EXHIBIT 99.1
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
- --------------------------------------------- x
In re : Chapter 11 Case No.
:
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, : 00-4471 (RJN)
INC., et al., :
:
Debtors. : (Jointly Administered)
- --------------------------------------------- x
FIRST AMENDED PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
OF ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
This plan of reorganization provides for the issuance of an
Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction and a Claims
Trading Injunction. See sections 1.24 (definition of
"Asbestos Personal Injury Claim"), 1.28 (definition of
"Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction"), 1.98
(definition of "PI Protected Party"), and 3.2(g)(ii)
(Treatment of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims under the
Plan) for details relating to the Asbestos PI Permanent
Channeling Injunction and sections 1.24 (definition of
"Asbestos Personal Injury Claim"), 1.33 (definition of
"Asbestos Property Damage Claim"), and 1.47 (definition of
"Claims Trading Injunction") for details regarding the
Claims Trading Injunction.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS..........................................................................................1
A. Defined Terms........................................................................................1
1.1 144A Debt Securities.......................................................................1
1.2 144A Offering..............................................................................1
1.3 144A Offering Proceeds.....................................................................1
1.4 Administrative Bar Date Order..............................................................1
1.5 Administrative Expense.....................................................................1
1.6 Administrative Expense Creditor............................................................2
1.7 Administrative Expense Objection Deadline..................................................2
1.8 Affiliate..................................................................................2
1.9 Affiliate Claims...........................................................................2
1.10 Agent Bank.................................................................................2
1.11 Allowed....................................................................................2
1.12 Allowed Amount.............................................................................3
1.13 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.............................................3
1.14 Amended and Restated By-Laws...............................................................4
1.15 Articles of Incorporation..................................................................4
1.16 Asbestos PD Bar Date.......................................................................4
1.17 Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures...................................................4
1.18 Asbestos PD Committee......................................................................4
1.19 Asbestos PD Insurance Asset................................................................4
1.20 Asbestos PD Trust..........................................................................4
1.21 Asbestos PD Trust Agreement................................................................4
1.22 Asbestos PD Trust Funding Obligation.......................................................4
1.23 Asbestos PD Trustees.......................................................................5
1.24 Asbestos Personal Injury Claim.............................................................5
1.25 Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee...........................................................5
1.26 Asbestos PI Contribution Claim.............................................................5
1.27 Asbestos PI Insurance Asset................................................................5
1.28 Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction................................................6
1.29 Asbestos PI Trust..........................................................................7
1.30 Asbestos PI Trust Agreement................................................................7
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1.31 Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures..................................................7
1.32 Asbestos PI Trustees.......................................................................7
1.33 Asbestos Property Damage Claim.............................................................7
1.34 Asbestos Property Damage Contribution Claim................................................7
1.35 Available Cash.............................................................................8
1.36 AWWD.......................................................................................8
1.37 AWI........................................................................................8
1.38 Ballot.....................................................................................8
1.39 Bankruptcy Code............................................................................8
1.40 Bankruptcy Court...........................................................................8
1.41 Bankruptcy Rules...........................................................................8
1.42 Board of Directors.........................................................................8
1.43 Business Day...............................................................................8
1.44 Chapter 11 Case............................................................................9
1.45 Claim......................................................................................9
1.46 Claims Settlement Guidelines...............................................................9
1.47 Claims Trading Injunction..................................................................9
1.48 Class......................................................................................9
1.49 COLI Claims................................................................................9
1.50 Commencement Date..........................................................................9
1.51 Confirmation Date..........................................................................9
1.52 Confirmation Deadline......................................................................9
1.53 Confirmation Order.........................................................................9
1.54 Contingent Claim..........................................................................10
1.55 Convenience Claim.........................................................................10
1.56 Creditor..................................................................................10
1.57 Debtor....................................................................................10
1.58 Debtor in Possession......................................................................10
1.59 Debt Security Claim.......................................................................10
1.60 Demand....................................................................................10
1.61 DIP Credit Facility.......................................................................10
1.62 DIP Credit Facility Claim.................................................................10
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1.63 DIP Lenders...............................................................................10
1.64 Disallowed Claim..........................................................................10
1.65 Disbursing Agent..........................................................................11
1.66 Disputed Claim............................................................................11
1.67 Disputed Claim Amount.....................................................................11
1.68 Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve.........................................................11
1.69 Distribution..............................................................................11
1.70 Distribution Date.........................................................................11
1.71 District Court............................................................................11
1.72 DTC.......................................................................................11
1.73 Employee Benefit Claim....................................................................11
1.74 Effective Date............................................................................12
1.75 Encumbrance...............................................................................12
1.76 Entity....................................................................................12
1.77 Environmental Claim.......................................................................12
1.78 Equity Interest...........................................................................12
1.79 Equity Value..............................................................................12
1.80 Estimated Amount..........................................................................12
1.81 Existing AWI Common Stock.................................................................12
1.82 Final Distribution Date...................................................................12
1.83 Final Order...............................................................................12
1.84 Future Claimants' Representative..........................................................13
1.85 Holdings..................................................................................13
1.86 Holdings Plan of Liquidation..............................................................13
1.87 Indentures................................................................................13
1.88 Indenture Trustees........................................................................13
1.89 Indenture Trustees' Fees and Expenses.....................................................13
1.90 Initial Distribution Date.................................................................13
1.91 Internal Revenue Code.....................................................................13
1.92 IRS.......................................................................................13
1.93 Lazard....................................................................................14
1.94 New Common Stock..........................................................................14
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1.95 New Long-Term Incentive Plan..............................................................14
1.96 New Warrants..............................................................................14
1.97 Pennsylvania BCL..........................................................................14
1.98 PI Protected Party........................................................................14
1.99 Plan......................................................................................16
1.100 Plan Note Amount..........................................................................16
1.101 Plan Note Indenture.......................................................................16
1.102 Plan Notes................................................................................16
1.103 Priority Claim............................................................................16
1.104 Priority Tax Claim........................................................................16
1.105 Pro Rata Share............................................................................16
1.106 Qualified Appraisal.......................................................................16
1.107 Record Date...............................................................................16
1.108 Reorganized AWI...........................................................................16
1.109 Reorganization Consideration..............................................................16
1.110 Retention Period..........................................................................17
1.111 Schedules.................................................................................17
1.112 SEC.......................................................................................17
1.113 Secured Claim.............................................................................17
1.114 Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement.............................................17
1.115 Subsidiary Debt Guarantee Claim...........................................................17
1.116 Treasury Regulations......................................................................17
1.117 Unliquidated Claim........................................................................17
1.118 Unsecured Claim...........................................................................17
1.119 Unsecured Creditors' Committee............................................................17
1.120 Voting Deadline...........................................................................17
1.121 Voting Procedures Order...................................................................18
B. Other Terms.........................................................................................18
C. Exhibits............................................................................................18
ARTICLE II PROVISIONS FOR PAYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND PRIORITY TAX CLAIMS...........................18
2.1 Payment of Allowed Administrative Expenses................................................18
2.2 Compensation and Reimbursement Claims.....................................................18
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2.3 DIP Credit Facility Claim.................................................................19
2.4 Priority Tax Claims.......................................................................19
ARTICLE III CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS.........................................19
3.1 Summary...................................................................................19
3.2 Classification and Treatment..............................................................21
ARTICLE IV MODIFICATION, REVOCATION, OR WITHDRAWAL OF THE PLAN.................................................28
4.1 Modification of the Plan..................................................................28
4.2 Revocation or Withdrawal..................................................................29
4.3 Amendment of Plan Documents...............................................................29
ARTICLE V PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS.........................................................29
5.1 Objections to Claims; Prosecution of Disputed Claims......................................29
5.2 Claims Settlement Guidelines..............................................................29
5.3 Distributions on Account of Disputed Claims...............................................29
5.4 Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve.........................................................30
5.5 Tax Treatment of Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve........................................30
ARTICLE VI ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN.................................................................30
6.1 Impaired Classes to Vote..................................................................30
6.2 Acceptance by Class of Claims.............................................................30
6.3 Nonconsensual Confirmation................................................................30
ARTICLE VII IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN..........................................................................31
7.1 Creation of Asbestos PI Trust.............................................................31
7.2 Appointment of Asbestos PI Trustees.......................................................31
7.3 Creation of Asbestos PD Trust.............................................................31
7.4 144A Offering.............................................................................31
7.5 Amendment of Articles of Incorporation....................................................31
7.6 Amendment of By-Laws.....................................................................32
7.7 Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement.............................................32
7.8 Distributions under the Plan..............................................................32
7.9 Timing of Distributions under the Plan....................................................32
7.10 Disbursing Agent..........................................................................33
7.11 Record Date...............................................................................33
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7.12 Distributions to Holders of Debt Security Claims Administered by the Indenture Trustees...33
7.13 Manner of Payment under the Plan..........................................................34
7.14 Hart-Scott-Rodino Compliance..............................................................34
7.15 Fractional Shares or Other Distributions..................................................34
7.16 Occurrence of the Confirmation Date.......................................................34
7.17 Occurrence of the Effective Date..........................................................38
7.18 Cancellation of Existing Debt Securities..................................................39
7.19 Expiration of the Retention Period........................................................39
7.20 Compensation of the Applicable Indenture Trustees.........................................40
7.21 Distribution of Unclaimed Property........................................................40
7.22 Management of Reorganized AWI.............................................................40
7.23 Listing of Reorganized AWI Common Stock...................................................40
7.24 Corporate Reorganization Actions..........................................................40
7.25 Holdings Plan of Liquidation..............................................................41
7.26 Compliance with QSF Regulations...........................................................41
7.27 Effectuating Documents and Further Transactions...........................................42
7.28 Allocation of Plan Distributions Between Principal and Interest...........................42
ARTICLE VIII EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES............................................................42
8.1 Assumption of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases....................................42
8.2 Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases.....................................43
8.3 Claims Arising from Rejection, Termination or Expiration..................................43
8.4 Previously Scheduled Contracts............................................................43
8.5 Insurance Policies and Agreements.........................................................44
8.6 Indemnification and Reimbursement Obligations.............................................44
8.7 Compensation and Benefit Programs.........................................................45
8.8 Management Agreements.....................................................................47
ARTICLE IX RETENTION OF JURISDICTION...........................................................................47
ARTICLE X TRANSFERS OF PROPERTY TO AND ASSUMPTION OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES BY THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST.............49
10.1 Transfer of Certain Property to the Asbestos PI Trust.....................................49
10.2 Assumption of Certain Liabilities by the Asbestos PI Trust................................50
10.3 Cooperation with Respect to Insurance Matters.............................................50
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10.4 Authority of AWI..........................................................................51
ARTICLE XI ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS.....................................................................51
11.1 Transfer of Certain Property to the Asbestos PD Trust.....................................51
11.4 Assumption of Certain Liabilities by the Asbestos PD Trust................................52
11.5 Cooperation with Respect to Insurance Matters.............................................52
11.6 Authority of AWI..........................................................................52
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS............................................................................53
12.1 Payment of Statutory Fees.................................................................53
12.2 Discharge of AWI..........................................................................53
12.3 Rights of Action..........................................................................53
12.4 Third Party Agreements....................................................................53
12.5 Dissolution of Committees.................................................................53
12.6 Exculpation...............................................................................54
12.7 Title to Assets; Discharge of Liabilities.................................................54
12.8 Surrender and Cancellation of Instruments.................................................54
12.9 Notices...................................................................................55
12.10 Headings..................................................................................56
12.11 Severability..............................................................................56
12.12 Governing Law.............................................................................56
12.13 Compliance with Tax Requirements..........................................................56
12.14 Exemption from Transfer Taxes.............................................................56
12.15 Expedited Determination of Postpetition Taxes.............................................56
vii
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
- ---------------------------------------------------X
IN RE : CHAPTER 11 CASE NO.
:
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, : 00-4471 (RJN)
INC., ET AL., :
:
DEBTORS. : (JOINTLY ADMINISTERED)
- ---------------------------------------------------X
FIRST AMENDED PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
OF ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
Armstrong World Industries, Inc. hereby proposes the following
plan of reorganization:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
A. DEFINED TERMS. As used herein, the following terms shall have
the respective meanings specified below, unless the context otherwise requires:
1.1 144A Debt Securities: Debt securities issued by Reorganized
AWI in a 144A Offering, having terms and conditions as determined by AWI and the
initial purchasers in their sole discretion; provided, however, that if the 144A
Offering Proceeds are less than the Plan Note Amount, then AWI may not issue the
144A Debt Securities without the consent of the Asbestos PI Claimants'
Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative, and, if Class 6 votes to accept
the Plan, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee.
1.2 144A Offering: One or more private offerings of 144A Debt
Securities, pursuant to Rule 144A and/or Regulation S under the Securities Act
of 1933, through initial purchasers to institutional and other investors,
completed on or after the Effective Date but prior to the Initial Distribution
Date.
1.3 144A Offering Proceeds: The amount of the aggregate net cash
proceeds of any 144A Offerings.
1.4 Administrative Bar Date Order: An order of the Bankruptcy
Court setting a deadline for the filing of certain Administrative Expenses.
1.5 Administrative Expense: Any Claim constituting a cost or
expense of administration in the Chapter 11 Case under section 503 of the
Bankruptcy Code, including, without express or implied limitation, any actual
and necessary costs and expenses of preserving the estate of AWI, any expenses
of professionals under sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, any actual
and necessary costs and expenses of operating the businesses of AWI, any
indebtedness or obligations incurred or assumed by AWI, as debtor in possession,
in connection with the conduct of its business or for the acquisition or lease
of property or the rendition of services, any allowed compensation or
reimbursement of expenses under section 503(b)(2)-(5) of the Bankruptcy Code,
and any fees or charges assessed against the estate of AWI under section 1930,
chapter 123, title 28, United States Code.
1.6 Administrative Expense Creditor: Any Creditor entitled to
payment of an Administrative Expense.
1.7 Administrative Expense Objection Deadline: The first Business
Day that is thirty (30) days after the Effective Date, as such date may be
extended from time to time by order of the Bankruptcy Court.
1.8 Affiliate: Any Entity, other than (a) an Entity in which AWI
has less than a fifty percent (50%) direct or indirect interest, (b) AWWD, or
(c) Holdings, that is an "affiliate" of AWI, as of the date immediately
preceding the Effective Date, within the meaning of section 101(2) of the
Bankruptcy Code.
1.9 Affiliate Claims: All Claims against AWI held by an
Affiliate.
1.10 Agent Bank: The JPMorgan Chase Bank, or such other Entity
acting as agent under the DIP Credit Facility from time to time.
1.11 Allowed:
(a) With respect to any Claim (other than an Administrative
Expense, Asbestos Property Damage Claim or Asbestos Personal Injury Claim),
proof of which was filed within the applicable period of limitation fixed in
accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 3003(c)(3) by the Bankruptcy Court, (i) as to
which no objection to the allowance thereof has been interposed within the
applicable period of limitation fixed by the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code, the
Bankruptcy Rules, or a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, such Claim to the
extent asserted in the proof of such Claim, or (ii) as to which an objection has
been interposed, such Claim to the extent that it has been allowed in whole or
in part by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court or by an agreement with AWI or
Reorganized AWI, as the case may be, in accordance with the Claims Settlement
Guidelines as in effect at the time of such agreement.
(b) With respect to any Claim (other than an Administrative
Expense or Asbestos Personal Injury Claim), as to which no proof of claim was
filed within the applicable period of limitation fixed by the Plan, the
Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, or a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court,
such Claim to the extent that it has been listed by AWI in its Schedules as
liquidated in amount and not disputed or contingent.
(c) With respect to any Claim that is asserted to constitute an
Administrative Expense
(i) that represents an actual or necessary expense of
preserving the estate or operating the business of AWI for
payment of goods, services, wages, or benefits or for credit
extended to AWI, as debtor in possession, any such Claim to the
extent that such claim is reflected as a postpetition liability
of AWI on AWI's books and records as of the Effective Date;
(ii) in an action against AWI pending as of the Confirmation
Date or not required to be filed against AWI pursuant to the
Administrative Bar Date Order, any such Claim to the extent (x)
2
it is allowed by a Final Order of a court of competent
jurisdiction or by agreement between Reorganized AWI and the
holder of such Administrative Expense, and (y) if AWI disputes
that such claim is a cost or expense of administration under
sections 503(b) and 507(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, to the
extent the Bankruptcy Court determines by a Final Order that it
constitutes a cost or expense of administration under sections
503(b) and 507(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code;
(iii) timely filed in accordance with the Administrative Bar
Date Order, any such Claim to the extent (i) no objection is
interposed by the Administrative Expense Objection Deadline or
(ii) if an objection is interposed by the Administrative Expense
Objection Deadline, is allowed in whole or in part by a Final
Order of the Bankruptcy Court and only to the extent that such
allowed portion is deemed, pursuant to a Final Order of the
Bankruptcy Court, to constitute a cost or expense of
administration under sections 503(b) and 507(a)(1) of the
Bankruptcy Code; or
(iv) that represents a Claim of a professional person
employed under section 327 or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code that is
required to apply to the Bankruptcy Court for the allowance of
compensation and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to section
330 of the Bankruptcy Code or an Administrative Expense arising
under section 503(b)(2), 503(b)(3), 503(b)(4), 503(b)(5), or
503(b)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, such Claim to the extent it is
allowed by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court.
(d) With respect to any Asbestos Personal Injury Claim, such
Claim to the extent that it is Allowed in accordance with the procedures
established pursuant to the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PI
Trust Distribution Procedures. Pursuant to the Confirmation Order, an Allowed
Claim, with respect to any Asbestos Personal Injury Claim, shall establish the
amount of legal liability against the Asbestos PI Trust in the amount of the
liquidated value of such Claim, as determined in accordance with the Asbestos PI
Trust Distribution Procedures.
(e) With respect to any Asbestos Property Damage Claim, proof of
which was filed by the Asbestos PD Bar Date, such Claim to the extent that it is
allowed by an order of the Bankruptcy Court prior to the Effective Date or is
allowed in accordance with the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures and such
other procedures as may be established in connection with the Asbestos PD Trust.
Pursuant to the Confirmation Order, an Allowed Claim, with respect to any
Asbestos Property Damage Claim, shall establish the amount of legal liability
against the Asbestos PD Trust in the allowed amount of such Claim, as determined
by an order of the Bankruptcy Court allowing such Claim prior to the Effective
Date or in accordance with the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures.
1.12 Allowed Amount: The lesser of (a) the dollar amount of an
Allowed Claim or (b) the Estimated Amount of such Claim. Unless otherwise
specified herein, in the Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures or by Final
Order of the Bankruptcy Court, the Allowed Amount of an Allowed Claim shall not
include interest accruing on such Allowed Claim from and after the Commencement
Date.
1.13 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation: The Articles
of Incorporation of Reorganized AWI, to be amended and restated in accordance
with section 7.1 hereof, in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.13 to the Plan.
3
1.14 Amended and Restated By-Laws: The By-Laws of Reorganized
AWI, to be amended and restated in accordance with section 7.5 hereof, in
substantially the form of Exhibit 1.14 to the Plan.
1.15 Articles of Incorporation: The Articles of Incorporation of
AWI, as such Articles of Incorporation may be amended by the Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation or otherwise.
1.16 Asbestos PD Bar Date: March 20, 2002.
1.17 Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures: The procedures to
be used for the allowance of Asbestos Property Damage Claims that have not
become Allowed or Disallowed Claims as of the Effective Date. If Class 4 votes
to accept the Plan, the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures will be
developed by the Asbestos PD Committee. If Class 4 rejects the Plan, the
Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures will be substantially in the form
annexed hereto as Exhibit 1.17.
1.18 Asbestos PD Committee: The Asbestos Property Damage
Committee, consisting of Entities appointed as members in the Chapter 11 Case by
the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware and their duly appointed
successors, if any, as the same may be reconstituted from time to time.
1.19 Asbestos PD Insurance Asset: All rights arising under
liability insurance policies issued to AWI with inception dates prior to January
1, 1982 with respect to the liability for Asbestos Property Damage Claims
channeled to, and assumed by, the Asbestos PD Trust pursuant to Article XI of
the Plan and the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, subject to a maximum total limit
equal to the aggregate value of Asbestos PD Claims, as estimated by the
Bankruptcy Court, applicable solely to settlement payments or judgments (but not
to defense costs). The foregoing includes, but is not limited to, rights under
insurance policies, rights under settlement agreements made with respect to such
insurance policies, rights against the estates of insolvent insurers that issued
such policies or entered into such settlements, and rights against state
insurance guaranty associations arising out of any such insurance policies
issued by insolvent insurers.
1.20 Asbestos PD Trust: The trust established by AWI in
accordance with the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement.
1.21 Asbestos PD Trust Agreement: That certain AWI Asbestos
Property Damage Settlement Trust Agreement, executed by AWI and the Asbestos PD
Trustees, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.21 to the Plan.
1.22 Asbestos PD Trust Funding Obligation: If Class 4 votes to
accept the Plan, $2 million (which will be funded solely from insurance proceeds
as provided in section 11.2 of the Plan and which will be reduced to $1 million
if fewer than ten (10) but more than five (5) Asbestos Property Damage Claims
constitute Disputed Claims as of the Effective Date or reduced to $500,000 if
fewer than five (5) Asbestos Property Damage Claims constitute Disputed Claims
as of the Effective Date) or, if Class 4 votes to reject the Plan, the Asbestos
PD Insurance Asset having a value equal to the aggregate value of all Asbestos
Property Damage Claims that remain Disputed Claims as estimated by the
Bankruptcy Court.
4
1.23 Asbestos PD Trustees: Collectively, the Entities confirmed
by the Bankruptcy Court to serve as trustees of the Asbestos PD Trust, pursuant
to the terms of the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, or as subsequently may be
appointed pursuant to the provisions of the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement.
1.24 ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM: ANY CLAIM OR REMEDY,
LIABILITY, OR DEMAND AGAINST AWI NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, WHETHER OR
NOT SUCH CLAIM, REMEDY, LIABILITY, OR DEMAND IS REDUCED TO JUDGMENT, LIQUIDATED,
UNLIQUIDATED, FIXED, CONTINGENT, MATURED, UNMATURED, DISPUTED, UNDISPUTED,
LEGAL, EQUITABLE, SECURED, OR UNSECURED, WHETHER OR NOT THE FACTS OF OR LEGAL
BASES THEREFOR ARE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, UNDER ANY THEORY OF LAW, EQUITY, ADMIRALTY,
OR OTHERWISE, FOR DEATH, BODILY INJURY, SICKNESS, DISEASE, OR OTHER PERSONAL
INJURIES (WHETHER PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, OR OTHERWISE) TO THE EXTENT CAUSED OR
ALLEGEDLY CAUSED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, BY THE PRESENCE OF OR EXPOSURE
(WHETHER PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT DATE) TO ASBESTOS OR
ASBESTOS-CONTAINING PRODUCTS THAT WAS OR WERE INSTALLED, MANUFACTURED, SOLD,
SUPPLIED, PRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, RELEASED, OR MARKETED BY AWI OR AN ENTITY FOR
WHOSE PRODUCTS OR OPERATIONS AWI ALLEGEDLY HAS LIABILITY OR FOR WHICH AWI IS
OTHERWISE LIABLE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED LIMITATION, ANY CLAIM,
REMEDY, LIABILITY, OR DEMAND FOR COMPENSATORY DAMAGES (SUCH AS LOSS OF
CONSORTIUM, WRONGFUL DEATH, SURVIVORSHIP, PROXIMATE, CONSEQUENTIAL, GENERAL, AND
SPECIAL DAMAGES) AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES, AND ANY CLAIM, REMEDY, LIABILITY OR
DEMAND FOR REIMBURSEMENT, INDEMNIFICATION, SUBROGATION AND CONTRIBUTION
(INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY ASBESTOS PI CONTRIBUTION CLAIM), AND ANY
CLAIM UNDER ANY SETTLEMENT ENTERED INTO BY OR ON BEHALF OF AWI PRIOR TO THE
COMMENCEMENT DATE RELATING TO AN ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM. AN ASBESTOS
PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM OR A WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM AGAINST AWI SHALL NOT
CONSTITUTE AN ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM.
1.25 Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee: The Official Committee of
Asbestos Claimants, consisting of Entities appointed as members in the Chapter
11 Case by the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware and their duly
appointed successors, if any, as the same may be reconstituted from time to
time.
1.26 Asbestos PI Contribution Claim: Any Claim or remedy,
liability, or Demand against AWI now existing or hereafter arising, whether or
not such Claim, remedy, liability, or Demand is reduced to judgment, liquidated,
unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed,
legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured, whether or not the facts of or legal
bases for such Claim, remedy, liability, or Demand are known or unknown, that is
(x) (i) held by (A) any Entity (other than a director or officer entitled to
indemnification pursuant to section 8.6 of the Plan) who has been, is, or may be
a defendant in an action seeking damages for death, bodily injury, sickness,
disease, or other personal injuries (whether physical, emotional, or otherwise)
to the extent caused or allegedly caused, directly or indirectly, by exposure to
asbestos or asbestos-containing products or (B) any assignee or transferee of
such Entity and (ii) on account of alleged liability of AWI for reimbursement,
indemnification, subrogation, or contribution of any portion of any damages such
Entity has paid or may pay to the plaintiff in such action or (y) held by any
Entity that is seeking reimbursement, indemnification, subrogation, or
contribution from AWI with respect to any surety bond, letter of credit or other
financial assurance issued by any Entity on account of, or with respect to,
Asbestos Personal Injury Claims.
1.27 Asbestos PI Insurance Asset: All rights arising under
liability insurance policies issued to AWI with inception dates prior to January
1, 1982 with respect to the liability for Asbestos Personal Injury Claims (with
the exception of AWI's claim against Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for costs,
expenses and fees incurred in connection with an Alternative Dispute Resolution
5
Proceeding initiated in 1996 under the Agreement Concerning Asbestos Related
Claims of June 19, 1985, AWI's claim against Century Indemnity Company for
payments due and owing to AWI before February 2003 under a settlement agreement
dated February 8, 2000, together with applicable interest to the date of
payment, and AWI's rights to insurance relating to workers' compensation
claims). The foregoing includes, but is not limited to, rights under insurance
policies, rights under settlement agreements made with respect to such insurance
policies (with the exception of AWI's claim against Century Indemnity Company
for amounts, including, without limitation, interest, due and owing under a
settlement agreement dated February 8, 2000), rights against the estates of
insolvent insurers that issued such policies or entered into such settlements,
and rights against state insurance guaranty associations arising out of any such
insurance policies issued by insolvent insurers. The foregoing also includes the
right, on behalf of AWI and its subsidiaries as of the Effective Date, to give a
full release of the insurance rights of AWI and its subsidiaries as of the
Effective Date under any such policy or settlement agreement with the exception
of rights to coverage for Asbestos Property Damage Claims and rights to coverage
for the amount that AWI agreed to pay to plaintiffs in Maertin et al. v.
Armstrong World Industries, Inc. et al., No. 95-CV-20849 (JBS) (D.N.J.) in a
settlement agreement executed November 22, 2000 and rights to coverage with
respect to workers' compensation claims.
1.28 ASBESTOS PI PERMANENT CHANNELING INJUNCTION: AN ORDER OR
ORDERS OF THE DISTRICT COURT IN ACCORDANCE WITH, AND PURSUANT TO, SECTION 524(G)
OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE PERMANENTLY AND FOREVER STAYING, RESTRAINING, AND
ENJOINING ANY ENTITY FROM TAKING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FOR THE PURPOSE
OF, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, COLLECTING, RECOVERING, OR RECEIVING PAYMENT OF, ON,
OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS, ALL OF WHICH SHALL BE
CHANNELED TO THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST FOR RESOLUTION AS SET FORTH IN THE ASBESTOS
PI TRUST DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURES (OTHER THAN ACTIONS BROUGHT TO ENFORCE ANY
RIGHT OR OBLIGATION UNDER THE PLAN, ANY EXHIBITS TO THE PLAN, OR ANY OTHER
AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT BETWEEN AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI AND THE ASBESTOS PI
TRUST, WHICH ACTIONS SHALL BE IN CONFORMITY AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS
HEREOF), INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
(a) COMMENCING, CONDUCTING, OR CONTINUING IN ANY MANNER, DIRECTLY
OR INDIRECTLY, ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR OTHER PROCEEDING (INCLUDING, WITHOUT EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED LIMITATION, A JUDICIAL, ARBITRAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR OTHER
PROCEEDING) IN ANY FORUM AGAINST OR AFFECTING ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY OR ANY
PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN PROPERTY OF ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY;
(b) ENFORCING, LEVYING, ATTACHING (INCLUDING, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED LIMITATION, ANY PREJUDGMENT ATTACHMENT), COLLECTING, OR OTHERWISE
RECOVERING BY ANY MEANS OR IN ANY MANNER, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY
JUDGMENT, AWARD, DECREE, OR OTHER ORDER AGAINST ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY OR ANY
PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN PROPERTY OF ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY;
(c) CREATING, PERFECTING, OR OTHERWISE ENFORCING IN ANY MANNER,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY ENCUMBRANCE AGAINST ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY OR ANY
PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN PROPERTY OF ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY;
(d) SETTING OFF, SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT OF, CONTRIBUTION FROM, OR
SUBROGATION AGAINST, OR OTHERWISE RECOUPING IN ANY MANNER, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY AMOUNT AGAINST ANY LIABILITY OWED TO ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY OR
ANY PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN PROPERTY OF ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY; AND
6
(e) PROCEEDING IN ANY MANNER IN ANY PLACE WITH REGARD TO ANY
MATTER THAT IS SUBJECT TO RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST, EXCEPT
IN CONFORMITY AND COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
1.29 Asbestos PI Trust: The trust established by AWI in
accordance with the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement.
1.30 Asbestos PI Trust Agreement: That certain AWI Asbestos
Personal Injury Settlement Trust Agreement, executed by AWI and the Asbestos PI
Trustees, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.30 to the Plan.
1.31 Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures: The AWI Asbestos
Personal Injury Settlement Trust Distribution Procedures to be implemented by
the Asbestos PI Trustees pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan and
the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement to process, liquidate, and pay Asbestos Personal
Injury Claims, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.31 to the Plan.
1.32 Asbestos PI Trustees: Collectively, the persons confirmed by
the Bankruptcy Court to serve as trustees of the Asbestos PI Trust, pursuant to
the terms of the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement, or as subsequently may be
appointed pursuant to the terms of the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement.
1.33 Asbestos Property Damage Claim: Any Claim or remedy or
liability against AWI, whether or not such Claim, remedy, or liability is
reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured,
unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured,
whether or not the facts of or legal bases therefor are known or unknown, under
any theory of law, equity, admiralty, or otherwise, for damages for property
damage, including but not limited to, the cost of inspecting, maintaining,
encapsulating, repairing, decontaminating, removing or disposing of asbestos or
asbestos-containing products in buildings, other structures, or other property
arising from the installation in, presence in or removal from buildings or other
structures of asbestos or asbestos-containing products that was or were
installed, manufactured, sold, supplied, produced, distributed, released or
marketed by AWI prior to the Commencement Date, or for which AWI is allegedly
liable, including, without express or implied limitation, any such Claims,
remedies and liabilities for compensatory damages (such as proximate,
consequential, general, and special damages) and punitive damages, and any
Claim, remedy or liability for reimbursement, indemnification, subrogation and
contribution, including, without limitation, any Asbestos Property Damage
Contribution Claim. Asbestos Property Damage Claims shall not include Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims.
1.34 Asbestos Property Damage Contribution Claim: Any Claim or
remedy or liability against AWI, whether or not such Claim, remedy or liability
is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured,
unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured,
whether or not the facts of or legal bases for such Claim, remedy or liability
are known or unknown, that is (i) held by (A) any Entity (other than a director
or officer entitled to indemnification pursuant to section 8.6 of the Plan) who
has been, is, or may be a defendant in an action seeking damages for property
damage, including but not limited to, the cost of inspecting, maintaining,
encapsulating, repairing, decontaminating, removing or disposing of asbestos or
asbestos-containing products in buildings, other structures, or other property,
or (B) any assignee or transferee of such Entity, and (ii) on account of alleged
liability by AWI for reimbursement, indemnification, subrogation, or
contribution of any portion of any damages such Entity has paid or may pay to
the plaintiff in such action.
7
1.35 Available Cash: The sum of the following: (a) all cash on
hand of AWI and its subsidiaries as of the last day of the month immediately
preceding the Effective Date less the sum of the following as of such date: (i)
One Hundred Million and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000,000.00) or such lesser amount
as AWI, in its sole discretion (after consultation with the Asbestos PI
Claimants' Committee, Unsecured Creditors' Committee, and the Future Claimants'
Representative), determines it requires for working capital purposes, (ii) the
Allowed Amount of Allowed Administrative Expenses, (iii) a reasonable estimate
by AWI of additional Administrative Expenses (such as professional fees and
expenses) that may become Allowed thereafter (other than Administrative Expenses
of the type specified in section 1.11(c)(i) of the Plan) and fees and expenses
payable in connection with any exit facility referred to in section 7.17(h) of
the Plan, (iv) the Allowed Amount of Allowed Priority Tax Claims, (v) a
reasonable estimate by AWI of additional Priority Tax Claims that may become
Allowed thereafter, (vi) the Allowed Amount of all Priority Claims, (vii) a
reasonable estimate of all Priority Claims that may became Allowed thereafter,
(viii) the DIP Credit Facility Claim, (ix) the cash required to make the
distributions for Class 3 (Convenience Claims) for those that are Allowed and a
reasonable estimate by AWI of additional Convenience Claims that may become
Allowed thereafter, (x) any other cash required to be paid or distributed by AWI
pursuant to the Plan (other than in respect of "Available Cash" and in respect
of the Asbestos PD Trust Funding Obligation), and (xi) the amount reasonably
estimated by AWI to be the cost of curing any defaults under the executory
contracts and unexpired leases to be assumed by AWI under the Plan, (b) any
amounts drawn, in AWI's sole discretion, under the working capital facility
referenced in section 7.17(h) of the Plan for the purpose of funding the
Distributions under the Plan, and (c) any proceeds of insurance received and
retained by Reorganized AWI from the Effective Date to the Final Distribution
Date on account of an Allowed Environmental Claim that is treated as an Allowed
Unsecured Claim in accordance with sections 3.2(f) and 3.2(h) of the Plan.
1.36 AWWD: Armstrong Worldwide, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
1.37 AWI: Armstrong World Industries, Inc., a Pennsylvania
corporation.
1.38 Ballot: The form or forms distributed to holders of impaired
Claims and Equity Interests on which is to be indicated the acceptance or
rejection of the Plan.
1.39 Bankruptcy Code: The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as
amended, and as codified in title 11 of the United States Code, as applicable to
the Chapter 11 Case.
1.40 Bankruptcy Court: The United States District Court for the
District of Delaware, having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Case and, to the
extent of any reference made pursuant to section 157 of title 28 of the United
States Code, the unit of such District Court constituted pursuant to section 151
of title 28 of the United States Code.
1.41 Bankruptcy Rules: The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure,
as amended, as applicable to the Chapter 11 Case, including the Local Rules of
the Bankruptcy Court.
1.42 Board of Directors: The Board of Directors of AWI or
Reorganized AWI, as it may exist from time to time.
1.43 Business Day: Any day on which commercial banks are required
to be open for business in New York, New York.
8
1.44 Chapter 11 Case: The chapter 11 case of AWI pending in the
Bankruptcy Court as In re Armstrong World Industries, Inc., et al., Case No.
00-4471 (RJN) (Jointly Administered).
1.45 Claim: (a) A "claim," as defined in section 101(5) of the
Bankruptcy Code, against AWI, as debtor or Debtor in Possession, whether or not
asserted, whether or not the facts of or legal bases therefor are known or
unknown, and specifically including, without express or implied limitation, any
rights under sections 502(g), 502(h), or 502(i) of the Bankruptcy Code, any
claim of a derivative nature, any potential or unmatured contract claims, and
any other Contingent Claim, and (b) any Environmental Claim, whether or not it
constitutes a "claim" under section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, but in either
case, not including a Demand.
1.46 Claims Settlement Guidelines: The settlement guidelines and
authority contained in that certain Order Granting Motion of the Debtors for
Order Pursuant to Section 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule
9019(b) Authorizing the Establishment of Procedures to Settle Certain
Prepetition Claims Against the Debtors' Estates dated May 31, 2002, as amended
by the amendments set forth in Exhibit 1.46 to the Plan.
1.47 CLAIMS TRADING INJUNCTION: AN ORDER OR ORDERS OF THE
BANKRUPTCY COURT PERMANENTLY AND FOREVER STAYING, RESTRAINING, AND ENJOINING ANY
ENTITY FROM, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, PURCHASING, SELLING, TRANSFERRING,
ASSIGNING, CONVEYING, PLEDGING, OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRING OR DISPOSING OF ANY
ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM OR ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, THAT THE FOREGOING SHALL NOT APPLY TO (I) THE TRANSFER OF AN ASBESTOS
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM OR ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM TO THE HOLDER OF AN
ASBESTOS PI CONTRIBUTION CLAIM OR ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CONTRIBUTION CLAIM,
AS THE CASE MAY BE, SOLELY AS A RESULT OF SUCH HOLDER'S SATISFACTION OF SUCH
ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM OR ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CONTRIBUTION CLAIM,
AS THE CASE MAY BE, OR (II) THE TRANSFER OF AN ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM OR
ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM BY WILL OR UNDER THE LAWS OF DESCENT AND
DISTRIBUTION. ANY SUCH ORDER OR ORDERS ALSO WILL PROVIDE THAT ANY ACTION TAKEN
IN VIOLATION THEREOF WILL BE VOID AB INITIO.
1.48 Class: Any group of Claims or Equity Interests classified by
the Plan pursuant to section 1122(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.
1.49 COLI Claims: All amounts due to Pacific Life Insurance
Company for loans made by Pacific Life Insurance Company to AWI against (and
collateralized by) certain life insurance policies for which AWI is the holder
and beneficiary and for which certain of AWI's employees are insureds.
1.50 Commencement Date: December 6, 2000.
1.51 Confirmation Date: The date on which the Confirmation Order
is entered by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court.
1.52 Confirmation Deadline: The date that is two hundred seventy
(270) days after the filing of the Plan with the Bankruptcy Court or such later
date as AWI, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants'
Representative, and the Unsecured Creditors' Committee may agree in writing.
1.53 Confirmation Order: The order or orders of the Bankruptcy
Court confirming the Plan in accordance with the provisions of chapter 11 of the
9
Bankruptcy Code, which will contain, inter alia, the Asbestos PI Permanent
Channeling Injunction and the Claims Trading Injunction.
1.54 Contingent Claim: Any Claim (other than an Asbestos Personal
Injury Claim), the liability for which attaches or is dependent upon the
occurrence or happening, or is triggered by, an event, which event has not yet
occurred, happened, or been triggered, as of the date on which such Claim is
sought to be estimated or an objection to such Claim is filed, whether or not
such event is within the actual or presumed contemplation of the holder of such
Claim and whether or not a relationship between the holder of such Claim and AWI
now or hereafter exists or previously existed.
1.55 Convenience Claim: As to each holder of an Unsecured Claim,
other than a Debt Security Claim, (a) an Unsecured Claim held by such holder in
an Allowed Amount of Ten Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000.00) or less or (b)
an Unsecured Claim of such holder the Allowed Amount of which has been reduced
to Ten Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000.00) by the election of the holder
thereof, as provided on the Ballot.
1.56 Creditor: Any Entity that holds a Claim against AWI as
Debtor or Debtor in Possession.
1.57 Debtor: AWI.
1.58 Debtor in Possession: AWI in its capacity as a debtor in
possession pursuant to sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code.
1.59 Debt Security Claim: Any Unsecured Claim represented by a
series of notes or debt securities issued pursuant to an indenture, bank credit
agreement, or a note purchase agreement prior to the Commencement Date or any
guarantee by AWI of any obligations of another Entity under any series of notes
or debt securities issued pursuant to an indenture, bank credit agreement, or a
note purchase agreement prior to the Commencement Date.
1.60 Demand: A demand for payment, present or future, that (i)
was not a Claim during the Chapter 11 Case; (ii) arises out of the same or
similar conduct or events that gave rise to the Claims addressed by the Asbestos
PI Permanent Channeling Injunction; and (iii) pursuant to the Plan, is to be
paid by the Asbestos PI Trust.
1.61 DIP Credit Facility: Revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement
dated as of December 6, 2000 among Armstrong World Industries, Inc., a
Pennsylvania corporation, and its subsidiaries, Nitram Liquidators, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and Desseaux Corporation of North America, a Delaware
corporation, the banks party thereto, and the Agent Bank, as amended, modified
or supplemented from time to time.
1.62 DIP Credit Facility Claim: Collectively, all Claims of the
DIP Lenders arising under the DIP Credit Facility.
1.63 DIP Lenders: The financial institutions party to the DIP
Credit Facility.
1.64 Disallowed Claim: A Claim that is disallowed in its entirety
by an order of the Bankruptcy Court or such other court of competent
jurisdiction or that is disallowed in its entirety pursuant to the Asbestos PI
Trust Distribution Procedures or the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures,
as the case may be.
10
1.65 Disbursing Agent: Any Entity in its capacity as a disbursing
agent under section 7.10 hereof.
1.66 Disputed Claim: A Claim (other than an Asbestos Personal
Injury Claim) that is neither an Allowed Claim nor a Disallowed Claim.
1.67 Disputed Claim Amount: The Estimated Amount of a Disputed
Claim, or, if no Estimated Amount exists, the amount set forth in the proof of
claim relating to such Disputed Claim as the liquidated amount of such Disputed
Claim.
1.68 Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve: The trust established
pursuant to section 5.4 of the Plan to hold the portion of Plan Notes reserved
for Distribution pending the resolution of Disputed Claims in Class 6 of the
Plan.
1.69 Distribution: The payment or distribution under the Plan of
property or interests in property to the holders of Allowed Claims (other than
Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and Asbestos Property Damage Claims), the holder
of the Equity Interest, and to the Asbestos PI Trust and the Asbestos PD Trust.
1.70 Distribution Date: (a) The Initial Distribution Date, (b)
the first Business Day after the end of the months of March, June, September,
and December, commencing with the first such date to occur more than one hundred
eighty (180) days after the Effective Date and until the second anniversary of
the Effective Date, (c) after the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the
first Business Day after the end of the month of December, and (d) the Final
Distribution Date; provided, however, that (i) a Distribution Date (other than
the Initial Distribution Date and the Final Distribution Date) shall not occur
if the aggregate amount of Plan Notes and/or 144A Offering Proceeds and
Available Cash to be distributed on any Distribution Date is less than One
Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00), in which case the amount to be
distributed shall be retained and added to the amount to be distributed on the
next Distribution Date, and (ii) any Unsecured Claim that becomes Allowed less
than twenty (20) Business Days prior to a Distribution Date shall be treated as
a Disputed Claim for the purposes of the Distribution occurring on such
Distribution Date and shall not receive a Distribution until the Distribution
Date immediately succeeding such Distribution Date.
