Imerys Talc America, Inc.

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

In re: } Chapter 11

)

IMERYS TALC AMERICA, INC.,, et af, ) Case No. 19-10289 (LSS)

)

Debtors. ) (Jointly Administered)

)

) Re: Dkt. Nos. 3624, 3744, 3922, 4005

OPINION

Before me are four related motions that were presented over the last several months

in this mass tort case. Each motion addresses the voting on Debtors’ Ninth Amended Plan

of Reorganization.' The motions are not academic. Debtors’ confirmation hearing is

scheduled to begin on November 15, 2021. Absent other developments in these cases, the

outcome here will determine whether the only voting class has accepted the Plan and

whether Debtors have the vote to support an argument that they are otherwise entitled to

receive a § 524(g) injunction.

The first motion is Arnold & Itkin LLP’s Motion to Disregard’ certain vote changes.

Armold & Itkin asks that I disregard the votes of three other law firms—Bevan & Associates,

-LPA, Inc., Trammel P.C, and Williams Hart Boundas Easterby LLP—that submitted

' Ninth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its

Debtor Affiliates Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, Dkt. No. 2864 (“Plan”). The Plan was

amended post-solicitation, Dkt. No. 4099.

Motion of Holders of Talc Personal Injury Claims Represented by Arnold & Itkin LP to Disregard

Certain Vote Changes made without Complying with Bankruptcy Rule 3018, and the Required.

Showing of Cause in Connection with the Voting on the Ninth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of

Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its Debtor Affiliates Under Chapter 11 of the

Bankruptcy Code, Dkt. No. 3624. The Motion to Disregard was joined by Johnson & Johnson &

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc, Dkt, No. 3653; the Cyprus Historical Excess Insurers, Dkt. No.

3679, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz PLLC, Dkt. No. 3685; and Imerys S.A., Dkt. No. 3690.

Master Ballots in connection with the Plan. Arnold & Itkin, which has voted to reject the

Plan on behalf of its clients, asserts that these other three law firms did not comply with the

appropriate procedure for changing their votes from rejecting to accepting the Plan.

Argument was heard on June 22, 2021.

T held off ruling on the Motion to Disregard as two of the firms stated that they

intended to file their own motions. Thereafter, Bevan & Associates and Williams Hart each

separately filed a motion seeking permission to change their respective votes pursuant to

Bankruptcy Rule 3018;? Trammel did not. The Rule 3018 Motions were the subject of an

evidentiary hearing on September 20, 2021. At that time, I also heard the fourth motion,

J&J’s Motion to Designate. J&J also opposes the Plan. It seeks alternative relief pursuant

to Bankruptcy Code § 1126(e) in the event any of the three law firms are permitted to

change their respective votes.

Having considered the evidence and arguments:

(i) the Motion to Disregard is granted with respect to Trammel—its 1670 votes

will remain votes to reject the Plan;

(ii) the Williams Hart Rule 3018 Motion is granted—its 493 votes will be

changed to reflect votes to accept the Pian;

3 Motion of Bevan Claimants to Affirm Certain Vote Changes in Connection with the Voting on the

Ninth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its

Debtor Affiliates under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3018, Dkt.

No. 3744 (“Bevan & Associates Rule 3018 Motion”); Williams Hart Plaintiffs’ Motion Pursuant to

Rule 3018 to Affirm Certain Vote Changes in Connection with the Ninth Amended Jomt Chapter

11 Plan of Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its Debtor Affiliates Under Chapter 11

of the Bankruptcy Code, Dkt. No. 3922 (“Williams Hart Rule 3018 Motion” and together with the

Bevan & Associates Rule 3018 Motion, the “Rule 3018 Motions”).

4 Johnson & Johnson and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.’s (collectively, “J&J”) Motion

Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1126(e) for Entry of an Order Designating Votes to Accept the Ninth

Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its Debtor

Affiliates Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code Cast by Bevan & Associates LPA, Inc.,

Witliams Hart Boundas Easterby LLP, and Trammell PC, Dkt. No. 4005.

(iii) the Bevan & Associates Rule 3018 Motion is denied; further, its original

Master Ballot will be deemed withdrawn—its 15,719 votes will not be

counted as a vote for or against the Plan; and

(iv) the Motion to Designate is moot with respect to Trammel and Bevan &

Associates and is denied with respect to Williams Hart.

Background®

The Solicitation Procedures

Imerys Tale America Inc. (“Imerys” or “Debtor”) and certain affiliated entities

(collectively, with Imerys, “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of the

United States Bankruptcy Code on February 13, 2019. The impetus for the filing was the

thousands of prepetition lawsuits alleging personal injuries caused by talc mined, processed

or distributed by Debtors. Those lawsuits were overwhelmingly based on exposure to

cosmetic (not industrial) tale.

5 The Court makes findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 52,

applicable to these contested matters by Fed. R. Bankr. Pro. 7052 and 9014(c). I thank the parties

for supplying a Combined List of Potential Exhibits. There were no objections to the exhibits

tendered for admission except for Exhibit 90, which consists of extracts from the Boundas

deposition. Williams Hart objects to the admission of excerpts on completeness and asks that the

entire Boundas deposition be admitted. J&J and Arnold & Itkin object to the entire deposition being

admitted. I will admit the entire deposition transcript. Mr. Boundas took the stand and was cross-

examined by both J&J and Arnold & Itkin. Notwithstanding the opportunity to elicit testimony

from Mr. Boundas, J&J and Arnold & Itkin now seek to enter into evidence select portions of the

Boundas deposition. Fairness and completeness dictate that the entire deposition be included in the

record, References to the Exhibits herein shall be according to the number on the Combined List of

Potential Exhibits. As all exhibits were not tendered, the Exhibit numbers are not sequential.

By Order dated January 27, 2021,°1 approved a disclosure statement and Solicitation

Procedures’ for the Plan. The only voting class is Class 4: Tale Personal Injury Claims.

Simply put, Talc Personal Injury Claims are claims of individuals based on bodily injury or

death arising out of exposure to Debtors’ talc or talc-containing products (“Direct Taic

Personal Injury Claims”) as well as claims of corporations, co-defendants or predecessors

for indemnification, contribution or reimbursement (“Indirect Talc Personal Injury

Claims”).

6 Ex, 7 (Order (1) Approving Disclosure Statement and Form and Manner of Notice of Hearing

Thereon, (II) Establishing Solicitation Procedures, (1) Approving Form and Manner of Notice to

Attorneys and Certified Plan Solicitation Directive, (TV) Approving Form of Ballots, (V) Approving

Form, Manner, and Scope of Confirmation Notices, (VI) Establishing Certain Deadlines in

Connection with Approval of Disclosure Statement and Confirmation of Plan, and (VID) Granting

Related Relief, Dkt. No. 2863).

? The Solicitation Procedures are Exhibit 1 to the Order. Capitalized terms herein that are not

defined have the meaning set forth in the Solicitation Procedures, the Order or the Plan, as

applicable.

