EX-2.2 3 dex22.htm SECOND AMENDED AND COMBINED REORGANIZATION PLAN AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Second Amended and Combined Reorganization Plan and Disclosure Statement

Exhibit 2.2

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN

SOUTHERN DIVISION

 

In re:   )      Chapter 11
  )     
TARPON INDUSTRIES, INC., et al.,1   )      Case No. 08-50367
  )      (Jointly Administered)
Debtors.   )     
  )      Judge Steven W. Rhodes

 

  )     

SECOND AMENDED COMBINED REORGANIZATION PLAN

AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

DATED OCTOBER 13, 2008

MCDONALD HOPKINS PLC

Stephen M. Gross, Esquire

Jeffrey S. Grasl, Esquire

39533 Woodward Avenue, Suite 318

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

T: (248) 646-5070

F: (248) 646-5075

Counsel for the Debtors

 

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The Debtors are: Tarpon Industries, Inc. a Michigan corporation, tax identification #30-0030900, and Eugene Welding Co. a Michigan corporation, tax identification #38-1451474.


I. PLAN OF LIQUIDATION OF TARPON INDUSTRIES, INC. AND EUGENE WELDING

COMPANY (the “Debtors”) UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms, when used in the Reorganization Plan, shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

1.0

Definitions

1.01 “Administrative Bar Date” means the last date on which a request for payment of an Administrative Expense Claim may be filed, as set forth in Article 3 of the Reorganization Plan.

1.02 “Administrative Expense Claim” or “Administrative Claim” means any right to payment constituting a cost or expense of administration of the Case under Sections 503(b) and 507(a)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, including without limitation: (a) any actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred after the Petition Date of preserving the Estate and operating the Debtors’ businesses; (b) Claims that have been determined by a Final Order to constitute an administrative expense of the Estate; (c) compensation Claims by Professionals; and (d) any fees or charges assessed against and payable by the Debtors under Section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code.

1.03 “Allowed” means with reference to any Claim: any Claim (a) proof of which was Filed within the applicable period of limitation fixed by the Court in accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 3003(c)(3) and as to which the Debtors or the Liquidation Trustee have not Filed an objection on or before the expiration of the time period set forth for the objection to such Claim in the Reorganization Plan, the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, or an Order of the Bankruptcy Court fixing an objection date, or as to which, and to the extent, any objection has been determined by a Final Order in favor of the relevant Claim holder; (b) listed on the Schedules, as amended, as other than disputed, contingent or unliquidated; (c) that has been allowed by a Final Order of the Court (provided, however, that Claims allowed solely for the purpose of voting to accept or reject the Reorganization Plan shall not be considered Allowed Claims hereunder); (d) the Secured Claims of Laurus; (e) expressly allowed under or pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Plan; or (f) on behalf of such Claim no consideration has or will be received, in whole or in part, by the Claim holder from any other source on account of such Claim.

1.04 “Assets” means all assets and property of the Estates of the Debtors, regardless of whether reflected in the financial records of the Debtors, including but not limited to: equipment, cash, deposits, refunds, rebates, abatements, fixtures, real property interests, contractual interests, intangibles, Claims, Causes of Action, Estate Litigation, suits, setoffs, recoupments, equitable or legal rights, interests and remedies.

1.05 “APA” means the Asset Purchase Agreement executed by Debtors as Sellers and Laurus its designee as Purchaser on June 27, 2008, as amended [Docket No. 131].

1.06 “Auction Sale” means the sale of the Assets pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Bid Procedures Order, and as approved by the Sale Order.

1.07 “Bankruptcy Code” means title 11 of the United States Code, as amended and in effect on the Petition Date.

 

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1.08 “Bankruptcy Rules” means (a) 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 and (b) the local rules of the Court, in each case, as in effect on the Petition Date.

1.09 “Beneficiaries” means holders of: (i) Allowed Claims in Classes 3, and 4 that are entitled to receive Distributions under the Reorganization Plan and/or Liquidation Trust; and (ii) Allowed Administrative Expense Claims.

1.10 “Bid Procedures Order” means that certain Order (A) Approving Bidding Procedures, (B) Scheduling Bid Deadline, Auction Date and Sale Hearing, and Approving Notice thereof; and (C) Approving Procedure to Fix Cure Amounts Related to Assumption and Assignment of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases and Approving Notice thereof entered on June 26, 2008 [Docket No. 130].

1.11 “Business Combination” means a business combination for Reorganized Tarpon with an appropriate candidate, including all required and applicable SEC filings.

1.12 “Business Day” means any day other than: (a) a Saturday; (b) a Sunday and (c) a “legal holiday” as defined in Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a).

1.13 “Case” means the bankruptcy cases of the Debtors (Bankruptcy Case Nos. 08-50367 and 080-50381, jointly administered, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division—Detroit).

1.14 “Cash” means legal tender of the United States of America.

1.15 “Causes of Action” means any and all actions, causes of action, rights, suits, debts, sums of money, damages, judgments, claims, and demands whatsoever, whether known or unknown, existing or hereafter arising, in law, equity, or otherwise, including but not limited to, all rights and causes of action permitted under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code, based in whole or in part upon any act or omission or other event occurring prior to the Petition Date or during the course of the Case, including through the Effective Date, that belong to the Debtors. The term “Causes of Action” shall expressly exclude any claims against Laurus.

1.16 “Claim” means any claim against the Debtors, regardless of whether asserted and regardless of whether known, as the term “claim” is defined in Section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, and shall include, but is not limited to: Administrative Expense Claims; Disputed Claims; any claims arising from or related to any Equity Interests and Claims; General Unsecured Claims; Priority Claims; and Secured Claims.

1.17 “Class” means each of the groups of holders of Claims or Equity Interests described in Article 5 of the Reorganization Plan.

1.18 “Collateral” means any property or interest in property of the Estate subject to a Lien to secure the payment or performance of a Claim up to the Allowed amount of such Claim, which Lien is not subject to avoidance or otherwise invalid under the Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law, and excluding the Causes of Action.

1.19 “Committee” means the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors appointed in the Debtors’ Case on May 6, 2008.

 

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1.20 “Confirmation Date” means the date on which the Confirmation Order becomes a Final Order.

1.21 “Confirmation Hearing” means the hearing held by the Court to consider the confirmation of the Reorganization Plan, as it may be adjourned or continued from time to time.

1.22 “Confirmation Order” means an order of the Court confirming the Reorganization Plan under Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code that has become a Final Order.

1.23 “Court” means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division—Detroit.

1.24 “Current Officers” and “Current Directors” means the officers and directors of Tarpon and Eugene prior to the Effective date.

1.25 “Debtors” means Tarpon Industries, Inc. and Eugene Welding Company, prior to the Effective Date.

1.26 “Disclosure Statement” means the Disclosure Statement filed pursuant to Section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Reorganization Plan of the Debtors under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, including all exhibits, appendices, and schedules thereto, if any, as same may be amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time.

1.27 “Disclosure Statement Approval Order” means a Final Order granting approval the Disclosure Statement.

1.28 “Disputed Claim” means a Claim or any portion thereof: (a) listed on the Schedules as unliquidated, disputed or contingent; (b) as to which the Debtors, or the Liquidation Trustee has Filed a timely objection or a request for estimation in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, which objection or request for estimation has not been withdrawn or determined by a Final Order; (c) for which the amount or classification of the Claim specified in the relevant proof of claim exceeds the amount or classification of any corresponding Claim listed in the Schedules by the Debtors; (d) for which no corresponding Claim has been listed in the Schedules by the Debtors; (e) on behalf of which Claim the Claim holder has received consideration, in whole or in part, from another source on account of such Claim; (f) that is not an Allowed Claim; or (g) that is otherwise disputed by the Debtors or the Liquidation Trustee in accordance with applicable law, and in regards to which such dispute has not been withdrawn or determined by a Final Order.

1.29 “Disputed Reserve” means the amount of Cash that would have been distributed on the Distribution Date, or in subsequent Distributions, to the holders of Disputed Claims if such Disputed Claims had in fact been Allowed on such date: (a) for liquidated Claims, in the amount asserted in a filed Proof of Claim or Administrative Claim; and (b) for unliquidated Claims, the amount estimated by the Liquidation Trustee as the maximum reasonable amount that could ultimately be allowed by the Court.

1.30 “Distribution” means a distribution of Cash or other property of the Estate made in accordance with the Reorganization Plan or the Liquidation Trust.

1.31 “Distribution Date” means the date on which the Liquidation Trustee shall make the Distribution, which shall be a date selected by the Liquidation Trustee.

 

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1.32 “Effective Date” means the first business day after which the Confirmation Order becomes a Final Order.

1.33 “Entity” or “Entities” means an entity as defined in Section 101(15) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.34 “Equity Interests” means: (a) any capital stock or other ownership interest in the Debtors; (b) any option, warrant, or right to purchase, sell, or subscribe for an ownership interest in, or other equity security of, the Debtors; (c) any and all redemption, conversion, exchange, voting, participation, or dividend rights or liquidation preferences relating to any of the foregoing; as they exist prior to the Effective Date.

1.35 “Equity Claims” means: all Claims arising in connection with an Equity Interest, including, without limitation, Claims arising from the rescission of a purchase or sale of an equity security of the Debtors, for damages arising from the purchase or sale of such security, or for reimbursement or contribution under Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code on account of such Claim and attorneys’ fees associated therewith.

1.36 “Estate” means the estate of the Debtors created by Section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code upon the commencement of the Case.

1.37 “Estate Litigation” means all proceedings arising from or relating to: (i) all Claims, (ii) objections to Claims, (iii) Causes of Action, including but not limited to, any litigation or claims that can be instituted or asserted by the Estate, Liquidation Trust, Reorganized Tarpon, the Committee or by any party on behalf of or for the benefit of the Estate or Liquidation Trust, including, but not limited to, to recover preferences, fraudulent conveyances or avoidance actions, or any other claim of or cause of action of any kind whatsoever arising under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.38 “Eugene” means Eugene Welding Co.

1.39 “File” or “Filed” means, with respect to any pleading, entered on the docket of the Case and properly served in accordance with the Bankruptcy Rules.

1.40 “Final Order” means an order or judgment of the Court as to which the time to appeal, petition for certiorari, seek mandamus, or move for reargument, reconsideration, or rehearing has expired and as to which no appeal, petition for certiorari, or other proceedings for reargument, reconsideration, or rehearing is pending; or, if an appeal, writ of certiorari, or petition for mandamus, reargument, reconsideration, or rehearing has been Filed or sought with respect to any order or judgments of the Court, that order or judgment has been affirmed by the highest court to which it was appealed, or certiorari has been denied or mandamus, reargument, reconsideration, or rehearing has been denied or resulted in no modification thereof, and the time to take any further appeal, petition for certiorari, or move for mandamus, reargument, reconsideration, or rehearing shall have expired; provided, however, that the possibility that a motion under Rule 60 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (or any analogous motion under the Bankruptcy Rules) may be Filed with respect to an order or judgment shall not cause such order or judgment not to be a Final Order.

1.41 “Financing Order” means the Final Order Authorizing (A) Secured Post-Petition Financing Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105, 361, 362 and 364(c) and (d); (B) Granting Security Interests, Superpriority Claims and Adequate Protection; and (C) Use of Cash Collateral entered in the Case on June 5, 2008 [Docket No. 101], and as amended from time to time pursuant to orders of the Court.

 

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1.42 “General Unsecured Claim” means an Allowed unsecured Claim that is not a Priority Claim, including Allowed rejection damage Claims asserted under the provisions of Article 9.2.

1.43 “Heartland” means Heartland Steel Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Laurus.

1.44 “Impaired” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.45 “Insiders” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 101(31) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.46 “Junior Secured Creditors” means any entities possessing a Secured Claim against the Debtors that is junior in priority to the Secured Claims of Laurus.

1.47 “Laurus” means Laurus Master Fund, Ltd., together with PSource Structured Debt, Ltd. and Laurus Master Fund Ltd.’s affiliates, agents or assignees, including without limitation Valens U.S. SPV I, LLC and Valens Offshore SPV II Corp.

1.48 “Liabilities” means the all the liabilities of the Debtors’ Estate, whether or not reflected in the financial records of the Debtors.

1.49 “Lien” has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 101(37) of the Bankruptcy Code, except that a lien that has been or may be avoided shall not constitute a Lien for the purposes of the Reorganization Plan.

1.50 “Liquidation Trust” means that Liquidation Trust established pursuant to the Reorganization Plan in which the Liquidation Trust Assets shall vest as set forth in the Reorganization Plan on the Effective Date.

1.51 Liquidation Trust Agreement” means that agreement that governs the operation and management of the Liquidation Trust, in a form substantially similar to Addendum B.

1.52 “Liquidation Trustee” means the person vested with the authority under the Liquidation Trust to administer the Liquidation Trust, as defined in Article 6 of this Reorganization Plan.

1.53 Liquidation Trust Assets” means all of the assets transferred or granted to the Liquidation Trust, consisting of: (i) the Causes of Action and Estate Litigation; (ii) the Liquidation Trust Proceeds; (iii) the Liquidation Trust Contribution; and (iv) all remaining Assets not sold to Purchaser pursuant to the Sale Order or assigned to Laurus pursuant to Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan.

