Landesbank Baden-Wuttenberg Files $455 Million RMBS Suit Against Countrywide

On March 29, 2012, German bank Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg (“LBW”) filed a suit against Countrywide Financial Corp. and related entities in the Supreme Court of the State of New York alleging that Countrywide misrepresented the underwriting standards and appraisals for the loans underlying $455 million of RMBS allegedly purchased by LBW in eleven offerings between 2005 and 2007. LBW further alleges that Countrywide misrepresented information to credit rating agencies resulting in faulty ratings, misrepresented that the issuing trusts possessed good title to the underlying loans, and ignored underwriting deficiencies by other originators whose loans it purchased. LBW alleges claims for fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, negligent misrepresentation, successor and vicarious liability, and violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. LBW seeks unspecified money damages and rescission.  Complaint.