UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) July 17, 2017

TIDEWATER INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   1-6311   72-0487776
(State of incorporation)   (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

601 Poydras Street, Suite 1500

New Orleans, Louisiana

  70130
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(504) 568-1010

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.03. Bankruptcy or Receivership.

As previously disclosed, Tidewater Inc. (“Tidewater” or the “Company”) and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Cases,” and such court, the “Bankruptcy Court”) on May 17, 2017.

On July 17, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court issued a written order (the “Confirmation Order”) approving the Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors, as modified by the Confirmation Order (the “Plan”).

The Debtors anticipate that the effective date of the Plan (as defined in the Plan, the “Effective Date”) will occur, and the transactions contemplated by the Plan will be consummated, as soon as all conditions precedent to the Plan have been satisfied or waived. Although the Debtors are targeting the Effective Date to occur by the end of July 2017, the Debtors give no assurance as to when, or ultimately if, the Plan will become effective. It is also possible that technical amendments could be made to the Plan.

The following is a summary of the material terms of the Plan. This summary highlights only certain substantive provisions of the Plan and is not intended to be a complete description of the Plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan and the Confirmation Order, which are attached as Exhibits 2.1 and 99.1, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Current Report on Form 8-K shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.

The Plan of Reorganization and Treatment of Claims and Interests

The Plan contemplates the following treatment of claims against and interests in the Debtors:

 

    The lenders under the Credit Agreement, the holders of Notes, and the lessor parties (the “Sale Leaseback Parties”) to certain sale leaseback agreements (the “Sale Leaseback Agreements”) holding claims thereunder (collectively, the “General Unsecured Creditors” and the claims thereof, the “General Unsecured Claims”) will receive their pro rata share of (a) $225 million of cash, (b) subject to the considerations discussed below, common stock and, if applicable, warrants (the “New Creditor Warrants”) to purchase common stock, representing 95% of the pro forma common equity in reorganized Tidewater (subject to dilution by a management incentive plan and the exercise of warrants issued to existing stockholders under the Plan as described below); and (c) new 8% fixed rate secured notes due in 2022 in the aggregate principal amount of $350 million (the “New Secured Notes”).

The Company and the Sale Leaseback Parties are not in agreement with respect to the amount of claims of the Sale Leaseback Parties (the “Sale Leaseback Claims”). Accordingly, on the Effective Date, a portion of the cash, New Creditor Warrants, and New Secured Notes referenced above, in an amount that the Company believes represents the maximum possible distributions owing on account of such disputed Sale Leaseback Claims, will be withheld from distributions to General Unsecured Creditors and will be distributed according to the terms of the Plan as they are resolved. To the extent the Sale Leaseback Claims are resolved for less than the amount withheld, the remainder will thereafter be distributed to holders of allowed General Unsecured Claims pro rata.

To assure the continuing ability of certain vessels owned by the Company’s subsidiaries to engage in U.S. coastwise trade, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that would

 

2


otherwise be issuable to the allowed General Unsecured Creditors may be adjusted to assure that the foreign ownership limitations of the United States Jones Act are not exceeded. The Jones Act requires any corporation that engages in coastwise trade be a U.S. citizen within the meaning of that law, which requires, among other things, that the aggregate ownership of common stock by non-U.S. citizens within the meaning of the Jones Act be not more than 25% of its outstanding common stock. The Plan requires that, at the time Tidewater emerges from bankruptcy, not more than 22% of the outstanding common stock will be held by non-U.S. citizens. To that end, the Plan provides for the issuance of a combination of common stock of reorganized Tidewater and the New Creditor Warrants to purchase common stock of reorganized Tidewater on a pro rata basis to any non-U.S. citizen among the allowed General Unsecured Creditors whose ownership of common stock, when combined with the shares to be issued to other General Unsecured Creditors and existing Tidewater stockholders that are non-U.S. citizens, would otherwise cause the 22% threshold to be exceeded. The New Creditor Warrants will not grant the holders thereof any voting or control rights or dividend rights, or contain any negative covenants restricting the operation of the Company’s business. Generally, the New Creditor Warrants will be transferable and will be exercisable immediately at a nominal exercise price, subject to restrictions contained in the Company’s new certificate of incorporation and the New Creditor Warrants designed to assure the Company’s continuing eligibility to engage in coastwise trade under the Jones Act that prohibit the exercise of such warrants where such exercise would cause the total number of shares held by non-U.S. citizens to exceed 24% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Tidewater will establish, under its charter and through DTC, appropriate measures to assure compliance with these ownership limitations.

 

    The Company’s existing shares of common stock will be cancelled as of the Effective Date. Existing common stockholders of Tidewater will receive their pro rata share of common stock representing 5% of the pro forma common equity in reorganized Tidewater (subject to dilution by a management incentive plan and the exercise of warrants issued to existing stockholders under the Plan) and six-year warrants to purchase additional shares of common stock of reorganized Tidewater. These warrants will be issued in two tranches, with the first tranche (the “Series A Warrants”) being exercisable immediately, at an aggregate exercise price based upon an equity value of the Company of approximately $1.71 billion, and the second tranche (the “Series B Warrants”) being exercisable immediately, at an aggregate exercise price based upon an equity value of the Company of $2.02 billion. The Series A Warrants will be exercisable for a number of shares equal to 7.5% of the sum of (i) the total outstanding shares of common stock after completion of the transactions contemplated by the Plan, and (ii) any shares issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants and the Series A Warrants, while the Series B Warrants will be exercisable for a number of shares equal to 7.5% of the sum of (x) the total outstanding shares of common stock after completion of the transactions contemplated by the Plan, and (y) any shares issuable upon the exercise of the New Creditor Warrants, the Series A Warrants, and Series B Warrants. Like the New Creditor Warrants, the Series A Warrants and the Series B Warrants will not grant the holders thereof any voting or control rights or dividend rights, or contain any negative covenants restricting the operation of the Company’s business and will be subject to the restrictions in the Company’s new certificate of incorporation described above that prohibit the exercise of such warrants where such exercise would cause the total number of shares held by non-U.S. citizens to exceed 24% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. If at any time during the 180-day period ending on the expiration of the Series A Warrants or the Series B Warrants, the exercise of the Series A Warrants or the Series B Warrants is prohibited because of the Jones Act limitations on ownership by non-U.S. citizens, a holder thereof that is a non-U.S. citizen may receive from the Company a warrant in form substantially similar to the New Creditor Warrant in lieu of each share which would have been issued upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants or the Series B Warrants.

 

3


    The undisputed claims of other unsecured creditors such as customers, employees, and vendors, will be paid in full in the ordinary course of business (except as otherwise agreed among the parties).

Unless otherwise specified, the treatment set forth in the Plan and Confirmation Order will be in full satisfaction of all claims against and interests in the Debtors, which will be discharged on the Effective Date. All of the Company’s existing common stock will be extinguished by the Plan.

Share Information

As of July 14, 2017, the Company had 47,117,676 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. By operation of the Plan, on the Effective Date, all shares of the Company’s common stock will be cancelled and will permanently cease to exist, and new common shares (the “New Common Shares”) will be issued as set forth in the Plan.

The Plan provides that 30,000,000 New Common Shares will be issued or reserved for issuance on the Effective Date as follows (the “Effective Date Shares”):

 

    5% to holders of existing Tidewater common stock as of the Effective Date, and

 

    95% to General Unsecured Creditors, which may be issued as New Common Shares or, if more than 22% of the outstanding common stock on the date of emergence would otherwise be held by non-U.S. citizens, in a combination of New Common Shares and New Creditor Warrants, which would be exercisable for New Common Shares as described above under the heading, “ The Plan of Reorganization and Treatment of Claims and Interests .”

In addition to the Effective Date Shares, the pre-emergence holders of common stock will receive Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants, as described above under the heading, “ The Plan of Reorganization and Treatment of Claims and Interests, ” for each share of pre-emergent Tidewater common stock that they own. To satisfy those obligations, the Company will reserve an additional 7.5% of the New Common Shares for issuance upon the potential exercise of the Series A Warrants and an additional 7.5% for issuance upon the potential exercise of the Series B Warrants. Finally, the Company will reserve 8% of the New Common Shares, on a fully-diluted basis, for issuance under the Management Incentive Plan (as described below under “ Management Incentive Plan ”).

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, which is expected to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on or prior to the Effective Date, authorizes 128,000,000 New Common Shares, of which 125,000,000 shall be common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 3,000,000 shall be preferred stock, without par value.

Post-Emergence Governance and Management

On the Effective Date, and in accordance with the terms of the Plan confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, the term of any current members of the board of directors of the Company will expire, and they will resign from the board with the exception of Jeffrey M. Platt who will remain on the board and continue in office as Chief Executive Officer, and a new board of directors of the Company (the “New Board”) will take office. The Company’s New Board will initially consist of Thomas Robert Bates, Jr., Alan Carr, Randee Day, Dick Fagerstal, Steven Newman, Larry Rigdon, and Jeffrey M. Platt. The Company’s current officers will continue to serve as officers of the Company on and after the Effective Date at the pleasure of the New Board.

 

4


Management Incentive Plan

As part of the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court approved and the Company will adopt the Tidewater Inc. 2017 Stock Incentive Plan, the Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”), which is an equity-based compensation plan for key employees, officers and directors pursuant to which the Company may issue up to 8% of the fully diluted New Common Shares in the form of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other equity- or cash-based awards on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the New Board or a committee thereof.

Settlement, Releases and Exculpations

The Plan incorporates an integrated compromise and settlement of claims to achieve a beneficial and efficient resolution of the Company’s chapter 11 cases. Unless otherwise specified, the settlement, distributions, and other benefits provided under the Plan, including the releases and exculpation provisions included therein, are in full satisfaction of all claims and causes of action that could be asserted.

The Plan provides releases and exculpations for the benefit of the Debtors, certain of the Debtors’ claimholders, other parties in interest and various parties related thereto, each in their capacity as such, from various claims and causes of action, as further set forth in Article X of the Plan entitled Effect of Confirmation of Plan.

Assets and Liabilities

As of May 31, 2017, total assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries were approximately $4.2 billion and total liabilities were approximately $2.4 billion. This financial information has not been audited or reviewed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and may be subject to future reconciliation or adjustments. This information should not be viewed as indicative of future results.

Item 8.01. Other Events.