1.54 “Liquidation Trust Contribution” means all assets, whether in the form of cash or equity, contributed to the Liquidation Trust by Laurus or the Purchaser, and as described in Articles 6 and 7 of the Reorganization Plan, consisting of: (i) a single payment of $210,000 from Laurus, which was already paid at the closing of the Auction Sale pursuant to the APA and is being held by Debtors’ counsel pending the confirmation of the Reorganization Plan, and which shall be allocated as follows: $50,000 for Committee’s Professional Fees; up to $10,000 for U.S. Trustee Fees pursuant to Section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code; and $150,000 for the Liquidation Trustee for use in the administration of the Liquidation Trust and the performance of his duties thereunder; (ii) a 10% equity interest (consisting of non-voting common stock) in Purchaser, which shall be assigned by Purchaser to the Liquidation Trust via the issuance of warrants of Purchaser, which warrant shall contain the customary terms and protections for a minority shareholder, but shall not grant the Liquidation Trust a “put” right or a guaranteed exit right, and which shall be

 

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transferred by Purchaser so as to ensure that the transfer of such equity interest to the Liquidation Trust shall be subject to and governed by the appropriate exemptions for the transfer of such interests under applicable law; and (iii) 10% of Laurus’s equity participation in Reorganized Tarpon, as further described in section 7.14 of the Reorganization Plan. Except as set forth in this Plan relating to the post-Effective Date expenses of Reorganized Tarpon in connection with the Restructuring Transaction (as defined in Article 7) or as otherwise set forth in this definition of Liquidation Trust Contribution, Laurus shall have no further obligation to provide any additional funding to the Liquidation Trust (whether in the form of Cash or otherwise).

1.55 “Liquidation Trust Proceeds” means the proceeds from the collection, liquidation, sale or other disposition of the Debtors’ Assets as of the Effective Date, including the proceeds received from any Causes of Action or Estate Litigation.

1.56 “New Common Stock” shall mean the common voting stock of Reorganized Tarpon to be issued to Laurus pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Reorganization Plan.

1.57 “New Officers” and “New Directors” means the officers and directors of Reorganized Tarpon after the Effective Date.

1.58 “Notice of Intent” means the Notice of Intent to Assume Indebtedness in Connection with Purchase of Substantially All of Debtors’ Assets entered in the Case on July 25, 2008 [Docket No. 147].

1.59 “Petition Date” means April 29, 2008 the date on which the Debtors Filed their chapter 11 petitions and commenced the Case.

1.60 “Priority Claim” means any Allowed Claim of a kind specified in Sections 502(i) or 507(a)(4), (5), (7), or (8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.61 “Professional” means any person or Entity employed by the Debtors or the Committee pursuant to a Final Order in accordance with Sections 327, 328, or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code, and to be compensated for services rendered prior to and after the Effective Date pursuant to Sections 327, 328, 329, 330, or 331 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.62 “Pro Rata Proportion” means, with reference to any Distribution on account of any Allowed Claim in any Class, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) that the amount of the Allowed Claim bears to the aggregate amount of all Allowed Claims in that Class.

1.63 “Purchaser” means Heartland Steel Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Laurus, as purchaser of the Debtors’ assets.

1.64 “Record Date” means the record date for determining the entitlement to receive Distributions under the Reorganization Plan on account of Allowed Claims, which shall be the date the Disclosure Statement Approval Order is entered.

1.65 “Released Parties” or “Released Party” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Article 9.

1.66 “Reorganization Plan” means this Reorganization Plan under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code as the same may be amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.

 

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1.67 “Reorganized Tarpon” means Tarpon on or after the Effective Date.

1.68 “Representatives” means without limitation any existing or former affiliate, subsidiary, member, officer, director, partner, stockholder, trustee, members, representative, employee, agent, attorney, advisor, financial advisor, accountant, other Professional, their successors or assigns, Reorganized Tarpon or any person who is or was in control of any of the foregoing.

1.69 “Sale” means the assignment and transfer of substantially all of the Debtors’ Assets to Purchaser pursuant to the Sale Order and APA.

1.70 “Sale Order” means that certain Order entered by the Court after the Sale Hearing (as defined in the Financing Order and Bid Procedures Order) on July 29, 2008 in connection with the Auction Sale of substantially all of Debtors’ Assets provided for in the Financing Order [Docket No. 156].

1.71 “Schedules” means the schedules of assets and liabilities and the statements of financial affairs Filed by the Debtors in the Case pursuant to Section 521 of the Bankruptcy Code [Docket Nos. 79, 80, 82 and 83], and as such schedules and statements have been or may be supplemented or amended from time to time.

1.72 “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

1.73 “Secured Claim” means an Allowed Claim that is secured by a Lien (which is valid, perfected and enforceable under applicable law or by reason of a Final Order) on the property in which the Estate has an interest or that is subject to a setoff under Section 553 of the Bankruptcy Code, to the extent of the value of the Collateral, as determined in accordance with Section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, or to the extent of the amount subject to the setoff.

1.74 “Secured Claims of Laurus” means the Secured Claims of Laurus, including the Indebtedness as defined in the Financing Order, which has been Allowed in the amount of $19,314,784.53 as of July 24, 2008 as identified in the Notice of Intent, secured in the Assets pursuant to the Financing Order and subsequently reduced as further described in section 5.1.2.

1.75 “Subordinated Secured Creditors” means any entities possessing a Secured Claim against the Debtors that are subordinated to the Secured Claims of Laurus.

1.76 “Tarpon” means Tarpon Industries, Inc.

1.77 “Trust Advisory Board” means the advisory board created for the Liquidation Trust and as further described in section 6.4.

1.78 “Trust Expenses” means expenses of the Liquidation Trust.

1.79 “Unclaimed Property” means any Distributions that are returned to the Liquidation Trustee or Liquidation Trust as: (i) undeliverable to a Beneficiary, or (ii) unclaimed by a Beneficiary, as further described in section 8.5.1.

1.80 “Unimpaired” means an Allowed Claim or Equity Interest that is not “Impaired” within the meaning of Section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.81 “United States Trustee” means the United States Trustee appointed under Section 591 of title 28 of the United States Code to serve in the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.

 

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ARTICLE 2

INTERPRETATION, APPLICATION OF DEFINITIONS,

RULES OF CONSTRUCTION, AND COMPUTATION OF TIME

Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in either 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 neuter. For purposes of the Reorganization Plan: (a) any reference in the Reorganization Plan to a contract, instrument, release, indenture, or other agreement or document being in a particular form or on particular terms and conditions means that the document shall be substantially in that form or substantially on those terms and conditions; (b) any reference in the Reorganization Plan to an existing document or exhibit Filed or to be Filed means the document or exhibit as it may have been or may be amended, modified, or supplemented; and (c) unless otherwise specified, all references in the Reorganization Plan to Articles, Schedules, and Exhibits are references to articles, schedules, and exhibits of or to the Reorganization Plan. Unless otherwise specified, the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereunder,” and other words of similar meaning refer to the Reorganization Plan as a whole and not to any particular article, section, subsection, or clause contained in the Reorganization Plan. A capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to that term in the Bankruptcy Code. The rules of construction contained in Section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply to the construction of the Reorganization Plan.

The headings in the Reorganization Plan are for convenience of reference only and shall not expand, limit, or otherwise affect the provisions of the Reorganization Plan. Unless otherwise indicated herein, all references to dollars are to United States dollars.

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

ARTICLE 3

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CLAIMS

 

3.1

Administrative Expense Claims

All Allowed Administrative Claims, which consist of Allowed post-petition Claims under Section 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, as well as Allowed prepetition Claims under Section 503(b)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code, including all tax claims accruing post-petition, shall be paid in cash, in full, on the later of (i) the due date or thirty (30) days after entry of a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court Allowing such Administrative Claim, or (ii) if the Administrative Claim is not disputed by the Debtors or the Liquidation Trustee and is an Allowed Claim, the later of its due date or thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of the Reorganization Plan. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Sale Order, the budget to the Financing Order, or other prior orders of the Court, Laurus shall have no obligation to pay any Allowed Administrative Claims of the Estate. Nothing herein is intended to nor shall it expand the obligations of Laurus to pay any Allowed Administrative Claims or other Claims of the Estate beyond such obligations, if any, contained in the APA, the Sale Order, the budget to the Financing Order, or other prior orders of the Court. Pursuant to Section 2.3(d) of the APA between Debtors and Purchaser approved by the Sale Order, the Purchaser has assumed and is obligated to satisfy certain Allowed Administrative Claims. Laurus has funded all monies

 

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for which Laurus was obligated under the Plan, the APA, the Sale Order, the budget to the Financing Order, and other prior orders of the Court.

 

3.2

Statutory Fees

All fees payable pursuant to Section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code shall be paid (i) if due and owing, on or prior to the Effective Date of a confirmed Reorganization Plan by the Purchaser, and (ii) if arising post Confirmation Date, as and when due from the Liquidation Trust Assets.

 

3.3

Professional Compensation

In the case of Administrative Claims of all Professionals, Professionals shall file final fee applications for services provided to or for the benefit of the Debtors and/or the Committee within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of the confirmed Reorganization Plan. Prior to or at the closing of the Auction Sale of Debtors’ assets under the Sale Order, Laurus paid into trust with counsel for the Debtors sufficient funds required by the Financing Order (and the budget approved by the Financing Order) toward payment of outstanding Administrative Claims of Debtors’ or the Committee’s Professionals, which amounts shall be applied to such outstanding Administrative Claims of Professionals to the extent such Administrative Claims are Allowed by entry of an Order of the Bankruptcy Court. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Laurus shall have no liability for nor any further obligations relating to any Administrative Claims of any Professional and the Purchaser shall have no liability for nor any obligation relating to any Administrative Claims of any Professional.

Except as provided above, Professionals asserting unpaid Administrative Claims based on any services rendered before the Confirmation Date must File and serve Reorganized Tarpon, the Liquidation Trustee, and their respective counsel, and such other Entities as are designated by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Confirmation Order, or any other order of the Court, an application for final allowance of such Claims no later than 30 days after the Effective Date of the Reorganization Plan. Subject to the provisions of this section 3.3, once approved, the Administrative Claims of Professionals shall be paid in accordance with the payment of Allowed Administrative Claims set forth above in Section 3.1 of the Reorganization Plan, from the monies held in trust, or other existing or subsequent orders of the Court. The Liquidation Trust shall pay Administrative Claims arising from Allowed claims of individual Committee members for expense reimbursement and for the Allowed Claims of the Committee’s Professionals. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Sale Order, the budget to the Financing Order, or other prior orders of the Court, Laurus shall have no obligation to pay any Claims of the Estate, including but not limited to Allowed Administrative Claims of the Estate. Nothing herein is intended to nor shall it expand the obligations of Laurus to pay any Allowed Administrative Claims or other Claims of the estate beyond such obligations, if any, contained in the APA, the Sale Order, the budget to the Financing Order, or other prior orders of the Court. Pursuant to Section 2.3(d) of the APA between Debtors and Purchaser approved by the Sale Order, the Purchaser has assumed and is obligated to satisfy certain Allowed Administrative Claims. Laurus has funded all monies for which Laurus was obligated under the Reorganization Plan, the APA, the Sale Order, the budget to the Financing Order, and other prior orders of the Court. To the extent any Professional’s Allowed Administrative Claims are not paid in full, each such Professional shall have an Allowed Unsecured Claim under Class IV of the Plan equal to the amount of any deficiency.

 

3.4

Administrative Claim Bar Date

Pursuant to Local Bankruptcy Rule 3003-1 of the Eastern District of Michigan, any Administrative Claim arising under Section 503(b)(9) is barred unless a motion for allowance of such Claim was made on or prior to August 28, 2008, or the Court has otherwise previously entered an order Allowing such Claim. Any other requests for the payment or allowance of an Administrative Claim (other than the Administrative

 

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Claims of Professionals, which are dealt with in Section 3.3, above, and Claims under Section 503(b)(9)) shall be discharged and barred forever and shall not be enforceable unless such request for the payment of an Administrative Claim is Filed and served upon Debtors or Reorganized Tarpon, as the case may be, and the Liquidation Trustee, on or before the date that is thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of the Reorganization Plan, or if the Court has previously entered an order in this bankruptcy Case granting a creditor an Administrative Claim, such creditor serves a copy of the order granting such Administrative Claim upon the Debtors or Reorganized Tarpon, as the case may be, and the Liquidation Trustee, within such thirty (30) day period.

ARTICLE 4

CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS

The categories of Claims and Equity Interests listed below classify Claims and Equity Interests for all purposes, including voting, confirmation, and distribution pursuant to the Reorganization Plan and pursuant to Sections 1122 and 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. A Claim shall be deemed to be classified in a particular Class only to the extent that such Claim qualifies within the description of that Class, and shall be deemed classified in a different Class to the extent that the remainder of such Claim qualifies within the description of such different Class. A Claim is in a particular Class only to the extent that such Claim is an Allowed Claim.

The classification of Claims and Equity Interests of the Debtors pursuant to the Reorganization Plan are as follows:

 

Class

  

Class Name

  

Status

Class 1

  

Allowed Priority Claims

  

Not Impaired – Not entitled to vote

Class 2

  

Allowed Secured Claim of Laurus

  

Impaired – entitled to vote

Class 3

  

Allowed Secured Claim of all Junior Secured Creditors and Subordinated Secured Creditors

  

Impaired – entitled to vote

Class 4

  

Allowed General Unsecured Claims

  

Impaired – entitled to vote

Class 5

  

Equity Interests and Claims

  

Impaired – deemed to have rejected the Reorganization Plan and not entitled to vote

ARTICLE 5

TREATMENT OF ALLOWED CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS UNDER THE

REORGANIZATION PLAN; ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE REORGANIZATION PLAN

The following treatment set forth in this Article 5 shall be accorded to Allowed Claims against, and Equity Interests in, the Debtors.

