indenture Trustee filed an answer to the Debtors’ amended complaint together with five counterclaims seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that any payment, satisfaction or other discharge of the Senior Notes under any plan of reorganization or otherwise entitles the Indenture Trustee and Senior Noteholders to payment of the Make-Whole as an allowed claim against each of the Debtors. Garrett Borrowing LLC v. Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, 1:20-ap-01319 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), [D.I. 8]. In support, the Indenture Trustee argues that any such repayment, satisfaction, or other discharge of the Senior Notes is a “redemption” within the meaning of the Indenture and, thus, the Make-Whole is payable by each Debtor. Alternatively, the Indenture Trustee argues that (i) the Make-Whole constitutes an allowed claim against the Notes Guarantors because the Notes Guarantors’ payment obligations under the Indenture include amounts that would become due but for operation of the automatic stay, (ii) the Make-Whole is an allowed claim against each Debtor because the Debtors are solvent, and (iii) the Make-Whole is an allowed claim against each Debtor under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent the Senior Notes are oversecured.

 

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Pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement, the Debtors have agreed to suspend all litigation activities related to and stay the Make-Whole Litigation through the Effective Date and to dismiss with prejudice such proceedings upon the Effective Date. On January 15, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court approved a stipulation between the Debtors and Indenture Trustee staying the Make-Whole Litigation [D.I. 12]. Under the Plan, holders Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims shall receive their pro rata share of $15,000,000 on account of Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims arising under, derived from, or based on the Make-Whole in full and final settlement of the Make-Whole Litigation (the “Make-Whole Settlement”).

The Debtors believe that the Make-Whole Settlement is fair and equitable and within the range of reasonable outcomes of litigation related to the Make-Whole Litigation. The Make-Whole Settlement avoids the delay and expense that would have resulted from the Make-Whole Litigation and is a good faith compromise and settlement of such litigation in light of the uncertainty regarding the outcome of the Debtors’ and Indenture Trustee’s respective positions.

 

Q.

Appointment of an Equity Committee

On November 18, 2020, the U.S. Trustee appointed an official committee of equity security holders for the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code to represent the interests of the shareholders [D.I. 404] (the “Equity Committee”). The members of the Equity Committee are Gem Partners LP, S. Muoio & Company LLC and Mountaineer Master Fund, Ltd. The Equity Committee selected Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP as its legal counsel, MAEVA Group, LLC as its restructuring advisor and Cowen Inc. as its financial advisor.

 

R.

The Initial OWJ Bid

Prior to the Bid Deadline, a group of shareholders composed of Owl Creek Asset Management, L.P., Warlander Asset Management, L.P., Jefferies LLC and certain other shareholders (together, the “OWJ Shareholders”), represented by Proskauer Rose LLP, submitted a bid pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order for a stand-alone reorganization of the Debtors through a plan of reorganization (the “Initial OWJ Bid”) and were actively involved in the bidding process. The Initial OWJ Bid was designated a Qualified Bid, and the OWJ Shareholders participated in the Auction as the initial lead bidder.

The Initial OWJ Bid contemplated, among other things: (a) the reinstatement of GMI’s common stock; (b) the issuance of a series of preferred stock of New GMI backstopped by the OWJ Shareholders through a rights offering offered to Holders of Existing Common Stock; and (c) the treatment of certain Honeywell Plan Claims through the distribution of cash, common stock of New GMI, preferred stock of New GMI (in a series separate from the preferred stock to be offered through the rights offering) or such other treatment as agreed between the Debtors and the OWJ Shareholders.

 

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S.

Selection of KPS Final Bid At the Auction and Filing of Initial Plan

As of the Bid Deadline, the Debtors received three bids: the Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal, the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal and the Initial OWJ Bid. Pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order, the Debtors designated each a Qualified Bid.

On December 21, 2020, the Debtors commenced an auction pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order (the “Auction”). The Initial OWJ Bid was designated as the lead bid for the first round of the Auction. The COH Group did not participate in the first round of the Auction, but the Debtors continued discussions with the COH Group and announced to the COH Group and Auction participants that it would consider proposals from the COH Group concurrently with its consideration of other bids.

In the first round of the Auction, the Stalking Horse Bidder submitted a binding term sheet to the Debtors proposing certain additional improvements and structural changes to the terms of the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement (the “Revised KPS Bid”). The Revised KPS Bid, which built on certain of the improvements contained in the Stalking Horse Bidder Revised Proposal and the First Proposed A&R Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement:

 

   

adopted a new transaction structure by which the Stalking Horse Bidder would subscribe for newly issued shares of GMI Common Stock (which shares would represent not less than 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of GMI Common Stock immediately following the closing) rather than acquire the assets of certain Debtors;

 

   

provided for the assumption by the Debtors of all contracts and liabilities of the Debtors and their worldwide subsidiaries, other than (i) certain debt for borrowed money and related hedging and other financial obligations and (ii) certain allowed claims by, or liabilities owed to, Honeywell and its affiliates (including spin-off related claims) which would be, in each case, satisfied by the Debtors upon winding-up of their bankruptcy estates;

 

   

increased the base set-up enterprise value at which the Stalking Horse Bidder would be acquiring its shares of GMI Common Stock to $2.765 billion (subject to adjustment), an increase of $665 million from the original $2.1 billion base purchase price (subject to adjustment) under the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement; and

 

   

offered existing Holders of Existing Common Stock the opportunity to elect to either reinstate their shares or receive cash distributions.

Following receipt of the Revised KPS Bid and further discussions with the Stalking Horse Bidder, the Board designated the Revised KPS Bid as the lead bid for the second round of the Auction.

 

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On January 4, 2020, the Debtors held the second round of the Auction, and received a revised proposal from the OWJ Shareholders (the “Revised OWJ Bid”) improving certain terms of the Initial OWJ Bid, including an increase of $50 million to the set-up enterprise value in the Initial OWJ Bid from $2.7 billion to $2.75 billion. Representatives of the COH Group attended the Auction and continued discussions with the Debtors, but did not make a bid on the record.

After further discussions with the Stalking Horse Bidder and the OWJ Shareholders, the Debtors determined that each of the Revised KPS Bid and the Revised OWJ Bid had favorable elements and that neither the Revised KPS Bid nor the Revised OWJ Bid was clearly highest and best. The Debtors determined to solicit final and best bids from all participants in the competitive process by January 5, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and subsequently extended the deadline to midnight on the same day (the “Best and Final Deadline”).

By the Best and Final Deadline, the Debtors received revised proposals from the OWJ Shareholders (the “Final OWJ Bid”) and Stalking Horse Purchaser (the “Final KPS Bid”). The Final OWJ Bid further improved certain terms of the Revised OWJ Bid, including an increase of $15 million to the total enterprise value to $2.765 billion. The Final KPS Bid was documented in a Subscription Agreement and improved the terms of the Revised KPS Bid, including by: (i) increasing the set up enterprise value under the Final KPS Bid by $135 million to $2.9 billion (subject to certain adjustments); and (ii) the addition of a new money rights offering of GMI Common Stock in an amount up to $250 million to Eligible Holders of Existing Common Stock.

On January 8, 2021, after consideration of the Final Bids, the Board designated the Final KPS Bid as the Successful Bid at the Auction and filed a Notice of Successful Bidder [D.I. 711] (the “Auction Notice”) announcing such selection. The Auction Notice also noted that the Debtors were at the time considering the most recent proposal made by the COH Group relative to the Final KPS Proposal.

Also on January 8, 2021, the Debtors filed the Debtors’ Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code [D.I. 712] and the Disclosure Statement for Debtors’ Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code [D.I. 713].

 

T.

Plan Support Agreement and Selection of the Final COH Group Plan Proposal

During the bidding process and Auction, the Debtors continued to engage with the COH Group to improve the terms of the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal. As a result, in addition to the Final OWJ Bid and Final KPS Bid received in the Auction, the Debtors also simultaneously reviewed and considered a revised proposal made in parallel by the COH Group. On January 7, 2021, the Debtors received the Final COH Group Plan Proposal, which was a further revised written proposal from the COH Group that improved the terms of the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal.

After further deliberations pursuant to which the Debtors considered all of the proposals received, the Debtors determined that the Final COH Group Plan Proposal was higher and better than the Final KPS Bid. Accordingly, on January 11, 2021, after unanimous approval by the Board of Directors of GMI, ASASCO, and GMHI, the Debtors entered into the Plan Support Agreement with the COH Group and the Consenting Noteholders to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Final COH Group Plan Proposal, which are embodied in the Plan.

 

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The Plan Support Agreement contemplates restructuring transactions that provide for, among other things, (i) Holders of Existing Common Stock to receive a number of shares of GMI Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing Common Stock held by each such Holder and each such Holder’s Pro Rata share of the Subscription Rights or, at each Holder’s election, receive a cash-out of $6.25 per share in exchange for cancellation of their shares, (ii) payment in full of all secured and unsecured creditor claims (with the exception of Honeywell, who has agreed to its treatment as part of the Honeywell Settlement), including payment in full of all customer, supplier, trade, vendor, employee, pension, regulatory, environmental and other liabilities of the Debtors and their subsidiaries, (iii) committed equity commitments by certain members of the COH Group in the amount of $1,050.8 million in the aggregate in cash on improved terms from the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal, (iv) an increase in the rights offering available to Holders of Existing Common Stock included in the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal from $100 million to $200 million, and (v) other matters as set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

Critically, the Plan Support Agreement embodies the Honeywell Settlement, a global settlement of claims and causes of action (excluding claims arising under ordinary course business dealings) by and between Honeywell and the Debtors in consideration for the treatment of the Honeywell Plan Claims under the Plan. The Honeywell Settlement is an integral and non-severable component of the Final COH Group Plan Proposal and the Plan Support Agreement, and this settlement is not assignable, transferrable, or portable to any other chapter 11 plans.

The Debtors believe that the Honeywell Settlement is fair and equitable and well-within the range of reasonable outcomes of litigation related to the Honeywell Action and estimation proceeding. The Honeywell Settlement ends the uncertainty regarding the outcome of the Debtors’ and Honeywell’s respective positions in the Honeywell Action and estimation proceeding, and removes the significant costs associated with estimation, including related to the validity of the Honeywell’s claims against the Debtors, litigation regarding any discount rate for such claims, the appropriateness of allocating Honeywell’s claims against only certain of the Debtors, and the enforcement of certain contracts, including the Intercreditor Agreement.

The Honeywell Settlement settles the Honeywell Proofs of Claim and all related litigation for approximately $1.2 billion in nominal dollars and limits the payments due to Honeywell to the next nine years, rather than for 28 more years, prevents the Debtors from spending millions in fees and expenses in litigation, and provides Holders of Existing Common Stock with a guaranteed floor recovery. The Honeywell Settlement also settles the plan confirmation issues raised by Honeywell relating to the Stalking Horse Bid (including as revised) and other alternative plan structures.

 

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The terms of the Plan Support Agreement, including the Honeywell Settlement, were reached after a series of hard-fought, good faith, arm’s-length negotiations between the Debtors and the COH Group. To arrive at a global resolution, all parties made a series of concessions to reach a mutually agreeable compromise that sets the Chapter 11 Cases on an accelerated path to completion. Accordingly, after a lengthy and robust competitive process, the boards of directors of each of GMI, ASASCO, and GMHI, including each of the relevant independent directors and independent committees based on separate legal advice and counsel, approved the Debtors’ entry into the Plan Support Agreement. The Debtors believe that the Final COH Group Plan Proposal, the Honeywell Settlement, and the other settlements and compromises embodied in the Plan Support Agreement and Plan, taken together, are fair and reasonable and are in the best interests of the Debtors’ Estates.

 

U.

Benefits of the Honeywell Settlement Embedded in the Plan Support Agreement

As set forth in Sections II.E and III.M of the Disclosure Statement, certain of the Debtors have been embroiled in disputes with their prior parent company, Honeywell, over the amount of obligations imposed on the Debtors in connection with the 2018 spinoff. These obligations concern claims asserted by Honeywell related to, among other things, the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement.

Prior to the Petition Date, the Debtors disputed the amounts owed to Honeywell pursuant to these agreements and commenced litigation against Honeywell to attempt to resolve them. See Section II.E of the Disclosure Statement. As part of the Chapter 11 Cases, Honeywell was required to submit proofs of claim detailing all amounts allegedly owed by the Debtors and the basis therefor. The following chart enumerates a summary of the claims filed with the Bankruptcy Court by Honeywell:12

 

CLAIM

  

CATEGORY

   AMOUNT ($ MILLIONS)  

Indemnification Agreement

   U.S. Bendix Indemnity      1,272.6  
   Ex-U.S. Bendix      5.7  
   Defense      674.1  
   Environmental      48.7  
   Insurance Recovery      (221.9
     

 

 

 
   Subtotal      1,800.9  
     

 

 

 

Tax Matters Agreement

   Mandatory Transition Tax      96.3  
   Contingent Ordinary Taxes      6.1  
   Current Ordinary Taxes      23.6  
     

 

 

 
   Subtotal      126.0  
     

 

 

 

Cash Repatriation Agreement

   Foreign Withholding Tax      10.3  
     

 

 

 
   Subtotal      10.3  
     

 

 

 

Other Liquidated Claims

   Miscellaneous      5.9  
   Shared Facilities      1.1  
   Lawsuit      0.1  
     

 

 

 
   Subtotal      7.1  
     

 

 

 

Total Nominal Claims (as filed)

        1,944.3  
     

 

 

 

 

12 

The following chart is for summary purposes only.

 

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As discussed in Article II.E—Liabilities Owed to Honeywell Arising Out of the Debtors’ Spin-Off from Honeywell, the foregoing claims have been the subject of litigation and disputes for more than a year—well before these Chapter 11 Cases—and the parties were preparing for the Estimation Proceeding that would resolve the claims for all purposes in these Chapter 11 Cases to begin on February 1, 2021. As discussed in Article III.MHoneywell Action and the Estimation Motion, in light of the global compromise contained in the Plan, the parties stipulated to, and the Bankruptcy Court ordered, a stay of all litigation relating to the allowable amount of the Honeywell claims, pending consideration of the Plan. The Honeywell Settlement is an integral part of the Plan, and the Debtors believe the settlement is reasonable and should be approved.

For purposes of evaluating the Honeywell Settlement as one of features of the Final COH Group Plan Proposal, the Debtors carefully considered the overall value that could be obtained for the estate through the highest available alternative transaction that did not include any such settlement. As explained in Article III.SSelection of KPS Final Bid At the Auction and Filing of Initial Plan, the highest value obtained for the Debtors’ assets through the Auction process approved by the Bankruptcy Court was equal to $2.9 billion (plus cash on hand or freed up from loan facilities). After satisfaction of all senior and general unsecured creditors, that transaction would have left $1.2 billion distributable to residual stakeholders, including Honeywell and stockholders, assuming the prompt closing of that transaction. Of that $1.2 billion that would have been distributable had the alternative transaction been consummated, the Debtors would then have litigated the allowable amount of Honeywell’s claim in the Estimation Proceeding, working to reduce it below the filed amount of almost $2 billion to distribute as much value as possible to stockholders.

The Final COH Group Plan Proposal gives stockholders who are not participants in that transaction the option to tender their shares for $6.25 per share. Put differently, the COH Group participants are offering to acquire all the stock held by shareholders who are not participating in the Final COH Group Plan Proposal at an equity valuation of $475 million, based on the option to receive $6.25 per share and approximately 76 million outstanding shares. That offer represents a [30%] premium to the market price immediately prior to the public disclosure of the Final COH Group Plan Proposal (and [    ]% premium to the market price as of the Petition Date).

The foregoing analysis is critical for stockholders to understand in the context of evaluating the Honeywell Settlement. From the perspective of stockholders who are not participants in the Final COH Group Plan Proposal, such stockholders are being offered consideration approximating what they would have received if (i) the transaction that otherwise provided the highest value for the Debtors’ assets had been accepted and consummated following the Auction process approved by the Bankruptcy Court and (ii) Honeywell’s claims had been reduced in the Estimation Proceeding from the filed amount of almost $2 billion to approximately $730 million.

 

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In connection with the Estimation Proceeding, the Debtors conducted significant document discovery and expert analysis in connection with the litigation over Honeywell’s claims. One critical factor in determining the allowable amount of the Honeywell Claims is the appropriate discount rate to apply to payments that may be due from the Debtors over the 30-year life of the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement. Contemporaneous discount rates from rating agencies, investment banks, analysts, and other parties involved in the spinoff of the Debtors from Honeywell applied discount rates to the Company and/or the indemnity obligations ranging from 7%-15.5%. Honeywell asserts that a discount (if any) should be at the low end of this range, while the Debtors contend it should be between 11% and 13%. Applying the Debtors’ 11-13% range to Honeywell’s nearly $2 billion claims would reduce Honeywell’s allowable claim to approximately $1 billion to $1.07 billion, without crediting any of the Debtors’ other state-law defenses. If the Debtors could further reduce the claims by 30% to 36%, it would result in an allowable claim for Honeywell of $731 million. Although the Debtors believe such a reduction may be achievable through litigation, litigation is inherently unpredictable and creates significant risks of loss, appeals, continued costs, and potential delays. Accordingly, the Debtors believe that the Honeywell Settlement value implied for those stockholders who are not participating in the Final COH Group Plan Proposal is fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the estate.

Moreover, the treatment of Honeywell’s claims in the Final COH Group Plan Proposal provides beneficial flexibility to the Reorganized Debtors, which benefits all stockholders who elect to receive shares of GMI Common Stock and/or participate in the rights offering, as well as the numerous employees and customers of the Debtors. Additionally, the Final COH Group Plan Proposal will avoid litigation that was likely to plague the Final KPS Bid. The $1.2 billion available to shareholders and Honeywell under the proposed KPS transaction assumed the prompt closing of that transaction—which the Debtors expect would have been contested—as well as the release from escrow of an estimated $200 million of purchaser holdbacks. If the closing of that transaction had been delayed or holdbacks not released, the amount available from the KPS transaction net of a Honeywell settlement would have been further reduced.

In addition to the foregoing, the Debtors considered numerous other factors relating to the Honeywell settlement including (i) the voluntary agreement of Honeywell to finance a substantial portion of its recovery in the form of junior preferred stock that is subordinated, free of covenants, appropriate in amount for the Company’s size, and repayable at the Company’s option at any time without penalty, (ii) the risks, costs and expenses of continued litigation between the Company and Honeywell, (iii) the nature and merits of the Company’s affirmative causes of action against Honeywell, (iv) the absence of compelling evidence that ASASCO or the Company were insolvent at the time of the 2018 spin-off, (v) the specific entities to whom Honeywell has recourse on its claims, (vi) evidence as to the substantially increased value of ASASCO and its subsidiaries resulting from the auction process and the work of the ASASCO and GMHI Transaction Committees as to the allocation of value between ASASCO and GMHI and the resolution of intercompany claims and (vii) the risks to the Company of a prolonged chapter 11 case and the costs avoided by prompt emergence.

 

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V.

Honeywell’s Position on the Honeywell Settlement

The Honeywell Settlement is an important and necessary part of the Plan and the Plan Support Agreement and resolves significant litigation between the Debtors and Honeywell that was commenced before the commencement of these Chapter 11 Cases.

Given the ongoing litigation and their position in the capital structure, Honeywell has been an active participant in these Chapter 11 Cases since the Petition Date. The Debtors’ original plan for these Chapter 11 Cases was to sell their assets and distribute proceeds to stakeholders through a liquidating plan, which was premised on an immediate acceleration and liquidation of the Debtors’ liabilities to Honeywell through the Honeywell Action and the estimation process. In response, Honeywell was approached by and worked with other parties in interest to develop an alternative plan for the Debtors, premised on a recapitalization of the Debtors’ business, rather than a sale, and a significantly restructured payment stream to Honeywell on account of the Debtors’ obligations under the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement through Series B Preferred Stock. On October 16, 2020, Honeywell advised the Debtors and publicly disclosed that it had entered into the Coordination Agreement, whereby Honeywell agreed to restructure its Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement claims against the Debtors in exchange for an up-front cash payment and preferred stock that provided additional cash installment payments over time (i.e., the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal).

Subsequent to the disclosure of the Coordination Agreement and the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal, the Debtors engaged with Centerbridge and Oaktree on certain of the economic terms of the Initial COH Plan Proposal, including the terms of a cash-out option for holders of Common Stock, the terms of the rights offering, and the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Debtors eventually also engaged with Honeywell on the terms of a settlement. While these negotiations were ongoing, the Debtors and the COH Group engaged in litigation focused on the Debtors’ exclusive right to file a chapter 11 plan, and the Debtors and Honeywell engaged in dispositive motion practice related to the Honeywell Action, and discovery and extensive litigation preparation related to the Honeywell estimation trial.

Honeywell and the Debtors discussed multiple settlement constructs related to the size of Honeywell’s claims and the timing and form of payment of any agreed upon claim. During these discussions, Honeywell reinforced its position that any alternative treatment in which Honeywell was not paid in full in cash on the Effective Date would be subject to its consent. These discussions were guided by, among other things, the Bankruptcy Court’s statements regarding the Motion to Dismiss, Honeywell’s Proofs of Claim and the assertions made therein, and the voluminous discovery shared between the parties. These discussions were also guided by the views of parties in interest on the appropriate discount rate for Honeywell’s claims.13

 

 

13 

In discussions, parties used many discount rates; for instance, discovery in the estimation proceeding confirmed that S&P used a 7% discount rate to value the Debtors’ indemnity obligations to Honeywell, and the Equity Committee stated on the record that it believed the appropriate discount rate was between 11–13%. See Counsel to the Equity Committee, Jan. 14, 2021, Hr’g Tr. 36:4–7 (“We would propose a discount rate in the range of eleven to thirteen percent.”).

 

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Ultimately, the Debtors determined in their business judgment that the best way to maximize value for all stakeholders was to consensually resolve Honeywell’s Proofs of Claim without the need for time consuming and expensive litigation that could have resulted in an adverse outcome for the Debtors’ common stockholders. As a result, the Debtors further engaged with the COH Group on the terms of the Initial COH Group Plan Proposal as previously explained, and after multiple rounds of hard fought, arm’s-length negotiations, the Debtors and the COH Group reached the agreement as set forth in the Plan Support Agreement and the Final COH Group Plan Proposal, including the Honeywell Settlement now documented in the Plan.

The Honeywell Settlement resolves all disputes between the Company and Honeywell, including disputes over the Honeywell Indemnity Agreement and Tax Matters Agreement, in exchange for a $375 million initial cash payment on the Effective Date and Series B Preferred Stock, which provides for cash installment payments to Honeywell each year beginning in 2022 and ending in 2030. The Honeywell Settlement is an integral and non-severable component of the Final COH Group Plan Proposal and the Plan Support Agreement, and is not assignable, transferrable, or portable to any other chapter 11 plans.

 

W.

Equity Committee Motion

On January 4, 2021, the Equity Committee filed a motion seeking to have the Debtors’ estates reimburse two separate financial institutions up to $1.25 million each for such firms to proceed with financial and due diligence with respect to a competing chapter 11 plan [D.I. 678] (the “Equity Committee Financing Motion”). The Creditors’ Committee and the Debtors each objected [D.I. 703, 718], and the COH Group filed a joinder to such objections [D.I. 719]. Gabelli filed a statement in support of the Equity Committee Financing Motion [D.I. 686].

On January 14, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court held a hearing on the Equity Committee Financing Motion, at which time the Bankruptcy Court denied the Equity Committee’s requested relief.

ARTICLE IV

SUMMARY OF THE PLAN

The consummation of a plan is the principal objective of a chapter 11 case. A plan sets forth the means for satisfying Claims against, and Interests in, a debtor. Confirmation of a plan makes the plan binding upon the debtor, any issuer of securities under the plan and any creditor of, or equity Holder in, the debtor, whether or not such creditor or equity Holder (i) is impaired under or has accepted the plan or (ii) receives or retains any property under the plan. Subject to certain limited exceptions and other than as provided in the plan itself or the Confirmation Order, a Confirmation Order discharges the debtor from any debt that arose prior to the effective date of the plan and substitutes therefor the obligations specified under the confirmed plan.

 

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A chapter 11 plan may specify that the legal, contractual and equitable rights of the Holders of Claims or Interests in certain classes are to remain unaltered by the reorganization effectuated by the plan. Such classes are referred to as “unimpaired” and, because of such favorable treatment, are deemed to accept the plan. Accordingly, a debtor need not solicit votes from the Holders of Claims or Interests in such classes. A chapter 11 plan may also specify that certain classes will not receive any distribution of property or retain any Claim against a debtor. Such classes are deemed not to accept the plan and, therefore, need not be solicited to vote to accept or reject the plan. Any classes that are receiving a distribution of property under the plan but are impaired will be solicited to vote to accept or reject the plan.

Prior to soliciting acceptances of the proposed plan, section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code requires a debtor to prepare a disclosure statement containing adequate information of a kind, and in sufficient detail, to enable a hypothetical reasonable investor to make an informed judgment regarding the plan. To satisfy the requirements of section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors are submitting this Disclosure Statement to Holders of Claims and Interests against the Debtors who are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

The classification and treatment of Claims and Interests; implementation of the Plan; provisions governing Distributions; effect of Confirmation, including the release, injunction and related provisions; and treatment of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases are summarized below. For all other provisions relating to the Plan, including acceptance or rejection of the Plan; conditions precedent to Confirmation and effectiveness of the Plan; modification, revocation or withdrawal of the Plan; and retention of jurisdiction, please refer to the Plan attached hereto as Appendix A.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS SECTION PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF THE STRUCTURE AND MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN AND THE CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS UNDER THE PLAN. THIS SECTION IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY AND IS SUBJECT TO THE PLAN AS WELL AS THE EXHIBITS THERETO AND DEFINITIONS THEREIN.

THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT INCLUDE SUMMARIES OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE PLAN AND IN DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO THEREIN. THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT DO NOT PURPORT TO BE PRECISE OR COMPLETE STATEMENTS OF ALL THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN OR DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO THEREIN. REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE PLAN AND TO SUCH DOCUMENTS FOR THE FULL AND COMPLETE STATEMENTS OF SUCH TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN OR DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO THEREIN.

THE PLAN ITSELF AND THE DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO THEREIN CONTROL THE ACTUAL TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AGAINST AND INTERESTS IN THE DEBTORS UNDER THE PLAN. UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE, THE PLAN AND ALL SUCH DOCUMENTS WILL BE BINDING UPON ALL HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AGAINST AND INTERESTS IN THE DEBTORS AND THEIR ESTATES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES-IN-INTEREST. IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE PLAN OR ANY OTHER OPERATIVE DOCUMENT, ON THE OTHER HAND, THE TERMS OF THE PLAN AND SUCH OTHER OPERATIVE DOCUMENT SHALL CONTROL.

 

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STATEMENTS AS TO THE RATIONALE UNDERLYING THE TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS UNDER THE PLAN ARE NOT INTENDED TO, AND SHALL NOT, WAIVE, COMPROMISE OR LIMIT ANY RIGHTS, CLAIMS OR CAUSES OF ACTION IN THE EVENT THE PLAN IS NOT CONFIRMED.

 

A.

Classification, Treatment and Voting of Claims and Interests

Section 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code provides that a plan must classify the claims and interests of a debtor’s creditors and equity Interest Holders. In accordance with section 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Plan divides Claims and Interests into Classes and sets forth the treatment for each Class (other than Administrative Expense Claims and Priority Tax Claims, which, pursuant to section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, need not be and have not been classified). The Debtors also are required, under section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code, to classify Claims against and Interests in the Debtors into Classes that contain Claims and Interests that are substantially similar to the other Claims and Interests in such Class.

The Bankruptcy Code also requires that a plan provide the same treatment for each Claim or Interest of a particular class unless the Claim Holder or Interest Holder agrees to a less favorable treatment of its claim or interest. The Debtors believe that they have complied with such standard. If the Bankruptcy Court finds otherwise, however, it could deny Confirmation of the Plan if the Holders of Claims and Interests affected do not consent to the treatment afforded them under the Plan.

A Claim or Interest is placed in a particular Class only to the extent that the Claim or Interest falls within the description of that Class and is classified in other Classes to the extent that any portion of the Claim or Interest falls within the description of such other Classes. A Claim also is placed in a particular Class for the purpose of receiving distributions pursuant to the Plan only to the extent that such Claim is an Allowed Claim in that Class and such Claim has not been paid, released or otherwise settled prior to the Effective Date.