1.71 District Court: The United States District Court for the
District of Delaware having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Case.
1.72 DTC: Depository Trust Company.
1.73 Employee Benefit Claim: Any Claim of a current or former
employee of AWI, a current or former employee of any current or former
subsidiary of AWI, or of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, for benefits
payable or arising under any of the plans being assumed pursuant to section
8.7(a) of the Plan; provided, however, that any Claim for damages or other
relief arising from any termination of any plans pursuant to section 8.7(b) of
the Plan, any "rejection" of any plans as to any party that objects to any
amendment under section 8.7(c) of the Plan, based upon any alleged breach by AWI
of its responsibilities or duties under any plan specified in section 8.7(a) of
the Plan (other than any obligation to pay the benefits arising thereunder, as
modified), or related to the allegations made by the plaintiffs in those certain
two class action complaints asserting various federal law claims under ERISA
filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania by Dean A. Markley, Michael Resetar, and Lori Shearer shall be
deemed an Unsecured Claim.
11
1.74 Effective Date: The first Business Day of the month
immediately following the date by which all of the conditions precedent to the
effectiveness of the Plan specified in Section 7.17 have been satisfied or
waived or, if a stay of the Confirmation Order is in effect on such date, the
first Business Day of the month immediately following the date of the
expiration, dissolution, or lifting of such stay.
1.75 Encumbrance: With respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien,
pledge, charge, security interest, assignment, or encumbrance of any kind or
nature in respect of such asset (including, without express or implied
limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any
security agreement, and the filing of, or agreement to give, any financing
statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of any
jurisdiction).
1.76 Entity: An individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, association, joint stock company, joint venture, estate,
trust, unincorporated organization, or government or any political subdivision
thereof, or other person or entity.
1.77 Environmental Claim: Any Claim as to which the treatment
thereof is set forth in an agreement by and between AWI and any party asserting
a Claim against AWI relating to alleged contamination under the federal or state
environmental laws or regulations, pursuant to which agreement all or a portion
of such Claim (to the extent and subject to the limitations imposed by such
agreement) may be asserted by the holder thereof after the Effective Date, to
the extent that such agreement is approved and authorized by a Final Order of
the Bankruptcy Court or otherwise in accordance with the Claims Settlement
Guidelines.
1.78 Equity Interest: Any interest in AWI represented by shares
of Existing AWI Common Stock.
1.79 Equity Value: For purposes of calculating the exercise price
on the New Warrants, the value of each share of New Common Stock as of the
Effective Date, based upon the residual value of the equity of Reorganized AWI,
as agreed among Lazard and the financial consultants for the Asbestos PI
Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative, and the Unsecured
Creditors' Committee and as set forth in the disclosure statement approved by
the Bankruptcy Court.
1.80 Estimated Amount: The estimated dollar value of an
Unliquidated Claim, Disputed Claim, or Contingent Claim pursuant to section
502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code.
1.81 Existing AWI Common Stock: Common stock, par value of $0.01
per share, of AWI, authorized pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Date.
1.82 Final Distribution Date: A date on or after the Initial
Distribution Date and after all Disputed Claims (other than Asbestos Personal
Injury Claims and Asbestos Property Damage Claims) have become either Allowed
Claims or Disallowed Claims that is selected by Reorganized AWI in its
discretion but, in any event, is no later than thirty (30) days thereafter, or
such later date as the Bankruptcy Court may establish, upon request by
Reorganized AWI, for cause shown.
1.83 Final Order: An order as to which the time to appeal,
petition for certiorari, or move for reargument or rehearing has expired and as
to which no appeal, petition for certiorari, or other proceedings for reargument
or rehearing shall then be pending or as to which any right to appeal, petition
12
for certiorari, reargue, or rehear shall have been waived in writing in form and
substance satisfactory to AWI or Reorganized AWI, as the case may be, and its
counsel or, in the event that an appeal, writ of certiorari, or reargument or
rehearing thereof has been sought, such order shall have been affirmed by the
highest court to which such order was appealed, or certiorari has been denied or
from which reargument or rehearing was sought, and the time to take any further
appeal, petition for certiorari or move for reargument or rehearing shall have
expired.
1.84 Future Claimants' Representative: Dean M. Trafelet, the
Legal Representative for Future Claimants appointed pursuant to the order dated
on or about March 1, 2002.
1.85 Holdings: Armstrong Holdings, Inc., a Pennsylvania
corporation.
1.86 Holdings Plan of Liquidation: The dissolution of Holdings as
approved by its Board of Directors and shareholders as required by Sections
1972, 1973 and 1974 of the Pennsylvania BCL and the liquidation and winding up
of the business and affairs of Holdings (and, as part thereof, the dissolution
and winding up, or other termination of the corporate existence, of AWWD) in
accordance with a plan of liquidation and winding up approved by the Board of
Directors and shareholders of Holdings as may be required by Subchapter F or H
of Chapter 19 of the Pennsylvania BCL or such other plan and manner of
liquidation and winding up as is consistent with the terms of the Plan and
permitted by law.
1.87 Indentures: The indenture agreements between the Indenture
Trustees and AWI relating to the Debt Security Claims.
1.88 Indenture Trustees: Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as
indenture trustee for the holders of AWI's 9 3/4% Debentures due 2008 and for
the holders of the 8 3/4%-9% Medium Term Notes, and Wells Fargo Minnesota, N.A.,
as indenture trustee for the holders of AWI's 6.35% Senior Notes due 2003, 6
1/2% Senior Notes due 2005, 7.45% Senior Notes due 2029, and the 7.45% Senior
Quarterly Interest Bonds due 2038.
1.89 Indenture Trustees' Fees and Expenses: All the fees and
expenses, including the reasonable fees and expenses of their attorneys,
incurred by the Indenture Trustees under their respective indentures from the
Commencement Date to the Effective Date, up to a maximum of Twenty-Five Thousand
and 00/100 Dollars ($25,000.00) for the Indenture Trustee for each series of
Debt Security Claims for which it acts as Indenture Trustee.
1.90 Initial Distribution Date: A date on or after the Effective
Date that is selected by Reorganized AWI in its discretion but, in any event, is
within fifteen (15) days after the Effective Date, or such later date as the
Bankruptcy Court may establish upon request by Reorganized AWI, for cause shown.
1.91 Internal Revenue Code: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended from time to time, and any applicable rulings, Treasury Regulations,
judicial decisions, and notices, announcements, and other releases of the United
States Treasury Department or the IRS.
1.92 IRS: The United States Internal Revenue Service.
13
1.93 Lazard: Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, or such other investment
bank or financial advisor retained by AWI.
1.94 New Common Stock: Common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of Reorganized AWI which is to be authorized and issued pursuant to the Plan and
subject to dilution for equity to be issued under the New Long-Term Incentive
Plan and for the New Warrants.
1.95 New Long-Term Incentive Plan: The Management Incentive Plan,
substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.95 to the Plan.
1.96 New Warrants: Warrants to purchase the New Common Stock
pursuant to a warrant agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.96 to the
Plan on terms and conditions determined in a manner agreed to by Lazard and the
financial consultants for the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future
Claimants' Representative, and the Unsecured Creditors' Committee; provided,
however, that such New Warrants (a) shall comprise 5% of the New Common Stock on
a fully diluted basis determined as of the Effective Date, (b) shall have an
exercise price equal to 125% of the Equity Value, and (iii) shall have a term of
seven years from the Effective Date.
1.97 Pennsylvania BCL: Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of
1988, as amended from time to time and as applicable to the events described in
the Plan.
1.98 PI PROTECTED PARTY: ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PARTIES:
(a) AWI;
(b) REORGANIZED AWI;
(c) HOLDINGS;
(d) AWWD;
(e) ANY AFFILIATE;
(f) INTERFACE SOLUTIONS, INC., A CORPORATION ORGANIZED UNDER THE
LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA, OR ARMACELL LLC, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ORGANIZED
UNDER THE LAWS OF DELAWARE, BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT EITHER SUCH ENTITY IS
ALLEGED TO BE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY LIABLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF, CLAIMS AGAINST,
OR DEMANDS ON AWI, REORGANIZED AWI, OR THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST ON ACCOUNT OF
ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS;
(g) ANY ENTITY THAT, PURSUANT TO THE PLAN OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE
DATE, BECOMES A DIRECT OR INDIRECT TRANSFEREE OF, OR SUCCESSOR TO, ANY ASSETS OF
AWI, REORGANIZED AWI, OR THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST (BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT
LIABILITY IS ASSERTED TO EXIST BY REASON OF IT BECOMING SUCH A TRANSFEREE OR
SUCCESSOR);
(h) ANY ENTITY THAT, PURSUANT TO THE PLAN OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE
DATE, MAKES A LOAN TO REORGANIZED AWI OR THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST OR TO A SUCCESSOR
TO, OR TRANSFEREE OF, ANY ASSETS OF AWI, REORGANIZED AWI OR THE ASBESTOS PI
TRUST (BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT LIABILITY IS ASSERTED TO EXIST BY REASON OF
SUCH ENTITY BECOMING SUCH A LENDER OR TO THE EXTENT ANY PLEDGE OF ASSETS MADE IN
14
CONNECTION WITH SUCH A LOAN IS SOUGHT TO BE UPSET OR IMPAIRED); OR
(i) ANY ENTITY TO THE EXTENT HE, SHE, OR IT IS ALLEGED TO BE
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY LIABLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF, CLAIMS AGAINST, OR DEMANDS ON
AWI, REORGANIZED AWI OR THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST ON ACCOUNT OF ASBESTOS PERSONAL
INJURY CLAIMS BY REASON OF ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
(i) SUCH ENTITY'S OWNERSHIP OF A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN AWI,
REORGANIZED AWI, A PAST OR PRESENT AFFILIATE OF AWI OR
REORGANIZED AWI (OTHER THAN ACANDS, INC. F/K/A ARMSTRONG
CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY CORP.), OR A PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST OF
AWI, OR REORGANIZED AWI;
(ii) SUCH ENTITY'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AWI,
AWWD, HOLDINGS, AN AFFILIATE, REORGANIZED AWI, OR ANY PREDECESSOR
IN INTEREST OF AWI, OR REORGANIZED AWI;
(iii) SUCH ENTITY'S SERVICE AS AN OFFICER, DIRECTOR, OR
EMPLOYEE OF AWI, REORGANIZED AWI, AWWD, HOLDINGS, AN AFFILIATE,
ANY PAST OR PRESENT AFFILIATE OF AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI (OTHER
THAN ACANDS, INC. F/K/A ARMSTRONG CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY CORP.),
ANY PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST OF AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI, OR ANY
ENTITY THAT OWNS OR AT ANY TIME HAS OWNED A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN
AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI, ANY PAST OR PRESENT AFFILIATE OF AWI OR
REORGANIZED AWI (OTHER THAN ACANDS, INC. F/K/A ARMSTRONG
CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY CORP.), OR ANY PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST OF
AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI.
(iv) SUCH ENTITY'S PROVISION OF INSURANCE TO (A) AWI, (B)
REORGANIZED AWI, (C) ANY PAST OR PRESENT AFFILIATE OF AWI OR
REORGANIZED AWI (OTHER THAN ACANDS, INC. F/K/A ARMSTRONG
CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY CORP.), (D) ANY PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST OF
AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI; OR (E) ANY ENTITY THAT OWNS OR AT ANY
TIME HAS OWNED A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI,
ANY PAST OR PRESENT AFFILIATE OF AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI (OTHER
THAN ACANDS, INC. F/K/A ARMSTRONG CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY CORP.),
OR ANY PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST OF AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI, BUT
ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT AWI, REORGANIZED AWI, OR THE ASBESTOS PI
TRUST ENTERS INTO A SETTLEMENT WITH SUCH ENTITY THAT IS APPROVED
BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT AND EXPRESSLY PROVIDES THAT SUCH ENTITY
SHALL BE ENTITLED TO THE PROTECTION OF THE ASBESTOS PI PERMANENT
CHANNELING INJUNCTION AS A PI PROTECTED PARTY; OR
(v) SUCH ENTITY'S INVOLVEMENT IN A TRANSACTION CHANGING THE
CORPORATE STRUCTURE, OR IN A LOAN OR OTHER FINANCIAL TRANSACTION
AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL CONDITION, OF AWI, AWWD, HOLDINGS, AN
AFFILIATE, REORGANIZED AWI, ANY PAST OR PRESENT AFFILIATE OF AWI
OR REORGANIZED AWI (OTHER THAN AC AND S, INC. F/K/A ARMSTRONG
CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY CORP.), ANY PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST OF AWI
OR REORGANIZED AWI, OR ANY ENTITY THAT OWNS OR AT ANY TIME HAS
OWNED A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI, ANY PAST OR
PRESENT AFFILIATE OF AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI (OTHER THAN ACANDS,
INC. F/K/A ARMSTRONG CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY CORP.), OR ANY
PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST OF AWI OR REORGANIZED AWI;
15
1.99 Plan: This plan of reorganization, either in its present
form or as it may be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to
time, and the exhibits and schedules to the foregoing, as the same may be in
effect at the time such reference becomes operative.
1.100 Plan Note Amount: An amount equal to the greater of (x)
$1.125 billion less the amount of Available Cash and (y) $775 million.
1.101 Plan Note Indenture: An indenture, substantially in the
form of Exhibit 1.101 to the Plan, by and between AWI, as the issuer, and a
trustee selected by AWI prior to the date of the commencement of the hearing on
confirmation of the Plan, pursuant to which the Plan Notes will be issued, which
will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
1.102 Plan Notes: Unsecured notes issued pursuant to the Plan
Note Indenture (a) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the Plan Note
Amount less the 144A Offering Proceeds, (b) bearing a fixed or floating interest
rate based upon U.S. Treasury Notes or three-month U.S dollar LIBOR,
respectively, with like maturities plus a spread determined to be the average
corporate spread over such Treasury Notes or LIBOR for outstanding issues of
comparable maturity and comparably rated U.S. industrial companies over the
30-day period ending on the last day of the month immediately preceding the
Effective Date, (c) with a maturity, as selected by AWI, of not less than five
years, but not more than ten years and no principal payments required to be paid
prior to the maturity date, (d) callable at par at the option of Reorganized
AWI, in whole or in part, at any time during the first six months following the
Effective Date, and (e) having such other terms, covenants, and conditions
substantially similar to those contained in indentures for issues of comparable
maturity of comparably rated U.S. industrial companies and, with respect to any
floating rate tranche, structured in a manner similar to, and as liquid as,
marketable bank debt.
1.103 Priority Claim: Any Claim to the extent such claim is
entitled to priority in right of payment under section 507(a) of the Bankruptcy
Code, other than an Administrative Expense, DIP Credit Facility Claim, or
Priority Tax Claim.
1.104 Priority Tax Claim: A Claim against AWI that is of a kind
specified in section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.
1.105 Pro Rata Share: Means the ratio (expressed as a percentage)
of the amount of an Allowed Claim in a Class to the aggregate amount of all
Allowed Claims plus the Disputed Claim Amount of all Disputed Claims in the same
Class.
1.106 Qualified Appraisal: A "qualified appraisal" within the
meaning of Treasury Regulations section 1.468B-3(b)(3).
1.107 Record Date: The first Business Day that is five (5) days
from and after the Confirmation Date.
1.108 Reorganized AWI: AWI, as reorganized as of the Effective
Date in accordance with this Plan, or any successors in interest thereto, from
and after the Effective Date.
1.109 Reorganization Consideration: Collectively, the Available
Cash, the Plan Notes and/or the 144A Offering Proceeds, the New Common Stock,
and the New Warrants.
16
1.110 Retention Period: Five (5) years from and after the
Effective Date, or such shorter period as the Bankruptcy Court may set.
1.111 Schedules: The schedules of assets and liabilities and the
statements of financial affairs filed by AWI with the Bankruptcy Court, as
required by section 521 of the Bankruptcy Code and the Official Bankruptcy Forms
of the Bankruptcy Rules, as such schedules and statements have been and may be
amended by AWI from time to time in accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 1009.
1.112 SEC: The United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.113 Secured Claim: Any Claim against AWI to the extent of the
value of any interest in property of the estate of AWI securing such Claim,
except for the DIP Credit Facility Claim and the COLI Claims.
1.114 Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement: The
Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement to be entered into by Reorganized
AWI and the Asbestos PI Trustees on behalf of the Asbestos PI Trust, pursuant to
section 7.7 hereof, in substantially the same form of Exhibit 1.114 to the Plan.
1.115 Subsidiary Debt Guarantee Claim: Any Claim against AWI
arising from the guaranty by AWI of an obligation of one or more Entities that
are subsidiaries of AWI as of the date immediately preceding the Effective Date
so long as such obligation has not been accelerated or declared in default prior
to the Effective Date (and such acceleration has not been rescinded or such
default waived), other than any Claim relating to any obligations of Nitram
Liquidators, Inc. or Desseaux Corporation of North America and other than any
Claim relating to obligations arising from the sale or disposition of the
business, operations, or assets of any Entity.
1.116 Treasury Regulations: Regulations (including temporary and
proposed) promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code by the United States
Treasury Department, as amended from time to time.
1.117 Unliquidated Claim: Any Claim (other than an Asbestos
Personal Injury Claim), the amount of liability for which has not been fixed,
whether pursuant to agreement, applicable law, or otherwise, as of the date on
which such Claim is sought to be estimated.
1.118 Unsecured Claim: Any Claim other an Administrative Expense,
Subsidiary Debt Guarantee Claim, a COLI Claim, a Priority Tax Claim, a Priority
Claim, an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim, an Asbestos Property Damage Claim, an
Environmental Claim (except to the extent provided in section 3.2(h)(ii) of the
Plan), an Affiliate Claim, an Employee Benefit Claim, or a Secured Claim.
Unsecured Claims include Debt Security Claims administered by the Indenture
Trustees.
1.119 Unsecured Creditors' Committee: The Official Unsecured
Creditors' Committee, consisting of Entities appointed as members in the Chapter
11 Case by the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware in accordance
with section 1102(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and their duly appointed successors,
if any, as the same may be reconstituted from time to time.
1.120 Voting Deadline: The date set by the Bankruptcy Court by
which all completed ballots must be received.
17
1.121 Voting Procedures Order: An order of the Bankruptcy Court
approving procedures relating to the solicitation and tabulation of votes with
respect to the Plan.
B. OTHER TERMS. Wherever from the context it appears appropriate,
each term stated in either the singular or the plural shall include the singular
and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender
shall include the masculine, the feminine, and the neuter. The words "herein,"
"hereof," "hereto," "hereunder," and others of similar import refer to the Plan
as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, or clause contained in
the Plan. An initially capitalized term used herein that is not defined herein
shall have the meaning ascribed to such term, if any, in the Bankruptcy Code,
unless the context shall otherwise require.
C. EXHIBITS. All Exhibits to the Plan shall be contained in a
separate Exhibit Volume, which shall be filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy
Court not later than the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days prior to the
commencement of the hearing on confirmation of the Plan and (ii) fifteen (15)
days prior to the deadline for filing objections to confirmation of the Plan.
Such Exhibits may be inspected in the office of the Clerk of the Bankruptcy
Court during normal hours of operation of the Bankruptcy Court. Such Exhibits
shall also be available for download from the following website:
www.armstrongplan.com. Holders of Claims or shareholders of Holdings may also
obtain a copy of such Exhibit Volume, once filed, from AWI by a written request
sent to the following address:
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
Post Office Box 3666
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604-3666
ARTICLE II
PROVISIONS FOR PAYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
AND PRIORITY TAX CLAIMS
2.1 Payment of Allowed Administrative Expenses. The Allowed
Amount of each Administrative Expense that is Allowed as of the Effective Date
shall be paid in full, in cash, on the Effective Date; provided, however, that
Administrative Expenses of the type specified in section 1.11(c)(i) of the Plan
shall be assumed and paid by Reorganized AWI in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the particular transactions and any agreements relating thereto.
Each Administrative Expense of the type specified in section 1.11(c)(ii) or
1.11(c)(iii) of the Plan shall be paid the Allowed Amount of such Administrative
Expense in full, in cash, as soon as practicable after such Administrative
Expense is Allowed.
2.2 Compensation and Reimbursement Claims. The Bankruptcy Court
shall fix in the Confirmation Order a date for the filing of, and a date to hear
and determine, all applications for final allowances of compensation or
reimbursement of expenses under section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code or
applications for allowance of Administrative Expenses arising under section
503(b)(2), 503(b)(3), 503(b)(4), 503(b)(5), or 503(b)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.
The Allowed Amount of all Administrative Expenses arising under section 330,
331, 503(b)(2), 503(b)(3), 503(b)(4), 503(b)(5), or 503(b)(6) of the Bankruptcy
Code shall be paid in full, in cash, (a) upon the later of (i) the Effective
Date and (ii) the date upon which any such Administrative Expense becomes
Allowed or (b) at such later date or upon such other terms as may be mutually
agreed upon between each such Administrative Expense Creditor and Reorganized
AWI.
18
2.3 DIP Credit Facility Claim. On the Effective Date, the DIP
Credit Facility Claim shall be paid in full, in cash. Unless otherwise agreed by
the DIP Lenders, to the extent that any letters of credit issued pursuant to the
DIP Credit Facility remain outstanding on the Effective Date, AWI will pay to
the Agent Bank, for the ratable benefit of the DIP Lenders, cash in an amount
equal to the face amount of such letters of credit, which shall be held by the
Agent Bank for the repayment of all amounts due in respect of such letters of
credit.
2.4 Priority Tax Claims. Each holder of an Allowed Priority Tax
Claim shall be paid the Allowed Amount of its Allowed Priority Tax Claim either
(a) in full, in cash, on the latest of (i) the Effective Date, (ii) the date
such Allowed Priority Tax Claim becomes Allowed, and (iii) the date such Allowed
Priority Tax Claim is payable under applicable non-bankruptcy law or (b) upon
such other terms as may be mutually agreed upon between each holder of a
Priority Tax Claim and Reorganized AWI.
ARTICLE III
CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS
3.1 Summary. Claims and Equity Interests are classified for all
purposes, including, without express or implied limitation, voting,
confirmation, and distribution pursuant to the Plan, as follows:
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
ENTITLED
CLASS TREATMENT STATUS TO VOTE?
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 1: Priority Claims Paid in full, in cash, on the later of the Effective Date Unimpaired No
or as soon as practicable after such Priority Claim
becomes Allowed.
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 2: Secured Claims Reinstated - Any defaults related to Secured Claims will Unimpaired No
be cured.
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 3: Convenience Payment of 75% of Allowed Amount of Convenience Claim, in Impaired Yes
Claims cash, on later of the Effective Date or as soon as
practicable after such Convenience Claim becomes Allowed.
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 4: Asbestos All Asbestos Property Damage Claims will be channeled to Impaired Yes
Property Damage Claims the Asbestos PD Trust, which will be funded exclusively
with the Asbestos PD Trust Funding Obligation;
provided, however, if fewer than 25 Disputed
Asbestos Property Damage Claims remain outstanding
as of the Effective Date, AWI may elect, in its
sole discretion, not to channel Asbestos Property
Damage Claims to the Asbestos PD Trust, but to
litigate the merits of each Disputed Asbestos
Property Damage Claim before the Bankruptcy Court
and pay the Allowed Amount of each such Asbestos
Property Damage Claim in full, in cash, from the
proceeds of insurance.
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
19
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 5: COLI Claims Reinstated - Any defaults related to
the COLI Claims will Unimpaired No be cured. Unimpaired No
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 6: Unsecured Claims Each holder of an Allowed Unsecured Claim will receive Impaired Yes
other than Convenience its Pro Rata Share of (i) 34.43% of the New Common
Claims Stock, (ii) 34.43% of the first $1.05 billion
of (x) up to $300 million of Available Cash and (y)
the principal amount of Plan Notes and/or 144A Offering
Proceeds,(iii) 60% of the next $50 million of the
remaining Available Cash, (iv) 60% of the remaining
amount of Plan Notes and/or 144A Offering Proceeds
to the extent that Available Cash in (iii) is less than
$50 million, and (v) 34.43% of the remaining Available
Cash and Plan Notes and/or 144A Offering Proceeds.
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 7: Asbestos All Asbestos Personal Injury Claims will be channeled to Impaired Yes
Personal Injury Claims the Asbestos PI Trust, which will be funded pursuant to
section 10.1 of the Plan.
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 8: Environmental Each Environmental Claim will be treated as an Allowed Impaired Yes
Claims Unsecured Claim to the extent it becomes Allowed prior to
any Distribution Date. Other treatment determined as
applicable under the relevant settlement agreement.
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 9: Affiliate Claims Reinstated Unimpaired No
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 10: Subsidiary Debt Reinstated Unimpaired No
Guarantee Claims
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 11: Employee Reinstated Unimpaired No
Benefit Claims
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
20
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
CLASS 12: Equity Interests If the Holdings Plan of Liquidation is approved by the Impaired Yes.
board of directors and requisite shareholders of Holdings
prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the
holder of the Equity Interests in AWI will receive the
New Warrants (which will be distributed in accordance
with the Holdings Plan of Liquidation). If such approval
is not obtained prior to the first anniversary of the
Effective Date, the holder of the Equity Interests in AWI
will not receive any distribution, and no New Warrants
will be issued..
- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------
3.2 Classification and Treatment.
(a) CLASS 1. PRIORITY CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 1 consists of all Allowed Priority
Claims.
(ii) Treatment: Each holder of an Allowed Priority Claim
shall be paid the Allowed Amount of its Allowed Priority Claim,
in full, in cash, on the later of the Effective Date and as soon
as practicable after the date such Priority Claim becomes
Allowed.
(iii) Status: Class 1 is not impaired. The holders of the
Claims in Class 1 are deemed to accept the Plan and, accordingly,
are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.
(b) CLASS 2. SECURED CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 2 consists of all Allowed Secured
Claims. Although placed in one class for purposes of convenience,
each Allowed Secured Claim shall be treated as though in a
separate class for all purposes under the Plan.
(ii) Treatment: At the option of AWI and in accordance with
section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, each Allowed Secured Claim
shall be treated in one of the following ways:
1. The legal, equitable and contractual rights to which
such Allowed Secured Claim entitles the holder of such Claim
shall be unaltered.
or
2. Notwithstanding any contractual provision or
applicable law that entitles the holder of an Allowed
Secured Claim to demand or receive payment of such Claim
21
prior to the stated maturity of such Claim from and after
the occurrence of a default under the agreements governing
or instruments evidencing such Claim, such Claim shall be
reinstated, and AWI shall (i) cure all defaults that
occurred before or from and after the Commencement Date
(other than defaults of a kind specified in section
365(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code), (ii) reinstate the
maturity of such Claim as such maturity existed prior to the
occurrence of such default, (iii) compensate the holder of
such Claim for any damages incurred as a consequence of any
reasonable reliance by such holder on such contractual
provision or such applicable law, and (iv) not otherwise
alter the legal, equitable, or contractual rights to which
the holder of such Claim is entitled.
(iii) Status: Class 2 is not impaired. The holders of the
Claims in Class 2 are deemed to accept the Plan and, accordingly,
are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.
(c) CLASS 3. CONVENIENCE CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 3 consists of all Allowed
Convenience Claims.
(ii) Treatment: Each holder of an Allowed Convenience Claim
shall be paid 75% of the Allowed Amount of its Allowed
Convenience Claim, in cash, on the later of the Effective Date
and as soon as practicable after such Convenience Claim becomes
Allowed.
(iii) Election: Any holder of an Unsecured Claim in an
amount equal to or less than Ten Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($10,000.00) and which otherwise constitutes a Convenience Claim
automatically shall be treated as a Convenience Claim. Any holder
of any other Unsecured Claim that desires treatment of such Claim
as a Convenience Claim shall make such election on the Ballot to
be provided to holders of Unsecured Claims in Class 6 and return
such Ballot to the address specified therein on or before the
Voting Deadline. Any election made after the Voting Deadline
shall not be binding on AWI unless the Voting Deadline is
expressly waived in writing by AWI with respect to any such
Claim.
(iv) Status: Class 3 is impaired. To the extent and in the
manner provided in the Voting Procedures Order, the holders of
the Claims in Class 3 are entitled to vote to accept or reject
the Plan.
(d) CLASS 4. ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 4 consists of all Allowed Asbestos
Property Damage Claims.
(ii) Treatment: (x) Except as provided in section
3.2(d)(ii)(y) of the Plan, all Allowed Asbestos Property Damage
Claims shall be determined and paid pursuant to the terms,
provisions, and procedures of the Asbestos PD Trust and the
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution
22
Procedures. The Asbestos PD Trust will be funded in accordance
with the provisions of sections 11.2 and 11.3 of the Plan. The
sole recourse of the holder of an Allowed Asbestos Property
Damage Claim shall be the Asbestos PD Trust, and such holder
shall have no right whatsoever at any time to assert its Asbestos
Property Damage Claim against Reorganized AWI. Without limiting
the foregoing, on the Effective Date, all entities shall be
permanently and forever stayed, restrained, and enjoined from
taking any of the following actions for the purpose of, directly
or indirectly, collecting, recovering, or receiving payment of,
on, or with respect to any Asbestos Property Damage Claims (other
than actions brought to enforce any right or obligation under the
Plan, any Exhibits to the Plan, or any other agreement or
instrument between AWI or Reorganized AWI and the Asbestos PD
Trust, which actions shall be in conformity and compliance with
the provisions hereof):
1. commencing, conducting, or continuing in any manner,
directly or indirectly, any suit, action, or other
proceeding (including, without express or implied
limitation, a judicial, arbitral, administrative, or other
proceeding) in any forum against or affecting Reorganized
AWI, any property or interests in property of Reorganized
AWI, the Asbestos PI Trust, or any property or interests in
property of the Asbestos PI Trust;
2. enforcing, levying, attaching (including, without
express or implied limitation, any prejudgment attachment),
collecting, or otherwise recovering by any means or in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, any judgment, award,
decree, or other order against Reorganized AWI, any property
or interests in property of Reorganized AWI, the Asbestos PI
Trust, or any property or interests in property of the
Asbestos PI Trust;
3. creating, perfecting, or otherwise enforcing in any
manner, directly or indirectly, any Encumbrance against
Reorganized AWI, any property or interests in property of
Reorganized AWI, the Asbestos PI Trust, or any property or
interests in property of the Asbestos PI Trust;
4. setting off, seeking reimbursement of, contribution
from, or subrogation against, or otherwise recouping in any
manner, directly or indirectly, any amount against any
liability owed to Reorganized AWI, any property or interests
in property of Reorganized AWI, the Asbestos PI Trust, or
any property or interests in property of the Asbestos PI
Trust; and
5. proceeding in any manner in any place with regard to
any matter that is subject to resolution pursuant to the
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, except in conformity and
compliance therewith.
(y) Notwithstanding section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, if, at the
time of the Effective Date, fewer than twenty-five (25) Asbestos Property Damage
Claims remain as Disputed Claims, AWI may elect, in its sole discretion, not to
create an Asbestos PD Trust. In such case, AWI will continue to litigate
objections to Asbestos Property Damage Claims in the Bankruptcy Court, and each
holder of an Allowed Asbestos Property Damage Claim shall be paid the Allowed
23
Amount of such Asbestos Property Damage Claim, in full, in cash, with such
payment to be funded exclusively from the proceeds of insurance available with
respect to Asbestos Property Damage Claims.
(iii) Selection of Trustees for the Asbestos PD Trust: If
Class 4 votes to accept the Plan and the Asbestos PD Trust is
created pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, the
Asbestos PD Trustees shall be selected by the Asbestos PD
Committee. If Class 4 votes to reject the Plan and the Asbestos
PD Trust is created pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the
Plan, AWI will select the Asbestos PD Trustees, by notice filed
with the Bankruptcy Court on or before ten (10) days prior to the
date of the commencement of the hearing on confirmation of the
Plan.
(iv) Claims Resolution Procedures: If the Asbestos PD Trust
is created pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, the
Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures will govern and control
in all respects the allowance and payment of Asbestos Property
Damage Claims. Otherwise, the allowance of Asbestos Property
Damage Claims shall be governed by applicable bankruptcy and
non-bankruptcy law.
(v) Status: Class 4 is impaired. To the extent and in the
manner provided in the Voting Procedures Order, the holders of
the Claims in Class 4 are entitled to vote to accept or reject
the Plan.
(e) CLASS 5. COLI CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 5 consists of all Allowed COLI
Claims.
(ii) Treatment: In accordance with section 1124 of the
Bankruptcy Code, notwithstanding any contractual provision or
applicable law that entitles the holder of an Allowed COLI Claim
to demand or receive payment of such Claim prior to the stated
maturity of such Claim from and after the occurrence of a default
under the agreements governing or instruments evidencing such
Claim, such Claim shall be reinstated, and AWI shall (i) cure all
defaults that occurred before or from and after the Commencement
Date (other than defaults of a kind specified in section
365(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code), (ii) reinstate the maturity of
such Claim as such maturity existed prior to the occurrence of
such default, (iii) compensate the holder of such Claim for any
damages incurred as a consequence of any reasonable reliance by
such holder on such contractual provision or such applicable law,
and (iv) not otherwise alter the legal, equitable, or contractual
rights to which the holder of such Claim is entitled.
(iii) Status: Class 5 is not impaired. The holders of the
Claims in Class 5 are deemed to accept the Plan and, accordingly,
are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.
(f) CLASS 6. UNSECURED CLAIMS OTHER THAN CONVENIENCE CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 6 consists of Unsecured Claims
other than Convenience Claims.
24
(ii) Treatment: Each holder of an Allowed Unsecured Claim in
Class 6 will receive on each Distribution Date its Pro Rata Share
of the following elements of Reorganization Consideration:
1. 34.43% of the New Common Stock,
2. 34.43% of the first $1.05 billion of (x) up to $300
million of Available Cash and (y) the Plan Notes and/or 144A
Offering Proceeds,
3. 60% of the first $50 million of the amount of
Available Cash remaining after making provision for the
Distribution provided in section 3.2(f)(ii)2 of the Plan and
the funding of the Asbestos PI Trust in section 10.1(b)(ii)
of the Plan,
4. 60% of the amount of Plan Notes and/or 144A Offering
Proceeds equal to the difference (if positive) of $50
million less the amount of Available Cash remaining after
making provision for the Distribution provided in section
3.2(f)(ii)2 of the Plan and the funding of the Asbestos PI
Trust in section 10.1(b)(ii) of the Plan, and
5. 34.43% of the remaining Available Cash and Plan
Notes and/or 144A Offering Proceeds after making provision
for the Distribution provided in sections 3.2(f)(ii)2,
3.2(f)(ii)3, and 3.2(f)(ii)4 of the Plan and the funding of
the Asbestos PI Trust in sections 10.1(b)(ii), 10.1(b)(iii)
and 10.1(b)(iv) of the Plan.
In any Distribution made to the holder of an Allowed
Unsecured Claim, there shall be deducted from such
Distribution the amount of each element of the
Reorganization Consideration (computed as provided in this
section 3.2(f)(ii)) previously distributed to such holder on
account of such Allowed Unsecured Claim in any Distribution
made prior thereto.
(iii) Interest: Interest shall neither accrue nor be payable
from and after the Commencement Date with respect to Allowed
Unsecured Claims.
(iv) Status: Class 6 is impaired. To the extent and in the
manner provided in the Voting Procedures Order, the holders of
the Claims in Class 6 are entitled to vote to accept or reject
the Plan.
(g) CLASS 7. ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 7 consists of all Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims.
(ii) Treatment: All Asbestos Personal Injury Claims shall be
determined and paid pursuant to the terms, provisions, and
procedures of the Asbestos PI Trust, the Asbestos PI Trust
Distribution Procedures, and the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement. The
Asbestos PI Trust will be funded in accordance with the
provisions of section 10.1 of the Plan. The sole recourse of the
holder of an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim shall be the Asbestos
PI Trust, and such holder shall have no right whatsoever at any
time to assert its Asbestos Personal Injury Claim against any PI
25
Protected Party. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, ON THE EFFECTIVE
DATE, ALL ENTITIES SHALL BE PERMANENTLY AND FOREVER STAYED,
RESTRAINED, AND ENJOINED FROM TAKING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS
FOR THE PURPOSE OF, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, COLLECTING,
RECOVERING, OR RECEIVING PAYMENT OF, ON, OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY
ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM (OTHER THAN ACTIONS BROUGHT TO
ENFORCE ANY RIGHT OR OBLIGATION UNDER THE PLAN, ANY EXHIBITS TO
THE PLAN, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT BETWEEN AWI OR
REORGANIZED AWI AND THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST, WHICH ACTIONS SHALL BE
IN CONFORMITY AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS HEREOF):
1. COMMENCING, CONDUCTING, OR CONTINUING IN ANY MANNER,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR OTHER
PROCEEDING (INCLUDING, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
LIMITATION, A JUDICIAL, ARBITRAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR OTHER
PROCEEDING) IN ANY FORUM AGAINST OR AFFECTING ANY PI
PROTECTED PARTY OR ANY PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN PROPERTY OF
ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY;
2. ENFORCING, LEVYING, ATTACHING (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED LIMITATION, ANY PREJUDGMENT ATTACHMENT),
COLLECTING, OR OTHERWISE RECOVERING BY ANY MEANS OR IN ANY
MANNER, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY JUDGMENT, AWARD,
DECREE, OR OTHER ORDER AGAINST ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY OR ANY
PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN PROPERTY OF ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY;
3. CREATING, PERFECTING, OR OTHERWISE ENFORCING IN ANY
MANNER, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY ENCUMBRANCE AGAINST ANY
PI PROTECTED PARTY OR ANY PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN PROPERTY
OF ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY;
4. SETTING OFF, SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT OF, CONTRIBUTION
FROM, OR SUBROGATION AGAINST, OR OTHERWISE RECOUPING IN ANY
MANNER, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY AMOUNT AGAINST ANY
LIABILITY OWED TO ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY OR ANY PROPERTY OR
INTERESTS IN PROPERTY OF ANY PI PROTECTED PARTY; AND
5. PROCEEDING IN ANY MANNER IN ANY PLACE WITH REGARD TO
ANY MATTER THAT IS SUBJECT TO RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO THE
ASBESTOS PI TRUST AGREEMENT, EXCEPT IN CONFORMITY AND
COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
Nothing contained herein shall constitute or be deemed a
waiver of any claim, right, or cause of action that AWI,
Reorganized AWI, or the Asbestos PI Trust may have against
any Entity in connection with or arising out of an Asbestos
Personal Injury Claim, and the injunction shall not apply to
the assertion of any such claim, right, or cause of action
by AWI, Reorganized AWI, or the Asbestos PI Trust.
(iii) Status: Class 7 is impaired. To the extent and in the
manner provided in the Voting Procedures Order, the holders of
the Claims in Class 7 are entitled to vote to accept or reject
the Plan.
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(h) CLASS 8. ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 8 consists of all Environmental
Claims.
(ii) Treatment: Each holder of an Environmental Claim shall
be entitled to treatment of its Environmental Claim and receive
such consideration as is provided in the settlement agreement
applicable to such Environmental Claim. Without limiting the
provisions of such settlement agreement, to the extent any
portion of an Environmental Claim becomes Allowed prior to any
Distribution Date, such Environmental Claim shall be deemed to
constitute, and will be treated as, an Allowed Unsecured Claim
under Class 6 of the Plan. The sole recourse of the holders of
Environmental Claims shall be in accordance with the rights of
such holders set forth in such settlement agreement. Nothing
contained herein or in any settlement agreement relating to an
Environmental Claim shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any
claim, right, or cause of action that AWI or Reorganized AWI may
have against any Entity that is not a party to such settlement
agreement.
(iii) Status: Class 8 is impaired. To the extent and in the
manner provided in the Voting Procedures Order, the holders of
the Claims in Class 8 are entitled to vote to accept or reject
the Plan.
(i) CLASS 9. AFFILIATE CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 9 consists of Affiliate Claims.
(ii) Treatment: In accordance with section 1124 of the
Bankruptcy Code, the legal, equitable, and contractual rights to
which such Allowed Affiliate Claims entitle the holder of any
such Claims shall be unaltered.
(iii) Status. Class 9 is unimpaired. The holders of the
Claims in Class 9 are deemed to accept the Plan and, accordingly,
are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.
(j) CLASS 10. SUBSIDIARY DEBT GUARANTEE CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 10 consists of all Subsidiary Debt
Guarantee Claims.
(ii) Treatment: In accordance with section 1124 of the
Bankruptcy Code, each Subsidiary Debt Guarantee Claim shall be
reinstated.
(iii) Status: Class 10 is not impaired. The holders of
Claims in Class 10 are deemed to accept the Plan and,
accordingly, are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the
Plan.
(k) CLASS 11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CLAIMS.
(i) Classification: Class 11 consists of all Employee
Benefit Claims.
27
(ii) Treatment: In accordance with section 1124 of the
Bankruptcy Code, each Employee Benefit Claim shall be reinstated.
(iii) Status: Class 11 is not impaired. The holders of
Claims in Class 11 are deemed to accept the Plan and,
accordingly, are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the
Plan.
(l) CLASS 12. EQUITY INTERESTS.
(i) Classification: Class 12 consists of Equity Interests.
(ii) Treatment: If the Holdings Plan of Liquidation receives
the requisite approvals of the Board of Directors and
shareholders of Holdings prior to the first anniversary of the
Effective Date, Reorganized AWI shall issue the New Warrants in
respect of the Equity Interests in AWI as provided in section
7.25 hereof; provided, however, that, if Class 6 votes to reject
the Plan, no distribution shall be made under the Plan from AWI's
estate in respect of the Equity Interests in AWI but, in such
event (and assuming the required approvals of the Board of
Directors and shareholders of Holdings of the Holdings Plan of
Liquidation have been received by the first anniversary of the
Effective Date), Reorganized AWI shall issue the New Warrants as
provided in section 7.25 hereof in respect of the Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims and in accordance with section 10.1(b)
hereof. If the Holdings Plan of Liquidation does not receive the
requisite approvals of the Board of Directors and shareholders of
Holdings by the first anniversary of the Effective Date, no
distribution shall be made under the Plan in respect of the
Equity Interests in AWI, and no New Warrants shall be issued. On
the Effective Date, the certificates that previously evidenced
ownership of Existing AWI Common Stock shall be cancelled and
shall be null and void, the holder(s) thereof shall no longer
have any rights in respect of the Equity Interests in AWI, and
such certificates shall not evidence any rights under the Plan.
(iii) Status: Class 12 is impaired. To the extent and in the
manner provided in the Voting Procedures Order, the holder of the
Equity Interests in Class 12 is entitled to vote to accept or
reject the Plan; provided, however, if Class 6 votes to reject
the Plan, Class 12 shall be deemed to have rejected the Plan.
3.3 In the event of a controversy as to whether any class of
Claims or Equity Interests is impaired under the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court
shall, after notice and a hearing, determine such controversy prior to the
Confirmation Date.
