Southern District Bankruptcy Court Approves Sale of Substantially All Assets of World’s Largest Manufacturer of Trash and Linen Chutes for High Rise Buildings - August 8, 2006
Bankruptcy Judge Raymond Ray approved the sale of substantially all of the assets of Wilkinson High Rise, LLC and Wilkinson Chutes, Inc. under §363 of the Bankruptcy Code to a buyout group consisting of members of management and financial advisors to the companies, both of which had operated their businesses as debtors in possession. The firm represented the Debtors, and the sale was supported by the companies’ largest secured creditor, which financed the transaction, and by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors. After announcing from the bench the approval of the sale on July 17, 2006, the Court held an emergency hearing to resolve an objection of the United States Trustee to the inclusion of language releasing claims against members of the management team that would also manage and partially own the purchasing entity. The Court approved the release language, which was supported by the Committee and the major secured creditor, General Electric Credit Corp. Harley Riedel, Charles Postler, Greg Golson and Edward Peterson were the lawyers at the firm primarily responsible for documenting and obtaining approval of the transaction.

Largest Developer on Anna Maria Island, Florida, Seeks Relief in Chapter 11 - July 15, 2006
GSR Development, LLC, sought relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on July 13, 2006. The Debtor is the largest land owner on Anna Maria Island, which is a barrier island on the southern edge of Tampa Bay. The Debtor owns numerous parcels of real property on the island, including single family home sites and condominium parcels, with an aggregate value estimated to be in the neighborhood of $50 million. The representation is led by Richard C. Prosser and Stephen R. Leslie.

Debtor-in-Possession Financing for Ft. Myers Marina/Real Estate Acquisition Approved - July 1, 2006
Pursuant to Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Judge Alexander L. Paskay, approved new Debtor-in-Possession financing for Weeks Landing, LLC, one of several affiliated debtors in Chapter 11 cases pending in Ft. Myers. The firm represented the Debtor-in-Possession lender, RCMP Enterprises, LLC. The DIP lender is also conducting due diligence and is the proposed “stalking horse” purchaser for the marina property. The hearings in the case have been handled by Steve Leslie. Mr. Leslie and Harley Riedel have been involved in the negotiations with the Debtors leading to the DIP financing and prospective purchase.

Amy Denton Harris Appointed Chair of the Accounting Circle Board at the University of South Florida - July 1, 2006
Amy Denton Harris will serve as chair of the Accounting Circle Board at the University of South Florida from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. The Accounting Circle is a partnership among the faculty, students, alumni, and friends of the University of South Florida to support the School of Accountancy in: (i) maintaining its rating as one of the top accounting programs in the nation, (a) providing financial assistance to students, and (b) assisting in recruiting.

General Contractor Seeks Relief in Ft. Myers Chapter 11 Case - June 23, 2006
C.E.M. Construction Services, Inc., sought relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in a Ft. Myers case. The Debtor is a single family home builder in Lee County and Collier County in Southwest Florida. The representation is led by Stephen R. Leslie.

Order Entered by Gainesville Bankruptcy Court Confirming Plan of Reorganization For Deb-Lyn, Inc. - June 9, 2006
Stichter, Riedel represented the Debtor which owned and operated Burger King restaurants at various locations throughout north central Florida. On June 9, 2006, the United States Bankruptcy Code for the Northern District of Florida entered an Order Confirming Plan of Reorganization for Deb-Lyn, Inc. The plan provided for the sale of up to four (4) of the Debtor’s Burger King restaurants and for the payment of claims from funds from the Reorganized Debtors operation of the eight (8) remaining restaurants.

Tampa Bankruptcy Court Enters Order Confirming Consolidated Plan of Reorganization for Owner of Sonic Drive-In Restaurants - June 8, 2006
On June 8, 2006, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, entered an order confirming a consolidated plan of reorganization for Langford-Leake-Group, Inc., SDI of Auburndale, Inc., and SDI of Winter Haven, Inc. Stichter, Riedel represents the Debtors who owned and operated Sonic Drive-In restaurants in central Florida. The plan provides for the sale of the restaurants as well as a 100% distribution to unsecured creditors. The representation was held by Richard C. Prosser and Amy Denton Harris.