The Debtors believe that the Plan has classified all Claims and Interests in compliance with the provisions of section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable case law. It is possible that a Holder of a Claim or Interest may challenge the Debtors’ classification of Claims and Interests and that the Bankruptcy Court may find that a different classification is required for the Plan to be confirmed. If such a situation develops, the Debtors intend, in accordance with the terms of the Plan, to make such permissible modifications to the Plan as may be necessary to permit its Confirmation. Any such reclassification could materially adversely affect Holders of Claims and Interests by changing the composition of one or more Classes and the vote required of such Class or Classes for approval of the Plan. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE PLAN, UNLESS SUCH MODIFICATION OF CLASSIFICATION MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE TREATMENT OF A HOLDER OF A CLAIM OR INTERESTS AND REQUIRES RESOLICITATION, ACCEPTANCE OF THE PLAN BY ANY HOLDER OF A CLAIM OR INTEREST PURSUANT TO THIS SOLICITATION WILL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONSENT TO THE PLAN’S TREATMENT OF SUCH HOLDER OF A CLAIM OR INTEREST REGARDLESS OF THE CLASS AS TO WHICH SUCH HOLDER ULTIMATELY IS DEEMED TO BE A MEMBER.

 

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Any changes to any of the assumptions underlying the estimated Allowed amounts could result in material adjustments to recovery estimates provided herein and/or the actual distribution received by Creditors. The projected recoveries are based on information available to the Debtors as of the date hereof and reflect the Debtors’ views as of the date hereof only.

The classification of Claims and Interests and the nature of distributions to members of each Class are summarized below. The Debtors believe that the consideration, if any, provided under the Plan to Holders of Claims and Interests reflects an appropriate resolution of their Claims and Interests, taking into account the differing nature and priority (including applicable contractual subordination) of such Claims and Interests. The Bankruptcy Court must find, however, that a number of statutory tests are met before it may confirm the Plan. Many of these tests are designed to protect the interests of Holders of Claims or Interests who are not entitled to vote on the Plan, or do not vote to accept the Plan, but who will be bound by the provisions of the Plan if it is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

B.

Implementation of the Plan

 

  1.

Operations Between the Confirmation Date and Effective Date

During the period from the Confirmation Date through and until the Effective Date, the Debtors may continue to operate their businesses as debtors-in-possession in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects, and as otherwise necessary to consummate the Plan in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement and Restructuring Support Agreement, subject to all applicable orders of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  2.

Sources of Cash for Plan Distributions

Cash payments or distribution to be made hereunder shall be funded from the existing Cash of the Debtors and the Cash proceeds of (a) the purchase of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock by (i) the PSA Investors pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement, (ii) the Equity Backstop Parties, and (iii) Holders of Existing Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Offering, and (b) the Exit Facilities.

 

  3.

Purchase of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock by PSA Investors

On the Effective Date, the PSA Investors shall purchase, and New GMI shall issue to such PSA Investors, a number of shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $1,050.8 million in Cash, in the aggregate, consistent with and subject to the terms of the Plan Support Agreement and the Equity Commitment Letters. On the Effective Date, New GMI and the PSA Investors shall be deemed to be parties to, or the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock shall otherwise be governed by, the Convertible Series A Certificate of Designation, without the need for execution by the PSA Investors.

 

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  4.

Rights Offering of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock

The Debtors will implement the Rights Offering in accordance with the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement and the Rights Offering Procedures. The Rights Offering shall consist of a distribution of Subscription Rights to acquire Convertible Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $200 million in accordance with the Solicitation Procedures Order. Only those Eligible Holders of Existing Common Stock that do not exercise their Cash-Out Option shall be eligible to participate in the Rights Offering.

The Equity Backstop Parties have agreed (i) to exercise their Subscription Rights received in the Rights Offering as set forth in the Plan Support Agreement and Plan Term Sheet and (ii) to purchase (on a several and not joint basis) all of the Offered Shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock subject to the Rights Offering that are not purchased by other Eligible Holders, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement.

On the Effective Date, New GMI, the Equity Backstop Parties, and the Eligible Holders of Existing Common Stock that exercise their Subscription Rights in the Rights Offering shall be deemed to be parties to or the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock shall otherwise be governed by the Convertible Series A Certificate of Designation, without the need for execution by such parties.

 

  5.

Plan Support Agreement and Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement

To the extent not previously approved pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court authorizing entry into the Plan Support Agreement, the Equity Commitment Letters, and the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, entry into each of the Plan Support Agreement, the Equity Commitment Letters, and the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement shall be authorized by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Confirmation Order and the Debtors shall continue to perform thereunder and comply therewith in all respects through and including the Effective Date.

 

  6.

Honeywell Settlement and Make-Whole Settlement

Confirmation of the Plan shall constitute the approval of the Honeywell Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date. The Honeywell Settlement is inseverable from the Plan and Honeywell has agreed to the Honeywell Settlement solely in the context of, and the Honeywell Settlement is predicated on the occurrence of the Effective Date of, (a) the Plan and (b) Centerbridge and Oaktree serving as Plan Sponsors and PSA Investors. The entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the Honeywell Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code in connection with the Plan and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, as well as a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that, taking into consideration and in the context of the global resolution of multiple Claims, Causes of Action, and disputes among the Debtors and Honeywell, and the value of the Plan to the Debtors and their Estates, taken as a whole, the Honeywell Settlement is fair, equitable, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Debtors and their Estates. On the Effective Date, the Honeywell Litigation shall be deemed dismissed with prejudice.

 

57


Confirmation of the Plan shall constitute the approval of the Make-Whole Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date. The entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the Make-Whole Settlement under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code in connection with the Plan and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, as well as a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that, taking into consideration and in the context of the resolution of the Make-Whole Litigation, and the value of the Plan to the Debtors and their Estates, taken as a whole, the Make-Whole Settlement is fair, equitable, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Debtors and their Estates. On the Effective Date, the Make-Whole Litigation shall be deemed dismissed with prejudice.

 

  7.

Acceleration of Vested Options and Assumption of Outstanding Equity Awards

Immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Plan, (a) outstanding GMI Options will accelerate and vest in full (to the extent not yet vested), (b) vested GMI Options (including those GMI Options that vested prior to the Effective Date under their terms) shall be deemed exercised on a net settled basis, and (c) the shares of GMI Common Stock issued upon the exercise of such GMI Options shall be deemed outstanding as of the Effective Date. Each Holder of GMI Common Stock acquired or issued in respect of such exercised GMI Options shall be deemed to have exercised its Cash-Out Option with respect to such shares of GMI Common Stock. GMI Options that are “out of the money” shall be cancelled for no consideration. Additionally, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Plan, outstanding GMI PSUs, GMI CPSUs and GMI RSUs will accelerate and vest pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreements except that GMI CPSUs (and, for the avoidance of doubt, GMI PSUs) will vest based on target levels without proration. Such vested GMI RSUs and GMI PSUs, as applicable, will each entitle each Holder thereof to the number of shares of GMI Common Stock underlying each such award, in each case determined in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement, and the shares of GMI Common Stock issued as a result thereof shall be deemed outstanding as of the Effective Date and each such Holder shall be deemed to have exercised its Cash-Out Option with respect to such shares of GMI Common Stock. Such vested GMI CPSUs will each entitle the Holder thereof to an amount in Cash determined in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements. The foregoing treatment shall be subject to the terms of the Management Side Letters. As a condition to each Management Side Letter Recipient’s receipt of proceeds in connection with the foregoing, such individual must first execute his or her Management Side Letter. The aggregate amount payable in connection with the foregoing shall not exceed $13,100,000. GMI shall not issue, award or grant any additional equity-based or equity-linked incentive awards prior to the Effective Date.

 

58


  8.

New Preferred Stock

On the Effective Date, New GMI’s governing documents shall have provided for the issuance of authorized New Preferred Stock and New GMI shall issue or reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of New Preferred Stock as required to make distributions pursuant to the Plan. The shares of New Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Plan and any shares of GMI Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, including in connection with the consummation of the Rights Offering and the transactions contemplated by the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, shall be authorized without the need for further corporate action or without any further action by any Person and, once issued, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

  9.

Exemption from Registration

Pursuant to section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code and, to the extent that section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is inapplicable, section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or the regulations promulgated thereunder, the offering, issuance, exchange, or distribution of any Securities pursuant to the Plan shall be exempt from, among other things, the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act and any other applicable United States, state, or local law requiring registration for offer or sale of a Security or registration or licensing of an issuer of, underwriter of, or broker or dealer in, a Security.

Except with respect to any Person that is an underwriter as defined in section 1145(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or an “affiliate” as defined in the Securities Act, as applicable, the issuance of the Subscription Rights, the issuance of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to an exercise of the Subscription Rights (other than any Unsubscribed Shares), the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock to Honeywell, and the issuance of any GMI Common Stock under Article IV of the Plan shall be exempt from registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act (or any State or local law requiring registration for offer or sale of a security) under section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code. To the extent section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable, the Securities to be issued under the Plan (a) are not “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, and (b) are freely tradable and transferable by any initial recipient thereof that (i) is not an “affiliate” of the Debtors as defined in Rule 144(a)(1) under the Securities Act, (ii) has not been such an “affiliate” within 90 days of such transfer, and (iii) is not an entity that is an “underwriter” as defined in Section 1145(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. Should New GMI elect on or after the Effective Date to reflect any ownership of the Securities to be issued under the Plan through the facilities of DTC, New GMI need not provide any further evidence other than the Plan or the Confirmation Order with respect to the treatment of the Securities to be issued under the Plan under applicable securities laws. DTC shall be required to accept and conclusively rely upon the Plan and Confirmation Order in lieu of a legal opinion regarding whether the Securities to be issued under the Plan are exempt from registration and/or eligible for DTC book-entry delivery, settlement, and depository services. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, no entity (including, for the avoidance of doubt, DTC) may require a legal opinion regarding the validity of any transaction contemplated by the Plan, including, for the avoidance of doubt, whether the Securities to be issued under the Plan are exempt from registration and/or eligible for DTC book-entry delivery, settlement, and depository services.

 

59


To the extent Securities are issued pursuant to the Plan in reliance on section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or the regulations promulgated thereunder (including any Unsubscribed Shares, shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock issued directly to the PSA Investors or shares of GMI Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock issued directly to the PSA Investors or Unsubscribed Shares), the offering, issuance, exchange, or distribution of such Securities pursuant to the Plan shall be conducted in a manner that is exempt from, among other things, the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act and any other applicable United States, state, or local law requiring registration for offer or sale of a Security or registration or licensing of an issuer of, underwriter of, or broker or dealer in, a Security. Any such Securities shall be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act and shall only be transferable if registered under the Securities Act or if transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

New GMI shall take such steps as are reasonably necessary to list the GMI Common Stock on a national exchange.

 

  10.

Registration Rights Agreement

On the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall enter into and perform and execute and deliver the Registration Rights Agreement and take all actions required by the Registration Rights Agreement, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement.

 

  11.

Exit Facilities

On the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall enter into and perform and execute and deliver the Exit Facilities Documents to which such Reorganized Debtor is contemplated to be a party on the Effective Date. The Reorganized Debtors shall borrow under such Exit Facilities and use the proceeds of such borrowings for any purpose permitted thereunder, including to fund distributions under and in accordance with the Plan, and ongoing business operations, and for general corporate purposes and working capital needs. Without limiting the foregoing, the Reorganized Debtors shall pay, as and when due, all fees, expenses, losses, damages, indemnities and other amounts, including any applicable refinancing premiums and applicable exit fees, provided under the DIP Facilities Documents related to the DIP Facilities and/or the Exit Facilities Documents relating to such Exit Facilities.

Confirmation of the Plan shall be deemed (a) approval of the Exit Facilities and all transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and all actions to be taken, undertakings to be made, and obligations to be incurred by the Reorganized Debtors in connection therewith, including the payment of all fees, expenses, losses, damages, indemnities and other amounts provided for by the Exit Facilities Documents, and (b) authorization for the Reorganized Debtors to enter into and perform under the Exit Facilities Documents. The Exit Facilities Documents shall constitute legal, valid, binding and authorized obligations of the Reorganized Debtors, enforceable in accordance with their terms. The financial accommodations to be extended pursuant to the Exit Facilities Documents are being extended, and shall be deemed to have been extended, in good faith, for legitimate business purposes, are reasonable, shall not be subject to avoidance, recharacterization or subordination (including equitable subordination) for any purposes whatsoever, and shall not constitute preferential transfers, fraudulent conveyances or other voidable transfers under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable non-bankruptcy law.

 

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On the Effective Date, all of the liens and security interests to be granted in accordance with the Exit Facilities Documents (a) shall be deemed to be approved; (b) shall be legal, binding and enforceable liens on, and security interests in, the collateral granted under respective Exit Facilities Documents in accordance with the terms of the Exit Facilities Documents; (c)(i) shall be deemed perfected on the Effective Date, and (ii) the priorities of such liens and security interests shall be as set forth in the respective Exit Facilities Documents, in the case of this clause (ii), subject only to such liens and security interests as may be permitted under the Exit Facilities Documents; and (d) shall not be subject to avoidance, recharacterization, or subordination (including equitable subordination) for any purposes whatsoever and shall not constitute preferential transfers, fraudulent conveyances or other voidable transfers under the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable non-bankruptcy law. The Reorganized Debtors and the secured parties (and their designees and agents) under such Exit Facilities Documents shall make all filings and recordings, and to obtain all governmental approvals and consents to establish and perfect such liens and security interests under the provisions of the applicable state, provincial, federal or other law (whether domestic or foreign) that would be applicable in the absence of the Plan and the Confirmation Order (it being understood that perfection of the liens and security interests granted under the Exit Facilities Documents shall occur automatically by virtue of the entry of the Confirmation Order and funding on or after the Effective Date, and any such filings, recordings, approvals and consents shall not be necessary or required), and will thereafter cooperate to make all other filings and recordings that otherwise would be necessary under applicable law to give notice of such liens and security interests to third parties. To the extent that any Holder of a Secured Claim that has been satisfied or discharged pursuant to the Plan, or any agent for such Holder, has filed or recorded any liens and/or security interests to secure such Holder’s Secured Claim, then as soon as practicable on or after the Effective Date, such Holder (or the agent for such Holder), at the Reorganized Debtors’ expense, shall take any and all steps requested by the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors or any administrative agent under the Exit Facilities Documents that are necessary to cancel and/or extinguish such liens and/or security interests (it being understood that such liens and security interests held by Holders of Secured Claims that are satisfied on the Effective Date pursuant to the Plan shall be automatically canceled/or extinguished automatically on the Effective Date by virtue of the entry of the Confirmation Order).

 

  12.

Management Incentive Plan

Following the Effective Date, a management incentive plan shall provide for GMI Common Stock or similar interests in New GMI to be reserved for directors, officers, or employees of the Reorganized Debtors, as determined by the New Board.

 

  13.

Dilution of GMI Common Stock After the Effective Date

All GMI Common Stock shall be subject to dilution by (i) the issuance of GMI Common Stock in respect of Section 510(b) Claims, if any, (ii) any management incentive plan established by New GMI following the Effective Date, (iii) the conversion of any Convertible Series A Preferred Stock following the Effective Date, and (iv) any issuance of GMI Common Stock (other than in connection with the Plan) that is validly effectuated by New GMI following the Effective Date, including in connection with any conversion of any shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock into GMI Common Stock.

 

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  14.

Organizational Existence

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, each Debtor shall, as a Reorganized Debtor, continue to exist after the Effective Date as a separate legal Entity, each with all the powers of a corporation or other form of organization, as applicable, under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization and without prejudice to any right to alter or terminate such existence (whether by merger or otherwise) under the law of the applicable state or other jurisdiction.

 

  15.

Retention of Professionals

The Reorganized Debtors shall have the right to retain the services of attorneys, accountants, and other professionals on their own behalf that, in the discretion of the Reorganized Debtors, are necessary to assist the Reorganized Debtors in the performance of their duties and to administer the Plan. The payment of the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of the retained professionals of the Reorganized Debtors shall not be subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  16.

Cancellation of Existing Interests, Existing Indebtedness and Related Agreements

On the Effective Date, except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Plan, all rights of any Holder of Interests in the Debtors, including, without limitation, options or warrants to purchase Interests, or obligating the Debtors to issue, transfer or sell Interests of the Debtors, shall be cancelled.

Upon the indefeasible payment in full in Cash of its Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim or Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim, each Holder of such Allowed Claim shall be deemed to have surrendered its respective loan or note, and all such surrendered loans, notes, loan documents and indentures shall be deemed to be cancelled as to the Debtors pursuant to Section 6.16 of the Plan, except to the extent otherwise provided in the Plan. Such Claims shall be cancelled solely with respect to the Debtors, and such cancellation shall not alter the obligations or rights of any non-Debtor third parties vis-à-vis one another with respect to such Claims.

Upon the indefeasible payment in full in Cash of all Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, or promptly thereafter, Holders of such Allowed Claims shall deliver to the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, any termination statements, instruments of satisfaction, or releases of all security interests with respect to its Allowed Claim that may reasonably be required in order to terminate any related financing statements, mortgages, mechanic’s liens, or lis pendens, and take any and all other steps reasonably requested by the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, that are necessary to cancel and/or extinguish any Liens or security interests securing such Holder’s Claim; provided, however, that the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall be solely responsible for all costs and expenses associated with any of the foregoing actions or requests.

 

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Except as otherwise set forth in the Plan, upon the indefeasible payment in full in Cash of all Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, the Prepetition Credit Agreement Documents and Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, respectively, shall terminate, except as necessary to (i) enforce the rights and Claims of the respective agent or trustee vis-à-vis the applicable lenders or holders and any parties other than the Debtors, including, for avoidance of doubt, pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) allow the respective agent or trustee to receive distributions under the Plan and to distribute them to the applicable lenders or holders in accordance with the terms of the applicable documents, and (iii) preserve any rights of the respective agent or trustee and any predecessor thereof as against any money or property distributable to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims or Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims.

If the record Holder of Senior Subordinated Notes is DTC or its nominee or another securities depository or custodian thereof, and such Senior Subordinated Notes are represented by a global security held by or on behalf of DTC or such other securities depository or custodian, then each Holder of the applicable Senior Subordinated Notes shall be deemed to have surrendered such Holder’s note, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness upon surrender of such global security by DTC or such other securities depository or custodian thereof.

 

  17.

Additional Implementing Transactions

On the Effective Date, the applicable Debtors shall, in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement and Restructuring Support Agreement and subject to the consent rights of the Commitment Parties and Consenting Lenders, respectively, thereunder, enter into any transaction and shall take any actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effect the transactions described in the Plan, including, as applicable, the issuance of all securities, notes, instruments, certificates and other documents required to be issued pursuant to the Plan, one or more intercompany mergers, consolidations, amalgamations, arrangements, continuances, restructurings, conversions, dispositions, dissolutions, transfers, liquidations, spinoffs, intercompany sales, purchases, or other corporate transactions, including, without limitation, any Restructuring Transaction contemplated by the Plan Support Agreement or Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement (collectively, the “Restructuring Transactions”).

 

  18.

Section 1146 Exemption from Certain Transfer Taxes and Recording Fees

Pursuant to, and to the fullest extent permitted by, section 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, any transfers from the Debtors to the Reorganized Debtors or to any other Entity, pursuant to, in contemplation of, or in connection with the Plan (including any transfer pursuant to: (i) the issuance, distribution, transfer, or exchange of any debt, equity security, or other interest in the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors; (ii) the creation, modification, consolidation, assumption, termination, refinancing and/or recording of any mortgage, deed of trust or other security interest, or the securing of additional indebtedness by such or other means; (iii) the making, assignment or recording of any lease or sublease; (iv) the grant of collateral as security for any or all of the New Exit Facilities; or (v) the making, delivery or recording of any deed or other instrument of transfer under, in furtherance of, or in connection with, the Plan, including any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or other instrument of transfer executed in connection with any transaction arising out of, contemplated by, or in any way related to the Plan) shall not be subject to any document recording tax, stamp tax, conveyance fee, intangibles or similar tax, mortgage tax, real estate transfer tax, sales and use tax, mortgage recording tax, Uniform Commercial Code filing or recording fee, regulatory filing or recording fee, or other similar tax or governmental assessment, and the appropriate state or local government officials or agents shall, and shall be directed to, forgo the collection of any such tax, recordation fee or government assessment and to accept for filing and recordation any of the foregoing instruments or other documents without the payment of any such tax, recordation fee or government assessment. The Bankruptcy Court shall retain specific jurisdiction with respect to these matters.

 

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  19.

Insurance Policies

All Insurance Policies (including tail coverage liability insurance), surety bonds, and indemnity agreements entered into in connection with surety bonds to which any Debtor is a party as of the Effective Date shall be deemed to be and treated as executory contracts and shall be assumed by the applicable Debtor or Reorganized Debtor and shall continue in full force and effect thereafter in accordance with their respective terms. Nothing in the Plan, including any releases, shall diminish or impair the enforceability of any Insurance Policies or other policies of insurance that may cover insurance claims or other claims against the Debtors or any other Person and such policies shall continue in full force and effect after the Effective Date in accordance with their respective terms.

 

  20.

Preservation of Causes of Action

Except as otherwise provided in Section 11 or the other provisions of the Plan, as of the Effective Date, each Cause of Action of the Debtors shall be preserved and, along with the exclusive right to enforce such Cause of Action, shall vest exclusively in the applicable Reorganized Debtor. Unless a Cause of Action is expressly waived, relinquished, released or compromised in the Plan or an order of the Bankruptcy Court, the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, expressly reserve such Cause of Action for later adjudication and, accordingly, no doctrine of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable or otherwise), laches or other preclusion doctrine shall apply to such Cause of Action as a consequence of the Confirmation, the Plan, the vesting of such Cause of Action in the Reorganized Debtors, any order of the Bankruptcy Court or these Chapter 11 Cases. No Person may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as an indication that the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, will not pursue such Cause of Action.

 

  21.

Effectuating Documents and Further Transactions

The Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, may take all actions to execute, deliver, file or record such contracts, instruments, releases and other agreements or documents, and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and implement the provisions of the Plan. The secretary and any assistant secretary of each Debtor or Reorganized Debtor shall be authorized to certify or attest to any of the foregoing actions.

 

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Prior to, on or after the Effective Date (as appropriate), all matters provided for pursuant to the Plan that would otherwise require approval of the shareholders, directors or members of the Debtors shall be deemed to have been so approved and shall be in effect prior to, on or after the Effective Date (as appropriate), pursuant to applicable law, and without any requirement of further action by the shareholders, directors, managers or partners of the Debtors, or the need for any approvals, authorizations, actions or consents.

On the Effective Date, the organizational documents of the Reorganized Debtors shall become effective without further action from any Person or Entity, and shall be binding and enforceable upon each of the parties thereto.

 

  22.

Pension Plan

GMI is the contributing sponsor of the Pension Plan. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), the federal agency that administers the pension insurance program under Title IV of ERISA, has asserted that each of the Debtors is either a contributing sponsor of the Pension Plan or a member of the contributing sponsor’s controlled group and thus jointly and severally liable for all obligations of the Pension Plan.

PBGC filed proofs of claims against the Debtors for (i) the Pension Plan’s underfunded benefit liabilities; (ii) the unliquidated unpaid minimum funding contributions owed to the Pension Plan; and (iii) the Pension Plan’s insurance premiums owed to PBGC.

Upon the Effective Date, New GMI shall be deemed to have assumed the Pension Plan and shall comply with all applicable statutory provisions of ERISA and the IRC, including, but not limited to, satisfying the minimum funding standards pursuant to 26 U.S.C. §§ 412, 430, and 29 U.S.C. §§ 1082, 1083; paying the PBGC premiums in accordance with 29 U.S.C. §§ 1306 and 1307; and administering the Pension Plan in accordance with its terms and the provisions of ERISA and the IRC. In the event that the Pension Plan terminates after the Effective Date, New GMI and each of its controlled group members will be responsible for the liabilities imposed by Title IV of ERISA.

Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan, the Confirmation Order or the Bankruptcy Code (including section 1141 thereof) to the contrary, neither the Plan, the Confirmation Order, nor the Bankruptcy Code shall be construed as discharging, releasing, exculpating, or relieving any applicable Person or Entity from any liability or responsibility with respect to the Pension Plan under any law, governmental policy, or regulatory provision. PBGC and the Pension Plan shall not be enjoined or precluded from enforcing such liability or responsibility against any such Person or Entity as a result of any of the provisions of the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or the Bankruptcy Code. All proofs of claim filed by PBGC shall be deemed withdrawn upon the Effective Date.

 

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C.

Treatment of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

 

  1.

Assumption and Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

All Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases other than the Honeywell Terminated Agreements will be deemed assumed, and the Honeywell Terminated Agreements that are Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases will be deemed rejected as of the Effective Date in accordance with sections 365 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, pursuant to the Honeywell Settlement.

Entry of the Confirmation Order by the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute an order approving the assumptions or rejections of such Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases as set forth in the Plan, all pursuant to sections 365(a) and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and effective on the occurrence of the Effective Date. Each Executory Contract and Unexpired Lease assumed pursuant to the Plan or by Bankruptcy Court order shall revest in and be fully enforceable by the applicable contracting Reorganized Debtor in accordance with its terms, except as such terms may have been modified by the Debtors and the applicable counterparty, or by order of the Bankruptcy Court. To the maximum extent permitted by law, to the extent any provision in any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease assumed pursuant to the Plan restricts or prevents, or purports to restrict or prevent, or is breached or deemed breached by, the assumption of such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease (including any “change of control” provision), then such provision shall be deemed modified such that the transactions contemplated by the Plan shall not entitle the non-Debtor Entity party thereto to terminate such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or to exercise any other default-related rights with respect thereto.

 

  2.

Claims Based on Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

Unless otherwise provided by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, all Proofs of Claim with respect to Claims arising from the rejection of Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases pursuant to the Plan or the Confirmation Order, if any, must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court within 30 days after the later of (1) the effective date of such rejection, or (2) the Effective Date.

Any Claims arising from the rejection of an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease not filed within such time will be disallowed, forever barred from assertion, and shall not be enforceable against, as applicable, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, or property of any of the foregoing, without the need for any objection by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or further notice to, or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court or any other Entity, and any Claim arising out of the rejection of such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease shall be deemed fully satisfied, released, and discharged, and be subject to the permanent injunction set forth in Section 11.10 of the Plan, notwithstanding anything in the Schedules or a Proof of Claim, as applicable, to the contrary.

Claims arising from the rejection of the Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases shall be classified as General Unsecured Claims in Class 7 and shall be treated in accordance with Section 4.3.7 of the Plan and may be objected to in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Plan and the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules.

 

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  3.

Objections to and Cure of Defaults for Assumed Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

To the extent a monetary default exists under an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease proposed to be assumed pursuant to the Plan, such monetary default shall be satisfied, pursuant to section 365(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, by payment of the applicable Cure Cost by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, on the Effective Date or promptly thereafter, in the ordinary course of business, or on such other terms as the parties to such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease may otherwise agree. For the avoidance of doubt, Cure Costs may be paid in installments following the Effective Date in a manner consistent with the Bankruptcy Code.

Objections to the assumption of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or any applicable Cure Cost shall be made in accordance with the Solicitation Procedures Order.

Assumption of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease pursuant to the Plan or otherwise shall result in the full release and satisfaction of any Claims held by the non-Debtor Entity party thereto against, or defaults, whether monetary or nonmonetary, including defaults of provisions restricting the change in control or ownership interest composition or other bankruptcy-related defaults, by, the applicable Debtor(s) arising under any assumed Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease at any time prior to the effective date of the assumption; provided, however, that the counterparty to such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease may seek additional amount(s) on account of any defaults occurring between the filing of the notice of assumption and the occurrence of the Effective Date of the Plan.

Any Proofs of Claim filed with respect to an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease that has been assumed shall be deemed disallowed and expunged, without further notice to or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  4.

Modifications, Amendments, Supplements, Restatements or Other Agreements

Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, each Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease that is assumed shall include all modifications, amendments, supplements, restatements or other agreements that in any manner affect such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease, including easements, licenses, permits, rights, privileges, immunities, options, rights of first refusal and any other interests, unless any of the foregoing agreements has been previously rejected or repudiated or is rejected or repudiated under the Plan.

Modifications, amendments, supplements, and restatements to prepetition Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases that have been executed by the Debtors during the Chapter 11 Cases shall not be deemed to alter the prepetition nature of the Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease, or the validity, priority or amount of any Claims or Interests that may arise in connection therewith.