On July 13, 2017, Tidewater issued a press release announcing the Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Plan. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.2 to, and incorporated by reference into, this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The Company cautions that trading in its securities during the pendency of the Bankruptcy Cases is highly speculative and poses substantial risks. As discussed above, the Plan has been approved by the Bankruptcy Court, and pursuant to the Plan, the Company’s common stock, as well as unexercised options, warrants or rights to acquire or receive an equity interest in the Company, in each case, outstanding immediately prior to effectiveness of the Plan, will be cancelled and cease to exist on the Effective Date, and the holders of the Company’s common stock will receive only the pro rata portion of New Common Shares as set forth in the Plan. Even though the Company’s common stock continues to trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), under the Plan, its underlying value may be significantly less than the current trading price on the NYSE, and the Company’s stockholders should not view the trading activity of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE or any other market or trading platform as being indicative of any value they would receive in respect of the Company’s common stock in connection with the Bankruptcy Cases.

 

5


Forward-Looking Statements.

In accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company notes that certain statements set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K provide other than historical information and are forward looking. The actual achievement of any forecasted results, or the unfolding of future economic or business developments in a way anticipated or projected by the Company, involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual performance to be materially different from that stated or implied in the forward-looking statement. Among those risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, without limitation, the ability to satisfy the conditions necessary to declare the Plan effective in the anticipated timeframe; effects on the market price of the Company’s common stock and on the Company’s ability to access the capital markets; volatility in worldwide energy demand and oil and gas prices, and continuing depressed levels of oil and gas prices, without a clear indication of if, or when, prices will recover to a level to support renewed offshore exploration activities; consolidation of our customer base; fleet additions by competitors and industry overcapacity; our views with respect to the need for and timing of the replenishment of our asset base, including through acquisitions or vessel construction; changes in capital spending by customers in the energy industry for offshore exploration, field development and production; loss of a major customer; changing customer demands for vessel specifications, which may make some of our older vessels technologically obsolete for certain customer projects or in certain markets; delays and other problems associated with vessel construction and maintenance; uncertainty of global financial market conditions and difficulty in accessing credit or capital; potential difficulty in meeting financial covenants in material debt or other obligations of the Company or in obtaining covenant relief from lenders or other contract parties; acts of terrorism and piracy; integration of acquired businesses and entry into new lines of business; disagreements with our joint venture partners; significant weather conditions; unsettled political conditions, war, civil unrest and governmental actions, such as expropriation or enforcement of customs or other laws that are not well developed or consistently enforced, or requirements that services provided locally be paid in local currency, in each case especially in higher political risk countries where we operate; foreign currency fluctuations; labor changes proposed by international conventions; increased regulatory burdens and oversight; changes in laws governing the taxation of foreign source income; retention of skilled workers; enforcement of laws related to the environment, labor and foreign corrupt practices; and the resolution of pending legal proceedings. Readers should consider all of these risk factors as well as other information contained in this report.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) The exhibits to this Current Report on Form 8-K are listed in the Exhibit Index, which appears at the end of this report and is incorporated into this Form 8-K by reference.

 

6


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

TIDEWATER INC.
By:   /s/ Bruce D. Lundstrom
  Bruce D. Lundstrom
  Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Date: July 17, 2017

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.     
2.1    Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors dated July 13, 2017.
99.1    Order Approving Debtors’ Disclosure Statement and Confirming the Debtors’ Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, as entered by the Bankruptcy Court on July 17, 2017.
99.2    Press release issued by Tidewater Inc. dated as of July 13, 2017.

 

7

Exhibit 2.1

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

 

 

  x  
  :  
In re:   :   Chapter 11
  :  
TIDEWATER INC., et al.,   :   Case No. 17-11132 (BLS)
  :   (Jointly Administered)

Debtors. 1

  :  

 

  x  

SECOND AMENDED JOINT PREPACKAGED CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

OF TIDEWATER INC. AND ITS AFFILIATED DEBTORS

 

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP

Ray C. Schrock, P.C.

Jill Frizzley

Andriana Georgallas

767 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10153

Telephone: (212) 310-8000

Facsimile: (212) 310-8007

  

RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER, P.A.

Daniel J. DeFranceschi (No. 2732)

Zachary I. Shapiro (No. 5103)

One Rodney Square

920 North King Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Telephone: (302) 651-7700

Facsimile: (302) 651-7701

Alfredo R. Pérez

Chris López

700 Louisiana, Suite 1700

Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone: (713) 546-5000

Facsimile: (713) 224-9511

  
Counsel for Debtors and Debtors in Possession    Counsel for Debtors and Debtors in Possession
Dated:    July 13, 2017   
               Wilmington, Delaware   

 

 

1 The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases, along with the last four digits of each Debtor’s federal tax identification number, if any, are: Tidewater Inc. (7776), Tidewater Marine Western, Inc. (1064), Tidewater Corporate Services, L.L.C. (7776), Tidewater Marine, L.L.C. (7779), Cajun Acquisitions, LLC (2365), Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, L.L.C. (2194), Hilliard Oil & Gas, Inc. (4727), Java Boat Corporation (0278), Pan Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C., Point Marine, L.L.C. (9586), Quality Shipyards, L.L.C. (2335), S.O.P., Inc. (3464), Tidewater Marine Alaska, Inc. (7549), Tidewater Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C. (2289), Tidewater Marine Sakhalin, L.L.C. (7779), Tidewater Mexico Holding, L.L.C. (8248), Tidewater Venture, Inc. (7694), Twenty Grand (Brazil), L.L.C. (7730), Twenty Grand Marine Service, L.L.C. (7730), Zapata Gulf Marine, L.L.C. (5513), Tidewater GOM, Inc. (2799), Tidewater Subsea, L.L.C. (2022), Tidewater Subsea ROV, L.L.C. (3832), Tidewater Marine Fleet, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Hulls, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Ships, L.L.C., and Tidewater Marine Vessels, L.L.C. The Debtors’ principal offices are located at 601 Poydras Street, Suite 1500, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.


Table of Contents

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     1  

A.

  Definitions. The following terms shall have the respective meanings specified below:      1  

B.

  Interpretation; Application of Definitions and Rules of Construction      15  

C.

  Reference to Monetary Figures      16  

D.

  Controlling Document      16  

ARTICLE II

 

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE AND PRIORITY CLAIMS

     16  

2.1.

 

Administrative Expense Claims

     16  

2.2.

 

Fee Claims

     16  

2.3.

 

Priority Tax Claims

     17  

ARTICLE III

 

CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

     17  

3.1.

 

Classification in General

     17  

3.2.

 

Formation of Debtor Groups for Convenience Only

     18  

3.3.

 

Summary of Classification

     18  

3.4.

 

Special Provision Governing Unimpaired Claims

     18  

3.5.

 

Elimination of Vacant Classes

     18  

ARTICLE IV

 

TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

     19  

4.1.

 

Priority Non-Tax Claims (Class 1)

     19  

4.2.

 

Secured Claims (Class 2)

     19  

4.3.

 

General Unsecured Claims (Class 3)

     20  

4.4.

 

Other General Unsecured Claims (Class 4)

     21  

4.5.

 

Intercompany Claims (Class 5)

     22  

4.6.

 

Intercompany Interests (Class 6)

     22  

4.7.

 

Tidewater Parent Interests (Class 7)

     22  

4.8.

 

Subordinated Securities Claims (Class 8)

     23  

ARTICLE V

 

MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

     23  

5.1.

 

Compromise and Settlement of Claims, Interests, and Controversies

     23  

5.2.

 

Continued Corporate Existence

     23  

5.3.

 

Plan Funding

     24  

5.4.

 

Cancellation of Existing Securities and Agreements

     24  

 

i


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

         Page  

5.5.

 

Authorization and Issuance of New Common Stock and New Warrants

     24  

5.6.

 

Section 1145 Exemption

     25  

5.7.

 

Officers and Boards of Directors

     25  

5.8.

 

Restructuring Transactions

     26  

5.9.

 

Cancellation of Liens

     27  

5.10.

 

New Indenture

     27  

5.11.

 

Registration Rights Agreement

     28  

5.12.

 

Employee Matters

     28  

5.13.

 

Nonconsensual Confirmation

     29  

5.14.

 

Closing of Chapter 11 Cases

     29  

5.15.

 

Notice of Effective Date

     29  

5.16.

 

Separability

     29  

ARTICLE VI

 

DISTRIBUTIONS

     29  

6.1.

 

Distributions Generally

     29  

6.2.

 

Distribution Record Date

     29  

6.3.

 

Date of Distributions

     30  

6.4.

 

Disbursing Agent

     30  

6.5.

 

Rights and Powers of Disbursing Agent

     30  

6.6.

 

Expenses of Disbursing Agent

     30  

6.7.

 

No Postpetition Interest on Claims

     31  

6.8.

 

Delivery of Distributions

     31  

6.9.

 

Distributions to Class 3 General Unsecured Claims

     32  

6.10.

 

Distributions after Effective Date

     32  

6.11.

 

Unclaimed Property

     32  

6.12.

 

Time Bar to Cash Payments

     33  

6.13.

 

Manner of Payment under Plan

     33  

6.14.

 

Satisfaction of Claims

     33  

6.15.

 

Fractional Stock

     33  

6.16.

 

Minimum Cash Distributions

     33  

6.17.

 

Setoffs and Recoupments

     34  

 

ii


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

         Page  

6.18.

 

Allocation of Distributions between Principal and Interest

     34  

6.19.

 

No Distribution in Excess of Amount of Allowed Claim

     34  

6.20.

 

Withholding and Reporting Requirements

     34  

6.21.

 

Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act

     35  

ARTICLE VII

 

PROCEDURES FOR DISPUTED CLAIMS

     35  

7.1.

 

Disputed Claims Process

     35  

7.2.

 

Estimation of Claims

     35  

7.3.

 

No Distributions Pending Allowance

     36  

7.4.

 

Distributions after Allowance

     36  

7.5.

 

Disputed Claims Reserve

     36  

7.6.

 

Claim Resolution Procedures Cumulative

     37  

ARTICLE VIII

 

EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

     37  

8.1.

 

General Treatment

     37  

8.2.

 

Determination of Assumption Disputes and Deemed Consent

     38  

8.3.

 

Effect of Assumption of Contracts and Leases

     38  

8.4.

 

Rejection Claims of Sale Leaseback Parties

     39  

8.5.

 

Survival of Debtors’ Indemnification Obligations

     39  

8.6.

