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In Re UAL Corp.

Citation: 635 F.3d 312Docket: 10-1524

Court: Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit; April 13, 2011; Federal Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

In the case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, involving UAL Corporation and Regen Capital I, Inc., the court addressed issues related to bankruptcy reorganization plans and the treatment of executory contracts. The court denied the petition for rehearing and amended its previous opinion to clarify the circumstances under which executory contracts can be assumed or rejected post-confirmation. The court affirmed that bankruptcy courts hold the discretion to approve plans allowing such post-confirmation decisions, provided they align with congressional intent and sound policy. Specifically, the court noted that if a reorganization plan does not explicitly address an executory contract, the contract cannot be assumed or rejected until the plan is confirmed. These clarifications were made to ensure consistency with established case law and to provide clear guidance on the handling of executory contracts in bankruptcy proceedings. The outcome maintains the court's alignment with legal standards while providing clarity on procedural expectations for involved parties.

Legal Issues Addressed

Amendments to Court Opinion

Application: The court made textual adjustments to its prior opinion to clarify the treatment of executory contracts and align with legislative intent.

Reasoning: The court made various textual adjustments, such as replacing 'ride-through' with 'post-confirmation assumption or rejection,' and clarified that executory contracts could be deemed assumed but rejected later if cure amounts were unacceptable.

Assumption or Rejection of Executory Contracts

Application: If the bankruptcy reorganization plan does not address an executory contract, it cannot be assumed or rejected before plan confirmation.

Reasoning: The order specified that if a plan does not address an executory contract, it cannot be assumed or rejected before plan confirmation.

Treatment of Executory Contracts in Bankruptcy Reorganization Plans

Application: The court clarified that bankruptcy courts have the discretion to approve plans that allow for the post-confirmation assumption or rejection of executory contracts.

Reasoning: The court highlighted that some courts support the idea that a bankruptcy court can approve plans allowing for post-confirmation assumption or rejection of executory contracts.