 

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  5.

Indemnification and Reimbursement Obligations

On and from the Effective Date, and except as prohibited by applicable law or subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, the Reorganized Debtors shall be deemed to have assumed all indemnification obligations currently in place for the Debtors’ directors, officers, managers, employees, attorneys, other professionals, and agents, whether in the bylaws, certificates of incorporation (or other formation documents), board resolutions, employment contracts or other agreements of the Debtors.

 

  6.

Reservation of Rights

Nothing contained in the Plan, nor the Debtors’ delivery of a notice of proposed assumption of a contract or lease to the applicable contract and lease counterparties, shall constitute an admission by the Debtors that any such contract or lease is in fact an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or that any Debtor or Reorganized Debtor would have any liability thereunder.

Notwithstanding any non-bankruptcy law to the contrary, the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve and do not waive any right to receive, or any continuing obligation of a counterparty to provide, warranties or continued maintenance obligations on goods previously purchased, or services previously received, by the contracting Debtors from counterparties to rejected Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases.

 

D.

Provisions Governing Distributions

 

  1.

Distribution Agents

The Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, shall have the authority, each in their or its sole discretion, to enter into agreements with one or more Distribution Agents to facilitate the distributions required hereunder. To the extent the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, determine to utilize a Distribution Agent to facilitate any distributions, such Distribution Agent would first be required to: (i) affirm its obligation to facilitate the prompt distribution of any documents, (ii) affirm its obligation to facilitate the prompt distribution of any recoveries or distributions required under the Plan, and (iii) waive any right or ability to set off, deduct from or assert any Lien or other encumbrance against the distributions required under the Plan to be distributed by such Distribution Agent.

The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may pay to the Distribution Agents all of their reasonable and documented fees and expenses without the need for any approvals, authorizations, actions or consents of the Bankruptcy Court or otherwise. The Distribution Agents shall submit detailed invoices to counsel to the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors for all fees and expenses for which the Distribution Agents seek reimbursement, and the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall pay those amounts that they, in their sole discretion, deems reasonable, and shall object in writing to those fees and expenses, if any, that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, deem to be unreasonable. In the event that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, object to all or any portion of the amounts requested to be reimbursed in a Distribution Agent’s invoice, the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and such Distribution Agent shall endeavor, in good faith, to reach mutual agreement on the amount of the appropriate payment of such disputed fees and/or expenses. In the event that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and a Distribution Agent are unable to resolve any differences regarding disputed fees or expenses, either party shall be authorized to move to have such dispute heard by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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  (a)

Powers of the Distribution Agent

The Distribution Agent shall be empowered to: (i) effect all actions and execute all agreements, instruments and other documents necessary to perform its duties under the Plan, (ii) make all distributions contemplated hereby, (iii) employ professionals to represent it with respect to its responsibilities, and (iv) exercise such other powers as may be vested in the Distribution Agent by order of the Bankruptcy Court, pursuant to the Plan, or as deemed by the Distribution Agent to be necessary and proper to implement the provisions of the Plan.

 

  2.

Timing and Delivery of Distributions

 

  (a)

Timing

Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, distributions to be made under the Plan shall be made on (a) the later of (i) the Effective Date or (ii) the date that a Claim or Interest becomes an Allowed Claim or Interest, or (b) such other date that is determined by the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, in accordance with the Plan. The Reorganized Debtors may commence distributions to beneficiaries of the Estates at any time after the Effective Date, subject to the terms of the Plan and the Confirmation Order.

 

  (b)

De Minimis Distributions

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, none of the Reorganized Debtors nor the Distribution Agent shall have any obligation to make any distributions under the Plan with a value of less than $50, unless a written request therefor is received by the Distribution Agent from the relevant recipient within 120 days after the later of (i) the Effective Date and (ii) the date such Claim or Interest becomes an Allowed Claim or Interest. De minimis distributions for which no such request is timely received shall revert to the Reorganized Debtors. Upon such reversion, the relevant Allowed Claim or Interest of less than $50 (and any Claim or Interest on account of such missed distributions) shall be automatically deemed satisfied, discharged, and forever barred, notwithstanding any federal or state escheat laws to the contrary.

 

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  (c)

Record Date and Delivery of Distributions

Distributions shall only be made to the record holders of Allowed Claims and Interests as of the Confirmation Date, except as to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, and DIP Claims whose distribution is to be administered by the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee and DIP Agent, respectively, which distributions shall be deposited with the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, and DIP Agent, respectively, for distribution to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims and DIP Claims, respectively, in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the terms of the governing agreement. Distributions on account of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims and DIP Claims shall be deemed completed upon delivery to the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent, Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee and DIP Agent, as applicable. On the Confirmation Date, the Claims Register and the Stock Register shall be closed and the Distribution Agent shall be authorized and entitled to recognize only those Holders of Claims or Interests listed on the Claims Register or Stock Register as of the close of business on the Confirmation Date. If a Claim or Interest is transferred 20 or fewer days before the Confirmation Date, the Distribution Agent, at the direction of the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, shall make distributions to the transferee only to the extent practical, and, in any event, only if the relevant transfer form contains an unconditional and explicit certification and waiver of any objection to the transfer by the transferor.

If any dispute arises as to the identity of a Holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest that is entitled to receive a distribution pursuant to the Plan, the Distribution Agent may, in lieu of making such distribution to such Entity, make the distribution into an escrow account until the disposition thereof is determined by Final Order or by written agreement among the interested parties to such dispute.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Distribution Agent, at the direction of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall make all distributions required under the Plan to Holders of Allowed Claims or Interests. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, and notwithstanding any authority to the contrary, distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims or Interests shall be made to Holders of record as of the Confirmation Date by the Distribution Agent, as appropriate: (i) to the signatory set forth on any Proof of Claim filed by such Holder or other representative identified tin the Plan (or at the last known address of such Holder if no Proof of Claim is filed or if the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or the Distribution Agent have been notified in writing of a change of address), or (ii) at the address set forth in any written notice of change of address delivered to the Notice and Claims Agent. The Reorganized Debtors, the Distribution Agent and the Notice and Claims Agent shall not incur any liability whatsoever on account of the delivery of any distributions under the Plan.

 

  3.

Manner of Payment Under Plan

 

  (a)

Cash Payments

At the Distribution Agent’s option, any Cash payment may be made by check, wire transfer or any other customary payment method.

 

  (b)

Allocation of Plan Distributions Between Principal and Interest

To the extent that any Claim entitled to a distribution under the Plan is based upon any obligation or instrument that is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as indebtedness of any Debtor and accrued but unpaid interest thereon, such distribution shall be allocated first to the principal amount of the Claim (as determined for federal income tax purposes) and then, to the extent the consideration exceeds the principal amount of the Claim, to accrued but unpaid interest.

 

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  (c)

Compliance Matters

In connection with the Plan, to the extent applicable, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors and the Distribution Agent shall comply with all tax withholding and reporting requirements imposed on them by any federal, state, local or foreign tax law, and all distributions pursuant hereto shall be subject to such withholding and reporting requirements. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors and the Distribution Agent shall be authorized to take all actions necessary or appropriate to comply with such withholding and reporting requirements, including withholding in kind, liquidating a portion of the distributions to be made under the Plan to generate sufficient funds to pay applicable withholding taxes, withholding distributions pending receipt of information necessary to facilitate such distributions, or establishing any other mechanisms they believe are reasonable and appropriate. For purposes of the Plan, any withheld amount (or property) shall be treated as if paid to the applicable claimant. Each Reorganized Debtor reserves the right to allocate all distributions made under the Plan in compliance with all applicable wage garnishments, alimony, child support and other spousal awards, liens and encumbrances. Distributions in full or partial satisfaction of Allowed Claims shall be allocated first to trust fund-type taxes, then to other taxes, and then to the principal amount of Allowed Claims, with any excess allocated to unpaid interest that has accrued on such Claims.

 

  (d)

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in an order of the Bankruptcy Court, or as agreed to by any Holder and either the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, any Claim or Interest (other than Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims) asserted in a currency other than U.S. dollars shall be automatically deemed converted, as of the Effective Date, to the equivalent U.S. dollar value using the exchange rate on the first Business Day prior to the Petition Date, as quoted at 4:00 p.m. (New York time), at the mid-range spot rate of exchange for the applicable foreign currency as published in The Wall Street Journal, National Edition, on the first Business Day after the Petition Date; provided that instead of such automatic conversion, the Debtors may instead elect, subject to the consent of the Plan Sponsors, to make payments on account of any such Claim or Interest pursuant to the Plan in the applicable foreign currency.

Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims shall be paid in the applicable currency provided in the Prepetition Credit Agreement or Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, respectively, and otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

  (e)

Fractional Payments and Distributions

Whenever the Plan would otherwise call for, with respect to a particular Entity, payment of a fraction of a dollar, the actual payment shall reflect a rounding of such fraction to the nearest whole dollar (up or down), with half dollars being rounded down. To the extent that Cash to be distributed under the Plan remain undistributed as a result of the aforementioned rounding, such Cash shall be treated as an Unclaimed Distribution.

 

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  (f)

Fractional Shares

No fractional shares of GMI Common Stock shall be distributed under the Plan. When any distribution pursuant to the Plan on account of an Allowed Interest would otherwise result in the issuance or delivery of a number of shares of GMI Common Stock that is not a whole number, the actual distribution of shares of GMI Common Stock shall be rounded to the next lower whole number with no further payment or other distribution therefor. The total number of shares of GMI Common Stock to be distributed to holders of Allowed Interests shall be adjusted downward as necessary to account for the rounding provided in Section 9.3.6 of the Plan.

 

  4.

Undeliverable Distributions

In the event that any distribution to any Holder is returned as undeliverable, or no address for such Holder is found in the Debtors’ records, no further distribution to such Holder shall be made unless and until the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent is notified in writing of the then-current address of such Holder, at which time such distribution shall be made to such Holder not less than 30 days thereafter. Undeliverable distributions shall remain in the possession of the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent until such time as such distribution becomes deliverable or such distribution reverts to the Reorganized Debtors, or is cancelled pursuant to Section 9.5 of the Plan, and shall not be supplemented with any interest, dividends or other accruals of any kind.

 

  5.

Reversion

Any distribution under the Plan, including distributions made by the Prepetition Credit Agreement Agent or the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee in accordance with Section 9.2.3 of the Plan, that is an Unclaimed Distribution for a period of six months thereafter, shall be deemed unclaimed property under section 347(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, and such Unclaimed Distribution shall revest in the Reorganized Debtors. Upon such revesting, the Claim or Interest of any Holder or its successors and assigns with respect to such property shall be cancelled, discharged and forever barred, notwithstanding any applicable federal or state escheat, abandoned, or unclaimed property laws to the contrary. The provisions of the Plan regarding undeliverable distributions and Unclaimed Distributions shall apply with equal force to distributions that are issued by the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent made pursuant to any indenture or Certificate, notwithstanding any provision in such indenture or Certificate to the contrary and notwithstanding any otherwise applicable federal or state escheat, abandoned or unclaimed property law.

Nothing contained in the Plan shall require the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent to attempt to locate any Holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest whose distribution is declared an undeliverable or an Unclaimed Distribution.

 

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  6.

Claims or Interests Paid by Third Parties

No distributions under the Plan shall be made on account of an Allowed Claim that is payable under one of the Debtors’ Insurance Policies until the Holder of such Allowed Claim has exhausted all remedies with respect to such Insurance Policy.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, payments to Holders of Claims covered by an Insurance Policy and otherwise payable under the Plan shall be made from the proceeds of such Insurance Policy in accordance with the provisions of any such applicable Insurance Policy. Nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any Cause of Action that the Debtors or any Entity may hold against any other Entity, including Insurers, nor shall anything contained in the Plan constitute or be deemed a waiver by such insurers of any rights or defenses, including coverage defenses, held by Insurers.

To the extent a Creditor receives a distribution on account of a Claim or Interest and also receives payment from a party that is not a Debtor, Reorganized Debtor or Distribution Agent on account of such Claim or Interest, such Creditor shall, within 30 calendar days of receipt thereof, repay and/or return the distribution to the Reorganized Debtor to the extent the Creditor’s total recovery on account of such Claim or Interest from the third party and under the Plan exceeds the amount of the Claim or Interest as of the date of any such distribution under the Plan.

 

  7.

Setoffs

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, or as agreed to by the Holder and the Reorganized Debtors, each as applicable, pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code (including section 553 thereof), applicable non-bankruptcy law, or such terms as may be agreed to by the Holder and the Reorganized Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors may, without any further notice to, or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, set off against any Allowed Claim or Interest and the distributions to be made on account of such Allowed Claim or Interest (before any distribution is made on account of such Allowed Claim or Interest), any claim, right and Cause of Action of any nature that the Reorganized Debtors, each as applicable, may hold against the Holder of such Allowed Claim or Interest, to the extent such claim, right or Cause of Action against such Holder has not been otherwise compromised or settled on or prior to the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the Plan or otherwise); provided that neither the failure to effect such a setoff nor the allowance of any Claim or Interest pursuant to the Plan shall constitute a waiver or release by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors of any such Claims or Interests, rights and Causes of Action that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may possess against or in such Holder. In no event shall any Holder of a Claim or Interest be entitled to set off any Claim or Interest against any Claim or Interest, right, or Cause of Action of a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, unless such Holder has filed a Proof of Claim in these Chapter 11 Cases preserving such setoff and a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court has been entered, authorizing and approving such setoff.

 

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  8.

No Postpetition Interest on Claims

Unless otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan, the Final DIP Order or the Confirmation Order, required by applicable law, or agreed to by the Debtors or, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors, no Holder of a Claim or Interest against the Debtors shall be entitled to interest accruing on or after the Petition Date with respect to such Claim or Interest, notwithstanding any dispute or other delay with respect to any distribution.

 

  9.

Reservation of Rights

In no event shall a Holder of a Claim or Interest receive more than the full payment of such Claim or Interest. To the extent any Holder has received payment in full with respect to a Claim or Interest, such Claim or Interest shall be expunged without an objection to such Claim or Interest having been filed and without any further notice to or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

E.

Settlement, Release, Injunction and Related Provisions

 

  1.

Vesting of Assets

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in any contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created pursuant to the Plan or in the Confirmation Order, upon the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 1141(b) and (c) of the Bankruptcy Code, all property (including all interests, rights and privileges related thereto) of each of the Debtors shall vest in each of the respective Reorganized Debtors free and clear of all Claims, Liens, encumbrances, charges and Interests. All Liens, Claims, encumbrances, charges and Interests shall be deemed fully released and discharged as of the Effective Date, except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, as of the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may operate their businesses and may use, acquire, and dispose of property and settle and compromise Claims and Interests without supervision or approval by the Bankruptcy Court and free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and the Local Rules and in all respects as if there were no pending cases under any chapter or provision of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Debtors.

 

  2.

Compromise and Settlement of Claims and Controversies

Pursuant to sections 363 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, and in consideration for the distributions and other benefits provided pursuant to the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall constitute a good-faith compromise of all Claims, Causes of Action and controversies relating to the contractual, legal and subordination rights that a Holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest may have against any Debtor, or any distribution to be made on account of such an Allowed Claim or Interest. The entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the compromise or settlement of all such Claims or controversies and the Bankruptcy Court’s finding that such compromise or settlement is in the best interests of the Debtors and their Estates and is fair, equitable and reasonable. In accordance with the provisions of the Plan, pursuant to sections 363 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019(a), without any further notice or action, order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may compromise and settle Claims against them and Causes of Action against other entities.

 

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  3.

Subordinated Claims

The allowance, classification and treatment of all Allowed Claims and Interests and the respective distributions and treatments under the Plan take into account, conform to, and satisfy the relative priority and rights of the Claims and Interests in each Class in connection with any contractual, legal and equitable subordination rights relating thereto; provided, however, that the Debtors reserve the right to reclassify or modify the treatment of any Allowed Claim or Interest in accordance with any contractual, legal, or equitable subordination relating thereto, unless otherwise provided in a settlement agreement concerning such Allowed Claim or Interest, provided, further, that in no event shall the Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims, Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims, or DIP Claims be reclassified or subordinated pursuant to section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code, principles of equitable subordination or otherwise.

 

  4.

Release of Liens

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, or in any contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created pursuant to the Plan or the Confirmation Order, on the Effective Date and concurrently with the applicable distributions made pursuant to the Plan and, in the case of a DIP Claim or Secured Claim, indefeasible payment and satisfaction in full in cash of the portion of the DIP Claim or Secured Claim that is Allowed as of the Effective Date in accordance with the Plan, all mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests against any property of the Estates shall be fully released, settled, discharged and compromised, and all rights, titles and interests of any holder of such mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests against any property of the Estates shall revert to the applicable Debtor and its successors and assigns. The Debtors, or after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall be authorized to file any necessary or desirable documents to evidence such release in the name of the party secured by such pre-Effective Date mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests.

 

  5.

Discharge

Pursuant to and to the fullest extent permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, the treatment of Claims and Interests under the Plan shall be in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release, discharge and termination, as of the Effective Date, of all Claims of any nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, against, and Interests in, the Debtors, any property of the Estates, or any property of the Reorganized Debtors, including all Claims of the kind specified in section 502(g), 502(h) or 502(i) of the Bankruptcy Code, in each case whether or not: (i) a Proof of Claim or Interest based upon such Claim, debt, right or Interest is filed or deemed filed pursuant to section 501 of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) a Claim or Interest based upon such Claim, liability, obligation or Interest is Allowed pursuant to section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (iii) the Holder of such a Claim, liability, obligation or Interest has accepted the Plan. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, any default by the Debtors or their Affiliates with respect to any Claim that existed immediately prior to or on account of the filing of these Chapter 11 Cases shall be deemed cured on the Effective Date.

 

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  6.

Term of Injunction or Stays

Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, any injunction or stay arising under or entered during the Chapter 11 Cases under section 105 or 362 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise that is in existence on the Confirmation Date shall remain in full force and effect until the later of the Effective Date and the date indicated in the order providing for such injunction or stay.

 

  7.

Release by the Debtors

For good and valuable consideration, including the service of the Released Parties to facilitate the administration of the Chapter 11 Cases and the implementation of the transactions contemplated by the Plan, on and after the Effective Date, the Released Parties shall be released and discharged by the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors and their Estates, including any successor and assign to the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or any estate representative, from all claims, obligations, rights, suits, damages, causes of action, remedies and liabilities whatsoever, including any derivative claims asserted or assertable on behalf of a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, and its successors, assigns, and representatives, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities laws or otherwise, including those that any of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or their Estates would have been legally entitled to assert in their own right (whether individually or collectively) or on behalf of the holder of any Claim or Interest or any other Person, based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, the conduct of the businesses of the Debtors, these Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, the release or discharge of any mortgage, lien or security interest, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the administration of Claims and Interests prior to or during these Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, dissemination, implementation, administration, confirmation and/or effectuation of the Restructuring Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof), the Plan Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof, including the Coordination Agreement), the Equity Commitment Letters, the Debt Commitment Letters, the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Plan, any plan supplement, any disclosure statement or, in each case, related agreements, instruments or other documents, any action or omission with respect to intercompany claims and intercompany settlements, any action or omission as an officer, director, agent, representative, fiduciary, controlling Person, member, manager, affiliate or responsible party, or upon any other act or omission, transaction, agreement, event, or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date of the Plan, other than claims or liabilities arising out of or relating to any act or omission of a Released Party to the extent such act or omission is determined by a final order in a court of competent jurisdiction to have constituted gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, or a criminal act.

 

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  8.

Exculpation

Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, as of the Effective Date, the Debtors and their respective directors, officers, employees, attorneys, investment bankers, financial advisors, restructuring advisors and other professional advisors, representatives and agents will be deemed to have solicited acceptances of this Plan in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code and any applicable non-bankruptcy law, rule or regulation governing the adequacy of disclosure in connection with the solicitation.

The Exculpated Parties shall neither have nor incur any liability arising on or after the Petition Date to any Entity for any act or omission in connection with these Chapter 11 Cases, including (i) the operation of the Debtors’ businesses during the pendency of these Chapter 11 Cases; (ii) the administration of Claims and Interests during these Chapter 11 Cases; (iii) formulating, negotiating, preparing, disseminating, implementing, administering, confirming and/or effecting the Restructuring Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof), the Plan Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof, including the Coordination Agreement), the Equity Commitment Letters, the Debt Commitment Letters, the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, any disclosure statement, the Plan, any plan supplement, and any related contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection therewith (including the solicitation of votes for the Plan or other actions taken in furtherance of confirmation or consummation of the Plan); (iv) the offer or issuance of any securities under or in connection with the Plan; or (v) the administration or adjudication of Claims, other than liability resulting from any act or omission that is determined by final order in a court of competent jurisdiction to have constituted gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud or a criminal act.

 

  9.

Voluntary Release by Holders of Claims and Interests

For good and valuable consideration, including the service of the Released Parties to facilitate the administration of the Chapter 11 Cases, the implementation of the reorganization contemplated by the Plan, the release of mortgages, liens and security interests on property of the Estates, and distributions made pursuant to the Plan, on and after the Effective Date, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Releasing Parties (regardless of whether a Releasing Party is a Released Party) shall be deemed to conclusively, absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably and forever release, waive and discharge the Released Parties of any and all claims, obligations, rights, suits, damages, causes of action, remedies and liabilities whatsoever, including any derivative claims asserted or assertable on behalf of a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor and its successors, assigns, and representatives, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities laws or otherwise, including, those that any of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or their Estates would have been legally entitled to assert in their own right (whether individually or collectively) or on behalf of the holder of any Claim or Interest or any other Person, based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, the conduct of the businesses of the Debtors, these Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the administration of Claims and Interests prior to or during these Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, dissemination, implementation, administration, confirmation and/or effectuation of the Restructuring Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof), the Plan Support Agreement (and each prior version thereof, including the Coordination Agreement), the Equity Commitment Letters, the Debt Commitment Letters, the Equity Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Plan, any plan supplement, any disclosure statement or, in each case, related agreements, instruments or other documents, any action or omission with respect to intercompany claims or intercompany settlements, any action or omission as an officer, director, agent, representative, fiduciary, controlling Person, member, manager, affiliate or responsible party, or upon any other act or omission, transaction, agreement, event, or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date of the Plan, other than claims or liabilities arising out of or relating to any act or omission of a Released Party to the extent such act or omission is determined by a final order in a court of competent jurisdiction to have constituted gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, or a criminal act.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Releasing Party shall be deemed to have released (a) any Section 510(b) Claim against the Debtors, or (b) any claim arising from rescission of a purchase or sale of Existing Common Stock or for damages arising from the purchase or sale of Existing Common Stock against one or more of the Debtors’ current or former officers or directors; provided that each Releasing Party shall only be entitled to assert the claims identified in subclause (b) above as a member of a class in a class action in which such Releasing Party is not a lead plaintiff and to respond to or oppose any objections or challenges to such Releasing Party’s inclusion in such class action.

 

  10.

Injunction

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, all Persons or Entities who have held, hold or may hold (i) Claims or Interests that arose prior to the Effective Date, (ii) Causes of Action that have been released pursuant to Sections 11.7 and 11.9 of the Plan or are subject to exculpation pursuant to Section 11.8 of the Plan (but only to the extent of the exculpation provided in Section 11.8 of the Plan), or (iii) Claims, Interests or Causes of Action that are otherwise discharged, satisfied, stayed, or terminated pursuant to the terms of the Plan and all other parties-in-interest seeking to enforce such Claims, Interests or Causes of Action are permanently enjoined, from and after the Effective Date, from (a) commencing or continuing in any manner any action or other proceeding of any kind with respect to any such Claim (including a section 510(b) Claim) against or Interest in the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or property of any Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, other than to enforce any right to a distribution pursuant to the Plan, (b) the enforcement, attachment, collection or recovery by any manner or means of any judgment, award, decree or order against the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors or property of any Debtors or Reorganized Debtors with respect to any such Claim or Interest, other than to enforce any right to a distribution pursuant to the Plan, (c) creating, perfecting or enforcing any Lien or encumbrance of any kind against the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or against the property or interests in property of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors with respect to any such Claim or Interest, other than to enforce any right to a distribution pursuant to the Plan, or (d) asserting any right of setoff (except for setoffs validly exercised prepetition) or subrogation of any kind against any obligation due from the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, or against the property or interests in property of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, with respect to any such Claim or Interest. Such injunction shall extend to any successors or assignees of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors and their respective properties and interests in properties.

 

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  11.

Scope of Releases

Each Person providing releases under the Plan, including the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, their Estates and the Releasing Parties, shall be deemed to have granted the releases set forth in the Plan notwithstanding that such Person may hereafter discover facts in addition to, or different from, those which it now knows or believes to be true, and without regard to the subsequent discovery or existence of such different or additional facts, and such Person expressly waives any and all rights that it may have under any statute or common law principle which would limit the effect of such releases to those claims or causes of action actually known or suspected to exist at the time of execution of such release.

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in the Plan, including, without limitation, the releases, waivers, and exculpations provided in Sections 11.7–11.9 of the Plan, shall constitute a release, waiver, discharge, or limitation of any kind of any rights, liabilities, or obligations arising under the Plan or any other agreement, document or instrument executed in connection with the Plan.

 

  12.

Honeywell and Debtor Mutual Release

For good and valuable consideration, on the Effective Date, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, and their Estates, including any successor and assign to the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or any Estate representative, shall release any and all Claims and Causes of Action, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity, or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities law, or otherwise, against Honeywell and its Related Parties based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part (i) the spin-off of the Debtors by Honeywell, (ii) the Honeywell Terminated Agreements, and (iii) all actions taken in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases (whether arising prior to or after the Petition Date) before the Effective Date; provided that such release shall not include any Excluded Ordinary Course Claims.

For good and valuable consideration, on the Effective Date, Honeywell shall release any and all Claims and Causes of Action, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, liquidated or unliquidated, contingent or fixed, existing or hereafter arising, in law, at equity or otherwise, whether for indemnification, tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities law, or otherwise, against the Debtors and its Related Parties based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part (i) the spin-off of the Debtors by Honeywell (and any litigation commenced in connection therewith), (ii) the Honeywell Terminated Agreements, and (iii) all actions taken in connection with the Debtors’ chapter 11 cases (whether arising prior to or after the Petition Date) before the Effective Date; provided that such release shall not include any Excluded Ordinary Course Claims.

 

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  13.

Preservation of Causes of Action

Except as expressly provided in Section 11 of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any rights or Causes of Action that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may have or that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may choose to assert on behalf of the Estates under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable non-bankruptcy law, including (i) any and all Causes of Action or Claims against any Person or Entity, to the extent such Person or Entity asserts a cross-claim, counterclaim and/or claim for setoff that seeks affirmative relief against the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, and in each case, their officers, directors or representatives or (ii) the turnover of any property of the Estates to the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors.

No Entity may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan, the Plan Supplement or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as any indication that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, will not pursue any and all available Causes of Action against them. The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve all rights to prosecute any and all Causes of Action against any Entity, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan.

Except as set forth in Section 11 of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any rights or Causes of Action that the Debtors had immediately prior to the Petition Date or the Effective Date against or regarding any Claim or Interest left Unimpaired by the Plan. The Reorganized Debtors shall have, retain, reserve, and be entitled to assert all such rights and Causes of Action as fully as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced, and all of the Reorganized Debtors’ legal and equitable rights respecting any Claim or Interest left Unimpaired by the Plan may be asserted after the Confirmation Date to the same extent as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced.

Except as set forth in Section 11 of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to release any post-Effective Date obligations of any party under the Plan, or any document, instrument or agreement (including those set forth in the Plan Supplement) executed to implement the Plan.

Unless any Causes of Action against an Entity are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised or settled in the Plan, including pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan or a Final Order, the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve all Causes of Action for later adjudication and, therefore, no preclusion doctrine, including the doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable or otherwise), or laches shall apply to such Causes of Action upon, after, or as a consequence of the Confirmation or occurrence of the Effective Date.

 

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ARTICLE V

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN

The following is a brief summary of the process of the Confirmation of the Plan. Holders of Claims and Interests are encouraged to review the relevant provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and/or consult their own attorneys.

 

A.

The Confirmation Hearing

Section 1128(a) of the Bankruptcy Code requires the Bankruptcy Court, after notice, to hold a hearing at which the Debtors will seek confirmation of the Plan. Section 1128(b) of the Bankruptcy Code provides that any party-in-interest may object to the Confirmation of the Plan.