ARTICLE IV
MODIFICATION, REVOCATION, OR WITHDRAWAL OF THE PLAN
4.1 Modification of the Plan. AWI may, with the written consent
of the Future Claimants' Representative, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee,
and, if Class 6 has not voted to reject the Plan at the time of the requested
alteration, amendment, or modification, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee,
alter, amend, or modify the Plan under section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code at
any time prior to the Confirmation Date so long as the Plan, as modified, meets
28
the requirements of sections 1122 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code. After the
Confirmation Date and prior to the Effective Date, AWI, with the written consent
of the Future Claimants' Representative, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee,
and, if Class 6 votes to accept the Plan, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee,
may alter, amend, or modify the Plan in accordance with section 1127(b) of the
Bankruptcy Code.
4.2 Revocation or Withdrawal.
(a) Right to Revoke. The Plan may be revoked or withdrawn prior
to the Confirmation Date by AWI, with the written consent of the Future
Claimants' Representative, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, and, if Class 6
has not voted to reject the Plan at the time of the requested revocation or
withdrawal, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee, or, after the Confirmation
Deadline, by AWI.
(b) Effect of Withdrawal or Revocation. If the Plan is revoked or
withdrawn prior to the Confirmation Date, then the Plan shall be deemed null and
void. In such event, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to constitute a
waiver or release of any claims or defenses or any admission or statement
against interest by AWI, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future
Claimants' Representative, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee, or any other
Entity or to prejudice in any manner the rights of AWI, the Asbestos PI
Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative, the Unsecured
Creditors' Committee, or any Entity in any further proceedings involving AWI.
4.3 Amendment of Plan Documents. From and after the Effective
Date, the authority to amend, modify, or supplement the Exhibits to the Plan and
any documents attached to such Exhibits shall be as provided in such Exhibits
and their respective attachments.
ARTICLE V
PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS
5.1 Objections to Claims; Prosecution of Disputed Claims.
Reorganized AWI shall object to the allowance of Claims filed with the
Bankruptcy Court (other than Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and Asbestos
Property Damage Claims) with respect to which Reorganized AWI disputes liability
in whole or in part. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Reorganized AWI, at its
option, may continue to prosecute objections to Asbestos Property Damage Claims
if such objections are pending as of the Effective Date, and AWI elects,
pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(y) of the Plan, not to create the Asbestos PD
Trust. All objections that are filed and prosecuted by Reorganized AWI as
provided herein shall be litigated to Final Order by Reorganized AWI or
compromised and settled in accordance with the Claims Settlement Guidelines.
Unless otherwise provided herein or ordered by the Bankruptcy Court, all
objections by Reorganized AWI to Claims shall be served and filed no later than
ninety (90) days after the Effective Date.
5.2 Claims Settlement Guidelines. The Confirmation Order shall
approve the amendment to the Claims Settlement Guidelines, as set forth in
Exhibit 1.46 to the Plan.
5.3 Distributions on Account of Disputed Claims. Notwithstanding
section 3.2 hereof, a Distribution shall only be made by Reorganized AWI to the
holder of a Disputed Claim when, and to the extent that, such Disputed Claim
becomes Allowed. No interest shall be paid on account of Disputed Claims that
later become Allowed except to the extent that payment of interest is required
29
under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. No Distribution shall be made with
respect to all or any portion of any Disputed Claim pending the entire
resolution thereof in the manner prescribed by section 5.1 hereof.
5.4 Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve. On the Initial
Distribution Date, if the Plan Notes are issued, Reorganized AWI will establish
the Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve, pursuant to which Plan Notes not
distributed on the Initial Distribution Date or on any subsequent Distribution
will be issued but held in trust by the Disbursing Agent pending the resolution
of Disputed Claims. In accordance with and subject to the provisions of sections
3.2(f)(ii), 5.3, and 7.9 of the Plan, any Distribution of Plan Notes with
respect to a Disputed Claim that becomes Allowed shall include interest and
other accretions with respect to such Plan Notes, net of the portion of expenses
(including, without limitation, taxes payable by the Disputed Unsecured Claims
Reserve) attributable to such Plan Notes.
5.5 Tax Treatment of Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve.
(a) Subject to definitive guidance from the IRS or a court of
competent jurisdiction to the contrary (including the receipt by the Disbursing
Agent of a private letter ruling if the Disbursing Agent so requests one, or the
receipt of an adverse determination by the IRS upon audit if not contested by
the Disbursing Agent), the Disbursing Agent shall (i) treat the Disputed
Unsecured Claims Reserve established to hold Plan Notes and any earnings with
respect thereto as a discrete trust for federal income tax purposes, consisting
of separate and independent shares to be established in respect of each Disputed
Claim in Class 6, in accordance with the trust provisions of the Tax Code
(sections 641 et seq.), and (ii) to the extent permitted by applicable law,
report consistently with the foregoing for state and local income tax purposes.
All parties (including Reorganized AWI and all holders of Claims in Class 6)
shall report, for tax purposes, consistently with such treatment.
(b) The Disbursing Agent may request an expedited determination
of taxes under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code for all tax returns filed
for, or on behalf of, the Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve for all taxable
periods through the termination of such reserve.
ARTICLE VI
ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN
6.1 Impaired Classes to Vote. Each holder of a Claim in an
impaired Class of Claims shall be entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan
to the extent and in the manner provided by the Voting Procedures Order.
6.2 Acceptance by Class of Claims. Acceptance of the Plan by any
impaired Class of Claims shall be determined in accordance with the Voting
Procedures Order.
6.3 Nonconsensual Confirmation. In the event that any impaired
Class of Claims shall fail to accept the Plan in accordance with section 1129(a)
of the Bankruptcy Code, AWI reserves the right to (a) request that the
Bankruptcy Court confirm the Plan in accordance with section 1129(b) of the
Bankruptcy Code with respect to such non-accepting Class, in which case the Plan
shall constitute a motion for such relief, or (b) amend the Plan in accordance
with section 4.1 hereof.
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ARTICLE VII
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
7.1 Creation of Asbestos PI Trust. Effective as of the later of
(i) the date the Asbestos PI Trustees have executed the Asbestos PI Trust
Agreement and (ii) the Effective Date, the Asbestos PI Trust shall be created.
The Asbestos PI Trust is intended to be a "qualified settlement fund" within the
meaning of section 468B of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of the
Asbestos PI Trust shall be to, among other things, (a) direct the processing,
liquidation, and payment of all Asbestos Personal Injury Claims in accordance
with the Plan, the Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures, and the
Confirmation Order and (b) preserve, hold, manage, and maximize the assets of
the Asbestos PI Trust for use in paying and satisfying Asbestos Personal Injury
Claims.
7.2 Appointment of Asbestos PI Trustees. On the Confirmation
Date, effective as of the Effective Date, the Bankruptcy Court shall appoint the
individuals selected jointly by the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee and the
Future Claimants' Representative (as identified in Exhibit 7.2 to the Plan),
which individuals shall be appointed after consultation with AWI, to serve as
the Asbestos PI Trustees for the Asbestos PI Trust.
7.3 Creation of Asbestos PD Trust. Subject to section
3.2(d)(ii)(y) of the Plan, effective as of the later of (i) the date the
Asbestos PD Trustees have executed the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and (ii) the
Effective Date, the Asbestos PD Trust shall be created. The Asbestos PD Trust is
intended to be a "qualified settlement fund" within the meaning of section 468B
of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of the Asbestos PD Trust shall be to,
among other things, (a) direct the processing, liquidation, and payment of all
Asbestos Property Damage Claims in accordance with the Plan, the Asbestos PD
Claims Resolution Procedures, and the Confirmation Order and (b) preserve, hold,
manage, and maximize the assets of the Asbestos PD Trust for use in paying and
satisfying Asbestos Property Damage Claims.
7.4 144A Offering. AWI will use reasonable efforts to effect the
144A Offering on or as soon as practicable after the Effective Date such that
the 144A Offering yields net proceeds in an amount at least equal to the Plan
Note Amount, in which case the Plan Notes will not be issued under the Plan. AWI
will not complete a 144A Offering that yields net proceeds less than the amount
of the Plan Note Amount without the consent of the Asbestos PI Claimants'
Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative, and, if Class 6 votes to accept
the Plan, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee. If a 144A Offering is completed,
but yields net proceeds less than the Plan Note Amount, then Reorganized AWI
will issue Plan Notes in an aggregate amount equal to the Plan Note Amount less
the net proceeds of the 144A Offering.
7.5 Amendment of Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of
Incorporation shall be amended and restated as of the Effective Date in
substantially the form of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
inter alia, (a) 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 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as permitted by
applicable law, and (b) to authorize 215 million (215,000,000) shares of capital
stock of which (i) 200 million (200,000,000) shares will be shares of common
stock, and (ii) 15 million shares will be preferred stock of Reorganized AWI,
with such rights, preferences and privileges as may be determined by the Board
of Directors. Pursuant to the Plan, of the 200 million shares of common stock
(A) sixty to seventy million (60,000,000-70,000,000) shares shall be New Common
Stock issued under the Plan, (B) an amount equal to 5% of the New Common Stock
31
on a fully diluted basis determined as of the Effective Date shall be reserved
for issuance upon exercise of the New Warrants, and (C) a portion shall be
reserved for issuance under the New Long-Term Incentive Plan, and (D) the
remainder shall be reserved for future issuance.
7.6 Amendment of By-Laws. The By-Laws of AWI shall be amended and
restated as of the Effective Date in substantially the form of the Amended and
Restated By-Laws.
7.7 Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement: On the
Effective Date, AWI and the Asbestos PI Trust shall enter into the Stockholder
and Registration Rights Agreement, which will provide, among other things, for
the registration by Reorganized AWI of shares of New Common Stock and Plan Notes
owned by the Asbestos PI Trust for public sale in certain circumstances, will
provide for rights of others to participate in certain sales of New Common Stock
and Plan Notes by the Asbestos PI Trust, and will establish certain requirements
for amendment of provisions of the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws.
7.8 Distributions under the Plan. Whenever any Distribution to be
made under this Plan shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such
Distribution shall instead be made, without interest, on the immediately
succeeding Business Day, but shall be deemed to have been made on the date due.
7.9 Timing of Distributions under the Plan. Any Distribution to
be made by AWI or Reorganized AWI pursuant to the Plan shall be deemed to have
been timely made if made within ten (10) days after the time therefore specified
in the Plan. No interest shall accrue or be paid with respect to any
Distribution as a consequence of such Distribution not having been made on the
Effective Date; provided, however, that any Plan Notes distributed from the
Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve after the Initial Distribution Date shall
include accrued interest and any other accretions thereon (net of the portion of
the expenses of the Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve (including, without
limitation, taxes) attributable to such Plan Notes) from and after the Initial
Distribution Date in accordance with the terms of the Plan Note Indenture, and
New Common Stock issued to holders of Allowed Claims in Classes 6 and 8 after
the Effective Date shall include all dividends declared and paid and other
distributions made in respect thereto after the Effective Date.
(a) Distributions with Respect to Unsecured Claims and
Environmental Claims. Distributions with respect to Classes 6 and 8 shall only
be made on each Distribution Date; provided, however, that, if a Claim in any of
Classes 6 or 8 becomes Allowed subsequent to the Initial Distribution Date, AWI
may, in its sole discretion, make a Distribution with respect to such Claim
prior to a Distribution Date. For purposes of treatment and Distribution under
the Plan, except as provided with respect to treatment of Claims in the voting
procedures approved by the Voting Procedures Order, all Unsecured Claims held by
a Creditor shall be aggregated and treated as a single Claim. At the written
request of AWI or the Disbursing Agent, any Creditor holding multiple Unsecured
Claims shall provide to AWI or the Disbursing Agent, as the case may be, a
single address to which any Distributions shall be sent. At the written request
of any Creditor holding multiple Unsecured Claims made to the Disbursing Agent
within thirty (30) days prior to a Distribution Date, such Creditor shall
receive an itemized statement of the Unsecured Claims for which the Distribution
is being made.
(b) Distribution to the Asbestos PI Trust. The Distribution to
the Asbestos PI Trust shall be made on the later of (a) the date the Asbestos PI
Trustees have executed the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement and (b) the Effective
32
Date; provided, however, that if AWI intends to complete the 144A Offering, then
the Distribution of the 144A Offering Proceeds and/or Plan Notes to the Asbestos
PI Trust shall occur as soon as practicable after the 144A Offering is completed
or Reorganized AWI determines not to complete a 144A Offering, but in no event
shall such Distribution occur after the Initial Distribution Date.
(c) Distribution to the Asbestos PD Trust. If Class 4 votes to
accept the Plan and the Asbestos PD Trust is created pursuant to section
3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, the Distribution of the Asbestos PD Trust Funding
Obligation will be made on the later of (i) the date the Asbestos PD Trustees
are selected for the Asbestos PD Trust and have executed the Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement and (ii) the Effective Date. If Class 4 votes to reject the Plan and
the Asbestos PD Trust is created pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan,
the Distribution of the Asbestos PD Trust Funding Obligation will be made on the
latest of (x) the date an order of the Bankruptcy Court estimating the aggregate
value of all Asbestos Property Damage Claims becomes a Final Order, (y) the
Effective Date, and (z) the date the Asbestos PD Trustees have executed the
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement.
7.10 Disbursing Agent. All distributions under the Plan shall be
made by Reorganized AWI as Disbursing Agent or such other entity designated by
Reorganized AWI as a Disbursing Agent. The Disbursing Agent shall not be
required to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of its
duties unless otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court, and, in the event that
a Disbursing Agent is so otherwise ordered, all costs and expenses of procuring
any such bond or surety shall be borne by Reorganized AWI. Distributions on
account of Debt Security Claims shall be made to the Indenture Trustee under the
applicable Indenture for subsequent distribution to the holders of the Debt
Security Claims, and upon such Distribution to the Indenture Trustees, AWI and
Reorganized AWI shall have no further obligations with respect thereto.
7.11 Record Date. Except as and to the extent otherwise required
by customary procedures of the DTC with respect to Debt Security Claims, as of
the close of business on the Record Date, the various transfer and claims
registers for each of the classes of Claims as maintained by AWI, its respective
agents, or the Indenture Trustees shall be deemed closed, and there shall be no
further changes in the record holders of any of the Claims. AWI and Reorganized
AWI shall have no obligation to recognize any transfer of the Claims occurring
after the close of business on the Record Date. AWI, Reorganized AWI, the
Disbursing Agent, and the Indenture Trustees shall be entitled to recognize and
deal hereunder only with those record holders stated on the transfer ledgers as
of the close of business on the Record Date, to the extent applicable.
7.12 Distributions to Holders of Debt Security Claims
Administered by the Indenture Trustees.
(a) Distributions to holders of Debt Security Claims administered
by the Indenture Trustees will be made on each Distribution Date by means of
book-entry exchange through the facilities of the DTC in accordance with the
customary practices of the DTC, as and to the extent practicable. In connection
with such book-entry exchange, each Indenture Trustee will deliver instructions
to the DTC directing the DTC to effect distributions on a pro rata basis of the
elements of Reorganization Consideration as provided under the Plan with respect
to the Debt Security Claims upon which such Indenture Trustee acts as trustee.
(b) The Indenture Trustees providing services related to
Distributions pursuant to the Plan will receive from Reorganized AWI reasonable
33
compensation for such services and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with such services in an amount pursuant to the
procedures set forth in section 7.20 herein.
7.13 Manner of Payment under the Plan. Unless the Entity
receiving a payment agrees otherwise, any payment in cash to be made by AWI or
Reorganized AWI shall be made, at the election of AWI or Reorganized AWI (as the
case may be), by check drawn on a domestic bank or by wire transfer from a
domestic bank.
7.14 Hart-Scott-Rodino Compliance. Any shares of New Common Stock
to be distributed under the Plan to any Entity required to file a Premerger
Notification and Report Form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement
Act of 1976, as amended, shall not be distributed until the notification and
waiting periods applicable under such Act to such Entity shall have expired or
been terminated.
7.15 Fractional Shares or Other Distributions. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, no fractional shares of New Common
Stock shall be distributed, no Plan Notes will be issued in an amount less than
$100, and no cash payments of fractions of cents will be made. Fractional cents
shall be rounded to the nearest whole cent (with .5 cent or less to be rounded
down). Fractional shares shall be rounded to the nearest whole share (with .5
share or less to be rounded down). Plan Notes in denominations of less than $100
shall be rounded to the nearest $100 increment (with Plan Notes in denominations
of $50 or less to be rounded down). No cash will be paid in lieu of such
fractional shares or Plan Notes in increments of less than $100.
7.16 Occurrence of the Confirmation Date. The following shall
constitute conditions to confirmation of the Plan:
(a) The Bankruptcy Court makes the following findings, each of
which shall be contained in the Confirmation Order:
(i) With respect to any Asbestos Personal Injury Claim that
is Allowed by the Asbestos PI Trust in accordance with the
Asbestos PI Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PI Trust
Distribution Procedures, such allowance shall establish the
amount of legal liability against the Asbestos PI Trust in the
amount of the liquidated value of such Claim, as determined in
accordance with the Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures.
(ii) With respect to any Asbestos Property Damage Claim that
is Allowed by the Asbestos PD Trust in accordance with the
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PD Trust Claims
Resolution Procedures or is Allowed by a Final Order of the
Bankruptcy Court, such allowance shall establish the amount of
legal liability against the Asbestos PD Trust in the allowed
amount of such Claim, as determined in accordance with the
Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures or such Bankruptcy Court
order, as the case may be.
(iii) The Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction is to
be implemented in connection with the Plan and the Asbestos PI
Trust.
(iv) The Plan and its Exhibits, including but not limited to
the transfer of the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset to the Asbestos
PI Trust, the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement, the Asbestos PI Trust
34
Distribution Procedures, and Articles X and XI of the Plan, are a
fair, equitable, and reasonable resolution of the liabilities of
AWI for Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and Asbestos Property
Damage Claims. The Plan and its Exhibits, and the negotiations
that led up to them, do not violate any obligation of AWI or
breach any applicable insurance policy, agreement or contract of
AWI, including, without limitation, obligations or duties to
cooperate under any insurance policies, contracts or agreements,
any management of claims provisions in any applicable insurance
policies or agreements or contracts pertaining thereto, or any
consent-to-assignment provisions of any applicable insurance
policies, contracts or agreements, or any consent-to-settlement
provisions of any applicable insurance policies, agreement or
contract of AWI, and AWI's discharge and release of Claims as
provided herein shall neither diminish nor impair the
enforceability of any such insurance policies, contracts or
agreements.
(v) AWI does not need the consent of its insurers to
transfer the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset to the Asbestos PI
Trust. In the alternative, AWI's insurers have an obligation not
to withhold consent to such transfer unreasonably, and the
refusal to consent to such transfer under the circumstances would
be unreasonable.
(vi) If Class 4 does not accept the Plan, AWI does not need
the consent of its insurers to transfer the Asbestos PD Insurance
Asset to the Asbestos PD Trust. In the alternative, AWI's
insurers have an obligation not to withhold consent to such
transfer unreasonably, and the refusal to consent to the transfer
under the circumstances would be unreasonable.
(vii) The Plan and its Exhibits, including but not limited
to the transfer of the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset to the
Asbestos PI Trust, the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement, the Asbestos
PI Trust Distribution Procedures, and Articles X and XI of the
Plan, do not materially increase any insurer's risk of providing
coverage for asbestos-related liabilities under the relevant
insurance policies, settlement agreements, and/or contracts with
respect thereto as compared to the risk that otherwise was being
borne by the insurers prior to the Effective Date.
(viii) Upon confirmation and consummation of the Plan,
including the effectuation of the transfer of the Asbestos PI
Insurance Asset, the Asbestos PI Trust shall have access to
insurance coverage and/or insurance payments pursuant to the
transfer of the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset so that the proceeds
of such insurance may be used to defend, resolve, and satisfy
(subject to any applicable policy limits) the Asbestos PI Trust's
obligations to defend, resolve and satisfy Asbestos Personal
Injury Claims, and no insurer shall have any insurance coverage
defense based on the Plan, the transfer of the Asbestos PI
Insurance Asset, the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement, or the Asbestos
PI Trust Distribution Procedures or allowance of claims
thereunder, or the negotiations that produced any of the
foregoing.
(ix) If Class 4 votes to reject the Plan and the Asbestos PD
Trust is established pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the
Plan, upon confirmation and consummation of the Plan, including
the effectuation of the transfer of the Asbestos PD Insurance
Asset, the Asbestos PD Trust shall have access to insurance
35
coverage and/or insurance payments pursuant to the transfer of
the Asbestos PD Insurance Asset so that the proceeds of such
insurance may be used to defend, resolve, and satisfy (subject to
any applicable policy limits) the Asbestos PD Trust's obligations
to defend, resolve and satisfy Asbestos Property Injury Claims,
and no insurer shall have any insurance coverage defense based on
the Plan, the transfer of the Asbestos PD Insurance Asset, the
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, or the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution
Procedures or allowance of claims thereunder, or the negotiations
that produced any of the foregoing.
(x) All insurers of AWI affording insurance coverage that is
the subject of the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset and all insurers
of AWI whose policies provide coverage for the Asbestos Property
Damage Claims addressed in Article XI of the Plan have been given
notice and an opportunity to be heard on matters relating to the
Plan and its Exhibits, and are bound by the Plan and its Exhibits
and the findings of fact and conclusions of law set forth in the
Confirmation Order.
(xi) The Plan complies with section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy
Code.
(xii) In light of the benefits provided, or to be provided,
to the Asbestos PI Trust on behalf of each PI Protected Party,
the Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction is fair and
equitable with respect to the persons that might subsequently
assert Asbestos Personal Injury Claims against any PI Protected
Party.
(xiii) At the time of the order for relief with respect to
AWI, AWI had been named as a defendant in personal injury,
wrongful death, and property damage actions seeking recovery for
damages allegedly caused by the presence of, or exposure to,
asbestos or asbestos-containing products.
(xiv) The Asbestos PI Trust, as of the Effective Date, will
assume the liabilities of AWI with respect to all Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims and, upon such assumption, Reorganized AWI
shall have no liability for any Asbestos Personal Injury Claim.
(xv) The Asbestos PI Trust is to be funded in whole or in
part by securities of Reorganized AWI and by the obligation of
Reorganized AWI to make future payments, including dividends.
(xvi) The Asbestos PI Trust is to own, or by the exercise of
rights granted under the Plan would be entitled to own if
specified contingencies occur, a majority of the voting shares of
AWI.
(xvii) AWI is likely to be subject to substantial future
Demands for payment arising out of the same or similar conduct or
events that gave rise to the Claims that are addressed by the
Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction.
(xviii) The actual amounts, numbers, and timing of the
future Demands referenced in section 7.16(a)(xvii) of the Plan
cannot be determined.
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(xix) Pursuit of the Demands referenced in section
7.16(a)(xvii) of the Plan outside the procedures prescribed by
the Plan is likely to threaten the Plan's purpose to deal
equitably with Claims and future Demands.
(xx) The terms of the Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling
Injunction, including any provisions barring actions against
third parties pursuant to section 524(g)(4)(A) of the Bankruptcy
Code, are set out in the Plan and in any disclosure statement
supporting the Plan.
(xxi) The Plan establishes, in Class 7 (Asbestos Personal
Injury Claims), a separate class of the claimants whose Claims
are to be addressed by the Asbestos PI Trust.
(xxii) The Future Claimants' Representative was appointed as
part of the proceedings leading to issuance of the Asbestos PI
Permanent Channeling Injunction for the purpose of protecting the
rights of persons that might subsequently assert unknown Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims and Demands that are addressed in the
Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction and transferred to
the Asbestos PI Trust. The Future Claimants' Representative has
fulfilled his duties, responsibilities, and obligations as the
future representative in accordance with section 524(g) of the
Bankruptcy Code.
(xxiii) Identifying each PI Protected Party in the Asbestos
PI Permanent Channeling Injunction is fair and equitable with
respect to persons that might subsequently assert Demands against
each such PI Protected Party, in light of the benefits provided,
or to be provided, to the Asbestos PI Trust by or on behalf of
any such PI Protected Party.
(xxiv) Class 7 (Asbestos Personal Injury Claims) has voted,
by at least 75 percent (75%) of those voting, in favor of the
Plan.
(xxv) Pursuant to court orders or otherwise, the Asbestos PI
Trust will operate through mechanisms such as structured,
periodic, or supplemental payments, pro rata distributions,
matrices, or periodic review of estimates of the numbers and
values of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and Demands, or other
comparable mechanisms, that provide reasonable assurance that the
Asbestos PI Trust will value, and be in a financial position to
pay, Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and Demands that involve
similar Claims in substantially the same manner.
(xxvi) If Class 4 votes to accept the Plan and the Asbestos
PD Trust is established pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the
Plan, Travelers Indemnity Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety
Company, and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company (collectively) are
obligated under insurance policies that they issued to AWI with
inception dates prior to January 1, 1982 to distribute on the
Initial Distribution Date cash in the amount equal to the
Asbestos PD Trust Funding Obligation to the Asbestos PD Trust,
and are not entitled to obtain reimbursement of all or any part
of that amount from Reorganized AWI, including, but not limited
to, reimbursement under insurance policy provisions relating to
deductibles, premiums, retrospective premiums, or other charges.
37
(xxvii) If Class 6 votes to reject the Plan, the transfer of
the New Warrants to the holder of the Equity Interests will not
be subject to registration.
(b) Class 7 (Asbestos Personal Injury Claims) has voted, by at
least 75 percent (75%) of those voting, in favor of the Plan.
(c) The Confirmation Order shall be, in form and substance,
acceptable to the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants'
Representative, and, if Class 6 votes to the accept the Plan, the Unsecured
Creditors' Committee.
(d) If Class 4 does not vote to accept the Plan and the Asbestos
PD Trust is established pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, the
Bankruptcy Court has entered an Order estimating the aggregate value of all
Asbestos Property Damage Claims and determining that such value is not greater
than the amount of the insurance available to pay such claims under Section 11.3
of the Plan.
The Plan shall not be confirmed and the Confirmation Order shall not be entered
until and unless each of the foregoing conditions to confirmation is either
satisfied or waived in writing by each of AWE, the Asbestos PI Claimants'
Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative, and the Unsecured Creditors'
Committee.
7.17 Occurrence of the Effective Date. The "effective date of the
plan," as used in section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, shall not occur, and the
Plan shall be of no force and effect, until the Effective Date. The occurrence
of the Effective Date is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions
precedent:
(a) The Confirmation Order has become a Final Order.
(b) The Bankruptcy Court and/or the District Court, as required,
shall have entered the Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction (which may be
included in the Confirmation Order), which shall contain terms satisfactory to
AWI, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative,
and, if Class 6 votes to accept the Plan, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee.
(c) The Confirmation Order, the Claims Trading Injunction and the
Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction shall be in full force and effect.
(d) No proceedings to estimate any Claims shall be pending.
(e) All Asbestos PI Trustees shall have been selected and shall
have executed the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement.
(f) If Class 4 votes to reject the Plan, all Asbestos PD Trustees
shall have been selected and shall have executed the Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement.
(g) A favorable ruling shall have been obtained from the IRS with
respect to the qualification of the Asbestos PI Trust as a "qualified settlement
fund" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.468B-1, or AWI shall
have received an opinion of counsel with respect to the tax status of the
Asbestos PI Trust as a "qualified settlement fund" reasonably satisfactory to
AWI, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative,
and, if Class 6 votes to accept the Plan, the Unsecured Creditors' Committee.
38
(h) Reorganized AWI shall have entered into and shall have credit
availability under a credit facility to provide Reorganized AWI with working
capital (including letters of credit) in an amount sufficient to meet the needs
of Reorganized AWI, as determined by Reorganized AWI.
(i) Each of the Exhibits shall be in form and substance
acceptable to AWI, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants'
Representative, and the Unsecured Creditors' Committee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, AWI reserves, in its sole discretion, the right,
with the written consent of the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future
Claimants' Representative, and, if Class 6 votes to accept the Plan, the
Unsecured Creditors' Committee, to waive the occurrence of any of the foregoing
conditions precedent to the Effective Date or to modify any of such conditions
precedent. Any such written waiver of a condition precedent set forth in this
section may be effected at any time, without notice, without leave or order of
the Bankruptcy Court or the District Court, and without any formal action other
than proceeding to consummate the Plan. Any actions required to be taken on the
Effective Date shall take place and shall be deemed to have occurred
simultaneously, and no such action shall be deemed to have occurred prior to the
taking of any other such action. If AWI decides that one of the foregoing
conditions cannot be satisfied, and the occurrence of such condition is not
waived in writing by each of AWI, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the
Future Claimants' Representative, and, if required, the Unsecured Creditors'
Committee, then AWI shall file a notice of the failure of the Effective Date
with the Bankruptcy Court, at which time the Plan and the Confirmation Order
shall be deemed null and void.
7.18 Cancellation of Existing Debt Securities.
(a) As of the Effective Date, all notes, agreements, and
securities evidencing Unsecured Claims and the rights of the holders thereof
thereunder shall be cancelled and deemed null and void and of no further force
and effect, and the holders thereof shall have no rights, and such instruments
shall evidence no rights, except the right to receive the Distributions provided
herein.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions in the Plan, each
Indenture or other agreement that governs the rights of a holder of a Debt
Security Claim that is administered by an Indenture Trustee shall continue in
effect solely for the purposes of permitting the applicable Indenture Trustee
thereunder (i) to make distributions to such holder pursuant to the terms of the
applicable Indenture; (ii) maintain any rights and liens it may have for any
unpaid fees, costs, expenses, and indemnification under such Indenture or other
agreement, provided, however, such rights and liens are limited to the
Distributions, if any, to such holders; and (iii) to be paid by such holders or
reimbursed for such prepetition and postpetition fees, costs, expenses, and
indemnification (to the extent not paid as an Administrative Expense or
otherwise) from the Distributions, if any, to such holders (until payment in
full of such fees, costs, expenses or indemnification) on the terms and
conditions set forth by the respective Indenture, other agreement, or applicable
law.
7.19 Expiration of the Retention Period. Upon the expiration of
the Retention Period, all monies or other property held for distribution by any
trustee under any indenture governing any of the Unsecured Claims shall be
returned to Reorganized AWI by such trustee, free and clear of any claim or
interest of any nature whatsoever, including, without express or implied
limitation, escheat rights of any governmental unit under applicable law.
39
7.20 Compensation of the Applicable Indenture Trustees.
Reorganized AWI will pay the Indenture Trustees' Fees and Expenses to the extent
that an Indenture Trustee makes a written request for Indenture Trustees' Fees
and Expenses within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date. Although it will
not be necessary for the Indenture Trustees to apply to the Bankruptcy Court for
approval of the Indenture Trustees' Fees and Expenses, any dispute between
Reorganized AWI and an Indenture Trustee regarding the reasonableness of any
such fees and expenses shall be resolved by the Bankruptcy Court. Each Indenture
Trustee shall be compensated by Reorganized AWI for services rendered from and
after the Effective Date, including the reasonable compensation, disbursements,
and expenses of the agents and legal counsel of such trustee in connection with
the performance after the Effective Date of its duties under this section, and
shall be indemnified by Reorganized AWI for any loss, liability, or expense
incurred by it in connection with the performance of such duties to the same
extent and in the same manner as provided in the related indenture.
7.21 Distribution of Unclaimed Property. Any Distribution under
the Plan that is unclaimed after one hundred eighty (180) days following the
date such property is distributed shall be deemed not to have been made and
shall be transferred to Reorganized AWI, free and clear of any claims or
interests of any Entities, including, without express or implied limitation, any
claims or interests of any governmental unit under escheat principles. Nothing
contained herein shall affect the discharge of the Claim with respect to which
such Distribution was made, and the holder of such Claim shall be forever barred
from enforcing such Claim against Reorganized AWI or Reorganized AWI's assets,
estate, properties, or interests in property.
7.22 Management of Reorganized AWI. On the Effective Date, the
Board of Directors shall consist of at least three individuals who at that time
qualify under New York Stock Exchange rules and applicable laws as independent,
outside directors, and are eligible to serve on the audit committee of the Board
of Directors, as an SEC-reporting public company, and at least three individuals
who qualify as independent directors under section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code eligible to serve on the committee of the Board of Directors of
Reorganized AWI responsible for matters of executive compensation. Each of the
members of such Board of Directors shall be identified on Exhibit 7.22 to the
Plan and shall serve in accordance with the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation, the Amended and Restated By-Laws, and the Stockholder and
Registration Rights Agreement. The officers of AWI immediately prior to the
Effective Date shall serve as the officers of Reorganized AWI in accordance with
the terms of any employment agreements pursuant to section 8.8 of the Plan and
the requirements of applicable nonbankruptcy law.
7.23 Listing of Reorganized AWI Common Stock. Reorganized AWI
shall use its best efforts to obtain, as of or as soon as practicable after the
Effective Date, the listing of its common stock for trading on the New York
Stock Exchange or for quotation in the NASDAQ Stock Market and, for so long as
there are at least 300 holders of shares of its common stock, to continue the
listing of its common stock for trading on either of such markets.
7.24 Corporate Reorganization Actions. On or as soon as
practicable after the Effective Date, Reorganized AWI shall take such actions as
may be or become necessary to effectuate the following, all of which shall be
authorized and approved in all respects, in each case without further action
being required under applicable law, regulation, order, or rule (including,
without limitation, any action by the shareholders or directors of AWI or
Reorganized AWI or the Asbestos PI Trust or the Asbestos PI Trustees):
40
(a) AWI will file the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation with the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(b) Certain wholly owned, non-operating subsidiaries of AWI will
merge with and into AWI on or as soon as practicable after the Effective Date.
(c) The Existing AWI Common Stock will be cancelled.
(d) Subject to section 7.4 hereof, the Plan Note Indenture will
become effective and, upon such effectiveness, the Plan Notes will be issued and
delivered in accordance with sections 3.2(f) and 12.8 hereof and sections 3.2(g)
and 10.1(b) hereof; the New Common Stock will be issued and delivered in
accordance with sections 3.2(f) and 12.8 hereof and sections 3.2(g) and 10.1(b)
hereof; and, if the requirement of section 3.2(l) hereof is met, the New
Warrants will be issued and delivered as provided in section 7.25 hereof (and,
if applicable, in accordance with section 10.1(b) hereof), in each case such
issuance and delivery to be subject to the other provisions of ARTICLE VII of
the Plan regarding the conditions to and manner of delivery of Plan Notes, New
Common Stock and New Warrants.
(e) Reorganized AWI may consummate the 144A Offering.
(f) Reorganized AWI will enter into the working capital facility
referenced in section 7.17 of the Plan.
(g) Reorganized AWI will enter into the New Long-Term Incentive
Plan.
7.25 Holdings Plan of Liquidation. If the requisite approvals of
the Board of Directors and shareholders of Holdings of the Holdings Plan of
Liquidation are received by the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the New
Warrants will be issued to Holdings, for distribution pursuant to the Holdings
Plan of Liquidation, as soon as is practicable after the later of the Effective
Date or the date of such approval and, if applicable, in accordance with section
10.1(b) hereof. In accordance with section 3.2(l) hereof, if the requisite
approvals of the Board of Directors and shareholders of Holdings of the Holdings
Plan of Liquidation are not received by to the first anniversary of the
Effective Date, the New Warrants shall not be issued. From and after the
Effective Date, other than as provided in the Plan (including, without
limitation, provisions of the Plan relating to the indemnification rights of
Holdings' officers, directors, and employees and the requirement to provide
insurance for the benefit of such persons), Reorganized AWI shall have no
ongoing obligations to Holdings or AWWD; provided, however, that Reorganized AWI
shall bear all costs and expenses related to the preparation and submission to a
vote of Holdings' shareholders of the Holdings Plan of Liquidation and all other
operating expenses of Holdings and AWWD until the first anniversary of the
Effective Date and, if the requisite approval of the Holdings Plan of
Liquidation by Holdings' shareholders is obtained by the first anniversary of
the Effective Date, the performance and consummation of the Holdings Plan of
Liquidation, including any operating expenses for Holdings and AWWD until their
dissolution and liquidation pursuant to the Holdings Plan of Liquidation.
7.26 Compliance with QSF Regulations.
(a) Tax Status of Asbestos PI Trust. AWI shall timely seek a
private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that, among other
things, the Asbestos PI Trust shall be a "qualified settlement fund" within the
meaning of section 468B of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury
Regulations thereunder.
41
(b) Qualified Appraisal. Within sixty (60) days before or after
the funding of the Asbestos PI Trust (but not later than February 14th of the
following calendar year), AWI or Reorganized AWI shall obtain a Qualified
Appraisal of the fair market value of the New Common Stock transferred (or to be
transferred) to the Asbestos PI Trust.
(c) Delivery of Statement of Transfers. Following the funding of
the Asbestos PI Trust and the receipt of the Qualified Appraisal (and in no
event later than February 15th of the calendar year following the funding of the
Asbestos PI Trust), Reorganized AWI shall provide a "ss. 1.468B-3 Statement" to
the Asbestos PI Trustees in accordance with Treasury Regulations section
1.468B-3(e). Similarly, following the funding of the Asbestos PD Trust (and in
no event later than February 15th of the following calendar year), Reorganized
AWI shall provide a "ss. 1.468B-3 Statement" to the Asbestos PD Trustees in
accordance with Treasury Regulations section 1.468B-3(e).
7.27 Effectuating Documents and Further Transactions. Each of the
officers of AWI and Reorganized AWI is authorized, in accordance with his or her
authority under the resolutions of the Board of Directors, to execute, deliver,
file, or record such contracts, instruments, releases, indentures, and other
agreements or documents and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate
to effectuate and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan and any
notes or securities issued pursuant to the Plan.
7.28 Allocation of Plan Distributions Between Principal and
Interest. To the extent that any Allowed Unsecured Claim or Allowed Convenience
Claim entitled to a Distribution under the Plan is comprised of indebtedness and
accrued but unpaid interest thereon, such Distribution shall be allocated to the
principal amount of the Claim (as determined for federal income tax purposes)
first and then, to the extent the consideration exceeds the principal amount of
the Claim, to accrued but unpaid interest.
ARTICLE VIII
EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES
8.1 Assumption of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases. Any
executory contracts or unexpired leases listed on Exhibit 8.1 to the Plan shall
be deemed to have been assumed by Reorganized AWI as of the Effective Date, and
the Plan shall constitute a motion to assume such executory contracts and
unexpired leases. Subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, entry of the
Confirmation Order by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute
approval of such assumptions pursuant to section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code
and a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that each such assumption is in the best
interest of AWI, its estate, and all parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Case.
With respect to each such executory contract or unexpired lease assumed by
Reorganized AWI, unless otherwise determined by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to
a Final Order or agreed to by the parties thereto prior to the Effective Date,
the dollar amount required to cure any defaults of AWI existing as of the
Confirmation Date shall be conclusively presumed to be the amount set forth in
Exhibit 8.1 with respect to such executory contract or unexpired lease. Subject
to the occurrence of the Effective Date, any such cure amount shall be treated
as an Allowed Administrative Expense under the Plan, and, upon payment of such
Allowed Administrative Expense, all defaults of AWI existing as of the
Confirmation Date with respect to such executory contract or unexpired lease
shall be deemed cured.
42
8.2 Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases. Any
executory contracts or unexpired leases of AWI that either (x) are set forth on
Exhibit 8.2 to the Plan or (y)(i) are not listed on Exhibit 8.1 to the Plan,
(ii) have not been assumed by AWI with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, and
(iii) are not the subject of pending motions to assume at the Confirmation Date
shall be deemed to have been rejected by AWI, the Plan shall constitute a motion
to reject such executory contracts and unexpired leases, and Reorganized AWI
shall have no liability thereunder except as is specifically provided in the
Plan. Entry of the Confirmation Order by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court shall
constitute approval of such rejections pursuant to section 365(a) of the
Bankruptcy Code and a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that each such rejected
executory contract or unexpired lease is burdensome and that the rejection
thereof is in the best interest of AWI, its estate, and all parties in interest
in the Chapter 11 Case. Without limiting the foregoing, any agreement entered
into prior to the Commencement Date by or on behalf of AWI with respect to the
settlement of any Asbestos Personal Injury Claim shall be deemed rejected as of
the Effective Date to the extent such settlement agreement is deemed to be an
executory contract within the meaning of section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.
8.3 Claims Arising from Rejection, Termination or Expiration.
Claims created by the rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases
(including, without limitation, the rejection provided in section 8.2 of the
Plan) or the expiration or termination of any executory contract or unexpired
lease prior to the Confirmation Date, other than Asbestos Personal Injury
Claims, must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served on AWI no later than
thirty (30) days after (i) in the case of an executory contract or unexpired
lease that was terminated or expired by its terms prior to the Confirmation
Date, the Confirmation Date, (ii) in the case of an executory contract or
unexpired lease rejected by AWI, the entry of the order of the Bankruptcy Court
authorizing such rejection, or (iii) in the case of an executory contract or
unexpired lease that is deemed rejected pursuant to section 8.2 of the Plan, the
Confirmation Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Exhibit 8.2 to the Plan sets
forth AWI's value of the rejection claim for each executory contract or
unexpired lease set forth thereon, which claim shall be deemed an Allowed
Unsecured Claim if no proof of claim is timely filed and served in accordance
with the immediately preceding sentence. Any Claims for which a rejection claim
is not set forth on Exhibit 8.2 to the Plan and for which a proof of claim is
not filed and served within the time provided herein will be forever barred from
assertion and shall not be enforceable against AWI, its estate, assets,
properties, or interests in property, or Reorganized AWI or its estate, assets,
properties, or interests in property. Unless otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy
Court, all such Claims (other than Asbestos Personal Injury Claims) that are
timely filed as provided herein shall be treated as Unsecured Claims under the
Plan and shall be subject to the provisions of Article V of the Plan.
8.4 Previously Scheduled Contracts. Exhibit 8.4 to the Plan sets
forth a list of agreements that were listed on the Schedules as executory
contracts, but which AWI believes should not be considered executory contracts
(either because they were not executory contracts as of the Commencement Date or
because they have expired or terminated in accordance with their terms prior to
the Effective Date). If any such agreements are determined to be executory
contracts, AWI or Reorganized AWI, as the case may be, reserves the right to
seek the assumption or rejection of any such contract, and the time within which
AWI or Reorganized AWI, as the case may be, may seek to assume or reject any
such agreements shall be tolled until twenty (20) Business Days after the date
on which an order determining that any such agreement is an executory contract
becomes a Final Order. Set forth on Exhibit 8.4 to the Plan is the amount that
AWI intends to treat as an Allowed Unsecured Claim for each such agreement. Such
amount and the treatment of each such agreement shall be binding unless, on or
before ten (10) days after the Confirmation Date, the other party to any such
agreement either (i) files a proof of claim (which proof of claim shall be
43
deemed timely filed) or (ii) files a motion seeking to compel assumption or
rejection of such agreement.