 

5.1

Impaired Claims

 

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5.1.1

Class 1: Allowed Priority Claims

Class 1 consists of all Allowed Priority Claims. Unless the Debtors, the Liquidation Trustee or the Purchaser and the holder of such Allowed Priority Claim agree to a different treatment, and subject to the provisions of Article 6 of the Reorganization Plan, if applicable, each holder of an Allowed Priority Claim shall be paid, within thirty (30) days of the Allowance of such Claim, the Allowed amount of its Claim by (i) Purchaser, to the extent such Claims were assumed by Purchaser under the APA and Sale Order, or (ii) if not so assumed by the Purchaser, the proceeds of the Liquidation Trust by the Liquidation Trustee. Debtors, Reorganized Tarpon, the Liquidation Trustee and the Purchaser reserve the right to dispute any asserted Priority Claim pursuant to Articles 6 and 8 of the Reorganization Plan.

Class 1 is not Impaired, and the holders of Class 1 Allowed Claims are deemed to have accepted the Reorganization Plan.

 

 

5.1.2

Class 2: Secured Claims of Laurus

Class 2 consists of the Secured Claims of Laurus. Pursuant to the Sale Order and the APA, and as set forth in the Notice of Intent, a portion of the Secured Claims of Laurus, in the amount of $18,461,270.53, has been assumed by Purchaser as the purchaser of Debtors’ assets, reducing the Secured Claims of Laurus to $853,514.00 as of July 25, 2008.

To the extent that the Secured Claims of Laurus were not paid in full from the Auction Sale, pursuant to the Financing Order, Laurus will waive its right to a distribution from the Liquidation Trust and Liquidation Trust Proceeds on account of its deficiency claim, if any, as an Allowed Administrative Claim pursuant to section 364(c)(1), as an Allowed Administrative Claim and as an Allowed General Unsecured Claim. Under no circumstances shall Laurus be entitled to receive a Distribution from the Liquidation Trust. Laurus shall not be allowed to vote its deficiency claim, if any, under Class IV.

Class 2 is Impaired and is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Reorganization Plan.

 

 

5.1.3

Class 3: Allow Secured Claim of High Capital Funding and it Participants

Class 3 consists of the Allowed Secured Claim(s) of Junior Secured Creditors and Subordinated Secured Creditors. Based upon the value of Debtors’ Assets the entirety of the Class 3 Claims are undersecured. As such, the Allowed Secured Claim of all Junior Secured Creditors and Subordinated Secured Creditors shall be treated as a General Unsecured Claim pursuant to Class 4 of the Reorganization Plan (below), and, contingent upon their General Unsecured Claims being Allowed, may participate as Class 4 General Unsecured Creditors as agreed between the Class 3 Claimant(s) and the Liquidation Trustee as provided in the Liquidation Trust.

Class 3 is Impaired and is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Reorganization Plan.

 

 

5.1.4

Class 4: Allowed General Unsecured Claims

Class 4 consists of all Allowed General Unsecured Claims, including (to the extent they are Allowed Claims) (i) the deficiency claims arising from non-payment of Professionals’ Allowed Administrative Expense Claims, the deficiency claim of the Class 3 Creditor(s), but EXCLUDING the deficiency claim of the Class 2 Creditor, (ii) all holders of Claims arising from rejected

 

11


executory contracts or unexpired leases, and (iii) all trade creditors. Unless the Liquidation Trustee and the holder of such Claim agree to a different treatment, and subject to the provisions of this Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust, following resolution of (A) all Disputed Claims; (B) Causes of Action and Estate Litigation; and (C) other Estate Claims, each holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall receive a pro-rata share of the Liquidation Trust Assets remaining after the administration of the Liquidation Trust.

Class 4 is Impaired, and is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Reorganization Plan. Laurus, as the Class 2 Creditor, shall not be allowed to vote under Class IV.

 

 

5.1.5

Class 5: Equity Interests and Claims

Class 5 consists of all Equity Interests and Claims including warrants to purchase or acquire Equity Interests. The holders of the Equity Interests and Claims shall neither receive any distributions nor retain any property under the Reorganization Plan or the Liquidation Trust. As of the Effective Date, all certificates, documents and other instruments underlying Equity Interests, including warrants, shall be canceled.

Class 5 is Impaired, but because no distributions will be made to the holders of Class 5 Equity Interests and Claims, nor will such holders retain any property, such holders are deemed to have rejected the Reorganization Plan pursuant to Section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code and are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Reorganization Plan.

ARTICLE 6

THE LIQUIDATION TRUST

 

6.1

Formation of the Liquidation Trust

On the Effective Date, the Liquidation Trust shall be established for the limited purpose of: (i) administering the Liquidation Trust Assets, (ii) resolving all Disputed Claims as of the Effective Date, and (iii) making all Distributions provided for under the Reorganization Plan in respect of Class 4 Allowed Claims and all other Claims that may become Class 4 Allowed Claims subsequent to the Effective Date. The Liquidation Trust is intended to qualify as a liquidating trust pursuant to United States Treasury Regulation section 301.7701-4(d). The Liquidation Trust shall be governed under the laws of the State of Ohio.

 

6.2

The Liquidation Trustee

The Liquidation Trustee shall be designated by the Committee, subject to the approval of the Court. The Liquidation Trustee shall be independent of the Debtors. The Committee shall file a notice not less than ten (10) days prior to the Confirmation Hearing designating the person who has been selected as the Liquidation Trustee, and shall include an affidavit from the proposed Liquidation Trustee demonstrating that such individual is “disinterested” (within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code). For purposes of this paragraph, no person shall be deemed not “disinterested” merely as a consequence of serving as a professional retained by the Committee in the Chapter 11 Case. If approved by the Court, the person so designated shall become the Liquidation Trustee on the Effective Date. The Liquidation Trustee shall have and perform all of the duties, responsibilities, rights, and obligations set forth in the Liquidation Trust Agreement. The Liquidation Trustee may be removed by the Court for cause shown or pursuant to the terms of the Liquidation Trust Agreement.

 

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6.3

Funding of the Liquidation Trust

On the Effective Date, the Debtors and Laurus shall transfer and convey all right, title, and interest in the Liquidation Trust Assets to the Liquidation Trust, and all Liquidation Trust Assets shall automatically and irrevocably vest in the Liquidation Trust without further action on the part of the Debtors, Laurus, the Liquidation Trustee, or the Court, and with no reversionary interest in the Debtors or Laurus, except as otherwise provided in the Reorganization Plan.

The Liquidation Trust Assets shall include the following: (i) the Causes of Action and Estate Litigation; (ii) the Liquidation Trust Proceeds; (iii) the Liquidation Trust Contribution (as defined in section 1.54, above); and (iv) all remaining Assets not sold to Purchaser pursuant to the Sale Order or assigned to Laurus pursuant to Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan. The Liquidation Trust Assets do not include any real estate or interests in real estate of the Debtors, if any.

The transfer of the Liquidation Trust Assets to the Liquidation Trust shall be made for the benefit and on behalf of all Class 4 Allowed Claim claimants entitled to receive distributions from the Liquidation Trust under the Reorganization Plan. The assets comprising the Liquidation Trust Assets will be treated for tax purposes as being transferred by the Debtors or Laurus to the Beneficiaries entitled to receive distributions from the Liquidation Trust under the Reorganization Plan in exchange for their Allowed Claims, and then by the Beneficiaries entitled to receive distributions from the Liquidation Trust under the Reorganization Plan to the Liquidation Trust in exchange for a beneficial interest in the Liquidation Trust. Such Beneficiaries shall be treated as the grantors and owners of the Liquidation Trust. Upon the transfer of the Liquidation Trust Assets, the Liquidation Trust shall succeed to all of the Debtors’ rights, title, and interest in the Liquidation Trust Assets, and neither the Debtors nor Laurus will have any further interest in or with respect to the Liquidation Trust Assets.

Upon the transfer of the Liquidation Trust Assets to the Liquidation Trust, the Debtors and their Estates shall have no other or further rights or obligations with respect to the Liquidation Trust except as specifically set forth in the Reorganization Plan; provided, however, that the Debtors and Laurus will make reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Liquidation Trustee in achieving and effectuating the intent and purpose of the Liquidation Trust.

 

6.4

The Trust Advisory Board

An advisory board (the “Trust Advisory Board”) shall be created for the Liquidation Trust and shall be comprised of at least two (2) members, each of whom shall be designated by the Committee. The Committee shall file notice of the identities of such members with the Court not less than ten (10) days prior to the Confirmation Hearing.

The Trust Advisory Board shall adopt such bylaws as it may deem appropriate. The Liquidation Trustee shall consult regularly with the Trust Advisory Board when carrying out the purpose and intent of the Liquidation Trust. In the event of the resignation or removal of the Liquidation Trustee, the Trust Advisory Board shall, by majority vote, designate a person to serve as successor Liquidation Trustee.

The members of the Trust Advisory Board shall be entitled to reimbursement of the reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out the purpose of the Liquidation Trust in accordance with the Liquidation Trust Agreement. Such reimbursement shall be payable solely from the Liquidation Trust.

Upon the certification by the Liquidation Trustee that the Liquidation Trust Assets have been liquidated, distributed, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of, the members of the Trust Advisory Board shall resign their positions, whereupon they shall be discharged from further duties and responsibilities.

 

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6.5

Responsibilities of Liquidation Trustee

The Liquidation Trustee will be in control of and authorized and empowered to carry out the terms and conditions of this Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust and will have those responsibilities created by this Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust upon the terms and conditions summarized therein, and will, for the benefit of the Beneficiaries, exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust in the same manner, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise and use under the circumstances in the conduct of its/his own affairs, and further agrees to receive and disburse all of the Liquidation Trust Assets in accordance with the terms thereof and this Reorganization Plan. More specifically, Liquidation Trustee shall have the right, power, authority, standing and approval and shall be empowered to:

 

 

(a)

perform all of the obligations and agreements of the Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust provided for herein;

 

 

(b)

keep and maintain in a trust account for the benefit of the Liquidation Trust into which proceeds resulting from the initial receipt or from the sale or other disposition of, or from the income resulting from, all or any part of the liquidation of Debtors’ Assets and/or the prosecution of Causes of Action or Estate Litigation;

 

 

(c)

keep and maintain trust accounts for the benefit of the Liquidation Trust into which accounts the Trustee may place the Disputed Reserves;

 

 

(d)

commence, continue, prosecute, litigate and/or settle and compromise Causes of Action and Estate Litigation against the Debtors and third parties on behalf of the Liquidation Trust and for the benefit of the Beneficiaries thereof;

 

 

(e)

to object to any Claims (disputed or otherwise), and to compromise or settle any Claims prior to, during or after objection and/or to seek Court approval for any settlements of Claims;

 

 

(f)

make distributions in respect of Allowed Class 4 Claims and all other Claims that become Allowed Claims subsequent to the Effective Date in accordance with the Reorganization Plan;

 

 

(g)

transfer, assign or sell all equity interests in the Purchaser pursuant to the appropriate exemption;

 

 

(h)

transfer, assign or sell its equity interests in Reorganized Tarpon, as issued to the Liquidation Trust pursuant to section 7.14;

 

 

(i)

collect, receive and give receipt for all sums of money or other property due to the Debtors, their Estates or the Liquidation Trust and, if necessary, foreclose upon any security agreement or the like securing any liability or obligation owed to the Debtors, their Estates, or Liquidation Trust, or liquidate any securities held by the Debtors, their Estates or the Liquidation Trust as a pledge and/or take any other actions necessary to the collection, receipt or disposition of any Assets of the Estates;

 

 

(j)

compromise or settle disputes with respect to warranty claims or disputes, or debt obligations owed to the Debtors, the Estate or the Liquidation Trust;

 

 

(k)

execute and deliver all releases, satisfactions and termination statements as may be required in connection with full payment of any debt obligation secured by any lien or security interest;

 

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(l)

retain and/or terminate professional persons, in its discretion, to assist in the duties and responsibilities ascribed to him under this Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust. The reasonable fees and expenses of all professionals retained by the Liquidation Trustee shall be paid first from (i) the cash component of the Liquidation Trust Contribution, then (ii) the Liquidation Trust Proceeds obtained from the liquidation and/or prosecution of the Causes of Action and Estate Litigation. Professionals of the Liquidation Trustee may reserve in their client trust accounts amounts sufficient to pay such fees and expenses from the proceeds of the Liquidation Trust Contribution or the proceeds of recoveries from such Causes of Action and Estate Litigation;

 

 

(m)

satisfy all reporting requirements for the Liquidation Trust, and all assets held by or on behalf of the Liquidation Trust, to the relevant reporting authority;

 

 

(n)

file with the Bankruptcy Court semi-annual reports regarding the liquidation or other administration of property comprising the Liquidation Trust Assets, the distributions made by it, and other matters required to be included in such report; and

 

 

(o)

except as otherwise ordered by the Court, and subject to the terms of the Reorganization Plan, pay any fees and expenses incurred by the Liquidation Trust on or after the Effective Date in accordance with the Liquidation Trust Agreement.

Subject to the other terms of the Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust, the Liquidation Trustee shall also have the right, power, authority, standing and approval to commence, continue, prosecute, litigate and/or settle and compromise Causes of Action and any other Estate Litigation or Claim against third parties. The Liquidation Trustee shall also have the right, standing and approval to object to the allowance of any Claim.

The Liquidation Trustee may, in his sole discretion, and without order of the Court, allow Reorganized Tarpon or the Trust Advisory Board to commence, continue, prosecute, litigate and/or settle and compromise any Causes of Action and any other Estate Litigation or Claim against third parties on behalf of the Liquidation Trust and/or the Debtors’ Estate, and the Reorganized Tarpon or the Trust Advisory Board shall have the right, power, authority, standing and approval to commence such Causes of Action and any other Estate Litigation or Claim upon the request of the Liquidation Trustee.