 

Insurance Policies

     39  

8.7.

 

Intellectual Property Licenses and Agreements

     40  

8.8.

 

Modifications, Amendments, Supplements, Restatements, or Other Agreements

     40  

8.9.

 

Reservation of Rights

     40  
ARTICLE IX  

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONFIRMATION OF PLAN AND EFFECTIVE DATE

     40  

9.1.

 

Conditions Precedent to Confirmation of Plan

     40  

9.2.

 

Conditions Precedent to Effective Date

     41  

9.3.

 

Waiver of Conditions Precedent

     42  

9.4.

 

Effect of Failure of a Condition

     42  

 

iii


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE X

 

EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION OF PLAN

     42  

10.1.

 

Vesting of Assets

     42  

10.2.

 

Binding Effect

     43  

10.3.

 

Discharge of Claims and Termination of Interests

     43  

10.4.

 

Term of Injunctions or Stays

     43  

10.5.

 

Injunction

     43  

10.6.

 

Releases

     44  

10.7.

 

Exculpation

     46  

10.8.

 

Subordinated Claims

     46  

10.9.

 

Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights

     46  

10.10.

 

Solicitation of Plan

     47  

10.11.

 

Corporate and Limited Liability Company Action

     47  

ARTICLE XI

 

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

     48  

11.1.

 

Retention of Jurisdiction

     48  

11.2.

 

Courts of Competent Jurisdiction

     50  

ARTICLE XII

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     50  

12.1.

 

Payment of Statutory Fees

     50  

12.2.

 

Substantial Consummation of the Plan

     50  

12.3.

 

Plan Supplement

     50  

12.4.

 

Request for Expedited Determination of Taxes

     50  

12.5.

 

Exemption from Certain Transfer Taxes

     50  

12.6.

 

Amendments

     51  

12.7.

 

Effectuating Documents and Further Transactions

     51  

12.8.

 

Revocation or Withdrawal of Plan

     51  

12.9.

 

Severability of Plan Provisions

     52  

12.10.

 

Governing Law

     52  

12.11.

 

Time

     52  

12.12.

 

Dates of Actions to Implement the Plan

     52  

12.13.

 

Immediate Binding Effect

     52  

 

iv


Table of Contents

(continued)

 

         Page  

12.14.

 

Deemed Acts

     53  

12.15.

 

Successor and Assigns

     53  

12.16.

 

Entire Agreement

     53  

12.17.

 

Exhibits to Plan

     53  

12.18.

 

Notices

     53  

 

Schedule 1    Restructuring Support Agreement ( intentionally omitted )
Schedule 2    Sale Leaseback Agreements

 

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Tidewater Inc., Tidewater Marine Western, Inc., Tidewater Corporate Services, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine, L.L.C., Cajun Acquisitions, LLC, Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, L.L.C., Hilliard Oil & Gas, Inc., Java Boat Corporation, Pan Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C., Point Marine, L.L.C., Quality Shipyards, L.L.C., S.O.P., Inc., Tidewater Marine Alaska, Inc., Tidewater Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Sakhalin, L.L.C., Tidewater Mexico Holding, L.L.C., Tidewater Venture, Inc., Twenty Grand (Brazil), L.L.C., Twenty Grand Marine Service, L.L.C., Zapata Gulf Marine, L.L.C., Tidewater GOM, Inc., Tidewater Subsea, L.L.C., Tidewater Subsea ROV, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Fleet, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Hulls, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Ships, L.L.C., and Tidewater Marine Vessels, L.L.C. (each, a “ Debtor ” and, collectively, the “ Debtors ”) propose the following joint chapter 11 plan of reorganization pursuant to section 1121(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in Article I.A.

ARTICLE I    DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION.

A.     Definitions. The following terms shall have the respective meanings specified below:

1.1     2010 Noteholder means a holder of 2010 Notes.

1.2     2010 Note Purchase Agreement means that certain Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2010, by and among Tidewater Parent and certain other Debtors, as issuers and obligors, the guarantors party thereto, and the note purchasers party thereto, as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time.

1.3     2010 Notes means, collectively, (a) the 3.90% senior notes due December 30, 2017 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $44,500,000, (b) the 3.95% senior notes due December 30, 2017 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $25,000,000, (c) the 4.12% senior notes due December 30, 2018 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $25,000,000, (d) the 4.17% senior notes due December 30, 2018 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $25,000,000, (e) the 4.33% senior notes due December 30, 2019 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $50,000,000, (f) the 4.51% senior notes due December 30, 2020 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $100,000,000, (g) the 4.56% senior notes due December 30, 2020 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $65,000,000, and (h) the 4.61% senior notes due December 30, 2022 issued pursuant to the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $48,000,000, plus all accrued unpaid prepetition interest, costs, fees, premiums as Allowed, and other amounts due under the 2010 Notes.

1.4     2010 Notes Claim means any Claim arising from, or related to, the 2010 Notes.

1.5     2011 Noteholder means a holder of 2011 Notes.

1.6     2011 Note Purchase Agreements means those two certain Note Purchase Agreements, each dated as of August 15, 2011, by and among Tidewater Parent and certain other Debtors, as issuers and obligors, the guarantors party thereto, and the note purchasers party thereto, as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time.

1.7     2011 Notes means the 2011 Series A and B Notes and the 2011 Series C Notes.


1.8     2011 Notes Claim means any Claim arising from, or related to, the 2011 Notes.

1.9     2011 Series A Notes means the 4.06% senior notes due March 31, 2019 issued pursuant to the 2011 Note Purchase Agreements in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $50,000,000, plus all accrued unpaid prepetition interest, costs, fees, premiums as Allowed, and other amounts due under the 2011 Series A Notes.

1.10     2011 Series A and B Notes means the 2011 Series A Notes and the 2011 Series B Notes.

1.11     2011 Series B Notes means the 4.64% senior notes due June 30, 2021 issued pursuant to the 2011 Note Purchase Agreements in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $50,000,000, plus all accrued unpaid prepetition interest, costs, fees, premiums as Allowed, and other amounts due under the 2011 Series B Notes.

1.12     2011 Series C Notes means the 4.54% senior notes due June 30, 2021 issued pursuant to the 2011 Note Purchase Agreements in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $65,000,000, plus all accrued unpaid prepetition interest, costs, fees, premiums as Allowed, and other amounts due under the 2011 Series C Notes.

1.13     2013 Noteholder means a holder of 2013 Notes.

1.14     2013 Note Purchase Agreement means that certain Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013, by and among Tidewater Parent and certain other Debtors, as issuers and obligors, the guarantors party thereto, and the note purchasers party thereto, as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time.

1.15     2013 Notes means collectively, (a) the 4.26% senior notes due November 16, 2020 issued pursuant to the 2013 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $123,000,000, (b) the 5.01% senior notes due November 15, 2023 issued pursuant to the 2013 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $250,000,000, and (c) the 5.16% senior notes due November 17, 2025 issued pursuant to the 2013 Note Purchase Agreement in the aggregate principal outstanding amount of $127,000,000, plus all accrued unpaid prepetition interest, costs, fees, premiums as Allowed, and other amounts due under the 2013 Notes.

1.16     2013 Notes Claim means any Claim arising from, or related to, the 2013 Notes.

1.17     Administrative Expense Claim means a Claim for costs and expenses of administration incurred during the Chapter 11 Cases of a kind specified under section 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and entitled to priority under sections 507(a)(2) or 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, including, without limitation, (a) the actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred after the Petition Date and through the Effective Date of preserving the Estates and operating the businesses of the Debtors (such as wages, salaries, or commissions for services and payments for goods and other services and leased premises), (b) Fee Claims, and (c) all fees and charges assessed against the Estates pursuant to section 1911 through 1930 of chapter 123 of title 28 of the United States Code, 28 U.S.C. §§ 1-1401.

1.18     Affiliates has the meaning set forth in section 101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.19     Allowed means, with reference to any Claim or Interest, a Claim or Interest (a) arising on or before the Effective Date as to which (i) no objection to allowance or priority, and no request for estimation or other challenge, including, without limitation, pursuant to section 502(d) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise, has been interposed and not withdrawn within the applicable period fixed by the Plan

 

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or applicable law, or (ii) any objection has been determined in favor of the holder of the Claim or Interest by a Final Order, (b) that is compromised, settled, or otherwise resolved pursuant to the authority of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, (c) as to which the liability of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and the amount thereof are determined by a Final Order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (d) expressly allowed hereunder; provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) unless expressly waived by the Plan, the Allowed amount of Claims or Interests shall be subject to and shall not exceed the limitations or maximum amounts permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, including sections 502 or 503 of the Bankruptcy Code, to the extent applicable, and (y) the Reorganized Debtors shall retain all claims and defenses with respect to Allowed Claims that are Reinstated or otherwise Unimpaired pursuant to the Plan.

1.20     Amended Organizational Documents means (a) the Amended Tidewater Parent Organizational Documents and (b) the forms of certificates of incorporation, certificates of formation, limited liability company agreements, or other forms of organizational documents and bylaws, as applicable, of the Reorganized Debtors (other than Tidewater Parent) to the extent such documents reflect material changes to each such Reorganized Debtor’s existing forms of organizational documents and bylaws, substantially final forms of such Amended Organizational Documents, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and consistent with section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, if applicable, the forms of which shall be included in the Plan Supplement.

1.21     Amended Tidewater Parent Organizational Documents means the form of certificate of incorporation and bylaws for Reorganized Tidewater Parent, which are annexed to the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.22     Assumption Dispute means a pending objection relating to assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.23     Bankruptcy Code means title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. § 101, et seq. , as amended from time to time, as applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases.

1.24     Bankruptcy Court means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases.

1.25     Bankruptcy Rules means the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as promulgated by the United States Supreme Court under section 2075 of title 28 of the United States Code and any Local Bankruptcy Rules of the Bankruptcy Court, in each case, as amended from time to time and applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases.

1.26     Benefit Plans means (i) each “employee benefit plan,” as defined in section 3(3) of ERISA and (ii) each other pension, retirement, supplemental retirement, bonus, incentive, equity or equity-based, health, life, disability, group insurance, vacation, holiday, and fringe benefit plan, program, contract, or arrangement, in each case whether written or unwritten, maintained, contributed to, or required to be contributed to, by the Debtors for the benefit of any of their current or former employees or independent contractors and existing as of the Petition Date.