8.5 Insurance Policies and Agreements.
(a) Assumed Insurance Policies and Agreements. AWI does not
believe that the insurance policies issued to, or insurance agreements entered
into by, AWI prior to the Commencement Date constitute executory contracts. To
the extent that such insurance policies or agreements are considered to be
executory contracts, then, notwithstanding anything contained in sections 8.1 or
8.2 of the Plan to the contrary, the Plan shall constitute a motion to assume
such insurance policies and agreements, and, subject to the occurrence of the
Effective Date, the entry of the Confirmation Order by the Clerk of the
Bankruptcy Court shall constitute approval of such assumption pursuant to
section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that
each such assumption is in the best interest of AWI, its estate, and all parties
in interest in the Chapter 11 Case. Unless otherwise determined by the
Bankruptcy Court pursuant to a Final Order or agreed to by the parties thereto
prior to the Effective Date, no payments are required to cure any defaults of
AWI existing as of the Confirmation Date with respect to each such insurance
policy or agreement. To the extent that the Bankruptcy Court determines
otherwise as to any such insurance policy or agreement, AWI reserves the right
to seek rejection of such insurance policy or agreement or other available
relief. In accordance with section 10.1 hereof, the rights under the insurance
policies and agreements constituting the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset shall, to
the extent necessary, be deemed assigned to the Asbestos PI Trust as of the
Effective Date and, pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, AWI shall
have no further liability thereunder from and after the Effective Date.
(b) Rejected Insurance Policies and Agreements. To the extent
that any or all of the insurance policies and agreements set forth on Exhibit
8.5(b) to the Plan are considered to be executory contracts, then,
notwithstanding anything contained in section 8.1 or 8.2 of the Plan to the
contrary, the Plan shall constitute a motion to reject the insurance policies
and agreements set forth on Exhibit 8.5(b) to the Plan, and the entry of the
Confirmation Order by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute
approval of such rejection pursuant to section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and
a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that each such rejected insurance policy or
agreement set forth on Exhibit 8.5(b) to the Plan is burdensome and that the
rejection thereof is in the best interest of AWI, its estate, and all parties in
interest in the Chapter 11 Case.
(c) Reservation of Rights. Nothing contained in the Plan,
including this section 8.5, shall constitute a waiver of any claim, right, or
cause of action that AWI, the Asbestos PI Trust, or Reorganized AWI, as the case
may be, may hold against the insurer under any policy of insurance or insurance
agreement.
8.6 Indemnification and Reimbursement Obligations. For purposes
of the Plan, the obligations of AWI to indemnify and reimburse persons who are
or were directors, officers, or employees of Holdings, AWWD, or AWI on the
Commencement Date or at any time thereafter against and for any obligations
(including, without limitation, fees and expenses incurred by the board of
directors of Holdings, or the members thereof, in connection with the Chapter 11
Case) pursuant to articles of incorporation, codes of regulations, bylaws,
applicable state law, or specific agreement, or any combination of the
foregoing, shall survive confirmation of the Plan, remain unaffected thereby,
and not be discharged in accordance with section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code,
irrespective of whether indemnification or reimbursement is owed in connection
with an event occurring before, on, or after the Commencement Date. In
furtherance of the foregoing, Reorganized AWI shall maintain insurance for the
44
benefit of such directors, officers, or employees at levels no less favorable
than those existing as of the date of entry of the Confirmation Order for a
period of no less than three years following the Effective Date.
8.7 Compensation and Benefit Programs. Except as set forth below
in sections 8.7(b) and 8.7(c) of the Plan, all employment and severance
policies, workers' compensation programs, and all compensation and benefit
plans, policies and programs of AWI applicable to its present and former
employees, officers, and directors, including, without express or implied
limitation, all savings plans, retirement plans, health care plans, disability
plans, severance benefit plans, incentive plans, and life, accidental death, and
dismemberment insurance plans, shall be deemed to be, and shall be treated as
though they are, executory contracts that are deemed assumed under the Plan, and
AWI's obligations under such plans, policies, and programs shall be deemed
assumed pursuant to section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, survive confirmation
of the Plan, remain unaffected thereby, and not be discharged in accordance with
section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code. Any defaults existing under any of such
plans, policies, and programs shall be cured promptly after they become known by
Reorganized AWI.
(b) Notwithstanding section 8.7(a) of the Plan, on the Effective
Date (unless an earlier date is specified herein),
(i) the Employment Protection Plan for Salaried Employees
will be deemed to have been terminated, cancelled, and of no
further force and effect prior to the Effective Date, and the
participants thereunder shall have no further rights thereunder;
(ii) the 1993 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan will be deemed
terminated, cancelled, and of no further force and effect, and
the participants thereunder shall have no further rights
thereunder; provided that any and all remaining restrictions on
restricted stock awards under the 1993 Long-Term Stock Incentive
Plan will lapse on the Effective Date to the extent participants
do not elect to waive their right to such awards prior to such
date;
(iii) the 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan will be deemed
terminated, cancelled, and of no further force and effect, and
the participants thereunder shall have no further rights
thereunder; provided that any and all remaining restrictions on
restricted stock awards under the 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan
will lapse on the Effective Date to the extent participants do
not elect to waive their right to such awards prior to such date;
and
(iv) the Armstrong Holdings Stock Award Plan will be deemed
terminated, cancelled, and of no further force and effect, and
the participants thereunder shall have no further rights
thereunder; provided that any and all remaining restrictions on
restricted stock awards under the Armstrong Holdings Stock Award
Plan will lapse on the Effective Date to the extent participants
do not elect to waive their right to such awards prior to such
date.
(c) Notwithstanding section 8.7(a) of the Plan, on the Effective
Date (unless an earlier date is specified herein),
(i) the Armstrong Deferred Compensation Plan will be
modified so that Reorganized AWI, and not Holdings, will be the
sponsor of such plan and to provide that Reorganized AWI has the
right, in its sole discretion, not to honor single-sum withdrawal
45
requests, and the Armstrong Deferred Compensation Plan will be
assumed, as amended; provided, however, as to any party that
objects to such amendment by the deadline for filing objections
to confirmation of the Plan, the Armstrong Deferred Compensation
Plan will be deemed rejected, and such party will have an
Unsecured Claim for any benefits thereunder in accordance with
section 8.3 of the Plan, and, as of any date immediately prior to
the Effective Date designated by Holdings, the Armstrong Deferred
Compensation Plan will be deemed amended to exclude the
occurrence of the Effective Date, the creation of the Asbestos PI
Trust, and the issuance of the New Common Stock to the Asbestos
PI Trust from triggering a change in control thereunder;
(ii) the Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees will be
amended as of the Effective Date as follows: If the participant
is in a position at a grade level of 15 or higher on Reorganized
AWI's organizational management system on the date of
termination, the participant will be eligible for severance
benefits based on two weeks of pay for each year of service,
subject to a minimum of 8 weeks pay and a maximum of 52 weeks
pay, and the Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees will be
assumed, as amended;
(iii) the Retirement Income Plan (Pension) will be amended
prior to the Effective Date in the manner described below and, as
amended, will be assumed as of the Effective Date:
1. to eliminate the Social Security retirement
enhancement that may become payable due to job loss
following a Change in Control (as defined in the Retirement
Income Plan (Pension)), and
2. to eliminate future accruals of all other retirement
enhancements that may become payable due to job loss
following a Change in Control to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law; and
(iv) the Retirement Benefit Equity Plan will be amended as
of any date prior to the Effective Date designated by AWI in the
manner described below and, as amended, will be assumed as of the
Effective Date:
1. to exclude in the definition of Change in Control
(as defined in the Retirement Benefit Equity Plan) the
occurrence of the Effective Date, the creation of the
Asbestos PI Trust, and the issuance of the New Common Stock
to the Asbestos PI Trust,
2. to eliminate the Extraordinary Event provisions as
covered under the Retirement Income Plan,
3. to eliminate any and all retirement enhancements,
related to past and future service, that may become payable
due to job loss following a Change in Control as covered
under the Retirement Income Plan, and
4. to terminate any right or obligation of Reorganized
AWI to honor single-sum withdrawal requests;
46
provided, however, as to any party that objects to such
amendments by the deadline for filing objections to
confirmation of the Plan, such plan will be deemed
rejected, and such party will have an Unsecured Claim for
any benefits thereunder in accordance with section 8.3 of
the Plan.
(d) On the Effective Date, the assumption, rejection, and
amendment of the foregoing plans provided in this section 8.7 shall be deemed to
have occurred as of such date or earlier date specified in such section, shall
be authorized, and shall be deemed approved in all respects, and shall be in
effect from and after the Effective Date or such other date in each case without
requiring further action under applicable law, regulation, order, or rule,
including, without express or implied limitation, any action by any party or
Entity, including any administrative committee of any plan or the stockholders
or directors of AWI or Reorganized AWI. On the Effective Date or as soon
thereafter as is practicable, Reorganized AWI shall restate the plans amended
above as provided in section 8.7(c) and shall communicate such amendments in
such manner and as may be required without any further order of the Bankruptcy
Court. Each of the officers of AWI and Reorganized AWI is authorized, in
accordance with his or her authority under the resolutions of the Board of
Directors, to execute, deliver, file, or record such contracts, instruments,
releases, indentures, and other agreements or documents and take such actions as
may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and further evidence the terms and
conditions of the plan amendments set forth in this section of the Plan.
8.8 Management Agreements. On the Effective Date, all employment
contracts between AWI and any employee of AWI who was employed by AWI as of the
date immediately preceding the Effective Date (including, without limitation,
any offer letters issued to any such employees to the extent such offer letters
are not superseded by formal employment contracts) shall be deemed assumed by
Reorganized AWI. In addition, Reorganized AWI shall enter into new employment
contracts with those persons listed on Exhibit 8.8-A substantially in the form
of Exhibit 8.8-B to the Plan, which employment contracts shall be deemed
authorized without any further approval of the Board of Directors of AWI or
Reorganized AWI and automatically shall become effective on the Effective Date.
ARTICLE IX
RETENTION OF JURISDICTION
Pursuant to sections 105(a) and 1142 of the Bankruptcy
Code, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain and shall have exclusive jurisdiction
over any matter (a) arising under the Bankruptcy Code, (b) arising in or related
to the Chapter 11 Case or the Plan, or (c) to perform any of the following
actions:
9.1 To interpret, enforce, and administer the terms of the
Asbestos PI Trust Agreement (including all annexes and exhibits thereto), the
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement (including all annexes and exhibits thereto), and
the restrictions on transfer of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and Asbestos
Property Damage Claims contained in the Confirmation Order.
9.2 To hear and determine any and all motions or applications
pending on the Confirmation Date (or thereafter if a contract listed on Exhibit
8.4 of the Plan is thereafter determined to be executory, and AWI is required to
assume or reject it) for the assumption and/or assignment or rejection of
executory contracts or unexpired leases to which AWI is a party or with respect
to which AWI may be liable, and to hear and determine any and all Claims
47
resulting therefrom or from the expiration or termination prior to the
Confirmation Date of any executory contract or unexpired lease;
9.3 To determine any and all adversary proceedings, applications,
motions, and contested or litigated matters that may be pending on the Effective
Date or that, pursuant to the Plan, may be instituted by Reorganized AWI after
the Effective Date, including, without express or implied limitation, any claims
to avoid any preferences, fraudulent transfers, or other voidable transfers, or
otherwise to recover assets for the benefit of AWI's estate;
9.4 To hear and determine any objections to the allowance of
Claims arising prior to the Effective Date (other than Asbestos Personal Injury
Claims), whether filed, asserted, or made before or after the Effective Date,
including, without express or implied limitation, to hear and determine any
objections to the classification of any Claim and to allow or disallow any
Disputed Claim in whole or in part;
9.5 To issue such orders in aid of execution of the Plan to the
extent authorized or contemplated by section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code;
9.6 To consider any modifications of the Plan, remedy any defect
or omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in any order of the Bankruptcy
Court, including, without express or implied limitation, the Confirmation Order;
9.7 To hear and determine all applications for allowances of
compensation and reimbursement of expenses of professionals under sections 330
and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code and any other fees and expenses authorized to be
paid or reimbursed under the Plan;
9.8 To hear and determine all controversies, suits, and disputes
that may relate to, impact upon, or arise in connection with the Plan (and all
Exhibits to the Plan) or its interpretation, implementation, enforcement, or
consummation;
9.9 To the extent that Bankruptcy Court approval is required, to
consider and act on the compromise and settlement of any Claim (other than an
Asbestos Personal Injury Claim) or cause of action by or against AWI's estate;
9.10 To determine such other matters that may be set forth in the
Plan, the Confirmation Order, the Claims Trading Injunction, or the Asbestos PI
Permanent Channeling Injunction, or that may arise in connection with the Plan,
the Confirmation Order, the Claims Trading Injunction, or the Asbestos PI
Permanent Channeling Injunction;
9.11 To hear and determine any proceeding that involves the
validity, application, construction, enforceability, or modification of the
Claims Trading Injunction or the Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction or
of the application of section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code to the Asbestos PI
Permanent Channeling Injunction;
9.12 To hear and determine matters concerning state, local, and
federal taxes, fines, penalties, or additions to taxes for which AWI, as Debtor
or Debtor in Possession, or the Disputed Unsecured Claims Reserve may be liable,
directly or indirectly, in accordance with sections 346, 505, and 1146 of the
Bankruptcy Code (including any request for expedited determination under section
505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code);
9.13 To enter an order or final decree closing the Chapter 11
Case; and
48
9.14 To hear and determine all objections to the termination of
the Asbestos PI Trust.
To the extent that the Bankruptcy Court is not permitted under applicable law to
preside over any of the foregoing matters, the reference to the "Bankruptcy
Court" in this ARTICLE IX shall be deemed to be replaced by the "District
Court." Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE IX to the contrary, (i) the
allowance of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and the forum in which such
allowance will be determined will be governed by and in accordance with the
Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures and the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement;
(ii) disputes concerning Asbestos Property Damage Claims shall be resolved in
the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with ARTICLE XI of the Plan; and (iii) the
Bankruptcy Court and/or the District Court shall have concurrent rather than
exclusive jurisdiction with respect to (x) disputes relating to rights under
insurance policies issued to AWI that are included in the Asbestos PI Insurance
Asset or the Asbestos PD Insurance Asset, (y) disputes relating to AWI's claim
for costs, expenses and fees incurred in connection with an Alternative Dispute
Resolution Proceeding initiated in 1996, as referenced in section 1.27 of the
Plan, and (z) disputes relating to AWI's rights to insurance with respect to
workers' compensation claims.
ARTICLE X
TRANSFERS OF PROPERTY TO AND ASSUMPTION OF
CERTAIN LIABILITIES BY THE ASBESTOS PI TRUST
10.1 Transfer of Certain Property to the Asbestos PI Trust.
(a) Transfer of Books and Records. On the Effective Date or as
soon thereafter as is practicable, at the sole cost and expense of the Asbestos
PI Trust and in accordance with written instructions provided to Reorganized AWI
by the Asbestos PI Trust, Reorganized AWI shall transfer and assign, or cause to
be transferred and assigned, to the Asbestos PI Trust the books and records of
AWI that pertain directly to Asbestos Personal Injury Claims that have been
asserted against AWI. AWI will request that the Bankruptcy Court, in the
Confirmation Order, rule that such transfer does not result in the destruction
or waiver of any applicable privileges pertaining to such books and records. If
the Bankruptcy Court does not so rule, at the option of the Asbestos PI Trust,
Reorganized AWI will, at the sole cost and expense of the Asbestos PI Trust,
retain the books and records and enter into arrangements to permit the Asbestos
PI Trust to have access to such books and records. If the Asbestos PI Trust does
not issue written instructions for the transfer or retention of such books and
records within one hundred eighty (180) days after the later of the Effective
Date and the date by which all the Asbestos PI Trustees have executed the
Asbestos PI Trust Agreement, or if the Asbestos PI Trust so requests,
Reorganized AWI may (and shall, if the Asbestos PI Trust so requests, but at the
sole cost and expense of the Asbestos PI Trust) destroy any such books and
records, and the order of the District Court entered during the Chapter 11 Case
with respect to the retention of books and records shall be deemed superseded by
this section of the Plan.
(b) Transfer of Plan Consideration. On the later of the Effective
Date and the date by which all the Asbestos PI Trustees have executed the
Asbestos PI Trust Agreement, AWI shall transfer to the Asbestos PI Trust the
Asbestos PI Insurance Asset and the following assets:
(i) 65.57% of the New Common Stock,
49
(ii) 65.57% of the first $1.05 billion of (x) up to $300
million of Available Cash and (y) the Plan Notes and/or 144A
Offering Proceeds,
(iii) 40% of the first $50 million of Available Cash
remaining after making provision for the Distribution provided in
section 3.2(f)(ii)2 of the Plan and the funding of the Asbestos
PI Trust in section 10.1(b)(ii) of the Plan,
(iv) 40% of an amount of Plan Notes and/or 144A Offering
Proceeds equal to the difference (if positive) of $50 million
less the amount of Available Cash remaining after making
provision for the Distribution provided in section 3.2(f)(ii)2 of
the Plan and the funding of the Asbestos PI Trust in section
10.1(b)(ii) of the Plan, and
(v) 65.57% of the remaining Available Cash and Plan Notes
and/or 144A Offering Proceeds after making provision for the
Distribution provided in sections 3.2(f)(ii)2, 3.2(f)(ii)3, and
3.2(f)(ii)4 of the Plan and the funding of the Asbestos PI Trust
in sections 10.1(b)(ii), 10.1(b)(iii), and 10.1(b)(iv) of the
Plan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if AWI intends to complete a 144A Offering and
the 144A Offering has not been completed as of the time for the Distribution to
the Asbestos PI Trust specified herein, then the Distribution of the Plan Notes
and/or 144A Offering Proceeds to the Asbestos PI Trust shall be made as soon as
practicable after the 144A Offering is completed or Reorganized AWI determines
not to complete a 144A Offering, but in no event shall such Distribution occur
after the Initial Distribution Date. In addition, if the Holdings Plan of
Liquidation is approved by board of directors and shareholders of Holdings prior
to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, but Class 6 has not voted to
approve the Plan, the Asbestos PI Trust shall automatically (and without any
action by the Asbestos PI Trust or the Asbestos PI Trustees being required
therefor) be deemed to have consented to and accepted, and directed, the
issuance and delivery by Reorganized AWI of the New Warrants to Holdings as
provided by section 7.25 of the Plan.
10.2 Assumption of Certain Liabilities by the Asbestos PI Trust.
In consideration for the property transferred to the Asbestos PI Trust pursuant
to section 10.1 hereof and in furtherance of the purposes of the Asbestos PI
Trust and the Plan, the Asbestos PI Trust shall assume all liability and
responsibility for all Asbestos Personal Injury Claims, and Reorganized AWI
shall have no further financial or other responsibility or liability therefor.
The Asbestos PI Trust shall also assume all liability for premiums, deductibles,
retrospective premium adjustments, security or collateral arrangements, or any
other charges, costs, fees, or expenses (if any) that become due to any insurer
in connection with the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset as a result of Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims, asbestos-related personal injury claims against Entities
insured under policies included in the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset by reason of
vendor's endorsements, or under the indemnity provisions of settlement
agreements that AWI made with various insurers prior to the Commencement Date to
the extent that those indemnity provisions relate to Asbestos Personal Injury
Claims, and Reorganized AWI shall have no further financial or other
responsibility or liability for any of the foregoing.
10.3 Cooperation with Respect to Insurance Matters. Reorganized
AWI shall cooperate with the Asbestos PI Trust and use commercially reasonable
efforts to take or cause to be taken all appropriate actions and to do or cause
to be done all things necessary or appropriate to effectuate the transfer of the
Asbestos PI Insurance Asset to the Asbestos PI Trust. By way of enumeration and
not of limitation, Reorganized AWI shall be obligated (i) to provide the
50
Asbestos PI Trust with copies of insurance policies and settlement agreements
included within or relating to the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset; (ii) to provide
the Asbestos PI Trust with information necessary or helpful to the Asbestos PI
Trust in connection with its efforts to obtain insurance coverage for Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims: and (iii) to execute further assignments or allow the
Asbestos PI Trust to pursue claims relating to the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset
in its name (subject to appropriate disclosure of the fact that the Asbestos PI
Trust is doing so and the reasons why it is doing so), including by means of
arbitration, alternative dispute resolution proceedings or litigation, to the
extent necessary or helpful to the efforts of the Asbestos PI Trust to obtain
insurance coverage under the Asbestos PI Insurance Asset for Asbestos Personal
Injury Claims. The Asbestos PI Trust shall be obligated to compensate
Reorganized AWI for costs reasonably incurred in connection with providing
assistance to the Asbestos PI Trust pursuant to this section 10.3, including,
but not limited to, out-of-pocket costs and expenses, consultant fees, and
attorneys' fees.
10.4 Authority of AWI. Effective on the Confirmation Date, AWI
shall be empowered and authorized to take or cause to be taken, prior to the
Effective Date, all actions necessary to enable it to implement effectively the
provisions of the Plan and the Asbestos PI Trust Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS
11.1 Transfer of Certain Property to the Asbestos PD Trust.
Transfer of Books and Records. On the Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is
practicable, if the Asbestos PD Trust is created pursuant to section
3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan. Reorganized AWI, at the sole cost and expense of the
Asbestos PD Trust, and in accordance with written instructions provided to
Reorganized AWI by the Asbestos PD Trust, shall transfer and assign, or cause to
be transferred and assigned, to the Asbestos PD Trust the books and records of
AWI (if any) that pertain directly to Asbestos Property Damage Claims that have
been asserted against AWI (except to the extent that such books and records have
been produced to the Asbestos PD Committee during the course of the Chapter 11
Case). AWI will request that the Bankruptcy Court, in the Confirmation Order,
rule that any such transfer does not result in the destruction or waiver of any
applicable privileges pertaining to such books and records. If the Bankruptcy
Court does not so rule, at the option of the Asbestos PD Trust, Reorganized AWI
will, at the sole cost and expense of the Asbestos PD Trust, retain the books
and records and enter into arrangements to permit the Asbestos PD Trust to have
access to such books and records. If the Asbestos PD Trust is created and does
not issue written instructions for the transfer or retention of such books and
records within one hundred eighty (180) days after the later of the Effective
Date and the date by which all the Asbestos PD Trustees have executed the
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, or if the Asbestos PD Trust so requests,
Reorganized AWI may (and shall, if the Asbestos PD Trust so requests, but at the
sole cost and expense of the Asbestos PD Trust) destroy any such books and
records, and the order of the District Court entered during the Chapter 11 Case
with respect to the retention of books and records shall be deemed superseded by
this section of the Plan.
11.2 Transfer of Certain Property to the Asbestos PD Trust -
Class 4 Acceptance. If Class 4 votes to accept the Plan and the Asbestos PD
Trust is created pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, Travelers
Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Indemnity Company, and Liberty Mutual
Insurance Company (collectively) shall distribute to the Asbestos PD Trust cash
in an amount equal to the Asbestos PD Trust Funding Obligation, and Reorganized
51
AWI shall have no further financial or other responsibility for Asbestos
Property Damage Claims. Such distribution is conditioned upon the entry of, and
shall be made pursuant to, the Confirmation Order.
11.3 Transfer of Certain Property For Asbestos PD Claims - Class
4 Rejection. If Class 4 votes to reject the Plan and the Asbestos PD Trust is
created pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, on the later of the
Effective Date and the date by which all the Asbestos PD Trustees have executed
the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, Reorganized AWI shall transfer and assign, or
cause to be transferred and assigned, to the Asbestos PD Trust the Asbestos PD
Trust Funding Obligation.
11.4 Assumption of Certain Liabilities by the Asbestos PD Trust.
In consideration for the property transferred to the Asbestos PD Trust pursuant
to sections 11.2 and 11.3 hereof and in furtherance of the purposes of the
Asbestos PD Trust and the Plan, if the Asbestos PD Trust is created pursuant to
section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, the Asbestos PD Trust shall assume all
liability and responsibility for all Asbestos Property Damage Claims, and
Reorganized AWI shall have no further financial or other responsibility or
liability therefor. If Class 4 votes to reject the Plan and the Asbestos PD
Trust is created pursuant to section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, the Asbestos PD
Trust shall also assume all liability for premiums, deductibles, retrospective
premium adjustments, security or collateral arrangements, or any other charges,
costs, fees, or expenses (if any) that become due to any insurer in connection
with the Asbestos PD Insurance Asset as a result of Asbestos Property Damage
Claims, asbestos-related property damage claims against Entities insured under
policies included in the Asbestos PD Insurance Asset by reason of vendor's
endorsements, or under the indemnity provisions of settlement agreements that
AWI made with various insurers prior to the Commencement Date to the extent that
those indemnity provisions relate to Asbestos Property Damage Claims, and
Reorganized AWI and the AWI Progeny shall have no further financial or other
responsibility or liability for any of the foregoing.
11.5 Cooperation with Respect to Insurance Matters. If Class 4
votes to reject the Plan and the Asbestos PD Trust is created pursuant to
section 3.2(d)(ii)(x) of the Plan, Reorganized AWI shall cooperate with the
Asbestos PD Trust and use commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to be
taken all appropriate actions and to do or cause to be done all things necessary
or appropriate to effectuate the transfer of the Asbestos PD Insurance Asset to
the Asbestos PD Trust. By way of enumeration and not of limitation, Reorganized
AWI shall be obligated (i) to provide the Asbestos PD Trust with copies of
insurance policies and settlement agreements included within or relating to the
Asbestos PD Insurance Asset; (ii) to provide the Asbestos PD Trust with
information necessary or helpful to the Asbestos PD Trust in connection with its
efforts to obtain insurance coverage for Asbestos Property Damage Claims; and
(iii) to execute further assignments or allow the Asbestos PD Trust to pursue
claims relating to the Asbestos PD Insurance Asset in its name (subject to
appropriate disclosure of the fact that the Asbestos PD Trust is doing so and
the reasons why it is doing so), including by means of arbitration, alternative
dispute resolution proceedings or litigation, to the extent necessary or helpful
to the efforts of the Asbestos PD Trust to obtain insurance coverage under the
Asbestos PD Insurance Asset for Asbestos Property Damages Claims. The Asbestos
PD Trust shall be obligated to compensate Reorganized AWI for costs reasonably
incurred in connection with providing assistance to the Asbestos PD Trust
pursuant to this section 11.5, including but not limited to, out-of-pocket costs
and expenses, consultant fees, and attorneys' fees.
11.6 Authority of AWI. Effective on the Confirmation Date, AWI
shall be empowered and authorized to take or cause to be taken, prior to the
52
Effective Date, all actions necessary to enable it to implement effectively the
provisions of the Plan and the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
12.1 Payment of Statutory Fees. All fees payable pursuant to
section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code, as determined by the
Bankruptcy Court at the hearing on confirmation of the Plan, shall be paid by
AWI on or before the Effective Date.
12.2 Discharge of AWI. The rights afforded in the Plan and the
treatment of all Claims and Equity Interests herein shall be in exchange for and
in complete satisfaction, discharge, and release of all Claims and Equity
Interests of any nature whatsoever, including any interest accrued thereon from
and after the Commencement Date, against AWI, or its estate, assets, properties,
or interests in property. Except as otherwise provided herein, on the Effective
Date, all Claims against and Equity Interests in AWI shall be satisfied,
discharged, and released in full. Reorganized AWI shall not be responsible for
any obligations of AWI except those expressly assumed by Reorganized AWI in the
Plan. All Entities shall be precluded and forever barred from asserting against
AWI, Reorganized AWI, their successors or assigns, or their assets, properties,
or interests in property any other or further Claims based upon any act or
omission, transaction, or other activity of any kind or nature that occurred
prior to the Effective Date, whether or not the facts of or legal bases therefor
were known or existed prior to the Effective Date.
12.3 Rights of Action. Any rights, claims, or causes of action
accruing to AWI pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or pursuant to any statute or
legal theory, including, without express or implied limitation, any avoidance or
recovery actions under sections 544, 545, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, and 553 of
the Bankruptcy Code and (except as provided in Articles X and XI hereof) any
rights to, claims or causes of action for recovery under any policies of
insurance issued to or on behalf of AWI shall remain assets of AWI's estate and,
on the Effective Date, shall be transferred to Reorganized AWI. Reorganized AWI
shall be deemed the appointed representative to, and may, pursue, litigate, and
compromise and settle any such rights, claims, or causes of action, as
appropriate, in accordance with what is in the best interests of and for the
benefit of Reorganized AWI.
12.4 Third Party Agreements. The Distributions to the various
classes of Claims hereunder shall not affect the right of any Entity to levy,
garnish, attach, or employ any other legal process with respect to such
Distributions by reason of any claimed subordination rights or otherwise. All of
such rights and any agreements relating thereto shall remain in full force and
effect.
12.5 Dissolution of Committees. On the Effective Date, the Future
Claimants' Representative, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Asbestos PD
Committee, and the Unsecured Creditors' Committee shall thereupon be released
and discharged of and from all further authority, duties, responsibilities, and
obligations relating to and arising from and in connection with the Chapter 11
Case, and, except for the limited purpose of presenting final applications for
fee and expenses, all such committees shall be deemed dissolved, and the Future
Claimants' Representative shall continue to serve through the termination of the
Asbestos PI Trust in order to perform the functions required by the Asbestos PI
Trust Agreement; provided, however, (i) if the Effective Date occurs before the
Confirmation Order becomes a Final Order, the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee,
53
the Future Claimants' Representative, and, if Class 6 votes to accept the Plan,
the Unsecured Creditors' Committee may continue to exist and to serve for the
purposes of pursuing any appeal of the Confirmation Order, and (ii) if any
adversary proceeding to which any of the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the
Future Claimants' Representative, or, if Class 6 votes to accept the Plan, the
Unsecured Creditors' Committee is participating is pending as of the Effective
Date, any such committee may continue to exist or the Future Claimants'
Representative may continue to serve for the limited purpose of litigating such
adversary proceeding. The fees and expenses of the Future Claimants'
Representative from and after the Effective Date relating to the role of the
Future Claimants' Representative in the Asbestos PI Trust, pursuant to the
Asbestos PI Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures
(including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of any professionals
retained by the Future Claimants' Representative), shall be the sole
responsibility of the Asbestos PI Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Class
4 votes to accept the Plan, the Asbestos PD Committee shall continue to exist
from and after the Effective Date for the sole purpose of the selection of the
Asbestos PD Trustees and the development of the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution
Procedures, but all fees and expenses incurred by the Asbestos PD Committee
(including, without limitation, all fees and expenses of counsel to the Asbestos
PD Committee and other professionals retained by the Asbestos PD Committee)
shall be the sole responsibility of the Asbestos PD Trust.
12.6 Exculpation. None of Reorganized AWI, any of the members of
the Asbestos PI Claimants' Committee, the Future Claimants' Representative, any
of the members of the Unsecured Creditors' Committee, AWWD, Holdings, or any of
their officers, directors, employees, or agents shall have or incur any
liability to any Entity for any act or omission in connection with or arising
out of the Chapter 11 Case, including, without limitation, the commencement of
the Chapter 11 Case, the negotiation of the Plan, pursuit of confirmation of the
Plan, the consummation of the Plan, or the administration of the Plan or the
property to be distributed under the Plan, except for gross negligence or
willful misconduct, and in all respects shall be entitled to rely upon the
advice of counsel with respect to their duties and responsibilities under, or in
connection with, the Plan.
12.7 Title to Assets; Discharge of Liabilities. Except as
otherwise provided in the Plan, on the Effective Date, title to all assets and
properties and interests in property dealt with by the Plan shall vest in
Reorganized AWI free and clear of all Claims, Equity Interests, Encumbrances,
and other interests, and the Confirmation Order shall be a judicial
determination of discharge of the liabilities of AWI arising prior to the
Effective Date, except as may be otherwise provided in the Plan.
12.8 Surrender and Cancellation of Instruments. Except as
otherwise provided in section 7.12 of the Plan with respect to Debt Security
Claims issued under the Indentures, and in addition to the provisions of section
3.2(f) hereof, each holder of a promissory note or other instrument evidencing
an Unsecured Claim shall surrender such promissory note or instrument to
Reorganized AWI, and Reorganized AWI shall distribute or cause to be distributed
to the holder thereof the appropriate Distribution hereunder. At the option of
Reorganized AWI (in its sole and absolute discretion), no Distribution hereunder
shall be made to or on behalf of any holder of such Unsecured Claim unless and
until such promissory note or instrument is received or the unavailability of
such note or instrument is reasonably established to the satisfaction of
Reorganized AWI. In accordance with section 1143 of the Bankruptcy Code, any
such holder of such a Claim that fails to surrender or cause to be surrendered
such promissory note or instrument or to execute and deliver an affidavit of
loss and indemnity reasonably satisfactory to Reorganized AWI and, in the event
that Reorganized AWI requests, furnish a bond in form and substance (including,
54
without limitation, amount) reasonably satisfactory to Reorganized AWI within
the Retention Period shall be deemed to have forfeited all rights, claims, and
interests and shall not participate in any Distribution hereunder.
12.9 Notices. Any notices, requests, and demands required or
permitted to be provided under the Plan, in order to be effective, shall be in
writing (including, without express or implied limitation, 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:
If to AWI: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
Corporate Center
Post Office Box 3666
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604-3666
Attention: General Counsel
and
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
Attention: Stephen Karotkin, Esq.
Telecopier: (212) 310-8007
Telephone Confirmation: (212) 310-8888
If to the Asbestos PI
Claimants' Committee: Caplin & Drysdale
399 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Elihu Inselbuch, Esq.
Telecopier: (212) 644-6755
Telephone Confirmation: (212) 319-7125
If to the Future Claimants'
Representative: Dean M. Trafelet, Esq.
9130 Wild Lane
Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin 54292
Telecopier: (920) 839-9438
Telephone Confirmation: (920) 839-1485
and
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Telecopier: (212) 836-7157
Telephone Confirmation: (212) 836-8781
Attention: Michael J. Crames, Esq.
55
If to the Unsecured Creditors'
Committee:
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019-6064
Telecopier: (212) 757-3990
Telephone Confirmation: (212) 373-3000
Attention: Andrew N. Rosenberg, Esq.
12.10 Headings. The headings used in the Plan are inserted for
convenience only and neither constitute a portion of the Plan nor in any manner
affect the construction of the provisions of the Plan.
12.11 Severability. At the unanimous option of AWI, the Asbestos
PI Trust, the Future Claimant's Representative, and the Unsecured Creditors'
Committee, each acting in its or his sole discretion, any provision of the Plan,
the Claims Trading Injunction, the Confirmation Order, the Asbestos PI Permanent
Channeling Injunction, or any of the Exhibits to the Plan that is prohibited,
unenforceable, or invalid shall, as to any jurisdiction in which such provision
is prohibited, unenforceable, or invalidated, be ineffective to the extent of
such prohibition, unenforceability, or invalidation without invalidating the
remaining provisions of the Plan, the Claims Trading Injunction, the
Confirmation Order, the Asbestos PI Permanent Channeling Injunction, and the
Exhibits to the Plan or affecting the validity or enforceability of such
provisions in any other jurisdiction.
12.12 Governing Law. Unless a rule of law or procedure is
supplied by federal law (including the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules) or
by Pennsylvania corporate law, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving
effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, shall govern the
construction of the Plan and any agreements, documents, and instruments executed
in connection with the Plan, except as otherwise expressly provided in such
instruments, agreements or documents.
12.13 Compliance with Tax Requirements. In connection with the
Plan, AWI and the Disbursing Agent will comply with all withholding and
reporting requirements imposed by federal, state and local taxing authorities,
and all distributions hereunder shall be subject to such withholding and
reporting requirements.
12.14 Exemption from Transfer Taxes. Pursuant to section 1146(c)
of the Bankruptcy Code, the issuance, transfer, or exchange of notes or equity
securities under the Plan, the creation of any mortgage, deed of trust, or other
security interest, the making or assignment of any lease or sublease, or the
making or delivery of any deed or other instrument of transfer under, in
furtherance of, or in connection with the Plan, including, without express or
implied limitation, any liens granted in connection with the exit finance
facility referred to in section 7.17(h) hereof, shall not be subject to any
sales and use, stamp, real estate transfer, mortgage recording, or other similar
tax.
12.15 Expedited Determination of Postpetition Taxes. AWI and
Reorganized AWI are authorized (but not required) to request an expedited
determination of taxes under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code for all tax
56
returns filed for, or on behalf of, AWI for all taxable periods (or portions
thereof) from the Commencement Date through (and including) the Effective Date.
57
Dated: Wilmington, Delaware
March 14, 2003
Respectfully submitted,
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: /s John N. Rigas
--------------------------------------------
Name: John N. Rigas
Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary, and
General Counsel
WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP
Co-Attorneys for Armstrong World
Industries, Inc., et al.
Chapter 11 Debtor in Possession
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
(212) 310-8000
and
RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER
Co-Attorneys for Armstrong World
Industries, Inc., et al.
Chapter 11 Debtor in Possession
One Rodney Square
P.O. Box 551 Wilmington, Delaware 19899
(302) 658-6541
58
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
- ---------------------------------------------------- x
In re : Chapter 11 Case No.
:
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, : 00-4471 (RJN)
INC., et al., :
:
Debtors. : (Jointly Administered)
- ---------------------------------------------------- x
Exhibit List
Exhibit 1.13: Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (to be included
in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 1.14: Amended and Restated By-Laws (to be included in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 1.17: Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures (attached)
Exhibit 1.21: Asbestos PD Trust Agreement (attached)
Exhibit 1.30: Asbestos PI Trust Agreement (attached)
Exhibit 1.31: Asbestos PI Trust Distribution Procedures (attached)
Exhibit 1.46: Claims Settlement Guidelines (to be included in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 1.95: New Long-Term Incentive Plan (to be included in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 1.101: Plan Note Indenture (to be included in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 1.96: New Warrants (to be included in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 1.114: Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement (to be included
in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 7.2: Individuals Appointed as Asbestos PI Trustees (to be included
in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 7.22: Board of Directors of Reorganized AWI (to be included in Exhibit
Volume)
Exhibit 8.1: Assumed Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases (to be attached
prior to distribution of solicitation packages)
Exhibit 8.2: Rejected Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases (to be
attached prior to distribution of solicitation packages)
Exhibit 8.4: Previously Listed Executory Contracts No Longer Considered
Executory Contracts (to be attached prior to distribution of
solicitation packages)
Exhibit 8.5(b): Rejected Insurance Policies (to be attached prior to
distribution of solicitation packages)
Exhibit 8.8: Management Agreements (to be included in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 8.8-A: Identity of Persons Entering into Management
Agreements (to be included in Exhibit Volume)
Exhibit 8.8-B: Form of Management Agreement (to be included in
Exhibit Volume)
IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
In re )
)
)
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, ) Chapter 11
INC., et al, ) Case No. 00-4471 (RJN)
) (Jointly Administered)
Debtors )
- ------------------------------------)
EXHIBIT 1.17
FORM OF ASBESTOS PROPERTY
DAMAGE CLAIMS RESOLUTION PROCEDURES
Exhibit 1.17 - 1
ASBESTOS PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS RESOLUTION PROCEDURES
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 The following terms and phrases shall have the following meanings:
"ACBM" shall mean the asbestos-containing
building material that the Claimant
alleges constitutes material
manufactured, sold and/or
distributed by Armstrong and
includes asphalt asbestos-containing
floor tile, vinyl asbestos floor
tile, sheet vinyl with Hydrocord
backing, asbestos-containing
flooring adhesive, Armaspray or LT
Cork insulation, and that contains
more than 1 percent chrysotile
asbestos only as determined by
polarized light microscopy.
"ACCREDITED MANAGEMENT
PLANNER" shall mean a person accredited as a
"management planner" in accordance
with the requirements of Appendix C
to Subpart E of 40 C.F.R. Part 763.
"ACCREDITED MANAGEMENT
PLANNER REPORT" shall mean a signed, written report
of an Accredited Management Planner,
which includes: (i) the name,
address, state of accreditation, and
accreditation number of the Planner;
(ii) the date of the inspection of
the ACBM for which a Claim is made;
(iii) separately, for each
Homogeneous Area of ACBM for which a
Claim is made, (a) its location, (b)
the type of the ACBM (e.g., vinyl
asbestos floor tile), (c) the total
quantity of ACBM (in square or
linear feet), (d) whether the ACBM
for which a Claim is made is in a
friable condition, (e) a 4" x 6"
color photograph of the ACBM that
clearly and accurately depicts
physical condition, dimension (e.g.,
9" x 9"), color and pattern; (iv) a
statement that the Required Bulk
Samples have been collected and
submitted for asbestos fiber content
analysis to an Accredited
Laboratory.
"ACCREDITED LABORATORY" shall mean a laboratory accredited
to analyze bulk samples of suspected
ACBM for asbestos fiber content
pursuant to the National Institute
of Standards and Technology National
Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation
Program for Asbestos Bulk Sample
Analysis by polarized light
microscopy test method. A list of
laboratories accredited under this
program appears on NVLAP's web site,
www.ts.nist.gov., or can be obtained
by calling NVLAP at (301) 975-4016.
"ACCREDITED LABORATORY REPORT" shall mean a signed, written report
by an Accredited Laboratory,
pursuant to which the Accredited
Laboratory (i) certifies (a) it has
received the Required Bulk Samples
identified in the Accredited
Management Planner Report and (b)
has analyzed the Required Bulk
Samples and (ii) certifies that the
Required Bulk Samples contain
greater than 1 percent chrysotile
asbestos only. The Accredited
Laboratory Report shall contain such
other details of the results and the
procedures used to adequately
explain the analyses of the Required
Bulk Samples referenced therein.
"APPLICABLE JURISDICTION" shall mean the jurisdiction of the
Exhibit 1.17 - 2
state in which the building that is
the subject of the Claim is located.
"ARMSTRONG" shall mean Armstrong World
Industries, Inc.
"ASBESTOS PD TRUST" shall mean the trust established in
accordance with the Armstrong World
Industries, Inc. Asbestos Property
Damage Settlement Trust Agreement,
substantially in the form of Exhibit
"1.21" to the Plan.
"ASBESTOS PD TRUSTEE" shall have the same meaning as such
term is defined in the Plan.
"BANKRUPTCY COURT" shall mean the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the District of
Delaware.
"CHAPTER 11 CASES" shall mean the cases of Armstrong
World Industries, Inc. and its
affiliates under chapter 11 of title
11 of the United States Code,
pending in the Bankruptcy Court
under the case number 00-4471.
"CLAIM" shall mean any "Asbestos Property
Damage Claim," as such term is
defined in the Plan.
"CLAIMANT" shall mean an entity asserting a
Claim.
"CLAIM INFORMATION DEADLINE" shall mean the date that is one
hundred eighty (180) days after the
Effective Date.
"CLAIM INFORMATION FORM" shall mean the Claim Information
Form in the form annexed hereto as
Exhibit 1.
"COMPENSATION MODEL" shall mean the Compensation Model
criteria set forth in section 5
hereof.
"EFFECTIVE DATE" shall have the same meaning as
provided in the Plan.
"FRIABLE" shall mean material that when dry,
may be crumbled, pulverized, or
reduced to powder by hand pressure.