Elena Paras Ketchum Elected Director of The Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association - June 6, 2006
Elena Paras Ketchum was elected to a two-year term as a director of The Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association. This represents Stichter Riedel’s continued involvement with the Association, which has included four shareholders having served as president and chairs of the Association.

Elena Paras Ketchum Continues as Co-Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s Community Service Committee - June 2006
Elena Paras Ketchum will serve as Co-Chair of the Community Service Committee of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, continuing in this position from last year.

Two Stichter Riedel Lawyers Appointed to Executive Positions With the Business Law Section of The Florida Bar - June 2006
At the annual meeting of The Florida Bar, Russell M. Blain was elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Business Law of The Florida Bar. Mr. Blain has served on the Executive Council of the Business Law Section, previously served as chair of the Continuing Legal Education and Bankruptcy committees, and most recently served as chair of the Legislation Committee. In addition, Elena Paras Ketchum was appointed to the Executive Council of the Business Law Section of The Florida Bar.

Stichter, Riedel Files Chapter 11 Cases in Ft. Lauderdale for Wilkinson Hi-Rise and Wilkinson Chutes - May 15, 2006
The firm filed voluntary petitions for relief for Wilkinson Hi-Rise, LLC and Wilkinson Chutes, Inc. under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on May 15, 2006. The Debtors manufacture and install sheet metal fabrication products.

Anchor Glass Plan of Reorganization Confirmed; Firm Chosen as Counsel for the Plan Resolution Trustee - April 17, 2006
The Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the consensual Plan of Reorganization of Anchor Glass Container Corporation. The firm served as co-counsel for the Official Committee of unsecured creditors in the case. Unsecured creditors received an $8.6 million cash distribution whish was to be deposited in the Alpha Resolution Trust upon the Effective Date of the Plan, and noteholders with deficiency claims of approximately $100 million waived any right to share in the cash distribution. The Confirmation Order also appointed the firm as counsel to the Alpha Resolution Trust, which had the authority under the Plan to resolve all general unsecured claims.

Harley E. Riedel Speaks on Bankruptcy Bar Panel - March 14, 2006
Harley E. Riedel spoke at a seminar discussing changes to the Bankruptcy Code. The panel included Chief Judge Paul M. Glenn of the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, and Judge David W. Houston of the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. Mr. Riedel spoke on chapter 11 issues arising under the new legislation.

Firm Prevails in Appeal of Setoff Order in Lykes Bros. Steamship Case - October 25, 2005
The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida affirmed a decision of the Bankruptcy Court (Judge Alexander L. Paskay) determining that the United States had no right of setoff following confirmation of a plan of reorganization in the case of Lykes Bros. Steamship Co., Inc. The Bankruptcy Court’s decision was published at 217 B.R. 304 and involved a setoff claim of the United States in the amount of approximately $2.4 million. The firm represented Lykes Bros., the third largest U.S. Flag carrier providing container transportation between the United States and Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa and South America in this appeal, as well as in its successful reorganization efforts. As part of the plan of reorganization, portions of the Company were reorganized as a vessel-leasing company and the other portions of the Company were sold to an affiliate of Canadian Pacific. The Company remained headquartered in Tampa following the sale, and Canadian Pacific announced recently that the successor entity was being re-sold for approximately $2 billion.

