The Honorable Peter J. Walsh

Fruehauf Opinion Illustrates that Despite a Preference to Allow Amendment of Pleadings, Courts Won't Always Allow Amendment

08/10/11

Summary

In a 23 page decision signed July 15, 2011, Judge Walsh of the Delaware Bankruptcy Court denied a motion to allow a plaintiff to file an amended complaint, holding that the amended complaint was too deficient to survive a motion to dismiss and therefore would not be allowed. Judge Walsh’s opinion is available here (the “Opinion”).

Background

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Decision in American Remanufacturers, Inc. Holds That an Agreement Creating Mutual Obligations Can Provide a Defense to a Preference Action

06/30/11

Summary

In a 56 page opinion published June 9, 2011, Judge Walsh ruled that a method of operating in which all of the credits and debits between two companies were netted out allows this same method to be used in calculating a set-off defense in preference litigation. Judge Walsh’s opinion is available here (the “Opinion”).

Background

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Decision in DBSI Delays Motion for Summary Judgment

06/07/11

Summary

In an 11 page opinion published May 27, 2011, Judge Walsh granted a motion under F.R.C.P. 56(d) and quoted another opinion which says “where the facts are in possession of the moving party a continuance of a motion for summary judgment for purposes of discovery should be granted almost as a matter of course.” Judge Walsh’s opinion is available here (the “Opinion”).

Background

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Decision in DBSI Inc., Holds that the "Particularity" Requirement of F.R.C.P. 12(b)(6) and 9(b) was Satisfied, Notwithstanding the Number of Alleged Fraudulent Transfers

05/09/11

Summary

In a 10 page decision signed May 5, 2011, Judge Walsh of the Delaware Bankruptcy Court denied a motion to dismiss and held that the plaintiff Litigation Trustee satisfied the “particularity” requirements of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) and 9(b), despite having his complaint allege that each transfer within a 13 page list of transfers was fraudulent.  Judge Walsh’s opinion is available here (the “Opinion”).

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Decision in NEC Holdings Corp., Holds Non-Debtor Environmental Liabilities to be Non-Core

05/05/11

Summary

In a 5 page decision signed May 4, 2011, Judge Walsh of the Delaware Bankruptcy Court held that a proceeding initiated by a Debtor, seeking contribution relating to environmental claims is non-core. Judge Walsh’s opinion is available here (the “Opinion”).

Background

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Decision in Custom Food Products Looks at Requirements for Service By Mail

12/09/10

Those not familiar with the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure are often surprised to learn that service by mail is sufficient in a bankruptcy proceeding.  Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 7004(b)(3) authorizes service on a corporation (foreign or domestic) within the United States by first class mail as follows:

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Adversary Actions Filed in MPC Bankruptcy

11/06/10

Introduction

Recently, over 180 adversary actions were filed in the MPC Computers bankruptcy.  The adversary actions fall generally in to two categories - preference actions filed by MPC's Committee of Unsecured Creditors and breach of contract actions filed by MPC.  This post will look briefly at why MPC filed for bankruptcy and discuss what may happen next now that the adversary actions are underway.

Background on the MPC's Business and Events Leading to Bankruptcy

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