THE CONFIRMATION HEARING IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON APRIL 6, 2021 AT 10:00 A.M. EASTERN TIME, BEFORE THE HONORABLE MICHAEL E. WILES, UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY JUDGE. THE CONFIRMATION HEARING MAY BE ADJOURNED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR THE DEBTORS WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE OTHER THAN BY ANNOUNCEMENT IN OPEN COURT AND/OR NOTICE(S) OF ADJOURNMENT FILED ON THE DOCKET WITH THE BANKRUPTCY COURT’S PERMISSION.

OBJECTIONS TO CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN MUST BE FILED WITH THE BANKRUPTCY COURT AND SERVED ON THE APPLICABLE PARTIES SO AS TO BE ACTUALLY RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE 4:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON MARCH 24, 2021 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SOLICITATION PROCEDURES ORDER. UNLESS OBJECTIONS TO CONFIRMATION ARE TIMELY SERVED AND FILED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SOLICITATION PROCEDURES ORDER, THEY WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

 

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B.

Confirmation Standards

To confirm the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court must find that the requirements of section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code have been satisfied. The Debtors believe that section 1129 has been satisfied because, among other things:

 

  a.

the Plan complies with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

  b.

the Debtors, as plan proponents, have complied with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

  c.

the Plan has been proposed in good faith and not by any means forbidden by law;

 

  d.

any payment made or promised under the Plan for services or for costs and expenses in or in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, or in connection with the Plan and incident to the Chapter 11 Cases, has been approved by, or is subject to the approval of, the Bankruptcy Court as reasonable;

 

  e.

with respect to each Class of Impaired Claims or Interests, each Holder of a Claim or Interest in such Class has either accepted the Plan or will receive or retain under the Plan on account of such Claim or Interest property of a value, as of the Effective Date of the Plan, that is not less than the amount that such Holder would receive or retain if the Debtors were liquidated on such date under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code (see Article V.1The Debtors Releases, Third-Party Release, Exculpation, and Injunction Provisions

Article XI of the Plan provides for releases of certain claims and Causes of Action the Debtors may hold against the Released Parties (the “Debtor Releases”). The Released Parties means (i) the Exculpated Parties (as defined in the Plan) and (ii) each of their respective current and former directors, officers, equity holders (regardless of whether such interests are held directly or indirectly), affiliated investment funds or investment vehicles, employees, consultants, agents, affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, members, managers, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, participants, subsidiaries, managed accounts or funds, partners, limited partners, general partners, principals, fund advisors, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

Article XI of the Plan provides for releases of certain claims and Causes of Action that holders of Claims or Interests may hold against the Released Parties in exchange for the good and valuable consideration and the valuable compromises made by the Released Parties. The holders of Claims and Interests who are releasing certain claims and Causes of Action against non-Debtors include each of the following in their capacity as such: (i) the Released Parties, (ii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to accept the Plan, (iii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to reject the Plan but elect on their ballot to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests, (iv) all holders of Claims and Interests not described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) who elect to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests; and (v) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (iv), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

 

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Article XI of the Plan provides for mutual releases between the Debtors and Honeywell for all Claims and Causes of Action based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part (i) the spin-off of the Debtors by Honeywell, (ii) the Honeywell Terminated Agreements, and (iii) all actions taken in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases (whether arising prior to or after the Petition Date) before the Effective Date; provided that such release shall not include any Excluded Ordinary Course Claims.

Article XI of the Plan provides for the exculpation of each Exculpated Party for certain acts or omissions taken in connection with these chapter 11 cases. The released and exculpated claims are limited in those claims or Causes of Action that may have arisen in connection with, related to, or arising out of the Plan, this Disclosure Statement, or these chapter 11 cases. The Exculpated Parties are in each case solely in its capacity as such: (i) the Debtors, (ii) the Reorganized Debtors, (iii) the UCC and its members, in their capacities as such, (iv) the Equity Committee and its members, in their capacities as such, (v) the Commitment Parties, (vi) the Prepetition Credit Agreement Secured Parties, (vii) the DIP Secured Parties, (viii) the Exit Facilities Parties, (ix) the Backstop Parties, (x) the Equity Commitment Parties, (xi) the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, and (xii) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (xi), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

Article XI of the Plan permanently enjoins all Persons or Entities who have held, hold, or may hold (i) Claims or Interests that arose prior to the Effective Date, (ii) Causes of Action that have been released pursuant to Sections 117 and 11.8 of the Plan or are subject to exculpation pursuant to Section 11.8 of the Plan (but only to the extent of the exculpation provided in Section 11.8 of the Plan), or (iii) Claims, Interests or Causes of Action that are otherwise discharged, satisfied, stayed, or terminated pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

The Plan provides that all holders of Claims or Interests who are entitled to vote on the Plan who vote to accept the Plan will be granting a release of any claims or rights they have or may have as against many individuals and Entities. In addition, certain other holders of Claims or Interests identified in the definition of “Releasing Parties” will be granting a release of any claims or rights they have or may have as against many individuals and Entities, if they vote to reject the Plan but elect on their ballot to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interest, as applicable.

The voluntary release by Holders of Claims and Interests includes any and all claims that such holders may have against the Released Parties, which in any way relate to the Debtors, their operations either before or after the Chapter 11 Cases began, any securities of the Debtors, whether purchased or sold, including sales or purchases which have been rescinded, and any transaction that these Released Parties had with the Debtors.

 

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  f.

Best Interests Test);

 

  g.

each Class of Claims or Interests has either accepted the Plan or is not Impaired under the Plan, or the Plan can be confirmed without the approval of such class pursuant to section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

  h.

except to the extent that the Holder of a certain Claim under section 3.1.1 of the Plan has agreed or will agree to a different treatment of such Claim, the Plan provides that Allowed Administrative Expense Claims will be paid in full in Cash on the Effective Date;

 

  i.

except to the extent that a holder of an Allowed Other Priority Claim has agreed to a different treatment of such Claim, each such Holder shall receive Cash in an amount equal to the Allowed amount of such Claim, or treatment in any other manner so that such Claim shall otherwise be rendered Unimpaired, (a) on the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter; (b) if an Other Priority Claim is Allowed after the Effective Date, on the date such Other Priority Claim is Allowed or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter; (c) at such time and upon such terms as may be agreed upon by such Holder and the Debtors or (d) at such time and upon such terms as set forth in an order of the Bankruptcy Court;

 

  j.

at least one Class of Impaired Claims will accept the Plan, determined without including any acceptance of the Plan by any insider holding a Claim of that Class;

 

  k.

Confirmation of the Plan is not likely to be followed by the liquidation, or the need for further financial reorganization, of the Debtors or any successor to the Debtors under the Plan, unless such liquidation or reorganization is proposed in the Plan (see Article V.DFinancial Feasibility); and

 

  l.

all fees payable under section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code will be paid as of the Effective Date of the Plan.

 

  1.

The Debtors’ Releases, Third-Party Release, Exculpation, and Injunction Provisions

Article XI of the Plan provides for releases of certain claims and Causes of Action the Debtors may hold against the Released Parties (the “Debtor Releases”). The Released Parties means (i) the Exculpated Parties (as defined in the Plan) and (ii) each of their respective current and former directors, officers, equity holders (regardless of whether such interests are held directly or indirectly), affiliated investment funds or investment vehicles, employees, consultants, agents, affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, members, managers, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, participants, subsidiaries, managed accounts or funds, partners, limited partners, general partners, principals, fund advisors, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

 

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Article XI of the Plan provides for releases of certain claims and Causes of Action that holders of Claims or Interests may hold against the Released Parties in exchange for the good and valuable consideration and the valuable compromises made by the Released Parties. The holders of Claims and Interests who are releasing certain claims and Causes of Action against non-Debtors include each of the following in their capacity as such: (i) the Released Parties, (ii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to accept the Plan, (iii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to reject the Plan but elect on their ballot to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests, (iv) all holders of Claims and Interests not described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) who elect to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests; and (v) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (iv), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

Article XI of the Plan provides for mutual releases between the Debtors and Honeywell for all Claims and Causes of Action based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part (i) the spin-off of the Debtors by Honeywell, (ii) the Honeywell Terminated Agreements, and (iii) all actions taken in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases (whether arising prior to or after the Petition Date) before the Effective Date; provided that such release shall not include any Excluded Ordinary Course Claims.

Article XI of the Plan provides for the exculpation of each Exculpated Party for certain acts or omissions taken in connection with these chapter 11 cases. The released and exculpated claims are limited in those claims or Causes of Action that may have arisen in connection with, related to, or arising out of the Plan, this Disclosure Statement, or these chapter 11 cases. The Exculpated Parties are in each case solely in its capacity as such: (i) the Debtors, (ii) the Reorganized Debtors, (iii) the UCC and its members, in their capacities as such, (iv) the Equity Committee and its members, in their capacities as such, (v) the Commitment Parties, (vi) the Prepetition Credit Agreement Secured Parties, (vii) the DIP Secured Parties, (viii) the Exit Facilities Parties, (ix) the Backstop Parties, (x) the Equity Commitment Parties, (xi) the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, and (xii) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (xi), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

 

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Article XI of the Plan permanently enjoins all Persons or Entities who have held, hold, or may hold (i) Claims or Interests that arose prior to the Effective Date, (ii) Causes of Action that have been released pursuant to Sections 117 and 11.8 of the Plan or are subject to exculpation pursuant to Section 11.8 of the Plan (but only to the extent of the exculpation provided in Section 11.8 of the Plan), or (iii) Claims, Interests or Causes of Action that are otherwise discharged, satisfied, stayed, or terminated pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

The Plan provides that all holders of Claims or Interests who are entitled to vote on the Plan who vote to accept the Plan will be granting a release of any claims or rights they have or may have as against many individuals and Entities. In addition, certain other holders of Claims or Interests identified in the definition of “Releasing Parties” will be granting a release of any claims or rights they have or may have as against many individuals and Entities, if they vote to reject the Plan but elect on their ballot to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interest, as applicable.

The voluntary release by Holders of Claims and Interests includes any and all claims that such holders may have against the Released Parties, which in any way relate to the Debtors, their operations either before or after the Chapter 11 Cases began, any securities of the Debtors, whether purchased or sold, including sales or purchases which have been rescinded, and any transaction that these Released Parties had with the Debtors.

 

C.

Best Interests Test

 

  1.

Explanation of the Best Interests Test

Pursuant to section 1129(a)(7) of the Bankruptcy Code, Confirmation of the Plan requires that, with respect to each Class of Impaired Claims or Interests, each Holder of a Claim or Interest in such Class either (a) accepts the Plan or (b) receives or retains under the Plan, on account of such Claim or Interest, property of a value, as of the Effective Date, that is not less than the amount that such Holder would receive or retain if the Debtors were liquidated on such date under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code (this latter clause is known as the “Best Interests Test”).

To determine the probable distribution to Holders of Claims and Interests in each Impaired Class if the Debtors were liquidated under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Court must determine the dollar amount that would be generated from the liquidation of the Debtors’ assets and properties in the context of a chapter 7 liquidation.

The Debtors’ chapter 7 liquidation value would consist primarily of the cash held by the Debtors at the time of the conversion to a chapter 7 liquidation, the proceeds resulting from the sale of the Debtors’ remaining assets and properties by a chapter 7 trustee and Causes of Action other than those that are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised or settled. The gross cash proceeds available for distribution would be reduced by the costs and expenses of the chapter 7 liquidation and any additional Administrative Expense Claims that might arise as a result of the chapter 7 cases. Costs and expenses incurred as a result of the chapter 7 liquidation would include, among other things, the fees payable to a trustee in bankruptcy and the fees payable to attorneys and other professionals engaged by such trustee. Additional Administrative Expense Claims could arise by reason of, among other things, the breach or rejection of obligations incurred and leases and executory contracts assumed or entered into by the Debtors during the pendency of these Chapter 11 Cases. Such Administrative Expense Claims and any other Administrative Expense Claims that might arise in a liquidation case or result from these Chapter 11 Cases, such as compensation for attorneys, financial advisors and accountants, would be paid in full from the liquidation proceeds before the balance of those proceeds would be made available to pay prepetition Claims.

 

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To determine if the Plan is in the best interests of each Impaired Class, the value of the distributions from the proceeds of a chapter 7 liquidation of the Debtors’ assets and properties, after subtracting the amounts attributable to the costs, expenses and Administrative Expense Claims associated with a chapter 7 liquidation, must be compared with the value offered to such Impaired Classes under the Plan. If the hypothetical chapter 7 liquidation distribution to Holders of Claims or Interests in any non-consenting Impaired Class is greater than the distributions to be received by such parties under the Plan, then the Plan is not in the best interests of the Holders of Claims or Interests in such Impaired Class.

 

  2.

Liquidation Analysis of the Debtors

Amounts that a Holder of Claims and Interests in Impaired Classes would receive in a hypothetical chapter 7 liquidation are discussed in the liquidation analysis of the Debtors prepared by the Debtors’ management with the assistance of their restructuring advisors, and attached to this Disclosure Statement as Appendix B (the “Liquidation Analysis”).

As described in the Liquidation Analysis, underlying this analysis is the extensive use of estimates and assumptions that, although considered reasonable by the Debtors’ management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Debtors. The Liquidation Analysis is based on assumptions with regard to liquidation decisions that are subject to change. Actual results may vary materially from the estimates and projections set forth in the Liquidation Analysis.

The Liquidation Analysis was developed solely for purposes of the formulation and negotiation of the Plan and to enable Holders of Claims or Interests entitled to vote under the Plan to make an informed judgment about the Plan, and should not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, including the purchase or sale of securities of, or Claims or Interests in, the Debtors or any of their affiliates.

Events and circumstances subsequent to the date on which the Liquidation Analysis was prepared may be different from those assumed, or alternatively, may have been unanticipated, and thus the occurrence of these events may affect financial results in a materially adverse or materially beneficial manner. The Debtors do not intend and do not undertake any obligation to update or otherwise revise the Liquidation Analysis to reflect events or circumstances existing or arising after the date the Liquidation Analysis is initially filed or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Therefore, the Liquidation Analysis may not be relied upon as a guarantee or other assurance of actual future results.

 

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In deciding whether to vote to accept or reject the Plan, Holders of Claims or Interests must make their own determinations as to the reasonableness of any assumptions underlying the Liquidation Analysis and the reliability of the Liquidation Analysis.

 

  3.

Application of the Best Interests Test to the Liquidation Analysis of the Debtors

Notwithstanding the difficulties in quantifying with precision the recoveries to Holders of Claims and Interests, the Debtors believe that, based on a comparison between the recoveries under the Plan and the Liquidation Analysis, the Debtors’ proposed Plan satisfies the requirements of the Best Interests Test.

Accordingly, the Debtors believe that the Plan will allow the realization of greater value for their respective Impaired Classes than a hypothetical liquidation.

 

D.

Financial Feasibility

Section 1129(a)(11) of the Bankruptcy Code requires, as a condition to confirmation of the Plan, that the Bankruptcy Court find that confirmation is not likely to be followed by the liquidation of the Debtors or the need for further financial reorganization, unless such liquidation or reorganization is contemplated by the Plan.

To determine whether the Plan meets this feasibility requirement, the Debtors, with the assistance of their advisors, have analyzed their ability to meet their respective obligations under the Plan. As part of this analysis, the Debtors have prepared their projected consolidated balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows (the “Financial Projections”) which, together with the assumptions on which they are based, are set forth in Appendix D of this Disclosure Statement. Creditors and other interested parties should review Article IXCertain Risk Factors to be Considered Prior to Voting for a discussion of certain factors that may affect the future financial performance of the Reorganized Debtors.

Based upon the Financial Projections, the Debtors believe that they will be a viable operation following the Chapter 11 Cases, will be able to make all payments required under the Plan, and that the Plan will meet the feasibility requirements of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

E.

Acceptance by Impaired Classes

Except as described in Article V.FConfirmation Without Acceptance by All Impaired Classes, the Bankruptcy Code requires, as a condition to confirmation of the Plan, that each Impaired Class accept the Plan. A class of claims that is unimpaired under the plan is deemed to have accepted the plan and, therefore, solicitation of acceptances with respect to such class is not required. Under section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, a class is impaired under a plan unless (a) the plan leaves unaltered the legal, equitable, and contractual rights to which such claim or interest entitles the holder thereof or (b) notwithstanding any legal right to an accelerated payment of such claim or interest, the plan cures all existing defaults (other than defaults resulting from the occurrence of events of bankruptcy) and reinstates the maturity of such claim or interest as it existed before the default.

 

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Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code defines acceptance of a plan by an impaired class of claims as acceptance by holders of at least two-thirds in dollar amount and more than one-half in number of claims in that class; only those holders that actually vote to accept or reject the plan are counted for purposes of determining whether these dollar and number thresholds are met. Under section 1126(d) of the Bankruptcy Code, a class of interests will have voted to accept the plan only if two-thirds in amount of the interests that actually vote to accept or reject the plan cast their ballots in favor of acceptance. Holders of claims or interests who fail to vote are deemed neither to accept nor to reject the plan.

In addition to these voting requirements, section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code requires that a plan be accepted by each Holder of a claim or interest in an impaired class or that the plan otherwise be found by a court to be in the best interests of each Holder of a claim or interest in such class. See Article V.B.1The Debtors’ Releases, Third-Party Release, Exculpation, and Injunction Provisions

Article XI of the Plan provides for releases of certain claims and Causes of Action the Debtors may hold against the Released Parties (the “Debtor Releases”). The Released Parties means (i) the Exculpated Parties (as defined in the Plan) and (ii) each of their respective current and former directors, officers, equity holders (regardless of whether such interests are held directly or indirectly), affiliated investment funds or investment vehicles, employees, consultants, agents, affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, members, managers, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, participants, subsidiaries, managed accounts or funds, partners, limited partners, general partners, principals, fund advisors, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

Article XI of the Plan provides for releases of certain claims and Causes of Action that holders of Claims or Interests may hold against the Released Parties in exchange for the good and valuable consideration and the valuable compromises made by the Released Parties. The holders of Claims and Interests who are releasing certain claims and Causes of Action against non-Debtors include each of the following in their capacity as such: (i) the Released Parties, (ii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to accept the Plan, (iii) all holders of Claims or Interests that vote to reject the Plan but elect on their ballot to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests, (iv) all holders of Claims and Interests not described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) who elect to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interests; and (v) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (iv), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

Article XI of the Plan provides for mutual releases between the Debtors and Honeywell for all Claims and Causes of Action based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part (i) the spin-off of the Debtors by Honeywell, (ii) the Honeywell Terminated Agreements, and (iii) all actions taken in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases (whether arising prior to or after the Petition Date) before the Effective Date; provided that such release shall not include any Excluded Ordinary Course Claims.

 

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Article XI of the Plan provides for the exculpation of each Exculpated Party for certain acts or omissions taken in connection with these chapter 11 cases. The released and exculpated claims are limited in those claims or Causes of Action that may have arisen in connection with, related to, or arising out of the Plan, this Disclosure Statement, or these chapter 11 cases. The Exculpated Parties are in each case solely in its capacity as such: (i) the Debtors, (ii) the Reorganized Debtors, (iii) the UCC and its members, in their capacities as such, (iv) the Equity Committee and its members, in their capacities as such, (v) the Commitment Parties, (vi) the Prepetition Credit Agreement Secured Parties, (vii) the DIP Secured Parties, (viii) the Exit Facilities Parties, (ix) the Backstop Parties, (x) the Equity Commitment Parties, (xi) the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture Trustee, and (xii) with respect to each entity named in (i) through (xi), such entity’s Affiliates and such entity’s and its Affiliates’ respective managers, members, partners, investors, other equity holders, whether direct or indirect, and directors, officers, employees, consultants, agents, predecessors, successors, heirs, executors and assigns, attorneys, financial advisors, restructuring advisors, investment bankers, accountants and other professionals or representatives solely when acting in any such capacities.

Article XI of the Plan permanently enjoins all Persons or Entities who have held, hold, or may hold (i) Claims or Interests that arose prior to the Effective Date, (ii) Causes of Action that have been released pursuant to Sections 117 and 11.8 of the Plan or are subject to exculpation pursuant to Section 11.8 of the Plan (but only to the extent of the exculpation provided in Section 11.8 of the Plan), or (iii) Claims, Interests or Causes of Action that are otherwise discharged, satisfied, stayed, or terminated pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

The Plan provides that all holders of Claims or Interests who are entitled to vote on the Plan who vote to accept the Plan will be granting a release of any claims or rights they have or may have as against many individuals and Entities. In addition, certain other holders of Claims or Interests identified in the definition of “Releasing Parties” will be granting a release of any claims or rights they have or may have as against many individuals and Entities, if they vote to reject the Plan but elect on their ballot to opt into the voluntary release by holders of Claims and Interest, as applicable.

The voluntary release by Holders of Claims and Interests includes any and all claims that such holders may have against the Released Parties, which in any way relate to the Debtors, their operations either before or after the Chapter 11 Cases began, any securities of the Debtors, whether purchased or sold, including sales or purchases which have been rescinded, and any transaction that these Released Parties had with the Debtors.

Best Interests Test. Moreover, each impaired class must accept the plan for the plan to be confirmed without application of the “fair and equitable” and “unfair discrimination” tests set forth in section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code discussed below. See Article V.FConfirmation Without Acceptance by All Impaired Classes below.

 

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F.

Confirmation Without Acceptance by All Impaired Classes

Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code allows the Bankruptcy Court to confirm the Plan, provided that the Plan has been accepted by at least one Impaired Class of creditors. Notwithstanding the failure of an Impaired Class to accept the Plan, the Plan will be confirmed in a procedure commonly known as cram-down, so long as the Plan does not “discriminate unfairly” and is “fair and equitable,” for the purposes of the Bankruptcy Code, with respect to each Class of Claims or Interests that is Impaired under, and has not accepted, the Plan. Pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Plan, the Debtors reserve the right to seek confirmation under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code if necessary.

 

  1.

Unfair Discrimination

The Plan does not “discriminate unfairly” for the purposes of section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code if the Plan gives substantially equivalent treatment to each Class of equal rank; in determining whether a plan discriminates unfairly, courts take into account a number of factors, including the effect of applicable subordination agreements between parties.

 

  2.

Fair and Equitable

The condition that the Plan be fair and equitable includes the following requirements as applicable:

 

  (a)

with respect to a non-accepting Class of Secured Claims, that: (i) the Holders of such Secured Claims retain the Liens securing such Claims to the extent of the Allowed amount of the Secured Claims, whether the property subject to the liens is retained by the Debtors or transferred to another entity under the Plan, (ii) each Holder of a Secured Claim in the Class receives deferred cash payments totaling at least the Allowed amount of such Claim with a present value, as of the Effective Date, at least equivalent to the value of such Secured Claim Holder’s interest in the Debtors’ property subject to the Liens, or (iii) the property securing the Secured Claim is sold free and clear of Liens with such Liens to attach to the proceeds of the sale, and such Liens on proceeds to receive treatment consistent with clause (i) or (ii) above;

 

  (b)

with respect to a non-accepting Class of General Unsecured Claims, that either: (i) the Plan provide that each Claim Holder in such Class receive or retain, on account of such Claim, property of a value, as of the Effective Date, equal to the Allowed amount of such Claim or (ii) no Holder of any Claim or Interest that is junior to the Claims or Interests of such Class receive or retain any property under the Plan on account of such junior Claim or Interest; and

 

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  (c)

with respect to a non-accepting Class of Interests, that either: (i) the Plan provide that each Holder of an Interest in such Class receive or retain under the Plan, on account of such Interest, property of a value, as of the Effective Date, equal to the greater of: (1) the Allowed amount of any fixed liquidation preference to which such Holder is entitled; (2) any fixed redemption price to which such Holder is entitled or (3) the value of such Interest or (ii) if the Class does not receive property in the amount required under (i), no Class of Interests junior to the non-accepting Class receive a distribution under the Plan.

 

  3.

Confirmation of the Plan Pursuant to Section 1129(b)

The Debtors may seek Confirmation of the Plan pursuant to section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to any Impaired Class presumed to reject the Plan, and reserve the right to do so with respect to any other rejecting Class of Claims, and/or to modify the Plan. Section 1129(a)(10) of the Bankruptcy Code shall be satisfied for purposes of confirmation of the Plan by the acceptance of the Plan by at least one Class that is Impaired under the Plan.

The Debtors submit that the Plan does not “discriminate unfairly” for the purposes of section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors believe that, under the Plan, all impaired Classes of Claims and Interests are treated in a manner that is consistent with the treatment of other Classes of Claims and Interests that are similarly situated, if any, and no class of Claims or Interests will receive payments or property with an aggregate value greater than the aggregate value of the Allowed Claims or Allowed Interests in such Class. Accordingly, the Debtors believe that the Plan does not discriminate unfairly as to any impaired Class of Claims or Interests.

The Debtors submit that the Plan is “fair and equitable” for the purposes of section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code because, as set forth above and in the Plan, the Holders of Claims in Classes 1 (Other Secured Claims), 2 (Other Priority Claims), 3 (Secured Tax Claims), and 7 (General Unsecured Claims) are Unimpaired and therefore deemed to have accepted the Plan. The Holders of Claims in Class 8 (Intercompany Claims) and Interests in Class 9 (Intercompany Interests) are either Unimpaired or Impaired, and are presumed to accept or deemed to reject the Plan. The Holders of Claims in Classes 4 (Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims), 5 (Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims), 6 (Honeywell Plan Claims) and 10 (Section 510(b) Claims) and Interests in Class 11 (Existing Common Stock) may not receive a distribution equal to the Allowed amount of their Claims or Interests, as applicable, but no Holders of Claims or Interests junior to these Classes will receive a distribution under the Plan on account of such junior Claims or Interests except as otherwise consented to by the Holders in the senior Classes in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

Therefore, the requirements of section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code would be satisfied in the event that the Debtors are required to cram down.

 

G.

Classification

The Bankruptcy Code requires that, for purposes of treatment and voting, a chapter 11 plan divides the different claims (excluding administrative claims and certain other categories of claims) against, and equity interests in, a debtor into separate classes based upon their legal nature. Pursuant to section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code, a plan may place a claim or an interest in a particular class only if such claim or interest is substantially similar to the other claims or interests of such class. The Debtors believe that the Plan classifies all Claims and Interests in compliance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code because valid business, factual and legal reasons exist for separately classifying the various Classes of Claims and Interests created under the Plan. Accordingly, the classification of Claims and Interests in the Plan complies with section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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H.

Valuation of the Debtors

The Debtors investment bankers, Morgan Stanley and PWP, have prepared independent valuation analyses, which are attached to this Disclosure Statement as Appendix E (the “Valuation Analyses”). The Valuation Analyses should be considered in conjunction with the Risk Factors discussed in Article IXCertain Risk Factors to Be Considered Prior to Voting of this Disclosure Statement, and the Financial Projections. The Valuation Analyses are dated as of [●], and are based on data and information as of that date. Holders of Claims and Interests should carefully review the information in Appendix E in its entirety.

ARTICLE VI

VOTING PROCEDURES

On [●], the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, among other things, approving this Disclosure Statement, approving procedures for soliciting votes on the Plan, approving the form of the solicitation documents and various other notices, setting the voting record date, the Voting Deadline and the date of the Confirmation Hearing and establishing the relevant objection deadlines and procedures associated with Confirmation of the Plan, including the proposed assumption or rejection of certain of the Debtors’ executory contracts and unexpired leases (the “Solicitation Procedures Order”).14

The Solicitation Procedures Order, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix C, should be read in conjunction with this Article VIVoting Procedures of this Disclosure Statement. For the purposes of Article VIVoting Procedures of this Disclosure Statement, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Solicitation Procedures Order.

If you have any questions about (i) the procedures for voting your Claim or with respect to the packet of materials that you have received or (ii) the amount of your Claim, please contact the Debtors’ Solicitation Agent at (866) 812-2297 (U.S. toll-free), +800 3742 6170 (international toll-free) or (781) 575-4050 (U.S. Local (Toll) number). If you wish to obtain (at no charge) an additional copy of the Plan, this Disclosure Statement or other solicitation documents, you can obtain them from the Debtors’ case information website (located at http://www.kccllc.net/garrettmotion) or by requesting a copy from the Debtors’ Solicitation Agent, who can be reached at (877) 499-4509 (U.S. toll-free), +800 3742 6170 (international toll-free) or (917) 281-4800 (U.S. Local (Toll) number).