Stichter, Riedel successfully represents majority bond holders in bankruptcy auction - October 7, 2005
The firm represented Fidelity Partners, LLC and CAP IV River Bend, LLC in the Wellington-Tampa, LLC case involving a 296 unit apartment complex known as the “River Bend Apartments.” The complex was subject to a first mortgage in favor of SunTrust Bank, as Indenture Trustee, securing approximately $14 million in bonds. During the case, Fidelity acquired a large majority of the bonds and, dissatisfied with the Debtor’s proposals and the conduct of the case, exercised its rights under the indenture trust to cause SunTrust to credit bid a portion of the secured debt to acquire the property. The Debtor vigorously opposed this course of action and sought to suspend the sale procedures, withdraw its sale motion, and dismiss the Chapter 11 case rather than transfer beneficial ownership of the complex to an entity designated by SunTrust. In addition, third parties appeared and entered bids for the property. On October 7, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court entered a detailed 18-page order approving SunTrust’s $12 million credit bid and approving the execution and recording of the deed and other transfer documents. Upon refusal of the Debtor to comply with the Order, the Bankruptcy Court entered an emergency order on October 14, 2006 conveying the property to CAP IV River Bend, LLC pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 7070.

Edward J. Peterson Admitted to The Florida Bar - September 26, 2005
Edward J. Peterson, who joined the firm in April 2005, was sworn in as a member of the Florida Bar by Chief Bankruptcy Judge Paul M. Glenn on September 26, 2005. Mr. Peterson is also a member of the Alabama Bar. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Peterson was an associate with the Birmingham, Alabama law firms of Bradley Arant Rose White LLP and Balch & Bingham LLP. He received his law degree from the University of Alabama, with high honors, and his undergraduate degree from Kenyon College.

Stichter, Riedel Selected as Counsel for Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Skyway Communications Holding Corp. - September 20, 2005
On September 20, 2006, the firm was selected as counsel for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Skyway Communications Holding Corp., a publicly traded company. Skyway filed a chapter 11 case on June 14, 2005. Prior to the Petition Date, Skyway was in the business of developing a ground?to?air, in flight aircraft communication network which it expected would facilitate homeland security and in-flight entertainment. Stichter, Riedel, on behalf of the Committee, was successful in obtaining the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee who is in the process of liquidating the remaining assets of Skyway for the benefit of creditors.

Stichter, Riedel prevails in significant homestead exemption litigation - September 7, 2005
On September 7, 2005, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida entered an order in the Chapter 7 case of Abraham D. Gosman upholding Mr. Gosman’s right to claim a homestead exemption notwithstanding the Trustee’s contention that the application of Section 522(g) would preclude the exemption claim. Mr. Gosman’s six-acre homestead site was sold to Donald Trump for approximately $41.5 million in early 2005, and the net proceeds have been escrowed. The firm has represented Mr. Gosman since October of 2003.

Stichter, Riedel selected as co-counsel for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Anchor Glass, Inc. - August 26, 2005
The firm was chosen as co-counsel for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Anchor Glass, Inc. on August 26, 2005. Anchor Glass is the third largest manufacturer of glass products in the United States with scheduled assets and liabilities in excess of $600 million.

Stichter, Riedel confirms liquidating plan in bankruptcy case filed by the operator of Leverocks restaurants - August 11, 2005
On August 11, 2005, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division entered an order confirming the plan of reorganization proposed by the Debtor. The firm represented the Debtor which owned seven seafood restaurants operating under the Leverock’s name. During the course of the bankruptcy case, certain assets were sold. The liquidating plan of reorganization confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court provided for the payment of claims from the proceeds of prior sales and the funds to be received by the Reorganized Debtor from liquidation of its remaining assets.

Russ Blain speaks on panels discussing recent bankruptcy legislation - August 2005
Russ Blain served on the faculty and steering committee for the first seminars in Florida on the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (“BAPCPA”) held in Tampa in June 2005 and Miami in August 2005. The program was co-sponsored by the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar and Stetson University College of Law. At the Tampa program, Mr. Blain moderated the panel on business bankruptcy and Chapter 11 issues under BAPCPA.

Stephen R. Leslie awarded “AV” Rating by Martindale Hubbell - July 2005
Stephen R. Leslie, a shareholder in Stichter, Riedel, received an AV rating from the Martindale?Hubbell Peer Rating Review System. The AV rating is the highest rating available and reflects the highest level of competence and adherence to the highest ethical standards. In addition to Mr. Leslie, eight other lawyers in Stichter, Riedel have received an AV rating. The firm has been rated AV continuously since its formation in 1974.