 

6.6

Claims Against Liquidation Trust

All persons having any claim against the Liquidation Trust or its Professionals (which for purposes of this Article 6, the term “Professionals” shall also include the Trust Advisory Board and the Professionals employed by the Trust Advisory Board) in connection with its performance of its rights, powers and duties as such shall only look to the Liquidation Trust and the Liquidating Trust Assets for payment or satisfaction thereof.

 

6.7

Commingling of Assets and Liquidation Trust Proceeds

The Liquidation Trustee shall not commingle any of the Debtors’ Assets or the Liquidation Trust Assets with its own property or the property of any other person.

 

6.8

Reliance on Others

The Liquidation Trustee may rely upon and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any certificates, opinions, statements, instruments or reports believed by it to be genuine and to have

 

15


been signed or presented by the proper person or persons, provided, however, that the Liquidation Trustee shall be under a duty to have examined the same to determine whether or not such writings conform to the requirements of this Reorganization Plan.

 

6.9

Liability for Errors and Omissions

The Liquidation Trust, Liquidation Trustee, the Trust Advisory Board and all Professionals, and agents of same, shall not be liable for any error of business judgment or with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it, unless it shall be proved that they or their agents shall have been grossly negligent or shall have acted with willful misconduct in ascertaining the pertinent facts or in performing any of their rights, powers or duties according to this Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust. In the event gross negligence and willful misconduct is proven, the Beneficiaries shall be entitled to reimbursement of their reasonable costs, including attorney’s fees. Neither the Liquidation Trustee nor the Trust Advisory Board make any representations as to: (i) the value or condition of the Assets of the Debtors or any part thereof, (ii) the dollar amount, if any, which may be collected as a result of pursuing Causes of Action or Estate Litigation (iii) the amount at which Liabilities may be settled, (iv) the amount of any Distributions to be made in accordance with this Reorganization Plan from the Liquidation Trust Assets and (v) the security afforded by this Reorganization Plan, or as to the validity, execution (except its own execution), enforceability, legality or sufficiency of this Reorganization Plan, and the Liquidation Trustee, the Trust Advisory Board and all Professionals shall incur no liability or responsibility in respect of such matters.

 

6.10

Indemnification

The Liquidation Trustee, Trust Advisory Board, their Professionals and agents shall be indemnified by and receive reimbursement from the Liquidation Trust Assets (whether or not distributed to the Beneficiaries) against and from any and all loss, liability, cost, damage or expense which it may incur or sustain in the exercise and performance of any of its powers and duties pursuant to this Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust unless such loss, liability, cost, damage or expense shall be incurred or sustained as a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Liquidation Trustee, Trust Advisory Board, or their Professionals and agents. All claims of Liquidation Trustee, Trust Advisory Board, their Professionals or agents for indemnification or reimbursement under this Article 6 shall be first offset against any portion of the Assets of the Debtors including, but not limited to, the Liquidation Trust Proceeds or, at Liquidation Trustee’s discretion, against any payment or distribution made or to be made in accordance with Articles 5 and 8 of this Reorganization Plan.

 

6.11

Tax Treatment of the Liquidation Trust

Liquidation Trustee may pay taxes from the Liquidation Trust Assets as appropriate. In addition, the Liquidation Trust shall require consistent valuation of the property contributed to the Liquidation Trust by the Liquidation Trustee and the Beneficiaries for all federal income tax purposes. The Liquidation Trust is intended to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a liquidating trust for the benefit of creditors or claimants within the meaning of Treasury Regulations section 301.7701-4(d) and in accordance with IRS Revenue Procedure 94-45, and, as a grantor trust under Section 677 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Accordingly, the Liquidation Trust Assets in respect of holders of Class 4 Claims shall be treated for all purposes of the Internal Revenue Code as (i) a transfer of such distribution to such Class 4 creditors who are the beneficiaries of the Liquidation Trust; and (ii) a transfer to the Liquidation Trust by the Beneficiaries, who will be treated as the grantors and deemed owners of the Liquidation Trust Assets. The Liquidation Trustee shall be responsible for filing all federal, state, and local tax returns for the Liquidation Trust as a grantor trust pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations, including Treasury Regulation Section 1.671-4(a), and any income of the Liquidation Trust will be treated as subject to tax on a current basis. Subject to the receipt of any definitive guidance of the IRS or the Bankruptcy Court, any claims reserve is

 

16


intended to qualify and be treated as a disputed ownership fund pursuant to Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.468B-9. As such, any disputed claims reserve shall report and pay any taxes on its income, the Liquidation Trustee shall act as the “administrator” of the disputed ownership fund, and the disputed claims reserve shall be subject to the continuing jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court. Currently, no money or other property shall be distributed to any Person holding a disputed claim except to the extent that such disputed claim becomes an Allowed Claim pursuant to the Plan.

 

6.12

Reports to be Filed by the Creditor Trust

The Liquidation Trust shall file with the Court semi-annual reports regarding the liquidation or other administration of property comprising the Liquidation Trust Assets, the distributions made by it, and other matters required to be included in such report in accordance with the Liquidation Trust Agreement.

 

6.13

Investment Authority

The Liquidating Trustee shall have investment powers which are limited to those powers reasonably necessary to maintain the value of the Liquidating Trust assets and to further the liquidating purpose of the trust as further described in IRS Revenue Procedure 94-45. The Liquidating Trustee may only invest in demand and time deposits, such as short-term certificates of deposit, in banks or other savings institutions, or other temporary, liquid investments, such as Treasury Bills as specified in Revenue Procedure 94-45. Income earned on investments shall be deemed a part of the Liquidation Trust Assets. Further, the Liquidating Trustee shall be required to distribute at least annually to the Beneficiaries (as such may have been determined at such time) its net income (net of Taxes paid, if any), except for amounts retained as reasonably necessary to maintain the value of the Liquidation Trust Assets or to meet claims and contingent liabilities.

 

6.14

Exemption From Certain Transfer Taxes

Pursuant to Section 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, any transfers from the Debtors or the Liquidation Trust to any Entity pursuant to the Reorganization Plan in the United States shall not be taxed under any law imposing a stamp tax or other similar tax. Such exemption specifically applies, without limitation, to all documents necessary to evidence and implement distributions under the Reorganization Plan.

 

6.15

Termination

Termination of the Liquidation Trust shall occur no later than five (5) years after the Effective Date, unless the Bankruptcy Court shall approve an extension based upon a finding that such an extension is necessary for the Liquidation Trust to complete its purpose.

 

6.16

Privileges

To the full extent permitted by law, the Debtors shall irrevocably transfer to the Liquidation Trustee, as its legal successor, all rights of the Debtors and their Estates to exercise or waive any privilege, including the attorney-client privilege, accountant-client privilege, work-product privilege or other privilege or immunity attaching to any document or communication (whether written or oral) (collectively, the “Privileges”), and the Debtors and the Liquidation Trustee are authorized to take all necessary actions to effectuate the transfer of the Privileges. All such Privileges also shall vest in the Liquidation Trust and its representatives, to the full extent permitted under law. This transfer is self-executing as of the Effective Date, provided however, that the Liquidation Trustee and the Debtors are authorized and directed to take any

 

17


and all necessary actions to effectuate the transfer of such Privileges. After the Effective Date, the Liquidation Trustee shall have the exclusive power and authority to assert or waive the Privileges.

ARTICLE 7

MEANS FOR EXECUTION OF RESTRUCTURING PLAN

 

7.1

Restructuring Transaction

The events and matters set forth in this Article 7 (the “Restructuring Transaction”) shall occur on or before the Effective Date, and shall be effective as of the Effective Date. The purpose of the restructuring plan established by this Article 7 shall be to create a marketable entity which shall merge with another business entity upon a future date. By virtue of receiving equity in the Reorganized Tarpon, the Creditors will benefit from the Reorganized Tarpon’s planned acquisition or merger with another entity. The Liquidation Trust will receive New Common Stock in the Reorganized Tarpon in the amount set forth in this Article 7. The ultimate effect of the Restructuring Transaction upon confirmation by the Court, will be the Reorganized Tarpon having issued and outstanding approximately 7,500,000 shares of New Common Stock. The Reorganized Tarpon will be capitalized by Laurus in a sufficient sum to allow it to engage with a target company to merge into the core business of the target company, but only to the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction.

 

7.2

Continued Existence of Reorganized Tarpon

Reorganized Tarpon’s existence shall continue after the Effective Date. Reorganized Tarpon will not have any liability for any pre-petition Claims against either of the Debtors other than obligations set forth in this Reorganization Plan and Claims against Reorganized Tarpon shall be discharged pursuant to Section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code. The entry of the Confirmation Order will be deemed to meet or obviate the need for all necessary shareholder approval or notice requirements under applicable law of the State of Michigan necessary to implement the Reorganization Plan or to amend its corporate charter to meet the requirements of the Plan. Each officer of Reorganized Tarpon will be authorized to file all necessary documentation to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Reorganization Plan. Eugene shall, pursuant to Section 1141(d)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code, not receive a discharge of Claims against it.

 

7.3

Issued Stock Under Restructuring Transaction

Issuance of New Common Stock. On the Effective Date, or as soon as is practicable, Reorganized Tarpon shall issue 750,000 shares of new common stock (“New Common Stock”) to the Liquidation Trust for the benefit of the general unsecured creditors holding Allowed Claims and 6,750,000 shares of New Common Stock to Laurus, so that the following capital structure of Reorganized Tarpon shall be effectuated:

Laurus – 90%

Unsecured Creditors – 10%

 

7.4

Registration of New Common Stock

Laurus and the Liquidation Trustee shall have the right to become a party to an agreement on the Effective Date providing for the preparation and filing of a registration statement or similar document with respect to the New Common Stock and in compliance with Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (such agreement is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement shall contain customary terms and conditions in a form reasonably agreed to by Reorganized Tarpon and Laurus.

 

18


7.5

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Reorganized Tarpon shall contain provisions necessary to prohibit the issuance of nonvoting equity securities as required by Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, subject to further amendment of such Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as permitted by applicable law. Reorganized Tarpon may amend its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws without the need of shareholder approval or notice; provided, however, that reasonable notice will be provided to the Liquidation Trustee.

 

7.6

Provisions Regarding Corporate Governance and Management of Reorganized Tarpon

(a) General. On the Effective Date, the management, control, and operation of Reorganized Tarpon shall become the general responsibility of the Board of Directors of Reorganized Tarpon.

(b) Reorganized Tarpon Board of Directors. The initial Board of Directors of Reorganized Tarpon shall be disclosed not later than thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of the Reorganization Plan. Each of the members of such initial Board of Directors shall serve in accordance with applicable non-bankruptcy law and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Reorganized Tarpon, as the same may be amended from time to time.

(c) Reorganized Tarpon Officers. The initial officers of Reorganized Tarpon shall be disclosed not later than thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of the Reorganization Plan. Such officers shall serve in accordance with applicable non-bankruptcy law, any employment agreement with Reorganized Tarpon and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Reorganized Tarpon, as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

7.7

Corporate Name Change

Not later than thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of the Reorganization Plan, Reorganized Tarpon shall change its corporate name to a name other than Tarpon Industries, Inc. The location of the corporate offices as Reorganized Tarpon, on and after the Effective Date, shall be disclosed within the same 30 day period.

 

7.8

Authority to Enter into Business Combination Transaction

After the Effective Date, Reorganized Tarpon shall have all rights and authority, subject to (i) the terms of this Liquidation Plan, (ii) the applicable laws of the State of Michigan, and (iii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, to merge with or acquire, a privately-held company, without further approval by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

7.9

Restructuring Transaction Expenses

While Laurus understands that consummation in full of a Restructuring Transaction may not be possible without Laurus’ agreement to fund certain expenses required to be incurred in connection with such Restructuring Transaction, Laurus is not currently willing to consent to payment of such expenses and nothing herein shall require Laurus to (i) pursue the Restructuring Transaction or a similar transaction, unless Laurus expressly agrees to do so in writing, or (ii) incur any expenses in connection with the Restructuring Transaction or a similar transaction unless Laurus expressly agrees in writing to the incrrence of any expense related thereto. No action required by Reorganized Tarpon after the Effective Date relating

 

19


to the Restructuring Transaction is required to be paid by the Estate of the Debtors, the Liquidation Trust, or the Liquidation Trustee, and none of such expenses shall constitute Trust Expenses or an Allowed Claim. To the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction, Laurus shall be responsible for all expenses relating to any auditing and accounting work and the issuance and distribution of the New Common Stock on and after the Effective Date pursuant to the Reorganization Plan. To the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund all the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction, Laurus shall be responsible for providing the manpower and logistics and payment of the expenses incurred by Reorganized Tarpon in connection therewith. Reorganized Tarpon is authorized to change its transfer agent if it chooses. To the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund all the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction, Laurus will undertake the expense and manpower of assisting Reorganized Tarpon in preparing and filing any and all reports required to be made by Reorganized Tarpon pursuant to Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Estate of the Debtors, the Liquidation Trustee and the Liquidation Trust shall bear no cost in connection with such matters. To the extent Reorganized Tarpon needs the assistance of the Estate of the Debtors or any other person in connection with any audit of its financial statements or in connection with the preparation of any reports required to be filed by Reorganized Tarpon pursuant to Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Laurus, to the extent that it subsequently agrees in writing to fund the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction, will pay all the reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, of such person(s) in assisting Reorganized Tarpon with such matters.

