On August 17, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York certified a class of investors in an action brought by lead plaintiffs Wyoming State Treasurer and Wyoming Retirement System against several financial institutions in connection with RMBS issued by IndyMac. Judge Kaplan found that while the prospective class members’ claims differ in some respects, the central issue for all class members is whether IndyMac made material misrepresentations in its offering documents. Judge Kaplan rejected the defendants’ argument that individual issues regarding investor knowledge, reliance, and notice warranted the denial of class certification. However, the court dismissed claims in connection with one RMBS certificate because Wyoming Retirement System did not acquire the certificate in an initial offering. The class claims are alleged to arise under Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act. Decision.
United States District Court
Leave to Appeal in Lehman
On September 20, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited leave to appeal the bankruptcy court’s decision in the Lehman “Dante” matter. In its January decision, the bankruptcy court had voided certain document provisions providing for the subordination of a swap counterparty’s rights to an early termination payment when the swap counterparty or one of its close affiliates went into bankruptcy. Court Decision.
To view Orrick’s Client Memo on the January Dante decision, click here.