 

 

14 

Capitalized terms in this Article VI not otherwise defined in this Disclosure Statement or the Plan shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Solicitation Procedures Order.

 

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The Bankruptcy Court may confirm the Plan only if it determines that the Plan complies with the technical requirements of chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In addition, the Bankruptcy Court must determine that the Plan has been proposed in good faith and not by any means forbidden by law and, under Bankruptcy Rule 3020(b)(2), it may make such a determination without receiving evidence if no objection is timely filed.

In particular, and as described in more detail below, the Bankruptcy Code requires the Bankruptcy Court to find, among other things, that: (a) the Plan has been accepted by the requisite votes of all Classes of Impaired Claims unless approval will be sought under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code in spite of the nonacceptance by one or more such Classes; (b) the Plan is “feasible,” meaning there is a reasonable probability that the Debtors will be able to perform their obligations under the Plan; and (c) the Plan is in the “best interests” of all Holders of Claims and Interests, meaning that all such Holders will receive at least as much under the Plan as they would receive in a liquidation under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.

The Bankruptcy Court must find that all conditions mentioned above are met before it can confirm the Plan. Thus, even if all classes of Impaired Claims accept the Plan by the requisite votes, the Bankruptcy Court must still make an independent finding that the Plan satisfies these requirements of the Bankruptcy Code, that the Plan is feasible, and that the Plan is in the best interests of the Holders of Claims against and Interests in the Debtors.

UNLESS THE BALLOT BEING FURNISHED IS TIMELY RECEIVED BY THE SOLICITATION AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO MARCH 24, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME, TOGETHER WITH ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH SUCH BALLOT, THE DEBTORS WILL REJECT SUCH BALLOT AS INVALID AND, ACCORDINGLY, DECLINE TO COUNT IT AS AN ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN. IN NO CASE SHOULD A BALLOT OR ANY OF THE CERTIFICATES BE DELIVERED TO THE DEBTORS OR ANY OF THEIR ADVISORS.

 

A.

Parties-in-Interest Entitled to Vote

Under section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, a class of claims or interests is deemed to be “impaired” under a plan unless: (a) the plan leaves unaltered the legal, equitable and contractual rights to which such claim or interest entitles the holder thereof; or (b) notwithstanding any legal right to an accelerated payment of such claim or interest, the plan cures all existing defaults (other than defaults resulting from the occurrence of events of bankruptcy) and reinstates the maturity of such claim or interest as it existed before the default.

In general, under section 1126(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holder of a claim or interest that is allowed under a plan is entitled to vote to accept or reject the plan if such claim or interest is impaired under the plan. Under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holder of a claim that is not impaired under a plan is deemed to have accepted the plan, and the plan proponent need not solicit such holder’s vote. Under section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holder of an impaired claim or impaired interest that will not receive any distribution under the plan in respect of such claim or interest is deemed to have rejected the plan and is not entitled to vote on the plan. For a detailed description of the treatment of Claims and Interests under the Plan, refer to Article IVSummary of the Plan.

 

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A vote may be disregarded if the Bankruptcy Court determines, pursuant to section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code, that such vote was not solicited or procured in good faith or in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. The Solicitation Procedures Order also sets forth assumptions and procedures for tabulating Ballots, including Ballots that are not completed fully or correctly.

 

B.

Voluntary Releases under the Plan

The third-party release and injunction language in Sections 11.9 and 11.10 of the Plan is described above in Article IV.E of this Disclosure Statement.

HOLDERS OF CLAIMS OR INTERESTS WILL RECEIVE EITHER A BALLOT OR ELECTION FORM, IN EACH CASE, TO ALLOW SUCH HOLDER TO OPT IN TO THE RELEASES CONTAINED IN SECTION 11.9 OF THE PLAN BY CLEARLY MARKING THE “OPT-IN” BOX ON THE BALLOT PROVIDED TO SUCH HOLDER. ASSUMING SUCH BALLOT OR ELECTION FORM, AS APPLICABLE, IS TIMELY RECEIVED AND IN PROPER FORM, HOLDERS OF CLAIMS OR INTERESTS WHO CHECK THE “OPT-IN” BOX ON THE BALLOT OR ELECTION FORM WILL BE RELEASING PARTIES FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 11.9 OF THE PLAN.

 

C.

Classes under the Plan

 

  1.

Voting Classes

Classes 4 (Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims), 5 (Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims), 6 (Honeywell Plan Claims) and 11 (Existing Common Stock) are or may be Impaired under, and entitled to vote to accept or reject, the Plan.

 

  2.

Unimpaired Classes of Claims

Classes 1 (Other Secured Claims), 2 (Other Priority Claims), 3 (Secured Tax Claims), and 7 (General Unsecured Claims) are Unimpaired under the Plan and deemed under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code to have accepted the Plan.

 

  3.

Other Non-Voting Classes

Claims and Interests in Classes 8 (Intercompany Claims) and 9 (Intercompany Interests) are held by Debtors and are either Impaired or Unimpaired and deemed to accept or deemed to reject the Plan. Claims in Class 10 (Section 510(b) Claims) are unliquidated, disputed or have not been adjudicated and Allowed as of the Voting Record Date, and therefore are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

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D.

Solicitation Packages

 

  1.

Solicitation Packages for Voting Classes

As set forth in the Solicitation Procedures Order, the Debtors will distribute, or cause to be distributed, a solicitation package to each Holder of a Claim entitled to vote on the Plan (a “Solicitation Package”). The Solicitation Packages will contain:

 

  a.

the cover letter to the Solicitation Package;

 

  b.

the Confirmation Hearing Notice;

 

  c.

the Solicitation Procedures Order (without accompanying exhibits), as entered;

 

  d.

instructions detailing how to access copies of the Disclosure Statement and Plan on the Solicitation Agent’s website and how to request hard copies of the Disclosure Statement and Plan;

 

  e.

the applicable Ballot with detailed voting instructions and a pre-addressed, postage pre-paid return envelope; and

 

  f.

such other materials as the Bankruptcy Court may direct.

 

  2.

Notices for Non-Voting Classes

Under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, classes that are not impaired under a plan are deemed to accept the plan. Classes 1 (Other Secured Claims), 2 (Other Priority Claims), 3 (Secured Tax Claims, and 7 (General Unsecured Claims) are Unimpaired under the Plan and deemed under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code to accept the Plan. Their votes to accept or reject the Plan will not be solicited.

As set forth in the Solicitation Procedures Order, in lieu of a Solicitation Package, such Holders in Unimpaired Classes will only receive, within five business days after the Solicitation Procedures Order has been entered (the “Solicitation Mailing Deadline”), (a) the Confirmation Hearing Notice (as defined in the Solicitation Procedures Order) and (b) a notice of unimpaired status (the “Notice of Unimpaired Status”), in each case by electronic service where possible.

Under section 1126(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, only “allowed” claims and interests may accept or reject a plan. Claims in Class 10 are unliquidated, disputed or have not been adjudicated and Allowed as of the Voting Record Date (as defined below), and therefore are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan. Accordingly, their votes to accept or reject the Plan will not be solicited.

As set forth in the Solicitation Procedures Order, in lieu of a Solicitation Package, the Debtors propose to serve on such non-voting Holders, on or before the Solicitation Mailing Deadline: (i) a Confirmation Hearing Notice and (ii) a notice of impaired non-voting status (the “Notice of Impaired Non-Voting Status” and, together with the Notice of Unimpaired Status, the “Non-Voting Notices”), in each case by electronic service where possible.

 

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The Non-Voting Notices will include an election form annexed to such notice (the “Election Form”) to permit Holders to opt in to the voluntary release in Section 11.9 of the Plan. The deadline for Holders of Claims and Interests to opt in to the releases contained in Section 11.9 of the Plan is the Voting Deadline. The Election Form also includes clear instructions regarding how to submit the Election Form and a pre-addressed, postage pre-paid return envelope.

E.    Voting Procedures

 

  1.

Ballots

The record date for voting on the Plan is February 15, 2021 (the “Voting Record Date”). Accordingly, only Holders of record as of the Voting Record Date that are otherwise entitled to vote under the Plan will receive a Ballot and may vote on the Plan.

In voting for or against the Plan, please use (i) only the Ballot sent to you with this Disclosure Statement or (ii) the online electronic ballot portal. If you are a Holder of a Claim in Class 4, 5, 6 or 11 and did not receive a Ballot, if your Ballot is damaged or lost or if you have any questions concerning voting procedures, please contact the Solicitation Agent at (877) 499-4509 (U.S. toll-free), +800 3742 6170 (international toll-free) or (917) 281-4800 (U.S. local (toll) number), or by email at GarrettInfo@kccllc.com.

 

  2.

Submitting Ballots

If you are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, you should read carefully, complete and submit your Ballot in accordance with the instructions in your Ballot.

To be counted, all Ballots must be properly executed, completed and delivered by: (i) first-class mail (using the reply envelope provided in the Solicitation Package or otherwise), (ii) overnight mail, (iii) hand delivery or (iv) the online electronic ballot portal (as described on the Ballot), in each case so that they are actually received NO LATER THAN 8:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON MARCH 24, 2021 by the Solicitation Agent. If you are submitting a Ballot via first-class mail, it should be sent to:

Garrett Motion Ballot Processing Center

c/o Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC

222 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 300

El Segundo, CA 90245

If you are submitting a Ballot via hand delivery or overnight mail, it should be sent to:

Garrett Motion Ballot Processing Center

c/o Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC

222 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 300

El Segundo, CA 90245

 

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If you are submitting a Ballot via the online electronic ballot portal:

Visit the Solicitation Agent’s website at http://www.kccllc.net/garrettmotion, click on the “Submit E-Ballot or Opt-In Form” section of the Debtors’ website and follow the instructions to submit your electronic Ballot.

If you are a Beneficial Holder15 of Claims or Interests in Class 5 or 11 and received a Ballot for Beneficial Holders (a “Beneficial Holder Ballot”), you must return the Beneficial Holder Ballot to your broker, bank or other nominee, or the agent of a broker, bank or other nominee (each of the foregoing, a “Nominee”), in accordance with the instructions provided by your Nominee, who will then submit a master ballot (the “Master Ballot”) on your behalf.

The method of delivery of Ballots to be sent to the Solicitation Agent is at the election and risk of each Holder of a Claim or Interest. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, such delivery will be deemed made only when Debtors’ Solicitation Agent actually receives the original executed Ballot. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. For submissions via first-class mail, overnight courier or hand delivery, original, executed Ballots are required. Ballots will not be accepted by facsimile transmission, electronic mail or other electronic means of transmission (except via the Solicitation Agent’s e-ballot platform). Ballots received after the Voting Deadline will not be counted or considered for any purpose in determining whether the Plan has been accepted or rejected.

Ballots must be signed, legible, and contain sufficient information to identify the Holder of the Claim.

Ballots must be clearly marked to either accept or reject the Plan (but not both) and may not partially accept or partially reject the Plan.

If a Ballot is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must indicate such capacity when signing the Ballot and, if required or requested by the Debtors’ Solicitation Agent, the Debtors or the Court, must submit proper evidence to the requesting party to so act on behalf of such Holder. In addition, you must provide your name and mailing address if it is different from that set forth on the attached mailing label or if no such mailing label is attached to this Ballot.

No Ballot should be sent to the Debtors, or the Debtors’ financial or legal advisors, agents or representatives (other than the Solicitation Agent), and if so sent will not be counted. If no Holders of Claims or Interests in a particular Class that is entitled to vote on the Plan vote to accept or reject the Plan, then such Class shall be deemed to accept the Plan.

After the Voting Deadline, no Ballot may be withdrawn or modified without the prior consent of the Debtors. If multiple Ballots are received from the same Holder with respect to the same Claim or Interest prior to the Voting Deadline, the last Ballot timely received will supersede and revoke any earlier received Ballots; provided, however, where ambiguity exists with respect to which Ballot was the latest dated, the Solicitation Agent has the right to determine the appropriate tabulation of such Ballot and to contact the respective Holder to determine such Holder’s intent in connection therewith.

 

 

15 

A “Beneficial Holder” means a beneficial owner of publicly traded securities whose Claims or Interests have not been satisfied prior to the Record Date pursuant to Court order or otherwise, as reflected in the records maintained by the Nominees holding through the respective indenture trustee or transfer agent (as applicable).

 

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Subject to certain restrictions and requirements set forth in section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3019, and those restrictions on modifications set forth in the Plan, the Debtors may alter, amend or modify the Plan as it applies to any particular Debtor, including the Plan Supplement, without additional disclosure pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code prior to the Confirmation Date. After the Confirmation Date and before substantial consummation of the Plan, the Debtors may institute proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to remedy any defect or omission or reconcile any inconsistencies in the Plan, including the Plan Supplement, the Disclosure Statement or the Confirmation Order, relating to such matters as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and effects of the Plan.

After the Confirmation Date, but before the Effective Date, the Debtors may make appropriate technical adjustments and modifications to the Plan, including the Plan Supplement, without further order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, subject to all applicable consent rights; provided that such adjustments and modifications do not materially and adversely affect the treatment of holders of Claims or Interests and are otherwise permitted under section 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Entry of a Confirmation Order shall mean that all modifications and amendments to the Plan since the solicitation thereof are approved pursuant to section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, and do not require additional disclosure or resolicitation under Bankruptcy Rule 3019.

 

  3.

Voting

A Holder of a Claim or Interest entitled to vote on the Plan may vote to accept or reject the Plan only if no party-in-interest has objected to such Claim or Interest (or the Claim or Interest has been Allowed subsequent to any objection or estimated for voting purposes).

 

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ARTICLE VII

EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION

 

A.

Binding Effect of Confirmation

Confirmation will bind the Debtors and all Holders of Claims and Interests to the provisions of the Plan, whether or not the Claim or Interest of any such Holder is impaired under the Plan and whether or not any such Holder of a Claim or Interest has accepted the Plan. Confirmation will have the effect of converting all Claims and Interests into rights to receive the treatment specified in Article IVSummary of the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan.

 

B.

Good Faith

Confirmation of the Plan will constitute a finding that: (i) the Plan has been proposed in good faith and in compliance with applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) all solicitations of acceptances or rejections of the Plan have been in good faith and in compliance with applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.

ARTICLE VIII

SECURITIES LAW MATTERS

 

A.

Bankruptcy Code Exemptions from Registration Requirements

 

  1.

Issuance

The Plan provides for the issuance of the Subscription Rights, Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, and Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Plan Securities”) without registration under the Securities Act or any similar law in reliance upon section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent such exemption is available and, to the extent that section 1145 is inapplicable, section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent that section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable, the Debtors believe that the Plan Securities are “securities,” as defined in section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act, section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable state securities laws. Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code exempts the offer and sale of securities under a plan of reorganization from registration under section 5 of the Securities Act and state securities laws if three principal requirements are satisfied: (i) the securities must be offered and sold under a plan of reorganization and must be securities of the debtor, of an affiliate participating in a joint plan with the debtor, or of a successor to the debtor under the plan; (ii) the recipients of the securities must hold prepetition or administrative expense claims against the debtor or interests in the debtor and (iii) the securities must be issued entirely in exchange for the recipient’s claim against or interest in the debtor, or principally in exchange for such claim or interest and partly for cash or property. To the extent that section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable, the Debtors believe that the issuance and distribution of the Plan Securities satisfies the requirements of section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code and are, therefore, exempt from registration under the Securities Act and state securities laws.

 

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To the extent section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable, the Plan Securities to be issued under the Plan (a) are not “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, and (b) are freely tradable and transferable by any initial recipient thereof that (i) is not an “affiliate” of the Debtors as defined in Rule 144(a)(1) under the Securities Act, (ii) has not been such an “affiliate” within 90 days of such transfer, and (iii) is not an entity that is an “underwriter” as defined in section 1145(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. Should New GMI elect on or after the Effective Date to reflect any ownership of the Securities to be issued under the Plan through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), New GMI need not provide any further evidence other than the Plan or the Confirmation Order with respect to the treatment of the Securities to be issued under the Plan under applicable securities laws. DTC shall be required to accept and conclusively rely upon the Plan and Confirmation Order in lieu of a legal opinion regarding whether the Securities to be issued under the Plan are exempt from registration and/or eligible for DTC book-entry delivery, settlement, and depository services. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no entity (including, for the avoidance of doubt, DTC) may require a legal opinion regarding the validity of any transaction contemplated by the Plan, including, for the avoidance of doubt, whether the Securities to be issued under the Plan are exempt from registration and/or eligible for DTC book-entry delivery, settlement, and depository services.

To the extent the Plan Securities are issued pursuant to the Plan in reliance on section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or the regulations promulgated thereunder (including any Unsubscribed Shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock issued directly to the PSA Investors or shares of GMI Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock issued directly to the PSA Investors or any Unsubscribed Shares), the offering, issuance, exchange, or distribution of such Securities pursuant to the Plan shall be conducted in a manner that is exempt from, among other things, the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act and any other applicable United States, state, or local law requiring registration for offer or sale of a Security or registration or licensing of an issuer of, underwriter of, or broker or dealer in, a Security. Any such Plan Securities shall be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act and shall only be transferable if registered under the Securities Act or if transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

 

  2.

Subsequent Transfers

To the extent that section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable, the Plan Securities issued pursuant to the Plan that are covered by the Section 1145(a)(1) exemption may be freely transferred by most recipients following the initial issuance under the Plan, and all resales and subsequent transfers of such Plan Securities are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and state securities laws unless the Holder is an “underwriter” with respect to such securities. Section 1145(b) of the Bankruptcy Code defines four types of “underwriters”:

(i) Persons who purchase a claim against, an interest in, or a claim for an administrative expense against the debtor with a view to distributing any security received in exchange for such claim or interest;

 

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(ii) Persons who offer to sell securities offered under a plan for the Holders of such securities;

(iii) Persons who offer to buy such securities from the Holders of such securities, if the offer to buy is:

(A) with a view to distributing such securities and

(B) under an agreement made in connection with the plan, the consummation of the plan, or with the offer or sale of securities under the plan or

(iv) a Person who is an “issuer” with respect to the securities as the term “issuer” is defined in section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act.

Under section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, an “issuer” includes any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by the issuer, or any Person under direct or indirect common control of the issuer.

Whether or not any particular Person would be deemed to be an “underwriter” with respect to the Plan Securities or any other security to be issued pursuant to the Plan would depend upon various facts and circumstances applicable to that Person. Accordingly, the Debtors express no view as to whether any particular Person receiving any Plan Securities or other securities under the Plan would be an “underwriter” with respect to such Plan Securities or other securities.

To the extent that section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable and to the extent that Persons who receive any Plan Securities pursuant to the Plan are deemed to be “underwriters,” resales by such Persons would not be exempted by section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code from registration under the Securities Act or other applicable law. Persons deemed to be underwriters may, however, be permitted to sell such Plan Securities without registration pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As described in further detail below, Rule 144 provides an exemption for the public resale of securities, such as Plan Securities, if certain conditions are met. These conditions depend on whether the holder of the securities is considered to be an “affiliate” of the issuer. An affiliate is defined as “a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the issuer.”

 

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To the extent that section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is applicable, an 1145 underwriter who is an affiliate of the issuer may resell Plan Securities after a six-month holding period only if, at the time of the sale, certain current public information regarding the issuer is available and only if the affiliate also complies with the volume, manner of sale and notice requirements of Rule 144. First, the rule limits the number of restricted securities (plus any unrestricted securities) sold for the account of an affiliate (and related persons) in any three-month period to the greater of 1% of the outstanding securities of the same class being sold or the average weekly reported volume of trading in such restricted securities on all national exchanges and/or reported through the automated quotation system of a registered securities association during the four weeks preceding the filing of a notice of proposed sale on Form 144. Second, the manner of sale requirement provides that the restricted securities must be sold in a broker’s transaction, which generally means they must be sold through a broker and handled as a routine trading transaction. The broker must receive no more than the usual commission and cannot solicit orders for the sale of the restricted securities except in certain situations. Third, if the sale exceeds 5,000 restricted securities or has an aggregate sale price greater than $50,000 in any three-month period, an affiliate must file with the SEC three copies of a notice of proposed sale on Form 144. The sale must occur within three months of filing the notice unless an amended notice is filed.

An 1145 underwriter who is not, and has not been for at least three months, an affiliate of the issuer or its predecessor may resell Plan Securities after a six-month holding period if, at the time of the sale, there is available certain current public information regarding the issuer, and may sell the securities after a one-year holding period whether or not there is current public information regarding the issuer. Adequate current public information is available for a reporting issuer if the issuer has filed all periodic reports required under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the 12 months preceding the sale of the restricted securities. If the issuer is a non-reporting issuer, adequate current public information is available if certain company information is made publicly available.

BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEX, SUBJECTIVE NATURE OF THE QUESTION OF WHETHER A PARTICULAR PERSON MAY BE AN UNDERWRITER OR AN AFFILIATE AND THE HIGHLY FACT-SPECIFIC NATURE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, INCLUDING THE EXEMPTIONS AVAILABLE UNDER SECTION 1145 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, NONE OF THE DEBTORS OR THE REORGANIZED DEBTORS MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION CONCERNING THE ABILITY OF ANY PERSON TO DISPOSE OF THE SECURITIES TO BE DISTRIBUTED UNDER THE PLAN. THE DEBTORS RECOMMEND THAT POTENTIAL RECIPIENTS OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE PLAN CONSULT THEIR OWN COUNSEL CONCERNING WHETHER THEY MAY FREELY TRADE SUCH SECURITIES.

ARTICLE IX

CERTAIN RISK FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED PRIOR TO VOTING

THE PLAN AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE RISK FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW. HOLDERS OF CLAIMS OR INTERESTS WHO ARE ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE PLAN SHOULD READ AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE RISK FACTORS, AS WELL AS THE OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND THE DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TOGETHER HEREWITH REFERRED TO OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN, BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO VOTE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN. THESE FACTORS SHOULD NOT, HOWEVER, BE REGARDED AS CONSTITUTING THE ONLY RISKS INVOLVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLAN AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION.

 

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A.

Certain Bankruptcy Law Considerations

 

  1.

General

While the Debtors believe that the Chapter 11 Cases will be of short duration and will not be materially disruptive to their businesses, the Debtors cannot be certain that this will be the case. Although the Plan is designed to minimize the length of the Chapter 11 Cases, it is impossible to predict with certainty the amount of time that the Debtors may spend in bankruptcy or to assure parties-in-interest that the Plan will be confirmed. Even if confirmed on a timely basis, bankruptcy proceedings to confirm the Plan could have a material adverse effect on the Debtors’ business. A delay in the bankruptcy proceedings will also involve additional expense and may divert some of the attention of the Debtors’ management away from business operations.

 

  2.

Plan Confirmation

The Debtors can make no assurances that they will receive the requisite acceptances to confirm that Plan or that the conditions to Confirmation will be satisfied or waived. Further, if the requisite acceptances are not received, the Debtors may seek to accomplish an alternative restructuring and obtain acceptances to an alternative plan of reorganization for the Debtors, or otherwise, that may not have the support of the Holders of Claims or Interests and/or may be required to liquidate these Estates under chapter 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. There can be no assurance that the terms of any such alternative restructuring arrangement or plan would be similar to or as favorable to the Holders of Claims or Interests as those proposed in the Plan.

If the Bankruptcy Court determined that the Disclosure Statement and the balloting procedures and results were appropriate, the Bankruptcy Court could nevertheless decline to confirm the Plan if it found that any of the statutory requirements for Confirmation had not been met. Moreover, there can be no assurance that modifications to the Plan will not be required for Confirmation or that such modifications would not necessitate the re-solicitation of votes. If the Plan is not confirmed, it is unclear what distributions Holders of Claims or Interests ultimately would receive in a subsequent plan of reorganization.

The Debtors, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, reserve the right to modify the terms and conditions of the Plan as necessary for Confirmation. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, any such modifications could result in less favorable treatment of any non-accepting Class, as well as any Class junior to any such non-accepting Class, than the treatment currently provided in the Plan. Such less favorable treatment could include a distribution of property with a lesser value than currently provided in the Plan or no distribution whatsoever under the Plan.

 

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  3.

Objections to Classification of Claims and Interests

Section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code requires that the Plan classify Claims against, and Interests in, the Debtors. The Bankruptcy Code also provides that the Plan may place a Claim or Interest in a particular Class only if such Claim or Interest is substantially similar to the other Claims or Interests of such Class. The Debtors believe that all Claims and Interests have been appropriately classified in the Plan.

To the extent that the Bankruptcy Court finds that a different classification is required for the Plan to be confirmed, the Debtors would seek (i) to modify the Plan to provide for whatever classification might be required for Confirmation and (ii) to use the acceptances received from any Holder of Claims or Interests pursuant to this solicitation for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the Class or Classes of which such Holder ultimately is deemed to be a member. Any such reclassification of Claims, although subject to the notice and hearing requirements of the Bankruptcy Code, could materially adversely affect the Class in which such Holder was initially a member, or any other Class under the Plan, by changing the composition of such Class and the vote required for approval of the Plan. There can be no assurance that the Bankruptcy Court, after finding that a classification was inappropriate and requiring a reclassification, would approve the Plan based upon such reclassification. Except to the extent that modification of classification in the Plan requires re-solicitation, the Debtors will, in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, seek a determination by the Bankruptcy Court that acceptance of the Plan by any Holder pursuant to this solicitation will constitute a consent to the Plan’s treatment of such Holder, regardless of the Class as to which such Holder is ultimately deemed to be a member.

 

  4.

Risks Related to Possible Objections to the Plan

There is a risk that certain parties could oppose and object to either the entirety of the Plan or specific provisions of the Plan. Although the Debtors believe that the Plan complies with all relevant Bankruptcy Code provisions, there can be no guarantee that a party-in-interest will not file an objection to the Plan or that the Bankruptcy Court will not sustain such an objection.

 

  5.

Risk of Non-Approval by the Bankruptcy Court of the Restructuring Transactions

There can be no assurance that the Debtors will be able to obtain approval and complete the proposed Restructuring Transactions, or any other significant reorganization transaction, including as a result of objections from the Debtors’ stakeholders. Such objections from stakeholders could result from stakeholders’ preference for an alternative plan of reorganization.

If the Debtors are unable to complete the proposed Restructuring Transactions in the Chapter 11 Cases, it may be necessary to seek additional funding sources, or convert from the chapter 11 reorganization process to a chapter 7 liquidation process. If the proposed Restructuring Transactions are completed, it may not generate the anticipated or desired outcomes (including with respect to consideration received).

 

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  6.

The Debtors Could Modify the Rights Offering

The Debtors may modify the procedures governing the Rights Offering subject to the consent rights set forth in the Plan Support Agreement to, among other things, adopt additional detailed procedures if necessary to administer the distribution and exercise of subscription rights or to comply with applicable law. Such modifications may adversely affect the rights of those participating in the Rights Offering.

 

  7.

The Bankruptcy Court May Not Approve the Rights Offering

The Bankruptcy Court may not approve the Rights Offering. Failure to obtain the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the Rights Offering could prevent the Debtors from consummating the Plan and the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

  8.

Risk of Termination of the Backstop Commitment Agreement

The Backstop Commitment Agreement contains certain provisions that give the parties the ability to terminate the Backstop Commitment Agreement, if various conditions are not satisfied. Termination of the Backstop Commitment Agreement could prevent the Debtors from consummating the Plan.

 

  9.

Risk of Termination of the Restructuring Support Agreement

The RSA contains certain provisions that give the Debtors and the Consenting Lenders the ability to terminate the RSA if various conditions are satisfied. Termination or breach of the RSA could result in the loss of support for the Plan by important creditor constituencies and could result in protracted Chapter 11 Cases.

 

  10.

Risk of Termination of the Plan Support Agreement

The Plan Support Agreement contains certain provisions that give the Debtors and the members of the COH Group the ability to terminate the Plan Support Agreement if various conditions are satisfied. Termination or breach of the Plan Support Agreement could result in the loss of support for the Plan by important creditor constituencies and could result in the withdrawal of the Plan and protracted Chapter 11 Cases.

 

  11.

Risk of Nonoccurrence of the Effective Date

Although the Debtors believe that the Effective Date may occur quickly after the Confirmation Date, there can be no assurance as to such timing or as to whether the Effective Date will, in fact, occur.

 

  12.

Closing of the Restructuring Transactions Is Dependent on a Number of Conditions that May Not Occur

The closing of the Restructuring Transactions in connection with consummation of the Plan remains contingent on a number of conditions set forth in the Restructuring Transactions, including regulatory approvals if necessary. There is a risk that the Debtors will be unable to satisfy all conditions to closing the Restructuring Transactions.