Less simply put, “Talc Personal Injury Claim” means any Claim and any Tale Personal Injury

Demand against one or more of the Debtors or any other Protected Party whether known or

unknown, including with respect to any manner of alleged bodily injury, death, sickness, disease or

alleged disease process, emotional distress, fear of cancer, medical monitoring, or any other alleged

personal injuries (whether physical, emotional or otherwise), directly or indirectly arising out of or

relating to the presence of or exposure to talc or talc-containing products based on the alleged pre-

Effective Date acts or omissions of the Debtors or any other Entity for whose conduct the Debtors

have or are alleged to have liability (but only to the extent such Claim or Talc Personal Injury

Demand directly or indirectly arises out of or relates to the alleged pre-Effective Date acts or

omissions of the Debtors), including, without limitation any claims directly or indirectly arising out

of or relating to: (a) any products previously mined, processed, manufactured, sold (including,

without limitation, any Sale pursuant to the Sale Order) and/or distributed by the Debtors or any

other Entity for whose conduct the Debtors have or are alleged to have liability, but in all cases only

to the extent of the Debtors’ liability; (b) any materials present at any premises owned, leased,

occupied or operated by any Entity for whose products, acts, omissions, business or operations the

Debtors have, or are alleged to have, liability; or (c) any talc in any way connected to the Debtors

alleged to contain asbestos or other constituent. Talc Personal Injury Claims include all such claims,

whether: (1) in tort, contract, warranty, restitution, conspiracy, contribution, indemnity, guarantee,

subrogation, or any other theory of law, equity or admiralty, whether brought, threatened or pursued

in any United States court or court anywhere in the worid; (2) seeking compensatory, special,

economic, non-economic, punitive, exemplary, administrative or any other costs, fees, injunctive or

The Pian provides that Class 4 Claims are channeled into a § 524(g) trust governed

by Trust Distribution Procedures. The Trust Distribution Procedures provide for

distributions only to claimants suffering from mesothelioma or various stages of ovarian

cancer. Except for the proceeds of a settlement with Cyprus Mines Corporation, the Imerys

Trust Assets are split among three sub-funds: 40% to Sub-Fund A for the benefit of

claimants suffering from Ovarian Cancer A; 40% to Sub-Fund B for the benefit of claimants

suffering from Mesothelioma; and 20% to Sub-Fund C for the benefit of clarmants suffering

from Ovarian Cancer B, C or D. This has been referred to in these cases as the 40/40/20

split.

Several provisions of the Solicitation Procedures are particularly relevant to the four

motions. First, the Solicitation Procedures require that ail ballots be submitted by

similar relief or any other measure of damages; (3) seeking any legal, equitable or other relief of any

kind whatsoever, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any claims arising out of or relating to the

presence of or exposure to talc or talc-containing products assertable against one or more Debtors or

any other Protected Party; or (4) held by claimants residing within the United States or in a foreign

jurisdiction. Talc Personal Injury Claims also include any such claims that have been resolved or are

subject to resolution pursuant to any agreement, or any such claims that are based on a judgment or

verdict. Talc Personal Injury Claims do not include any claim by any present or former employee of

a predecessor or Affiliate of the Debtors for benefits under a policy of workers’ compensation

insurance or for benefits under any state or federal workers’ compensation statute or other statute

providing compensation to an employee from an employer. For the avoidance of doubt, the term

Talc Personal Injury Claim includes, without limitation (i) all claims, debts, obligations, or liabilities

for compensatory damages (such as, without limitation, loss of consortium, medical monitoring,

personal or bodily injury, wrongful death, survivorship, proximate, consequential, general, and

special damages) and punitive damages; and (ii) Indirect Talc Personal Injury Claims.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Talc Personal Injury Claims do not include any claim that a Settling

Talc Insurance Company may have against its reinsurers and/or retrocessionaires in their capacities

as such, and nothing in the Plan, the Plan Documents, or the Confirmation Order shall impair or

otherwise affect the ability of a Settling Talc Insurance Company to assert any such claim against its

reinsurers and/or retrocessionaires in their capacities as such. Plan § 1.1.235. A Direct Talc

Personal Injury Claim is any claim that is not an Indirect Tale Personal Injury Claim. Plan § 1.1.79.

March 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (prevailing eastern time), which is defined in the Solicitation

Procedures as the “Voting Deadline.” Second, the Solicitation Procedures provide Debtors

with significant discretion to extend deadlines, including for voting, and/or to permit

defects in ballots to be corrected.

Third, the Solicitation Procedures provide “Special Procedures” for voting Direct

Talc Personal Injury Claims. The Solicitation Procedures contemplate that individuals will

be solicited in accordance with the directive of their respective counsel.’ Law firms have

three options: (i) a firm can certify that it has authority to vote on behalf of its clients and

direct Prime Clerk" to serve the firm with one solicitation package and one Master Ballot

on which the firm “must record the votes on the Plan” for each of its clients; (ii) if a firm

does not have authority to vote on behalf of its clients or prefers not to exercise its authority

it can elect to (x) direct Prime Clerk to solicit votes directly from its clients or (y) direct

Prime Clerk to deliver the solicitation packages to the law firm, which will forward them to

its clients; or (iii) a firm can vote some of its clients by Master Ballot and direct Prime Clerk

to directly solicit others. So that Prime Clerk knows sufficiently in advance of the service

deadline the method by which each holder of a Direct Tale Personal Injury Claim will vote,

each law firm is required to complete and return a Certified Plan Solicitation Directive by

no later than February 17, 2021. Ifa firm fails to timely submit a Certified Plan Solicitation -

® ‘The Solicitation Procedures do not appear to contemplate soliciting votes from holders of Direct

Talc Personal Injury Claims that are unrepresented.

0 Prime Clerk LLC was authorized to assist Debtors with the tabulation of votes on the Plan. □

Directive or otherwise fails to select a solicitation method, Prime Clerk is to solicit that law

firm’s clients directly.

Fourth, Article VI. 2 of the Solicitation Procedures contain various rules for

tabulating votes as well as certain “general solicitation procedures and standard

assumptions.” ‘These rules include:

e Any voter that delivers a valid Ballot may withdraw his, her, or its vote by

delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the Solicitation Agent before the

Voting Deadline (or such later date as agreed by the Debtors with the consent

of the Plan Proponents, with such consent not to be unreasonably withheld).

To be valid, the notice of withdrawal must be signed by the party who signed

the Ballot to be revoked. The Debtors reserve the right to contest any

withdrawals. (Art. VI. 2.c.).

« ...if multiple Ballots are received form the same attorney or agent with

respect to the same Claim (but not from the holder thereof), the latest-dated

otherwise valid Ballot that is received before the Voting Deadline (or such

later date as agreed by the Debtors with the consent of the Plan Proponents,

with such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) will be the Ballot that is

counted as a vote to accept or reject the Plan. (Art. VI. 2.h).

e The Debtors will not be obligated to recognize any withdrawal, revocation or

change of any vote received after the Voting Deadline (or such later date as

agreed by the Debtors with the consent of the Plan Proponents, with such

consent not to be unreasonably withheld). (Art. VI. 2. j).

e There will be a rebuttable presumption that any claimant who submits a -

properly completed superceding Ballot or withdrawal of a Ballot on or before

the Voting Deadline has sufficient cause, within the meaning of Bankruptcy

Rule 3018(a), to change or withdraw such claimant’s acceptance or rejection

of the Plan. (Art. VI. 2.f.)

The Voting Declarations

The Order required Prime Clerk to file its Voting Certification by April 8, 2021. On

April 7, Christina Pullo, Vice President of Global Corporate Actions for Prime Clerk filed

her declaration (“First Voting Declaration”) regarding the solicitation of votes and

“preliminary” tabulation of ballots.’ In the text of the First Voting Declaration, Ms. Pullo

declares that Debtors directed Prime Clerk to include in the vote tabulation Master Ballots

received after the Voting Deadline from nine law firms. She also declares that Prime Clerk

received Master Ballots from law firms that did not submit a valid Certified Plan Solicitation

Directive, which Debtors also instructed Prime Clerk to include in the vote tabulation

Exhibit C to the First Voting Declaration provides detail on each ballot not counted

and the reason for exclusion. Bevan & Associates, Williams Hart and Trammel are each

listed on Exhibit C as having submitted a Master Ballot rejecting the Plan. The reason for

exclusion of each of these Master Ballots is “Master Ballot superseded by later recetved

valid master ballot from different laws firm with consistent vote on account of the same

holder.”