 

7.10

Issuance of Securities

Any securities issued pursuant to this Reorganization Plan in exchange for Claims or Interests, shall be exempt from federal and state laws requiring registration for the offer or sale of securities or registration or licensing of an issuer of, underwriter of or broker or dealer in securities to the fullest extent as provided by Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

7.11

Corporate Action

On the Effective Date the issuance of New Common Stock as provided in the Reorganization Plan, the appointment of officers and directors of Reorganized Tarpon as specified in the Reorganization Plan, and all other corporate actions called for by the Reorganization Plan including changing the transfer agent shall be deemed authorized and approved by virtue of the entry of the Confirmation Order in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and applicable state law and without any requirement of further action by the shareholders, directors or members of Reorganized Tarpon.

 

7.12

Liquidation of Eugene

Eugene shall be deemed to have been liquidated as of the later of (i) the Effective Date, or (ii) the date the Debtors have transferred and conveyed to the Liquidation Trust all of the Liquidation Trust Assets in their possession. All Interests in Eugene shall automatically be cancelled and extinguished as of the Effective Date without the need for any further action by the Court or any entity. Tarpon shall not be liquidated, in accordance with Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, Eugene shall: (i) file its certificate of dissolution, together with all other necessary corporate documents, to effect its dissolution under the applicable laws of its state of organization, and (ii) complete and file its final federal, state and local tax returns, and pursuant to Section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, request an expedited determination of any unpaid tax liability of Eugene or its estate for any tax incurred during the administration of the Debtors’ Case, as determined under applicable tax laws. The filing by Eugene of its certificate of dissolution shall be authorized and approved in all respects without further action under applicable law, regulation,

 

20


order, or rule, including, without limitation, any action by the stockholders or the board of directors of Eugene or Tarpon.

On the Effective Date, the Debtors shall assign, transfer, and distribute to the Liquidation Trust all of their books and records including, without limitation, computer generated or computer maintained books and records and computer data, as well as electronically generated or maintained books and records or data, along with books and records of the Debtors maintained by or in the possession of third parties, wherever located. The Liquidation Trustee shall not be obligated to maintain any such books and records and may abandon such documents and data described herein without any liability, the need for notice or Court approval.

Following completion of the purposes for which the Liquidation Trust is created, the Liquidation Trustee shall be authorized to request that the Court issue a final decree closing the Debtors’ case.

 

7.13

Cancellation of Equity Interests

On the Effective Date, except as otherwise provided for herein, the Equity Interests and any other note, bond, or indenture evidencing or creating any indebtedness or obligation of Eugene shall be cancelled and deemed terminated.

ARTICLE 8

DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE REORGANIZATION PLAN

 

8.1

Cancellation of Equity Interests

As of the Effective Date, all certificates, documents and other instruments underlying Equity Interests, including warrants, shall be canceled. No Distributions will be made on account of any Equity Interests or Equity Claims.

 

8.2

Distribution Date

Subject to the provision of Article 6, the Distribution Date shall be a date selected by the Liquidation Trustee as the time reasonably subsequent to completion and final liquidation of the Debtors’ Assets and completion and final resolution of Disputed Claims, Causes of Action and Estate Litigation. At such time, the Liquidation Trustee shall distribute, consistent with the terms of Article 5, the remaining Liquidation Trust Assets to those Creditors holding Allowed Claims in Class 4 as provided for in the Liquidation Trust.

 

8.3

Disputed Reserves

 

 

8.3.1

Establishment of Disputed Reserves

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 8.2, if in the exercise of its business judgment, the Liquidation Trustee believes that complete and final resolution of certain Disputed Claims, Causes of Action or Estate Litigation will take an unreasonably long period of time, and if economically feasible, the Liquidation Trustee may elect to establish in separate accounts a Disputed Reserve for each of the unresolved Disputed Claims, each of which Disputed Reserve and related accounts shall be administered by the Liquidation Trustee. Following establishment and funding of the Disputed Reserves, the Liquidation Trustee may then declare the Distribution Date and make distributions consistent with the terms of this Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust. Upon complete and final resolution of the Disputed Claims, the Liquidation Trustee shall make a subsequent

 

21


Distribution from the Disputed Reserves consistent with any resolution and the terms of this Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust.

 

 

8.3.2

Maintenance of Disputed Reserves

Each Disputed Reserve shall be closed and extinguished when all Distributions and other dispositions of Cash or other property required to be made hereunder will have been made in accordance with the terms of the Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust.

 

8.4

Record Date for Distributions

The Liquidation Trustee shall have no obligation to recognize any Claim occurring or arising after the Record Date. In making any Distribution with respect to any Claim, the Liquidation Trustee shall be entitled to recognize and deal with, for all purposes hereunder, only the Entity that is listed on the Proof of Claim Filed with respect thereto or on the Debtors’ Schedules as the holder of the Claim as of the close of business on the Record Date and upon such other evidence or record of transfer or assignment that are known to Liquidation Trustee as of the Record Date.

 

8.5

Delivery of Distributions

 

 

8.5.1

General Provisions; Unclaimed Property

Subject to Bankruptcy Rule 9010 and except as otherwise provided herein, Distributions to the Beneficiaries shall be made by the Liquidation Trustee at (i) the address of each Beneficiary as set forth in the Debtor’s Schedules, unless superseded by the address set forth on Proofs of Claim Filed by such Beneficiary or (ii) the last known address of such Beneficiary if no Proof of Claim is Filed or if the Liquidation Trustee has been notified in writing of a change of address. If any Beneficiary’s Distribution is returned as Unclaimed Property, no further Distributions to such Beneficiary shall be made unless and until the Liquidation Trustee is notified of such Beneficiary’s then current address, at which time all missed Distributions shall be made to such Beneficiary without interest.

Amounts in respect of Unclaimed Property distributed by the Liquidation Trustee shall be returned to the Liquidation Trust until such Unclaimed Property is claimed. All claims for Unclaimed Property must be made on or before the earlier of (i) the four (4) months from the date of Distribution, or (ii) four (4) years after the Effective Date, after which date the Unclaimed Property shall be deemed unclaimed property under Section 347(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and shall revert to the Liquidation Trust free of any restrictions thereon, and the Claims of any Beneficiary, or successor to such Beneficiary, shall be discharged and forever barred, notwithstanding any federal or state escheat laws to the contrary.

In the event of a timely claim for Unclaimed Property, the Liquidation Trustee shall deliver the Unclaimed Property to the Beneficiary pursuant to the Reorganization Plan. Nothing contained in the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust shall require the Debtors, Reorganized Tarpon, the Liquidation Trust, the Liquidation Trustee, or the Trust Advisory Board, or their respective Professionals, to attempt to locate any Beneficiary.

 

 

8.5.2

Unfeasible/Uneconomical Distribution

While all Distributions shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Reorganization Plan, in no event shall the Liquidation Trustee be obligated to make a Distribution if, in the sole discretion

 

22


of the Liquidation Trustee, there are insufficient Liquidation Trust Assets to make a cost-efficient Distribution, taking into account the size of the Distribution to be made and the number of Beneficiaries of such Distribution, in which event such funds shall, in the discretion of the Liquidation Trustee, and after consultation with the Trust Advisory Board, be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation of Eastern Michigan.

 

8.6

No Distributions Pending Allowance

Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, unless ordered otherwise by a Final Order, if any portion of a Claim is a Disputed Claim, no payment or Distribution provided hereunder shall be made on account of the Allowed portion of the Claim unless and until the Disputed portion of the Claim is Allowed.

 

8.7

Distributions to Holders of Disputed Claims

Upon resolution of the disputes on the Claims, holders of Disputed Claims shall receive distribution from their/its respective Disputed Reserve Account, if established. In the event the resolution of the Disputed Claim results in an amount that exceeds the respective Disputed Reserve Account, the holder of a Disputed Claim shall have no recourse, causes of action, or Claims against the Estate, the Liquidation Trust, the Liquidation Trustee, the Trust Advisory Board, or any Professional retained by the Estate, Liquidation Trust, Liquidation Trustee, or Trust Advisory Board for collection or payment of any deficiency.

 

8.8

No Distributions to Laurus

Laurus waives and shall not be entitled to any distribution from the Liquidation Trust or Liquidation Trust Proceeds on account of a deficiency in payment of its Secured Claims, if any, as an Allowed Administrative Claim pursuant to section 364(c)(1), as an Allowed Administrative Claim and as an Allowed General Unsecured Claim.

ARTICLE 9

EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

 

9.1

Approval of Rejection

Entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the approval, pursuant to Section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, of the rejection of all executory contracts and unexpired leases that have not already been assumed and assigned, rejected by the Debtors, or that are the subject of a pending motion to assume or reject as of the date the Confirmation Order is entered.

 

9.2

Rejection Claims

If the rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to the Reorganization Plan and the Confirmation Order results in damages to the non-Debtor party to such contract or lease, any claim for such damages, if not heretofore evidenced by a timely Filed Proof of Claim, shall be forever barred and shall not be enforceable against the Debtors, the Estate, the Liquidation Trust, the Liquidation Trustee, Reorganized Tarpon, or their properties, successors, and assigns, unless a Proof of Claim is Filed and served upon the Liquidation Trustee and his counsel, on or before thirty (30) days after the entry of the Confirmation Order.

ARTICLE 10

 

23


RELEASES, INJUNCTION, AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS

 

10.1

Release

With respect to post-petition actions, on the Effective Date, the Debtors and all persons, interested parties and Entities shall be conclusively presumed to have released the following parties (but solely to the extent set forth below): all Professionals (including the Committee and its Professionals), the Liquidation Trustee, Laurus, Purchaser, and Reorganized Tarpon (each of the foregoing, a “Released Party” and together, the “Released Parties”), from any Claim or Cause of Action based on, arising from, or in any way connected with, (A) the Case (including, without limitation, any actions taken and/or not taken with respect to the administration of the Estate or the operation of the business of the Debtors); (B) the Reorganization Plan, the Liquidation Trust or the Distributions received thereunder; and (C) the negotiation, formulation, and preparation of the Reorganization Plan, except to the extent any such claim or Cause of Action against any Released Party arises solely as a direct result of that Released Party’s fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Debtors, the Reorganized Tarpon, the Committee and the Liquidation Trust also release Laurus from any and all Claims and causes of action, know or unknown, arising out of Laurus’s loans to Debtors, the administration of such loans, and the relationship between Debtors and Laurus.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Reorganization Plan, none of the releases provided herein shall prejudice or otherwise affect the right of any party in interest to object to (i) any applications for compensation filed by Professionals or (ii) any request seeking compensation under Section 503 of the Bankruptcy Code or the rights of parties under the Sale Order or the APA.

 

10.2

Release of Released Parties by Holders of Claims

On and after the Effective Date, each holder of a Claim against the Debtors shall be deemed to have released unconditionally all the Released Parties from any and all Claims, obligations, rights, suits, damages, causes of action, remedies and liabilities whatsoever, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, existing or hereafter arising, in law, equity or otherwise, that such person or Entity would have been legally entitled to assert (whether individually or collectively), based in whole or in part upon any act or omission, transaction, agreement, event or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date, except to the extent necessary to enforce the provisions of the Reorganization Plan, the Liquidation Trust, the Sale Order or the APA.

ARTICLE 11

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

 

11.1

Retention of Jurisdiction

Notwithstanding entry of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Court shall retain exclusive jurisdiction of all matters arising out of or relating to the Case, the Reorganization Plan, the Liquidation Trust, the Confirmation Order, and the Estate pursuant to, and for the purposes of, Sections 105(a) and 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code and for, among other things, the following purposes:

(a) To resolve any matters relating to the assumption and assignment or rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases, and to hear, determine and, if necessary, liquidate any Claims resulting therefrom;

 

24


(b) To decide and resolve any and all motions, adversary proceedings, objections to Claims, including Causes of Action, Estate Litigation, applications, contested matters and any other matters, whether pending as of the Effective Date or brought thereafter in accordance with the terms hereof;

(c) To consider and rule on the compromise and settlement of any Claim, Disputed Claim, Cause of Action or Estate Litigation on behalf of the Debtors or their Estate, or the Liquidation Trust;

(d) To ensure that Distributions to holders of Allowed Claims are accomplished as provided herein, and resolve any disputes concerning any such Distributions;

(e) To allow, disallow, determine, liquidate, classify, estimate or establish the priority or secured or unsecured status of any Claim (including any Administrative Expense Claim), and to resolve any and all objections to the Disputed Claims;

(f) To hear and determine any and all applications for the allowance of compensation of Professionals for professional services rendered and expenses incurred prior to the Confirmation Date;

(g) To enter such orders as may be necessary or appropriate to implement or consummate the provisions of the Reorganization Plan and the Liquidation Trust, and all contracts, instruments, releases and other agreements or documents created in connection with the Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust;

(h) To consider any modifications to the Reorganization Plan, to cure any defect or omission, or reconcile any inconsistency, in the Reorganization Plan or in any order of the Court as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of the Reorganization Plan and to implement and effectuate the Reorganization Plan;

(i) To resolve any cases, controversies, suits or disputes arising in connection with the interpretation, implementation, or enforcement of the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust, or any person’s or Entity’s obligations incurred in connection with the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust;

(j) To hear and determine matters concerning state, local, and federal taxes in accordance with Sections 346, 505, and 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code;

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

(l) To enforce remedies upon any default under the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust;

(m) To enforce, interpret, and determine any disputes arising in connection with any orders, stipulations, judgments, and rulings entered in connection with the Case (whether or not the Case has been closed);

(n) To resolve any cases, controversies, suits, or disputes that may arise in connection with the consummation, interpretation, or enforcement of the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust, or any Estate obligations incurred in connection herewith;

(o) To determine any other matters that may arise in connection with or relate to the Reorganization Plan, the Disclosure Statement, the Confirmation Order, the Liquidation Trust, Liquidation Trustee,

 

25


or any contract, instrument, release, indenture, or other agreement or document created in connection with the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust;

(p) To 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 the consummation of the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust, or the enforcement of any rights, remedies, or obligations created under the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust;

(q) To determine such other matters as may be provided for in the Confirmation Order or other orders of the Court or as may be authorized under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable law;

(r) To hear any other matters if the Court’s exercise of jurisdiction thereover is not inconsistent with the Bankruptcy Code or Title 28 of the United States Code;

(s) To hear and determine issues relating to discharge, releases, injunctions, covenants not to sue, and other waivers and protections provided under or relating to the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust;

(t) To recover all Assets of the Debtors’ Estate (excepting those Assets transferred pursuant to the APA and Sale Order) for the benefit of the Liquidation Trust, wherever located; and

(u) To enter a final decree closing the Case.