 

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  13.

Risk of the Inability to Obtain Regulatory Approval

The closing of the Restructuring Transactions is subject to regulatory review in the United States, including in connection with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (“HSR Act” or “HSR”), and regulatory approval outside the United States, including in Austria and Germany, under their respective merger control laws.

The Debtors and Equity Commitment Parties, as applicable, will submit filings for such regulatory approval of the Restructuring Transactions but there can be no assurances that the merger control agencies in China and Mexico will approve the Restructuring Transactions.

 

  14.

Nonconsensual Confirmation

In the event that any impaired class of claims or interests does not accept a Chapter 11 plan, a bankruptcy court may nevertheless confirm a plan at the proponent’s request if at least one impaired class has accepted the plan (with such acceptance being determined without including the vote of any “insider” in such class), and, as to each impaired class that has not accepted the plan, the Bankruptcy Court determines that the plan “does not discriminate unfairly” and is “fair and equitable” with respect to the dissenting class. The Debtors believe that the Plan satisfies these requirements, and the Debtors may request such nonconsensual Confirmation in accordance with section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Bankruptcy Court will reach this conclusion. In addition, the pursuit of nonconsensual Confirmation of the Plan may result in, among other things, increased expenses and the expiration of any commitment to provide support for the Plan, financially or otherwise.

 

  15.

The Debtors May Object to the Amount or Classification of a Claim

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Debtors reserve the right to object to the amount or classification of any Claim under the Plan. The estimates set forth in this Disclosure Statement cannot be relied upon by any Holder of a Claim where such Claim is subject to an objection. Any Holder of a Claim that is subject to an objection thus may not receive its expected share of the estimated distributions described in this Disclosure Statement.

 

  16.

Contingencies Could Affect Votes of Impaired Classes to Accept or Reject the Plan

The distributions available to Holders of Allowed Claims under the Plan can be affected by a variety of contingencies, including, without limitation, whether the Bankruptcy Court orders certain Allowed Claims to be subordinated to other Allowed Claims. The occurrence of any and all such contingencies, which could affect distributions available to Holders of Allowed Claims under the Plan, will not affect the validity of the vote taken by the Impaired Classes to accept or reject the Plan or require any sort of revote by the Impaired Classes. The estimated Claims and creditor recoveries set forth in this Disclosure Statement are based on various assumptions, and the actual Allowed amounts of Claims may significantly differ from the estimates. Should one or more of the underlying assumptions ultimately prove to be incorrect, the actual Allowed amounts of Claims may vary from the estimated Claims contained in this Disclosure Statement. Moreover, the Debtors cannot determine with any certainty at this time, the number or amount of Claims that will ultimately be Allowed. Such differences may materially and adversely affect, among other things, the percentage recoveries to Holders of Allowed Claims under the Plan.

 

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  17.

Certain Creditors May Bring Litigation Against the Debtors

Even if the Debtors receive the requisite acceptances, there is no assurance that the Bankruptcy Court will confirm the Plan. Further, third parties, including certain of the Debtors’ creditors, may bring litigation against the Debtors during the course of these Chapter 11 Cases, the outcome of which is uncertain. Although the Debtors believe the Plan satisfies all of the requirements necessary for Confirmation by the Bankruptcy Court, creditors and other parties-in-interest may bring objections to challenge Confirmation of the Plan.

 

  18.

The Total Amount of Allowed General Unsecured Claims May Be Higher Than Anticipated by the Debtors.

With respect to holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims, the claims filed against the Debtors’ estates may be materially higher than the Debtors have estimated. There can be no assurance that the estimated amount of Claims is correct, and the actual Allowed amounts of Claims may differ from estimates. The estimated amounts are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the actual Allowed amounts of Claims may vary from those estimated therein.

 

  19.

The Total Amount of Allowed Administrative and Priority Claims May Be Higher or the Amount of Distributable Cash May Be Lower Than Anticipated By the Debtors

The amount of Cash the Debtors’ ultimately receive on account of the Restructuring Transactions and from other sources prior to and following the Effective Date may be lower than anticipated. Additionally, Allowed Administrative Expense Claims and Allowed Priority Claims maybe higher than anticipated. Accordingly, there is a risk that the Debtors will not be able to pay in full in cash all Administrative Expense Claims and Priority Claims on the Effective Date as is required to confirm a chapter 11 plan of reorganization.

 

  20.

Third-Party Offers

The Debtors may receive inquiries or offers from third parties related to the disposition of all or a substantial amount of their assets, which the Debtors may choose to pursue. Such disposition could cause the Debtors to recognize significant losses, which could have a material adverse effect on the Debtors’ business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

 

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  21.

Failure to Consummate the Plan

As of the date of this Disclosure Statement, there can be no assurance that the conditions to consummation of the Plan will be satisfied or waived. Accordingly, even if the Plan is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, there can be no assurance that the Plan will be consummated and that the contemplated restructuring will be completed.

 

  22.

Conversion into Chapter 7 Cases

If the Bankruptcy Court finds that it would be in the best interest of the Holders of Claims or Interests, the Bankruptcy Court may convert the Chapter 11 Cases to a case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, pursuant to which a trustee would be appointed or elected to liquidate the Debtors’ assets for distribution in accordance with the priorities under the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors believe that liquidation under chapter 7 would result in significantly smaller distributions being made to creditors than those provided in a chapter 11 plan because of (a) the likelihood that assets would have to be sold in a disorderly fashion over a short period of time, when commodity prices are at historically low levels, rather than reorganizing or selling the business as a going concern at a later time in a controlled manner, (b) additional administrative expenses involved in the appointment of a chapter 7 trustee and (c) additional expenses and Claims, including Claims resulting from the rejection of certain Unexpired Leases and other Executory Contracts in connection with the cessation of operations.

 

  23.

Plan Releases, Injunctions and Exculpation Provisions May Not Be Approved

There can be no assurance that the Plan releases, injunctions and exculpation provisions, as provided in Sections 11.7, 11.8 and 11.10 of the Plan, will be granted. Failure of the Bankruptcy Court to grant such relief may result in a plan of reorganization that differs from the Plan or the Plan not being confirmed.

 

  24.

The Amount of Available Distributions, if Any, May Vary

While the Debtors have attempted to project what they believe are likely distributions, if any, to be made to parties holding Allowed Claims, there can be no certainty that the projections will be accurate and that Holders will receive the value of distributions described in the Plan. The projections will necessarily be affected by, among other things, recoveries generated in connection with the liquidation of all of the Debtors’ remaining assets, the outcome of objections to Claims, and the cost and expenses of such actions and generally administering and winding down the Debtors’ Estates.

 

  25.

The Reorganized Debtors May Be Adversely Affected by Potential Litigation, Including Litigation Arising Out of the Chapter 11 Cases

In the future, the Reorganized Debtors may become parties to litigation. In general, litigation can be expensive and time consuming to bring or defend against. Such litigation could result in settlements or damages that could significantly affect the Reorganized Debtors’ financial results. It is also possible that certain parties will commence litigation with respect to the treatment of their Claims under the Plan. It is not possible to predict the potential litigation that the Reorganized Debtors may become party to, nor the final resolution of such litigation. The impact of any such litigation on the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses and financial stability, however, could be material.

 

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  26.

Uncertainty of Extraterritorial Recognition of Plan Confirmation

The assets and operations of the Debtors and their non-debtor affiliates span more than 22 countries. Although the Debtors will make every effort to ensure that any Confirmation Order entered by the Bankruptcy Court and the steps taken pursuant to the Confirmation Order to implement the restructuring are recognized and are effective as a matter of foreign law, as applicable, it is possible that if a creditor or stakeholder were to challenge the restructuring and a foreign court were required to adjudicate on the effectiveness of the restructuring, that foreign court may refuse to recognize the effect of the Confirmation Order.

 

B.

Risk Factors Relating to Securities to Be Issued Under the Plan.

 

  1.

Market for Securities

New GMI intends to continue to list the GMI Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ following the Effective Date, subject to meeting applicable listing requirements. However, there can be no assurance as to when or whether any such listing will occur or as to the liquidity of any market for the GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock.

 

  2.

Potential Dilution

The ownership percentage represented by the GMI Common Stock distributed on the Effective Date under the Plan to the Holders of Interests will be subject to dilution from any other shares that may be issued post-emergence, including, without limitation, (i) any management incentive plan established by New GMI, (ii) the conversion of the Convertible Series A Preferred Stock, and (iii) the conversion of any options, warrants, convertible securities, exercisable securities, or other securities that may be issued post-emergence, including in connection with any conversion of any shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock into GMI Common Stock.

In the future, similar to all companies, additional equity financings or other share issuances by New GMI could adversely affect the value of the GMI Common Stock issuable upon such conversion. The amount and dilutive effective of any of the foregoing could be material.

 

  3.

Controlling Holders

Upon the Effective Date, the Plan Sponsors may acquire a significant ownership interest of the voting control of New GMI. If the Plan Sponsors were to act as a group, the Plan Sponsors may be in a position to control the outcome of actions requiring stockholder approval subject to applicable stock exchange listing requirements and the terms of any governing governance documents, without the approval of other stockholders. This concentration of ownership could also facilitate or hinder a negotiated change of control of New GMI and, consequently, have an impact upon the value of the GMI Common Stock.

 

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  4.

Implied Valuation of GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock May Not Represent Trading Value of GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock

Any implied valuation of the GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock stated herein or in the Plan is not intended to represent the trading value of GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock in public or private markets and is subject to additional uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are difficult to predict. Actual market prices of such securities at issuance will depend upon, among other things: (a) prevailing interest rates, (b) conditions in the financial markets, (c) the anticipated initial securities of creditors receiving GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock under the Plan, some of which may prefer to liquidate their investment rather than hold it on a long-term basis, and (d) other factors that generally influence prices of securities. Factors unrelated to New GMI’s actual operating performance and other factors not possible to predict could affect the market price of the GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock. Accordingly, the implied value of the securities to be issued, stated herein and in the Plan, should not be construed as reflecting values that will be attained for the GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock in the public or private markets.

 

  5.

Equity Interests Subordinated to New GMI’s Indebtedness

In any subsequent liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of New GMI, GMI Common Stock and New Preferred Stock would rank below all debt claims against New GMI. As a result, holders of the GMI Common Stock or New Preferred Stock would not be entitled to receive any payment or other distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of New GMI until after all New GMI’s obligations to their debt holders have been satisfied.

 

  6.

The Consideration Under the Plan Does Not Reflect an Independent Valuation of Claims Against or Interests in the Debtors

The Debtors have not obtained or requested an opinion from any bank or other firm as to the fairness of the consideration under the Plan. Holders of Claims or Interests should carefully review the Financial Projections, Valuation Analyses and in their entirety.

 

  7.

No Dividends

New GMI may not pay any dividends on the GMI Common Stock and may instead retain any future cash flows for debt reduction and to support its operations. As a result, the success of an investment in the GMI Common Stock may depend entirely upon any future appreciation in the value of the GMI Common Stock. There is no guarantee that the GMI Common Stock will appreciate in value or even maintain its initial value.

 

  8.

Upon the Occurrence of Certain Events, New GMI May Have to Make Certain Payments to Holders of the New Preferred Stock

Upon the occurrence of certain events, Holders of New Preferred Stock may be entitled to certain payments. If triggered, such payments may adversely affect Holders of GMI Common Stock. The potential that New GMI may be required to pay such amounts may impact the prices at which the GMI Common Stock and the New Preferred Stock may trade.

 

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C.

Risks Related to Debtors’ Ongoing Operations during the Case

 

  1.

The Debtors Will Be Subject to Risks and Uncertainties Associated with the Chapter 11 Cases

For the duration of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors’ ability to operate, develop, and execute a business plan, and continue as a going concern, will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with bankruptcy. These risks include the following: (i) ability to develop, confirm, and consummate the Plan; (ii) ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions filed in the Chapter 11 Cases from time to time; (iii) ability to maintain relationships with suppliers, vendors, service providers, customers, employees, and other third parties; (iv) ability to maintain contracts that are critical to the Debtors’ operations; (v) ability of third parties to seek and obtain Bankruptcy Court approval to terminate contracts and other agreements with the Debtors; (vi) ability of third parties to seek and obtain Bankruptcy Court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Debtors to propose and confirm a chapter 11 plan, to appoint a chapter 11 trustee, or to convert the Chapter 11 Cases to chapter 7 proceedings and (vii) the actions and decisions of the Debtors’ creditors and other third parties who have interests in the Chapter 11 Cases that may be inconsistent with the Debtors’ plans.

These risks and uncertainties could affect the Debtors’ businesses and operations in various ways. For example, negative events associated with the Chapter 11 Cases could adversely affect the Debtors’ relationships with suppliers, service providers, customers and other third parties, which, in turn, could materially adversely affect the Debtors’ operations and financial condition. Also, the Debtors will need the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court for transactions outside the ordinary course of business, which may limit the Debtors’ ability to respond timely to certain events or take advantage of certain opportunities. Because of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors cannot accurately predict or quantify the ultimate impact of events that occur during the Chapter 11 Cases that may be inconsistent with the Debtors’ plans.

 

  2.

Operating in Bankruptcy for a Long Period of Time May Harm the Debtors’ Business

The Debtors’ future results will be dependent upon the successful Confirmation and implementation of the Plan. A long period of operations under Bankruptcy Court protection could have a material adverse effect on the Debtors’ businesses, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. So long as the proceedings related to the Chapter 11 Cases continue, the Debtors’ management will be required to spend a significant amount of time and effort dealing with the reorganization instead of focusing exclusively on business operations. In addition, the longer the proceedings related to the Chapter 11 Cases continue, the more likely it is that customers and suppliers will lose confidence in the Debtors’ ability to reorganize their businesses successfully and will seek to establish alternative commercial relationships.

 

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  3.

Undue Delay in Confirmation May Disrupt Operation of the Debtors

Although the Plan is designed to minimize the length of the Chapter 11 Cases, it is impossible to predict with certainty the amount of time that the Debtors may spend in bankruptcy or to assure parties-in-interest that the Plan will be confirmed.

The continuation of the Chapter 11 Cases, particularly if the Plan is not confirmed in the time frame currently contemplated, could materially adversely affect operations. If Confirmation and consummation of the Plan do not occur expeditiously, the Chapter 11 Cases could result in, among other things, increased costs for professional fees and other case expenses. In addition, prolonged Chapter 11 Cases would require senior management to spend a significant amount of time and effort dealing with the Debtors’ financial reorganization instead of focusing on the operation of the Debtors’ businesses.

 

  4.

The Reorganized Debtors May Not Be Able to Achieve Their Projected Financial Results

Actual financial results will be subject to a number of factors, including automobile industry performance, general business and economic conditions, and other matters, many of which will be beyond the control of the Reorganized Debtors and may differ materially from the Financial Projections. If the Reorganized Debtors do not achieve projected revenue or cash flow levels, the Reorganized Debtors may lack sufficient liquidity to continue operating their businesses consistent with the Financial Projections after the Effective Date. The Financial Projections represent management’s view based on currently known facts, the successful Confirmation and implementation of the Plan and hypothetical assumptions regarding the Reorganized Debtors’ future operations and ability to finance such operations; they do not guarantee the Reorganized Debtors’ future financial performance.

 

  5.

The Debtors’ Financial Projections Are Subject to Inherent Uncertainty Due to the Numerous Assumptions upon which They Are Based

The Plan relies upon the Financial Projections that are based on numerous assumptions including, without limitation, the timing, Confirmation and consummation of the Plan in accordance with its terms, the anticipated future performance of the Reorganized Debtors, automotive industry performance, general business and economic conditions, competition, adequate financing, absence of material claims, the ability to make necessary capital expenditures, use of unrestricted cash, the ability to control future operating expenses, and other matters, many of which will be beyond the control of the Reorganized Debtors and some or all of which may not materialize. Particular uncertainties with respect to the Reorganized Debtors’ operations and financial results arise from the risks and uncertainties relating to changes in the demand for the Reorganized Debtors’ automotive technologies; legislation and regulations relating to the automotive industry; operational, permit and labor-related factors; fluctuations in the amount of cash the Reorganized Debtors will generate from operations and numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature.

 

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Because the actual results achieved throughout the periods covered by the Financial Projections may vary from the projected results, perhaps materially, the Financial Projections should not be relied upon as an assurance of the actual results that will occur. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the results or developments contemplated by any plan of reorganization implemented will occur or, even if they do occur, that they will have the anticipated effects on the Reorganized Debtors and their businesses or operations. The failure of any such results or developments to materialize as anticipated could materially adversely affect the successful execution of any plan of reorganization.

Except with respect to the Financial Projections and except as otherwise specifically and expressly stated herein, this Disclosure Statement and the Plan do not reflect any events that might occur subsequent to the date hereof. Such events could have a material impact on the information contained in this Disclosure Statement and the Plan. Neither the Debtors nor the Reorganized Debtors intend to update the Financial Projections. The Financial Projections therefore may not reflect the impact of any subsequent events not already accounted for in the assumptions underlying the Financial Projections.

In addition, if the Debtors emerge from chapter 11, the amounts reported in subsequent consolidated financial statements may materially change relative to historical consolidated financial statements, including as a result of revisions to the Debtors’ operating plans pursuant to a plan of reorganization. The Debtors also may be required to adopt fresh start accounting, in which case their assets and liabilities will be recorded at fair value as of the fresh start reporting date, which may differ materially from the recorded values of assets and liabilities on the Debtors’ consolidated balance sheets. The Debtors’ financial results after the application of fresh start accounting also may be different from historical trends.

 

  6.

Undue Delay in Confirmation May Disrupt Operations of the Debtors

The continuation of the Chapter 11 Cases, particularly if the Plan is not confirmed in the time frame currently contemplated, could materially adversely affect operations. If Confirmation and consummation of the Plan do not occur expeditiously, the Chapter 11 Cases could result in, among other things, increased costs for professional fees and other case expenses. In addition, prolonged Chapter 11 Cases would require senior management to spend a significant amount of time and effort dealing with the Debtors’ financial reorganization instead of focusing on the operation of the Debtors’ businesses.

 

  7.

Availability of DIP Facility

The DIP Facility is intended to provide liquidity to the Debtors during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases. If the Chapter 11 Cases take longer than expected to conclude, the Debtors may exhaust or lose access to their financing. There is no assurance that the Debtors will be able to obtain additional financing from the Debtors’ existing lenders or otherwise. In either such case, the liquidity necessary for the orderly functioning of the Debtors’ business may be materially impaired.

 

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D.

Operational Risks for the Reorganized Debtors

 

  1.

Risks Related to the Company’s Business and Industry

The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties in the course of its business. Discussions of such risks and uncertainties may be found in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020.

 

  2.

The Cyclical and Unpredictable Nature of the Automotive Industry

The Debtors’ businesses are directly related to and automotive vehicle production and sales. A substantial portion of the Debtor’s customers are OEMs in the automotive industry. The automotive industry is subject to rapid technological change often driven by regulatory changes, vigorous competition, short product life cycles and cyclical and reduced consumer demand patterns. Automotive sales and production can also easily be affected by labor relations issues, regulatory requirements, trade agreements, the availability of consumer financing, and other similar factors.

A significant decrease in the sale of automotive vehicles would likely result in substantially all of the Debtors’ customers lowering vehicle production schedules, which would have a direct impact on the Debtors’ earnings and cash flows. Any economic decline that results in the reduction of automotive sales and production may have an adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses, results of operations, and financial condition.

In addition to general economic conditions, automotive sales and automotive vehicle production also depend on other factors, such as supplier stability, factory transitions, capacity constraints, the costs and availability of consumer credit, consumer confidence and consumer preferences. The Debtors’ earnings are also affected by inventory levels and customer production levels. Due to the cyclical nature of the automotive industry, the Debtors cannot predict when their customers will decide to increase or decrease inventory levels or whether new inventory levels will approximate historical inventory levels. This uncertainty and other unexpected fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses and their financial condition. The automotive industry is also seasonal in nature, meaning that some of the Reorganized Debtors’ customers may shut down vehicle production during certain months or weeks of the year. Such seasonality could also adversely affect the Reorganized Debtors’ sales during any given fiscal year.

 

  3.

A Change in Product Mix Offered by Customers Can Impact Revenue

The Debtors are dependent on the continued growth, viability, and financial stability of their customers. The automotive industry is subject to rapid technological change, vigorous competition, short product life cycles and cyclical and reduced consumer demand patterns. When the Debtors’ customers are adversely affected by these factors, the Debtors may be similarly affected to the extent that their customers reduce the volume of orders for the Debtors’ products.

 

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Even if overall automotive sales and production remain stable, changes in regulations and consumer preferences may shift consumer demand away from the types of vehicles that the Debtors prioritize or towards the types of vehicles where Debtors’ products generate smaller profit margins. A decrease in consumer demand for the specific types of vehicles that have traditionally included the Debtors’ turbocharger products, such as a decrease in demand for diesel-fueled vehicles in favor of gasoline-fueled vehicles or lower-than-expected consumer demand for specific types of vehicles that are part of the Debtors’ strategic growth plan, such as a decrease in demand for vehicles utilizing electric-hybrid and fuel cell powertrains in favor of full battery electric vehicles, could have a significant effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ business. If Reorganized Debtors are unable to anticipate significant changes in consumer sentiment, or if consumer demand for certain vehicle types changes more than expected, the results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Sales in the Debtors’ aftermarket operations are also directly related to consumer demand and spending for automotive aftermarket products, which may be affected by additional factors such as the average useful life of OEM parts and components, severity of regional weather conditions, highway and roadway infrastructure deterioration and the average number of miles vehicles are driven by owners. Improvements in technology and product quality are extending the longevity of vehicle component parts, which may result in delayed or reduced aftermarket sales. The Reorganized Debtors’ results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if the Reorganized Debtors fail to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to changes in the demand for their aftermarket products.

As a result of changes impacting their customers, sales mix can shift, which may have unfavorable (or favorable) impact on the Reorganized Debtors. A decrease in consumer demand for specific types of vehicles where the Debtors have traditionally provided significant content could have a detrimental effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses.

 

  4.

Dependence on a Small Number of Significant Customers

The Debtors’ 10 largest end-use customers accounted for approximately 75% of global sales for the fiscal year ended 2019. Although the Reorganized Debtors expect to maintain their relationships with their customers, the Reorganized Debtors may not always be able to maintain such relationships or continue to supply their customers at the current levels. While in most instances the Debtors’ customers agree to purchase their requirements for specific products from the Debtors, they are not required to purchase any minimum amount of product. A significant decrease in demand for certain key models sold by any of the Reorganized Debtors’ major customers or the ability of a manufacturer to resource and discontinue purchasing key models from the Reorganized Debtors could have a material adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses.

 

  5.

Disruptions in the Supply of Goods and/or Services

In the operation of their businesses, the Debtors and their customers utilize a wide range of materials and supplies. A disruption in the supply of these materials could decrease the Reorganized Debtors’ production and shipping levels, which would increase the Reorganized Debtors’ operating costs and materially decrease profit margins. The automotive industry relies heavily on “just-in-time” delivery of components during the assembly and manufacture of vehicles. This “just-in-time” method makes the Debtors’ supply chain very complex and highly vulnerable to disruptions. Such disruptions could be caused by, among other things, a closure of one of the Debtors’ or their suppliers’ plants or critical manufacturing lines due to strikes, mechanical breakdowns, electrical outages, fires, explosions or political upheaval, as well as logistical complications due to pandemic, weather, global climate change, volcanic eruptions, or other natural or nuclear disasters, mechanical failures, delayed customs processing and more. A supply chain disruption could result in delivery delays, production issues, or the delivery of non-conforming products.

 

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Further, the Reorganized Debtors’ operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected if the Reorganized Debtors’ third-party suppliers lack sufficient quality control or if there are significant changes in their financial or business condition. If the Reorganized Debtors’ third-party manufacturers fail to deliver products, parts and components of sufficient quality on time and at reasonable prices, the Reorganized Debtors could have difficulties fulfilling the orders on similar terms or at all, sales and profits could decline, and the Reorganized Debtors’ commercial reputation could be damaged.

Further, if the Debtors fail to adequately assess the creditworthiness and operational reliability of existing or future suppliers, if there is any unanticipated deterioration in their creditworthiness and operational reliability, or if the Debtors’ suppliers do not perform or adhere to the Debtors’ existing or future contractual arrangements, any resulting increase in nonperformance by them, the Reorganized Debtors’ inability to otherwise obtain the supplies or the Reorganized Debtors’ inability to enforce the terms of the contract or seek other remedies could have a material adverse effect on their financial condition and results of operations.

Thus, any delay or disruption in the Reorganized Debtors’ supply chain can have a catastrophic effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ operations. Even where these risks do not materialize, the Debtors may incur significant costs in making contingency plans for such risks. Moreover, if the Debtors fail to make timely deliveries in accordance with their contractual obligations, they generally have to absorb the costs for identifying and solving the “root cause” problem, producing replacement components or products and costs associated with overtime and premium freight. If the Debtors cause a customer to halt production, the customer may seek to recoup all of its losses and expenses from the Reorganized Debtors, which could be significant.

 

  6.

Increase in Cost of Materials and Other Supplies

Significant changes in the markets where the Debtors purchase materials, components, and supplies for the production of their products may adversely affect the Debtors’ results of operations.

Raw material price fluctuations, the ability of key suppliers to meet quality and delivery requirements, or catastrophic events can increase the cost of the products and services, impact the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to meet commitments to customers and cause the Reorganized Debtors to incur significant liabilities.

The cost and availability of raw materials (including, but not limited to, grey iron, aluminum, stainless steel and a nickel, iron and chromium-based alloy) are key elements in the cost of products. The Reorganized Debtors’ inability to offset material price inflation through increased prices to customers, formula or long-term fixed price contracts with suppliers, productivity actions or through commodity hedges could adversely affect the Reorganized Debtors’ results of operations.

 

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The Debtors obtain components and other products and services from numerous suppliers and other vendors throughout the world. Many major components and product equipment items are procured or subcontracted on a single- or sole-source basis. Although the Debtors believe that sources of supply for raw materials and components are generally adequate, it is difficult to predict what effects shortages or price increases may have in the future. Short- or long-term capacity constraints or financial distress at any point in the Reorganized Debtors’ supply chain could disrupt operations and adversely affect financial performance, particularly when the affected suppliers and vendors are the sole sources of products that are required or that have unique capabilities, or when customers have directed the use of those specific suppliers and vendors. The Reorganized Debtors’ ability to manage inventory and meet delivery requirements may be constrained by their suppliers’ inability to scale production and adjust delivery of long-lead-time products during times of volatile demand. The Reorganized Debtors’ inability to fill their supply needs would jeopardize their ability to fulfill obligations under commercial contracts, and could result in reduced sales and profits, contract penalties or terminations, and damage to customer relationships.

 

  7.

Competitive Automotive Supply Industry and New Technologies

The automotive industry is highly competitive. The Debtors’ future growth rate depends upon a number of factors, including the Debtors’ ability to: (i) identify emerging technological trends in target end-markets; (ii) develop and maintain competitive products; (iii) enhance products by adding innovative features that differentiate their products from those of their competitors; (iv) develop, manufacture and bring compelling new products to market quickly and cost effectively; and (v) attract, develop and retain individuals with the requisite technical expertise and understanding of customers’ needs to develop new technologies and introduce new products.

The Debtors have identified a trend towards increased development and adoption by OEMs of hybrid-electric powertrains, fuel cell powertrains and associated electric boosting technologies in preference to pure battery electric cars, which continue to face range, charging time and sustainability issues. The results of the Reorganized Debtors’ operations could be adversely affected if the Debtors’ estimates regarding adoption and penetration rates for hybrid-electric and fuel cell powertrains or for pure battery electric cars are incorrect.

While the Reorganized Debtors expect to emerge from the Chapter 11 Cases as a successful enterprise, there can be no assurance that the Reorganized Debtors’ products will be able to compete with the products of their competitors. Moreover, consolidation in the automotive industry may lead to decreased product purchases from the Reorganized Debtors. As a result, the Reorganized Debtors’ sales levels and margins could be adversely affected by pricing pressures coming from their customers and pricing actions of competitors. These factors have led to selective resourcing of business to competitors in the past and may also do so in the future.

 

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  8.