"HOMOGENOUS AREA" shall mean an area (e.g., room or
corridor) in which the ACBM, (i) in
the case of floor covering material,
is uniform in terms of appearance
(e.g., dimension, color and pattern)
and (ii) in the case of all other
ACBM, is uniform in terms of its
constituents as determined by bulk
sample analysis by an Accredited
Laboratory.
"NOMINAL VALUE" shall mean the nominal value of a
Claim determined in accordance with
section 4.3.
"NOTICE OF DECISION" shall mean a notice of decision
served by the Asbestos PD Trustee on
a Claimant pursuant to section 6
hereof in the form annexed hereto as
Exhibit 2.
"NOTICE OF DECISION TO DENY
CLAIM" shall mean a notice of decision to
deny a claim or any part thereof
served by the Asbestos PD Trustee in
Exhibit 1.17 - 3
the form annexed hereto as Exhibit
3.
"NOTICE OF RECONSIDERATION" shall mean a notice of
reconsideration served by a Claimant
on the Asbestos PD Trustee pursuant
to section 7 hereof in the form
annexed hereto as Exhibit 4.
"OSHA PEL" shall mean the permissible exposure
limit of 0.1 asbestos fibers per
cubic centimeter (f/cc) as
collected, analyzed and reported
pursuant to NIOSH Method 7400.
"PLAN" shall mean the Plan of
Reorganization of Armstrong, as
confirmed in the Chapter 11 Cases.
"REQUIRED BULK SAMPLES" shall mean the following with
respect to the suspected ACBM for
which a Claim is made: (i) three
bulk samples shall be collected from
each Homogeneous Area that is 1,000
ft2 or less; (ii) five bulk samples
shall be collected from each
Homogenous Area that is greater than
1,000 ft2 but less than 5,000 ft2;
(iii) seven bulk samples shall be
collected from each Homogeneous Area
that is greater than 5,000 ft2.
"QUALIFICATION CRITERIA" shall mean the criteria set forth in
section 4.2, which must be satisfied
before a Claim may be allowed.
"TRUSTEE" shall mean, collectively, the
trustee(s) of the Asbestos PD Trust.
1.2 The headings and title of this document are for convenience only and
are not to be construed as part of the operative provisions of this
document or as defining or limiting in any way the scope or intent of
the provisions of this document.
1.3 References in this document to any section shall include all sections
in such section.
1.4 All references in this document to the singular shall include the
plural, where applicable.
1.5 Exhibits referred to in this document are hereby incorporated into
and made a part of this document.
1.6 The terms and provisions of this document shall be interpreted in
accordance with and governed by applicable federal law and the laws
of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the doctrine of
conflict of laws.
2. ORGANIZATION
2.1 These procedures shall be the exclusive method for the evaluation and
settlement of Claims.
2.2 The Asbestos PD Trust may at any time following the Claims
Information Deadline, and at the sole discretion of the Trustee, by
written notice to each Claimant that has filed a Claim Information
Form, extend any of the dates established in these procedures within
which a Claimant may or shall take an action. The Asbestos PD Trust
may only shorten any of the dates within which a Claimant may or
shall take an action or extend the time within which the Asbestos PD
Trust may or shall take an action by consent of the Claimant(s)
affected or by order of the Bankruptcy Court.
3. CLAIM INFORMATION FORM
3.1 On or before the date that is ninety (90) days after the Effective
Date, the Asbestos PD Trust shall mail to each Claimant that has
filed a proof of claim in the Chapter 11 Cases that has not
Exhibit 1.17 - 4
previously been disallowed or withdrawn, a copy of these Asbestos
Property Damage Claims Resolution Procedures and a Claim Information
Form.
3.2 Each Claimant shall complete and serve the Claim Information Form so
that it is received at the address specified on the Claim Information
Form on or before the Claims Information Deadline.
3.3 The Claimant shall complete a separate Claim Information Form for
each building and associated ACBM for which a Claim is made. Each
Claim Information Form shall state separately for each building the
following information:
3.3.1 the name, address and use of the building;
3.3.2 the date on which the Claimant first became aware of the
presence of the ACBM;
3.3.3 the date on which each type of ACBM was installed;
3.3.4 separately for each Homogenous Area, the type of ACBM
(e.g., vinyl asbestos floor tile) and its specific
location (room or other designated area within the
building);
3.3.5 separately for each Homogeneous Area of ACBM that remains
in place, the quantity thereof (in square feet for
flooring products or in linear feet for insulation or
other products), the scheduled date of its removal and the
estimated or contracted cost of its removal;
3.3.6 separately for each Homogeneous Area of ACBM that has been
removed, the quantity thereof (in square feet for flooring
products or in linear feet for insulation or other
products), the date of its removal and the actual total
cost of its removal.
3.4 The Claimant shall submit with each Claim Information Form the
following documentary evidence:
3.4.1 a copy of all documentary evidence of the date of
installation of the ACBM;
3.4.2 a copy of all documentary evidence of the date on which
the Claimant first became aware of the presence of the
ACBM;
3.4.3 an Accredited Laboratory Report;
3.4.4 with respect to a building in which the ACBM remains in
place, an Accredited Management Planner Report in which it
is stated that the ACBM for which a Claim is made is in a
friable condition and is the source of asbestos fibers
released into the air in excess of the OSHA PEL as
determined by the average of a minimum of three area air
samples per Homogeneous Area;
3.4.5 for ACBM that remains in place, a copy of all documentary
evidence of the schedule for its removal and the estimated
or contracted cost of its removal;
3.4.6 with respect to a building in which the ACBM has been
removed, evidence that such ACBM was in a friable
condition and was the source of asbestos fibers released
into the air in excess of the OSHA PEL prior to its
removal;
3.4.7 for removed ACBM, a copy of all documentary evidence of
the actual cost of its removal.
3.4.8 Failure to provide the information required under sections
3.4.1 though 3.4.7 is sufficient grounds for the Asbestos
PD Trustee to deny a claim or any part thereof.
3.5 A Claim seeking contribution, in addition to fulfilling the
requirements of sections 3.3 and 3.4, shall be accompanied by all
documentation evidencing payment for which the Claim is made.
Exhibit 1.17 - 5
4. ASSESSMENT OF CLAIMS
4.1 Each Claim shall be reviewed for compliance with the Qualification
Criteria and its Nominal Value shall be determined in accordance with
the Compensation Model.
4.2 QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
4.2.1 In order to be allowed, a Claim must satisfy the following
Qualification Criteria:
4.2.1.1 The Claimant properly filed a proof of claim
corresponding to the ACBM for which the Claim
is made in the Chapter 11 Cases on or before
the Asbestos PD Bar Date, March 20, 2002,
except to the extent that the Bankruptcy Court
has ordered that the Claimant be permitted to
file such proof of claim untimely, and the
Claimant has, in fact, filed its proof of claim
within the time specified by the Bankruptcy
Court;
4.2.1.2 The Claim has not previously been disallowed by
an order of the Bankruptcy Court;
4.2.1.3 The Claim is not time-barred under the statute
of limitations or statute of repose of the
Applicable Jurisdiction;
4.2.1.4 The Claim is not otherwise barred by the law of
the Applicable Jurisdiction; and
4.2.1.5 The Claimant timely served a Claim Information
Form providing the information required by
section 3.3 and the documentary evidence
required by section 3.4 hereof.
4.2.1.6 Failure to satisfy any of the Qualification
Criteria of section 4.2 is sufficient grounds
for the Asbestos PD Trustee to deny a Claim or
any part thereof.
4.3 NOMINAL VALUE
4.3.1 The Nominal Value of each Claim will be calculated by the
Asbestos PD Trust with reference to the quantity of
friable ACBM that remains in place or that has been
removed from each Homogeneous Area for which a Claim is
made, applying the criteria set forth in the Compensation
Model.
5. COMPENSATION MODEL
5.1 The following criteria shall be applied to the quantity of the ACBM
in each Homogenous Area for which a Claim is made in order to
determine its Nominal Value:
5.2 For asbestos-containing asphalt floor tile and associated adhesive
installed prior to December 31, 1973 and removed no later than
December 6, 2000, 10% of the total incremental difference between the
actual cost of removal on a per square foot basis and $4.00 per
square foot multiplied by the total number of square feet of ACBM
satisfying the Qualification Criteria; for such material that remains
in place after December 6, 2000, 5% of the total incremental
difference between the actual cost of removal on a per square foot
basis and $4.00 per square foot multiplied by the total number of
square feet of ACBM satisfying the Qualification Criteria.
5.3 For vinyl asbestos floor tile, sheet vinyl with Hydrocord backing and
associated adhesive installed prior to December 31, 1983 and removed
no later than December 6, 2000, 10% of the total incremental
difference between the actual cost of removal on a per square foot
basis and $4.00 per square foot multiplied by the total number of
square feet of ACBM satisfying the Qualification Criteria; for such
material that remains in place after December 6, 2000, 5% of the
total incremental difference between the actual cost of removal on a
per square foot basis and $4.00 per square foot multiplied by the
total number of square feet of ACBM satisfying the Qualification
Criteria.
Exhibit 1.17 - 6
5.4 With respect to ACBM identified in sections 5.2 and 5.3, the maximum
incremental difference upon which Nominal Value is calculated shall
be $4.00.
5.5 For all other ACBM for which a Claim is made, Nominal Value shall be
no greater than 5% of the actual cost of removal.
6. NOTICE OF DECISION
6.1 The Asbestos PD Trustee shall, within the later of (i) if the
Asbestos PD Trustee moves to disallow a Claim or any part thereof and
the Bankruptcy Court enters an order denying such motion as to such
Claim, thirty (30) days after entry of such order, or (ii) one
hundred eighty (180) days after the Claims Information Deadline,
serve on each Claimant a Notice of Decision with respect to each
Claim stating the extent to which the Claim has been accepted.
6.2 The Notice of Decision shall state the Nominal Value of the Claim.
6.3 The Notice of Decision will specify the date by which a Notice of
Reconsideration must be filed in accordance with the provisions of
section 7.1.
7. NOTICE OF RECONSIDERATION
7.1 Any Claimant dissatisfied with the decision in the Notice of Decision
may serve on the Asbestos PD Trust a Notice of Reconsideration within
thirty (30) days after service of the Notice of Decision. Failure to
timely serve on the Asbestos PD Trust a Notice of Reconsideration
shall be deemed a consent to the Notice of Decision, and the Claimant
shall be deemed to have waived any right to seek further review of
its Claim.
7.2 The Notice of Reconsideration must identify specifically the basis
for reconsideration, stating the reason(s) for seeking
reconsideration and include all supporting documentation.
7.3 The Asbestos PD Trustee may in his discretion confer with the
Claimant's designated representative in an effort to reach agreement
on the Nominal Value of the Claim. The Asbestos PD Trustee may agree
upon an Adjusted Nominal Value of a Claim but shall have no
obligation to do so.
8. NOTICE OF DECISION TO DENY CLAIM
8.1 Following receipt of a Claim Information Form, the Asbestos PD
Trustee may notify the affected Claimant's designated representative
of his decision to deny the Claim or any part thereof. A Notice of
Decision To Deny Claim shall be in the form of Exhibit 3 and shall be
served on the Claimant's designated representative.
8.2 Claimant shall be required within 30 days after service of the Notice
of Decision to Deny Claim to:
8.2.1 produce for deposition the person or persons most
knowledgeable with respect to (i) the information provided
on the Claim Notification Form and all related documentary
evidence and (ii) the decision to manage in place and/or
remove the ACBM for which a Claim is made; and
8.2.2 provide any other information the Asbestos PD Trustee
considers relevant to determining the factual basis of the
Claim or any part thereof.
8.3 Following review and consideration of information gathered pursuant
to sections 8.2.1 and 8.2.2, the Asbestos PD Trustee may file a
motion with the Bankruptcy Court requesting a hearing to disallow a
Claim or any part thereof. Upon the filing of such motion, notice
thereof shall be served upon the Claimant's designated
representative. Disallowance of a Claim based upon failure to meet
any of the Qualification Criteria shall be made by the Bankruptcy
Court, after notice to the affected Claimant's designated
representative and a hearing thereon.
Exhibit 1.17 - 7
9. NOTICES
9.1 All notices and other communications made or served under these
Asbestos Property Damage Claims Resolution Procedures shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly served on the date of
delivery. If delivered by hand or by express delivery service, or on
the third business day after the deposit into an authorized United
States mail depository, if mailed by First Class Mail, postage
prepaid. Notices to the Asbestos PD Trust shall be addressed as
follows:
Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Property Damage Trust
2500 Columbia Avenue
P. O. Box 3001 Lancaster, PA 17604
Notices to a Claimant shall be addressed as specified in the Claim
Information Form.
Exhibit 1.17 - 8
EXHIBIT LIST
(Exhibits to this document will
be included in the Exhibit Volume to be filed pursuant
to Article I, Section C. of the Plan)
Exhibit 1: Claim Information Form
Exhibit 2: Notice of Decision
Exhibit 3: Notice of Decision to Deny Claim
Exhibit 4: Notice of Reconsideration
Exhibit 1.17 - 9
IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
In re )
)
)
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, ) Chapter 11
INC., et al, ) Case No. 00-4471 (RJN)
) (Jointly Administered)
Debtors )
- ---------------------------------)
EXHIBIT 1.21
FORM OF ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. ASBESTOS
PROPERTY DAMAGE SETTLEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT
Exhibit 1.21 - 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I ..............................................................................2
1.1 Creation and Name..................................................................2
1.2 Purpose............................................................................2
1.3 Transfer of Assets.................................................................2
1.4 Acceptance of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities.................................3
ARTICLE II ..............................................................................3
2.1 Powers.............................................................................3
2.2 General Administration.............................................................5
2.3 Claims Administration..............................................................6
ARTICLE III ..............................................................................6
3.1 Accounts...........................................................................6
3.2 Investments........................................................................6
3.3 Source of Payments.................................................................7
ARTICLE IV ..............................................................................7
4.1 Number.............................................................................7
4.2 Term of Service....................................................................7
4.3 Appointment of a Successor Trustee.................................................8
4.4 Liability of Trustee, Officers and Employees.......................................8
4.5 Compensation and Expenses of the Trustee...........................................8
4.6 Indemnification of Trustee and Additional Indemnitees..............................9
4.7 Trustee's Lien.....................................................................9
4.8 Trustee's Employment of Experts....................................................9
4.9 Trustee's Independence.............................................................9
4.10 Bond...............................................................................9
ARTICLE V ..............................................................................9
5.1 Irrevocability.....................................................................9
5.2 Termination........................................................................9
5.3 Amendments........................................................................10
5.4 Severability......................................................................10
5.5 Notices...........................................................................10
5.6 Successors and Assigns............................................................11
5.7 Limitation on Claim Interests for Securities Laws Purposes........................11
5.8 Entire Agreement; No Waiver.......................................................11
i
5.9 Headings..........................................................................11
5.10 Governing Law.....................................................................11
5.11 Settlor Representative and Cooperation............................................12
5.12 Dispute Resolution................................................................12
5.13 Enforcement and Administration....................................................12
5.14 Effectiveness.....................................................................12
5.15 Counterpart Signatures............................................................12
ii
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. ASBESTOS
PROPERTY DAMAGE SETTLEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT
This Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Property
Damage Settlement Trust Agreement (the "ASBESTOS PD TRUST AGREEMENT"), dated the
date set forth on the signature page hereof and effective as of the Effective
Date, is entered into by Armstrong World Industries, Inc. ("AWI," the "SETTLOR,"
or the "DEBTOR"), the debtor and debtor in possession in Case No. 00-4471 (AJN)
in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the
"BANKRUPTCY COURT"), as Settlor, and the Trustee (the "TRUSTEE" identified on
the signature page hereof and appointed upon confirmation of the Armstrong World
Industries, Inc. First Amended Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code, filed on March 14, 2003 (as amended, modified, or
supplemented from time to time, the "PLAN"). All capitalized terms not otherwise
defined herein shall have their respective meanings as set forth in the Plan,
and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference. All capitalized terms
not defined herein or defined in the Plan, but defined in the Bankruptcy Code or
Bankruptcy Rules, shall have the meanings ascribed to them by the Bankruptcy
Code and Bankruptcy Rules, and such definitions are incorporated herein by
reference.
WHEREAS, on December 6, 2000, AWI filed a voluntary
petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy
Court; and
WHEREAS, on ________________, 2003, an order confirming the
Plan was entered; and
WHEREAS, the Plan provides, inter alia, for the creation of
the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Property Damage Settlement Trust
(the "ASBESTOS PD TRUST"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan, the Asbestos PD Trust is to
use its assets and income to resolve all Asbestos Property Damage Claims; and
WHEREAS, the Asbestos PD Trust is intended to qualify as a
"qualified settlement fund" within the meaning of section 1.468B-1 et seq. of
the Treasury Regulations promulgated under section 468B of the Internal Revenue
Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I
AGREEMENT OF TRUST
1.1 CREATION AND NAME. AWI as Settlor hereby creates a
trust known as the "Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Property Damage
Settlement Trust," which is the Asbestos PD Trust provided for and referred to
in the Plan. The Trustee may transact the business and affairs of the Asbestos
PD Trust in the name of the Asbestos PD Trust.
1.2 PURPOSE. The purpose of the Asbestos PD Trust is to
assume the liabilities of AWI, its predecessors and successors in interest, for
all Asbestos Property Damage Claims, to pursue recoveries from the Asbestos PD
Insurance Asset (if Class 4 voted to reject the Plan), and to use the Asbestos
PD Trust's assets and income to pay the holders of all valid Asbestos Property
Damage Claims in accordance with this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and the
Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures.
1.3 TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Pursuant to the Plan, the assets
described in section 11.1 and section 11.2 or 11.3 (as applicable) of the Plan
(the "ASBESTOS PD TRUST ASSETS") have been transferred and assigned to the
Asbestos PD Trust to settle and discharge all Asbestos Property Damage Claims.
AWI, Reorganized AWI, and any other transferors shall also execute and deliver
such documents to the Asbestos PD Trust as the Trustee may reasonably request to
Exhibit 1.21 - 2
transfer and assign the Asbestos PD Trust Assets to the Asbestos PD Trust.
1.4 ACCEPTANCE OF ASSETS AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES
(a) In furtherance of the purposes of the Asbestos PD
Trust, the Trustee, on behalf of the Asbestos PD Trust, hereby expressly accepts
the transfer and assignment to the Asbestos PD Trust of the Asbestos PD Trust
Assets in the time and manner as contemplated in the Plan.
(b) In furtherance of the purposes of the Asbestos PD
Trust, the Trustee, on behalf of the Asbestos PD Trust, expressly assumes all
liability for all Asbestos Property Damage Claims. Except as otherwise provided
in this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution
Procedures, the Asbestos PD Trust shall have all defenses, cross-claims,
offsets, and recoupments, as well as rights of indemnification, contribution,
subrogation, and similar rights, regarding such claims that AWI or Reorganized
AWI has or would have had under applicable law. Regardless of the foregoing,
however, a claimant must meet otherwise applicable federal, state and foreign
statutes of limitations and repose, except that a claimant may establish that
such statutes were tolled pursuant to a prepetition settlement agreement with
AWI, or otherwise by operation of law.
(c) No provision herein or in the Asbestos PD Claims
Resolution Procedures shall be construed to mandate any actions that would
contravene the Asbestos PD Trust's compliance with the requirements of a
qualified settlement fund within the meaning of section 1.468B-1 et seq. of the
Treasury Regulations promulgated under section 468B of the IRC.
(d) AWI and Reorganized AWI shall be entitled to
indemnification from the Asbestos PD Trust for any expenses, costs, and fees
(including attorneys' fees and costs, but excluding any such expenses, costs,
and fees incurred prior to the Effective Date), judgments, settlements, or other
liabilities arising from or incurred in connection with any action related to
Asbestos Property Damage Claims, including, but not limited to, indemnification
or contribution for such claims prosecuted against Reorganized AWI.
(e) Nothing in this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement shall be
construed in any way to limit the scope, enforceability, or effectiveness of the
discharge provided to AWI under the Plan pursuant to section 1141 of the
Bankruptcy Code.
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION
2.1 POWERS.
(a) The Trustee is and shall act as the fiduciary to the
Asbestos PD Trust in accordance with the provisions of this Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement and the Plan. The Trustee shall, at all times, administer the Asbestos
PD Trust and the Asbestos PD Trust Assets in accordance with the purposes set
forth in Section 1.2 above. Subject to the limitations set forth in this
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall have the power to take any and
all actions that, in the judgment of the Trustee, are necessary or proper to
fulfill the purposes of the Asbestos PD Trust, including, without limitation,
each power expressly granted in this Section 2.1, any power reasonably
incidental thereto, and any trust power now or hereafter permitted under the
laws of the State of Delaware.
(b) Except as required by applicable law or otherwise
specified herein, the Trustee need not obtain the order or approval of any court
in the exercise of any power or discretion conferred hereunder.
Exhibit 1.21 - 3
(c) Without limiting the generality of Section 2.1(a)
above, and except as limited below, the Trustee shall have the power to:
(A) receive and hold the Asbestos PD Trust Assets and
exercise all rights with respect thereto;
(B) invest the monies held from time to time by the
Asbestos PD Trust;
(C) sell, transfer, or exchange any or all of the Asbestos
PD Trust Assets at such prices and upon such terms as the Trustee may
consider proper, consistent with the other terms of this Asbestos PD
Trust Agreement;
(D) enter into leasing and financing agreements with third
parties to the extent such agreements are reasonably necessary to
permit the Asbestos PD Trust to operate;
(E) pay liabilities and expenses of the Asbestos PD Trust,
including, but not limited to, Asbestos PD Trust expenses;
(F) establish such funds, reserves and accounts within the
Asbestos PD Trust estate as deemed by the Trustee to be useful in
carrying out the purposes of the Asbestos PD Trust;
(G) sue and be sued and participate, as a party or
otherwise, in any judicial, administrative, arbitrative, or other
proceeding;
(H) establish, supervise and administer the Asbestos PD
Trust in accordance with the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures
and the terms thereof;
(I) appoint such officers and hire such employees and
engage such legal, financial, accounting, investment, auditing, and
other consultants and agents as the business of the Asbestos PD Trust
requires and delegate to such persons such powers and authorities as
the fiduciary duties of the Trustee permit and as the Trustee, in his
or her discretion, deems advisable or necessary in order to carry out
the terms of this Asbestos PD Trust;
(J) pay employees, legal, financial, accounting,
investment, auditing, and other consultants, advisors, and agents,
including those engaged by the Asbestos PD Trust in connection with
its alternative dispute resolution activities or litigation-related
activities, reasonable compensation;
(K) compensate the Trustee as provided below, and his or
her employees, legal, financial, accounting, investment and other
advisors, consultants, independent contractors, and agents, and
reimburse the Trustee all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses
incurred by such persons in connection with the performance of their
duties hereunder;
(L) execute and deliver such instruments as the Trustee
considers proper in administering the Asbestos PD Trust;
(M) enter into such other arrangements with third parties
as are deemed by the Trustee to be useful in carrying out the
purposes of the Asbestos PD Trust, provided such arrangements do not
Exhibit 1.21 - 4
conflict with any other provision of this Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement;
(N) in accordance with Section 4.6(b) below, defend,
indemnify and hold harmless (and purchase insurance indemnifying) the
Trustee, the officers and employees of the Asbestos PD Trust, and any
agents, advisors and consultants of the Asbestos PD Trust (the
"ADDITIONAL INDEMNITEES"), to the fullest extent that a corporation
or trust organized under the law of the Asbestos PD Trust's situs is
from time to time entitled to indemnify and/or insure its directors,
trustees, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives;
(O) delegate any or all of the authority herein conferred
with respect to the investment of all or any portion of the Asbestos
PD Trust Assets to any one or more reputable individuals or
recognized institutional investment advisors or investment managers
without liability for any action taken or omission made because of
any such delegation, except as provided in Section 4.4 below;
(P) make, pursue (by arbitration, litigation or
otherwise), collect, compromise or settle, in the name of the
Asbestos PD Trust or the name of Reorganized AWI, any claim, right,
action, or cause of action included in the Asbestos PD Trust Assets,
including, but not limited to, insurance recoveries, before any
relevant forum or court of competent jurisdiction; provided that
settlement of actions before the Bankruptcy Court require the
approval of the Bankruptcy Court after notice to Reorganized AWI and
all remaining holders of Asbestos Property Damage Claims.
(d) The Trustee shall not have the power to guarantee any
debt of other persons.
2.2 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court after
notice to Reorganized AWI and all remaining holders of Asbestos Property Damage
Claims, the Trustee may adopt bylaws that are not inconsistent with the terms of
this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement to govern the affairs of the Asbestos PD Trust
(the "Asbestos PD Trust Bylaws"). In the event of an inconsistency between the
Asbestos PD Trust Bylaws and this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, the Asbestos PD
Trust Agreement shall govern. In the event of an inconsistency between the Plan
and the Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, the Plan shall govern.
(b) The Trustee shall (i) timely file such income tax and
other returns and statements and shall timely pay all taxes required to be paid,
(ii) comply with all withholding obligations, as required under the applicable
provisions of the IRC and of any state law and the regulations promulgated
thereunder, (iii) meet without limitation all requirements necessary to qualify
and maintain qualification of the Asbestos PD Trust as a qualified settlement
fund within the meaning of section 1.468B-1 et seq. of the Treasury Regulations
promulgated under section 468B of the IRC, and (iv) take no action that could
cause the Asbestos PD Trust to fail to qualify as a qualified settlement fund
within the meaning of section 1.468B-1 et seq. of the Treasury Regulations
promulgated under section 468B of the IRC.
(c) The Trustee shall timely account to the Bankruptcy
Court as follows:
(A) The Trustee shall cause to be prepared and filed with
the Bankruptcy Court, as soon as available, and in any event within
one hundred and twenty (120) days following the end of each fiscal
year, an annual report containing financial statements of the
Asbestos PD Trust (including, without limitation, a balance sheet of
the Asbestos PD Trust as of the end of such fiscal year and a
statement of operations for such fiscal year) audited by a firm of
independent certified public accountants selected by the Trustees and
Exhibit 1.21 - 5
accompanied by an opinion of such firm as to the conformity of the
financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.
(B) Simultaneously with the filing of each set of
financial statements referred to in Article 2.2(c)(i) above, the
Trustee shall cause to be prepared and filed with the Bankruptcy
Court a report containing a summary regarding the claims disposed of
during the period covered by the financial statements.
(C) All materials required to be filed with the Bankruptcy
Court by this Section 2.2(c) shall be available for inspection by the
public in accordance with procedures established by the Bankruptcy
Court and shall be filed with the Office of the United States Trustee
for the District of Delaware, and shall be sent by first class mail,
postage prepaid, to Reorganized AWI and each remaining holder of
Asbestos Property Damage Claims.
(d) The Trustee shall be required to obtain the approval of
the Bankruptcy Court, after notice to Reorganized AWI and all holders of any
remaining Asbestos Property Damage Claims, in addition to any other instances
elsewhere enumerated, in order to do any of the following:
(A) to terminate the Asbestos PD Trust pursuant to Section
5.2 below;
(B) to settle the liability of any insurer under any
insurance policy or legal action related thereto with respect to the
Asbestos PD Insurance Asset; provided, however, that the Asbestos PD
Trust will give Reorganized AWI prior written notice of any such
settlement; or
(C) to take structural or other actions to minimize any
tax on the Asbestos PD Trust Assets.
2.3 CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION. The Trustee shall promptly
proceed to implement the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures.
ARTICLE III
ACCOUNTS, INVESTMENTS, AND PAYMENTS
3.1 ACCOUNTS. The Trustee may, from time to time, create
such accounts and reserves within the Asbestos PD Trust estate as he or she may
deem necessary, prudent, or useful in order to provide for the payment of
expenses and payment of Asbestos Property Damage Claims and may, with respect to
any such account or reserve, restrict the use of monies therein.
3.2 INVESTMENTS. Investment of monies held in the Asbestos
PD Trust shall be administered in the manner in which individuals of ordinary
prudence, discretion, and judgment would act in the management of their own
affairs, subject to the following limitations and provisions:
(a) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not hold, directly or
indirectly, more than 5% of the equity in any entity or business enterprise or
acquire, directly or indirectly, equity in any entity or business enterprise if,
immediately following such acquisition, the Asbestos PD Trust would hold more
than 5% of the equity in such entity or business enterprise.
(b) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not acquire or hold any
long-term debt securities unless (i) such securities are rated "Baa" or higher
by Moody's, "BBB" or higher by Standard & Poor's ("S&P's"), or have been given
an equivalent investment grade rating by another nationally recognized
Exhibit 1.21 - 6
statistical rating agency, or (ii) have been issued or fully guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof.
(c) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not acquire or hold for
longer than ninety (90) days any commercial paper unless such commercial paper
is rated "Prime-1" or higher by Moody's or "A-1" or higher by S&P's or has been
given an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating
agency.
(d) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not acquire or hold any
common or preferred stock or convertible securities unless such stock or
securities are rated "A" or high by Moody's or "A" or higher by S&P's or have
been given an equivalent investment grade rating by another nationally
recognized statistical rating agency.
(e) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not acquire any debt
securities or other instruments issued by any entity (other than debt securities
or other instruments issued or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by
the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof) if,
following such acquisition, the aggregate market value of all debt securities
and instruments issued by such entity held by the Asbestos PD Trust would exceed
2% of the aggregate value of the Asbestos PD Trust estate. The Asbestos PD Trust
shall not hold any debt securities or other instruments issued by any entity
(other than debt securities or other instruments issued or fully guaranteed as
to principal and interest by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof and other than debt securities) to the extent that the
aggregate market value of all securities and instruments issued by such entity
held by the Asbestos PD Trust would exceed 5% of the aggregate value of the
Asbestos PD Trust Assets.
(f) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not acquire or hold any
certificates of deposit unless all publicly held, long-term debt securities, if
any, of the financial institution issuing the certificate of deposit and the
holding company, if any, of which such financial institution is a subsidiary,
meet the standards set forth in Section 3.2(b) above.
(g) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not acquire or hold any
repurchase obligations unless, in the opinion of the Trustee, they are
adequately collateralized.
(h) The Asbestos PD Trust shall not acquire or hold any
options.
3.3 SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. All Asbestos PD Trust expenses and
payments and all liabilities with respect to Asbestos Property Damage Claims
shall be payable solely by the Trustees out of the Asbestos PD Trust Assets.
Neither AWI, Reorganized AWI, their subsidiaries, any successor in interest, the
present or former directors, officers, employees or agents of AWI, Reorganized
AWI, nor the Trustee, or any of their respective officers, agents, advisors, or
employees shall be liable for the payment of any Asbestos PD Trust expense or
any other liability of the Asbestos PD Trust.
ARTICLE IV
TRUSTEE
4.1 NUMBER. There shall be one (1) Trustee. The initial
Trustee shall be the person named on the signature page hereof.
4.2 TERM OF SERVICE.
(a) The Trustee shall serve from the Effective Date until
the earliest of (i) his or her death, (ii) the effective date of his or her
resignation pursuant to Section 4.2(b) below, (iii) his or her removal pursuant
to Section 4.2(c) below, and (iv) the termination of the Asbestos PD Trust
pursuant to Section 5.2 below.
Exhibit 1.21 - 7
(b) A Trustee may resign at any time by written notice to
the holders of the remaining Asbestos Property Damage Claims and Reorganized
AWI. Such notice shall specify a date when such resignation shall take place,
which shall not be earlier than the date of the appointment of a successor
trustee, where practicable.
(c) A Trustee may be removed by an order of the Bankruptcy
Court in the event that he or she becomes unable to discharge his or her duties
hereunder due to accident or physical or mental deterioration, or for other good
cause. "Good cause" shall be deemed to include, without limitation, any
substantial failure to comply with the general administration provisions of
Section 2.2 above, or a consistent pattern of neglect and failure to perform or
participate in performing the duties of the Trustee hereunder. Such removal
shall take effect at such time as the Bankruptcy Court shall determine.
4.3 APPOINTMENT OF A SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE.
(a) In the event of a vacancy in the position of Trustee,
Reorganized AWI shall nominate a successor Trustee (the "SUCCESSOR PD TRUSTEE").
The appointment of the Successor PD Trustee shall be subject to the approval of
the Bankruptcy Court, after notice to the remaining holders of Asbestos Property
Damage Claims.
(b) Immediately upon the appointment of any Successor PD
Trustee, all rights, titles, duties, powers and authority of the predecessor
Trustee hereunder shall be vested in, and undertaken by, the Successor PD
Trustee without any further act. No Successor PD Trustee shall be liable
personally for any act or omission of his or her predecessor Trustees.
(c) Each Successor PD Trustee shall serve until the
earliest of (i) his or her death, (ii) the effective date of his or her
resignation pursuant to Section 4.2(b) above, (iii) his or her removal pursuant
to Section 4.2(c) above, or (iv) the termination of the Asbestos PD Trust
pursuant to Section 5.2 below.
4.4 LIABILITY OF TRUSTEE, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. The
Trustee and the individuals identified as Additional Indemnitees in Section
2.1(c)(N) above shall not be liable to the Asbestos PD Trust, to any entity
holding an Asbestos Property Damage Claim, or to any other person, except for
such individual's own breach of trust committed in bad faith or willful
misappropriation. In addition, the Trustee and the Additional Indemnitees shall
not be liable for any act or omission of any other Trustee or Additional
Indemnitee unless such person acted with bad faith in the selection or retention
of such other Trustee or Additional Indemnitee.
4.5 COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF THE TRUSTEE.
(a) The Trustee shall receive compensation from the
Asbestos PD Trust for his or her services as a Trustee in the amount of
$_____________ per annum, plus a per diem allowance for business performed in
the amount of $__________. The Trustee may provide for partial payment of per
diem amounts on a proportional basis for activities of less than a full day's
duration. The per annum and per diem compensation payable to the Trustee
hereunder shall be reviewed every three (3) years and appropriately adjusted for
changes in the cost of living. Any other changes in compensation of the Trustee
shall be made subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court after notice to
Reorganized AWI and the holders of remaining Asbestos Property Damage Claims.
(b) The Asbestos PD Trust will promptly reimburse the
Trustee for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the
Trustee in connection with the performance of his or her duties hereunder.
(c) The Asbestos PD Trust shall include a description of
the amounts paid under this Section 4.5 in the accounts to be filed with the
Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Section 2.2(c)(A) above.
Exhibit 1.21 - 8
4.6 INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEE AND ADDITIONAL INDEMNITEES.
(a) The Asbestos PD Trust shall indemnify and defend the
Trustee, as well as the Additional Indemnitees, in the performance of their
duties hereunder to the fullest extent that a corporation or trust organized
under the laws of the Asbestos PD Trust's situs is from time to time entitled to
indemnify and defend such persons against any and all liabilities, expenses,
claims, damages or losses incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee and the Additional Indemnitees shall
not be indemnified or defended in any way for any liability, expense, claim,
damage, or loss for which he or she is ultimately liable under Section 4.4
above.
(b) Reasonable expenses, costs and fees (including
attorneys' fees and costs) incurred by or on behalf of a Trustee or an
Additional Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding,
whether civil, administrative or arbitrative from which he or she is indemnified
by the Asbestos PD Trust pursuant to Section 4.6(a) above, shall be paid by the
Asbestos PD Trust in advance of the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an
undertaking, by or on behalf of the Trustee or Additional Indemnitee, to repay
such amount in the event that it shall be determined ultimately by final order
that such Trustee or Additional Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by
the Asbestos PD Trust.
(c) The Trustee may purchase and maintain reasonable
amounts and types of insurance on behalf of an individual who is or was a
Trustee or Additional Indemnitee including against liability asserted against or
incurred by such individual in that capacity or arising from his or her status
as a Trustee, officer, employee, agent or other representative.
4.7 TRUSTEE'S LIEN. The Trustee and the Additional
Indemnitees shall have a first priority lien upon the Asbestos PD Trust Assets
to secure the payment of any amounts payable to them pursuant to Section 4.6
above.
4.8 TRUSTEE'S EMPLOYMENT OF EXPERTS. The Trustee may, but
shall not be required to, retain and/or consult with counsel, accountants,
appraisers, auditors, and other parties deemed by the Trustee to be qualified as
experts on the matters submitted to him or her, and the written opinion of or
information provided by any such parties on any matters submitted to them by the
Trustee shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of
any action taken or not taken by the Trustee hereunder in good faith and in
accordance with the written opinion of or information provided by any such
party.
4.9 TRUSTEE'S INDEPENDENCE. The Trustee shall not, during
the term of his or her service, hold a financial interest in, act as attorney or
agent for, or serve as any other professional for Reorganized AWI. The Trustee
shall not act as an attorney for any person who holds an Asbestos Property
Damage Claim.
4.10 BOND. The Trustee shall not be required to post any
bond or other form of surety or security unless otherwise ordered by the
Bankruptcy Court.
ARTICLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 IRREVOCABILITY. The Asbestos PD Trust is irrevocable.
5.2 TERMINATION.
(a) The Asbestos PD Trust shall automatically terminate on
the date ninety (90) days after the first to occur of the following events:
Exhibit 1.21 - 9
(A) the Trustee decides to terminate the Asbestos PD Trust
because all Asbestos Property Damage Claims have been liquidated and
paid to the extent provided in this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and
the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures or disallowed by a
final, non-appealable order; or
(B) if the Trustee has procured and has in place
irrevocable insurance policies and has established claims handling
agreements and other necessary arrangements with suitable third
parties adequate to discharge all expected remaining obligations and
expenses of the Asbestos PD Trust in a manner consistent with this
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution
Procedures, the date on which the Bankruptcy Court enters an order
approving such insurance and other arrangements and such order
becomes a final order; or
(C) to the extent that any rule against perpetuities shall
be deemed applicable to the Asbestos PD Trust, twenty-one (21) years
less ninety-one (91) days pass after the death of the last survivor
of all of the descendants of the late Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., father
of the late President John F. Kennedy, living on the date hereof.
(b) On the Termination Date, after payment of all the
Asbestos PD Trust's liabilities has been provided for, all monies remaining in
the Asbestos PD Trust estate shall be given to organization(s) exempt from
federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which
tax-exempt organization(s) shall be selected by the Trustee using his or her
reasonable discretion; provided, however, that the tax-exempt organization(s)
shall not bear any relationship to Reorganized AWI within the meaning of section
468B(d)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding any contrary provision
of the Plan and related documents, this Section 5.2(b) cannot be modified or
amended.
(c) On the Termination Date, after satisfaction of all
Asbestos Property Damage Claims, any rights to any remaining Asbestos PD
Insurance Asset shall revert to Reorganized AWI.
5.3 AMENDMENTS. The Trustee, with the approval of the
Bankruptcy Court after notice to Reorganized AWI and the remaining holders of
Asbestos Property Damage Claims, may modify or amend this Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement and the Asbestos PD Trust Bylaws. Any modification or amendment made
pursuant to this Section 5.3 must be done in writing.
5.4 SEVERABILITY. Should any provision in this Asbestos PD
Trust Agreement be determined to be unenforceable, such determination shall in
no way limit or affect the enforceability and operative effect of any and all
other provisions of this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement.
5.5 NOTICES. Notices to entities asserting Asbestos
Property Damage Claims shall be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, at
the address or addresses for further information provided for such entity in the
proof of claim filed by such holder of an Asbestos Property Damage Claim, or
such corrected address as may be provided by such holder in writing to the
Trustee.
(a) Any notices or other communications required or
permitted hereunder to the following parties shall be in writing and delivered
at the addresses designated below, or sent by telex, telecopy or facsimile
pursuant to the instructions listed below, or mailed by registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows, or to
such other address or addresses as may hereafter be furnished in writing to each
of the other parties listed below in compliance with the terms hereof.
To the Asbestos PD Trust through the Trustee:
To Reorganized AWI:
Exhibit 1.21 - 10
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
Corporate Center
Post Office Box 3666
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604-3666
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopier:
Telephone Confirmation:
and
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
Attention: Stephen Karotkin, Esq.
Telecopier: (212) 310-8007
Telephone Confirmation: (212) 310-8888
(b) All such notices and communications if mailed shall be
effective when physically delivered at the designated addresses or, if
electronically transmitted, when the communication is received at the designated
addresses and confirmed by the recipient by return transmission.
5.6 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The provisions of this Asbestos
PD Trust Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of AWI, the
Asbestos PD Trust, the Trustee, and Reorganized AWI, and their respective
successors and assigns, except that neither AWI, the Asbestos PD Trust, the
Trustee nor Reorganized AWI may assign or otherwise transfer any of its, or
their, rights or obligations under this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement except, in
the case of the Asbestos PD Trust and the Trustee, as contemplated by Section
2.1 above.
5.7 LIMITATION ON CLAIM INTERESTS FOR SECURITIES LAWS
PURPOSES. Asbestos Property Damage Claims, and any interests therein, (a) shall
not be assigned, conveyed, hypothecated, pledged or otherwise transferred,
voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or indirectly, except by will or under
the laws of descent and distribution; (b) shall not be evidenced by a
certificate or other instrument; (c) shall not possess any voting rights with
respect to the Asbestos PD Trust; and (d) shall not be entitled to receive any
dividends or interest; provided, however, that clause (a) of this Section 5.7
shall not apply to the holder of a claim that is subrogated to an Asbestos
Property Damage Claim as a result of its satisfaction of such Asbestos Property
Damage Claim.
5.8 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO WAIVER. The entire agreement of
the parties relating to the subject matter of this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement
is contained herein and in the documents referred to herein, and this Asbestos
PD Trust Agreement and such documents supersede any prior oral or written
agreements concerning the subject matter hereof. No failure to exercise or delay
in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege hereunder preclude any further exercise thereof or of any other right,
power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and
are not exclusive of rights under law or in equity.
5.9 HEADINGS. The headings used in this Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a portion of
this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement, nor in any manner affect the construction of
the provisions of this Asbestos PD Trust Agreement.
5.10 GOVERNING LAW. This Asbestos PD Trust Agreement shall
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Delaware, without regard to Delaware conflict of law principles.
Exhibit 1.21 - 11
5.11 SETTLOR REPRESENTATIVE AND COOPERATION. AWI is hereby
irrevocably designated as the Settlor, and it is hereby authorized to take any
action required of the Settlor in connection with the Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement. AWI agrees to cooperate in implementing the goals and objectives of
this Asbestos PD Trust.
5.12 DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Any disputes that arise under this
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement or under the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution
Procedures shall be resolved by submission of the matter to an alternative
dispute resolution ("ADR") process mutually agreeable to the parties involved.
Should any party to the ADR process be dissatisfied with the outcome of such
process, that party may apply to the Bankruptcy Court for a judicial
determination of the matter. Should the dispute not be resolved by ADR process
within thirty (30) days after submission, the parties are relieved of the
requirement to pursue ADR prior to application to the Bankruptcy Court.
5.13 ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION. The provisions of this
Asbestos PD Trust Agreement and the Asbestos PD Claims Resolution Procedures
attached hereto shall be enforced by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Plan.
The parties hereby further acknowledge and agree that the Bankruptcy Court shall
have exclusive jurisdiction over the settlement of the accounts of the Trustee
and over any disputes hereunder not resolved by alternative dispute resolution
in accordance with Section 5.13 above.