Taking into account the included and excluded ballots, Prime Clerk concluded that

Class 4 Talc Personal Injury Claims voted to accept the Plan, as follows:

Class Class Nusuber Number Amount Amount Class Voting

Description Accepting Rejecting Accepting Rejecting Result

4 Tale Personal 79.73% 20.27% 79.73% 20.27% ACCEPTS

Injury Claims

" Rx, 11 (Declaration of Christina Pullo of Prime Clerk LLC Regarding the Solicitation of Votes

and Preliminary Tabulation of Ballots Cast on the Ninth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of

Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its Debtor Affiliates Under Chapter 11 of the

Bankruptcy Code, Dkt. No. 3334).

Certain of the votes recorded on Trammel’s Master Ballot were also excluded from the voting

tabulation because the ballot did not contain a valid social security number or an indication that the

claimant does not have a social security number.

After the filing of the First Voting Declaration, Arnold & Itkin filed a motion seeking to

extend the Plan discovery deadline in order to take discovery with respect to the voting and

tabulation of the vote." Arnold & Itkin argued that the First Voting Declaration was

inaccurate as it seemed to encompass a statistically implausible result. In particular, the

negative votes reflected in the Master Ballot submitted by Bevan & Associates alone

accounted for all but 200 of the ballots to reject the Plan. I granted that request over a

disappointing argument by Debtors (and others in support of the Plan) that the discovery

deadline had passed and parties should have anticipated the issues raised by the First Voting

Declaration.

As it turned out, Arnold & Itkin’s suspicions were correct. A month later, on May 7,

2021, Christina Pullo filed a Supplemental Voting Declaration."* In the Supplemental

Voting Declaration, Prime Clerk again concludes that Class 4 accepted the Plan:

Class Class Number Number Amount Amount Class Voting

Description Accepting Rejecting Accepting Rejecting Result

4 Tale Personal 79,83% 20.17% 79.83% 20.17% ACCEPTS

Injury Claims

3 Motion of Holders of Talc Personal Injury Claims Represented by Arnold & Itkin LLP to Extend

Discovery Deadlines and Permit Discovery of the Plan Proponents, Prime Clerk and Certain Third

Parties Relating to the Solicitation and Voting With Respect to Ninth Amended Joint Chapter 11

Plan of Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its Debtor Affiliates Under Chapter 11 of

the Bankruptcy Code [Dkt. No. 3425]. Others joined in: Certain Insurers, Dkt. No. 3491; Cyprus

Historical Excess Insurers, Dkt. No. 3502; Aylstock Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz PLLC, Dkt. No.

3527,

4 Ex, 12 (Supplemental Declaration of Christina Pullo of Prime Clerk LLC Regarding the

Solicitation of Votes and Preliminary Tabulation of Ballots Cast on the Ninth Amended Joint

Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Imerys Tale America, Inc. and its Debtor Affiliates Under

Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, Dkt. No. 3534).

But, the reason for exclusion of Master Ballots filed by Bevan & Associates, Williams Hart

and Trammel now reads: “Master Ballot superseded by latest-dated valid Master Ballot

from the same law firm with inconsistent vote on account of the same holder.” The

Supplemental Voting Certification, therefore, is the first time that parties or the court were

advised that these three firms had changed their respective votes from rejecting the Plan to

accepting the Plan.

Resolution of the Motions

The Motion to Disregard is Granted with respect to Trammel

On June 8, 2021, Arnold & Itkin filed its Motion to Disregard. Arnold & Itkin

argues that none of the three firms sought permission to change their respective votes from

rejecting to accepting in derogation of Bankruptcy Rule 3018(a). While the Motion to

Disregard is moot as to Bevan & Associates and Williams Hart, it is still relevant as to the

1,670 votes cast by Trammel.

In support of the vote changes, Debtors’ and the law firms who seek to change their

votes rely heavily on the Order arguing that Debtors and Prime Clerk complied with the

Solicitation Procedures and so the vote changes should be permitted. Specifically, Debtors

arguc that the Order requires Prime Clerk to count the last-dated ballot received before or

after the Voting Deadline if Debtors consent, which they did. ‘Taken together with the

'S Debtors’ Objection to Motion of Holders of Talc Personal Injury Claims Represented by Arnold

& Itkin LP to Disregard Certain Vote Changes made without Complying with Bankruptcy Rule

3018, and the Required Showing of Cause in Connection with the Voting on the Ninth Amended

Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Imerys Talc America, Inc. and its Debtor Affilates

Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, Dkt. No. 3686. In this objection, Debtors do not really

argue in favor of Trammel or Williams Hart and thus it could be argued that they have no objection

to the Motion to Disregard with respect to either of those firms.

10

rebuttable presumption of cause within the meaning of Rule 3018, Debtors argue that the

Solicitation Procedures allow claimants to file superseding ballots before or after the Voting

Deadline and obviate the need for the filing of a Rule 3018 motion.”

A presumption requires the factfinder to accept some facts as proven once provided

proof of other facts. It is a procedural ruie under which “if a basic fact (Fact A) is

established than the finder of fact must accept that the presumed fact (Fact B) has been

established.”'” A presumption is not evidence, however, and is not given the weight of

evidence.'? And, a rebuttable presumption is just that—rebuttable. Once the opposing party

comes forward with some evidence to create a material fact, the presumption disappears; the

party with the burden of persuasion always retains it.”

The creation of the presumption in the Solicitation Procedures arguably runs counter

to Rule 3018. There is no general entitlement to change a vote once cast.” Bankruptcy

Rule 3018(a) only permits a change “for cause.””’ The overarching concern underlying

'6 Tris, of course, understandable that parties should rely on the Order, but as I discuss herein the

presumption provision was arguably improvidently entered. While Debtors cited a string of orders

for the proposition that such a presumption is typical, including in the mass tort context, there is no

indication that any of the orders were contested or were otherwise challenged as is the case here.

'7 1 Jack B. Weinstein & Margaret A. Berger, Weinstein’s Federal Evidence § 301.01[1] (2d ed. 2021).

18 Td. (citing New York Life Ins. Co. v. Gamer, 303 U.S. 161 (1938)).

9 Weinstein’s Federal Evidence § 301.01[2].

20 9 Collier on Bankruptcy, ¢ 3018.01{4] (16 ed. 2021) (“A change of vote may not occur as a

matter of right.”).

21 The relevant part of Bankruptcy Rule 3018 provides: “[flor cause shown, the court after notice

and a hearing may permit a creditor or equity security holder to change or withdraw an acceptance

of rejection.”

11

Rule 3018 is that any vote change not be “improperly motivated,” a proposition that

requires both an explanation and scrutiny. The presumption created in the Solicitation

Procedures requires neither; nor is there any logical nexus between Fact A (the change of

vote) and Fact B (cause, or a proper motivation).

I expressed skepticism at argument regarding whether I could and/or should have

created the presumption in the Solicitation Procedures, but I need not decide that here.”*

The three law firms do not meet even the minimal requisite in the Solicitation Procedures

for the creation of the presumption because it arises only if a vote is changed prior to the

Voting Deadline. It is undisputed that Trammel and Williams Hart changed their respective

votes the day after the Voting Deadline. It is also undisputed that Bevan & Associates first

withdrew its vote on March 29 and then resubmitted a Master Ballot accepting the Plan on

April 6 more than a week after the Voting Deadline. “Fact A” has not been established by

any of the three firms.

Debtors and others in support of counting the changed votes contend that because

Trammel and Williams Hart changed their votes within the extended deadline granted by

Debtors that those firms are entitled to the presumption. I disagree. ‘The Solicitation

Procedures contain multiple provisions in which the term Voting Deadline is qualified by

the granting of an extension,” but the presumption provision contains no such qualification.

22 In re MPM Silicones, LLC, 2014 Banke. LEXIS 4062 * 5 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Sept. 17, 2014) (citing 9

Collier on Bankruptcy, | 3018.01 (16" ed. 2021),

*3 No party briefed the issue of whether a court can create a presumption and the circumstances

under which it might be permissible to do so. As discussed at the hearing, in many circumstances

the presumption created here could cut down on unnecessary and ancillary fitigation.