Stichter, Riedel successful in contested preference litigation - June 1, 2005
In the Chapter 11 case of Battery Park, Inc., f/k/a Moltech Power Systems, Inc., the firm brought a number of actions to recover voidable transfers both through demand letters, negotiation, and litigation. In several actions, creditors had argued that specialty goods manufactured exclusively for the Debtor, but not delivered to the Debtor, constituted new value under §547(c)(4). Agreeing with the Debtor, the Court entered judgment on June 1, 2005 in favor of the Debtor for $280,631.00. In re Moltech Power Systems, Inc., 326 B.R. 179 (Bankr.N.D.Fla.2005). In another case, the Bankruptcy Court granted Debtor’s motion for summary judgment and entered a judgment of $82,474.00 against a creditor that had unsuccessfully argued the defense of ordinary course of business under §547(c)(2). In re Moltech Power Systems, Inc., 326 B.R. 176 (Bankr.N.D.Fla.2005). The creditor appealed the Bankruptcy Court’s order. Prior to the briefing period, the creditor agreed to immediately pay 90% of the judgment amount in settlement of the dispute. The firm filed Chapter 11 petitions for Moltech Power Systems, Inc. n/k/a Battery Park Industries, Inc. and its parent company, Moltech Power Company n/k/a Sion Power Corporation. Battery Park has been a leading designer, researcher, and manufacturer of battery cells.

Russ Blain speaks at International Law Seminar in Germany - June 2005
Russ Blain served on the faculty of the Fifth Annual International Bankruptcy Symposium held in Freiburg, Germany, in June 2005. The faculty comprised lawyers, judges, trustees, and insolvency managers from Germany and the United States. At the symposium, Mr. Blain presented a paper and spoke on the topic of court-to-court communications in insolvency cases, focusing on the Parmalat case as a case study.

Stichter, Riedel represents Outback Steakhouse, Inc. in successful acquisition of designation rights in bankruptcy auction of Chi-Chi’s, Inc. leases - May 2005
The firm represented Outback Steakhouse in an auction in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to acquire designation rights to seventy-six restaurant properties which had been formerly operated by Chi-Chi’s as Mexican restaurants. The Delaware Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving Outback Steakhouse’s $42.5 million bid to acquire such designation rights. The firm represented Outback Steakhouse with respect to its efforts to acquire these designation rights. Since the entry of the Bankruptcy Court’s order, the firm has continued to represent Outback Steakhouse with respect to (a) two sub-designation agreements for portions of those properties and (b) litigation involving several disputes with landlords and with the owner of fifteen sale/leaseback properties.

Firm represents Michael Holley in successful acquisition in Big Oaks Buick Pontiac GMC, Inc. bankruptcy case - April 2005
The Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division authorized a receiver appointed prior to the filing of the bankruptcy petition to conduct an auction for a GMC dealership. The firm acted as bankruptcy counsel for the successful purchaser of that dealership.

Stichter, Riedel represents Aneco Electrical Construction, Inc. in sale of divisions to M.C. Dean, Inc. - March 22, 2005
The firm has represented Aneco Electrical Construction, Inc. as a debtor in possession in its chapter 11 bankruptcy case. At the time of filing, the Debtor was the largest electrical subcontractor in the State of Florida. During the bankruptcy case, the Debtor filed a motion seeking authorization to sell two divisions consisting of the Debtor’s Tampa and Clearwater operations to M.C. Dean, Inc. pursuant to §363 of the Bankruptcy Code. On March 22, 2005, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division entered an order approving the sale motion. Stichter, Riedel represented the Debtor in the closing of that sale.

Scott A. Stichter recognized by HCBA for Outstanding Pro Bono Services - March 15, 2005
Scott A. Stichter, a shareholder in Stichter, Riedel, was awarded the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s Jimmy Kynes Award on March 15, 2005. The award was created to recognize one Hillsborough County lawyer in each year for outstanding pro bono services over an extended period of time.