Risks Pertaining to Sales Contracts with Customers

When the Debtors win a bid to offer products and services to an OEM customer, the customer typically does not commit to award the Debtors its business until a separate contract has been negotiated, generally with a term ranging from one year to the life of the model (usually three to seven years). Once business has been awarded, the OEM customer typically retains the ability to terminate the arrangement without penalty and does not commit to purchase a minimum volume of products while the contract is in effect.

While the Debtors estimate awarded business using certain assumptions, including projected future sales volumes, the volume and timing of sales to the Reorganized Debtors’ customers may vary due to: variation in demand for the customers’ products; the customers’ attempts to manage their inventory; design changes; changes in the customers’ manufacturing strategy; the success of customers’ goods and models; and acquisitions of or consolidations among customers.

A significant decrease in demand for certain key models or a group of related models sold by any of the Debtors’ major customers, or the ability of a manufacturer to re-source and discontinue purchasing from the Debtors its requirements for a particular model or group of models, could have a material adverse effect on us. In particular, the Reorganized Debtors may be unable to forecast the level of customer orders with sufficient certainty to allow the Reorganized Debtors to optimize production schedules and maximize utilization of manufacturing capacity. Any excess capacity would cause the Reorganized Debtors to incur increased fixed costs in the Reorganized Debtors’ products relative to the net revenue the Reorganized Debtors generate, which could have an adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ results of operations, particularly during economic downturns. Similarly, a significant failure or inability to adapt to increased production or desired inventory levels (including as a result of accelerated launch schedules for new automobile and truck platforms), comply with customer specifications and manufacturing requirements more generally or respond to other unexpected fluctuations, as well as any delays or other problems with existing or new products (including program launch difficulties) could result in financial penalties, increased costs, loss of sales, loss of customers or potential breaches of customer contracts, which could have an adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ profitability and results of operations.

If actual production orders from the Reorganized Debtors’ customers are not consistent with the projections the Reorganized Debtors use in calculating the amount of awarded business, or if the Reorganized Debtors are unable to improve utilization levels for manufacturing lines that consequently are underutilized and correctly manage capacity, the increased expense levels could have an adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ business, financial condition and results of operations, and the Reorganized Debtors could realize substantially less revenue over the life of these projects than the currently projected estimate.

 

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Further, the Debtors negotiate sales prices annually with automotive customers. The Debtors’ customer supply agreements generally require step-downs in component pricing over the period of production. In addition, the Debtors’ customers often reserve the right to terminate their supply contracts at any time, which enhances their ability to obtain price reductions. OEMs have also exercised significant influence over their suppliers, because the automotive component supply industry is highly competitive and serves a limited number of customers. Based on these factors, the Debtors’ status as a tier 1 supplier (one that supplies vehicle components directly to manufacturers) and the fact that the Debtors’ customers’ product programs typically last a number of years and are anticipated to encompass large volumes, the Debtors’ customers are able to negotiate favorable pricing, and any cost-cutting initiatives that the Debtors’ customers adopt generally will result in increased downward pressure on the Reorganized Debtors’ pricing. Any resulting impacts to sales levels and margins, or the failure of technologies or products to gain market acceptance due to more attractive offerings by our competitors, could over time significantly reduce the Reorganized Debtors’ revenues and adversely affect the Reorganized Debtors’ competitive standing and prospects. In particular, large commercial settlements with the Reorganized Debtors’ customers may adversely affect the Reorganized Debtors’ results of operations.

 

  9.

Risks Pertaining to Work Stoppages, Disruptions, or Relocation

The Debtors’ geographic footprint emphasizes locating, engineering and manufacturing capabilities in close physical proximity to the Debtors’ customers, thereby enabling the Debtors to adopt technologies and products for the specific vehicle types sold in each geographic market. Because the Debtors’ facilities offer localized services in this manner, a work stoppage or other disruption at one or more of their R&D, engineering or manufacturing and assembly facilities in a given region could have material adverse effects on the Reorganized Debtors’ business, especially insofar as it impacts the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to serve customers in that region.

Due to unforeseen circumstances or factors beyond the Reorganized Debtors’ control, the Reorganized Debtors may be forced to relocate their operations from one or more existing facilities to new facilities and may incur substantial costs, experience program delays and sacrifice proximity to customers and geographic markets as a result, potentially for an extended period of time. The automotive industry relies heavily on “just-in-time” delivery of components during the assembly and manufacture of vehicles, and if the Reorganized Debtors fail to make timely deliveries in accordance with their contractual obligations, the Reorganized Debtors’ will generally have to absorb their own costs for identifying and solving the “root cause” problem as well as expeditiously producing replacement components or products.

The Debtors typically must also carry the costs associated with “catching up,” such as overtime and premium freight. Additionally, if the Reorganized Debtors are the cause for a customer being forced to halt production, the customer may seek to recoup all of its losses and expenses from us. These losses and expenses could be significant, and may include consequential losses such as lost profits.

In addition, a significant disruption in the supply of a key component due to a work stoppage or other disruption at one of the Debtors’ suppliers—or any other supplier—could impact the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to make timely deliveries to the Reorganized Debtors’ customers and, accordingly, have a material adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ financial results. Where a customer halts production because of another supplier failing to deliver on time, or as a result of a work stoppage or other disruption, it is unlikely the Reorganized Debtors will be fully compensated, if at all.

 

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  10.

Risks Pertaining to Intellectual Property

The Debtors rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, tradenames, trade secrets and other proprietary rights, as well as contractual arrangements, including licenses, to establish, maintain and protect Debtors’ intellectual property rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available, or Debtors may not be able to acquire or maintain appropriate registered or unregistered intellectual property, in every country in which Debtors do business. Accordingly, the Reorganized Debtors’ intellectual property rights may not be sufficient to permit us to take advantage of some business opportunities.

The protection of the Debtors’ intellectual property may require the Reorganized Debtors to spend significant amounts of money. Further, the steps Debtors take to protect their intellectual property may not adequately protect the rights or prevent others from infringing, violating or misappropriating their intellectual proprietary rights. Any impairment of the Reorganized Debtors’ intellectual property rights, including due to changes in U.S. or foreign intellectual property laws or the absence of effective legal protections or enforcement measures, could adversely impact the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, as the Debtors adopt new technology, the Reorganized Debtors face an inherent risk of exposure to the claims of others that they have allegedly violated their intellectual property rights. Successful claims that Debtors infringe on the intellectual property rights of others could require the Reorganized Debtors to enter into royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms or cause Debtors to incur substantial monetary liability. The Reorganized Debtors may also be prohibited preliminarily or permanently from further use of the intellectual property in question or be required to change their business practices to stop the infringing use, which could limit the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to compete effectively. In addition, the Debtors’ customer agreements may require Debtors to indemnify the customer for infringement. The time and expense of defending against these claims, whether meritorious or not, may have a material and adverse impact on the Reorganized Debtors’ profitability, can be time-consuming and costly and may divert management’s attention and resources away from the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses. Furthermore, the publicity the Reorganized Debtors may receive as a result of infringing intellectual property rights may damage the Reorganized Debtors’ reputation and adversely impact the Reorganized Debtors’ existing customer relationships and the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to develop new business.

 

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A number of the Debtors’ emerging opportunities in technology, products and services rely on key technologies developed or licensed from third parties. Many emerging technology offerings under development use software components or other intellectual property licensed from third parties, including both through proprietary and open source licenses. Should such emerging products become a significant part of product offerings, the Reorganized Debtors’ reliance on third-party licenses may present various risks to their business. These third-party software components may become obsolete, defective or incompatible with future versions of the Reorganized Debtors’ emerging technology offerings, relationships with these third parties may deteriorate, or agreements with these third parties may expire or be terminated. The Reorganized Debtors may face legal or business disputes with licensors that may threaten or lead to the disruption of inbound licensing relationships. In order to remain in compliance with the terms of licenses, the Reorganized Debtors must carefully monitor and manage the use of third-party components, including both proprietary and open source license terms that may require the licensing or public disclosure of their intellectual property without compensation or on undesirable terms. Additionally, some of these licenses may not be available for use in the future on terms that may be acceptable or that allow emerging product offerings to remain competitive. The Reorganized Debtors’ inability to obtain licenses or rights on favorable terms could have a material effect on emerging technology offerings. Moreover, it is possible that as a consequence of a future merger or acquisition the Reorganized Debtors may be involved in, third parties may obtain licenses to some of the Reorganized Debtors, intellectual property rights or the Reorganized Debtors’ business may be subject to certain restrictions that were not in place prior to such transaction. Because the availability and cost from third parties depends upon the willingness of third parties to deal with the Reorganized Debtors on the terms the Reorganized Debtor request, there is a risk that third parties who license the Reorganized Debtors’ competitors will either refuse to license the Reorganized Debtors at all, or refuse to license the Reorganized Debtors on terms equally favorable to those granted to competitors. Consequently, the Reorganized Debtors may lose a competitive advantage with respect to these intellectual property rights or may be required to enter into costly arrangements in order to obtain these rights.

 

  11.

Product Liability and Related Risks

The risk of product liability, recall, and warranty claims are inherent in the design, manufacture, and sale of automotive products—the failure of which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death. The Reorganized Debtors may be required to guarantee or offer warranties for the Reorganized Debtors’ products and to bear the costs of recalls, repair or replacement of such products pursuant to new vehicle warranties. There can be no assurance that the Reorganized Debtors’ will have adequate reserves to cover such recall, repair and replacement costs.

In the event that any of the Debtors’ products fails to perform as expected, the Reorganized Debtors may face direct exposure to warranty and product liability claims or may be required to participate in a government or self-imposed recall involving such products. The Reorganized Debtors’ customers that are not end users, such as auto manufacturers, may face similar claims or be obliged to conduct recalls of their own, and in such circumstances, they may seek contribution from Reorganized Debtors.

The Reorganized Debtors’ agreements with their customers typically do not contain limitation of liability clauses, so if any such claims or contribution requests exceed Reorganized Debtors’ available insurance, or if there is a product recall, there could be a material adverse impact on the Reorganized Debtors’ results of operations. In addition, a recall claim could require the Reorganized Debtors’ to review the Reorganized Debtors’ entire product portfolio to assess whether similar issues are present in other product lines, which could result in significant disruption to the Reorganized Debtors business and could have a further adverse impact on their results of operations.

 

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Reorganized Debtors cannot assure they will not experience any material warranty or product liability claim losses in the future or that Debtors will not incur significant costs to defend such claims.

 

  12.

Risks Pertaining to Labor

Due to the complex nature of the Reorganized Debtors’ business, their future performance is highly dependent upon the continued services of key engineering personnel, scientists and executive officers, the development of additional management personnel and the hiring of new qualified engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales and management personnel for their operations. Competition for qualified personnel in the industry is intense, and the Reorganized Debtors may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. The loss of key employees, the inability to attract new qualified employees or adequately train employees, or the delay in hiring key personnel, could negatively affect the Reorganized Debtors’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

Further, the Debtors’ business is labor-intensive and unions represent approximately 2,200 non-U.S. employees working in Australia, Romania, Ireland, UK, Slovakia, Italy, and Switzerland. A strike or other form of significant work disruption by the Reorganized Debtors’ employees would likely have an adverse effect on their ability to operate their businesses. In addition, the Debtors’ inability or the inability of any of their customers, their suppliers or their customers’ suppliers to negotiate an extension of a collective bargaining agreement upon its expiration could reduce the Reorganized Debtors’ sales and harm profitability.

 

  13.

Risks Pertaining to Access to Capital Markets

The Reorganized Debtors may require additional capital in the future to finance their growth and development, upgrade and improve manufacturing capabilities, implement further marketing and sales activities, fund ongoing R&D activities, satisfy regulatory and environmental compliance obligations, and meet general working capital needs. The Reorganized Debtors’ capital requirements will depend on many factors, including acceptance of and demand for the Reorganized Debtors’ products, the extent to which the Reorganized Debtors invest in new technology and R&D projects and the status and timing of these developments. If the Reorganized Debtors’ access to capital were to become constrained significantly, or if costs of capital increased significantly, due to lowered credit ratings, prevailing industry conditions, the solvency of customers, a material decline in demand for products, the volatility of the capital markets or other factors, the Reorganized Debtors’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. These conditions may adversely affect the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to obtain targeted credit ratings.

The Debtors are also responsible for obtaining and maintaining sufficient working capital and other funds to satisfy their cash requirements, and debt or equity financing may not be available to them on terms they find acceptable, if at all. Incurring additional debt may significantly increase the Debtors’ interest expense and financial leverage, and their level of indebtedness could restrict their ability to fund future development and acquisition activities. The Debtors may need additional capital resources in the future in order to meet their projected operating needs, capital expenditures and other cash requirements, and if the Debtors are unable to obtain sufficient resources for their operating needs, capital expenditures and other cash requirements for any reason, their business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

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Risks Pertaining to International Operations—Economic, Political, Regulatory, Foreign Exchange and Other

The Debtors have created a geographic footprint that emphasizes locating R&D, engineering and manufacturing capabilities in close physical proximity to customers. The Reorganized Debtors’ international geographic footprint is subject to many risks, including: exchange control regulations; wage and price controls; antitrust and environmental regulations; employment regulations; foreign investment laws; monetary and fiscal policies and protectionist measures that may prohibit acquisitions or joint ventures, establish local content requirements, or impact trade volumes; import, export and other trade restrictions (such as embargoes); violations by the Debtors’ employees of anti-corruption laws; changes in regulations regarding transactions with state-owned enterprises; nationalization of private enterprises; natural and man-made disasters, hazards and losses; global health risks and pandemics; backlash from foreign labor organizations related to their restructuring actions; violence, civil and labor unrest; acts of terrorism; and the ability to hire and maintain qualified staff and maintain the safety of their employees in these regions.

Additionally, certain markets have adopted increasingly strict data privacy and data protection requirements or may require local storage and processing of data or similar requirements. The European Commission has approved a data protection regulation, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), that came into force in May 2018. The GDPR includes operational requirements for companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Union and includes significant penalties for non-compliance. The GDPR and similar data protection measures may increase the cost and complexity of the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to deliver services.

Following the U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union on January 31, 2020, the U.K. entered into a transition period during which it will continue its ongoing and complex negotiations with the European Union relating to the future trading relationship between the U.K. and European Union. Significant political and economic uncertainty remains about whether the terms of the relationship will differ materially from the terms before withdrawal, as well as about the possibility that a so-called “no deal” separation could occur if negotiations are not completed by the end of the transition period. The Reorganized Debtors’ manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom and the businesses of the Reorganized Debtors’ customers and suppliers could be negatively impacted if tariffs or other restrictions are imposed on the free flow of goods to and from the U.K.

 

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Trade tensions between the United States and China, and other countries, have been escalating in recent years. U.S. tariff impositions against Chinese exports have generally been followed by retaliatory Chinese tariffs on U.S. exports to China. The Reorganized Debtors may not be able to mitigate the impacts of any future tariffs, and the Reorganized Debtors’ business, results of operations and financial position would be materially adversely affected by such tariffs. Further changes in U.S. trade policies, tariffs, taxes, export restrictions or other trade barriers, or restrictions on raw materials or components, may limit the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to produce products, increase manufacturing costs, decrease profit margins, reduce the competitiveness of products, or inhibit the ability to sell products or purchase raw materials or components, which would have a material adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ business, results of operations and financial condition. These and other instabilities and uncertainties arising from the global geopolitical environment, along with the cost of compliance with increasingly complex and often conflicting regulations worldwide, can impair the Reorganized Debtors’ flexibility in modifying product, marketing, pricing or other strategies for growing their businesses, as well as the ability to improve productivity and maintain acceptable operating margins.

As a result of the Debtors’ global presence, a significant portion of the Reorganized Debtors’ revenues are to be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar whereas a significant amount of payment obligations are denominated in U.S. dollars, which exposes the Reorganized Debtors to foreign exchange risk. Although risk is monitored and sought to be reduced through hedging activities, foreign exchange hedging activities bear a financial cost and may not always be available to the Reorganized Debtors or be successful in eliminating such volatility.

Finally, the Debtors’ generate significant amounts of cash that is invested with financial and non-financial counterparties. While the Reorganized Debtors employ comprehensive controls regarding global cash management to guard against cash or investment loss and to ensure the ability to fund operations and commitments, a material disruption to the counterparties with whom the Reorganized Debtors transact business could expose the Reorganized Debtors to financial loss.

 

  14.

Risks Pertaining to Certain Markets

The Debtors have identified certain countries, such as China and India, as key high-growth geographic markets and believe these markets are likely to experience substantial long-term growth, and accordingly have made and expect to continue to make substantial investments in numerous manufacturing operations, technical centers, R&D activities and other infrastructure to support anticipated growth in these areas. If market demand for evolving vehicle technologies in these regions does not grow as quickly as the Debtors anticipate, or if the Debtors are unable to deepen existing and develop additional customer relationships in these regions, the Reorganized Debtors may fail to realize expected rates of return, or even incur losses, on existing investments and may be unable to timely redeploy the invested capital to take advantage of other markets or product categories, potentially resulting in lost market share to competitors. In particular, the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to remain competitive and continue to grow in these regions depends in part on the absence of competing state-sponsored domestic businesses. If a state-sponsored operation entered a local market as a competitor, it might have access to significant social and financial capital that would enable it to overcome the ordinary barriers to entry in the turbocharger industry and acquire potentially significant market share at their expense.

 

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The Debtors believe that they are a market leader in the turbocharger industry in many of the markets in which they operate. Although the Debtors believe that they have acted properly in the markets in which they have significant market share, the Reorganized Debtors could face allegations of abuse of the market position or of collusion with other market participants, which could result in negative publicity and adverse regulatory action by the relevant authorities, including the imposition of monetary fines, all of which could adversely affect their financial condition and results of operations.

 

  15.

Risk Pertaining to Legislative or Government Regulations

Changes in legislation or government regulations or policies can have a significant impact on demand for the Debtor’s products and their results of operations. The sales and margins of the Debtors’ business are directly impacted by government regulations, including safety, performance and product certification regulations, particularly with respect to emissions, fuel economy and energy efficiency standards for motor vehicles. Increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change may result in more regional and/or federal requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

While such requirements can promote increased demand for the Debtors’ turbochargers and other products, several markets in which the Debtors operate are undertaking efforts to more strictly regulate or ban vehicles powered by certain older-generation diesel engines. If such efforts are pursued more broadly throughout the market than anticipated, such efforts may impact demand for the Debtors’ aftermarket products and consequently affect Reorganized Debtors’ results of operations. In the long term, several of the markets in which the Debtors operate are contemplating or undertaking multi-decade efforts to transition away from internal combustion engines in favor of hybrid or full-battery electric vehicles.

Although the Reorganized Debtors expect a significant number of hybrids will be turbocharged, if they overestimate the turbo penetration rate in hybrids or if a transition to battery-electric vehicles is pursued more broadly throughout the market, or is implemented more rapidly than anticipated, the demand for products could be impacted and results of operations consequently could be affected.

Conversely, in the U.S., the outgoing political administration had signaled that it may support efforts to slow or even reverse the adoption of environmental regulations. If requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions are weakened or rolled back, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere in their markets, customer demand for turbochargers could fall, negatively affecting the results of operations.

 

  16.

Risks Pertaining to Contingent Liabilities

The Reorganized Debtors cannot predict with certainty the outcome of litigation matters, government proceedings and other contingencies and uncertainties.

In the ordinary course of business, the Reorganized Debtors are or may be party to a number of lawsuits, investigations and disputes (some of which involve substantial amounts claimed) arising out of current and historical business, commercial transactions, product liability, prior acquisitions and divestitures, employment, employee benefits plans, intellectual property, antitrust, import and export, and environmental, health and safety matters. The costs incurred in litigation can be substantial and result in the diversion of management’s attention and resources. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any legal proceedings or contingencies

 

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The Reorganized Debtors may also make certain commitments, including representations, warranties and indemnities relating to current and past operations, including those related to divested businesses, and issue guarantees of third-party obligations. The Reorganized Debtors’ potential liabilities are subject to change over time due to new developments, changes in settlement strategy or the impact of evidentiary requirements, and the Reorganized Debtors may become subject to or be required to pay damage awards or settlements that could have a material adverse effect on their results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. If the Reorganized Debtors were required to make payments, such payments could be significant and could exceed the amounts we have accrued with respect thereto, adversely affecting their business, financial condition and results of operations. While the Reorganized Debtors maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover the total amount of all insured claims and liabilities. The incurrence of significant liabilities for which there is no or insufficient insurance coverage could adversely affect the Reorganized Debtors’ results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and financial condition.

 

  17.

Environmental Risks

The Debtors are subject to various environmental laws, including those governing discharges into the air and water, the storage, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, and the health and safety of their employees. The Debtors are also required to obtain permits from governmental authorities for certain operations.

The Reorganized Debtors are subject to potentially material liabilities related to the investigation and cleanup of environmental hazards and to claims of personal injuries or property damages that may arise from hazardous substance releases and exposures. The Reorganized Debtors are also subject to potentially material liabilities related to the compliance of their operations with the requirements of various federal, state, local and foreign governments that regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and the generation, handling, storage, treatment and disposal of and exposure to hazardous substances. If the Reorganized Debtors are found to be in violation of these laws and regulations, they may be subject to substantial fines and criminal sanctions and be required to install costly equipment or make operational changes to achieve compliance with such laws and regulations. In addition, changes in laws, regulations or government enforcement of policies concerning the environment, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or new information related to individual contaminated sites, the establishment of stricter state or federal toxicity standards with respect to certain contaminants, or the imposition of new clean-up requirements or remedial techniques, could require us to incur additional currently unanticipated costs in the future that would have a negative effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ financial condition or results of operations. The Reorganized Debtors cannot assure that costs of complying with current and future environmental and health and safety laws, and their liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances, will not adversely affect their financial condition.

 

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Governmental, scientific and public concern over the threat of climate change arising from greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, and regulation of GHGs and other air quality issues, may materially affect the Reorganized Debtors’ business in many ways, including increasing the costs to provide the Reorganized Debtors’ products and services and reducing demand for, and consumption of, the Reorganized Debtors’ products and services, and we may be unable to recover or pass through a significant portion of the Reorganized Debtors’ costs.

In addition, legislative, regulatory, and political responses to such issues globally may increase the Reorganized Debtors’ capital and operating costs. The adoption and implementation of new or more stringent international or domestic legislation, regulations or policies that impose more stringent standards for GHG or other emissions from their operations or generate GHG or other emissions could result in increased costs of compliance or costs of consuming, and thereby reduce demand for or value of the Reorganized Debtors’ products and services.

Moreover, climate change may pose increasing risks of physical impacts to the Reorganized Debtors’ operations and those of their suppliers, transporters and customers through damage to infrastructure and resources resulting from drought, wildfires, sea level changes, flooding and other natural disasters and other physical disruptions. One or more of these developments could have a material adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

  18.

Risks Pertaining to Operational Improvements and Repositioning Projects

The Debtors’ profitability and margin growth are dependent upon the ability to drive sustainable improvements. The Debtors seek productivity and cost savings benefits through repositioning actions and projects, such as consolidation of manufacturing facilities, transitions to cost-competitive regions, workforce reductions, asset impairments, product line rationalizations and other cost-saving initiatives. Risks associated with these actions include delays in execution of the planned initiatives, additional unexpected costs, realization of fewer than estimated productivity improvements, potential disruption of operations and adverse effects on employee morale. The Reorganized Debtors may not realize the full operational or financial benefits they expect. The recognition of these benefits may also be delayed. In addition, organizational changes, attrition, labor relations difficulties, or workforce stoppage could have a material adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ business, reputation, financial position and results of operations.

 

  19.

Risks Pertaining to System Security and Cyber-attack

The Debtors deploy and maintain IT and engineering systems, which involve sensitive information and may be conducted in hazardous environments. As a result, the Debtors are subject to systems or service failures, not only from the Debtors’ failures or the failures of third-party service providers, natural disasters, power shortages or terrorist attacks, but also from exposure to cyber or other security threats. Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to IT systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the Debtors, the Debtors’ products, the Debtors’ customers, and/or the Debtors’ third-party service providers, including cloud providers. The Debtors have been facing an increase in the frequency and sophistication of cyber and other security threats, and the Debtors’ customers are increasingly requiring cyber and other security protections and mandating cyber and other security standards in the Debtors’ products.

 

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Cyber and other security incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (the Reorganized Debtors’ own or that of third parties) and the disruption of business operations. Moreover, employee error or malfeasance, faulty password management or other intentional or inadvertent non-compliance with the Reorganized Debtors’ security protocols may result in a breach of the Reorganized Debtors’ information systems. Cyber and other security incidents aimed at the software embedded in the Reorganized Debtors’ products could lead to third-party claims that the Reorganized Debtors’ product failures have caused a similar range of damages. This risk is enhanced by the increasingly connected nature of the Reorganized Debtors’ products.

The potential consequences of a material cyber or other security incident include financial loss, reputational damage, litigation with third parties, theft of intellectual property, fines levied by the United States Federal Trade Commission, diminution in the value of the Reorganized Debtors’ investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cyber and other security protection and remediation costs due to the increasing sophistication and proliferation of threats. These consequences could in turn adversely affect the Reorganized Debtors’ competitiveness and results of operations. In addition to any costs resulting from contract performance or required corrective action, these incidents could generate increased costs or loss of revenue if the Reorganized Debtors’ customers choose to postpone or cancel previously scheduled orders or decide not to renew any of the Reorganized Debtors’ existing contracts.

The costs related to cyber or other security incidents may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. The assertion of a large claim against the Reorganized Debtors with respect to a cyber or other security incident, if successful, could seriously harm the Reorganized Debtors’ business. Even if not successful, these claims could result in significant legal and other costs, and may be a distraction to the Reorganized Debtors’ management and harm the customer relationships, as well as their reputation.

 

  20.

Risks Pertaining to Changes in Effective Tax Rate

The Reorganized Debtors’ future results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in the effective tax rate as a result of a change in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws, regulations and judicial rulings (or changes in the interpretation thereof), changes in generally accepted accounting principles, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and continuing assessments of the Reorganized Debtors’ tax exposures and various other governmental enforcement initiatives. The Reorganized Debtors’ tax expense includes estimates of tax reserves and reflects other estimates and assumptions, including assessment of the Reorganized Debtors’ future earnings which could impact the valuation of the deferred tax assets. Changes in tax laws or regulations, including multi-jurisdictional changes enacted in response to the guidelines provided by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development to address base erosion and profit shifting, will increase tax uncertainty and may adversely impact the Reorganized Debtors’ provision for income taxes.

 

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  21.

Risks Pertaining to the Debtors’ Tax Attributes

As a multinational corporation, the Debtors are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the Debtors’ global provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many intercompany transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Debtors’ income tax returns are routinely subject to audits by tax authorities. Although the Debtors regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine their tax estimates, a final determination of tax audits or tax disputes could have an adverse effect on their results of operations and financial condition. The Debtors are also subject to non-income taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, property and goods and services taxes in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. They are regularly under audit by tax authorities with respect to these non-income taxes and may have exposure to additional non-income tax liabilities which could have an adverse effect on the Debtors’ results of operations and financial condition.

For a detailed description of the effect Consummation of the Plan may have on the Debtors’ tax attributes, or how the tax implications of the Plan and the Chapter 11 Cases may adversely affect holders of Claims and Interests, see Article IX of this Disclosure Statement, titled “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Plan.”

 

  22.

Risks Pertaining to Officers and Directors Who Live Outside the United States

The Reorganized Debtors may have officers and directors who live outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to enforce within the U.S. any judgments obtained against those officers and directors or obtain judgments against them outside of the U.S. that are based on the civil liability provisions of the federal or state securities laws of the U.S. Investors may not be able to receive compensation for damages to the value of their investment caused by wrongful actions by the Reorganized Debtors’ directors and officers.

 

  23.

COVID-19 Impact on Business

The Debtors also entered these Chapter 11 Cases amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has adversely impacted and is expected to further adversely impact the Company and the results of operations. As the COVID-19 pandemic develops, governments, corporations and other entities may continue to implement restrictions or policies that adversely impact consumer spending, business spending, the economy, and the Reorganized Debtors’ businesses.