1.27     Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, or any other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are required or authorized to close by law or executive order.

 

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1.28     Cash means legal tender of the United States of America.

1.29     Causes of Action means any action, claim, cross-claim, third-party claim, cause of action, controversy, demand, right, lien, indemnity, guaranty, suit, obligation, liability, loss, debt, damage, judgment, account, defense, remedies, offset, power, privilege, license and franchise of any kind or character whatsoever, known, unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, existing or hereafter arising, contingent or non-contingent, matured or unmatured, suspected or unsuspected, liquidated or unliquidated, disputed or undisputed, secured or unsecured, assertable directly or derivatively, whether arising before, on, or after the Petition Date, in contract or in tort, in law or in equity or pursuant to any other theory of law (including, without limitation, under any state or federal securities laws). Causes of Action also includes: (a) any right of setoff, counterclaim or recoupment and any claim for breach of contract or for breach of duties imposed by law or in equity, (b) the right to object to Claims or Interests, (c) any claim pursuant to section 362 or chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code, (d) any claim or defense including fraud, mistake, duress, and usury and any other defenses set forth in section 558 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (e) any state law fraudulent transfer claim.

1.30     Certificate means that certain officer’s certificate to be addressed to the holders of the New Secured Notes and delivered by the Debtors to the New Indenture Trustee on the Effective Date, which is annexed to the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.31     Chapter 11 Cases means the jointly administered cases under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code commenced by the Debtors on the Petition Date in the Bankruptcy Court.

1.32     CIC Agreements means those certain change of control agreements designated with an asterisk on Schedule 5(c) of the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.33     CIC Waiver Letters means those certain executed written agreements, in form and substance approved by the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, by and between Tidewater Parent and the employees party to the CIC Agreements, pursuant to which such parties agreed that, subject to the terms of the CIC Waiver Letters, neither the occurrence of the Effective Date nor the consummation of the Plan or any transaction contemplated thereby as of the date hereof shall constitute a “Change of Control” for purposes of any such CIC Agreements.

1.34     Claim has the meaning set forth in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code as against any Debtor.

1.35     Class means any group of Claims or Interests classified as set forth in Article III of the Plan pursuant to sections 1122 and 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.36     Class 3 Distribution Date means (a) the Class 3 Initial Distribution Date or (b) the Class 3 Final Distribution Date, as applicable.

1.37     Class 3 Final Distribution Date means, with respect to the Class of General Unsecured Claims (Class 3), a date after the Class 3 Initial Distribution Date and after all Disputed Claims in the Class of General Unsecured Claims have become either Allowed Claims or Disallowed Claims that is selected by the Reorganized Debtors in their reasonable discretion and in consultation with the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, but in any event, is no more than thirty (30) days after all such Disputed Claims have become either Allowed Claims or Disallowed Claims.

1.38     Class 3 Initial Distribution Date means the Effective Date.

 

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1.39     Confirmation Date means the date on which the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court enters the Confirmation Order.

1.40     Confirmation Hearing means the hearing to be held by the Bankruptcy Court to consider confirmation of the Plan, as such hearing may be adjourned, reconvened, or continued from time to time.

1.41     Confirmation Order means the order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Plan pursuant to section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders.

1.42     Consenting 2010 Noteholders means any holders of 2010 Notes that are party to the Restructuring Support Agreement together with their respective successors and permitted assigns and any subsequent holders of 2010 Notes that become party to the Restructuring Support Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

1.43     Consenting 2011 Series A and B Noteholders means any holders of 2011 Series A and B Notes that are party to the Restructuring Support Agreement together with their respective successors and permitted assigns and any subsequent holders of 2011 Series A and B Notes that become party to the Restructuring Support Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

1.44     Consenting 2011 Series C Noteholders means any holders of 2011 Series C Notes that are party to the Restructuring Support Agreement together with their respective successors and permitted assigns and any subsequent holders of 2011 Series C Notes that become party to the Restructuring Support Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

1.45     Consenting 2013 Noteholders means any holders of 2013 Notes that are party to the Restructuring Support Agreement together with their respective successors and permitted assigns and any subsequent holders of 2013 Notes that become party to the Restructuring Support Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

1.46     Consenting Creditors means the Consenting Noteholders, the Consenting Sale Leaseback Parties, if any, and the Consenting Tidewater Lenders, and does not include any Affiliate of any of the foregoing unless such Affiliate is itself a signatory to the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.47     Consenting Noteholders means the Consenting 2010 Noteholders, the Consenting 2011 Series A and B Noteholders, the Consenting 2011 Series C Noteholders and the Consenting 2013 Noteholders that are party to the Restructuring Support Agreement together with their respective successors and permitted assigns and any subsequent Noteholders that become party to the Restructuring Support Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

1.48     Consenting Sale Leaseback Parties means the Sale Leaseback Parties, if any, that are party to the Restructuring Support Agreement together with their respective successors and permitted assigns and any subsequent Sale Leaseback Parties that become party to the Restructuring Support Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

1.49     Consenting Tidewater Lenders means the Tidewater Lenders that are party to the Restructuring Support Agreement together with their respective successors and permitted assigns and any subsequent Tidewater Lenders that become party to the Restructuring Support Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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1.50     Credit Agreement means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2013, between the Debtors, as borrowers, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, the Credit Agreement Agent, and certain other parties thereto, as further amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time.

1.51     Credit Agreement Agent means Bank of America, N.A., solely in its capacity as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement, and its successors and permitted assigns.

1.52     Credit Agreement Claim means any Claim against the Debtors arising from, or related to, the Credit Agreement.

1.53     Creditors’ Committee means the statutory committee of unsecured claimholders appointed by the United States Trustee for Region 3 in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.54     Cure means the payment of Cash by the Debtors, or the distribution of other property (as the parties may agree or the Bankruptcy Court may order), as necessary to (a) cure a monetary default by the Debtors in accordance with the terms of an executory contract or unexpired lease of the Debtors and (b) permit the Debtors to assume such executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.55     Debtor or Debtors has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of the Plan.

1.56     Debtors in Possession means the Debtors in their capacity as debtors in possession in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to sections 1101, 1107(a), and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.57     Definitive Documents means the documents, other than the Plan, including any related orders, agreements, instruments, schedules, or exhibits, that are contemplated herein and that are otherwise necessary or desirable to implement, or otherwise relate to, the restructuring contemplated in the Restructuring Support Agreement and the Plan (including the Plan Supplement), including, but not limited to, (a) the Disclosure Statement, (b) the materials related to the solicitation of the Plan, (c) the order entered by the Bankruptcy Court approving the Disclosure Statement and materials related to the solicitation of the Plan as containing, among other things, “adequate information” as required by section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, (d) the Confirmation Order and the pleadings in support of entry of the Confirmation Order, (e) the Management Incentive Plan, (f) the New Indenture, (g) the New Creditor Warrant Agreement, (h) the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement, (i) the Registration Rights Agreement, (j) any documents included in the Plan Supplement, (k) the Amended Tidewater Parent Organizational Documents, ( l ) any other Amended Organizational Documents and other related transactional or corporate documents (including, without limitation, any agreements and documents described in the Plan and customary closing deliverables required under the New Indenture, including customary legal opinions in connection with the New Indenture), (m) the motions or pleadings seeking approval or confirmation of any of the foregoing transactional or corporate documents, including the motion to approve the Disclosure Statement, confirm the Plan, ratify the solicitation of the Plan, and schedule a joint hearing, (n) the Rejection Motion, and (o) the Rejection Orders, each of which shall contain terms and conditions consistent in all material respects with the Plan and shall otherwise be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory in all respects to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders.

1.58     Disallowed means, with respect to any Claim or Interest, that such Claim or Interest has been determined by a Final Order or specified in a provision of the Plan not to be Allowed.

 

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1.59     Disbursing Agent means any Entity (including any applicable Debtor if it acts in such capacity) in its capacity as a disbursing agent under Article VI of the Plan.

1.60     Disclosure Statement means the disclosure statement for the Plan, as supplemented from time to time, which is prepared and distributed in accordance with sections 1125, 1126(b), and/or 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules 3016 and 3018, and/or other applicable law.

1.61     Disputed means with respect to a Claim or Interest, any such Claim or Interest (a) that is neither Allowed nor Disallowed under the Plan or a Final Order, nor deemed Allowed under sections 502, 503, or 1111 of the Bankruptcy Code, including a Claim or Interest to which the Debtors or any party in interest has interposed a request for estimation and such request for estimation has not been withdrawn or determined by a Final Order, or (b) for which a proof of claim for payment has been made and related to which the Debtors or any party in interest has interposed a timely objection or request for estimation, and such objection or request for estimation has not been withdrawn or determined by a Final Order. If the Debtors dispute only a portion of a Claim, such Claim shall be deemed Allowed in any amount the Debtors do not dispute and Disputed as to the balance of such Claim.

1.62     Disputed Claims Reserve means the reserve established pursuant to and governed by Section 7.5 of the Plan.

1.63     Distribution Record Date means the date that is two (2) Business Days after the Confirmation Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Distribution Record Date shall not apply to Existing Interests, the holders of which shall receive a distribution via mandatory or deemed exchange in accordance with Section 4.7 of the Plan on or as soon as practicable after the Effective Date.

1.64     DTC means The Depository Trust Company.

1.65     Effective Date means the date on which all conditions to the effectiveness of the Plan set forth in Article IX of the Plan have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

1.66     Employment Arrangements means, as to a current or former employee, officer, director, or contractor, all employee terms of employment, compensation and Benefit Plans existing as of the Petition Date, including, without limitation, any employment, services, separation, retention, incentive, bonus, or related agreements or arrangements.

1.67     Entity means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, joint venture, estate, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Unit or any political subdivision thereof, or other person (as defined in section 101(41) of the Bankruptcy Code) or other entity.

1.68     Equity Committee means the statutory committee of equity security holders appointed by the United States Trustee for Region 3 in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.69     ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

1.70     Estate or Estates means, individually or collectively, the estate or estates of the Debtors created under section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.71     Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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1.72     Exculpated Parties means collectively: (a) the Debtors, (b) the Reorganized Debtors, (c) the Creditors’ Committee, (d) the Equity Committee, and (e) with respect to each of the foregoing Entities in clauses (a) through (d), such Entities’ predecessors, successors, and assigns, managed accounts or funds, current or former officers, directors, principals, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, and other professionals, and such Entities’ respective heirs, executors, estates, and nominees.