5.14 EFFECTIVENESS. This Asbestos PD Trust Agreement shall
not become effective until it has been executed and delivered by all the parties
hereto.
5.15 COUNTERPART SIGNATURES. This Asbestos PD Trust
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
constitute an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one
and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Asbestos
PD Trust Agreement this _____ day of ________________________, _______.
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC., SETTLOR, BY
Name:
---------------------------------
Title:
--------------------------------
TRUSTEE
Name:
--------------------------------
Exhibit 1.21 - 12
IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
In re )
)
)
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, ) Chapter 11
INC., et al., ) Case No. 00-4471 (RJN)
) (Jointly Administered)
Debtors )
- ---------------------------------)
Exhibit 1.30
FORM OF ASBESTOS PI TRUST AGREEMENT
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT
This Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Personal
Injury Settlement Trust Agreement ("PI TRUST Agreement"), dated the date set
forth on the signature page hereof and effective as of the Effective Date, is
entered into by Armstrong World Industries, Inc. ("AWI," the "SETTLOR," or the
"DEBTOR"), the Debtor and debtor-in-possession in Case No. 00-4471 (RJN) in the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware as Settlor; the
Legal Representative for Asbestos-Related Future Claimants ("FUTURE CLAIMANTS'
REPRESENTATIVE"); the Official Committee of Asbestos Creditors ("ACC"); and the
Trustees ("TRUSTEES") and the members of the PI Trust Advisory Committee ("TAC")
identified on the signature page hereof and appointed at Confirmation pursuant
to Armstrong World Industries, Inc. First Amended Plan of Reorganization under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, dated March 14, 2003 ("PLAN"),
as such Plan may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time. All
capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective
meanings as set forth in the Plan, and such definitions are incorporated herein
by reference. All capitalized terms not defined herein or defined in the Plan,
but defined in the Bankruptcy Code or Rules, shall have the meanings ascribed to
them by the Bankruptcy Code and Rules, and such definitions are incorporated
herein by reference.
WHEREAS, at the time of the entry of the order for relief
in the Chapter 11 case, AWI was named as a defendant in actions involving
personal injury ("PI") or death claims caused by exposure to asbestos-containing
products for which AWI, its predecessors, successors and assigns have legal
liability ("ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS" as defined in the Plan); and
WHEREAS, AWI has reorganized under the provisions of
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in a case pending in the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, known as In re Armstrong World
Industries, Inc., Debtor, Case No. 00-4471 (RJN); and
WHEREAS, the Plan has been confirmed by the Bankruptcy
Court; and
WHEREAS, the Plan provides, inter alia, for the creation of
the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust
("PI TRUST"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan, the PI Trust is to use its
assets and income to satisfy all Asbestos Personal Injury Claims; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of AWI, the Trustees, the ACC,
the TAC, and the Future Claimants' Representative that the PI Trust be
administered, maintained, and operated at all times through mechanisms that
provide reasonable assurance that the PI Trust will satisfy all Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims pursuant to the AWI Corporation Asbestos Personal Injury
Trust Distribution Procedures ("TDP") that are attached hereto as Exhibit 1 in
substantially the same manner, and in strict compliance with the terms of this
PI Trust Agreement; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan, the PI Trust is intended to
qualify as a "qualified settlement fund" within the meaning of section 1.468B-1
et seq. of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under section 468B of the
Internal Revenue Code ("IRC"); and
WHEREAS, the Bankruptcy Court has determined that the PI
Trust and the Plan satisfy all the prerequisites for an injunction pursuant to
section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, and such injunction has been entered in
connection with the Confirmation Order;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
Exhibit 1.30 - 1
SECTION 1
AGREEMENT OF TRUST
1.1 CREATION AND NAME. AWI as Settlor hereby creates a
trust known as the "Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury
Settlement Trust," which is the PI Trust provided for and referred to in the
Plan. The Trustees of the PI Trust may transact the business and affairs of the
PI Trust in the name of the PI Trust.
1.2 PURPOSE. The purpose of the PI Trust is to assume the
liabilities of AWI, its predecessors and successors in interest, for all
Asbestos Personal Injury Claims (as defined in the Plan), and to use the PI
Trust's assets and income to pay the holders of all Asbestos Personal Injury
Claims in accordance with this PI Trust Agreement and the TDP in such a way that
such holders of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims are treated fairly, equitably
and reasonably in light of the limited assets available to satisfy such claims,
and to otherwise comply in all respects with the requirements of a trust set
forth in section 524(g)(2)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code.
1.3 TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Pursuant to the Plan, the PI Trust
Share (as defined in the Plan) has been transferred and assigned to the PI Trust
to settle and discharge all Asbestos Personal Injury Claims. Pursuant to the
Plan, AWI, its successors in interest thereto, from and after the Effective Date
("REORGANIZED AWI") and others may also transfer and assign additional assets to
the PI Trust from time to time (the "PI TRUST ASSETS"). In all events, the PI
Trust Assets will be transferred to the PI Trust free and clear of any liens or
other claims by AWI, Reorganized AWI, any creditor, or other entity. AWI,
Reorganized AWI, and any other transferors shall also execute and deliver such
documents to the PI Trust as the Trustees reasonably request to transfer and
assign the PI Trust Assets to the PI Trust.
1.4 ACCEPTANCE OF ASSETS AND ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES
(a) In furtherance of the purposes of the PI Trust, the
Trustees, on behalf of the PI Trust, hereby expressly accept the transfer and
assignment to the PI Trust of the PI Trust Assets in the time and manner
contemplated in the Plan.
(b) In furtherance of the purposes of the PI Trust, the
Trustees, on behalf of the PI Trust, expressly assume all liability for all
Asbestos Personal Injury Claims. Except as otherwise provided in this PI Trust
Agreement and the TDP, the PI Trust shall have all defenses, cross-claims,
offsets, and recoupments, as well as rights of indemnification, contribution,
subrogation, and similar rights, regarding such claims that AWI or Reorganized
AWI has or would have had under applicable law. Regardless of the foregoing,
however, a claimant must meet otherwise applicable federal, state and foreign
statutes of limitations and repose, except as otherwise provided in Section
5.1(a)(2) of the TDP.
(c) No provision herein or in the TDP shall be construed to
mandate distributions on any claims or other actions that would contravene the
PI Trust's compliance with the requirements of a qualified settlement fund
within the meaning of section 1.468B-1 et seq. of the Treasury Regulations
promulgated under section 468B of the IRC.
(d) AWI and Reorganized AWI shall be entitled to
indemnification from the PI Trust for any expenses, costs, and fees (including
attorneys' fees and costs, but excluding any such expenses, costs, and fees
incurred prior to the Effective Date), judgments, settlements, or other
liabilities arising from or incurred in connection with any action related to
Asbestos Personal Injury Claims, including, but not limited to, indemnification
or contribution for such claims prosecuted against Reorganized AWI.
(e) Nothing in this PI Trust Agreement shall be construed
in any way to limit the scope, enforceability, or effectiveness of the Section
524(g) injunction issued in connection with the Plan or the PI Trust's
assumption of all liability for Asbestos Personal Injury Claims, subject to the
provisions of Section 1.4(b) above.
Exhibit 1.30 - 2
SECTION 2
POWERS AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION
2.1 POWERS.
(a) The Trustees are and shall act as the fiduciaries to
the PI Trust in accordance with the provisions of this PI Trust Agreement and
the Plan. The Trustees shall, at all times, administer the PI Trust and the PI
Trust Assets in accordance with the purposes set forth in Section 1.2 above.
Subject to the limitations set forth in this PI Trust Agreement, the Trustees
shall have the power to take any and all actions that, in the judgment of the
Trustees, are necessary or proper to fulfill the purposes of the PI Trust,
including, without limitation, each power expressly granted in this Section 2.1,
any power reasonably incidental thereto, and any trust power now or hereafter
permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware.
(b) Except as required by applicable law or otherwise
specified herein, the Trustees need not obtain the order or approval of any
court in the exercise of any power or discretion conferred hereunder.
(c) Without limiting the generality of Section 2.1(a)
above, and except as limited below, the Trustees shall have the power to:
(i) receive and hold the PI Trust Assets, vote
the Reorganized AWI common stock, and exercise all rights with
respect to, and sell, any securities issued by Reorganized AWI that
are included in the PI Trust Assets, subject to any restrictions set
forth in the Restated Certificate of Reorganized AWI;
(ii) invest the monies held from time to time by
the PI Trust;
(iii) sell, transfer, or exchange any or all of
the PI Trust Assets at such prices and upon such terms as the
Trustees may consider proper, consistent with the other terms of this
PI Trust Agreement;
(iv) enter into leasing and financing agreements
with third parties to the extent such agreements are reasonably
necessary to permit the PI Trust to operate;
(v) pay liabilities and expenses of the PI Trust,
including, but not limited to, PI Trust expenses;
(vi) establish such funds, reserves and accounts
within the PI Trust estate, as deemed by the Trustees to be useful in
carrying out the purposes of the PI Trust;
(vii) sue and be sued and participate, as a party
or otherwise, in any judicial, administrative, arbitrative, or other
proceeding;
(viii) establish, supervise and administer the PI
Trust in accordance with the TDP and the terms thereof;
(ix) appoint such officers and hire such
employees and engage such legal, financial, accounting, investment,
auditing and forecasting, and other consultants and agents as the
business of the PI Trust requires, and delegate to such persons such
powers and authorities as the fiduciary duties of the Trustees permit
and as the Trustees, in their discretion, deem advisable or necessary
in order to carry out the terms of this PI Trust;
(x) pay employees, legal, financial, accounting,
investment, auditing, and forecasting, and other consultants,
advisors, and agents, including those engaged by the PI Trust in
connection with its alternative dispute resolution activities,
reasonable compensation;
(xi) compensate the Trustees, the TAC members,
and the Future Claimants' Representative as provided below, and their
employees, legal, financial, accounting, investment and other
advisors, consultants, independent contractors, and agents, and
reimburse the Trustees, the TAC members and the Future Claimants'
Exhibit 1.30 - 3
Representative all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses
incurred by such persons in connection with the performance of their
duties hereunder;
(xii) execute and deliver such instruments as
the Trustees consider proper in administering the PI Trust;
(xiii) enter into such other arrangements with
third parties as are deemed by the Trustees to be useful in carrying
out the purposes of the PI Trust, provided such arrangements do not
conflict with any other provision of this PI Trust Agreement;
(xiv) in accordance with Section 4.6 below,
defend, indemnify and hold harmless (and purchase insurance
indemnifying) (A) the Trustees and (B) the TAC, the Future Claimants'
Representative, the officers and employees of the PI Trust, and any
agents, advisors and consultants of the PI Trust, the TAC or the
Future Claimants' Representative (the "ADDITIONAL INDEMNITEES"), to
the fullest extent that a corporation or trust organized under the
law of the PI Trust's situs is from time to time entitled to
indemnify and/or insure its directors, trustees, officers, employees,
agents, advisors and representatives;
(xv) delegate any or all of the authority herein
conferred with respect to the investment of all or any portion of the
PI Trust Assets to any one or more reputable individuals or
recognized institutional investment advisors or investment managers
without liability for any action taken or omission made because of
any such delegation, except as provided in Section 4.4 below;
(xvi) consult with Reorganized AWI, the TAC and
the Future Claimants' Representative at such times and with respect
to such issues relating to the conduct of the PI Trust as the
Trustees consider desirable; and
(xvii) make, pursue (by litigation or otherwise),
collect, compromise or settle, in the name of the PI Trust or the
name of Reorganized AWI, any claim, right, action, or cause of action
included in the PI Trust Assets including, but not limited to,
insurance recoveries, before any court of competent jurisdiction;
provided that settlement of actions before the Bankruptcy Court
require the approval of the Bankruptcy Court after notice to
Reorganized AWI.
(d) The Trustees shall not have the power to guarantee any
debt of other persons.
(e) The Trustees shall give the TAC, the Future Claimants'
Representative and Reorganized AWI prompt notice of any act performed or taken
pursuant to Sections 2.1(c)(i), (iii), (vii), or (xv) above, and any act
proposed to be performed or taken pursuant to Section 2.2(f) below.
2.2 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION.
(a) The Trustees shall adopt and act in accordance with the
PI Trust Bylaws. To the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this PI Trust
Agreement, the PI Trust Bylaws shall govern the affairs of the PI Trust. In the
event of an inconsistency between the PI Trust Bylaws and this PI Trust
Agreement, the PI Trust Agreement shall govern.
(b) The Trustees shall (i) timely file such income tax and
other returns and statements and shall timely pay all taxes required to be paid,
(ii) comply with all withholding obligations, as required under the applicable
provisions of the IRC and of any state law and the regulations promulgated
thereunder, (iii) meet without limitation all requirements necessary to qualify
and maintain qualification of the PI Trust as a qualified settlement fund within
the meaning of section 1.468B-1 et seq. of the Treasury Regulations promulgated
under section 468B of the IRC, and (iv) take no action that could cause the PI
Trust to fail to qualify as a qualified settlement fund within the meaning of
section 1.468B-1 et seq. of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under section
468B of the IRC.
(c) The Trustees shall timely account to the Bankruptcy
Court as follows:
Exhibit 1.30 - 4
(i) The Trustees shall cause to be prepared and
filed with the Bankruptcy Court, as soon as available, and in any
event within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the end of
each fiscal year, an annual report containing financial statements of
the PI Trust (including, without limitation, a balance sheet of the
PI Trust as of the end of such fiscal year and a statement of
operations for such fiscal year) audited by a firm of independent
certified public accountants selected by the Trustees and accompanied
by an opinion of such firm as to the fairness of the financial
statements' presentation of the cash and investments available for
the payment of claims and as to the conformity of the financial
statements with generally accepted accounting principles. The
Trustees shall provide a copy of such report to the TAC, the Future
Claimants' Representative, and Reorganized AWI when such reports are
filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
(ii) Simultaneously with delivery of each set of
financial statements referred to in Article 2.2(c)(i) above, the
Trustees shall cause to be prepared and filed with the Bankruptcy
Court a report containing a summary regarding the number and type of
claims disposed of during the period covered by the financial
statements. The Trustees shall provide a copy of such report to the
TAC, the Future Claimants' Representatives, and Reorganized AWI when
such report is filed.
(iii) All materials required to be filed with the
Bankruptcy Court by this Section 2.2(c) shall be available for
inspection by the public in accordance with procedures established by
the Bankruptcy Court and shall be filed with the Office of the United
States Trustee for the District of Delaware.
(d) The Trustees shall cause to be prepared as soon as
practicable prior to the commencement of each fiscal year a budget and cash flow
projections covering such fiscal year and the succeeding four fiscal years. The
budget and cash flow projections shall include determining the Maximum Annual
Payment pursuant to Section 2.4 of the TDP, and the Asbestos Personal Injury
Claims Payment Ratio pursuant to Section 2.5 of the TDP. The Trustees shall
provide a copy of the budget and cash flow projections to the TAC and the Future
Claimants' Representative.
(e) The Trustees shall consult with the TAC and the Future
Claimants' Representative (i) on the general implementation and administration
of the PI Trust; (ii) on the general implementation and administration of the
TDP; and (iii) on such other matters as may be required under this PI Trust
Agreement and the TDP.
(f) The Trustees shall be required to obtain the consent of
the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative pursuant to the Consent Process
set forth in Section 5.7(b) and 6.6(b) below, in addition to any other instances
elsewhere enumerated, in order:
(i) to change the Claims Payment Ratio described in
Section 2.5 of the TDP in the event that the
requirements for such a change as set forth in
said provision have been met;
(ii) to change the Scheduled Diseases, Disease
Levels and/or Medical/Exposure Criteria set
forth in Section 5.3(a)(3) of the TDP, and/or
the Maximum Values set forth in Section
5.3(b)(4) and Section 5.4(a) of the TDP;
(iii) to change the Payment Percentage described in
Section 2.3 of the TDP as provided in Section
4.2 of the TDP;
(iv) to establish and/or to change the Claims
Materials to be provided holders of Asbestos
Personal Injury Claims under Section 6.1 of the
TDP;
(v) to require that claimants provide additional
kinds of medical and/or exposure evidence
pursuant to Section 7.1 of the TDP;
Exhibit 1.30 - 5
(vi) to change the form of release to be provided
pursuant to Section 7.8 of the TDP;
(vii) to terminate the PI Trust pursuant to Section
7.2 below;
(viii) to settle the liability of any insurer under
any insurance policy or legal action related
thereto;
(ix) to change the compensation of the members of
the TAC, the Future Claimants' Representative
or Trustees, other than to reflect
cost-of-living increases or changes approved by
the Bankruptcy Court as otherwise provided
herein;
(x) to take structural or other actions to minimize
any tax on the PI Trust Assets; or
(xi) to amend the PI Trust Bylaws in accordance with
the terms thereof;
(xii) to amend any provision of this PI Trust
Agreement or the TDP in accordance with the
terms thereof;
(xiii) to appoint members of the Board of Directors of
the Reorganized Debtor; or
(xiv) to merge any asbestos claims resolution
organization formed by the PI Trust with
another asbestos claims resolution organization
that is not specifically created by this PI
Trust Agreement or the TDP, or to contract with
another asbestos claims resolution organization
or other entity that is not specifically
created by this PI Trust Agreement or the TDP,
or permit any other party to join in any
asbestos claims resolution organization that is
formed by the PI Trust pursuant to the PI Trust
Agreement or the TDP; provided that such
merger, contract or joinder shall not (a)
subject Reorganized AWI or any successors in
interest thereto, to any risk of having any PI
Trust Claim asserted against it or them, or (b)
otherwise jeopardize the validity or
enforceability of the section 524(g)
injunction; and provided further that the terms
of such merger will require the surviving
organization to make decisions about the
allowability and value of claims in accordance
with Section 2.1 of the TDP which requires that
such decisions be based on the provisions of
the TDP.
(g) The Trustees shall meet with the TAC and the Future
Claimants' Representative no less often than quarterly. The Trustees shall meet
in the interim with the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative when so
requested by either.
(h) The Trustees, upon notice from either the TAC or the
Future Claimants' Representative, if practicable in view of pending business,
shall at their next meeting with the TAC or the Future Claimants' Representative
consider issues submitted by the TAC or the Future Claimants' Representative.
(i) Periodically, but not less often than once a year, the
Trustees shall make available to claimants and other interested parties the
number of claims by disease levels that have been resolved both by individual
review and by arbitration, as well as by trial, indicating the amounts of the
awards and the averages of the awards by jurisdiction pursuant to Section 7.10
of the TDP.
Exhibit 1.30 - 6
2.3 CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION.
The Trustees shall promptly proceed to implement the TDP.
SECTION 3
ACCOUNTS, INVESTMENTS, AND PAYMENTS
3.1 ACCOUNTS. The Trustees may, from time to time, create
such accounts and reserves within the PI Trust estate as they may deem
necessary, prudent, or useful in order to provide for the payment of expenses
and payment of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims and may, with respect to any such
account or reserve, restrict the use of monies therein.
3.2 INVESTMENTS. Investment of monies held in the PI Trust
shall be administered in the manner in which individuals of ordinary prudence,
discretion, and judgment would act in the management of their own affairs,
subject to the following limitations and provisions:
(a) The PI Trust shall not acquire, directly or indirectly,
equity in any entity (other than Reorganized AWI or any successor to Reorganized
AWI) or business enterprise if, immediately following such acquisition, the PI
Trust would hold more than 5% of the equity in such entity or business
enterprise. The PI Trust shall not hold, directly or indirectly, more than 10%
of the equity in any entity (other than Reorganized AWI or any successor to
Reorganized AWI) or business enterprise.
(b) The PI Trust shall not acquire or hold any long-term
debt securities unless (i) such securities are PI Trust Assets under the Plan,
(ii) such securities are rated "Baa" or higher by Moody's, "BBB" or higher by
Standard & Poor's ("S&P'S"), or have been given an equivalent investment grade
rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating agency, or (iii) have
been issued or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United
States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
(c) The PI Trust shall not acquire or hold for longer than
ninety (90) days any commercial paper unless such commercial paper is rated
"Prime-1" or higher by Moody's or "A-1" or higher by S&P's or has been given an
equivalent rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating agency.
(d) Excluding any securities by the Debtor or Reorganized
AWI, the PI Trust shall not acquire or hold any common or preferred stock or
convertible securities unless such stock or securities are rated "A" or high by
Moody's or "A" or higher by S&P's or have been given an equivalent investment
grade rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating agency.
(e) The PI Trust shall not acquire any debt securities or
other instruments issued by any entity (other than debt securities or other
instruments issued or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the
United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof) if, following
such acquisition, the aggregate market value of all debt securities and
instruments issued by such entity held by the PI Trust would exceed 2% of the
aggregate value of the PI Trust estate. The PI Trust shall not hold any debt
securities or other instruments issued by any entity (other than debt securities
or other instruments issued or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by
the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof and other
than debt securities or other instruments of Reorganized AWI or any successor to
Reorganized AWI) to the extent that the aggregate market value of all securities
and instruments issued by such entity held by the PI Trust would exceed 5% of
the aggregate value of the PI Trust Assets.
(f) The PI Trust shall not acquire or hold any certificates
of deposit unless all publicly held, long-term debt securities, if any, of the
financial institution issuing the certificate of deposit and the holding
company, if any, of which such financial institution is a subsidiary, meet the
standards set forth in Section 3.2(b) above.
Exhibit 1.30 - 7
(g) The PI Trust may acquire and hold any securities or
instruments issued y Reorganized AWI or any successor to Reorganized AWI, or
obtained as proceeds of litigation or otherwise to resolve disputes, without
regard to the limitations set forth in Subsections (a)-(f) above.
(h) The PI Trust shall not acquire or hold any repurchase
obligations unless, in the opinion of the Trustees, they are adequately
collateralized. (i) The PI Trust shall not acquire or hold any options.
3.3 SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. All PI Trust expenses and payments
and all liabilities with respect to claims shall be payable solely by the
Trustees out of the PI Trust Assets. Neither AWI, Reorganized AWI, their
subsidiaries, any successor in interest, the present or former directors,
officers, employees or agents of AWI, Reorganized AWI, nor the Trustees, the TAC
or Future Claimants' Representative, or any of their officers, agents, advisors,
or employees shall be liable for the payment of any PI Trust expense or any
other liability of the PI Trust.
SECTION 4
TRUSTEES
4.1 NUMBER. There shall be five (5) Trustees. The initial
Trustees shall be those persons named on the signature page hereof.
4.2 TERM OF SERVICE.
(a) The five initial Trustees named pursuant to Article 4.1
above shall each serve an initial two (2) year term. At the expiration of these
initial two (2) year terms, the number of Trustees shall be reduced from five
(5) to three (3). At that time, the five initial Trustees, after consultation
with the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative, shall decide which three
individuals among their number shall continue to serve, and the three (3)
Trustees so selected shall then serve staggered terms of three (3), four (4) and
five (5) years each. Thereafter, each Trustee's term of service shall be five
(5) years. The initial Trustees shall serve from the Effective Date until the
earlier of (i) the end of his or her term, (ii) his or her death, (iii) his or
her resignation pursuant to Section 4.2(b) below, (iv) his or her removal
pursuant to Section 4.2(c) below, or (v) the termination of the PI Trust
pursuant to Section 7.2 below.
(b) A PI Trustee may resign at any time by written notice
to the remaining Trustees, the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative.
Such notice shall specify a date when such resignation shall take place, which
shall not be less than 90 days after the date such notice is given, where
practicable.
(c) A Trustee may be removed by unanimous vote of the
remaining Trustees in the event that he or she becomes unable to discharge his
or her duties hereunder due to accident or physical or mental deterioration, or
for other good cause. Good cause shall be deemed to include, without limitation,
any substantial failure to comply with the general administration provisions of
Section 2.2 above, a consistent pattern of neglect and failure to perform or
participate in performing the duties of the Trustees hereunder, or repeated
non-attendance at scheduled meetings. Such removal shall require the approval of
the Bankruptcy Court and shall take effect at such time as the Bankruptcy Court
shall determine.
4.3 APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES.
(a) In the event of a vacancy in the position of PI
Trustee, whether by term expiration, resignation or removal, the remaining
Trustees shall consult with the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative
concerning appointment of a successor PI Trustee. The vacancy shall be filled by
the unanimous vote of the remaining Trustees unless a majority of the TAC or the
Future Claimants' Representative vetoes the appointment. In the event that the
remaining Trustees cannot agree on a Successor PI Trustee, or a majority of the
TAC or the Future Claimants' Representative vetoes the appointment of a
successor PI Trustee, the Bankruptcy Court shall make the appointment. Nothing
shall prevent the reappointment of a PI Trustee for an additional term or terms.
Exhibit 1.30 - 8
(b) Immediately upon the appointment of any Successor PI
Trustee, all rights, titles, duties, powers and authority of the predecessor PI
Trustee hereunder shall be vested in, and undertaken by, the Successor PI
Trustee without any further act. No Successor PI Trustee shall be liable
personally for any act or omission of his or her predecessor Trustees.
(c) Each Successor PI Trustee shall serve until the earlier
of (i) the end of a full term of five (5) years if the predecessor PI Trustee
completed his or her term, (ii) the end of the remainder of the term of the PI
Trustee whom he or she is replacing if said predecessor PI Trustee did not
complete said term, (iii) his or her death, (iv) his or her resignation pursuant
to Section 4.2(b) above, (v) his or her removal pursuant to Section 4.2(c)
above, or (vi) the termination of the PI Trust pursuant to Section 7.2 below.
4.4 LIABILITY OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. The
Trustees and the individuals identified as Additional Indemnitees in Section
2.1(c)(xiv) above shall not be liable to the PI Trust, to any individual holding
an asbestos claim, or to any other person, except for such individual's own
breach of trust committed in bad faith or willful misappropriation. In addition,
the Trustees and the Additional Indemnitees shall not be liable for any act or
omission of any other Trustee or Additional Indemnitee unless such person acted
with bad faith in the selection or retention of such other Trustee or Additional
Indemnitee.
4.5 COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF TRUSTEES.
(a) The Trustees shall receive compensation from the PI
Trust for their services as Trustees in the amount of $_____________ per annum,
plus a per diem allowance for meetings or other PI Trust business performed in
the amount of $__________. For purposes of the per diem allowance, PI Trust
business includes, but is not limited to, attendance at meetings of Reorganized
AWI's Board of Directors. For purposes of section 7.4 below, the Trustees shall
determine the scope and duration of activities that constitute a meeting and, if
the Trustees elect to provide for payment for activities of less than a full
day's duration, may provide for partial payment of per diem amounts on a
proportional basis for activities of less than a full day's duration. The per
annum and per diem compensation payable to the Trustees hereunder shall be
reviewed every three (3) years and appropriately adjusted for changes in the
cost of living. Any other changes in compensation of the Trustees shall be made
subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
(b) The PI Trust will promptly reimburse the Trustees for
all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Trustees in
connection with the performance of their duties hereunder.
(c) The PI Trust shall include a description of the amounts
paid under this Section 4.5 in the accounts to be filed with the Bankruptcy
Court and provided to the TAC, the Future Claimants' Representative, and
Reorganized AWI pursuant to Section 2.2(c)(i).
4.6 INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEES AND ADDITIONAL INDEMNITEES.
(a) The PI Trust shall indemnify and defend the Trustees,
as well as the Additional Indemnitees in the performance of their duties
hereunder to the fullest extent that a corporation or trust organized under the
laws of the PI Trust's situs is from time to time entitled to indemnify and
defend such persons against any and all liabilities, expenses, claims, damages
or losses incurred by them in the performance of their duties. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Trustees and the Additional Indemnitees shall not be
indemnified or defended in any way for any liability, expense, claim, damage, or
loss for which he or she is ultimately liable under Section 4.4 above.
(b) Reasonable expenses, costs and fees (including
attorneys' fees and costs) incurred by or on behalf of a PI Trustee or
Additional Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding,
whether civil, administrative or arbitrative from which they are indemnified by
the PI Trust pursuant to Section 4.6(a) above, shall be paid by the PI Trust in
advance of the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking, by or
on behalf of the Trustees or Additional Indemnitee, to repay such amount in the
Exhibit 1.30 - 9
event that it shall be determined ultimately by final order that such PI Trustee
or Additional Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the PI Trust.
(c) The Trustees may purchase and maintain reasonable
amounts and types of insurance on behalf of an individual who is or was a PI
Trustee or Additional Indemnitee including against liability asserted against or
incurred by such individual in that capacity or arising from his or her status
as a PI Trustee, TAC member, Future Claimants' Representative, officer,
employee, agent or other representative.
4.7 TRUSTEES' LIEN. The Trustees and the Additional
Indemnitees shall have a first priority lien upon the PI Trust Assets to secure
the payment of any amounts payable to them pursuant to Section 4.6 above.
4.8 TRUSTEES' EMPLOYMENT OF EXPERTS. The Trustees may, but
shall not be required to, retain and/or consult with counsel, accountants,
appraisers, auditors and forecasters, and other parties deemed by the Trustees
to be qualified as experts on the matters submitted to them, and the written
opinion of or information provided by any such parties on any matters submitted
to them by the Trustees shall be full and complete authorization and protection
in respect of any action taken or not taken by the Trustees hereunder in good
faith and in accordance with the written opinion of or information provided by
any such party.
4.9 TRUSTEES' INDEPENDENCE. The Trustees shall not, during
the term of their service, hold a financial interest in, act as attorney or
agent for, or serve as any other professional for Reorganized AWI.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any PI Trustee may serve, without any additional
compensation other than the per diem compensation to be paid by the PI Trust
pursuant to Section 4.5(a) above, as a director of Reorganized AWI. No PI
Trustee shall act as an attorney for any person who holds an asbestos claim.
4.10 BOND. The Trustees shall not be required to post any
bond or other form of surety or security unless otherwise ordered by the
Bankruptcy Court.
SECTION 5
TRUST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
5.1 MEMBERS. The TAC shall consist of five (5) members, who
shall initially be the persons named on the signature page hereof.
5.2 DUTIES. The members of the TAC shall serve in a
fiduciary capacity representing all holders of present Asbestos Personal Injury
Claims. The Trustees must consult with the TAC on matters identified in Section
2.2(e) above and in other provisions herein, and must obtain the consent of the
TAC on matters identified in Section 2.2(f) above. Where provided in the TDP,
certain other actions by the Trustees are also subject to the consent of the
TAC.
5.3 TERM OF OFFICE.
(a) Each member of the TAC shall serve until the earlier of
(i) his or her death, (ii) his or her resignation pursuant to Section 5.3(b)
below, (iii) his or her removal pursuant to Section 5.3(c) below, or (iv) the
termination of the PI Trust pursuant to Section 7.2 below.
(b) A member of the TAC may resign at any time by written
notice to the other members of the TAC, the Trustees and the Future Claimants'
Representative. Such notice shall specify a date when such resignation shall
take effect, which shall not be less than ninety (90) days after the date such
notice is given, where practicable.
(c) A member of the TAC may be removed in the event that he
or she becomes unable to discharge his or her duties hereunder due to accident,
physical deterioration, mental incompetence, or a consistent pattern of neglect
and failure to perform or to participate in performing the duties of such member
hereunder, such as repeated non-attendance at scheduled meetings, or for other
Exhibit 1.30 - 10
good cause. Such removal shall be made at the recommendation of the remaining
members of the TAC with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
5.4 APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
(a) In the event of a vacancy caused by the resignation of
a TAC member, his or her successor shall be selected by the TAC member who is
resigning, unless the remaining members unanimously veto the selection, in which
case, the successor shall be selected by a unanimous vote of the remaining
members. If the remaining members cannot unanimously agree, the Bankruptcy Court
shall appoint the successor. In the event of a vacancy caused by removal or
death of a TAC member, or in the event that a resigning or retiring member does
not name his or her successor, the remaining members of the TAC by unanimous
vote shall name the successor. If the remaining members of the TAC cannot reach
unanimous agreement, the Bankruptcy Court shall appoint the successor.
(b) Each successor TAC member shall serve until the earlier
of (i) his or her death, (ii) his or her resignation pursuant to Section 5.3(b)
above, (iii) his or her removal pursuant to Section 5.3(c) above, or (iv) the
termination of the PI Trust pursuant to Section 7.2 below.
5.5 TAC'S EMPLOYMENT OF PROFESSIONALS.
(a) The TAC may but is not required to retain and/or
consult counsel, accountants, appraisers, auditors, forecasters, experts, and
financial and investment advisors, and such other parties deemed by the TAC to
be qualified as experts on matters submitted to the TAC (the "PROFESSIONALS").
The TAC and its Professionals shall at all times have complete access to the PI
Trust's officers, employees and agents, as well as to the Professionals retained
by the PI Trust, and shall also have complete access to all information
generated by them or otherwise available to the PI Trust or the Trustees. In the
absence of gross negligence, the written opinion of or information provided by
any Professional deemed by the TAC to be qualified as an expert on the
particular matter submitted to the TAC shall be full and complete authorization
and protection in support of any action taken or not taken by the TAC in good
faith and in accordance with the written opinion of or information provided by
the Professional.
(b) The Trust shall promptly reimburse, or pay directly if
so instructed, the TAC for all reasonable fees and costs associated with the
TAC's employment of legal counsel pursuant to this provision in connection with
the TAC's performance of its duties hereunder. The Trust shall also promptly
reimburse, or pay directly if so instructed, the TAC for all reasonable fees and
costs associated with the TAC's employment of any other Professional pursuant to
this provision in connection with the TAC's performance of its duties hereunder;
provided, however, that (i) the TAC has first submitted to the Trust a written
request for such reimbursement setting forth the reasons (A) why the TAC desires
to employ such Professional, and (B) why the TAC cannot rely on Professionals
retained by the Trust to meet the need of the TAC for such expertise or advice,
and (ii) the Trust has approved the TAC's request for reimbursement in writing.
If the Trust agrees to pay for the TAC Professional, such reimbursement shall be
treated as a Trust expense. If the Trust declines to pay for the TAC
Professional, it must set forth its reasons in writing. If the TAC still desires
to employ such Professional at Trust expense, the TAC and/or the Trustees shall
resolve their dispute pursuant to Section 7.13 below.
Exhibit 1.30 - 11
5.6 COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF TAC. The members of the
TAC shall receive compensation from the PI Trust for their services as TAC
members in the form of a reasonable hourly rate set by the Trustees for
attendance at meetings or other conduct of PI Trust business. The members of the
TAC shall also be reimbursed promptly for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties hereunder.
Such reimbursement or direct payment shall be deemed a PI Trust expense. The PI
Trust shall include a description of the amounts paid under this Section 5.6 in
the accounts to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and provided to the Trustees,
the Future Claimants' Representative, and Reorganized AWI pursuant to Section
2.2(c)(i).
5.7 PROCEDURES FOR CONSULTATION WITH AND OBTAINING THE
CONSENT OF THE TAC.
(A) CONSULTATION PROCESS.
(i) In the event the Trustees are required to
consult with the TAC pursuant to Section 2.2(e)
above or on other matters as provided herein,
the Trustees shall provide the TAC with written
advance notice of the matter under
consideration, and with all relevant
information concerning the matter as is
reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
The Trustees shall also provide the TAC with
such reasonable access to Professionals and
other experts retained by the PI Trust and its
staff (if any) as the TAC may reasonably
request during the time that the Trustees are
considering such matter, and shall also provide
the TAC the opportunity, at reasonable times
and for reasonable periods of time, to discuss
and comment on such matter with the Trustees.
(ii) The Trustees shall take into consideration the
time required for the TAC, if its members so
wish, to engage and consult with its own
independent financial or investment advisors as
to such matter.
(B) CONSENT PROCESS.
(i) In the event the Trustees are required to
obtain the consent of the TAC pursuant to
Section 2.2(f) above, the Trustees shall
provide the TAC with a written notice stating
that their consent is being sought pursuant to
that provision, describing in detail the nature
and scope of the action the Trustees propose to
take, and explaining in detail the reasons why
the Trustees desire to take such action. The
Trustees shall provide the TAC as much relevant
additional information concerning the proposed
action as is reasonably practicable under the
circumstances. The Trustees shall also provide
the TAC with such reasonable access to
Professionals and other experts retained by the
PI Trust and its staff (if any) as the TAC may
reasonably request during the time that the
Trustees are considering such action, and shall
also provide the TAC the opportunity, at
reasonable times and for reasonable periods of
time, to discuss and comment on such action
with the Trustees.
(ii) The TAC must consider in good faith and in a
timely fashion any request for its consent by
the Trustees, and must in any event advise the
Trustees in writing of its consent or its
objection to the proposed action within 30 days
of receiving the original request for consent
from the Trustees. The TAC may not withhold its
consent unreasonably. If the TAC decides to
withhold its consent, it must explain in detail
its objections to the proposed action. If the
TAC does not advise the Trustees in writing of
Exhibit 1.30 - 12
its consent or its objections to the action
within 30 days of receiving notice regarding
such request, the TAC's consent to the proposed
actions shall be deemed to have been
affirmatively granted.
(iii) If, after following the procedures specified in
this Section 5.7(b), the TAC continues to
object to the proposed action and to withhold
its consent to the proposed action, the
Trustees and/or the TAC shall resolve their
dispute pursuant to Section 7.13. However, the
burden of proof with respect to the validity of
the TAC's objection and withholding of its
consent shall be on the TAC.
SECTION 6
THE FUTURE CLAIMANTS' REPRESENTATIVE
6.1 DUTIES. The initial Future Claimants' Representative
shall be the individual identified on the signature pages hereto, namely Dean M.
Trafalet, Esquire. He shall serve in a fiduciary capacity, representing the
interests of the holders of future Asbestos Personal Injury Claims for the
purpose of protecting the rights of such persons. The Trustees must consult with
the Future Claimants' Representative on matters identified in Section 2.2(e)
above and on certain other matters provided herein, and must obtain the consent
of the Future Claimants' Representative on matters identified in Section 2.2(f)
above. Where provided in the TDP, certain other actions by the Trustees are also
subject to the consent of the Future Claimants' Representative.
6.2 TERM OF OFFICE.
(a) The Future Claimants' Representative shall serve until
the earlier of (i) his or her death, (ii) his or her resignation pursuant to
Section 6.2(b) below, (iii) his or her removal pursuant to Section 6.2(c) below,
or (iv) the termination of the PI Trust pursuant to Section 7.2 below.
(b) The Future Claimants' Representative may resign at any
time by written notice to the Trustees. Such notice shall specify a date when
such resignation shall take effect, which shall not be less than ninety (90)
days after the date such notice is given, where practicable.
(c) The Future Claimants' Representative may be removed by
the Bankruptcy Court in the event he or she becomes unable to discharge his or
her duties hereunder due to accident, physical deterioration, mental
incompetence, or a consistent pattern of neglect and failure to perform or to
participate in performing the duties hereunder, such as repeated non-attendance
at scheduled meetings, or for other good cause.
6.3 APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR. A vacancy caused by
resignation shall be filled with an individual nominated prior to the effective
date of the resignation by the resigning Future Claimants' Representative, and a
vacancy caused by death or removal of the Future Claimants' Representative shall
be filled with an individual nominated by the Trustees, the TAC or both. In any
case, the nominee shall be subject to the approval of the Court.
6.4 FUTURE CLAIMANTS' REPRESENTATIVE'S EMPLOYMENT OF
PROFESSIONALS.
(a) The Future Claimants' Representative may but is not
required to retain and/or consult counsel, accountants, appraisers, auditors,
forecasters, experts, and financial and investment advisors, and such other
parties deemed by the Future Claimants' Representative to be qualified as
experts on matters submitted to the Future Claimants' Representative (the
"PROFESSIONALS"). The Future Claimants' Representative and his or her experts
shall at all times have complete access to the PI Trust's officers, employees
and agents, as well as to the Professionals retained by the PI Trust, and shall
also have complete access to all information generated by them or otherwise
available to the PI Trust or the Trustees. In the absence of gross negligence,
the written opinion of or information provided by any Professional deemed by the
Future Claimants' Representative to be qualified as an expert on the particular
matter submitted to the Future Claimants' Representative shall be full and
Exhibit 1.30 - 13
complete authorization and protection in support of any action taken or not
taken by the Future Claimants' Representative in good faith and in accordance
with the written opinion of or information provided by the Professional.
(b) The Trust shall promptly reimburse, or pay directly if
so instructed, the Future Claimants' Representative for all reasonable fees and
costs associated with the Future Claimants' Representative's employment of legal
counsel pursuant to this provision in connection with the Future Claimants'
Representative's performance of his or her duties hereunder. The Trust shall
also promptly reimburse, or pay directly if so instructed, the Future Claimants'
Representative for all reasonable fees and costs associated with the Future
Claimants' Representative's employment of any other Professionals pursuant to
this provision in connection with the Future Claimants' Representative's
performance of his or her duties hereunder; provided, however, that (i) the
Future Claimants' Representative has first submitted to the Trust a written
request for such reimbursement setting forth the reasons (A) why the Future
Claimants' Representative desires to employ the Professional, and (B) why the
Future Claimants' Representative cannot rely on Professionals retained by the
Trust to meet the need of the Future Claimants' Representative for such
expertise or advice, and (ii) the Trust has approved the Future Claimants'
Representative's request for reimbursement in writing. If the Trust agrees to
pay for the Future Claimants' Representative's Professional, such reimbursement
shall be treated as a Trust Expense. If the Trust declines to pay for the Future
Claimants' Representative's Professional, it must set forth its reasons in
writing. If the Future Claimants' Representative still desires to employ the
Professional at Trust expense, the Future Claimants' Representative and/or the
Trustees shall resolve their dispute pursuant to Section 7.13 below.
6.5 COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF THE FUTURE CLAIMANTS'
REPRESENTATIVE. The Future Claimants' Representative shall receive compensation
from the PI Trust in the form of the Future Claimants' Representative's normal
hourly rate for services performed. The PI Trust will promptly reimburse the
Future Claimants' Representative for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses incurred by the Future Claimants' Representative in connection with the
performance of his or her duties hereunder. Such reimbursement or direct payment
shall be deemed a PI Trust expense. The PI Trust shall include a description of
the amounts paid under this Section 6.5 in the accounts to be filed with the
Bankruptcy Court and provided to the Trustees, the Future Claimants'
Representative, and Reorganized AWI pursuant to Section 2.2(c)(i).
6.6 PROCEDURES FOR CONSULTATION WITH AND OBTAINING THE
CONSENT OF THE FUTURE CLAIMANTS REPRESENTATIVE.
(a) CONSULTATION PROCESS.
(i) In the event the Trustees are required to
consult with the Future Claimants'
Representative pursuant to Section 2.2(e) above
or on any other matters specified herein, the
Trustees shall provide the Future Claimants'
Representative with written advance notice of
the matter under consideration, and with all
relevant information concerning the matter as
is reasonably practicable under the
circumstances. The Trustees shall also provide
the Future Claimants' Representative with such
reasonable access to Professionals and other
experts retained by the PI Trust and its staff
(if any) as the Future Claimants'
Representative may reasonably request during
the time that the Trustees are considering such
matter, and shall also provide the Future
Claimants' Representative the opportunity, at
reasonable times and for reasonable periods of
time, to discuss and comment on such matter
with the Trustees.