24 See supra.

12

I will not re-write the Solicitation Procedures to expand the presumption provision

especially where, as here, it appears that the presumption may be m derogation of the very

rule it references.

As importantly, there is nothing in the Order or the Solicitation Procedures that

excuses the filing of a Rule 3018 Motion. Even assuming a presumption is permissible, the

presumption must be applied in the context of an actual controversy. Under the Bankruptcy

Rules, a change of vote is initiated by the filing of a Rule 3018 motion. While supporters of

the vote changes argue that the Solicitation Procedures imply such a motion is unnecessary,

given the atypical creation of the presumption, I will not entertain the waiver of the

requirement to file a Rule 3018 motion by implication.

I received little evidence with respect to the votes cast by Trammel, which only came

in peripherally through Mr. Boundas’ testimony. His testimony as well as undisputed

representations in the submissions are that Trammel originally cast a timely ballot rejecting

the Plan, was given a one-day extension it did not request (but, was requested for it by Mr.

Boundas) and then subsequently changed its vote to accept within the extended deadline.

Because Trammel did not file a Rule 3018 motion, did not file an opposition to the Motion

to Disregard nor present any evidence of its own, I have no evidence as to why Trammel

changed its vote. Accordingly, I will not permit the vote change.

The Motion to Disregard is granted as to Trammel. As for Williams Hart and Bevan

& Associates, the Motion to Disregard is moot. I will consider the Rule 3018 Motions on

13

the merits, but the law firms will not be entitled to a presumption of cause.” Each has the

burden of both production and persuasion on its motion.

i. The Rule 3018 Motions

Bankruptcy Rule 3018 provides “[flor cause shown, the court after notice and

hearing may permit a creditor or equity security holder to change or withdraw an

acceptance or rejection” of a plan. Neither the Bankruptcy Rules nor the Bankruptcy Code

define cause. It is up to judges to determine “cause” based on the context and to grant or

deny a motion in their discretion.” While “cause” is necessarily a fact-driven

determination, some general principles have emerged from the caselaw as set forth in MPM

Silicones.’ First, the “for cause” standard should not be hard to meet. “As long as the

reason for the vote change is not tainted, the change of vote should usually be permitted.””

Second, human error is “cause” to change a vote. Human error occurs when there is (i) a

breakdown in communications at the voting entity; (ii) a misreading of the plan terms; or

(iii) the execution of a ballot by one without authority corrected by one with authority.”

Third, courts look unfavorably on votes changes made to enhance an objector’s leverage in

25 Liven if Williams Hart and Bevan & Associates were entitled to the presumption, I conclude that

the presumption has been rebutted based on the evidence submitted at the hearing.

26 MPM Silicones *5; In re .C. Householder Land Trust # 1,502 B.R. 602 (Bankr. M.D, Fla, 2013).

27 MPM Silicones, LLC (collecting cases).

28 In re Dow Corning Corp., 237 B.R. 374, 377 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 1999) (citing 9 Collier on

Bankruptcy € 3018[4] (15" ed. Rev. 1999)).

29 MPM Silicones *2 (citing In re Kellogg Square Partnership, 160 B.R. 332, 334 (Bankr. D. Minn,

1993)).

14

situations such as to force a cram down.*® Fourth, cause should be “more than a mere

change of heart.”*! Fifth, where plan proponents support the vote change in furtherance □□ □

consensual resolution, cause likely exists unless there is some extra consideration being

offered for the vote change.” I will apply these general principles separately to each Rule

3018 Motion.

A, The Bevan & Associates Rule 3018 Motion is Denied.

On June 25, 2021, Bevan & Associates filed its Rule 3018 Motion. By its motion,

Bevan & Associates seeks to change the votes of its 15,719 clients from votes to reject the

Plan to votes to accept the Plan. That same day, Bevan & Associates filed a Rule 2019

statement identifying its clients.**

Findings of Fact

Mr. Bevan is a named partner in Bevan & Associates LPA, Inc.** He has been

practicing for 30 years and his primary area of practice is asbestos litigation.” While he is

not a bankruptcy lawyer, he has represented clients in numerous bankruptcy cases over the

years and has represented clients who have served on several creditors’ committees in

30 Id.* 2 (citing In re Eastern Systems, Inc., 118 B.R. 223 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 1990) (denying motion), In

ve Windmill Durango Office, LLC, 481 BR. 51 (B.A.P. 9% Cir. 2012) (denying motion)).

31 Td. (citing Windmill Durango, 481 B.R. at 66).

2 Td. (citing Dow Corning).

33 Exs. 16, 16A.

4 Hr’g Tr. 15:14-15, Sept. 20, 2021, Dkt. No. 4144.

35 Hr’g Tr. 15:18-19; 24:24-25:6.

15

asbestos cases.** Mr. Bevan could not recall whether or how many lawsuits his firm may

have filed against Imerys prepetition.*’ Bevan & Associates was not involved in the multi-

district talc litigation proceeding in New Jersey.** For purposes of solicitation, it appears

that Debtors supplied Prime Clerk the name of only one claimant represented by Bevan &

Associates.”

Bevan & Associates did not take an active role (or any role) in the bankruptcy case

prior to voting. As for voting, Bevan & Associates did not send Prime Clerk a Certified

Plan Solicitation Directive by the February 17, 2021 deadline.” Rather, Bevan &

Associates’ first communication with Prime Clerk was by email on March 18, 2021 seeking

a Master Ballot for voting purposes.*’ On March 23, 2021, Bevan & Associates emailed a

Certified Plan Solicitation Directive to Prime Clerk.” After receiving approval from

Debtors’ counsel, Prime Clerk approved the late request to vote by Master Ballot*’ and.

Bevan & Associates submitted a Master Ballot to Prime Clerk, by email, on

36 Hr’g Tr. 15:20-21; 28:13-29:1,

7 Ex, 90 (Aug. 31, 2021 Dep. of Thomas W. Bevan 14:25-16:4, Dkt. No, 4092-28).

3 Bevan Dep. 20:24-21:4.

Ex, 26. Isay, “it appears” because the email from Prime Clerk to Bevan & Associates listing

clients Prime Clerk has on file references the “Haffner law.”

4 Ex, 23; Ex. 26.

4l Ex, 26.

Ex, 26.

8 Ex, 28,

16

March 25, 2021." By the Master Ballot, Bevan & Associates voted on behalf of all of its

clients to reject the Plan.®

From at least February 24, 2021, Prime Clerk sent Debtors and their counsel periodic

updates on the progress of the voting tabulation.** Late in the evening of March 25, 2021,

that report tallied all ballots received through the Voting Deadline and revealed that Class 4

rejected the Plan with only 57% of voters accepting the Plan and 43% of voters rejecting the

Plan.”

That evening, Natalie Ramsey, counsel for the Tort Claimants Committee texted

Mr. Bevan as follows: “Hi. Reaching out for another case. Could we chat about Imerys

tomorrow morning? So you know before responding — I represent the committee and

learned tonight you cast around 15,000 votes against the plan. Want to understand your

concerns.” Mr, Baron, individual counsel for a member of the TCC, also reached out to

Mr. Bevan that evening.” -

Ms. Ramsey and Mr. Bevan spoke the following day (March 26). Mr. Bevan

expressed concern that a vote in favor of the Imerys Plan would preclude him from voting

®

4% Ex. 54.

47 Ex. 54.

48 Ex. 51.

4 Ex, 30.

Hr’g Tr. 75:4-13.