1.73     Existing Interests means the common stock of Tidewater Parent.

1.74     Fee Claim means a Claim for professional services rendered or costs incurred on or after the Petition Date through the Effective Date by professional persons retained in these Chapter 11 Cases by an order of the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to sections 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 503(b), or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Chapter 11 Cases.

1.75     Final Order means an order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction that has been entered on the docket maintained by the clerk of such court, which has not been reversed, vacated, or stayed and as to which (a) the time to appeal, petition for certiorari , or move for a new trial, reargument, or rehearing has expired and as to which no appeal, petition for certiorari , or other proceedings for a new trial, reargument, or rehearing shall then be pending, or (b) if an appeal, writ of certiorari , new trial, reargument, or rehearing thereof has been sought, such order or judgment shall have been affirmed by the highest court to which such order was appealed, or certiorari shall have been denied, or a new trial, reargument, or rehearing shall have been denied or resulted in no modification of such order, and the time to take any further appeal, petition for certiorari or move for a new trial, reargument, or rehearing shall have expired; provided , however , that no order or judgment shall fail to be a “Final Order” solely because of the possibility that a motion under Rules 59 or 60 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or any analogous Bankruptcy Rule (or any analogous rules applicable in another court of competent jurisdiction) or sections 502(j) or 1144 of the Bankruptcy Code has been or may be filed with respect to such order or judgment.

1.76     General Unsecured Claim or General Unsecured Claims means, individually, a Credit Agreement Claim, Notes Claim, or Sale Leaseback Claim and, collectively, the Credit Agreement Claims, the Notes Claims, and the Sale Leaseback Claims.

1.77     GIEK means the Guarantee Institute for Export Credits, solely in its capacity as guarantor under the Troms Credit Agreement, and its successors and permitted assigns.

1.78     Governmental Unit has the meaning set forth in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.79     Impaired means, with respect to a Claim, Interest, or Class of Claims or Interests, “impaired” within the meaning of sections 1123(a)(4) and 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.80     Intercompany Claim means any Claim against a Debtor held by another Debtor.

1.81     Intercompany Interest means any Interests in any of the Debtors (other than Tidewater Parent), including common stock, and any options, warrants, or rights to acquire any such Interests, held by another Debtor or an Affiliate thereof.

1.82     Interest s means any equity security in a Debtor as defined in section 101(16) of the Bankruptcy Code, including all common stock, preferred stock, or other instruments evidencing an ownership interest in any of the Debtors, whether or not transferable, and any option, warrant, right, or

 

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any other interest that is exercisable, convertible, or exchangeable into equity of a Debtor, contractual or otherwise, including, without limitation, equity or equity-based incentives, grants, or other instruments issued, granted, or promised to be granted to current or former employees, directors, officers, or contractors of the Debtors, to acquire any such interests in a Debtor that existed immediately before the Petition Date.

1.83     Interim Distribution Date means, with respect to a Sale Leaseback Claim that is a Disputed Claim on the Effective Date and thereafter becomes an Allowed Claim, the tenth (10th) Business Day after each quarterly interest payment date for the New Secured Notes, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Class 3 Initial Distribution Date.

1.84     IRS means the Internal Revenue Service.

1.85     Jones Act means, collectively, the U.S. citizenship and cabotage laws principally contained in 46 U.S.C. § 50501(a), (b) and (d) and 46 U.S.C. Chapters 121 and 551 and any successor statutes thereto, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration and their practices enforcing, administering, and interpreting such laws, statutes, rules, and regulations, in each case as amended or supplemented from time to time, relating to the ownership and operation of U.S.-flag vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade.

1.86     Lien has the meaning set forth in section 101(37) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.87     Management Incentive Plan means a post-emergence management incentive plan, the form of which is annexed as an exhibit to the Restructuring Support Agreement, under which eight percent (8%) of the sum of the total number of (a) shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding as of the Effective Date under clause (v) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) and clause (i) of Section 4.7(b) of the Plan plus shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants issued under clause (w) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) of the Plan as of the Effective Date plus any shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants reserved for issuance but not issued as of the Effective Date with respect to Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date by virtue of the operation of Section 6.9(a) of the Plan plus (b) shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Existing Equity Warrants and pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan, shall be reserved for issuance as awards thereunder.

1.88     New Board means the initial board of directors of Reorganized Tidewater Parent to be selected in accordance with Section 5.7 of the Plan.

1.89     New Common Stock means the 30,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, of Reorganized Tidewater Parent issued pursuant to the Plan, inclusive of shares of New Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants.

1.90     New Creditor Warrant Agreement means the creditor warrant agreement by and between Reorganized Tidewater Parent and the warrant agent named therein that shall govern the terms of the New Creditor Warrants (including any New Creditor Warrants that may be issued after the Effective Date), the form of which is annexed as an exhibit to the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.91     New Creditor Warrants means the warrants to be issued to holders of Allowed Notes Claims, Allowed Credit Agreement Claims, and Allowed Sale Leaseback Claims, as provided in Section 4.3(c) of the Plan, in accordance with the New Creditor Warrant Agreement entitling the holders thereof to purchase New Common Stock with an exercise price per warrant equal to $.001 per share, and governed by the terms of the New Creditor Warrant Agreement.

 

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1.92     New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement means the existing equity warrant agreement by and between Reorganized Tidewater Parent and the warrant agent named therein that shall govern the terms of the New Existing Equity Warrants, the form of which is annexed as an exhibit to the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.93     New Existing Equity Warrants means the Series A New Existing Equity Warrants and the Series B New Existing Equity Warrants, which shall be issued to holders of Existing Interests as provided in Section 4.7(b) of the Plan, pursuant to and governed by the terms of the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement.

1.94     New Indenture means that certain secured Indenture, dated as of the Effective Date, by and among Reorganized Tidewater Parent, as issuer, the other Reorganized Debtors that are guarantors, and the New Indenture Trustee, as trustee, including the Certificate, all agreements, notes, instruments, and any other documents delivered pursuant thereto or in connection therewith such as related interest rate hedging arrangements (in each case, as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time), the form of which is annexed as an exhibit to the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.95     New Indenture Trustee means the trustee under the New Indenture and its successors and permitted assigns.

1.96     New Secured Notes means the eight percent (8%) fixed rate secured notes due five (5) years from the Effective Date to be issued pursuant to the New Indenture in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000,000.

1.97     New Warrants means the New Creditor Warrants and the New Existing Equity Warrants.

1.98     Non-U.S. Citizen means an Entity other than a U.S. Citizen.

1.99     Noteholders means, collectively, the 2010 Noteholders, the 2011 Noteholders, and the 2013 Noteholders.

1.100     Note Purchase Agreements means the 2010 Note Purchase Agreement, the 2011 Note Purchase Agreements, and the 2013 Note Purchase Agreement.

1.101     Notes means, collectively, the 2010 Notes, the 2011 Notes, and the 2013 Notes.

1.102     Notes Claims means, collectively, the 2010 Notes Claims, the 2011 Notes Claims, and the 2013 Notes Claims.

1.103     Other General Unsecured Claim means any Claim, other than a Secured Claim, an Administrative Expense Claim, an Intercompany Claim, a Priority Tax Claim, a Priority Non-Tax Claim, the Notes Claims, a Sale Leaseback Claim, or a Credit Agreement Claim.

1.104     Permitted Designee means with respect to any holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim, a partnership or another limited liability form of entity which is designated (in a writing to be delivered to Tidewater Parent on or before the Distribution Record Date) by such holder to receive (a) distributions issuable to such holder pursuant to Section 4.3(c) of the Plan, and (b) the holder’s rights to such distribution as a result of equity contributions (through one or more layers of successive partnerships or entities).

 

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1.105     Petition Date means, with respect to each Debtor, the date on which such Debtor commenced its Chapter 11 Case.

1.106     Plan means this second amended joint prepackaged chapter 11 plan, including all appendices, exhibits, schedules, and supplements hereto (including, without limitation, any appendices, schedules, and supplements to the Plan contained in the Plan Supplement), as the same may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the terms hereof, and the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.107     Plan Supplement means a supplemental appendix to the Plan containing, among other things, substantially final forms of documents, schedules, and exhibits to the Plan to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court, including, but not limited to, the following, each of which must be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders: (a) the Amended Organizational Documents, to the extent not annexed to the Restructuring Support Agreement, (b) the identity of the members of the New Board of Reorganized Tidewater Parent, and (c) the Restructuring Support Agreement (together with all exhibits and schedules thereto); provided , however , that all individual holdings information shall be redacted from the signature pages to the Restructuring Support Agreement; provided , that , through the Effective Date, the Debtors shall have the right to amend and supplement the Plan Supplement and any schedules, exhibits, or amendments thereto, in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the Restructuring Support Agreement. The Plan Supplement shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Court not later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Voting Deadline.

1.108     Priority Non-Tax Claim means any Claim, other than an Administrative Expense Claim or a Priority Tax Claim, entitled to priority in payment as specified in section 507(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.109     Priority Tax Claim means any Secured Claim or unsecured Claim of a Governmental Unit of the kind entitled to priority in payment as specified in sections 502(i) and 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.110     Pro Rata means the proportion that Allowed Claims or Interests in a particular Class bear to the aggregate amount of Allowed Claims and Disputed Claims or Allowed Interests and Disputed Interests in a particular Class and other Classes entitled to share in the same recovery as such Class under the Plan.

1.111     Registration Rights Agreement means the Registration Rights Agreement among the Registration Rights Parties, having the terms set forth in Section 5.11 of the Plan, which is annexed to the Restructuring Support Agreement.

1.112     Registration Rights Parties means any recipient of shares of New Common Stock that receives (together with its Affiliates and related funds) ten percent (10%) or more of the New Common Stock under the Plan and/or who has a reasonable belief that it is an Affiliate of the Reorganized Debtors, in each case who is a party to the Registration Rights Agreement, together with its Affiliates (solely as used throughout this definition, as defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).

1.113     Reinstate, Reinstated, or Reinstatement means leaving a Claim Unimpaired under the Plan.

1.114     Rejection Motion means the motion or pleading filed by the Debtors on the Petition Date seeking entry of interim and final orders (a) authorizing the rejection of the Sale Leaseback Agreements,

 

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(b) temporarily allowing the Sale Leaseback Claims solely for voting purposes and for purposes of establishing the Disputed Claims Reserve under Section 7.5 of the Plan, (c) setting a briefing schedule related thereto, (d) limiting the final allowance of the Sale Leaseback Claims, and (d) granting related relief, which motion or pleading must be, in form and substance, reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders, and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders.