(ii) The Trustees shall take into consideration the
time required for the Future Claimants'
Representative, if he or she so wishes, to
Exhibit 1.30 - 14
engage and consult with his or her own
independent financial or investment advisors as
to such matter.
(b) CONSENT PROCESS.
(i) In the event the Trustees are required to
obtain the consent of the Future Claimants'
Representative pursuant to Section 2.2(f)
above, the Trustees shall provide the Future
Claimants' Representative with a written notice
stating that his or her consent is being sought
pursuant to that provision, describing in
detail the nature and scope of the action the
Trustees propose to take, and explaining in
detail the reasons why the Trustees desire to
take such action. The Trustees shall provide
the Future Claimants' Representative as much
relevant additional information concerning the
proposed action as is reasonably practicable
under the circumstances. The Trustees shall
also provide the Future Claimants'
Representative with such reasonable access to
Professional and other experts retained by the
PI Trust and its staff (if any) as the Future
Claimants' Representative may reasonably
request during the time that the Trustees are
considering such action, and shall also provide
the Future Claimants' Representative the
opportunity, at reasonable times and for
reasonable periods of time, to discuss and
comment on such action with the Trustees.
(ii) The Future Claimants' Representative must
consider in good faith and in a timely fashion
any request for his or her consent by the
Trustees, and must in any event advise the
Trustees in writing of his or her consent or
objection to the proposed action within 30 days
of receiving the original request for consent
from the Trustees. The Future Claimants'
Representative may not withhold his or her
consent unreasonably. If the Future Claimants'
Representative decides to withhold consent, he
or she must explain in detail his or her
objections to the proposed action. If the
Future Claimants' Representative does not
advise the Trustees in writing of his or her
consent or objections to the proposed action
within 30 days of receiving the notice from the
Trustees regarding such consent, the Future
Claimants' Representative's consent shall be
deemed to have been affirmatively granted.
(iii) If, after following the procedures specified in
this Section 5.7(b), the Future Claimants'
Representative continues to object to the
proposed action and to withhold its consent to
the proposed action, the Trustees and/or the
Future Claimants' Representative shall resolve
their dispute pursuant to Section 7.13.
However, the burden of proof with respect to
the validity of the Future Claimants'
Representative's objection and withholding of
his or her consent shall be on the Future
Claimants' Representative.
Exhibit 1.30 - 15
SECTION 7
GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 IRREVOCABILITY. The PI Trust is irrevocable.
7.2 TERMINATION.
(a) The PI Trust shall automatically terminate on the date
ninety (90) days after the first to occur of the following events:
(i) the Trustees decide to terminate the PI Trust
because (A) they deem it unlikely that new
asbestos claims will be filed against the PI
Trust, (B) all Asbestos Personal Injury Claims
duly filed with the PI Trust have been
liquidated and paid to the extent provided in
this PI Trust Agreement and the TDP or
disallowed by a final, non-appealable order, to
the extent possible based upon the funds
available through the Plan, and (C) twelve (12)
consecutive months have elapsed during which no
new asbestos claim has been filed with the PI
Trust; or
(ii) if the Trustees have procured and have in place
irrevocable insurance policies and have
established claims handling agreements and
other necessary arrangements with suitable
third parties adequate to discharge all
expected remaining obligations and expenses of
the PI Trust in a manner consistent with this
PI Trust Agreement and the TDP, the date on
which the Bankruptcy Court enters an order
approving such insurance and other arrangements
and such order becomes a final order; or
(iii) to the extent that any rule against
perpetuities shall be deemed applicable to the
PI Trust, twenty-one (21) years less ninety-one
(91) days pass after the death of the last
survivor of all of the descendants of the late
Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., father of the late
President John F. Kennedy, living on the date
hereof.
(b) On the Termination Date, after payment of all the PI
Trust's liabilities have been provided for, all monies remaining in the PI Trust
estate shall be given to such organization(s) exempt from federal income tax
under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which tax-exempt
organization(s) shall be selected by the Trustees using their reasonable
discretion; provided, however, that (i) if practicable, the activities of the
selected tax-exempt organization(s) shall be related to the treatment of,
research on, or the relief of suffering of individuals suffering from asbestos
related lung disorders, and (ii) the tax-exempt organization(s) shall not bear
any relationship to Reorganized AWI within the meaning of section 468B(d)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan
and related documents, this Section 7.2(b) cannot be modified or amended.
7.3 AMENDMENTS. The Trustees, after consultation with the
TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative, and subject to the unanimous
consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative, may modify or amend
this PI Trust Agreement and the PI Trust By-laws. The Trustees, after
consultation with the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative, and subject
to the consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative, may modify
or amend the TDP; provided, however, that no amendment to the TDP shall be
inconsistent with the provisions limiting amendments to that document provided
therein, and in particular the provisions limiting amendment of the Claims
Payment Ratio set forth in Section 2.5 of the TDP and of the Payment Percentage
set forth in Section 4.2 of the TDP. Any modification or amendment made pursuant
to this Article must be done in writing. Notwithstanding anything contained in
this PI Trust Agreement to the contrary, neither this PI Trust Agreement, the PI
Trust Bylaws, the TDP, nor any document annexed to the foregoing shall be
Exhibit 1.30 - 16
modified or amended in any way that could jeopardize, impair, or modify the
applicability of section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, the efficacy or
enforceability of the injunction entered thereunder, or the PI Trust's qualified
settlement fund status under Section 468B of the Internal Revenue Code.
7.4 MEETINGS. The Trustees, the TAC, and the Future
Claimants' Representative, shall be deemed to have attended a meeting in the
event such person spends a substantial portion of the day conferring, in person
or by telephone conference call, on PI Trust matters with the TAC, the Future
Claimants' Representative, or Trustees, as applicable. A Trustee shall also be
deemed to have attended a meeting in the event he or she spends a substantial
portion of the day engaging in activities related to Reorganized AWI, including
attendance at its Board of Directors meetings. The Trustees, the TAC and the
Future Claimants' Representative shall have complete discretion to determine
whether a meeting, as described herein, occurred for purposes of Sections 4.5,
5.6, and 6.5 above.
7.5 SEVERABILITY. Should any provision in this PI Trust
Agreement be determined to be unenforceable, such determination shall in no way
limit or affect the enforceability and operative effect of any and all other
provisions of this PI Trust Agreement.
7.6 NOTICES. Notices to persons asserting claims shall be
given by first class mail, postage prepaid, at the address of such person, or,
where applicable, such person's legal representative, in each case as provided
on such person's claim form submitted to the PI Trust with respect to his or her
PI Trust Claim.
(a) Any notices or other communications required or
permitted hereunder to the following parties shall be in writing and delivered
at the addresses designated below, or sent by telex, telecopy or facsimile
pursuant to the instructions listed below, or mailed by registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows, or to
such other address or addresses as may hereafter be furnished in writing to each
of the other parties listed below in compliance with the terms hereof.
To the PI Trust through the Trustees:
To the TAC:
To the Future Claimants' Representative:
To Reorganized AWI:
(b) All such notices and communications if mailed shall be
effective when physically delivered at the designated addresses or, if
electronically transmitted, when the communication is received at the designated
addresses and confirmed by the recipient by return transmission.
Exhibit 1.30 - 17
7.7 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The provisions of this PI Trust
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of AWI, the PI Trust,
the Trustees and Reorganized AWI, and their respective successors and assigns,
except that neither AWI, the PI Trust, the Trustees nor Reorganized AWI may
assign or otherwise transfer any of its, or their, rights or obligations under
this PI Trust Agreement except, in the case of the PI Trust and the Trustees, as
contemplated by Section 2.1 above.
7.8 LIMITATION ON CLAIM INTERESTS FOR SECURITIES LAWS
PURPOSES. Asbestos Personal Injury Claims, and any interests therein (a) shall
not be assigned, conveyed, hypothecated, pledged or otherwise transferred,
voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or indirectly, except by will or under
the laws of descent and distribution; (b) shall not be evidenced by a
certificate or other instrument; (c) shall not possess any voting rights; and
(d) shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or interest; provided,
however, that clause (a) of this Section 7.8 shall not apply to the holder of a
claim that is subrogated to a PI Trust Claim as a result of its satisfaction of
such PI Trust Claim.
7.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO WAIVER. The entire agreement of
the parties relating to the subject matter of this PI Trust Agreement is
contained herein and in the documents referred to herein, and this PI Trust
Agreement and such documents supersede any prior oral or written agreements
concerning the subject matter hereof. No failure to exercise or delay in
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege hereunder preclude any further exercise thereof or of any other right,
power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and
are not exclusive of rights under law or in equity.
7.10 HEADINGS. The headings used in this PI Trust Agreement
are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a portion of this PI
Trust Agreement, nor in any manner affect the construction of the provisions of
this PI Trust Agreement.
7.11 GOVERNING LAW. This PI Trust Agreement shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Delaware, without regard to Delaware conflict of law principles.
7.12 SETTLOR REPRESENTATIVE AND COOPERATION. AWI is hereby
irrevocably designated as the Settlor, and it is hereby authorized to take any
action required of the Settlor in connection with the PI Trust Agreement. AWI
agrees to cooperate in implementing the goals and objectives of this PI Trust.
7.13 DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Any disputes that arise under this
PI Trust Agreement or under the TDP shall be resolved by submission of the
matter to an alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") process mutually agreeable
to the parties involved. Should any party to the ADR process be dissatisfied
with the decision of the arbitrator(s), that party may apply to the Bankruptcy
Court for a judicial determination of the matter. In either case, if the dispute
arose pursuant to the consent provision set forth in Section 5.7(b) (in the case
of the TAC) or Section 6.6(b) (in the case of the Future Claimants'
Representative), the burden of proof shall be on the party or parties who
withheld consent to show that the objection was valid. Should the dispute not be
resolved by ADR process within thirty (30) days after submission, the parties
are relieved of the requirement to pursue ADR prior to application to the
Bankruptcy Court. Notwithstanding anything else herein contained, to the extent
any provision of this PI Trust Agreement is inconsistent with any provision of
the Plan or the TDP, the Plan or the TDP shall control.
7.14 ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION. The provisions of this
PI Trust Agreement and the TDP attached hereto shall be enforced by the
Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Plan. The parties hereby further acknowledge
and agree that the Bankruptcy Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the
settlement of the accounts of the Trustees and over any disputes hereunder not
resolved by alternative dispute resolution in accordance with Section 7.13
above.
Exhibit 1.30 - 18
7.15 EFFECTIVENESS. This PI Trust Agreement shall not
become effective until it has been executed and delivered by all the parties
hereto.
7.16 COUNTERPART SIGNATURES. This PI Trust Agreement may be
executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an
original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.
Exhibit 1.30 - 19
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this PI Trust
Agreement this _____ day of
------------------------, -------.
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC., SETTLOR, BY
Name:
----------------------------------------
Title:
---------------------------------------
TRUSTEES
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Exhibit 1.30 - 20
ASBESTOS CLAIMANTS' COMMITTEE
By:_____________________________________
TRUST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
FUTURE CLAIMANTS' REPRESENTATIVE
---------------------------------------------
Dean M. Trafalet, Esq.
Exhibit 1.30 - 21
IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
In re )
)
)
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, ) Chapter 11
INC., et al., ) Case No. 00-4471 (RJN)
) (Jointly Administered)
Debtors )
- ------------------------------------)
EXHIBIT 1.31
FORM OF ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT TRUST
DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURES
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT TRUST DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURES
The Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust
Distribution Procedures ("TDP") contained herein provide for resolving all
Asbestos Personal Injury Claims (as that term is defined in the Armstrong World
Industries, Inc. Plan of Reorganization ("PLAN")) caused by exposure to
asbestos-containing products for which Armstrong World Industries, Inc. ("AWI")
and its predecessors, successors, and assigns have legal responsibility
(hereinafter for all purposes of this TDP referred to as "PI TRUST CLAIMS"), as
provided in and required by the Plan and by the Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust Agreement ("PI TRUST AGREEMENT"). The
Plan and PI Trust Agreement establish the Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust ("PI TRUST"). The Trustees of the PI
Trust ("TRUSTEES") shall implement and administer this TDP in accordance with
the PI Trust Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan and the PI Trust Agreement.
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE. This TDP has been adopted pursuant to the PI Trust
Agreement. It is designed to provide fair and equitable treatment for all PI
Trust Claims that may presently exist or may arise in the future in
substantially the same manner.
1.2 INTERPRETATION. Nothing in this TDP shall be deemed to create a
substantive right for any claimant.
SECTION II
OVERVIEW
2.1 PI TRUST GOALS. The goal of the PI Trust is to treat all
claimants equitably. This TDP furthers that goal by setting forth procedures for
processing and paying claims generally on an impartial, first-in-first-out
("FIFO") basis, with the intention of paying all claimants over time as
equivalent a share as possible of the value of their claims based on historical
values for substantially similar claims in the tort system. To this end, the TDP
establishes a schedule of eight asbestos-related diseases ("DISEASE LEVELS"),
all of which have presumptive medical and exposure requirements
("MEDICAL/EXPOSURE CRITERIA"), and seven of which have specific liquidated
values ("SCHEDULED VALUES"), anticipated average values ("AVERAGE VALUES") and
caps on their liquidated values ("MAXIMUM VALUES"). The Disease Levels,
Medical/Exposure Criteria, Scheduled Values, Average Values and Maximum Values,
which are set forth in Sections 5.3 and 5.4 below, have all been selected and
derived with the intention of achieving a fair allocation of the PI Trust funds
as among claimants suffering from different disease processes in light of the
best available information considering the settlement history of AWI and the
rights claimants would have in the tort system absent the bankruptcy.
2.2 CLAIMS LIQUIDATION PROCEDURES. PI Trust Claims shall be processed
based on their place in the FIFO Processing Queue to be established pursuant to
Section 5.1(a) below. The PI Trust shall take all reasonable steps to resolve PI
Trust Claims as efficiently and expeditiously as possible at each stage of
claims processing and arbitration. To this end, the PI Trust, in its sole
discretion, may conduct settlement discussions with claimants' representatives
of more than one claim at a time, provided that the claimants' respective
positions in the FIFO Processing Queue are maintained and each claim is
individually evaluated pursuant to the valuation factors set forth in Section
5.3(b)(2) below. The PI Trust shall also make every effort to resolve each year
at least that number of PI Trust Claims required to exhaust the Maximum Annual
Payment and the Maximum Available Payment for Category A and Category B claims,
as those terms are defined below.
The PI Trust shall liquidate all PI Trust Claims that meet the presumptive
Medical/Exposure Criteria of Disease Levels I - V, VII and VIII under the
Expedited Review Process described in Section 5.3(a) below. Claims involving
Disease Levels I - V, VII and VIII that do not meet the presumptive
Medical/Exposure Criteria for the relevant Disease Level may undergo the PI
Exhibit 1.31 - 1
Trust's Individual Review Process described in Section 5.3(b) below. In such a
case, notwithstanding that the claim does not meet the presumptive
Medical/Exposure Criteria for the relevant Disease Level, the PI Trust can offer
the claimant an amount up to the Scheduled Value of that Disease Level if the PI
Trust is satisfied that the claimant has presented a claim that would be
cognizable and valid in the tort system.
PI Trust Claims involving Disease Levels II - VIII may in addition or
alternatively seek to establish a liquidated value for the claim that is greater
than its Scheduled Value by electing the PI Trust's Individual Review Process.
However, the liquidated value of a PI Trust Claim that undergoes the Individual
Review Process for valuation purposes may be determined to be less than its
Scheduled Value, and in any event shall not exceed the Maximum Value for the
relevant Disease Level set forth in Section 5.3(b)(4) below, unless the claim
qualifies as an Extraordinary Claim as defined in Section 5.4(a) below, in which
case its liquidated value cannot exceed the Maximum Value specified in that
provision for such claims. Level VI (Lung Cancer 2) claims may be liquidated
only pursuant to the PI Trust's Individual Review Process.
Based upon AWI's claims settlement history in light of applicable tort law, and
current projections of present and future unliquidated claims, the Scheduled
Values and Maximum Values set forth in Section 5.3(b)(4) have been established
for each of the Disease Levels that are eligible for Individual Review of their
liquidated values, with the expectation that the combination of settlements at
the Scheduled Values and those resulting from the Individual Review Process will
result in the Average Values also set forth in that provision.
All unresolved disputes over a claimant's medical condition, exposure history
and/or the liquidated value of the claim shall be subject to binding or
non-binding arbitration as set forth in Section 5.10 below, at the election of
the claimant, under procedures that are provided in Attachment A hereto. PI
Trust Claims that are the subject of a dispute with the PI Trust that cannot be
resolved by non-binding arbitration may enter the tort system as provided in
Sections 5.11 and 7.6 below. However, if and when a claimant obtains a judgment
in the tort system, the judgment will be payable (subject to the Payment
Percentage, Maximum Available Payment, and Claims Payment Ratio provisions set
forth below) as provided in Section 7.7 below.
2.3 APPLICATION OF THE PAYMENT PERCENTAGE. After the liquidated value
of a PI Trust Claim other than a claim involving Other Asbestos Disease (Disease
Level I - Cash Discount Payment), as defined in Section 5.3(a)(3) below, is
determined pursuant to the procedures set forth herein for Expedited Review,
Individual Review, arbitration, or litigation in the tort system, the claimant
will ultimately receive a pro-rata share of that value based on a Payment
Percentage described in Section 4.2 below. The Initial Payment Percentage has
been set at ___ percent (___%), and shall apply to all PI Trust Voting Claims
accepted as valid by the PI Trust, unless adjusted by the PI Trust pursuant to
the consent of the PI Trust Advisory Committee ("TAC") and the Legal
Representative for Future Asbestos Claimants ("FUTURE CLAIMANTS'
REPRESENTATIVE") (who are described in Section 3.1 below) pursuant to Section
4.2 below. The term "PI VOTING TRUST CLAIMS" includes (i) Pre-Petition
Liquidated Claims as defined in Section 5.2(a) below; (ii) claims filed against
AWI in the tort system or actually submitted to AWI pursuant to an
administrative settlement agreement prior to the Petition Date of December 6,
2000; and (iii) all claims filed against another defendant in the tort system
prior to the date the Plan was filed with the Bankruptcy Court (November 1, 2002
(the "PLAN FILING DATE")), provided, however, that the holder of a claim
described in subsection (i), (ii) or (iii) above actually voted to accept or
reject the Plan pursuant to the voting procedures established by the Bankruptcy
Court, and provided further that the claim was subsequently filed with the PI
Trust pursuant to Section 6.1 below by the Initial Claims Filing Date defined in
Section 5.1(a) below. The Initial Payment Percentage has been calculated on the
assumption that the Average Values set forth in Section 5.3(b)(4) below will be
achieved with respect to existing present claims and projected future claims
involving Disease Levels II - VIII.
The Payment Percentage may be adjusted upwards or downwards from time to time by
the PI Trust with the consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants'
Representative to reflect then-current estimates of the PI Trust's assets and
its liabilities, as well as the then-estimated value of pending and future
claims. However, any adjustment to the Initial Payment Percentage shall be made
only pursuant to Section 4.2 below. If the Payment Percentage is increased over
time, claimants whose claims were liquidated and paid in prior periods under the
TDP will not receive additional payments, except as provided in Section 4.2
below relating to circumstances in which the PI Trust has received a substantial
recovery of insurance proceeds. Because there is uncertainty in the prediction
of both the number and severity of future claims, and the amount of the PI
Trust's assets, no guarantee can be made of any Payment Percentage of a PI Trust
Claim's liquidated value, other than of a PI Trust Voting Claim.
2.4 PI TRUST'S DETERMINATION OF THE MAXIMUM ANNUAL PAYMENT AND
MAXIMUM AVAILABLE PAYMENT. The PI Trust shall estimate or model the amount of
cash flow anticipated to be necessary over its entire life to ensure that funds
will be available to treat all present and future claimants as similarly as
possible. In each year, the PI Trust will be empowered to pay out all of the
interest earned during the year, together with a portion of its principal,
Exhibit 1.31 - 2
calculated so that the application of PI Trust funds over its life shall
correspond with the needs created by the anticipated flow of claims (the
"MAXIMUM ANNUAL PAYMENT"), taking into account the Payment Percentage provisions
set forth in Sections 2.3 above and 4.2 below. The PI Trust's distributions to
all claimants for that year shall not exceed the Maximum Annual Payment
determined for that year.
In distributing the Maximum Annual Payment, the PI Trust shall first allocate
the amount in question to outstanding Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims and to
liquidated PI Trust Claims involving Disease Level I (Cash Discount Payment), in
proportion to the aggregate value of each group of claims. The remaining portion
of the Maximum Annual Payment (the "MAXIMUM AVAILABLE PAYMENT"), if any, shall
then be allocated and used to satisfy all other liquidated PI Trust Claims,
subject to the Claims Payment Ratio set forth in Section 2.5 below. In the event
there are insufficient funds in any year to pay the total number of outstanding
Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims and/or previously liquidated Disease Level I
Claims, the available funds allocated to that group of claims shall be paid to
the maximum extent to claimants in the particular group based on their place in
their respective FIFO Payment Queue. Claims in either group for which there are
insufficient funds shall be carried over to the next year and placed at the head
of their FIFO Payment Queue.
2.5 CLAIMS PAYMENT RATIO. Based upon AWI's claims settlement history
and analysis of present and future claims, a Claims Payment Ratio has been
determined which, as of the Effective Date, has been set at 65% for Category A
claims, which consist of PI Trust Claims involving severe asbestosis and
malignancies (Disease Levels IV - VIII) that were unliquidated as of the
Petition Date, and at 35% for Category B claims, which are PI Trust Claims
involving non-malignant Asbestosis or Pleural Disease (Disease Levels II and
III) that were similarly unliquidated as of the Petition Date. The Claims
Payment Ratio shall not apply to any Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims or to any
claims for Other Asbestos Disease (Disease Level I - Cash Discount Payment). In
each year, after the determination of the Maximum Available Payment described in
Section 2.4 above, 65% of that amount will be available to pay Category A claims
and 35% will be available to pay Category B claims that have been liquidated
since the Petition Date.
In the event there are insufficient funds in any year to pay the liquidated
claims within either or both of the Categories, the available funds allocated to
the particular Category shall be paid to the maximum extent to claimants in that
Category based on their place in the FIFO Payment Queue described in Section
5.1(c) below, which will be based upon the date of claim liquidation. Claims for
which there are insufficient funds allocated to the relevant Category shall be
carried over to the next year where they will be placed at the head of the FIFO
Payment Queue. If there are excess funds in either or both Categories, because
there is an insufficient amount of liquidated claims to exhaust the respective
Maximum Available Payment amount for that Category, then the excess funds for
either or both Categories will be rolled over and remain dedicated to the
respective Category to which they were originally allocated.
The 65%/35% Claims Payment Ratio and its rollover provision shall apply to all
PI Trust Voting Claims as defined in Section 2.3 above, and shall not be amended
until the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. Thereafter, both the Claims
Payment Ratio and its rollover provision shall be continued absent
circumstances, such as a significant change in law or medicine, necessitating
amendment to avoid a manifest injustice. However, the accumulation, rollover and
subsequent delay of claims resulting from the application of the Claims Payment
Ratio, shall not, in and of itself, constitute such circumstances. Nor may an
increase in the numbers of Category B claims beyond those predicted or expected
be considered as a factor in deciding whether to reduce the percentage allocated
to Category A claims.
In considering whether to make any amendments to the Claims Payment Ratio and/or
its rollover provisions, the Trustees shall consider the reasons for which the
Claims Payment Ratio and its rollover provisions were adopted, the settlement
history that gave rise to its calculation, and the foreseeability or lack of
foreseeability of the reasons why there would be any need to make an amendment.
In that regard, the Trustees should keep in mind the interplay between the
Payment Percentage and the Claims Payment Ratio as it affects the net cash
actually paid to claimants.
In any event, no amendment to the Claims Payment Ratio may be made without the
consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative pursuant to the
consent process set forth in Sections 5.7(b) and 6.6(b) of the PI Trust
Agreement. However, the Trustees, with the consent of the TAC and the Future
Claimants' Representative, may offer the option of a reduced Payment Percentage
to holders of claims in either Category A or Category B in return for prompter
payment (the "REDUCED PAYMENT OPTION").
Exhibit 1.31 - 3
2.6 INDEMNITY AND CONTRIBUTION CLAIMS. As set forth in Section 5.5
below, PI Trust Claims for indemnity and contribution ("INDIRECT PI TRUST
CLAIMS"), if any, shall be subject to the same categorization, evaluation, and
payment provisions of this TDP as all other PI Trust Claims.
SECTION III
TDP ADMINISTRATION
3.1 PI TRUST ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND FUTURE CLAIMANTS' REPRESENTATIVE.
Pursuant to the Plan and the PI Trust Agreement, the PI Trust and this TDP shall
be administered by the Trustees in consultation with the TAC, which represents
the interests of holders of present PI Trust Claims, and the Future Claimants'
Representative, who represents the interests of holders of PI Trust Claims that
will be asserted in the future. The Trustees shall obtain the consent of the TAC
and the Future Claimants' Representative on any amendments to these Procedures
pursuant to Section 8.1 below, and on such other matters as are otherwise
required below and in Section 2.2(f) of the PI Trust Agreement. The Trustees
shall also consult with the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative on such
matters as are provided below and in Section 2.2(e) of the PI Trust Agreement.
The initial members of the TAC and the initial Future Claimants' Representative
are identified in the PI Trust Agreement.
3.2 CONSENT AND CONSULTATION PROCEDURES. In those circumstances in
which consultation or consent is required, the Trustees will provide written
notice to the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative of the specific
amendment or other action that is proposed. The Trustees will not implement such
amendment nor take such action unless and until the parties have engaged in the
Consultation Process described in Sections 5.7(a) and 6.6(a), or the Consent
Process described in Sections 5.7(b) and 6.6(b) of the PI Trust Agreement,
respectively.
SECTION IV
PAYMENT PERCENTAGE; PERIODIC ESTIMATES
4.1 UNCERTAINTY OF AWI'S PERSONAL INJURY ASBESTOS LIABILITIES. As
discussed above, there is inherent uncertainty regarding AWI's total
asbestos-related tort liabilities, as well as the total value of the assets
available to the PI Trust to pay PI Trust Claims. Consequently, there is
inherent uncertainty regarding the amounts that holders of PI Trust Claims will
receive. To seek to ensure substantially equivalent treatment of all present and
future PI Trust Claims, the Trustees must determine from time to time the
percentage of full liquidated value that holders of present and future PI Trust
Claims will be likely to receive, i.e, the "Payment Percentage" described in
Section 2.3 above and Section 4.2 below.
4.2 COMPUTATION OF PAYMENT PERCENTAGE. As provided in Section 2.3
above, the Initial Payment Percentage shall be __ percent (___%), and shall
apply to all PI Trust Voting Claims as defined in Section 2.3 above, unless the
Trustees, with the consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative,
determine that the Initial Payment Percentage should be changed to assure that
the PI Trust will be in a financial position to pay holders of unliquidated
and/or unpaid PI Trust Voting Claims and present and future PI Trust Claims in
substantially the same manner.
In making any such adjustment, the Trustees, the TAC and the Future Claimants'
Representative shall take into account the fact that the holders of PI Trust
Voting Claims voted on the Plan relying on the findings of experts that the
Initial Payment Percentage represented a reasonably reliable estimate of the PI
Trust's total assets and liabilities over its life based on the best information
available at the time, and shall thus give due consideration to the expectations
of PI Trust Voting Claimants that the Initial Payment Percentage would be
applied to their PI Trust Claims.
Except with respect to PI Trust Voting Claims to which the Initial Payment
Percentage applies, the Payment Percentage shall be subject to change pursuant
to the terms of this TDP and the PI Trust Agreement if the Trustees determine
that an adjustment is required. No less frequently than once every three years,
commencing with the first day of January occurring after the Plan is
consummated, the Trustees shall reconsider the then applicable Payment
Percentage to assure that it is based on accurate, current information and may,
after such reconsideration, change the Payment Percentage if necessary with the
consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative. The Trustees shall
Exhibit 1.31 - 4
also reconsider the then applicable Payment Percentage at shorter intervals if
they deem such reconsideration to be appropriate or if requested to do so by the
TAC or the Future Claimants' Representative.
The Trustees must base their determination of the Payment Percentage on current
estimates of the number, types, and values of present and future PI Trust
Claims, the value of the assets then available to the PI Trust for their
payment, all anticipated administrative and legal expenses, and any other
material matters that are reasonably likely to affect the sufficiency of funds
to pay a comparable percentage of full value to all holders of PI Trust Claims.
When making these determinations, the Trustees shall exercise common sense and
flexibly evaluate all relevant factors. The Payment Percentage applicable to
Category A or Category B claims may not be reduced to alleviate delays in
payments of claims in the other Category; both Categories of claims shall
receive the same Payment Percentage, but the payment may be deferred as needed,
and a Reduced Payment Option may be instituted as described in Section 2.5
above.
The uncertainty surrounding the amount of the PI Trust's future assets is due in
significant part to the fact that the estimates of those assets do not take into
account the possibility that the PI Trust may receive substantial additional
funds from successful recoveries of insurance proceeds that have been assigned
to the PI Trust with respect to which the coverage is presently in dispute or
the solvency of the carrier is in doubt. If the PI Trust successfully resolves
an insurance coverage dispute or otherwise receives a substantial recovery of
insurance proceeds, the PI Trust will use those proceeds first to maintain the
Payment Percentage then in effect. If the insurance recovery exceeds the amount
estimated to be reasonably necessary to maintain the Payment Percentage then in
effect, the PI Trust, with the consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants'
Representative, shall adjust the Payment Percentage upward to reflect the
increase in available assets, and shall also make supplemental payments to
claimants who previously liquidated their claims against the PI Trust and
received payments based on a lower Payment Percentage. The amount of any such
supplemental payment shall be the liquidated value of the claim in question
times the newly adjusted Payment Percentage, less all amounts previously paid
the claimant with respect to the claim.
4.3 APPLICABILITY OF THE PAYMENT PERCENTAGE. No holder of a PI Trust
Voting Claim, other than a PI Trust Claim for Other Asbestos Disease (Disease
Level I - Cash Discount Payment) as defined in Section 5.3(a)(3) below shall
receive a payment that exceeds the Initial Payment Percentage times the
liquidated value of the claim. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.1(c)
below for PI Trust Claims involving deceased or incompetent claimants for which
approval of the PI Trust's offer by a court or through a probate procESS is
required, no holder of any other PI Trust Claim, other than a PI Trust Claim for
Other Asbestos Disease (Disease Level I - Cash Discount Payment), shall receive
a payment that exceeds the liquidated value of the claim times the Payment
Percentage in effect at the time of payment. PI Trust Claims involving Other
Asbestos Disease (Disease Level I - Cash Discount Payment) shall not be subject
to the Payment Percentage, but shall instead be paid the full amount of their
Scheduled Value as set forth in Section 5.3(a)(3) below.
If a redetermination of the Payment Percentage has been proposed in writing by
the Trustees to the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative but has not yet
been adopted, the claimant shall receive the lower of the current Payment
Percentage or the proposed Payment Percentage. However, if the proposed Payment
Percentage was the lower amount but was not subsequently adopted, the claimant
shall thereafter receive the difference between the lower proposed amount and
the higher current amount. Conversely, if the proposed Payment Percentage was
the higher amount and was subsequently adopted, the claimant shall thereafter
receive the difference between the lower current amount and the higher adopted
amount.
SECTION V
RESOLUTION OF PI TRUST CLAIMS.
5.1 ORDERING, PROCESSING AND PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.
5.1(A) ORDERING OF CLAIMS.
5.1(A)(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIFO PROCESSING QUEUE. The PI Trust
will order claims that are sufficiently complete to be reviewed for processing
purposes on a FIFO basis except as otherwise provided herein (the "FIFO
PROCESSING QUEUE"). For all claims filed on or before the date six months after
the Effective Date (the "INITIAL CLAIMS FILING Date"), a claimant's position in
the FIFO Processing Queue shall be determined as of the earlier of (i) the date
prior to the Petition Date (if any) that the specific claim was either filed
against AWI in the tort system or was actually submitted to AWI pursuant to an
administrative settlement agreement; (ii) the date before the Petition Date that
a claim was filed against another defendant in the tort system if at the time
Exhibit 1.31 - 5
the claim was subject to a tolling agreement with AWI; (iii) the date after the
Petition Date (if any) but before the Effective Date that the claim was filed
against another defendant in the tort system; (iv) the date the claim was filed
in the Bankruptcy Court for purposes of voting on the Plan in accordance with
the voting procedures adopted by the Court; or (v) the date after the Effective
Date but on or before the Initial Claims Filing Date that the claim was filed
with the PI Trust.
Following the Initial Claims Filing Date, the claimant's position in the FIFO
Processing Queue shall be determined by the date the claim was filed with the PI
Trust. If any claims are filed on the same date, the claimant's position in the
FIFO Processing Queue shall be determined by the date of the diagnosis of the
claimant's asbestos-related disease. If any claims are filed and diagnosed on
the same date, the claimant's position in the FIFO Processing Queue shall be
determined by the date of the claimant's birth, with older claimants given
priority over younger claimants.
5.1(A)(2) EFFECT OF STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS AND REPOSE. To be
eligible for a place in the FIFO Processing Queue, a claim must meet either (i)
for claims first filed in the tort system against AWI prior to the Petition
Date, the applicable federal, state and foreign statute of limitation and repose
that was in effect at the time of the filing of the claim in the tort system, or
(ii) for claims that were not filed against AWI in the tort system prior to the
Petition Date, the applicable statute of limitation and repose that was in
effect at the time of the filing with the PI Trust. However, the running of the
relevant statute of limitation shall be tolled as of the earliest of (A) the
actual filing of the claim against AWI prior to the Petition Date, whether in
the tort system or by submission of the claim to AWI pursuant to an
administrative settlement agreement; (B) the filing of the claim against another
defendant in the tort system prior to the Petition Date if the claim was tolled
against AWI at the time by an agreement or otherwise; (C) the filing of a claim
after the Petition Date but prior to the Effective Date against another
defendant in the tort system; (D) the filing of the claim for voting purposes in
this Chapter 11 proceeding; or (E) the filing of a proof of claim with the
requisite supporting documentation with the PI Trust after the Effective Date.
If a PI Trust Claim meets any of the tolling provisions described in the
preceding sentence and the claim was not barred by the applicable statute of
limitation at the time of the tolling event, it will be treated as timely filed
if it is actually filed with the PI Trust within three (3) years after the
Effective Date. In addition, any claims that were first diagnosed after the
Petition Date, irrespective of the application of any relevant statute of
limitation or repose, may be filed with the PI Trust within three (3) years
after the date of diagnosis or within three (3) years after the Effective Date,
whichever occurs later. However, the processing of any PI Trust Claim by the PI
Trust may be deferred at the election of the claimant pursuant to Section 6.3
below.
5.1(B) PROCESSING OF CLAIMS. As a general practice, the PI Trust will
review its claims files on a regular basis and notify all claimants whose claims
are likely to come up in the FIFO Processing Queue in the near future. However,
claims that were not filed (i) against AWI in the tort system or actually
submitted to AWI pursuant to an administrative settlement agreement prior to the
Petition Date, or (ii) against another defendant in the tort system prior to the
Plan Filing Date, shall not be processed until after the Initial Claims Filing
Date.
5.1(C) PAYMENT OF CLAIMS. PI Trust Claims that have been liquidated
by the Expedited Review Process as provided in Section 5.3(a) below, by the
Individual Review Process as provided in Section 5.3(b) below, by arbitration as
provided in Section 5.10 below, or by litigation in the tort system provided in
Section 5.11 below, shall be paid in FIFO order based on the date their
liquidation became final (the "FIFO PAYMENT QUEUE"), all such payments being
subject to the applicable Payment Percentage, the Maximum Available Payment, and
the Claims Payment Ratio, except as otherwise provided herein.
Where the claimant is deceased or incompetent, and the settlement and payment of
his or her claim must be approved by a court of competent jurisdiction or
through a probate process prior to acceptance of the claim by the claimant's
representative, an offer made by the PI Trust on the claim shall remain open so
long as proceedings before that court or in that probate process remain pending,
provided that the PI Trust has been furnished with evidence that the settlement
offer has been submitted to such court or probate process for approval. If the
offer is ultimately approved by the court or through the probate process and
accepted by the claimant's representative, the PI Trust shall pay the claim in
the amount so offered, multiplied by the Payment Percentage in effect at the
time the offer was first made.
If any claims are liquidated on the same date, the claimant's position in the
FIFO Payment Queue shall be determined by the date of the diagnosis of the
claimant's asbestos-related disease. If any claims are liquidated on the same
Exhibit 1.31 - 6
date and the respective claimants' asbestos-related diseases were diagnosed on
the same date, the position of those claimants in the FIFO Payment Queue shall
be determined by the PI Trust based on the dates of the claimants' birth, with
older claimants given priority over younger claimants.
5.2 RESOLUTION OF PRE-PETITION LIQUIDATED PI TRUST CLAIMS.
5.2(A) PROCESSING AND PAYMENT. As soon as practicable after the
Effective Date, the PI Trust shall pay, upon submission by the claimant of the
applicable PI Trust proof of claim form (included in Attachment B) together with
all documentation required thereunder, all PI Trust Claims that were liquidated
by (i) a binding settlement agreement for the particular claim entered into
prior to the Petition Date that is judicially enforceable by the claimant, (ii)
a jury verdict or non-final judgment in the tort system obtained prior to the
Petition Date, or (iii) by a judgment that became final and non-appealable prior
to the Petition Date (collectively "PRE-PETITION LIQUIDATED CLAIMS").
The liquidated value of a Pre-Petition Liquidated Claim shall be the unpaid
portion of the amount agreed to in the binding settlement agreement, the unpaid
portion of the amount awarded by the jury verdict or non-final judgment, or the
unpaid portion of the amount of the final judgment, as the case may be, plus
interest, if any, that has accrued on that amount in accordance with the terms
of the agreement, if any, or under applicable state law for settlements or
judgments as of the Petition Date; however, pursuant to Section 7.4 below, the
liquidated value of a Pre-Petition Liquidated Claim shall not include any
punitive or exemplary damages. In the absence of a final order of the Bankruptcy
Court determining whether a settlement agreement is binding and judicially
enforceable, a dispute between the claimant and the PI Trust over this issue
shall be resolved pursuant to the same procedures in this TDP that are provided
for resolving the validity and/or liquidated value of a PI Trust Claim (i.e.,
arbitration and litigation in the tort system as set forth in Sections 5.10 and
5.11 below).
Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims shall be processed and paid in accordance with
their order in a separate FIFO queue to be established by the PI Trust based on
the date the PI Trust received a completed proof of claim form with all required
documentation for the particular claim; provided, however, the amounts payable
with respect to such claims shall not be subject to or taken into account in
consideration of the Claims Payment Ratio, but shall be subject to the Maximum
Annual Payment and Payment Percentage provisions set forth above. If any
Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims were filed on the same date, the claimants'
position in the FIFO queue for such claims shall be determined by the date on
which the claim was liquidated. If any Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims were both
filed and liquidated on the same dates, the position of those claimants in the
FIFO queue shall be determined by the dates of the claimants' birth, with older
claimants given priority over younger claimants.
5.2(B) MARSHALLING OF SECURITY. Holders of Pre-Petition Liquidated
Claims that are secured by letters of credit, appeal bonds, or other security or
sureties shall first exhaust their rights against any applicable security or
surety before making a claim against the PI Trust. Only in the event that such
security or surety is insufficient to pay the Pre-Petition Liquidated Claim in
full shall the deficiency be processed and paid as a Pre-Petition Liquidated
Claim.
5.3 RESOLUTION OF UNLIQUIDATED PI TRUST CLAIMS. Within six months
after the establishment of the PI Trust, the Trustees with the consent of the
TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative shall adopt procedures for
reviewing and liquidating all unliquidated PI Trust Claims, which shall include
deadlines for processing such claims. Such procedures shall also require
claimants seeking resolution of unliquidated PI Trust claims to first file a
proof of claim form, together with the required supporting documentation, in
accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 below. It is anticipated
that the PI Trust shall provide an initial response to the claimant within six
months of receiving the proof of claim form.
The proof of claim form shall require the claimant to assert his or her claim
for the highest Disease Level for which the claim qualifies at the time of
filing. Irrespective of the Disease Level alleged on the proof of claim form,
all claims shall be deemed to be a claim for the highest Disease Level for which
the claim qualifies at the time of filing, and all lower Disease Levels for
which the claim may also qualify at the time of filing or in the future shall be
treated as subsumed into the higher Disease Level for both processing and
payment purposes.
Upon filing of a valid proof of claim form with the required supporting
documentation, the claimant shall be placed in the FIFO Processing Queue in
accordance with the ordering criteria described in Section 5.1(a) above, and
shall advise the PI Trust whether the claim should be liquidated under the PI
Trust's Expedited Review Process described in Section 5.3(a) below or, in
certain circumstances, the PI Trust's Individual Review Process described in
Section 5.3(b) below.
Exhibit 1.31 - 7
5.3(A) EXPEDITED REVIEW PROCESS.
5.3(A)(1) IN GENERAL. The PI Trust's Expedited Review Process is
designed primarily to provide an expeditious, efficient and inexpensive method
for liquidating all claims (except those involving Lung Cancer 2 - Disease Level
VI) where the claim can easily be verified by the PI Trust as meeting the
presumptive Medical/Exposure Criteria for the relevant Disease Level. Expedited
Review thus provides claimants with a substantially less burdensome process for
pursuing PI Trust Claims than does the Individual Review Process described in
Section 5.3(b) below. Expedited Review is also intended to provide qualifying
claimants a fixed and certain claims payment.
Thus, claims that undergo Expedited Review and meet the presumptive
Medical/Exposure Criteria for the relevant Disease Level shall be paid the
Scheduled Value for such Disease Level set forth in Section 5.3(a)(3) below.
However, except for claims involving Other Asbestos Disease (Disease Level I),
all claims liquidated by Expedited Review shall be subject to the applicable
Payment Percentage, the Maximum Available Payment, and the Claims Payment Ratio
limitations set forth above. Claimants holding claims that cannot be liquidated
by Expedited Review because they do not meet the presumptive Medical/Exposure
Criteria for the relevant Disease Level may elect the PI Trust's Individual
Review Process set forth in Section 5.3(b) below.
5.3(A)(2) CLAIMS PROCESSING UNDER EXPEDITED REVIEW. All claimants
seeking liquidation of their claims pursuant to Expedited Review shall file the
PI Trust's proof of claim form provided in Attachment B hereto. As a proof of
claim form is reached in the FIFO Processing Queue, the PI Trust shall determine
whether the claim described therein meets the Medical/Exposure Criteria for one
of the seven Disease Levels eligible for Expedited Review, and shall advise the
claimant of its determination. If a Disease Level is determined, the PI Trust
shall tender to the claimant an offer of payment of the Scheduled Value (as
adjusted by the applicable Payment Percentage) for the relevant Disease Level
multiplied by the applicable Payment Percentage, together with a form of release
approved by the PI Trust. If the claimant accepts the Scheduled Value and
returns the release properly executed, the claim shall be placed in the FIFO
Payment Queue, following which the Trust shall disburse payment subject to the
limitations of the Maximum Available Payment and Claims Payment Ratio, if any.