17

against a Plan in the Cyprus Mines bankruptcy case.’ Ms. Ramsey discussed the interplay

between the Cyprus Mines and Imerys cases and subsequently put in writing her

understanding of the same in a “settlement communication.””’ The communication states,

among other things, that “[t}here is nothing in the Imerys Plan that attempts to limit or

circumscribe the rights of the Cyprus Committee or any creditor in the Cyprus Bankruptcy

Case.” She also proposes to place the following language in any order confirming the

Imerys Plan: “Notwithstanding anything contained in this Confirmation Order, the failure

to submit a Ballot, withdrawal of a Ballot, or submission of a Ballot voting in favor of the

Imerys Plan does not and shail not affect any rights of any claimant with respect to the

Cyprus Bankruptcy, including without limitation the Cyprus Settlement. For the avoidance

of doubt, a vote in favor of the Imerys Plan is not and shall not be deemed to be a vote in

favor of the Cyprus Settlement.””*

Ms. Ramsey followed up with Mr, Bevan by text on March 27 and March 29 asking

if he could let her know whether he will be leaving his votes in place, withdrawing them or

changing them to accepting votes. On March 29, Mr. Bevan responds saying that he will

be withdrawing his votes that day based on the communication Ms. Ramsey sent him.”

Hr’g Tr. 17:17-25; 76:14-77:1. Cyprus Mines Corporation is a previous owner of Debtors’ talc

assets and filed its own bankruptcy case in this Court, Case No. 21-10398. The Cyprus Mines case is

proceeding separately, but prior to filing bankruptcy, Cyprus Mines and Debtors reached a

settlement agreement which is embodied in the Imerys Plan.

Her’g Tr. 18:5-13.

3 Ex, 31. .

4

°° Bx, 51; Ar’g Tr. 83:1-12; 84:14-85:1.

6 Ex. 51.

18

Bevan & Associates did, in fact, withdraw its Master Ballot on March 29, via an email to

Prime Clerk.®’ At that point, Mr. Bevan believed he was concluded with the voting

process,

Later on March 29, Debtors approved what they termed a “request” to withdraw

Bevan & Associates Master Ballot. Unfortunately from Debtors’ perspective, Prime

Clerk’s revised report reflecting Bevan & Associates’ withdrawal of its ballot revealed that

while Class 4 now accepted the Plan, it did not meet the 75% threshold required for a

§ 524(g) channeling injunction, with only 73.65% of those voting, voting in favor.”

Ms. Ramsey reached out to Mr. Bevan by phone sometime between March 29 and

April 6 as did Mr. Placitella, another attorney representing a member of the TCC.“ While

Mr. Bevan does not remember the particulars of either conversation, he had the impression

that the TCC needed “yes” votes and was told that he could change the votes of his clients

to accept the Plan.” On April 6, 2021, Bevan & Associates communicated with Prime

Clerk again. This time, Bevan & Associates sought to “reinstate” its Master Ballot and vote

57 Ex, 32; Hr’g Tr. 86:13-87:2.

58 r’g Tr. 133:21-1344.

Ex. 55,

Ex, 55.

6 Hr’g Tr. 89:25-90:16.

Ar’e Tr. 91:5-23; 134:5-19.

19

to accept the Plan.* Attached to the email was a Master Ballot and an excel spreadsheet

with the name of the clients on whose behalf Bevan & Associates was voting.”

Mr. Bevan voted on behaif of 15,719 clients. He did not consult with any of his

clients prior to voting on the Plan (either the vote rejecting the Plan, the withdrawal of the

vote, or the vote accepting the Pian).® Rather, he relies on a one page general “Attorney

Agreement” which provides that Mr. Bevan can vote on behalf of his client in a bankruptcy

case filed by any debtor. Clients may have signed the Attorney Agreement as far back as

twenty years ago.’ He uses this Attorney Agreement to act on behalf of his clients even if

they are unaware that a specific bankruptcy has been filed. The only time that Mr. Bevan

believes he informs a client of a specific bankruptcy case is if he going to submit that client

for consideration on a creditors’ committee.

3 Ex, 86.

64 id.

6 Tr. 97:12-16.

Q: Okay. So, how do you know that your clients wanted you to vote against the plan,

when you voted in March?

A: Because my clients want me to do what’s - - what’s best, and I don’t check with my

clients on every little thing that J do on their case.”

66 Ex. 16 A (“The undersigned claimant hereby authorizes Thomas W. Bevan, as attorney in fact

and with full power of substitution to vote on any questions that may be lawfully submitted by

debtors and any debtor in bankruptcy, in any Chapter 11 filed on behalf of any Debtor; to vote, after

review of the appropriate disclosure statement, for any Plan of Reorganization of the Debtor; and in

general, to perform any act not constituting the practice of law of the undersigned in all matters

arising in any bankruptcy case.”).

6? Hr’s Tr, 103:3-5.

6 Fir’g Tr. 153:13-154:25.

20

In this case and in previous bankruptcy cases in which Mr. Bevan has cast votes for

his clients, he votes in a block. Mr. Bevan either accepts or rejects the plan on behalf of ail

of his clients; he has never split a vote.” In voting in this fashion, he does what he believes

is best for his clients as a whole.” In other words, Bevan & Associates does not make an

individual assessment of how to vote each client; rather Mr. Bevan treats his clients “as a

group.””! Mr. Bevan is aware that a given plan may provide different treatment for his

various clients, but he does not consider that to create a conflict situation.” Rather, it is just

a fact that some of his clients will be compensated under a given plan and some will not.”

It is likely that Bevan & Associates previously submitted claims on behalf of the

majority of its 15,719 clients in other bankruptcy cases, including the Quigley, Garlock,

ACandS and Sepco bankruptcy cases” and in the BASF class action litigation.” Indeed, if

Bevan & Associates were to submit a ballot in the Imerys case today, it is likely they would

6 Hr’g Tr, 104: 24-105:2.

” Hr’g Tr, 104:24-105:2; 135:3-14.

1 Hy’g Tr. 133:14-20; 135:3-14. Hr’g Tr. 135:25-137:6.

QO: Okay, And just as you didn’t make an individualized assessment for — on behalf of each of

your clients to withdraw the master ballot, you did not make an individualized assessment

on behalf of each of your clients to vote affirmatively, correct?

A: I-you know --, and I’m not sure how to characterize the individual assessment. Again, 1—I

assessed my clients’ claims as a whole, because there is so much similarity in their claims as

a whole, that I decided what’s best for them as a whole. Do I-— did I go through each

individual, with (indiscernable) a yes/no? It doesn’t really work that way in a — in our

business.

® Or’g Tr. 155:1-14.

% Hr’e Tr. 155:1-156:13.

4 Hr’g Tr. 117:6-119:4.

® Br’g Tr, 158:23-160:1.

21

vote for more than 15,719 clients as they have since taken on more clients. If the balloting

deadline had been a year prior to the Voting Deadline it would have submitted fewer votes.

In Mr. Bevan’s words — “it’s a moving target.””

Based on his in-take process and the characterization of Debtors’ products as

“ubiquitous,” Mr. Bevan believes it is “likely” that all of his clients were exposed to

Debtors’ talc.” Bevan & Associates’ in-take process included a question regarding exposure

to talc,” but there was never a specific question directed to exposure to an Imerys talc

product.” Bevan & Associates’ intake process asks more general questions regarding

exposures, work experience and disease diagnosis.” In submitting the Master Ballot, Bevan

& Associates did not parse through its database to determine which of its clients were likely

exposed to Debtors’ product (or any talc product) and which were not.” Rather, Mr. Bevan

“believes” that “it is likely” his clients have such claims.”

Approximately 400 of Bevan & Associates’ clients suffer from mesothelioma with

the remainder suffering from some other form of cancer.™ None of its clients have been

7 Hr’s Tr. 147:16-148:6; 160:14-21; see also Hr’g Tr. 48:6-15.

Tr. 163:9-15,

® Tr: 60:4-18.