1.115     Rejection Orders means, collectively, (a) the order approving the stipulation among the Debtors and the Sale Leaseback Parties, dated May 25, 2017 (Docket No. 129), including (i) the rejection of the Sale Leaseback Agreements, (ii) the amount of the Disputed Claims Reserve, and (iii) the temporary allowance of the Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims in the amount set forth therein for purposes of voting on the Plan; and (b) the order setting an expedited discovery and briefing schedule for final allowance of the Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims, dated June 13, 2017 (Docket No. 217).

1.116     Released Parties means collectively: (a) the Debtors, (b) the Reorganized Debtors, (c) the Credit Agreement Agent, (d) the Noteholders, the Tidewater Lenders, and the Sale Leaseback Parties, only to the extent the Entities in clause (d) voted in favor of the Plan, (e) the Creditors’ Committee, (f) the Equity Committee, and (g) with respect to each of the foregoing Entities in clauses (a) through (f), such Entities’ predecessors, successors and assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates, managed accounts or funds, current and former officers, directors, managers, principals, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, advisory board members, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, fund advisors and other professionals, and such Entities’ respective heirs, executors, estates, and nominees.

1.117     Reorganized Debtors means, with respect to each Debtor, such Debtor as reorganized on the Effective Date in accordance with the Plan.

1.118     Reorganized Tidewater Parent means Tidewater Parent as reorganized on the Effective Date in accordance with the Plan.

1.119     Requisite Consenting 2010 Noteholders means, as of the date of determination, Consenting 2010 Noteholders holding at least 51% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2010 Notes as of such date.

1.120     Requisite Consenting 2011 Series A and B Noteholders means, as of the date of determination, Consenting 2011 Series A and B Noteholders holding at least 51% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2011 Series A and B Notes as of such date.

1.121     Requisite Consenting 2011 Series C Noteholders means, as of the date of determination, Consenting 2011 Series C Noteholders holding at least 51% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2011 Series C Notes as of such date.

1.122     Requisite Consenting 2013 Noteholders means, as of the date of determination, Consenting 2013 Noteholders holding at least 51% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2013 Notes as of such date.

1.123     Requisite Consenting Noteholders means the Requisite Consenting 2010 Noteholders, the Requisite Consenting 2011 Series A and B Noteholders, the Requisite Consenting 2011 Series C Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting 2013 Noteholders.

 

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1.124     Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders means, as of the date of determination, Consenting Tidewater Lenders holding at least a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Credit Agreement Claims held by Consenting Tidewater Lenders as of such date.

1.125     Restructuring Support Agreement means that certain Restructuring Support Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2017, by and among the Debtors and the Consenting Creditors, as may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, a copy of which, without individual holdings shown on the signature pages, is annexed to the Plan as Schedule 1 .

1.126     Sale Leaseback Agreements means those certain sale leaseback agreements set forth on Schedule 2 to the Plan pertaining to marine vessels bareboat chartered by certain Debtors that the Debtors intend to designate for rejection.

1.127     Sale Leaseback Claim means any Claim arising from, or related to, the Debtors’ rejection of a Sale Leaseback Agreement.

1.128     Sale Leaseback Parties means, collectively, the lessors party to the Sale Leaseback Agreements.

1.129     Secured Claim means a Claim other than an Administrative Expense Claim or a Priority Tax Claim (a) secured by a Lien on collateral to the extent of the value of such collateral as (i) set forth in the Plan, (ii) agreed to by the holder of such Claim and the Debtors, or (iii) determined by a Final Order in accordance with section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, or (b) secured by the amount of any right of setoff of the holder thereof in accordance with section 553 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.130     Series A New Existing Equity Warrants means warrants to purchase a number of shares of New Common Stock equal to seven and a half percent (7.5%) of the sum of the total number of (a) shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding as of the Effective Date under clause (v) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) and clause (i) of Section 4.7(b) of the Plan plus (b) shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants issued under clause (w) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) of the Plan as of the Effective Date plus (c) any shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants reserved for issuance but not issued as of the Effective Date with respect to Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date by virtue of the operation of Section 6.9(a) of the Plan plus (d) shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Series A New Existing Equity Warrants, but excluding any shares of New Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan, such Series A New Existing Equity Warrants to be exercisable for a six (6) year period commencing on the Effective Date with an exercise price per warrant equal to $1,711,904,712, divided by the sum of the total number of (1) shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding as of the Effective Date under clause (v) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) and clause (i) of Section 4.7(b) of the Plan plus (2) shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants issued under clause (w) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) of the Plan as of the Effective Date plus (3) any shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants reserved for issuance but not issued as of the Effective Date with respect to Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date by virtue of the operation of Section 6.9(a) of the Plan, but excluding any shares of New Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan, all as more fully set forth in the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement.

1.131     Series B New Existing Equity Warrants means warrants to purchase a number of shares of New Common Stock equal to seven and a half percent (7.5%) of the sum of the total number of (a) shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding as of the Effective Date under clause (v) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) and clause (i) of Section 4.7(b) of the Plan plus (b) shares of New Common Stock issuable

 

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upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants issued under clause (w) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) of the Plan as of the Effective Date plus (c) any shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants reserved for issuance but not issued as of the Effective Date with respect to Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date by virtue of the operation of Section 6.9(a) of the Plan plus (d) shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Series A New Existing Equity Warrants and the Series B New Existing Equity Warrants, but excluding any shares of New Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan, such Series B New Existing Equity Warrants to be exercisable for a six (6) year period commencing on the Effective Date with an exercise price per warrant equal to $2,020,000,000, divided by the sum of the total number of (1) shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding as of the Effective Date under clause (v) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) and clause (i) of Section 4.7(b) of the Plan plus (2) shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants issued under clause (w) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) of the Plan as of the Effective Date plus (3) any shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants reserved for issuance but not issued as of the Effective Date with respect to Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date by virtue of the operation of Section 6.9(a) of the Plan plus (4) shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Series A New Existing Equity Warrants, but excluding any shares of New Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan, all as more fully set forth in the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement.

1.132     Subordinated Securities Claim means a Claim subject to subordination under section 510(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, including, without limitation, any Claim for or that arises from the rescission of a purchase, sale, issuance, or offer of a security (as defined in section 101(49) of the Bankruptcy Code) of any of the Debtors, or for damages arising from the purchase or sale of such a security, or for reimbursement, indemnification, or contribution allowed under section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code on account of such Claim.

1.133     Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group means, as of the date of determination, the Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Consenting Noteholders holding in the aggregate at least 66.67% of the outstanding principal amount of the Credit Agreement Claims and the Notes Claims held by the Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Consenting Noteholders in the aggregate as of such date.

1.134     Tidewater Lenders means the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement as lenders thereunder and their successors and permitted assigns.

1.135     Tidewater Parent means Tidewater Inc.

1.136     Tidewater Parent Interests means all Interests in Tidewater Parent.

1.137     Troms means Troms Offshore Supply AS.

1.138     Troms Agent means DNB Bank ASA, New York Branch, solely as agent under the Troms Credit Agreement, and its successors and permitted assigns.

1.139     Troms Arranger means DNB Markets, Inc., solely as arranger under the Troms Credit Agreement, and its successors and permitted assigns.

1.140     Troms Bank Guarantor means DNB Bank ASA, Grand Cayman Branch, solely as bank guarantor under the Troms Credit Agreement, and it successors and permitted assigns.

1.141     Troms Bookrunner means DNB Markets, Inc., solely as bookrunner under the Troms Credit Agreement, and its successors and permitted assigns.

 

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1.142     Troms Credit Agreement means that certain Amended and Restated Term Loan Facility Agreement, originally dated as of May 25, 2012 (as amended, and as further amended and restated by an amendment and restatement agreement no. 4 as of the Effective Date), by and among Troms, as borrower, Tidewater Parent and certain other Debtors, as corporate guarantors, and the Troms Finance Parties, as may be further amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time.

1.143     Troms Finance Parties means the Troms Agent, the Troms Arranger, the Troms Bookrunner, the Troms Bank Guarantor, GIEK, and the Troms Lenders.

1.144     Troms Lenders means Eksportkreditt Norge AS, Kommunal Landspensjonskasse Gjensidig Forsikringsselskap, Garanti-Instituttet for Eksportkreditt, and DNB Capital LLC, solely as lenders under the Troms Credit Agreement, and their successors and permitted assigns.

1.145     Unimpaired means, with respect to a Claim, Interest, or Class of Claims or Interests, not “impaired” within the meaning of sections 1123(a)(4) and 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

1.146     Unofficial Noteholder Committee means the unofficial committee of certain unaffiliated holders of Notes Claims that is represented by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Blank Rome LLP and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc.

1.147     U.S. Citizen means an Entity that is a citizen of the United States within the meaning of the Jones Act, eligible and qualified to own and operate U.S.-flag vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade.

1.148     U.S. Citizen Certification means a certification by a holder of a General Unsecured Claim that such holder is a U.S. Citizen.

1.149     U.S. Trustee means the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware.

1.150     Voting Deadline means the date set by the Bankruptcy Court by which all persons or Entities entitled to vote on the Plan must vote to accept or reject the Plan.

B.     Interpretation; Application of Definitions and Rules of Construction.

Unless otherwise specified, all section or exhibit references in the Plan are to the respective section in, or exhibit to, the Plan, as the same may be amended, waived, or modified from time to time. The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereunder,” and other words of similar import refer to the Plan as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection, or clause contained therein. The headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the provisions hereof. For purposes herein: (1) in the appropriate context, each term, whether stated in the singular or the plural, shall include both the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender shall include the masculine, feminine, and the neuter gender; (2) any reference herein to a contract, lease, instrument, release, indenture, or other agreement or document being in a particular form or on particular terms and conditions means that the referenced document shall be substantially in that form or substantially on those terms and conditions; (3) unless otherwise specified, all references herein to “Sections” are references to Sections hereof or hereto; (4) the rules of construction set forth in section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply; and (5) any term used in capitalized form herein that is not otherwise defined but that is used in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules, as the case may be.

 

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C.     Reference to Monetary Figures.

All references in the Plan to monetary figures shall refer to the legal tender of the United States of America, unless otherwise expressly provided.