 

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The outbreak and government measures taken in response have also had a significant adverse impact, both direct and indirect, on the Debtors’ businesses and the economy. The Debtors’ manufacturing facility in Wuhan, China was shut down for six weeks in February and March 2020 and there was diminished production in the Debtors’ Shanghai, China facility for that same time period, which were the primary drivers of the decrease in sales in the Asia region during the three months ended March 31, 2020. While the Debtors’ facilities in China have re-opened, Debtors’ manufacturing facilities in Mexicali, Mexico and Pune, India were shut down for five weeks in April and May 2020 and Debtors’ manufacturing facilities in Europe operated at reduced capacity for the three months ending June 30, 2020.

These shutdowns significantly reduced the Debtors’ production volumes and had a material adverse impact on their business, results of operations and financial condition. The Debtors expect these disruptions will continue to negatively impact their revenues in 2020. The Debtors’ also have faced limitations on their employee resources, including because of stay-at-home orders from local governments, new paid time off policies, employee furloughs, state-funded layoffs, sickness of employees or their families or the desire of employees to avoid contact with large groups of people. The pandemic has also diverted management resources and the prolonged work-from-home arrangements have created business continuity and cybersecurity risks.

Certain of the Debtors’ customers have been similarly affected and are experiencing closures and labor shortages. As a result of such closures, the Debtors have experienced weakened demand from customers, who have not been able to accept orders or have delayed or cancelled orders, which has negatively affected our revenues. If this trend continues, the Debtors’ revenues will continue to be negatively impacted. Additionally, the Debtors have faced difficulty sourcing materials necessary to fulfill production requirements and meet scheduled shipments. Even if the Debtors are able to find alternate sources of supply for such materials, they may cost more, which could affect their profitability and financial condition.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly evolve. The extent to which the outbreak impacts the Debtors’ business, liquidity and financial results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the continued geographic spread of the disease, effectiveness of any vaccines, the duration of the pandemic, travel restrictions and social distancing in the European Union, China and other countries, the duration and extent of business closures or business disruptions and the effectiveness of actions taken to contain and treat the disease.

If the Debtors or the Debtors’ customers experience prolonged shutdowns or other business disruptions beyond current expectations, the Debtors’ ability to conduct business in the manner and within planned timelines could be materially and adversely impacted, and the Debtors’ business and financial results may continue to be adversely affected. Additionally, concerns over the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused extreme volatility in financial and other capital markets, which has adversely impacted and may continue to adversely impact the Debtors’ stock price and their ability to access capital markets.

 

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The Debtors continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact to their employees, their customers, their business and their results of operations. Given the unprecedented and evolving nature of the pandemic and the swift-moving response from multiple levels of government, the impact of these changes and other potential changes on the Reorganized Debtors is uncertain at this time.

 

E.

Financing Risks for the Reorganized Debtors

 

  1.

Increases in the Cost of Capital Could Adversely Affect the Reorganized Debtors’ Business

Recent and continuing disruptions and volatility in the global financial markets may lead to an increase in interest rates or a contraction in credit availability, impacting the Reorganized Debtors’ ability to finance their operations. The Reorganized Debtors’ business and operating results can be harmed by factors such as the terms and cost of capital, increases in interest rates, changes to required covenant restrictions or a reduction in credit rating. Changes in any one or more of these factors could cause the Reorganized Debtors’ cost of doing business to increase, limit their access to capital, limit their ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, reduce cash flows available, render them unable to replace reserves and production and place them at a competitive disadvantage.

 

  2.

The Reorganized Debtors May Not Be Able to Generate Sufficient Cash to Service All of Their Indebtedness

The Reorganized Debtors’ ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance their debt obligations depends on the Reorganized Debtors’ financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic, industry and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond the Reorganized Debtors’ control. The Reorganized Debtors may be unable to maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on their indebtedness, including potential borrowings under exit financing upon emergence.

 

  3.

Uncertainty Relating to the LIBOR Calculation Process and Potential Phasing Out of LIBOR After 2021 May Adversely Affect the Market Value of Current or Future Debt Obligations.

The London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is the basic rate of interest used in lending between banks on the London interbank market and is widely used as a reference for setting the interest rates on loans globally. The Debtors generally use LIBOR as a reference rate to calculate interest rates (mainly for USD borrowings) under the Debtors’ Credit Agreement. In 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is unclear if LIBOR will cease to exist at that time or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a new index, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), calculated using short-term repurchase agreements backed by Treasury securities. Whether or not SOFR, another alternative reference rate, attains market traction as a LIBOR replacement tool remains in question. If LIBOR ceases to exist, the Debtors will need to agree upon a replacement index with the banks under the Debtors’ Credit Agreement, and certain of the interest rates under the Debtors’ Credit Agreement may change. The new rates may not be as favorable to the Debtors as those in effect prior to any LIBOR phase-out. In addition, the transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in reductions in the value of certain instruments or the effectiveness of related transactions such as hedges, increased borrowing costs, uncertainty under applicable documentation, or difficult and costly consent processes. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, may result in expenses, difficulties, complications or delays in connection with future financing efforts, which could have a material adverse impact on the Reorganized Debtors’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Some of the Debtors’ customers, prospective customers, suppliers or other companies with whom the Debtors conduct business may need assurances that the Debtors’ financial stability on a stand-alone basis is sufficient to satisfy their requirements for doing or continuing to do business with them. Any failure of parties to be satisfied with the Reorganized Debtors’ financial stability could cause these parties to cease to do business with the Reorganized Debtors, which could have a material adverse effect on the Reorganized Debtors’ business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

F.

Additional Risks Factors

 

  1.

Debtors Could Withdraw Plan

The Plan may be revoked or withdrawn prior to the Confirmation Date by the Debtors.

 

  2.

Debtors Have No Duty to Update

The statements contained in the Disclosure Statement are made by the Debtors as of the date hereof, unless otherwise specified herein, and the delivery of the Disclosure Statement after that date does not imply that there has been no change in the information set forth herein since that date. The Debtors have no duty to update the Disclosure Statement unless otherwise ordered to do so by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  3.

No Representations Outside the Disclosure Statement Are Authorized

No representations concerning or related to the Debtors, the Chapter 11 Cases, or the Plan are authorized by the Bankruptcy Court or the Bankruptcy Code, other than as set forth in the Disclosure Statement. Any representations or inducements made to secure your vote for acceptance or rejection of the Plan that are other than those contained in, or included with, the Disclosure Statement should not be relied upon in making the decision to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

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  4.

No Legal or Tax Advice Is Provided by the Disclosure Statement

The contents of the Disclosure Statement should not be construed as legal, business, or tax advice. Each holder of a Claim or Interest should consult their own legal counsel and accountant as to legal, tax, and other matters concerning their Claim or Interest. The Disclosure Statement is not legal advice to you. The Disclosure Statement may not be relied upon for any purpose other than to determine how to vote on the Plan or object to confirmation of the Plan.

 

  5.

No Admission Made

Nothing contained herein or in the Plan will constitute an admission of, or will be deemed evidence of, the tax or other legal effects of the Plan on the Debtors or Holders of Claims or Interests.

ARTICLE X

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the consummation of the Plan to Debtors and certain beneficial owners of Claims or Interests entitled to vote on the Plan. Except as otherwise indicated, this discussion assumes that the Restructuring Transactions are consummated pursuant to the Restructuring Documents. The following summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to Holders who are Unimpaired or otherwise entitled to payment in full in Cash under the Plan or who are deemed to reject the Plan. In addition, this summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Plan to a Holder of a Honeywell Plan Claim.

The discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences below is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Tax Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations, judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and other applicable authorities, all as in effect on the date of this Disclosure Statement and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations (possibly with retroactive effect). The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the contemplated transactions are complex and subject to significant uncertainties. The Debtors have not requested an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the IRS with respect to any of the tax aspects of the contemplated transactions. This summary does not address non-U.S., state, or local tax consequences of the contemplated transactions, nor does it address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the transactions to special classes of taxpayers (e.g., small business investment companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, banks and certain other financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans, individual retirement and other tax-deferred accounts, Holders that are, or hold their Claims or Interests through, S corporations or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, persons who use the accrual method of accounting and report income on an “applicable financial statement” (as defined in Section 451 of the Tax Code), persons who receive their Claims or Interests pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, dealers in securities or foreign currency, traders that elect to use the mark-to-market method of tax accounting for their securities, and persons whose Claims or Interests are part of a straddle, hedging, constructive sale, or conversion transaction). In addition, this discussion does not address the alternative minimum tax, the “Medicare” tax on net investment income, or U.S. federal taxes other than income taxes. Unless otherwise indicated, this discussion assumes that all Claims and Interests are held as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Tax Code and that the various debt and other arrangements to which the Debtors are a party will be respected for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with their respective forms. This summary does not discuss differences in tax consequences to Holders of Claims or Interests that otherwise act or receive consideration in a capacity other than any other Holder of a Claim or Interests of the same Class or Classes, and the tax consequences for such Holders may differ materially from that described below.

 

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If a partnership or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Claims or Interests, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in such a partnership holding any of such instruments, you should consult your own tax advisor.

The following summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for careful tax planning and advice based upon your individual circumstances. All Holders of Claims or Interests are urged to consult their tax advisors for the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences applicable under the Plan.

 

A.

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to the Debtors

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, GMI is the common parent of an affiliated group of companies that files a single consolidated U.S. federal income tax return (the “Tax Group”), of which part of the other Debtors are members or are disregarded entities, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned by a member of the Tax Group. The Debtors estimate that, as of the Petition Date, the Tax Group had material built-in losses that are expected to contribute to “net unrealized built-in loss” and potential additional tax attributes that may have been generated since December 31, 2019, the amount of which will only be determinable after the close of the Debtors’ respective taxable years (collectively, the “Tax Attributes”).

 

  1.

Limitation of NOLs, Built-in-Losses and Other Tax Attributes

Under sections 382 and 383 of the Tax Code, if a corporation (or consolidated group) undergoes an “ownership change” within the meaning of section 382 or 383 of the Tax Code (an “Ownership Change”) the amount of its NOLs, tax credit carryforwards, net unrealized built-in losses, and possibly certain other attributes allocable to periods prior to the Ownership Change (collectively, the “Pre-Change Losses”) that may be utilized to offset future taxable income generally are subject to an annual limitation. For this purpose, if a corporation has a “net unrealized built-in loss” at the time of an Ownership Change (taking into account most assets and items of “built-in” income and deductions), then, in general, built-in losses (including depletion, amortization, or depreciation deductions attributable to such built-in losses) recognized during the following five years (up to the amount of the original net unrealized built-in loss) will be treated as Pre- Change Losses and similarly will be subject to the annual limitation. In general, a corporation’s (or consolidated group’s) net unrealized built-in loss will be deemed to be zero unless it is greater than the lesser of (a) $10,000,000 or (b) 15% of the fair market value of its assets (with certain adjustments) before the Ownership Change. The Debtors expect that the Plan will give rise to an ownership change for this purpose and that the Reorganized Debtors’ use of the Pre-Change Losses of the Tax Group will be subject to limitation unless an exception to the general rules of Sections 382 of the Tax Code applies.

 

135


In general, the amount of the annual limitation to which a corporation (or consolidated group) that undergoes an ownership change will be subject is equal to the product of (A) the fair market value of the stock of the corporation (or common parent of the consolidated group) immediately before the ownership change (with certain adjustments) multiplied by (B) the “long-term tax-exempt rate” in effect for the month in which the ownership change occurs. For a corporation (or consolidated group) in bankruptcy that undergoes an ownership change pursuant to a confirmed bankruptcy plan, the fair market value of the stock of the corporation is generally determined immediately after (rather than before) the ownership change after giving effect to the discharge of creditors’ claims, subject to certain adjustments; in no event, however, can the stock value for this purpose exceed the pre-change gross value of the corporation’s assets.

 

  2.

Cancellation of Indebtedness Income (“CODI”)

In general, the Tax Code provides that a corporate debtor in a bankruptcy case must reduce certain of its tax attributes—such as NOL carryforwards and current year NOLs, capital loss carryforwards, tax credits, and tax basis in assets—by the amount of any CODI incurred pursuant to a confirmed chapter 11 plan. The amount of CODI incurred is generally the amount by which the indebtedness discharged exceeds the value of any consideration given in exchange therefor. Certain statutory or judicial exceptions may apply to limit the amount of CODI incurred for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If advantageous, a corporate debtor can elect to reduce the basis of depreciable property prior to any reduction in its NOL carryforwards or other tax attributes. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, the reduction in certain tax attributes occurs under consolidated return principles, as in the case of the Debtors who are members of the Tax Group. Any reduction in tax attributes in respect of CODI generally does not occur until after the determination of the debtor’s net income or loss for the taxable year in which the CODI is incurred.

In general, absent an exception, a taxpayer will realize and recognize CODI upon satisfaction of its outstanding indebtedness for total consideration less than the amount of such indebtedness. Under section 108 of the Tax Code, a taxpayer is not required to include CODI in gross income (a) if the taxpayer is under the jurisdiction of a court in a case under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and the discharge of debt occurs pursuant to that case (the “Bankruptcy Exception”), or (b) to the extent that the taxpayer is insolvent immediately before the discharge (the “Insolvency Exception”). Instead, as a consequence of such exclusion, a taxpayer-debtor must reduce its tax attributes by the amount of CODI that it excluded from gross income pursuant to the rule described in the preceding sentence. Such reduction in tax attributes occurs only after the tax for the year of the debt discharge has been determined (including, as described above, the amount of gain or loss recognized by the Debtors with respect to the sale of their assets). In general, tax attributes will be reduced in the following order: (a) NOLs and NOL carryforwards; (b) most tax credits; (c) capital loss carryovers; (d) tax basis in assets (but not below the amount of liabilities to which the debtor remains subject); (e) passive activity loss and credit carryovers; and (f) foreign tax credits. Alternatively, the taxpayer can elect first to reduce the basis of its depreciable assets pursuant to section 108(b)(5) of the Tax Code. Any excess CODI over the amount of available tax attributes is not subject to U.S. federal income tax and generally has no other U.S. federal income tax impact.

 

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The Treasury Regulations address the method and order for applying tax attribute reduction to an affiliated group of corporations. Under these Treasury Regulations, the tax attributes of each member of an affiliated group of corporations that is excluding CODI are first subject to reduction. To the extent the debtor-member’s tax basis in stock of a lower-tier member of the affiliated group is reduced, a “look through rule” requires that a corresponding reduction be made to the tax attributes of the lower-tier member. If a debtor-member’s excluded CODI exceeds its tax attributes, the excess CODI is applied to reduce certain remaining consolidated tax attributes of the affiliated group.

 

B.

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims and Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims

As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Claims or Interests that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

  1.

Gain or Loss

Pursuant to the Plan, each Holder of an Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim or an Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim (together, “Voting Claims”) is entitled to receive, in satisfaction and discharge of its Allowed Claim, an amount of Cash. Generally, a U.S. Holder of a Voting Claim will recognize gain or loss with respect to its Allowed Claim in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount (or fair market value) of any consideration received (other than any consideration attributable to a Claim for accrued but unpaid interest) and (ii) the adjusted tax basis of the Allowed Claim exchanged therefor (other than basis attributable to accrued but unpaid interest previously included in the Holder’s taxable income). See below — “Character of Gain or Loss” and —“Distributions in Discharge of Accrued Interest.” The adjusted tax basis of an Allowed Claim is generally equal to the initial tax basis of such Allowed Claim, increased by any original issue discount (“OID”) or market discount previously included in income by the U.S. Holder in respect of the Allowed Claim and reduced by any amortizable bond premium that reduced interest income, and any payments other than qualified stated interest, in respect of the Allowed Claim. If an Allowed Claim was purchased with foreign currency, the initial tax basis of such Allowed Claim would generally be the U.S. dollar value of such Claim on the date of purchase. If an Allowed Claim is satisfied or discharged for an amount in foreign currency, the amount realized would be the U.S. dollar value of such amount on the date the Allowed Claim is satisfied or discharged.

 

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  2.

Character of Gain or Loss

Where gain or loss is recognized by a U.S. Holder, the character of such gain or loss as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss or as ordinary income or loss will be determined by a number of factors, including (i) the tax status of the Holder, (ii) whether the Claim constitutes a capital asset in the hands of the Holder and how long it has been held, (iii) whether the Claim was acquired at a market discount and (iv) whether and to what extent the Holder previously claimed a bad debt deduction.

Under the “market discount” provisions of the Tax Code, some or all of any gain realized by a U.S. Holder of a Claim may be treated as ordinary income (instead of capital gain) to the extent of the amount of “market discount” on such Claim. A U.S. Holder that purchased its Claim from a prior Holder may be considered to have purchased such Claim with “market discount” if the Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Claim is less than the stated redemption price of such Claim at maturity by at least a de minimis amount. Under these rules, any gain recognized on the exchange of Claims (other than in respect of a Claim for accrued but unpaid interest) generally will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount accrued (on a straight-line basis or, at the election of the Holder, on a constant yield basis) during the Holder’s period of ownership, unless the Holder elected to include the market discount in income as it accrued. If a Holder of Claims did not elect to include market discount in income as it accrued and, thus, under the market discount rules, was required to defer all or a portion of any deductions for interest on debt incurred or maintained to purchase or carry its Claims, such deferred amounts would become deductible at the time of the exchange.

 

  3.

Distributions in Discharge of Accrued Interest

In general, to the extent that any consideration received pursuant to the Plan by a U.S. Holder of a Claim is received in satisfaction of interest accrued during its holding period, such amount will be taxable to the Holder as interest income (if not previously included in the Holder’s gross income). Conversely, a U.S. Holder may be entitled to recognize a deductible loss to the extent any accrued interest was previously included in its gross income and is not paid in full.

 

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The Plan provides that consideration received in respect of a Claim is generally allocable first to the principal amount of the Claim (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and then, to the extent of any excess, to any Claim for accrued but unpaid interest. There is no assurance that the IRS will respect such allocation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the allocation of consideration received under the Plan and the taxation or deductibility of unpaid interest for tax purposes.

 

C.

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of Prepetition Credit Agreement Claims or Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claims

As used in this section of the Disclosure Statement, the term “non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of an Allowed Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim or an Allowed Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership or other entity or arrangement taxable as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

A non-U.S. Holder of a Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim or a Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain recognized in a fully taxable redemption of such Claims or Interests unless (a) the non-U.S. Holder is an individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the redemption and certain other conditions are met (in which case the non-U.S. Holder will be subject to 30% U.S. federal income tax (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate) on any gain recognized, net of certain U.S. source net capital losses), or (b) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business (in which case such gain will be taxed as described below).

Consideration received by a non-U.S. Holder in redemption for a Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim or a Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim, to the extent it represents accrued but unpaid interest or OID, generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, provided that such amounts are not effectively connected with the non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business and: (a) the non-U.S. Holder is not a “10-percent shareholder” with respect to New GMI within the meaning of section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Tax Code; (b) the non-U.S. Holder is not a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is related to New GMI within the meaning of section 864(d)(4) of the Tax Code; (c) the non-U.S. Holder is not a bank described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Tax Code; and (d) the non-U.S. Holder provides a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, certifying its non-U.S. status and exemption from FATCA withholding, if applicable.

Alternatively, such accrued but unpaid interest (or accrued OID) will be exempt from, or subject to a reduced rate of, U.S. federal withholding tax if (a) such non-U.S. Holder provides a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, claiming an exemption from or reduction in withholding under an applicable tax treaty or (b) such interest is effectively connected with such non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business and such non-U.S. Holder provides a properly completed IRS Form W-8ECI.

Accrued but unpaid interest (or imputed interest) that is not exempt from withholding or subject to a reduced rate as described above will be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax.

 

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If any gain or income (including amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid interest) recognized by a non-U.S. Holder upon the redemption of a Prepetition Credit Agreement Claim or a Senior Subordinated Noteholder Claim is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. Holder, the non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax described above (provided that the certification requirements described above are satisfied), will generally be subject to tax on a net income basis as if it were a U.S. Holder (unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise). In addition, if such non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation and the gain or income (including amounts attributable to accrued and unpaid interest) is effectively connected with its conduct of a U.S. trade or business, such non-U.S. Holder may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) of its effectively connected earnings and profits subject to adjustments.

 

D.

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of GMI Common Stock

Pursuant to the Plan, a Holder of Existing Common Stock will have the option to (a) either (i) receive a number of shares of GMI Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Existing Common Stock held by each such Holder and each such Holder’s Pro Rata share of the Subscription Rights or (ii) if the Holder makes a Cash Election, receive cash equal to $6.25 for each share.

If a Holder of Existing Common Stock makes a Cash Election with respect to such Holder’s Existing Common Stock, the cash received in exchange for and in lieu of receiving shares of GMI Common Stock generally will be treated as received in exchange of Existing Common Stock. A Holder of Existing Common Stock that is treated as receiving cash in exchange for such Holder’s Existing Common Stock generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received; and the Holder’s adjusted basis in the Existing Common Stock.

Generally, a distribution of stock, including distribution of rights to acquire stock, including the Subscription Rights, by a corporation to its stockholders with respect their stock is not taxable to such stockholders pursuant to Section 305(a) of the Tax Code. As a result, no income would be recognized in connection with the issuance of the Subscription Rights pursuant to the Plan.

The tax basis of the subscription rights will depend on the fair market value of the subscription rights received and the fair market value of the shares of Existing Common Stock on the date of receipt of the Subscription Rights. The tax basis of the subscription rights will be zero unless either (i) the fair market value of the subscription rights on the date of distribution is equal to at least 15% of the fair market value on such date of the shares of Existing Common Stock with respect to which they are received or (ii) the Holder elects to allocate part of the tax basis of such shares to the Subscription Rights. In such cases, the original basis of the shares of Existing Common Stock will be allocated between the shares of Existing Common Stock exchanged for GMI Common Stock and the subscription rights in proportion to the relative fair market values of shares of Existing Common Stock and subscription rights determined as of the date of the receipt of the subscription rights.

 

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  1.

U.S. Holders of Existing Common Stock

Amounts paid to a U.S. Holder that are treated as dividends are generally taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Generally, any distributions paid on the GMI Common Stocks to a U.S. Holder will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of New GMI as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent the amount of any distribution exceeds available earnings and profits, the excess will be applied against and will reduce the Holder’s adjusted tax basis in respect of the stock as to which the distribution was made, but not below zero. Any remaining excess will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock. Dividends paid to a noncorporate U.S. Holder will qualify for taxation at preferential rates for qualified dividend income if such Holder meets certain holding period and other applicable requirements. If a U.S. Holder is a corporation, dividends received by it will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction if it meets certain holding period and other applicable requirements. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate or dividends-received deduction in light of their particular circumstances.

Gain or loss that a U.S. Holder recognizes with respect to a sale or exchange of their Existing Common Stock will be capital gain or loss if the Existing Common Stock has been held by the U.S. Holder as a capital asset. Such gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the Existing Common Stock has been held for more than one year.

 

  2.

Non-U.S. Holders of Existing Common Stock

Subject to the discussions below regarding FATCA withholding (defined below) and backup withholding, except as described below, for a non-U.S. Holder of Existing Common Stock, amounts treated as dividends with respect to Existing Common Stock are subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if the non-U.S. Holder is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate, provided such Holder provides the applicable withholding agent with:

 

   

a valid Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or an acceptable substitute or applicable successor form upon which the non-U.S. Holder certifies, under penalties of perjury, the non-U.S. Holder’s status as a person who is not a United States person and entitlement to the lower treaty rate with respect to such payments; or

 

   

in the case of payments made outside the United States to an offshore account (generally, an account maintained by you at an office or branch of a bank or other financial institution at any location outside the United States), other documentary evidence establishing the non-U.S. Holder’s entitlement to the lower treaty rate in accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations.

If a non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of United States tax under an income tax treaty or because any such distribution is treated as a non-taxable return of capital or as capital gain because it is in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits as described above, the non-U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of that rate by filing a refund claim with the IRS.

 

141


If dividends paid to a non-U.S. Holder are “effectively connected” with such Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States, and, if required by an income tax treaty, the dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment that the non-U.S. Holder maintains in the United States, payors are generally not required to withhold tax from the dividends, provided that the non-U.S. Holder has furnished to the relevant payor a valid IRS Form W-8ECI or an acceptable substitute or applicable successor form upon which such Holder certifies, under penalties of perjury, that:

 

   

such Holder is not a United States person; and

 

   

the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States and are includible in such Holder’s gross income.

“Effectively connected” dividends are taxed on a net basis at rates applicable to United States citizens, resident aliens and domestic United States corporations.

For a corporate non-U.S. holder, “effectively connected” dividends received may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if it is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate.

Any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Existing Common Stock by such non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxation unless:

 

   

the investment in Existing Common Stock is effectively connected with the non-U.S. Holder’s United States trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. Holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. Holders with respect to any gain;

 

   

the non-U.S. Holder is a non-resident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a tax home in the United States, in which case the non-resident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual’s net capital gains for the taxable year.

 

   

New GMI is a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of the Tax Code and applicable Treasury Regulations (“USRPHC”) at any time within the shorter of (i) the five-year period preceding the disposition or (ii) the non-U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Existing Common Stock.

 

  3.

Holders of GMI Common Stock Subscription Rights

If a Holder exercises the Subscription Rights, the Holder will not recognize any gain or loss. A Holder’s tax basis of shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock acquired through the exercise of such Subscription Rights will equal the sum of (i) the subscription price paid for the shares, plus (ii) the tax basis, if any, of the Subscription Rights immediately prior to such exercise. The holding period for shares of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock acquired through the exercise of such Subscription Rights should begin on the date the Subscription Rights are exercised.

 

142


A Holder who allows the Subscription Rights to expire generally will not recognize any gain or loss upon such expiration. If a Holder has tax basis in the Subscription Rights, the tax basis of the shares owned by the Holder with respect to which such Subscription Rights were distributed will be restored to the tax basis of such shares immediately prior to the receipt of the Subscription Rights.

 

  4.

U.S. Holders of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock

[To come]

 

  5.

Non-U.S. Holders of Convertible Series A Preferred Stock

[To come]

 

E.

FATCA

Pursuant to sections 1471 through 1474 of the Tax Code (commonly referred to as “FATCA”), foreign financial institutions (which term includes most foreign hedge funds, private equity funds, mutual funds, securitization vehicles and other investment vehicles) and certain other foreign entities who do not comply with certain information reporting rules with respect to their U.S. account holders, investors or owners may be subject to a 30% withholding tax with respect to any payments of U.S.-source interest or dividends. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. Holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Non-U.S. Holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of the FATCA provisions to them based on their particular circumstances.

 

F.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of interest or dividends and any other reportable payments, possibly including amounts received pursuant to the Plan and payments of proceeds from the sale, retirement or other disposition of the exchange consideration, may be subject to “backup withholding” (currently at a rate of 24%) if a recipient of those payments fails to furnish to the payor certain identifying information and, in some cases, a certification that the recipient is not subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts deducted and withheld generally should be allowed as a refund or credit against that recipient’s U.S. federal income tax, provided that appropriate proof is timely provided under rules established by the IRS. Furthermore, certain penalties may be imposed by the IRS on a recipient of payments who is required to supply information but who does not do so in the proper manner. Backup withholding generally should not apply with respect to payments made to certain exempt recipients, such as corporations and financial institutions. Information may also be required to be provided to the IRS concerning payments, unless an exemption applies. Holders of Claims or Interests should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and information reporting and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption. U.S. Treasury regulations generally require disclosure by a taxpayer on its U.S. federal income tax return of certain types of transactions in which the taxpayer participated, including, among other types of transactions, certain transactions that result in the taxpayer’s claiming a loss in excess of certain thresholds. Holders of Claims or Interests should consult their tax advisors regarding these regulations and whether the contemplated transactions under the Plan would be subject to these regulations and require disclosure on their tax returns.

 

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The foregoing summary has been provided for informational purposes only and does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular holder’s circumstances and income tax situation. All Holders of Claims or Interests are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the federal, state, local, and other tax consequences applicable under the Plan.

ARTICLE XI

RECOMMENDATION

In the opinion of the Debtors, the Plan is preferable to the alternatives described herein. Therefore, the Debtors recommend that Holders of Claims and Interests entitled to vote on the Plan vote to accept it.

 

144


Dated: January 22, 2021

 

Respectfully submitted,
Garrett Motion Inc.
By:  

/s/ Jerome Maironi

  Name:   Jerome Maironi
  Title:   Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary


Appendix A

Debtors’ Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization

under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code


Appendix B

Liquidation Analysis


Appendix C

Solicitation Procedures Order


Appendix D

Financial Projections


Appendix E

Estimated Enterprise Valuation Analysis


Exhibit A

Debtors’ Organizational Structure