80 Hr’g Tr. 162:14-25,

8! Hyr’g Tr. 145:22-146:7.

82 Hy’e Tr, 59:22-25; 148:12-149:3; 145:22-146:7.

8 Tr, 56:2-11.

22

diagnosed with ovarian cancer.** Nor were any of its clients employed by Debtors.” Mr.

Bevan was aware when voting on the Plan that the Imerys Plan and proposed Trust

Distribution Procedures provide recoveries only for claimants diagnosed with mesothelioma

or ovarian cancer.*® He was aware when voting on the Plan that approximately 15,319 of

his clients were currently ineligible for a recovery under the Trust Distribution Procedures.*’

And, Mr. Bevan did not ask any individual client how he/she wanted to vote his/her claim.

Rather, as Mr, Bevan testified:

THE WITNESS: We do our clients what they want us to do in any

voting situation, because our clients have no expertise in this particular area. And

they, you know, it — it would be a exercise in futility, I guess I would call it, to — to

ask each one of my clients what they want to do, when that, particularly as you’ve

said, is why they’ve hired us.

BY MR. TSEKERIDES:

Q: Okay. Do you think it takes expertise to know you're not getting any money

under a plan?

A: I think it takes expertise to understand the full plan, and why they wouldn’t

get any money in that particular case.®

Discussion

Were I to mechanically apply the general principles to the Bevan & Associates Rule

_ 3018 Motion, I would likely grant it. Mr. Bevan testified that he initially voted on behalf of

84 Hy’g Tr. 54:25-55:23. More accurately, Bevan & Associates is not pursuing ovarian cancer claims

against Imerys on behalf of any of its clients.

8 Hr’g Tr. 62:7-9.

86 Hyr’g Tr. 56:12-15.

87 Ar’g Tr, 51:4-9; 56:12-24.

88 Hr’s Tr. 100:4-15,

23

his clients to reject the Plan because he believed a vote in support of the Plan could

negatively impact his vote in the related, but separate, Cyprus Mines bankruptcy case. Mr.

Bevan’s reading of the Plan is incorrect as a vote for the Imerys Plan does not preclude a

vote against any Cyprus Mines plan. As changing a vote after receiving corrected

information falls squarely within the “human error” category (i.e. a misreading of the Plan),

this counsels in favor of permitting the vote change.

So, too, I would likely reject the many reasons proffered by Arnold & Itkin and J&J

for denying the motion. For example, I do not accept the argument that Mr. Bevan’s reason

for changing the vote is not genuine. The contemporaneous documentary evidence verifies

his concern over the relatedness of the vote between the Imerys and Cyprus Mines plans.

While it may be true that a person concerned more about recoveries against Cyprus Mines

might vote to reject the Imerys Pian and that the clarification sent by Ms. Ramsey is not

precisely accurate,” the correctness of Mr. Bevan’s assessment based on his

communications is not an issue in a Rule 3018 context. Relatedly, it may also be true that it

is logical for a claimant who receives nothing under the Plan, at least currently, to vote to

reject the plan. Once, again, however, a determination of what is in the best interest of a

particular creditor is left up to that creditor in most instances. Finally, the evidence is clear

that Bevan & Associates was not offered anything to change its clients’ votes. While

perhaps Mr. Bevan was trying to curry some favor with other members of the plaintiff's bar,

8° A vote in favor of the Imerys Plan is, in essence, a vote in favor of the Imerys settlement with

Cyprus Mines at least in the context of the Imerys Plan.

24

that, too, is not necessarily a reason to prohibit a vote change given the documented

explanation.”

But, there are more fundamental issues at play here: the evidence raises significant

questions as to whether any of Bevan & Associates’ clients have a claim against any Debtor.

What is crystal clear is that: (i) Bevan & Associates has a database of clients built up over

the past thirty years, (ii) prior to voting, Bevan & Associates performed zero diligence to

discern which of its clients, if any, had been exposed to talc, much less to Debtors’ talc and

(iii) Bevan & Associates submitted its Master Ballot without regard to whether any of its

15,713 clients had a Talc Personal Injury Claim as required to vote on the Plan. In other

words, Bevan & Associates simply printed out a list of its clients in excel spreadsheet format

and slapped it behind a Master Bailot.

Master Ballots seem to be commonplace in mass tort bankruptcies.’ At Debtors’

request, and without objection by any party-in-interest, as part of the Solicitation Procedures

Two groups of insurers also objected to the Motion. The Cyprus Excess Insurers would have me

deny the motion because of asserted. conflicts among Bevan & Associates’ clients. The Cyprus

Excess Insurers contend that there is an inherent conflict between those claimants who will receive a

distribution under the Trust Distribution Procedures and those who will not, To rule on this ground

would require an exploration of the attorney-client relationships between Bevan & Associates and its

clients, the various professional rules of responsibility in the states in which Bevan & Associates

practices and the application of those ruies to each of its clients and, perhaps, to mass tort

representations, generally. I find the conflict-of-interest allegations concerning, but I hesitate to

address them when it is not necessary to do so to decide what is before me and without the benefit of

a complete factual record and jegal briefing. The Certain Insurers argue by analogy to § 1126(g) of

the Bankruptcy Code that claimants who receive nothing under a plan are deemed to reject the Plan

and so Bevan & Associates’ 15,319 clients who will not currently receive anything under the Plan

should not be able to vote in favor of it. The Future Claimants’ Representative does not challenge

this argument directly, but instead argues that eligibility to vote is based on whether a claimant has a

claim that will be “addressed” by the trust not on whether a claim “satisfies the presumptive

validity” under trust distribution procedures. Limited Response to (A) the 3018 Objections and (B)

Johnson & Johnson and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.’s Motion to Designate, D.I. 4080.

These two positions raise a host of intellectually challenging issues that may also have very practical

consequences in mass tort cases. | need not decide them either in order to determine this motion.

do not comment on whether Master Ballots should be commonplace.

25

I approved the use of a Master Ballot. Simultaneously, and again without objection, |

temporarily allowed the claims of Direct Talc Personal Injury Claims (which are

unliquidated and disputed claims) at $1.00 for voting purposes. The result was that law

firms submitted at least eighty-five Master Ballots.” In order for Master Ballots to work,

great trust is placed in the plaintiffs bar.” With respect to Bevan & Associates, the evidence

shows that such trust was not well-placed. It is true that Direct Talc Personal Injury Claims

will be channeled to a trust for liquidation, but a lawyer filing a Master Ballot still has the

obligation to ensure that he only votes on behalf of clients who have a claim against

Debtors. Indeed, embedded in the defined term is the requirement that a person must have

been exposed to Debtors’ talc. And, in signing the Master Ballot, the attorney certifies that

each client he votes for has a Direct Talc Personal Injury Claim.”*

Debtors argue that I should focus on the Rule 3018 standard and grant the motion

because there was no improper motive underlying the vote change. In essence, Debtors’

argument is that I should ignore the evidence regarding the questionable nature of the Bevan

& Associates Master Ballot and just grant the motion. This thinking is misguided. While

- case cited for the Rule 3018 standard appears to include a requirement that the

The actual number of Master Ballots submitted does not appear to be in the evidence submitted.

This number was based on a review of information in the Supplemental Declaration.

Tn this case, Debtors did not request a bar date for holders of Direct Talc Personal Injury Claims,

thus the Master Ballots and any Rule 2019 statements are the only opportunity for parties in interest

to review the basis for any Direct Talc Personal Injury Claims.

% Bx. 86 (“[elach holder of a Direct Talc Personal Injury Claim listed on the Exhibit accompanying

this Master Ballot, as of the Voting Deadline, has a Direct Talc Personal Injury Claim in Class 4.”).

26

underlying claim be valid, that is hardly surprising. Application of Rule 3018 presupposes

that the vote movant seeks to change is supported by a valid claim against the debtor.”