Stichter, Riedel represents debtor in sale of 210 bed skilled nursing facility - December 23, 2004
The firm represented The Alliance Foundation for Housing and Health Care, Inc. as debtor in possession. The Debtor owned a 210 bed skilled nursing facility subject to $16 million of secured bond debt. On behalf of the Debtor, the firm filed motions seeking authorization to sell the facility at an auction. On December 23, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division entered an order approving the sale a 210 bed skilled nursing facility for $8,400,000. The firm represented the Debtor in the closing of that sale.

Stichter, Riedel confirms plan in Electrical Machinery Enterprise - December 9, 2004
On December 9, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division entered an order confirming the plan of reorganization filed by the debtor. The firm represented the Debtor, which was an electrical contractor with extensive operations in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean. The plan, which was confirmed in approximately one and one-half years after the filing of the bankruptcy petition, provided for the merger of the Debtor into a publicly-traded company.

Stichter, Riedel obtains the release of vessel arrested on Thanksgiving eve - November 26, 2004
The firm represented JAM Cruises, Inc. as debtor in possession. The debtor was the owner of a cruise ship that had been arrested by a secured creditor on Thanksgiving eve. Emergency motions were filed and orders freeing the vessel were obtained one day after Thanksgiving.

Stichter, Riedel confirms plan of reorganization filed by former light-heavyweight champion of the world - November 11, 2004
On November 11, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division entered an order confirming the plan of reorganization filed by Antonio Tarver. The Debtor was the light-heavyweight champion of the world after having defeated Roy Jones, Jr. eight days after the filing of his bankruptcy petition. The confirmed plan, among other things, resolved disputes with the Debtor’s manager who contended an injunction prior to the bankruptcy filing alleged prevented Tarver from fighting further in bouts and provided that creditors would be paid in full.

Stichter, Riedel confirms joint plan of reorganization in bankruptcy cases for Linc.net and related debtors - November 11, 2004
On November 11, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division confirmed the plan of reorganization filed by the debtors. The firm represented the Debtors which were seventeen affiliated companies. The Debtors were a “roll-up” of entities providing construction and other services to the communications industry with debt in excess of $300 million.

Stichter, Riedel confirms liquidating plan in Nitram’s bankruptcy case - October 25, 2004
On October 25, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division entered an order confirming the plan of reorganization proposed by the Debtor. The firm represented the Debtor which was an owner and operator of a fertilizer plant. The Debtor’s assets were sold to two purchasers pursuant to §363 of the Bankruptcy Code. The liquidating plan provided for distributions to creditors from the sale proceeds.

Don M. Stichter receives initial Douglas P. McClurg Professionalism Award - June 2004
The Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Associated named Don M. Stichter as the initial recipient of the Douglas P. McClurg Professionalism Award. This is the highest award presented by the Association which recognizes a lawyer for his or her outstanding effectiveness in judicial proceedings through professionalism, competence, civility, and courtesy to counsel and parties and highest standards of ethics and efficiency.

Stichter, Riedel confirms plan in Viasource bankruptcy cases - September 2, 2003
On September 2, 2003, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Division entered an order confirming the liquidating plan of reorganization filed by the Debtors. The firm represented the Debtor and twelve affiliated debtors, a “roll-up” of companies providing services to the cable, internet and telecommunications industries. At the time of filing, the Debtors had revenues of $196 million and liabilities of $93 million. During the bankruptcy cases, the businesses were sold as going concerns under §363 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Don M. Stichter recognized as Outstanding Lawyer in Hillsborough County - June 2002
The Hillsborough County Bar Association selected Don M. Stichter to receive the Outstanding Lawyer of the Year award in June of 2002. The Hillsborough County Bar Association’s Outstanding Lawyer Award is established to recognize an experienced attorney who is recognized by the public and legal community for serving as a mentor or assisting others in the practice of law, is recognized as exemplary in the area of professionalism and in the practice of law in his or her field of practice, has performed service to the community on a personal level and has been actively involved in the Hillsborough County Bar Association.