 

11.2

Modification of the Reorganization Plan

Any modification to the Reorganization Plan shall be consistent with the terms, conditions and requirements of Section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code.

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

12.1

Governing Law

Except to the extent that the Bankruptcy Code or other federal law is applicable, or to the extent a schedule or exhibit hereto or instrument, agreement, or other document executed in connection with the Reorganization Plan provides otherwise, the rights, duties, and obligations arising under the Reorganization Plan, and the instruments, agreements, and other documents executed in connection with the Reorganization Plan, shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Michigan, without giving effect to any choice of law provisions that would require the application of the law of any other jurisdiction.

 

12.2

Notices

To be effective, all notices, requests, and demands under the Reorganization Plan must be in writing (including by facsimile transmission) and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when actually delivered or, in the case of notice by facsimile transmission, when received and telephonically confirmed, addressed as follows:

Liquidation Trustee:

 

26


BRIDGE ASSOCIATES, LLC

MARK STICKEL

2701 N. Rocky Point Drive, Suite 183

Tampa, FL 33607

T: (813) 286-2717

F: (208) 567-4699

Email: mstickel@bridgellc.com

Counsel for the Liquidation Trustee:

CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP

JEAN R. ROBERTSON, ESQ.

NATHAN A. WHEATLEY, ESQ.

1400 Key Bank Center

800 Superior Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44114

T: (216) 622-8200

F: (216) 241-0816

Email: jrobertson@calfee.com

 nwheatley@calfee.com

To the Estate /Reorganized Tarpon:

Joseph T. Lendo

c/o McDonald Hopkins, PLC

39533 Woodward Ave., Suite 318

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

T: (248) 646-5070

F: (248) 646-5075

and

Counsel for the Debtor/Reorganized Tarpon:

MCDONALD HOPKINS PLC

STEPHEN M. GROSS, ESQ.

JEFFREY S. GRASL, ESQ.

39533 Woodward Ave., Suite 318

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

T: (248) 646-5070

F: (248) 646-5075

Email: sgross@mcdonaldhopkins.com

 

12.3

Further Documents and Actions

The Debtors, Reorganized Tarpon and the Liquidation Trustee shall execute, and are authorized to File with the Court and deliver, such agreements and other documents or information, and to take or cause to

 

27


be taken such actions, as may be necessary or appropriate to effect and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust, and to consummate the transactions and transfers contemplated by the Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust. The Debtors, Reorganized Tarpon and the Liquidation Trustee and all other necessary or appropriate parties shall execute any and all documents and instruments that must be executed under or in connection with the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust in order to implement the terms of the Reorganization Plan or to effectuate the Distributions under the Liquidation Trust, provided that such documents and instruments are reasonably acceptable to such party or parties.

 

12.4

Relationship Between the Reorganization Plan and Disclosure Statement

To the extent that the Reorganization Plan is inconsistent with the Disclosure Statement, the provisions of the Reorganization Plan shall control.

 

12.5

Reservation of Rights

If the Reorganization Plan is not confirmed by a Final Order, or if the Reorganization Plan is confirmed and does not become effective, the rights of all parties in interest in the Case, including the Debtors, are and will be reserved in full. Any concessions or settlements reflected herein (if any), are made for purposes of the Reorganization Plan only, and if the Reorganization Plan does not become effective, no party in interest shall be bound or deemed prejudiced by any such concession or settlement.

 

12.6

Post confirmation Date Fees and Expenses

After the Confirmation Date, the Liquidation Trustee shall, in the ordinary course of business and without the necessity for any approval by the Court, pay (in accordance with the provisions set forth in Article 6, herein) the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by him and any Professional retained by the Liquidation Trust, Trust Advisory Board or the Committee from the Liquidation Trust Assets in connection with services performed on the administration of the Estate, implementation and consummation of the Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust, the liquidation of the Debtors’ Assets, Causes of Action, Estate Litigation, the Claims objection/reconciliation process and any other matters as to which the Liquidation Trustee, Trust Advisory Board, the Committee and retained Professionals may be engaged. The fees and expenses of Professionals shall be paid within thirty (30) days after submission of a detailed invoice therefore submitted to the Liquidation Trustee subject to the availability of Liquidation Trust Assets, less reserves established by the Liquidation Trustee, in its sole discretion for its on-going administration of the Liquidation Trust. If the Liquidation Trustee disputes the reasonableness of any such invoice and the parties cannot amicably resolve the dispute, Liquidation Trustee shall timely pay (subject to the limitations described in this section 12.6) the undisputed portion of such invoice, or the Professional may pay to its general bank account from the amounts placed in escrow pursuant to sections 6.5(l) and 6.16 of the Reorganization Plan, and submit the dispute regarding the balance of such invoice to the Court for a determination of its reasonableness.

 

12.7

Binding Effect

The rights, benefits, and obligations of any person or Entity named or referred to in the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust, or whose actions may be required to effectuate the terms of the Reorganization Plan or Liquidation Trust, shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of, any heir, executor, administrator, successor, or assign of such person or Entity, including but not limited to, any trustee appointed for the Debtor under chapter 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Confirmation Order shall provide that the terms and provisions of the Reorganization Plan, Liquidation Trust and the Confirmation Order shall survive and remain effective after entry of any order which may be entered

 

28


converting any of the Reorganization Case to a case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, and the terms and provisions of the Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust shall continue to be effective in this or any superseding case under the Bankruptcy Code.

 

12.8

Dissolution of Committee

On the Effective Date, the Committee shall dissolve and its members shall be released and discharged from all duties and obligations arising from or related to the Case. The Professionals retained by the Committee and the members of the Committee shall not be entitled to compensation or reimbursement of expenses for any services rendered after the Effective Date, except as may be necessary to File final requests for payment, and respond to any inquiries or objections and attend hearings on final fee applications.

[Space intentionally left blank]

 

29


II. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT2

 

A.

Description of Debtor

The Debtors are Tarpon Industries, Inc. (“Tarpon”), a Michigan corporation, and Eugene Welding Company (“Eugene”), a Michigan corporation. Eugene was founded in 1954, and was acquired by Tarpon, a publicly traded company, in 2004, and continued to operate its businesses under its own name as a subsidiary of Tarpon. The Debtors manufacture steel rack systems under the trademark name of “SpaceRak” for use in the home center industry, retail distribution, public warehouse, and commercial and industrial distribution markets. The Debtors also manufacture and sell structural steel tubing.

Debtors’ primary manufacturing facility is a leased plant located in Marysville, Michigan (the “Marysville Facility”). The Debtors also have an additional leased facility in Marlette, Michigan (“Marlette Facility”). Tarpon also operated a related business through a Canadian subsidiary, Steelbank Tubular, Inc. (“Steelbank”) which consistently generated substantial losses. As a resort, Steelbank filed a Notice of Intention to Make a Proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act of Canada on September 20, 2007, and the assets of Steelbank were fully liquidated as of December 31, 2007.

As of the Petition Date, Debtors employed 154 full-time personnel, 124 of who were represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“Teamsters”) under a collective bargaining agreement that expires October 15, 2009. The Teamsters have represented the employees of Debtors since 1967. The remaining 30 non-represented employees consist of executive and administrative personnel.

Tarpon has 100,000,000 authorized shares of common stock. Tarpon has approximately 150 stockholders holding common stock. Tarpon’s stock was de-listed by the American Stock Exchange in November 2007. The stock is presently traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. As of March 31, 2008, there were 13,343,939 shares of common stock outstanding. Warrants and optional convertible note shares to purchase an aggregate of 20,555,601 shares of common stock are outstanding and options to purchase a total of 709,500 shares of common stock are granted under Tarpon’s employee stock option plan.

Over the past three (3) years, the Debtors have sustained substantial operational losses due to (i) the substantial rise in raw material costs, specifically steel, (ii) a sharp increase in transportation costs, and (iii) the general down turn in the economy. In an attempt to restore profitability, Tarpon liquidated the Steelbank subsidiary in late 2007. However the Debtors still suffered extreme cash flow shortages and were unable to borrow sufficient funds under their financing arrangements (as discussed below) to continue to purchase needed raw materials for production. Despite their efforts to obtain additional financing, the Debtors were unable to do so; therefore, in order to preserve the value of their assets for the benefit of their creditors, the Debtors filed for bankruptcy protection on April 29, 2008.

 

B.

Principals and Management

As stated above, Tarpon is a publicly traded entity with approximately 150 shareholders. Eugene is the wholly owned subsidiary of Tarpon. Prior to the Petition Date, the Debtors were managed by a board of directors consisting of James W. Bradshaw, as Chairman, Tracy L. Shellabarger, Michael A. Ard, and Frank Gesuale. Directors were allowed to receive $1,000 per month in compensation, plus $250 per organizational meeting; however, due to cash flow issues, compensation was only paid sporadically to the Directors. Subsequent to the Petition Date, all of the directors of the Debtors resigned but for James W. Bradshaw, who continues to act as the sole director of the Debtors.

 

2

All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Reorganization Plan.


The officers of the Debtors consist of James W. Bradshaw, as Chief Executive Officer; James T. Lendo, as Chief Financial Officer; and Patrick J. Hook, as Chief Operating Officer. James W. Bradshaw and Patrick J. Hook each receive annual compensation of $200,000, plus medical benefits and allowances of $11,952 per year. Joseph T. Lendo receives annual compensation of $180,000, plus medical benefits and allowances of $11,952 per year. Each of the officers continues to serve the Debtors in their respective capacities post-petition.

Mr. Bradshaw has been an officer and director of the Debtors since April 2006.

Mr. Lendo has been an officer of Debtors since December 2007.

Mr. Hook has been an officer of Debtors since February 2005.

 

C.

Pre-Petition Financing; Guarantors

On or about December 13, 2005, Laurus, directly or through its affiliates, made loans and other financial accommodations to Debtors in the principal sum of $6,000,000 pursuant to, without limitation, a certain secured Convertible Note dated December 13, 2005 (“Convertible Note”). In accordance with the terms of a Security Agreement also dated December 13, 2005 (“Security Agreement”), the Debtors granted Laurus a security interest in all of their assets to secure the obligations to Laurus, which security interest was junior in priority and subordinate to the security interests of LaSalle Bank Midwest and LaSalle Business Credit (“LaSalle”).

In August 2007, Laurus made additional loans to Debtors pursuant to, without limitation, a certain Tarpon Industries, Inc. and Certain of its Subsidiaries Amended and Restated Master Security Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2005, effective as of August 9, 2007; a Security Agreement, dated August 9, 2007; a Secured Revolving Note in the amount of $10,000,000 executed August 9, 2007 (“Revolving Loan”); a Secured Term Note A in the amount of $1,700,000, executed August 9, 2007 (“Term Note A”); and a Secured Term Note B, executed August 9, 2007 in the amount of $1,700,000 (“Term Note B”), the proceeds of which were used to satisfy Debtors’ obligations to LaSalle. Pursuant to said Security Agreements, all of Debtors’ obligations to Laurus are secured by a first priority security interest (the “Pre-Petition Liens”) in all of Debtors’ assets.

The terms of the Convertible Note, Revolving Loan, Term Note A, Term Note B, and the Security Agreements were modified by an Omnibus Amendment and Waiver, dated December 21, 2007; an Amendment to Omnibus Amendment and Waiver, dated February 12, 2008; and an Omnibus Amendment and Waiver, dated March 31, 2008 (the Convertible Note, the Revolving Note, Term Note A, Term Note B, the Security Agreements, the Omnibus Amendments and Waivers and certain Stock Purchase Warrants executed in connection therewith are collectively, as such documents may be or have been amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the commencement of the Case, and all collateral and ancillary documents executed in connection therewith, collectively, referred to as the “Pre-Petition Loan Documents”).

As of the Petition Date, the Debtors’ obligations to Laurus pursuant to the Pre-Petition Loan Documents, exclusive of attorney fees, costs and expenses, was no less than $15,911,928 (“Pre-Petition Indebtedness”).

During the period June 14, 2007 to July 5, 2007, Debtors closed a private placement Bridge Loan offering, under a Financing Agreement dated June 14, 2007, HCF acting as lead investor, aggregating $1,700,000 and netting the Company $1,418,000 after payment of fees and commissions. The Bridge Loan Notes carry interest at 12% and are payable from proceeds of a secondary stock offering that was anticipated


to occur in the second quarter of 2008. Tarpon entered into an Amendment and Extension Agreement on December 24, 2007, effective as of December 17, 2007, with HCF acting as lead investor, with a number of individual participants, to the Financing Agreement dated June 14, 2007 granting Tarpon a three month extension of the maturity date to March 17, 2008 at an interest rate of 13% per annum, as set forth in the original agreement. The Debtors’ obligations to HCF, in the amount of $1,700,000 plus interest on the Petition Date, are secured by a security interest (“HCF Liens”) in all of Debtors’ assets that is expressly subordinate to the Pre-Petition Liens pursuant to the terms of that certain Subordination Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2007, between and among Laurus and HCF.