Debtors also argue that the issue of how to handle the Bevan & Associates Master

Ballot should be reserved for confirmation. Upon questioning, however, counsel candidly

admitted that the same arguments would be raised at that time. Delaying decision on a

motion is sometimes attractive, but it is not appropriate here, This issue has been pending

for several months, parties-in-interest engaged in discovery and a full evidentiary hearing

was held. The immediacy of the confirmation hearing counsels in favor of, not agaist,

resolution. Given the magnitude of its vote, all parties-in-interest need to know the outcome

of the Bevan & Associates Rule 3018 Motion. While Debtors are free to address additional

voting issues, as appropriate, if they choose,” this matter is ripe for decision.

Given the evidence, the only fair result is to use my discretion to exclude any vote by

Bevan & Associates. I will not permit Bevan & Associates to change its votes and accept

the Plan, but neither will I permit its Master Ballot to be counted as votes to reject the Plan.

The Master Ballot will be considered withdrawn. While I do not make this move lightly, in

ruling on this request, I cannot—and will not—ignore how the Master Ballot was generated.

Finally, before concluding my discussion on this motion, I feei compelied to observe

my disagreement with Mr. Bevan’s apparent strongly-held belief that that his clients cannot

make a decision in their best interest when it comes to voting on a plan. l agree that plans

Tf proofs of claim are filed, then assuming no objections, holders of those claims are entitled to

vote ona plan. 11 U.S.C. § 1126(a). If an objection to a proof of claim is filed and the creditor

wants to vote, it needs to file a motion to have its claim estimated for voting purposes. Fed. R.

Bankr. P. 3018 (a).

°° Debtors suggested at argument that it may be appropriate to review Master Ballots filed by other

plaintiff firms. Whether or not that is appropriate, it does not change the outcome here.

27

of reorganization, including the Imerys Plan, are complicated documents. But, it is

counsel’s job to make the plan understandable and (if counsel is not empowered to vote for

the client) to provide advice on whether to accept or reject the plan, This is the second time

this year in a mass tort case that counsel has suggested that these types of cases are too

complicated for individuals to comprehend. To paraphrase my previous response: “T don’t

buy it.”°”

B. The Williams Hart Rule 3018 Motion is Granted.

On August 12, 2021, Williams Hart filed its Rule 3018 Motion. By its motion,

Williams Hart seeks to change the votes of its 493 clients from votes to reject the Plan to

votes to accept the Plan.

Findings of Fact

Mr. Boundas is a named partner in Williams Hart.” The firm represents 493 clients

suffering from ovarian cancer, which are listed in the firm’s Rule 2019 Statement.” During

Tn re Cyprus Mines Corporation, Case No. 21-10398 (LSS), United States Bankruptcy Court, District of

Delaware, May 17, 2021, Bench Ruling on Motion of the Kazan McClain Firm Personal Injury

Plaintiffs for Modification of the Tort Claimants Committee or for Appointment of Tort Claimants

Conflicts Committee, D.I. 302. (“Why this ‘committee by proxy’ universe has evolved, 1 can only

guess. And, I won’t speculate here.. But, it was suggested at argument it is because these are

complex cases and the claimants have to rely on their individual counsel for bankruptcy experience.

Mass tort cases are certainly unique and undoubtedly present complex and complicated issues. But,

from the perspective of committee member participation, mass tort cases are no more or less

complex than any other type of bankruptcy case. And, they are no more or less complex than patent

infringement cases, medical malpractice cases or even the underlying asbestos cases in which

individuals serve as jurors every day in this country and make decisions unaided by counsel in the

jury room. Bottom line: I simply don’t buy that argument. More importantly, individuals serving

on committees bring valuable real life/non-legal perspectives (whether business or personal) to

committee deliberations and how a case should proceed.”).

% Hyr’g Tr. 165:5-7.

Ex. 9.

28

an interview and vetting process, Williams Hart confirms both exposure to talc products and

a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.'”

Williams Hart followed the bankruptcy case since its inception.’ Through its own

counsel, Williams Hart filed an objection to the approval of the disclosure statement raising

two main objections. Williams Hart believes that Debtors may have a large indemnification

claim against J&J, but Williams Hart does not see anything in the Plan or Trust Distribution

Procedures that requires that claim to be vigorously pursued.” Williams Hart also

questions the justification for the 40/40/20 split of the Imerys Trust Assets.’ In addition to

filing the disclosure statement objection, Mr. Boundas was in contact with other plaintiffs’

firms (including Arnold & Itkin) regarding issues raised by the Plan and attended a zoom

call in February 2021 with other plaintiff firms and counsel for the TCC.“

In the days leading up to the Voting Deadline, Mr. Boundas was in discussions

regarding possible resolutions." As the Voting Deadline approached with no firm

agreement, Mr. Boundas reached out to Mr. Baron. On March 25, Mr. Boundas and Mr.

Baron exchanged emails regarding possible resolutions, but Williams Hart’s objections were

not resolved by the 4:00 p.m. (castern) deadline to submit ballots.' Accordingly, out of an

100 THr’g ‘T'r, 167:11-20; see also Ex. 9 (Exemplar Power of Attorney and Employment Agreement:

Talcum Powder Cancer Claim).

10) Ay’g Tr. 168:3-8.

02 Hy’g Tr. 168:9-23; 179:19-180:24.

103 Hr’g Tr. 168:24-170:2;182:1-183:4,

104 FHe'g ‘Tr. 170:16-171:5.

05 Hr’g Tr. 171:10-172:4.

106 Hr’g Tr. 171:10-172:19.

29

“abundance of caution” at 3:59 p.m. Williams Hart emailed to Prime Clerk a Master Ballot

voting each of its clients’ claims to reject the Plan.*’ At the same time, however, Debtors

eranted Williams Hart and four other firms an extension of the Voting Deadline to noon

(eastern) the following day.’”

Later in the day of March 25, Mr. Boundas and Mr. Baron reached an agreement

after exchanging terms multiple times. The final agreement, which was memorialized in an

email, is as follows:

1. Vote on plan passes.

2. WH votes yes, withdraws all objections; contacts other objectors to discuss voting

yes as well or changing votes if possible.

3. Indemnity claim will be pursued against J&J (no drafting changes in plan).

4, WH firm on TAC, and as a TAC member will be involved in indemnity matters

to the extent the TAC is involved.

5, Trustees need (i) TAC consent* and (ii) court approval to settle claims.

6. Approval of indemnity settlement requires 66% of TAC members to approve.

7. WH reserves the right to object to court approval of any settlement on any

grounds (including the division of funds among claimants) in their individual

capacities.

*Note, if TAC doesn’t consent, Trustee reserves the right to go to court to get

approval over TAC objection.

07 Ex. 49: Hr’g Tr. 173:8-22.

18 Px, 48: Hi’g Tr. 176:4-25. The other four firms were Aylstock Witkin, Trammell Law, Linville

Johnson and Fears, Nachawati. While these firms did not request an extension, Mr. Boundas was

speaking with representatives of these firms and passed their names along to Mr. Baron.

109 Ex. 47.

30

Mr. Boundas believes that while not ideal, this agreement sufficiently addresses Williams

Hart’s two primary objections to the Plan." Further, he views the reservation of rights in

item number 6 to apply to all claimants, not just Williams Hart.'" As for a position on the

TAC (Trust Advisory Committee), Mr. Boundas believes that having a seat at the table is

favorable for his clients and gives further voice to claimants suffering from ovarian cancer

claimants. But, he was not overly enthusiastic about this position."””