D.     Controlling Document.

In the event of an inconsistency between the Plan, the Plan Supplement, and the forms of documents annexed to the Restructuring Support Agreement, the terms of the relevant document in the Plan Supplement or annexed to the Restructuring Support Agreement, as applicable, shall control (unless stated otherwise in such Plan Supplement document or Restructuring Support Agreement document). The provisions of the Plan and of the Confirmation Order shall be construed in a manner consistent with each other so as to effect the purposes of each; provided , that , if there is determined to be any inconsistency between any Plan provision and any provision of the Confirmation Order that cannot be so reconciled, then, solely to the extent of such inconsistency, the provisions of the Confirmation Order shall govern.

ARTICLE II    ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE AND PRIORITY CLAIMS.

2.1.     Administrative Expense Claims.

Except to the extent that a holder of an Allowed Administrative Expense Claim agrees to less favorable treatment, each holder of an Allowed Administrative Expense Claim (other than a Fee Claim) shall receive, in full and final satisfaction of such Claim, Cash in an amount equal to such Allowed Administrative Expense Claim on, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, the later of (a) the Effective Date and (b) the first Business Day after the date that is thirty (30) calendar days after the date such Administrative Expense Claim becomes an Allowed Administrative Expense Claim; provided , however , Allowed Administrative Expense Claims representing liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business by the Debtors, as Debtors in Possession, shall be paid by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice and in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of any course of dealing or agreements governing, instruments evidencing, or other documents relating to such transactions.

2.2.     Fee Claims.

(a)    All Entities seeking an award by the Bankruptcy Court of Fee Claims shall file and serve on counsel to the Reorganized Debtors, the U.S. Trustee, and such other entities who are designated by the Bankruptcy Rules, the Confirmation Order, or other order of the Court, on or before the date that is forty-five (45) days after the Effective Date, their respective final applications for allowance of compensation for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred from the Petition Date through the Effective Date. Objections to any Fee Claims must be filed and served on counsel to the Reorganized Debtors, the U.S. Trustee, and the requesting party no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the filing of the final applications for compensation or reimbursement (unless otherwise agreed by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and the party requesting compensation of a Fee Claim).

(b)    Allowed Fee Claims shall be paid in full, in Cash, in such amounts as are Allowed by the Bankruptcy Court (i) upon the later of (1) the Effective Date and (2) the date upon which a Final Order relating to any such Allowed Fee Claim is entered, in each case, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, or (ii) upon such other terms as may be mutually agreed upon between the holder of such an Allowed Fee Claim and the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and solely with

 

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respect to agreements entered into on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Fee Claims that are authorized to be paid pursuant to any administrative orders entered by the Bankruptcy Court may be paid at the times and in the amounts authorized pursuant to such orders.

(c)    The Reorganized Debtors are authorized to pay compensation for services rendered or reimbursement of expenses incurred after the Effective Date in the ordinary course and without the need for Bankruptcy Court approval. On or about the Effective Date, holders of Fee Claims shall provide a reasonable estimate of such Fee Claims to (i) the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and, in addition, (ii) solely with respect to estimates provided on or prior to the Effective Date, to (1) counsel to the Consenting Noteholders and (2) counsel to the Consenting Tidewater Lenders, and the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall separately reserve for such estimated amounts for the benefit of the holders of the Fee Claims until the fee applications related thereto are resolved by Final Order or agreement of the parties. If a holder of a Fee Claim does not provide an estimate, the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may estimate the unpaid and unbilled fees and expenses of such holder of a Fee Claim. When all such Allowed Fee Claims have been paid in full, any remaining amount in such escrow shall promptly be released from such reserve and revert to, and ownership thereof shall vest in, the Reorganized Debtors without any further action or order of the Bankruptcy Court.

2.3.     Priority Tax Claims.

Except to the extent that a holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim agrees to less favorable treatment, each holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim shall receive, in full and final satisfaction of such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, at the option of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and solely if such option is selected on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, (a) Cash in an amount equal to such Allowed Priority Tax Claim on, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, the later of (i) the Effective Date, to the extent such Claim is an Allowed Priority Tax Claim on the Effective Date, (ii) the first Business Day after the date that is thirty (30) calendar days after the date such Priority Tax Claim becomes an Allowed Priority Tax Claim, and (iii) the date such Allowed Priority Tax Claim is due and payable in the ordinary course as such obligation becomes due, or (b) equal annual Cash payments in an aggregate amount equal to such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, together with interest at the applicable rate under section 511 of the Bankruptcy Code, over a period not exceeding five (5) years from and after the Petition Date; provided , that the Debtors reserve the right to prepay all or a portion of any such amounts at any time under this option at their discretion, and solely with respect to prepayments made before the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. To the extent that any Priority Tax Claim is secured by a lien on any property of the Debtors, such lien shall continue in full force and effect until such time as the Priority Tax Claim is paid in full. All Allowed Priority Tax Claims that are not due and payable on or before the Effective Date shall be paid in the ordinary course of business or under applicable non-bankruptcy law as such obligations become due.

ARTICLE III    CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS.

3.1.     Classification in General.

A Claim or Interest is placed in a particular Class for all purposes, including voting, confirmation, and distribution under the Plan and under sections 1122 and 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code; provided , that a Claim or Interest is placed in a particular Class for the purpose of receiving distributions pursuant to the Plan only to the extent that such Claim or Interest is an Allowed Claim or Allowed Interest in that Class and such Allowed Claim or Allowed Interest has not been satisfied, released, or otherwise settled prior to the Effective Date.

 

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3.2.     Formation of Debtor Groups for Convenience Only.

The Plan groups the Debtors together solely for the purpose of describing treatment under the Plan, confirmation of the Plan, and making distributions in accordance with the Plan in respect of Claims against and Interests in the Debtors under the Plan. Such groupings shall not affect any Debtor’s status as a separate legal Entity, result in substantive consolidation of any Estates, change the organizational structure of the Debtors’ business enterprise, constitute a change of control of any Debtor for any purpose, cause a merger or consolidation of any legal Entities, or cause the transfer of any assets; and, except as otherwise provided by or permitted under the Plan, all Debtors shall continue to exist as separate legal Entities after the Effective Date.

3.3.     Summary of Classification.

The following table designates the Classes of Claims against and Interests in each of the Debtors and specifies which of those Classes are (a) Impaired or Unimpaired by the Plan, (b) entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan in accordance with section 1126 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (c) deemed to accept or reject the Plan. In accordance with section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, Administrative Expense Claims, including Priority Tax Claims, have not been classified. The classification of Claims and Interests set forth herein shall apply separately to each of the Debtors. All of the potential Classes for the Debtors are set forth herein. Certain of the Debtors may not have holders of Claims or Interests in a particular Class or Classes, and such Classes shall be treated as set forth in Section 3.5 of the Plan.

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Treatment

  

Entitled to Vote

1    Priority Non-Tax Claims    Unimpaired    No (Presumed to accept)
2    Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (Presumed to accept)
3    General Unsecured Claims    Impaired    Yes
4    Other General Unsecured Claims    Unimpaired    No (Presumed to accept)
5    Intercompany Claims    Unimpaired    No (Presumed to accept)
6    Intercompany Interests    Unimpaired    No (Presumed to accept)
7    Tidewater Parent Interests    Impaired    No (Deemed to reject)
8    Subordinated Securities Claims    Impaired    No (Deemed to reject)

3.4.     Special Provision Governing Unimpaired Claims.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, nothing under the Plan shall affect the rights of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, in respect of any Unimpaired Claims, including all rights in respect of legal and equitable defenses to, or setoffs or recoupments against, any such Unimpaired Claims.

3.5.     Elimination of Vacant Classes.

Any Class of Claims against or Interests in a Debtor that, as of the commencement of the Confirmation Hearing, does not have at least one (1) holder of a Claim or Interest that is Allowed in an amount greater than zero for voting purposes shall be considered vacant, deemed eliminated from the Plan

 

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of such Debtor for purposes of voting to accept or reject such Debtor’s Plan, and disregarded for purposes of determining whether such Debtor’s Plan satisfies section 1129(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to that Class.

ARTICLE IV    TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS.

4.1.     Priority Non-Tax Claims (Class 1).

(a)     Classification : Class 1 consists of Priority Non-Tax Claims.

(b)     Treatment : Except to the extent that a holder of an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim against any of the Debtors agrees to a less favorable treatment of such Claim, in full and final satisfaction of such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim, at the option of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and solely if such option is selected on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, (i) each such holder shall receive payment in Cash in an amount equal to such Claim, payable on the later of the Effective Date and the date that is ten (10) Business Days after the date on which such Priority Non-Tax Claim becomes an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim, in each case, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, (ii) such holder’s Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim shall be Reinstated, or (iii) such holder shall receive such other treatment so as to render such holder’s Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim Unimpaired pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(c)     Voting : Class 1 is Unimpaired, and the holders of Priority Non-Tax Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, holders of Priority Non-Tax Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to Priority Non-Tax Claims.

4.2.     Secured Claims (Class 2).

(a)     Classification : Class 2 consists of the Secured Claims. To the extent that the Secured Claims are secured by different collateral or different interests in the same collateral, such Claims shall be treated as separate subclasses of Class 2 for purposes of voting to accept or reject the Plan and receiving distributions under the Plan.

(b)     Treatment : Except to the extent that a holder of an Allowed Secured Claim against any of the Debtors agrees to a less favorable treatment of such Claim, in full and final satisfaction of such Allowed Secured Claim, at the option of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and solely if such option is selected on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, (i) each such holder shall receive payment in Cash in an amount equal to such Claim, payable on the later of the Effective Date and the date that is ten (10) Business Days after the date on which such Secured Claim becomes an Allowed Secured Claim, in each case, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, (ii) such holder’s Allowed Secured Claim shall be Reinstated, or (iii) such holder shall receive such other treatment so as to render such holder’s Allowed Secured Claim Unimpaired pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(c)     Voting : Class 2 is Unimpaired, and the holders of Secured Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, holders of Secured Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to such Secured Claims.

 

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4.3.     General Unsecured Claims (Class 3).

(a)     Classification : Class 3 consists of General Unsecured Claims.