All of the Pre-Petition Indebtedness of Debtors was guaranteed by Steelbank, which has been fully liquidated as described in Section A above.

 

D.

Post-Petition Financing

On June 5, 2008, the Court entered the Financing Order authorizing the Debtors to borrow additional funds from Laurus post-petition, to use cash collateral and to grant security interests, superpriority claims and adequate protection.

Pursuant to the Financing Order, Laurus provided to the Debtors additional borrowings (the “DIP Facility”), in accordance with Approved Budgets, on a revolving basis provided on the same terms and advance ratios as contained in the Revolving Loan, plus an “over-formula” advance of $1,200,000 to the extent required for the Debtors’ operations. In addition, the Financing Order provided a Professional Fee Reserve for counsel and financial advisors to the Debtors and the Committee.

All proceeds or payments received by Laurus from the Debtors pursuant to the Financing Order was to be applied first to the outstanding balance of the post-petition financing, to accrued interest, fees and expenses, then to principal. Under the Financing Order, the DIP Facility would accrue interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum, and the “over formula” advances would accrue interest at the rate of fourteen (14%) per annum. Laurus was also granted a one time loan origination fee of $200,000.

Under the Financing Order, Laurus was granted a security interest and liens pursuant to Sections 364(c)(2), (c)(3) and (d)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code in all currently owned or hereafter acquired property and assets of each of the Debtors of any kind or nature, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, wherever located, now owned or hereafter acquired or arising and all proceeds, products, rents and profits thereof, including, without limitation, all cash, goods, accounts receivable, inventory, cash in advance deposits, general intangibles, goodwill, investment property (including, without limitation, ownership interests in corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies), deposit accounts, real estate, intellectual property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, leasehold interests, trademarks, trade names, licenses, leases and lease interests, causes of action excluding, any actions and recoveries thereon against third parties, tax refund claims, commercial tort claims and insurance proceeds, and the proceeds, products, rents and profits of all of the foregoing, but specifically excluding actions for preferences, fraudulent conveyances, and other avoidance power claims and any recoveries under Sections 542, 544, 545, 547, 548, 549, 550, and 553 of the Bankruptcy Code (collectively “Avoidance Actions”), (all of the foregoing, the “Collateral”), subject only to, in the event of the termination of the post petition DIP Facility, the payment of the Carve Out (as defined in the Financing Order).

In addition, Lender’s claims under the post petition DIP Facility were granted priority under Section 364(c)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code over all allowed costs and expenses of administration of the Debtors’ estates, as more full defined in Paragraph 10 of the Financing Order, except as to the proceeds of Causes of Action, Recovery Actions and Estate Litigation and other Estate Claims.


The Financing Order further required the Debtors to meet the following milestones in connection with the sale of its assets: (a) entry into a purchase agreement for the sale of substantially all of the Debtors’ assets on terms and conditions suitable to Laurus by June 27, 2008; (b) entry of a Court order establishing procedures related to the conduction of an auction in connection with a sale of Debtors’ assets by July 7, 2008; (c) entry of a Court order approving an asset sale by July 29, 2008; and (d) closing of an asset sale by August 1, 2008. Debtors’ failure to meet these sale process milestones constitute an event of default and termination of the Financing Order.

 

E.

Sale of Substantially all of Debtor’s Assets

On June 26, 2008, the Court entered the Bid Procedures Order.

Pursuant to the Bid Procedures Order, on or before June 30, 2008, the Debtors served upon (a) all potential purchasers previously identified or solicited by Debtors or its Sale Advisor (as defined below) and any additional parties who have previously expressed an interest in acquiring the assets of the Debtors, (b) all other potentially interested parties as identified by the Debtors or its sale advisors, (c) the Office of the U.S. Trustee, (d) counsel for Laurus (e) counsel for the proposed purchaser, (f) counsel for the Committee, (g) each non-debtor party to the Debtors’ executory contracts and unexpired leases, (h) all parties who have requested notice pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002, (i) all parties asserting a security interest in assets of the Debtors, and (j) all parties listed on the Debtors’ Special Service List pursuant to Local Bankruptcy Rule 2002-1 (E.D.M.), the following documents in connection with the proposed sale:

Bidding Procedures Order;

Bidding Procedures;

Notice of Bid Deadline, Auction and Hearing and Objection Deadline Relating to Sale of Substantially All of Debtors’ Assets; and

Notice of Debtors’ Intent to Assume and Assign Certain Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases and the Fixing of Cure Costs Associated Therewith.

The Bid Procedures Order established an auction date (“Auction”) of July 28, 2008 for the sale of Debtors’ assets to the successful bidder, as well as a Sale Hearing of July 29, 2008 to approve the sale to the successful bidder at Auction.

In connection with the Financing Order and the sale process, on or about May 29, 2008, the Debtors retained Focus Management Group USA, Inc. to act as investment banker and be Debtors’ sale advisor (the “Sale Advisor”). Pursuant to the Bid Procedures Order, the Sale Advisor contacted a broad range of potential purchasers of Debtors’ assets on a going concern basis, including both strategic and financial buyers within and outside of the steel tubing and steel rack business. Focus distributed preliminary information regarding Debtors’ business to approximately 2600 private equity and 180 strategic potential purchasers. Of these potential purchasers, 40 expressed interest and 14 have executed confidentiality agreements.

Ultimately, however, only one party submitted a written asset purchase agreement for the Debtors’ consideration. Debtor engaged in further negotiations with the foregoing prospective purchasers and ultimately executed an APA for the sale of substantially all of Debtor’s assets (the “Purchased Assets”) with Laurus or its designee (the “ Purchaser”).


In connection with the APA, the Debtors filed their Motion for Order (A) Approving Sale of Substantially All of Debtors’ Assets to Successful Bidder at Auction; (B) Authorizing the Assumption and Assignment of Certain Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases; and (C) Other Related Relief (“Sale Motion”). During the period prior to the Auction, however, the Debtors and Sale Advisor continued to market and follow-up with potentially interested parties with the hope that additional qualified bidders would appear at the Auction for the purpose of making Competing Proposals (as defined in the Bid Procedures Order) for the purchase of Debtors’ assets. Ultimately, no other party made a Competing Proposal and there was therefore no Qualified Bidders (as defined in the Bid Procedures Order) for the Auction.

Consequently, the Debtors (with the support of the Committee) agreed to accept the APA of Purchaser as the highest and best offer. The hearing on the Sale Motion was heard by the Court on July 29, 2008 at which time the Court entered its Order approving the Sale Motion authorizing the Debtors to close the sale of substantially all of the assets of Debtors to Purchaser pursuant to the APA, which sale was completed and closed on August 1, 2008.

Pursuant to the APA, the Purchaser assumed the secured claim of Laurus. As part of the APA and a certain term sheet between the Debtors, the Committee and Laurus, the Class 4 General Unsecured Creditors of the Debtors, which will include the HCF Deficiency Claim, will receive a 10% equity interest (to be held in the Liquidation Trust established pursuant to the Reorganization Plan) in the Purchaser for the acquisition of Debtors’ assets, and (ii) right and standing to pursue all chapter 5 Claims, Causes of Action, Recovery Actions and other Estate Litigation for the benefit of the Class 4 creditors. Under the APA, the Purchaser is also paying Allowed Administrative Expenses and Priority Claims.

As set forth below, the Debtors believe the sale of Debtors’ assets to Purchaser is in the best interests of the Estate and its Creditors, and will result in a greater recovery for the benefit of Class 4 Creditors than if the Case was filed under or converted to a chapter 7 case.

 

F.

Anticipated Future of the Company and Source of this Information and Opinion

This is a Reorganization Plan and after all assets are collected and distributions are made under the Reorganization Plan and Liquidation Trust, Eugene will be dissolved. Reorganized Tarpon shall remain as a shell company pursuant to Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan. At the closing of the sale of Debtors’ assets, the Debtors terminated all employees (who may be retained and/or hired by the Purchaser) and ceased all business operations.

 

G.

Post-Petition Litigation; Estate Claims; Other Events of Significance

Post-Petition, the Debtors have not initiated or been involved in any Adversary Proceedings; however, the Debtors have prepared and sent out demand letters for return of asserted preference payments pursuant to Section 547 of the Bankruptcy Code to a number of parties.

Pursuant to this Reorganization Plan and Disclosure Statement, the Debtors and Reorganizing Debtors, for the benefit of the Liquidation Trust and the Liquidation Trustee, hereby preserve the right, interest and standing to investigate and pursue, whether through negotiation or litigation, any and all Causes of Action, Recovery Actions and Estate Litigation, including those actions identified and set forth on Addendum A hereto.

Pursuant to the attached Addendum A, the Debtors assert that the gross value of the potential Avoidance Actions, including all Causes of Action, Recovery Actions and Estate Litigation, without account for statutory defenses, claims of setoff or recoupment, or other defenses, is $6,006,406.


But for entry of the Financing Order and the sale of substantially all of their assets pursuant to the APA and the Sale Motion (as set forth in Section E, above) the Debtors assert that no other events of significance have occurred since the Petition Date that have had a substantial or material effect on the Debtors Assets or the administration of this Case.

 

H.

Summary of Debtors Liabilities to Creditors

Laurus Master Fund, Ltd.: Laurus holds a first priority Prepetition secured claim against the Debtors arising from the Pre-Petition Indebtedness and DIP Facility (as defined in Section C and D, above) in an amount not less than $15,911,928 and a Postpetition secured claim for the DIP Facility of approximately $1,766,121 as of June 16, 2008. The totality of the secured indebtedness under the Financing Order to Laurus as of July 24, 2008 is $19,314,784.53. Pursuant to the APA and Sale Motion, the secured claim of Laurus was satisfied to the extent of $18,461,270.53 at closing of the sale with the balance being waived pursuant to the Reorganization Plan.

Secured Tax Claims: The Debtors have scheduled on Schedule E priority unsecured claims of approximately $163,132, consisting of taxes owed to the cities of Marysville, Michigan and Marlette, Michigan. These claims were incorrectly scheduled. The actual taxes owed to the City of Marysville are for secured personal property taxes in the amount of $66,896.65 and secured personal property taxes to the City of Marlette in the amount of $1,495.37, which taxes are being paid by Purchaser under the APA and Sale Order.

Unsecured Priority Claims: The Internal Revenue Service has filed a proof of claim in the amount of $1,636; however, Debtors believe that all federal taxes have been paid and will be objecting to said claim. A proof of claim has also been filed by the State of Ohio Department of Taxation in the amount of $55,988.81; however, Debtors believe all necessary taxes to the State of Ohio have been paid and will be objecting to said claim. A third priority proof of claim was filed by ADA Logistics Corporation in the amount of $9,511.25; however, this claim relates to shipping charges incurred pre-petition by the Debtor and is not entitled to priority status, and the Debtor will be objecting to this claim. All Priority Claims on account of unpaid wages or employee benefits have been paid pursuant to this Court’s first day Order Authorizing the Debtors (i) To Pay Certain Prepetition Employee Obligations and Related Claims, (ii) To Continue To Provide Employee Benefits In the Ordinary Course of Business, and (iii) Granting Other Related Relief. The only priority claim believed to remain is a certain potential claim for 2007 Michigan Single Business Tax, which is not due as a result of a timely filed extension. Debtors estimate this tax to be approximately $7,000. There are also real property taxes owed to the County of St. Clair of $209,071.22 and real property taxes owed to the County of Sanilac of $10,119.31 relating to the Debtors’ real property leased locations, which taxes are being cured by the Landlord and pursuant to the Order Resolving Payment of Cure Amount of Loznak Real Estate Enterprises, L.L.C. entered by the Court on July 29, 2008.

General Unsecured Claims: The Debtors have scheduled on Schedule F general unsecured claims of $4,784,293, consisting primarily of unpaid trade debts, and not including debts owed to insiders. In addition, High Capital Funding, LLC (“HCF”), and the individual participants in the HCF loan, maintains an unsecured deficiency claim of $1,700,000 as a result of undersecured loans made to the Debtors prior to the Petition Date. The foregoing does not take into consideration the claims of any non-debtor parties to rejected executory contracts and unexpired leases, which is not expected to be substantial.


Administrative Expense Claims: To date, the Debtors have paid all post-petition administrative expenses of the Estate as they have come due, but for claims of Professionals. The Debtors estimate outstanding fees and expenses owed to Professionals of both the Debtors and the Committee on the Effective Date to be $200,000.00. Additionally, the Debtors estimate that the Michigan Department of Treasury may be owed as much as $125,000.00 for 2008 accrued Michigan Business Taxes, which are not yet due and have not yet been determined. Parties that have timely asserted administrative expenses arising under § 503(b)(9) will be paid by Purchaser in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Reorganization Plan. Debtors do not believe that any other party maintains an administrative expense claim.

 

I.

Liquidation Analysis

Pursuant to the APA, all of Debtors’ machinery, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, cash, intellectual property, deposits, prepaid expenses, permits, and all assets of any kind, but for Causes of Action, Recovery Actions and Estate Litigation, including Claims against Insiders, affiliates and subsidiaries (all of which will be transferred to the Liquidation Trust upon the Confirmation Date), were acquired by Purchaser at the closing of the sale leaving Reorganized Tarpon as a shell company with no further assets .

Should the Reorganization Plan be confirmed, pursuant to Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan, on or before the Effective Date, Laurus and the Liquidation Trust shall receive the New Common Stock of Reorganized Tarpon. This transaction will be accomplished by the Reorganized Tarpon authorizing 7,500,000 shares of New Common Stock and issuing restricted shares of the New Common Stock to Laurus in an amount set forth in Article 7.3 of the Reorganization Plan. Additionally, the Current Directors and Current Officers of Tarpon shall be removed pursuant to the Reorganization Plan and replaced by New Officers and Directors selected by Laurus. The name of the Reorganized Tarpon will also be changed and Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan determines that the Reorganized Tarpon’s name will not be Tarpon Industries, Inc.