Mr. Boundas took several actions based on this agreement. As promised, he reached

out to the four firms for whom he got an extension.'’* And, on March 26 at 11:10 a.m. he

submitted a new Master Ballot to Prime Clerk voting all of his clients claims to accept the

Pian.'™

Discussion

J&J is the primary objector to Williams Hart’s request to change its vote. J&J argues

that Williams Hart has not met its burden to show cause for the vote change for two main

reasons. J&J contends that the change of vote is tainted because granting Williams Hart a

seat on the TAC is providing something of value that is prohibited. J&J posits that while it

might have been appropriate to provide ovarian cancer claimants with another seat on the

0 Ex. 90 (Aug. 12, 2021 Dep. of John Theodore Boundas 91:8-17, Dkt. No. 4061-2).

Wl Tr. 185-86.

"2 Boundas Dep. 91:22-94:3.

1B Hyg Tr, 179:10-18.

M4 Ex, 50.

31

TAC, offering it to Williams Hart was simply vote buying. J&J also argues that the

reservation of rights on the 40/40/20 split is undisclosed and, perhaps, illusory.''°

Having listened carefully to Mr. Boundas’ testimony and read his deposition, I find

cause exists to permit Williams Hart to change the vote of its clients. Mr. Boundas was

entirely credible and straight forward. in his answers to questions in both settings. Williams

Hart expressed valid concerns with respect to the Plan and engaged in negotiations to see if

a resolution could be reached. Ultimately, Williams Hart accepted a deal, not a perfect

deal, but an agreement that was good enough to convince it to support the Plan. Witliams

Hart then changed its vote.

The two issues raised by J&J do merit consideration, but I am unconvinced that they

require me to deny the motion. First, the evidence does not suggest that the seat on the

TAC drove the negotiations; indeed, there is no evidence that Mr. Boundas initially made

this demand. The only testimony on this front is that the seat on the TAC was the “least

appealing” part of the agreement, but was part of advocating for pursuit of the indemnity

claim against J&J.'"° In different circumstances, a seat on a governance board may

constitute an improper motivation or “extra consideration” for a vote change. In the

circumstances here, however, I do not find it to be outside of the bounds of proper

negotiation to come to a consensual resolution of significant objections to a plan. Further,

any objections to the make-up of the TAC (including the participation by Williams Hart)

can be raised at confirmation.

"5 Arnold & Itkin filed a limited objection seeking only to ensure that point 7 in the settlement

agreement reached between Williams Hart and the TCC would apply to all parties-in-interest.

"6 Te is not lost on me that J&J is the only party objecting to Williams Harts’ inclusion on the TAC.

32

As for the reservation of rights to revisit the 40/40/20 split in the future, to the extent

it was not disclosed I do not attribute that to Williams Hart. Williams Hart is not a plan

proponent and has no responsibility to amend the Plan or the Trust Distribution Procedures,

if amendment is necessary. Further, the 40/40/20 split and any reservation of rights is a

confirmation issue. As discussed on the record, I am skeptical that this split of Imerys Trust

Assets can be revisited if there is a recovery against or settlement with J&J at some point in

the future. The 40/40/20 split has been the subject of much discussion in the case and will

no doubt be addressed at confirmation. In any event, that this aspect of the agreement may

be illusory or that Williams Hart’s clients may not receive the benefit of this aspect of the

bargain is not a basis to deny Williams Hart the ability to change its votes.

Williams Hart has met its burden of proof. The Williams Hart Rule 3018 Motion is

sranted.

Il. The Motion to Designate is Denied.

J&J filed the Motion to Designate on September 3, 2021. By the Motion, J&J asks

me to designate the votes of each of Bevan & Associates, Trammel and Williams Hart if any

of them are permitted to change their votes. Given the resolution of the Motion to

Disregard and the Bevan & Associate Rule 2019 Motion, the Motion to Designate is moot

as to them. It remains pending as to Williams Hart.'””

Of this seventy-one page speaking motion, approximately seven pages are devoted to

Williams Hart’s change of votes. Once again, J&J contends the sanctionable behavior is

that Williams Hart improperly received a seat on the TAC and that the agreement reached

"7 The Findings of Fact on the Williams Hart 3018 Motion are incorporated herein by reference.

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is arguably inconsistent with the Plan. J&J argues Williams Hart received an “unfair

advantage” not available to other creditors.

Section 1126(e) provides that the court “may designate any entity whose acceptance

or rejection of such plan was not in good faith, or was not solicited or procured in good faith

or in accordance with the provisions of this title.”'"* Section 1126(e) is permissive, not

mandatory, and is within the discretion of the court.''* Designating a vote is a “drastic

remedy” and the burden on the movant is a heavy one.'”°

A review of the authorities J&J cites directed to Williams Hart show that the conduct

at issue here is not close to the conduct that would lead to designation of Williams Hart’s

votes. For example, the Dune Deck Court explains:

Over the years, ‘Courts have developed several badges of bad faith which may justify

disqualification. They include creditor votes designed to (1) assume control of the

debtor, (2) put the debtor out of business or otherwise gain a competitive

advantage, (3) destroy the debtor out of pure malice or (4) obtain benefits available

under a private agreement with a third party which depends on the debtor's failure to

reorganize, '”!

8 U.S.C. § 1126(e}.

9 Ty ye Adelphia Communications Corp., 359 B.R. 54, 60 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y, 2006).

20 Td. at 61.

11 Ty ve Dune Deck Owners Corp., 175 B.R. 839, 844 (interior citations omitted) (Bankr. $.D.N.Y.

1995). See also’7 Collier on Bankruptcy { 1126.06 [2] (interior citations omitted) (16 ed. 2021):

The party secking to designate a claim under section 1126({e) bears a heavy burden. Courts

generally reserve designation for situations in which the evidence demonstrates an improper

purpose or ulterior motive on the part of the voting creditor. For example, a creditor’s vote may

be designated in the following instances:

* acompetitor purchases a blocking position in a class of claims after a plan is proposed in

order to control the bankruptcy process to pursue a strategic transaction with the debtor

rather than maximize its return on its claim;

□ avote to block a reorganization plan in order to acquire the debtor company for one’s

self;

¢ the purchaser and potential voter of an impaited claim is a co-proponent of the plan and

would become the general partner of the debtor upon confirmation,

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These examples evidence some type of obstructive behavior or behavior inconsistent with

the creditor’s interest gua creditor. The negotiation between Williams Hart and the TCC 1s

not the type of destructive or controlling behavior that designation is designed to remedy.

The agreement reached does not enable Williams Hart to control Debtors (or even the

TAC), put Debtors out of business or prevent confirmation.

The decision in Adelphia is instructive. There, the court refused to designate the

votes of creditors even though their conduct was considered “overly aggressive and/or

stepped over the line.” That conduct included extracting special consideration in the way of

releases, exculpation and fee awards not provided to others in their class. The court

concluded that if complaints regarding such conduct were appropriate, they could be

addressed at confirmation, but conduct furthering one’s self-interest as a creditor is not

sanctionable by designation.

I agree with the Adelphia court and once again conclude that the agreement reached

with Williams Hart can be addressed at confirmation, if appropriate. Any “unfair

advantage” Williams Hart received furthered the interests of its clients in maximizing their

recoveries from the Trust. Even assuming such conduct was “over the line,” it does not

warrant the drastic remedy of disqualifying votes.

e the purchase of claims by an affiliate or an insider of the debtor for the sole purpose of

blocking the confirmation of a competing plan;

e vote to accept a plan motivated by financial incentives provided under a separate

settlement agreement;

* vote motivated by considerations not consistent with protecting the creditor’s self-

interest;

« acreditor’s purposeful destruction of a debtor’s business.

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J&J has not carried its burden of proof. The Motion to Delegate as to Williams Hart

is denied.

Conclusion

Separate orders will be issued on each motion consistent with the above.

Dated: October 13, 2021 jf UL, j

Sheed lueibelpede

[pe mee

Laurie Selber Silverstein

United States Bankruptcy Judge

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