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Date
Rule
802.63
Staff
Michael Verne
Response/Comments
Advised that 802.63 is inapplicable to this transaction. There is no expectation of repayment of the debt and the debt is being acquired in connection with a plan of reorganization in bankruptcy.

Question

From: [redacted]
To: FTC.SER mverne@ftc.gov")
Date: 4/22/02
Subject: HSR filing issue

Good Morning Mike - We talked about this transaction before, but the structure has changed slightly. I wanted to double check that 802.63 is still inapplicable and confirm that a filing will be required. The facts are substantially as follows:

A (a "vulture fund") has entered into an agreement with B to provide $50 million of DIP financing in connection with the commencement by B of a case under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code and the filing of a proposed plan of reorganization. Following confirmation of the proposed plan and corporate reorganization, the DIP facility will convert into equity of the reorganized B. Such equity will constitute 55% of the total equity of reorganized B. A's debt securities which currently total 80% of B's total debt securities, will also convert to equity upon confirmation of the proposed plan and reorganization of B. After the proposed plan is confirmed and B is reorganized, A will hold approximately 88% of the total equity of reorganized B. Please assume that both the size-of-parties and size-of-transaction tests will be met.

Assuming that a filing is required, is the executed DIP Financing Agreement sufficient to make the HSR filing or would we also need Bankruptcy Court approval?

Thanks so much.

[redacted]

About Informal Interpretations

Informal interpretations provide guidance from PNO staff on the applicability of the HSR rules to specific fact situations. They do not necessarily reflect the position of the Commission. You should not rely on them as a substitute for reading the Act and the Rules themselves. These materials do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. 

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