Pursuant to Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan the Reorganized Tarpon’s existence shall continue after the Effective Date without any liability for any pre-petition debts or liabilities of the Debtors, which Claims will be discharged pursuant to Section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, other than obligations set forth in the Reorganization Plan. The restrictions set forth in Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code as to preferred stock and non-voting equity will be incorporated into the Reorganized Tarpon’s bylaws. Each Officer of the Reorganized Tarpon will also be authorized to file all necessary documentation to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Plan. However, pursuant to Section 1141(d)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code, Eugene which will not continue in existence will not receive a discharge of Claims against it.

Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, upon the Effective Date, the New Officers and Directors will also be authorized to execute an exchange agreement and other documents necessary to consummate a Business Combination for the Reorganized Tarpon with an appropriate candidate, including all required and applicable SEC filings. The Business Combination candidate will be no less than a development stage company as set forth in Article 7 of the Reorganization Plan, with positive cash flow.

In connection therewith, the Reorganization Plan provides that the Reorganized Tarpon and the New Directors shall comply with all SEC requirements, including the filing of a form 8-K. The Reorganization Plan provides that no further shareholder approval shall be required to effect the Business Combination, and the confirmation of this Reorganization Plan will constitute full authority of the Reorganized Tarpon and the New Directors to take all actions and execute all documents in necessary for the contemplated transaction. All actions required by the Reorganized Tarpon upon the Effective Date or thereafter shall be taken by and


directed by the New Officers and Directors of the Reorganized Tarpon and, to the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction, shall be paid for by Laurus, and not by the Estate of the Debtors, the Liquidation Trust, or the Liquidation Trustee, and such expenses shall not constitute Trust Expenses. The auditing and accounting work and the issuance and distribution of all equities on and after the Effective Date pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, shall be the responsibility of the Reorganized Tarpon and, to the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction, Laurus shall be responsible for providing the manpower and logistics and payment of the expenses incurred by the Reorganized Tarpon in connection with the audits and the issuance and distribution of said equities. Reorganized Tarpon will be authorized to change its transfer agent if it chooses. All of the Debtors’ books, records, financial records, employees and personnel shall pursuant to the Reorganization Plan be made available by Laurus to Reorganized Tarpon’s auditor upon reasonable notice and conditions.

The Reorganization Plan provides that, to the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction, Laurus will undertake the expense and manpower of obtaining audits and preparing and filing any and all reports required to make Reorganized Tarpon fully SEC-compliant, and the Estate of the Debtors, the Liquidation Trustee and the Liquidation Trust shall bear no cost in connection therewith. To the extent Laurus needs the assistance of the Estate of the Debtors or any other person in preparation of the audits and reports required to be filed, and to the extent that Laurus subsequently agrees in writing to fund the expenses of the Restructuring Transaction Laurus will pay the reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, of such person in assisting Laurus to prepare such audits and reports. Laurus shall furthermore be required take all necessary precautions to ensure that the disclosures contained in such audits and filings do not contain any misleading information, or omit any information necessary to not make such disclosures misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Laurus shall have no liability to the estate for any disclosure, non-disclosure, act or omission in connection with such disclosures.

Laurus has the funded its obligations required by it under the Financing Order, the Sale Order, the APA and other orders of the Court for Claims and Allowed Claims, including Professional Fee Claims of the Debtor’s professionals or the Committee’s professionals, that are to be paid as provided by the Reorganization Plan. Allowed Class 4 Claims will be paid from the Liquidation Trust Assets. The Liquidation Trust Contribution was deposited by Laurus at the closing of the Auction Sale pursuant to the APA into an interest bearing escrow account for use by the Liquidation Trustee after the Effective Date in compliance with the terms of the Reorganization Plan and the funds required for funding Debtors’ professional fees to Debtors’ counsel’s trust account. The closing of the sale occurred on August 1, 2008 as required by the Financing Order and the APA.

The Reorganization Plan provides that on the Effective Date, except for New Common Stock to be issued as provided for in the Reorganization Plan, all other existing Equity Interests in the Debtors shall be extinguished in their entirety and the certificates and all other documents, including warrants representing such Interests will be cancelled and deemed to be of no effect.

The Reorganization Plan Provides that to the extent that Laurus subsequently either sells the New Common Stock or participates in the profits of Reorganized Tarpon as an equity holder, it shall pay, or distribute in the case of equity, to the Liquidation Trust for the benefit of the general unsecured creditors holding allowed claims, as the case may be, an amount equal to 10% of the sale value of the new common stock or 10% of Laurus’ equity participation in the Reorganized Tarpon, which value, if Laurus, and the Liquidation Trustee are not able to agree upon, shall be determined by an independent third party acceptable to Laurus and the Liquidation Trustee as the case may be.

Taking into account the foregoing, the only available assets for distribution will be those Assets transferred to the Liquidation Trust, consisting of the following:


Avoidance Actions:

   $ 600,000 3

including Causes of Action,

  

Recovery Actions, and Estate

  

Litigation and Claims

  

Liquidation Trust Contribution:

   $ 150,000  

10% Equity Interest in company to be formed by Purchaser

     Unknown value  

10% Equity Interest in Reorganized Tarpon

     Unknown value  

TOTAL:

   $ 750,000  

If the Debtors’ Case was originally filed under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, or converted to a case under chapter 7, the Priority Unsecured and General Unsecured Creditors would receive only the proceeds of Avoidance Actions. But because the APA provides for the Purchaser to pay the estimated Michigan Business Tax and Single Business Tax, as well as to assume certain leases thus reducing the amount of unsecured claims, and because of the Liquidation Trust Contribution and the 10% Equity Interest being given to the Liquidation Trust in the new company formed by the Purchaser, and the 10% Equity Interest and in the Reorganized Tarpon being given to the Liquidation Trust, the Priority Unsecured General Unsecured Creditors will receive more under this Reorganization Plan than they would otherwise have received in a chapter 7. Furthermore, the Debtors believe the Liquidation Trustee will be better able and more efficient in its collection of the Avoidance Actions, and the Estate will avoid the statutory fee of a chapter 7 trustee, with all fee’s funded by Laurus’ contributions, allowing the Liquidation Trust to maximize the value of the assets available for distribution. The Debtors therefore believe that acceptance of the Reorganization Plan is in the best interests of the Estate, as it will allow for the greatest possible recovery.

 

J.

Implementation of Reorganization Plan

Because the Debtors ceased continuing in their business subsequent to the closing of the sale of its assets, no historical financial information is being provided as part of this Disclosure Statement, nor are any financial projections being provided for any period. Similarly, in light of the fact that the Debtors have ceased all operations, no information is being provided with respect to who will be in charge of such business and the compensation to be received by them, including fringe benefits; provided, however, that it is contemplated that the Liquidation Trustee, Reorganizing Debtors or the Committee will retain legal counsel and other professionals to represent, consult and assist in the administration of the Liquidation Trust and the liquidation of the Assets of the Liquidation Trust. Funds will be available for the employing of professionals from cash received at the closing of the sale of Debtors’ assets and another $50,000 which is to be paid by the Purchaser prior to the confirmation of the Reorganization Plan pursuant to the APA and Professional Fee Reserve in the DIP Facility.

 

3

Represents an estimation by the Debtors of recoverable avoidance actions under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code. Debtors made payments within the 90 days prior to the Petition Date in excess of $6.0 million; however, Debtors believe a substantial portion of these payments may have been made either (i) “cash in advance” or “cash on delivery”, or (ii) within ordinary course terms. As a result, the Debtors have discounted the actual recoverable value of the Avoidance Actions by 90%.

 

38


The Debtors will not be continuing in their current business subsequent to the Confirmation Date, therefore there will be no tax ramifications for the Debtors as a continuing entity. As a result of implementation of the Reorganization Plan, certain of the Debtors’ outstanding indebtedness will not be paid in full, however, the remaining indebtedness will not be cancelled or discharged. In general, the Internal Revenue Code, with certain exceptions, provides that a taxpayer who realizes a “discharge of indebtedness” must include the amount of discharged indebtedness in gross income to the extent that the indebtedness discharged exceeds any consideration given for such discharge. Because the Reorganization Plan does not grant Eugene a discharge pursuant to Section 1141(d)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code, this does not apply to Eugene. To the extend that Tarpon has actual Allowed Claims against it, it still will not have debt forgiveness income because the Internal Revenue Code provides that if a taxpayer is a debtor under the Bankruptcy Code and the discharge of indebtedness is pursuant to a plan approved by the Bankruptcy Court, such discharge is not required to be included in gross income, although it loses certain tax attributes.

III. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

 

A.

Voting Procedures

Under the Bankruptcy Code, the only classes that are entitled to vote to accept or reject a plan are classes of claims, or equity interests, that are impaired under the plan. Accordingly, classes of claims or interests that are not impaired are not entitled to vote on the Reorganization Plan.

Creditors that hold claims in more than on impaired class are entitled to vote separately in each class. Such a creditor will receive a separate ballot for all of its claims in each class (in accordance with the records of the Clerk of the Court) and should complete and sign each ballot separately. A creditor who asserts a claim in more than one class and who has not been provided with sufficient ballots may photocopy the ballot received and file multiple ballots.

Votes on the Reorganization Plan will be counted only with respect to claims: (a) that are listed on the Debtors’ Schedules of Assets and Liabilities other than as disputed, contingent or unliquidated; or (b) for which a proof of claim was filed on or before the bar date set by the Court for the filing of proofs of claim (except for certain claims expressly excluded from the bar date or which are allowed by Court order). However, any vote by a holder of a claim will not be counted if such claim has been disallowed or is the subject of an unresolved objection, absent an order of the Court allowing such claim for voting purposes pursuant to Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3018.

Voting on the Reorganization Plan by each holder of a claim or interest in an impaired class is important. After carefully reviewing the Reorganization Plan and disclosure statement, each holder of such a claim or interest should vote on the enclosed ballot either to accept or to reject the Reorganization Plan, and then return the ballot by mail to the debtors’ attorney by the deadline established by the Court.

Any ballot that does not appropriately indicate acceptance or rejection of the Reorganization Plan will not be counted.

A ballot that is not received by the deadline will not be counted.

If a ballot is damaged, lost or missing, a replacement ballot may be obtained by sending a written request to the Debtors’ attorney.

 

B.

Acceptance


The Bankruptcy Code defines acceptance of a plan by an impaired class of claims as acceptance by the holders of at least two-thirds in dollar amount, and more than one-half in number, of the claims of that class which actually cast ballots. The Bankruptcy Code defines acceptance of a plan by an impaired class of equity interests as acceptance by holders of at least two-thirds in number of equity interests of that class that actually cast ballots. If no creditor or interest holder in an impaired class votes, then that class has accepted the plan.

 

C.

Confirmation

Section 1129(a) of the Bankruptcy Code establishes conditions for the confirmation of a plan. These conditions are too numerous and detailed to be fully explained here. Parties are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel to answer any questions concerning the chapter 11 process.

Among several conditions for confirmation of a plan under Section 1129(a) of the Bankruptcy Code are these:

 

 

1.

Each class of impaired creditors and interests must accept the plan, as described in paragraph III.B., above.

 

 

2.

Either each holder of a claim or interest in a class must accept the plan, or the plan must provide at least as much value as would be received upon liquidation under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

D.

Modification

The Debtors reserve the right to modify or withdraw the Reorganization Plan at any time before confirmation.

 

E.

Effect of Confirmation

If the Reorganization Plan is confirmed by the Court:

 

 

1.

terms are binding on the debtors, all creditors, shareholders and other parties in interest, regardless of whether they have accepted the Reorganization Plan.

 

 

2.

Except as provided in the Reorganization Plan:

 

 

a.

In the case of a corporation that is reorganizing and continuing business:

 

 

(1)

All claims and interests will be discharged.

 

 

(2)

Creditors and shareholders will be prohibited from asserting their claims against or interest in the debtors or their assets.

 

 

b.

In the case of a corporation that is liquidating and not continuing its business:

 

 

(1)

Claims and interests will not be discharged.

 

 

(2)

Creditors and shareholders will not be prohibited from asserting their claims against or interests in the debtors or its assets.

 

 

c.

In the case of an individual or husband and wife:


 

(1)

Claims will be discharged, except as provided in 11 U.S.C. §§ 523 and 727(a).

 

 

(2)

Creditors will be prohibited from asserting their claims except as to those debts which are not discharged or dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. §§ 523 and 727(a).

In this Case, paragraph 2(a) applies with respect to Tarpon paragraph in this Combined Reorganization Plan and Disclosure Statement and 2(b) above applies with respect the treatment of Eugene in this Combined Reorganization Plan and Disclosure Statement.

WHEREFORE, the Debtors, Tarpon Industries, Inc. and Eugene Welding Co. respectfully submit this Combined Reorganization Plan and Disclosure Statement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

TARPON INDUSTRIES, INC. and

EUGENE WELDING CO.

/s/ Joseph Lendo

Joseph Lendo, Chief Financial Officer

And

MCDONALD HOPKINS PLC

/s/ Jeffrey S. Grasl

Stephen M. Gross (P35410)

Jeffrey S. Grasl (P62550)

Counsel for Debtors

39533 Woodward Ave., Suite 318

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

T: (248) 646-5070

F: (248) 646-5075

Email:

 

sgross@mcdonaldhopkins.com

 

jgrasl@mcdonaldhopkins.com

Dated: October 13, 2008