5.3(A)(3) DISEASE LEVELS, SCHEDULED VALUES AND MEDICAL/EXPOSURE
CRITERIA. The eight Disease Levels covered by this TDP, together with the
Medical/Exposure Criteria for each and the Scheduled Values for the seven
Disease Levels eligible for Expedited Review, are set forth below. These Disease
Levels, Scheduled Values, and Medical/Exposure Criteria shall apply to all PI
Trust Voting Claims filed with the PI Trust on or before the Initial Claims
Filing Date provided in Section 5.1 above. Thereafter, with the consent of the
TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative, the Trustees may add to, change or
eliminate Disease Levels, Scheduled Values, or Medical/Exposure Criteria;
develop subcategories of Disease Levels, Scheduled Values or Medical/Exposure
Criteria; or determine that a novel or exceptional asbestos personal injury
claim is compensable even though it does not meet the Medical/Exposure Criteria
for any of the then current Disease Levels.
SCHEDULED
DISEASE LEVEL VALUE MEDICAL/EXPOSURE CRITERIA
- ------------- ----- -------------------------
Mesothelioma (Level VIII) $110,000 (1) Diagnosis(1) of mesothelioma;
and (2) credible evidence of AWI
Exposure (as defined in Section
5.7(b)(3) below).
Lung Cancer 1 (Level VII) $ 42,500 (1) Diagnosis of a primary lung
cancer plus evidence of an
underlying Bilateral
Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant
Disease(2), (2) six months AWI
Exposure prior to December 31, 1982,
- ----------------------------------
(1) The requirements for a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease that may be
compensated under the provisions of this TDP are set forth in Section 5.7 below.
(2) Evidence of "Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease" for purposes
of meeting the criteria for establishing Disease Levels I, II, V, and VII, means
a report submitted by a qualified physician stating that the claimant has or had
an X-ray reading of 1/0 or higher on the ILO scale or CT scan read by a
qualified physician showing bilateral pleural plaques, bilateral pleural
thickening, or bilateral pleural calcification (or, solely for claims filed
Exhibit 1.31 - 8
(3) Significant Occupational
Exposure to asbestos (as defined in
Section 5.7(b)(2) below), and (4)
supporting medical documentation
establishing asbestos exposure as a
contributing factor in causing the
lung cancer in question.
Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI) None (1) Diagnosis of a primary lung
cancer; (2) AWI Exposure prior to
December 31, 1982, and (3)
supporting medical documentation
establishing asbestos exposure as a
contributing factor in causing the
lung cancer in question.
Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI) claims are
claims that do not meet the more
stringent medical and/or exposure
requirements of Lung Cancer (Level
VII) claims. All claims in this
Disease Level will be individually
evaluated. The estimated likely
average of the individual evaluation
awards for this category is $15,000,
with such awards capped at $50,000,
unless the claim qualifies for
Extraordinary Claim treatment (as
described in Section 5.4(a) below).
Level VI claims that show no
evidence of either an underlying
Bilateral Asbestos-Related
Non-malignant Disease or Significant
Occupational Exposure may be
individually evaluated, although it
is not expected that such claims
will be treated as having any
significant value, especially if the
claimant is also a Smoker. (3) In
any event, no presumption of
validity will be available for any
claims in this category.
Other Cancer (Level V) $ 21,500 (1) Diagnosis of a primary
colo-rectal, laryngeal, esophageal,
pharyngeal, or stomach cancer, plus
evidence of an underlying Bilateral
Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant
Disease, (2) six months AWI Exposure
prior to December 31, 1982, (3)
Significant Occupational Exposure to
asbestos, and (4) supporting medical
documentation establishing asbestos
exposure as a contributing factor in
causing the other cancer in
question.
- -----------------------------
against AWI or another asbestos defendant in the tort system prior to the
Petition Date, if an ILO reading is not available, a chest x-ray reading or CT
scan read by a qualified physician showing bilateral interstitial fibrosis,
bilateral interstitial markings, bilateral pleural plaques, bilateral pleural
thickening, or bilateral pleural calcification consistent with, or compatible
with, a diagnosis of asbestos-related disease).
(3) There is no distinction between Non-Smokers and Smokers for either Lung
Cancer (Level VII) or Lung Cancer (Level VI), although a claimant who meets the
more stringent requirements of Lung Cancer (Level VII) (evidence of an
underlying Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease plus Significant
Occupational Exposure), and who is also a Non-Smoker, may wish to have his or
her claim individually evaluated by the PI Trust. In such a case, absent
circumstances that would otherwise reduce the value of the claim, it is
anticipated that the liquidated value of the claim might well exceed the $42,500
Scheduled Value for Lung Cancer 1 (Level VII) shown above. "Non-Smoker" means a
claimant who either (a) never smoked or (b) has not smoked during any portion of
the twelve (12) years immediately prior to the diagnosis of the lung cancer.
Exhibit 1.31 - 9
Severe Asbestosis (Level IV) $ 42,500 (1) Diagnosis of asbestosis with ILO
of 2/1 or greater, or asbestosis
determined by pathological evidence
of asbestos (4), plus (a)TLC less
than 65%, or (b) FVC less than 65%
and FEV1/FVC ratio greater than 65%,
(2) six months AWI Exposure prior to
December 31, 1982, (3) Significant
Occupational Exposure to asbestos,
and (4) supporting medical
documentation establishing asbestos
exposure as a contributing factor in
causing the pulmonary disease in
question.
Asbestosis/
Pleural Disease (Level III) $ 9,700 (1) Diagnosis of asbestosis with ILO
of 1/0 or greater or asbestosis
determined by pathology, or
bilateral pleural disease of B2 or
greater, plus (a) TLC less than 80%,
or (b) FVC less than 80% and
FEV1/FVC ratio greater than or equal
to 65%, and (2) six months AWI
Exposure prior to December 31, 1982,
(3) Significant Occupational
Exposure to asbestos, and (4)
supporting medical documentation
establishing asbestos exposure as a
contributing factor in causing the
pulmonary disease in question.
Asbestosis/
Pleural Disease (Level II) $ 3,700 (1) Diagnosis of a Bilateral
Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant
Disease, and (2) six months AWI
Exposure prior to December 31, 1982,
and (3) five years cumulative
occupational exposure to asbestos.
Other Asbestos Disease (Level I -
Cash Discount Payment) $ 400 (1) Diagnosis of a Bilateral
Asbestos- Related Nonmalignant
Disease or an asbestos-related
malignancy other than mesothelioma,
and (2) AWI Exposure prior to
December 31, 1982.
5.3(B) INDIVIDUAL REVIEW PROCESS
5.3(B)(1) IN GENERAL.
5.3(B)(1)(A) REVIEW OF MEDICAL/EXPOSURE CRITERIA. The PI Trust's
Individual Review Process provides a claimant with an opportunity for individual
consideration and evaluation of a PI Trust Claim that fails to meet the
presumptive Medical/Exposure Criteria for Disease Levels I - V, and VII-VIII. In
such a case, the PI Trust shall either deny the claim, or, if the PI Trust is
satisfied that the claimant has presented a claim that would be cognizable and
valid in the tort system, the PI Trust can offer the claimant a liquidated value
amount up to the Scheduled Value for that Disease Level, unless the claim
qualifies as an Extraordinary Claim as defined in Section 5.4(a) below, in which
case its liquidated value cannot exceed the Maximum Value for such a claim.
5.3(B)(1)(B) REVIEW OF LIQUIDATED VALUE. Claimants holding claims
involving Disease Levels II - VIII shall also be eligible to seek Individual
Review of the liquidated value of their claims, as well as of their
medical/exposure evidence. The Individual Review Process is intended to result
in payments equal to the full liquidated value for each claim multiplied by the
Payment Percentage; however, the liquidated value of any PI Trust Claim that
- -------------------------------
(4) Proof of asbestosis may be based on the pathological grading system for
asbestosis described in the Special Issue of the Archives of Pathology and
Laboratory Medicine, "Asbestos-associated Diseases," Vol. 106, No. 11, App. 3
(October 8, 1982).
Exhibit 1.31 - 10
undergoes Individual Review may be determined to be less than the Scheduled
Value the claimant would have received under Expedited Review. Moreover, the
liquidated value for a claim involving Disease Levels II - VIII shall not exceed
the Maximum Value for the relevant Disease Level set forth in Section 5.3(b)(4)
below, unless the claim meets the requirements of an Extraordinary Claim
described in Section 5.4(a) below, in which case its liquidated value cannot
exceed the Maximum Value set forth in that provision for such claims. Because
the detailed examination and valuation process pursuant to Individual Review
requires substantial time and effort, claimants electing to undergo the
Individual Review Process will necessarily be paid the liquidated value of their
PI Trust Claims later than would have been the case had the claimant elected the
Expedited Review Process.
5.3(B)(2) VALUATION FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN INDIVIDUAL REVIEW.
The PI Trust shall liquidate the value of each PI Trust Claim that undergoes
Individual Review based on the historic liquidated values of other similarly
situated claims in the tort system for the same Disease Level. The PI Trust will
thus take into consideration the factors that affect the severity of damages and
values within the tort system including, but not limited to (i) the degree to
which the characteristics of a claim differ from the presumptive
Medical/Exposure Criteria for the Disease Level in question; (ii) factors such
as the claimant's age, disability, employment status, disruption of household,
family or recreational activities, dependencies, special damages, and pain and
suffering; (iii) evidence that the claimant's damages were (or were not) caused
by asbestos exposure, including exposure to an asbestos-containing product for
which AWI has legal responsibility prior to December 31, 1982 (for example,
alternative causes, and the strength of documentation of injuries; (iv) the
industry of exposure; and (v) settlements, verdicts, and the claimant's and
other law firms' experience in the Claimant's Jurisdiction for similarly
situated claims.
For these purposes, the "CLAIMANT'S JURISDICTION" is the jurisdiction in which
the claim was filed (if at all) against AWI in the tort system prior to the
Petition Date. If the claim was not filed against AWI in the tort system prior
to the Petition Date, the claimant may elect as the Claimant's Jurisdiction
either (i) the jurisdiction in which the claimant resides at the time of
diagnosis or when the claim is filed with the PI Trust; or (ii) a jurisdiction
in which the claimant experienced exposure to an asbestos-containing product for
which AWI has legal responsibility.
5.3(B)(3) PROCESSING AND PAYMENT LIMITATIONS FOR CLAIMS INVOLVING
DISEASE LEVELS III AND II. The PI Trust shall administer Individual Review for
Disease Levels III and II so that Individual Review does not reduce payments to
claimants electing the Scheduled Value for such PI Trust Claims under Expedited
Review. As one means of implementing this requirement, the following shall apply
for Disease Levels III and II claims:
5.3(B)(3)(A) DISEASE LEVEL III CLAIMS. No more than 8 percent of
Disease Level III claims paid in any year shall be PI Trust Claims allowed under
Individual Review, and the total payments to such Disease Level III claims
allowed under Individual Review shall be no more than 12 percent of payments to
all Disease Level III claimants during any year.
5.3(B)(3)(B) DISEASE LEVEL II CLAIMS. No more than 15 percent of
Disease Level II claims paid in any year shall be PI Trust Claims allowed under
Individual Review, and the total payments to such Disease Level II claims
allowed under Individual Review shall be no more than 25 percent of payments to
all Disease Level II claimants during any year.
5.3(B)(4) SCHEDULED, AVERAGE AND MAXIMUM VALUES. The Scheduled,
Average and Maximum Values for the Disease Levels compensable under this TDP are
the following:
SCHEDULED DISEASE SCHEDULED VALUE AVERAGE VALUE MAXIMUM VALUE
- ----------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Mesothelioma (Level VIII) $110,000 $130,500 $400,000
Lung Cancer1 (Level VII) $ 42,500 $ 43,800 $150,000
Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI) None $ 15,000 $ 50,000
Other Cancer (Level V) $ 21,500 $ 21,800 $ 75,000
Severe Asbestosis (Level IV) $ 42,500 $ 44,300 $140,000
Exhibit 1.31 - 11
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease
(Level III) $ 9,700 $ 10,100 $ 20,000
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease
(Level II) $ 3,700 $ 4,200 $ 10,000
Other Asbestos Disease
Cash Discount Payment
(Level I) $ 400 None None
These Scheduled Values, Average Values and Maximum Values shall apply to all PI
Trust Voting Claims filed with the PI Trust on or before the Initial Claims
Filing Date as provided in Section 5.1 above. Thereafter, the PI Trust, with the
consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative pursuant to Sections
5.7(b) and 6.6(b) of the PI Trust Agreement, may change these valuation amounts
for good cause and consistent with other restrictions on the amendment power.
5.4 CATEGORIZING CLAIMS AS EXTRAORDINARY AND/OR EXIGENT HARDSHIP
5.4(A) EXTRAORDINARY CLAIMS. "EXTRAORDINARY CLAIM" means a PI Trust
Claim that otherwise satisfies the Medical Criteria for Disease Levels II -
VIII, and that is held by a claimant whose exposure to asbestos (i) occurred
predominately as the result of working in a manufacturing facility of AWI during
a period in which AWI was manufacturing asbestos-containing products at that
facility, or (ii) was at least 75% the result of exposure to asbestos-containing
product for which AWI has legal responsibility, and there is little likelihood
of a substantial recovery elsewhere. All such Extraordinary Claims shall be
presented for Individual Review and, if valid, shall be entitled to an award of
up to a Maximum Value of five (5) times the Scheduled Value for claims
qualifying for Disease Levels II - V, VII and VIII, and five (5) times the
Average Value for claims in Disease Level VI, multiplied by the applicable
Payment Percentage. An Extraordinary Claim, following its liquidation, shall be
placed in the Trust's FIFO Queue ahead of all other PI Trust Claims except
Exigent Hardship Claims, which shall be first in said Queue, based on its date
of liquidation and shall be subject to the Maximum Available Payment and Claims
Payment Ratio described above.
5.4(B) EXIGENT HARDSHIP CLAIMS. At any time the PI Trust may
liquidate and pay certain PI Trust Claims that qualify as Exigent Hardship
Claims as defined below. Such claims may be considered separately no matter what
the order of processing otherwise would have been under this TDP. An Exigent
Hardship Claim, following its liquidation, shall be placed first in the FIFO
Payment Queue ahead of all other liquidated PI Trust Claims, and shall be
subject to the Maximum Available Payment and Claims Payment Ratio described
above. A PI Trust Claim qualifies for payment as an Exigent Hardship Claim if
the claim meets the Medical/Exposure Criteria for Severe Asbestosis (Disease
Level IV) or an asbestos-related malignancy (Disease Levels V-VIII), and the PI
Trust, in its sole discretion, determines (i) that the claimant needs financial
assistance on an immediate basis based on the claimant's expenses and all
sources of available income, and (ii) that there is a causal connection between
the claimant's dire financial condition and the claimant's asbestos-related
disease.
5.5 SECONDARY EXPOSURE CLAIMS. If a claimant alleges an
asbestos-related disease resulting solely from exposure to an occupationally
exposed person, such as a family member, the claimant may seek Individual Review
of his or her claim pursuant to Section 5.3(b) above. In such a case, the
claimant must establish that the occupationally exposed person would have met
the exposure requirements under this TDP that would have been applicable had
that person filed a direct claim against the PI Trust. In addition, the claimant
with secondary exposure must establish that he or she is suffering from one of
the eight Disease Levels described in Section 5.3(a)(3) above, that his or her
own exposure to the occupationally exposed person occurred within the same time
frame as the occupationally exposed person was exposed to asbestos products
produced by AWI, and that such secondary exposure was a cause of the claimed
disease. The proof of claim form included in Attachment B hereto contains an
additional section for Secondary Exposure Claims. All other liquidation and
payment rights and limitations under this TDP shall be applicable to such
claims.
5.6 INDIRECT PI TRUST CLAIMS. Indirect PI Trust Claims, as defined by
the Plan that are asserted against the PI Trust based upon theories of
contribution or indemnification under applicable law, may not be processed or
Exhibit 1.31 - 12
paid by the PI Trust unless (a) such claim satisfied the requirements of the Bar
Date established by the Bankruptcy Court for such claims, if applicable, and is
not otherwise discharged by Section 502(e) of the Code, and (b) the holder of
such claim (the "INDIRECT CLAIMANT") establishes to the satisfaction of the
Trustees that (i) the Indirect Claimant has paid in full the liability and
obligations of the Trust to the individual claimant to whom the PI Trust would
otherwise have had a liability or obligation under these Procedures (the "DIRECT
CLAIMANT"), (ii) the Direct Claimant and the Indirect Claimant have forever
released the Trust from all liability to the Direct Claimant, and (iii) the
claim is not otherwise barred by a statute of limitation or repose or by other
applicable law. In no event shall any Indirect Claimant have any rights against
the PI Trust superior to the rights of the related Direct Claimant against the
PI Trust, including any rights with respect to the timing, amount or manner of
payment. In addition, no Indirect Claim may be liquidated and paid in an amount
that exceeds what the Indirect Claimant has actually paid the related Direct
Claimant.
The PI Trust shall not pay any Indirect Claimant unless and until the Indirect
Claimant's aggregate liability for the Direct Claimant's claim has been fixed,
liquidated and paid fully by the Indirect Claimant by settlement (with an
appropriate full release in favor of the PI Trust) or a Final Order (as defined
in the Plan) provided that such claim is valid under the applicable state law.
In any case where the Indirect Claimant has satisfied the claim of a Direct
Claimant against the PI Trust under applicable law by way of a settlement, the
Indirect Claimant shall obtain for the benefit of the PI Trust a release in form
and substance satisfactory to the Trustees. The Trustees may develop and approve
a separate proof of claim form for such Indirect PI Trust Claims.
Indirect PI Trust Claims that have not been disallowed, discharged, or otherwise
resolved by prior order of the Court shall be processed in accordance with
procedures to be developed and implemented by the Trustees, which procedures (a)
shall determine the validity, allowability and enforceability of such claims;
and (b) shall otherwise provide the same liquidation and payment procedures and
rights to the holders of such claims as the PI Trust would have afforded the
holders of the underlying valid PI Trust Claims.
5.7 EVIDENTIARY REQUIREMENTS
5.7(A) MEDICAL EVIDENCE.
5.7(A)(1) IN GENERAL. All diagnoses of a Disease Level shall be
accompanied by either (i) a statement by the physician providing the diagnosis
that at least 10 years have elapsed between the date of first exposure to
asbestos or asbestos-containing products and the diagnosis, or (ii) a history of
the claimant's exposure sufficient to establish a 10-year latency period. A
finding by a physician after the Petition Date that a claimant's disease is
"consistent with" or "compatible with" asbestosis will not alone be treated by
the PI Trust as a diagnosis.
5.7(A)(1)(A). DISEASE LEVELS I-IV. Except for claims filed against
AWI or another asbestos defendant in the tort system prior to the Petition Date,
all diagnoses of a non-malignant asbestos-related disease (Disease Levels I-IV)
shall be based (i) in the case of a claimant who was living at the time the
claim was filed, upon (A) a physical examination of the claimant by the
physician providing the diagnosis of the asbestos-related disease; (B) an X-ray
reading by a certified B-reader or a CT scan read by a qualified physician
showing bilateral pleural disease or bilateral interstitial fibrosis, and (C)
pulmonary function testing(5) if the claim involves Asbestosis/Pleural Disease
(Level III) or Severe Asbestosis (Level IV)(6), and (ii) in the case of a
claimant who was deceased at the time the claim was filed, upon (A) a physical
examination of the claimant by the physician providing the diagnosis of the
asbestos-related disease, or (B) pathological evidence of the non-malignant
asbestos-related disease, or (C) an X-ray reading by a certified B reader or a
CT scan read by a qualified physician showing bilateral pleural disease or
bilateral interstitial fibrosis.
- ------------------------------
(5) "PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING" shall mean spirometry testing that is in
material compliance with the quality criteria established by the American
Thoracic Society ("ATS") and is performed on equipment which is in material
compliance with ATS standards for technical quality and calibration.
(6) All diagnoses of Asbestos/Pleural Disease (Disease Levels II and III) not
based on pathology shall be presumed to be based on findings of bilateral
asbestosis or pleural disease, and all diagnoses of Mesothelioma (Disease Level
VIII) shall be presumed to be based on findings that the disease involves a
malignancy. However, the PI Trust may rebut such presumptions.
Exhibit 1.31 - 13
5.7(A)(1)(B). DISEASE LEVELS V-VIII. Except for claims filed against
AWI or another asbestos defendant in the tort system prior to the Petition Date,
diagnoses of an asbestos-related malignancy (Disease Levels V - VIII) shall be
based upon either (i) a physical examination of the claimant by the physician
providing the diagnosis of the malignant asbestos-related disease, or (ii) on a
diagnosis of such a malignant Disease Level by a board-certified pathologist.
5.7(A)(1)(C). TREATMENT OF CERTAIN PRE-PETITION CLAIMS. If the holder
of a PI Trust Claim has available the medical evidence described in Sections
5.7(a)(1)(A) and 5.7(a)(1)(B), or if the holder has filed such medical evidence
with another asbestos-related personal injury settlement trust that requires
such evidence, the holder shall provide such medical evidence to the PI Trust
notwithstanding the exceptions in Sections 5.7(a)(1)(A) and 5.7(a)(1)(B).
5.7(A)(2) CREDIBILITY OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE. Before making any payment
to a claimant, the PI Trust must have reasonable confidence that the medical
evidence provided in support of the claim is credible and consistent with
recognized medical standards. The PI Trust may require the submission of X-rays,
CT scans, detailed results of pulmonary function tests, laboratory tests, tissue
samples, results of medical examination or reviews of other medical evidence,
and may require that medical evidence submitted comply with recognized medical
standards regarding equipment, testing methods and procedure to assure that such
evidence is reliable. Medical evidence (i) that is of a kind shown to have been
received in evidence by a state or federal judge at trial, (ii) that is
consistent with evidence submitted to AWI to settle for payment similar disease
cases prior to AWI's bankruptcy, or (iii) a diagnosis by a physician shown to
have previously qualified as a medical expert with respect to the
asbestos-related disease in question before a state or federal judge, is
presumptively reliable, although the PI Trust may seek to rebut the presumption.
In addition, claimants who otherwise meet the requirements of this TDP for
payment of a PI Trust Claim shall be paid irrespective of the results in any
litigation at anytime between the claimant and any other defendant in the tort
system. However, any relevant evidence submitted in a proceeding in the tort
system involving another defendant, other than any findings of fact, a verdict,
or a judgment, may be introduced by either the claimant or the PI Trust in any
Individual Review proceeding conducted pursuant to 5.3(b) or any Extraordinary
Claim proceeding conducted pursuant to 5.4(a).
5.7(B) EXPOSURE EVIDENCE
5.7(B)(1) IN GENERAL. As set forth in Section 5.3(a)(3) above, to
qualify for any Disease Level, the claimant must demonstrate a minimum exposure
to an asbestos-containing product manufactured or distributed by AWI. Claims
based on conspiracy theories that involve no exposure to an asbestos-containing
product produced by AWI are not compensable under this TDP. To meet the
presumptive exposure requirements of Expedited Review set forth in Section
5.3(a)(3) above, the claimant must show (i) for all Disease Levels, AWI Exposure
as defined in Section 5.7(b)(3) below prior to December 31, 1982; (ii) for
Asbestos/Pleural Disease Level II, six months AWI Exposure prior to December 31,
1982, plus five years cumulative occupational asbestos exposure; and (iii) for
Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Disease Level III), Severe Asbestosis (Disease Level
IV), Other Cancer (Disease Level V) or Lung Cancer 1 (Disease Level VII), the
claimant must show six months AWI Exposure prior to December 31, 1982, plus
Significant Occupational Exposure to asbestos as defined below. If the claimant
cannot meet the relevant presumptive exposure requirements for a Disease Level
eligible for Expedited Review, the claimant may seek Individual Review of his or
her claim based on exposure to an asbestos-containing product manufactured or
distributed by AWI.
5.7(B)(2) SIGNIFICANT OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE. "SIGNIFICANT
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE" means employment for a cumulative period of at least five
years, with a minimum of two years prior to December 31, 1982, in an industry
and an occupation in which the claimant (a) handled raw asbestos fibers on a
regular basis; (b) fabricated asbestos-containing products so that the claimant
in the fabrication process was exposed on a regular basis to raw asbestos
fibers; (c) altered, repaired or otherwise worked with an asbestos-containing
product such that the claimant was exposed on a regular basis to asbestos
fibers; or (d) was employed in an industry and occupation such that the claimant
worked on a regular basis in close proximity to workers engaged in the
activities described in (a), (b) and/or (c).
5.7(B)(3) AWI EXPOSURE. The claimant must demonstrate meaningful and
credible exposure prior to December 31, 1982, to asbestos or asbestos-containing
products supplied, specified, manufactured, installed, maintained, or repaired
by AWI and/or any entity, including an AWI contracting unit, for which AWI has
Exhibit 1.31 - 14
legal responsibility. That meaningful and credible exposure evidence may be
established by an affidavit of the claimant, by an affidavit of a co-worker or
the affidavit of a family member in the case of a deceased claimant (providing
the PI Trust finds such evidence reasonably reliable), by invoices, employment,
construction or similar records, or by other credible evidence. The specific
exposure information required by the PI Trust to process a claim under either
Expedited or Individual Review is set forth on the proof of claim form to be
used by the PI Trust, which is attached as Attachment B hereto. The PI Trust can
also require submission of other or additional evidence of exposure when it
deems such to be necessary.
5.7 CLAIMS AUDIT PROGRAM. The PI Trust with the consent of the TAC
and the Futures Claimants' Representative may develop methods for auditing the
reliability of medical evidence, including additional reading of x-rays, CT
scans and verification of pulmonary function tests, as well as the reliability
of evidence of exposure to asbestos, including exposure to asbestos-containing
products manufactured or distributed by AWI prior to December 31, 1982. In the
event that the PI Trust reasonably determines that any individual or entity has
engaged in a pattern or practice of providing unreliable medical evidence to the
Trust, it may decline to accept additional evidence from such provider in the
future.
Further, in the event that an audit reveals that fraudulent information has been
provided to the PI Trust, the PI Trust may penalize any claimant or claimant's
attorney by disallowing the PI Trust Claim or by other means including, but not
limited to, requiring the source of the fraudulent information to pay the costs
associated with the audit and any future audit or audits, reordering the
priority of payment of all affected claimants' PI Trust Claims, raising the
level of scrutiny of additional information submitted from the same source or
sources, refusing to accept additional evidence from the same source or sources,
seeking the prosecution of the claimant or claimant's attorney for presenting a
fraudulent claim in violation of 18 U.S.C. ss.152, and seeking sanctions from
the Bankruptcy Court.
5.9 SECOND DISEASE (MALIGNANCY) CLAIMS. The holder of a PI Trust
Claim involving a non-malignant asbestos-related disease (Disease Levels I
through IV) may assert a new PI Trust Claim against the PI Trust for a malignant
disease (Disease Levels V - VIII) that is subsequently diagnosed. Any additional
payments to which such claimant may be entitled with respect to such malignant
asbestos-related disease shall not be reduced by the amount paid for the
non-malignant asbestos-related disease, provided that the malignant disease had
not been diagnosed by the time the claimant was paid with respect to his or her
original claim involving the non-malignant disease.
5.10 ARBITRATION.
5.10(A) ESTABLISHMENT OF ARBITRATION PROCEDURES. The PI Trust, with
the consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative, shall institute
binding and non-binding arbitration procedures in accordance with the
Arbitration Rules included in Attachment A hereto for resolving disputes
concerning whether a Pre-Petition settlement agreement with AWI is binding and
judicially enforceable in the absence of a final order of the Bankruptcy Court
determining the issue, whether the PI Trust's outright rejection or denial of a
claim was proper, or whether the claimant's medical condition or exposure
history meets the requirements of this TDP for purposes of categorizing a claim
involving Disease Levels I - VIII. Binding and non-binding arbitration shall
also be available for resolving disputes over the liquidated value of a claim
involving Disease Levels II - VIII.
In all arbitrations, the arbitrator shall consider the same medical and exposure
evidentiary requirements that are set forth in Section 5.7 above. In the case of
an arbitration involving the liquidated value of a claim involving Disease
Levels II - VIII, the arbitrator shall consider the same valuation factors that
are set forth in Section 5.3(b)(2) above. With respect to all claims eligible
for arbitration, the claimant, but not the PI Trust, may elect either
non-binding or binding arbitration. The Arbitration Rules set forth in
Attachment A hereto may be modified by the PI Trust with the consent of the TAC
and the Future Claimants' Representative. Such amendments may include adoption
of mediation procedures as well as establishment of an Extraordinary Claims
Panel to review such claims pursuant to Section 5.4(a) above.
5.10(B) CLAIMS ELIGIBLE FOR ARBITRATION. In order to be eligible for
arbitration, the claimant must first complete the Individual Review Process with
respect to the disputed issue. Individual Review will be treated as completed
for these purposes when the claim has been individually reviewed by the PI
Trust, the PI Trust has made an offer on the claim, the claimant has rejected
the liquidated value resulting from the Individual Review, and the claimant has
notified the PI Trust of the rejection in writing.
5.10(C) LIMITATIONS ON AND PAYMENT OF ARBITRATION AWARDS. In the case
of a non-Extraordinary Claim involving Disease Levels II - VIII, the arbitrator
shall not return an award in excess of the Maximum Value for the appropriate
Exhibit 1.31 - 15
Disease Level as set forth in Section 5.3(a)(4) above, and for an Extraordinary
Claim involving one of those Disease Levels, the arbitrator shall not return an
award greater than the Maximum Extraordinary Value for such a claim as set forth
in Section 5.4(a) above. A claimant who submits to arbitration and who accepts
the arbitral award will receive payments in the same manner as one who accepts
the Trust's original valuation of the claim.
5.11 LITIGATION. Claimants who elect non-binding arbitration and then
reject their arbitral awards retain the right to institute a lawsuit in the tort
system against the PI Trust pursuant to Section 7.6 below. However, a claimant
shall be eligible for payment of a judgment for monetary damages obtained in the
tort system from the PI Trust's available cash only as provided in Section 7.7
below.
SECTION VI
CLAIMS MATERIALS
6.1 CLAIMS MATERIALS. The PI Trust shall prepare suitable and
efficient claims materials ("CLAIMS MATERIALS") for all PI Trust Claims, and
shall provide such Claims Materials upon a written request for such materials to
the PI Trust. The proof of claim form to be submitted to the PI Trust shall
require the claimant to assert the highest Disease Level for which the claim
qualifies at the time of filing. The proof of claim form shall also include a
certification by the claimant or his or her attorney sufficient to meet the
requirements of Rule 11(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. A copy of
the proof of claim form to be used by the PI Trust for Pre-Petition Liquidated
Claims and unliquidated PI Trust Claims is included in Attachment B hereto. The
proof of claim form may be changed by the PI Trust with the consent of the TAC
and the Future Claimants' Representative.
6.2 CONTENT OF CLAIMS MATERIALS. The Claims Materials shall include a
copy of this TDP, such instructions as the Trustees shall approve, and a
detailed proof of claim form. If feasible, the forms used by the PI Trust to
obtain claims information shall be the same or substantially similar to those
used by other asbestos claims resolution organizations. Instead of collecting
some or all of the claims information from a claimant or the claimant's
attorney, the PI Trust may also obtain such information from electronic data
bases maintained by any other asbestos claims resolution organization. However,
the PI Trust shall inform the claimant that it plans to obtain information as
available from such other organizations and may do so unless the claimant
objects in writing or provides such information directly to the PI Trust. If
requested by the claimant, the PI Trust shall accept information provided
electronically. The claimant may, but will not be required to, provide the PI
Trust with evidence of recovery from other asbestos defendants and claims
resolution organizations.
6.3 WITHDRAWAL OR DEFERRAL OF CLAIMS. A claimant can withdraw a PI
Trust Claim at any time upon written notice to the PI Trust and file another
such claim subsequently without affecting the status of the claim for statute of
limitations purposes, but any such claim filed after withdrawal shall be given a
place in the FIFO Processing Queue based on the date of such subsequent filing.
A claimant can also request that the processing of his or her PI Trust Claim by
the PI Trust be deferred for a period not to exceed three (3) years without
affecting the status of the claim for statute of limitation purposes, in which
case the claimant shall also retain his or her original place in the FIFO
Processing Queue. Except for PI Trust Claims held by representatives of deceased
or incompetent claimants for which court or probate approval of the PI Trust's
offer is required, or a PI Trust Claim for which deferral status has been
granted, a claim will be deemed to have been withdrawn if the claimant neither
accepts, rejects, nor initiates arbitration within six months of the PI Trust's
offer of payment or rejection of the claim. Upon written request and good cause,
the PI Trust may extend either the deferral or withdrawal period for an
additional six months.
6.4 FILING REQUIREMENTS AND FEES. The Trustees shall have the
discretion to determine, with the consent of the TAC and the Futures
Representative, (a) whether a claimant must have previously filed a PI Trust
Claim in the tort system to be eligible to file the claim with the PI Trust and
(b) whether a filing fee should be required for any PI Trust claims.
SECTION VII
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR LIQUIDATING AND PAYING CLAIMS
7.1 SHOWING REQUIRED. To establish a valid PI Trust Claim, a claimant
must meet the requirements set forth in this TDP. The PI Trust may require the
submission of X-rays, CT scans, laboratory tests, medical examinations or
Exhibit 1.31 - 16
reviews, other medical evidence, or any other evidence to support or verify the
claim, and may further require that medical evidence submitted comply with
recognized medical standards regarding equipment, testing methods, and
procedures to assure that such evidence is reliable.
7.2 COSTS CONSIDERED. Notwithstanding any provisions of this TDP to
the contrary, the Trustees shall always give appropriate consideration to the
cost of investigating and uncovering invalid PI Trust Claims so that the payment
of valid PI Trust Claims is not further impaired by such processes with respect
to issues related to the validity of the medical evidence supporting a PI Trust
Claim. The Trustees shall also have the latitude to make judgments regarding the
amount of transaction costs to be expended by the PI Trust so that valid PI
Trust Claims are not unduly further impaired by the costs of additional
investigation. Nothing herein shall prevent the Trustees, in appropriate
circumstances, from contesting the validity of any claim against the PI Trust
whatever the costs, or to decline to accept medical evidence from sources that
the Trustees have determined to be unreliable pursuant to the Claims Audit
Program described in Section 5.7 above.
7.3 DISCRETION TO VARY THE ORDER AND AMOUNTS OF PAYMENTS IN EVENT OF
LIMITED LIQUIDITY. Consistent with the provisions hereof and subject to the FIFO
Processing and Liquidation Queues, the Maximum Annual Payment, the Maximum
Available Payment and the Claims Payment Ratio requirements set forth above, the
Trustees shall proceed as quickly as possible to liquidate valid PI Trust
Claims, and shall make payments to holders of such claims in accordance with
this TDP promptly as funds become available and as claims are liquidated, while
maintaining sufficient resources to pay future valid claims in substantially the
same manner.
Because the PI Trust's income over time remains uncertain, and decisions about
payments must be based on estimates that cannot be done precisely, they may have
to be revised in light of experiences over time, and there can be no guarantee
of any specific level of payment to claimants. However, the Trustees shall use
their best efforts to treat similar claims in substantially the same manner,
consistent with their duties as Trustees, the purposes of the PI Trust, the
established allocation of funds to claims in Categories A and B, and the
practical limitations imposed by the inability to predict the future with
precision. In the event that the PI Trust faces temporary periods of limited
liquidity, the Trustees may, with the consent of the TAC and the Future
Claimants' Representative, suspend the normal order of payment and may
temporarily limit or suspend payments altogether, and may offer a Reduced
Payment Option as described in Section 2.5 above.
7.4 PUNITIVE DAMAGES. In determining the value of any liquidated or
unliquidated PI Trust Claim, punitive or exemplary damages, i.e., damages other
than compensatory damages, shall not be considered or allowed, notwithstanding
their availability in the tort system.
7.5 INTEREST.
7.5(A) IN GENERAL. Except for PI Trust Claim involving Other Asbestos
Disease (Disease Level I - Cash Discount Payment) and subject to the limitations
set forth below, interest shall be paid on all PI Trust Claims with respect to
which the claimant has had to wait a year or more for payment, provided,
however, that no claimant shall receive interest for a period in excess of seven
(7) years. The applicable interest rate shall be six percent (6%) simple
interest per annum for the first five (5) years after the Effective Date;
thereafter, the PI Trust shall have the discretion to change the annual interest
rate with the consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative.
7.5(B) UNLIQUIDATED PI TRUST CLAIMS. Interest shall be payable on the
Scheduled Value of any unliquidated PI Trust Claim that meets the requirements
of Disease Levels II - V, VII and VIII, whether the claim is liquidated under
Expedited Review, Individual Review, or by arbitration. Interest on an
unliquidated PI Trust Claim that meets the requirements of Disease Level VI
shall be based on the Average Value of such a claim. Interest on all such
unliquidated claims shall be measured from the date of payment back to the
earliest of the date that is one year after the date on which (a) the claim was
filed against AWI prior to the Petition Date; (b) the claim was filed against
another defendant in the tort system on or after the Petition Date but before
the Effective Date; or (c) the claim was filed with the PI Trust after the
Effective Date.
7.5(C) LIQUIDATED PRE-PETITION CLAIMS. Interest shall also be payable
on the liquidated value of all Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims described in
Section 5.2(a) above. In the case of Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims liquidated
by verdict or judgment, interest shall be measured from the date of payment back
to the date that is one year after the date that the verdict or judgment was
entered. In the case of Pre-Petition Liquidated Claims liquidated by a binding,
Exhibit 1.31 - 17
judicially enforceable settlement, interest shall be measured from the date of
payment back to the date that is one year after the Petition Date.
7.6 SUITS IN THE TORT SYSTEM. If the holder of a disputed claim
disagrees with the PI Trust's determination regarding the Disease Level of the
claim, the claimant's exposure history or the liquidated value of the claim, and
if the holder has first submitted the claim to non-binding arbitration as
provided in Section 5.10 above, the holder may file a lawsuit in the Claimant's
Jurisdiction as defined in Section 5.3(b)(2) above. Any such lawsuit must be
filed by the claimant in her or her own right and name and not as a member or
representative of a class, and no such lawsuit may be consolidated with any
other lawsuit. All defenses (including, with respect to the PI Trust, all
defenses which could have been asserted by AWI) shall be available to both sides
at trial; however, the PI Trust may waive any defense and/or concede any issue
of fact or law. If the claimant was alive at the time the initial pre-petition
complaint was filed or on the date the Proof of Claim was filed, the case will
be treated as a personal injury case with all personal injury damages to be
considered even if the claimant has died during the pendency of the claim.
7.7 PAYMENT OF JUDGMENTS FOR MONEY DAMAGES. If and when a claimant
obtains a judgment in the tort system, the claim shall be placed in the FIFO
Payment Queue based on the date on which the judgment became final. Thereafter,
the claimant shall receive from the PI Trust an initial payment (subject to the
applicable Payment Percentage, the Maximum Available Payment, and the Claims
Payment Ratio provisions set forth above) of an amount equal to one-hundred
percent (100%) of the greater of (i) the PI Trust's last offer to the claimant
or (ii) the award that the claimant declined in non-binding arbitration. The
claimant shall receive the balance of the judgment, if any, in five equal
installments in years six (6) through ten (10) following the year of the initial
payment (also subject to the applicable Payment Percentage, the Maximum
Available Payment and the Claims Payment Ratio provisions set forth above).
In the case of non-Extraordinary claims involving Disease Levels II - VIII, the
total amounts paid with respect to such claims shall not exceed the Maximum
Values for such Disease Levels set forth in Section 5.3(b)(4). In the case of
Extraordinary Claims, the total amounts paid with respect to such claims shall
not exceed the Maximum Value for such claims set forth in Section 5.4(a) above.
Under no circumstances shall interest be paid pursuant to Section 7.5 or under
any statute on any judgments obtained in the tort system.
7.8 RELEASES. The Trustees shall have the discretion to determine the
form and substance of the releases to be provided to the PI Trust in order to
maximize recovery for claimants against other tortfeasors without increasing the
risk or amount of claims for indemnification or contribution from the PI Trust.
As a condition to making any payment to a claimant, the PI Trust shall obtain a
general, partial, or limited release as appropriate in accordance with the
applicable state or other law. If allowed by state law, the endorsing of a check
or draft for payment by or on behalf of a claimant shall constitute such a
release.
7.9 THIRD-PARTY SERVICES. Nothing in this TDP shall preclude the PI
Trust from contracting with another asbestos claims resolution organization to
provide services to the PI Trust so long as decisions about the categorization
and liquidated value of PI Trust Claims are based on the relevant provisions of
this TDP, including the Disease Levels, Scheduled Values, Average Values,
Maximum Values, and Medical/Exposure Criteria set forth above.
7.10 PI TRUST DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. Periodically, but not less
often than once a year, the Trust shall make available to claimants and other
interested parties, the number of claims by disease levels that have been
resolved both by the Individual Review Process and by arbitration as well as by
litigation in the tort system indicating the amounts of the awards and the
averages of the awards by jurisdiction.
SECTION VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 AMENDMENTS. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Trustees may
amend, modify, delete, or add to any provisions of this TDP (including, without
limitation, amendments to conform this TDP to advances in scientific or medical
knowledge or other changes in circumstances), provided they first obtain the
consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants' Representative pursuant to the
Consent Process set forth in Sections 5.7(b) and 6.6(b) of the PI Trust
Exhibit 1.31 - 18
Agreement, except that the right to amend the Claims Payment Ratio is governed
by the restrictions in Section 2.5 above, and the right to adjust the Payment
Percentage is governed by Section 4.2 above.
8.2 SEVERABILITY. Should any provision contained in this TDP be
determined to be unenforceable, such determination shall in no way limit or
affect the enforceability and operative effect of any and all other provisions
of this TDP. Should any provision contained in this TDP be determined to be
inconsistent with or contrary to AWI obligations to any insurance company
providing insurance coverage to AWI in respect of claims for personal injury
based on exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured or produced by
AWI, the PI Trust with the consent of the TAC and the Future Claimants'
Representative, may amend this TDP and/or the PI Trust Agreement to make the
provisions of either or both documents consistent with the duties and
obligations of AWI to said insurance company.
8.3 GOVERNING LAW. Except for purposes of determining the liquidated
value of any PI Trust Claim, administration of this TDP shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware. The law
governing the liquidation of PI Trust Claims in the case of Individual Review,
arbitration or litigation in the tort system shall be the law of the Claimant's
Jurisdiction as described in Section 5.3(b)(2) above.
Exhibit 1.31 - 19