(b)     Allowance : The following Claims are Allowed pursuant to section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code against each of the Debtors: (i) the Credit Agreement Claims in the aggregate principal amount of $900,000,000, plus accrued but unpaid interest (including default interest), plus any other unpaid premiums, fees, costs, or other amounts due under the Credit Agreement, in each case, up to but not including the Petition Date, and (ii) the Notes Claims in the aggregate amount of $1,158,397,471, plus any other unpaid premiums, interest, fees, costs, or other amounts due under the Note Purchase Agreements, as applicable, in each case, up to but not including the Petition Date. The Tidewater Lenders and the Noteholders shall not be required to file proofs of Claim on account of their Credit Agreement Claims and/or Notes Claims, as applicable. On the Petition Date, the Debtors shall file with the Bankruptcy Court the Rejection Motion.

(c)     Treatment : In full and final satisfaction of each Allowed General Unsecured Claim, on a Class 3 Distribution Date, each holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall be entitled to receive its Pro Rata share of (i) Cash in the amount of $225,000,000, (ii) the New Secured Notes, and (iii) pursuant to the procedure set forth below in this Section 4.3(c), a combination of (v) New Common Stock to the extent permitted under the restriction on aggregate ownership of outstanding New Common Stock by Non-U.S. Citizens as described in Section 5.5(a) of the Plan and (w) New Creditor Warrants to the extent that shares of New Common Stock cannot be issued to such holder because it is a Non-U.S. Citizen and its ownership of its Pro Rata share of New Common Stock, when added to the Pro Rata shares of New Common Stock being issued to other holders that are Non-U.S. Citizens as of the Effective Date, would exceed the restriction on aggregate ownership of outstanding New Common Stock by Non-U.S. Citizens as described in Section 5.5(a) of the Plan, which shall represent, in the aggregate, ninety-five percent (95%) of the sum of the total shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding on the Effective Date under clause (v) of this Section 4.3(c)(iii) and clause (i) of Section 4.7(b) of the Plan (excluding shares of New Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan and shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Existing Equity Warrants) plus shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants issued under clause (w) of this Section 4.3(c)(iii) as of the Effective Date plus any shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants reserved for issuance but not issued as of the Effective Date with respect to Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date by virtue of the operation of Section 6.9 of the Plan, subject to dilution by shares of New Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan and by shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Existing Equity Warrants; provided , however , that such holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims are entitled to direct any distribution with respect to clause (iii) of this Section 4.3(c) to one or more Permitted Designees. In the case of holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims that are Non-U.S. Citizens, the percentage ratio of the number of shares of New Common Stock to the number of New Creditor Warrants to be issued to each such Non-U.S. Citizen pursuant to clauses (v) and (w) of this Section 4.3(c)(iii), respectively, as of the Effective Date shall be the same for each such Non-U.S. Citizen holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim. If such a holder (or the holder’s Permitted Designee(s)) of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim furnishes a U.S. Citizen Certification to Tidewater Parent on or before the Distribution Record Date and, after review, Tidewater Parent, in its reasonable discretion, accepts such U.S. Citizen Certification as reasonable proof in establishing that such holder or its Permitted Designee(s), if applicable, is a U.S. Citizen, such holder (or its Permitted Designee(s)) shall receive New Common Stock representing all of such holder’s (or its Permitted Designee’s(s’)) Pro Rata share as of the Effective Date of such New Common Stock on the Class 3 Initial Distribution Date; provided, however, that if such holder (or the holder’s Permitted Designee(s)) does not furnish a U.S. Citizen Certification to Tidewater Parent on or before the Distribution Record Date, or if the U.S. Citizen Certification of such holder (or the

 

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holder’s Permitted Designee(s)) has not been accepted or has been rejected by Tidewater Parent, in its reasonable discretion, on or before the date that is five (5) Business Days after the Distribution Record Date after review by Tidewater Parent pursuant to this Section 4.3(c), such holder (or the holder’s Permitted Designee(s)) shall receive a combination of (x) New Common Stock representing such holder’s Pro Rata share as of the Effective Date of New Common Stock, to the extent permitted by Section 5.5(a) of the Plan, and (y) New Creditor Warrants equal to the balance of such holder’s (or the holder’s Permitted Designee’s(s’)) Pro Rata share as of the Effective Date of the New Common Stock that such holder would have received but for the restriction in Section 5.5(a) of the Plan as of the Effective Date. In connection with Tidewater Parent’s review of any U.S. Citizen Certification under this Section 4.3(c), Tidewater Parent shall have the right to require the holder (or the holder’s Permitted Designee(s)) furnishing the U.S. Citizen Certification to provide Tidewater Parent with such documents and other information as it may reasonably request as reasonable proof confirming that the holder (or such holder’s Permitted Designee(s)) is a U.S. Citizen under the Jones Act. Tidewater Parent shall treat all such documents and information provided by any holder (or the holder’s Permitted Designee(s)) as confidential and shall limit the distribution of such documents and information to the Debtors’ personnel and counsel that have a need to know the contents thereof and to the U.S. Coast Guard as may be necessary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, holders of Sale Leaseback Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date and thereafter become Allowed Claims shall be entitled to receive their Pro Rata share, calculated as of the Effective Date, of the foregoing consideration described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of the first sentence of this Section 4.3(c); provided, however, that the consideration delivered in respect of clause (iii) of this Section 4.3(c) shall consist of solely New Creditor Warrants on the next Interim Distribution Date after they become Allowed Claims. In any distribution made to the holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim, there shall be deducted therefrom the amount of Cash, New Secured Notes, New Common Stock, and New Creditor Warrants previously distributed to such holder on account of such Allowed General Unsecured Claim in any distribution made prior thereto.

(d)     Voting : Class 3 is Impaired, and the holders of General Unsecured Claims in Class 3 are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

4.4.     Other General Unsecured Claims (Class 4).

(a)     Classification : Class 4 consists of Other General Unsecured Claims.

(b)     Treatment : Except to the extent that a holder of an Allowed Other General Unsecured Claim against any of the Debtors agrees to a less favorable treatment of such Claim or has been paid before the Effective Date, at the option of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and solely if such option is selected on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, on and after the Effective Date, (i) the Reorganized Debtors shall continue to pay or treat each Allowed Other General Unsecured Claim in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) such holder shall receive such other treatment so as to render such holder’s Allowed Other General Unsecured Claim Unimpaired pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, in each case, subject to all defenses or disputes the Debtors and Reorganized Debtors may assert as to the validity or amount of such Claims, including as provided in Section 10.9 of the Plan.

(c)     Voting : Class 4 is Unimpaired, and the holders of Other General Unsecured Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, holders of Other General Unsecured Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to such Other General Unsecured Claims.

 

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4.5.     Intercompany Claims (Class 5).

(a)     Classification : Class 5 consists of Intercompany Claims.

(b)     Treatment : On the Effective Date, all Intercompany Claims shall be adjusted, Reinstated, discharged, or distributed to the extent determined to be appropriate by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and solely if such treatment is determined on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

(c)     Voting : Class 5 is Unimpaired, and the holders of Intercompany Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, holders of Intercompany Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to such Intercompany Claims.

4.6.     Intercompany Interests (Class 6).

(a)     Classification : Class 6 consists of Intercompany Interests.

(b)     Treatment : On the Effective Date, and without the need for any further corporate or limited liability company action or approval of any board of directors, management, or shareholders of any Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, all Intercompany Interests shall be unaffected by the Plan and continue in place following the Effective Date, solely for the administrative convenience of maintaining the existing corporate structure of the Debtors.

(c)     Voting : Class 6 is Unimpaired, and the holders of Intercompany Interests are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, holders of Intercompany Interests are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to such Intercompany Interests.

4.7.     Tidewater Parent Interests (Class 7).

(a)     Classification : Class 7 consists of Tidewater Parent Interests.

(b)     Treatment : On the Effective Date, all Tidewater Parent Interests shall be cancelled and discharged and shall be of no further force and effect, whether surrendered for cancellation or otherwise, and each holder of an Allowed Existing Interest shall be entitled to receive its Pro Rata share of (i) shares of New Common Stock, representing, in the aggregate, five percent (5%) of the sum of the total shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding as of the Effective Date under this clause (i) of Section 4.7(b) and clause (v) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) of the Plan (excluding shares of New Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan and shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Existing Equity Warrants) plus shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants issued under clause (w) of Section 4.3(c)(iii) of the Plan as of the Effective Date plus any shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants reserved for issuance but not issued as of the Effective Date with respect to Claims which are Disputed Claims on the Effective Date by virtue of the operation of Section 6.9(a) of the Plan, subject to dilution by shares of New Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan and by shares of New Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Existing Equity Warrants, (ii) the Series A New Existing Equity Warrants, and (iii) the Series B New Existing Equity Warrants. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Tidewater Parent Interests issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Petition Date pursuant to a Benefit Plan that have not been subsequently forfeited (or agreed

 

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to be forfeited) by the holder thereof (either voluntarily or by operation of the terms of such Benefit Plan, with effect as of any time on or prior to the Effective Date) shall be deemed to vest immediately prior to the Distribution Record Date. For the avoidance of doubt, as of the Effective Date, all Tidewater Parent Interests consisting of stock options granted under any Benefit Plan shall be cancelled and discharged and shall be of no further force and effect.

(c)     Voting : Class 7 is Impaired, and the holders of Tidewater Parent Interests are conclusively presumed to have rejected the Plan pursuant to section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, holders of Tidewater Parent Interests are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to such Tidewater Parent Interests.

4.8.     Subordinated Securities Claims (Class 8).

(a)     Classification : Class 8 consists of Subordinated Securities Claims.

(b)     Treatment : The holders of Subordinated Securities Claims shall not receive or retain any property under the Plan on account of such Claims and the obligations of the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, on account of such Subordinated Securities Claims shall be discharged.

(c)     Voting : Class 8 is Impaired, and the holders of Subordinated Securities Claims are conclusively presumed to have rejected the Plan pursuant to section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, holders of Subordinated Securities Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to such Subordinated Securities Claims.

ARTICLE V    MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTATION.

5.1.     Compromise and Settlement of Claims, Interests, and Controversies.

Pursuant to sections 363 and 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019 and in consideration for the distributions and other benefits provided pursuant to the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall, upon the Effective Date, constitute a good faith compromise and settlement among the Debtors and the Consenting Creditors of numerous disputes from or related to (i) the Notes Claims, (ii) the Credit Agreement Claims, (iii) the Sale Leaseback Claims, and (iv) the treatment of, and distribution to, holders of Tidewater Parent Interests.    In the event that, for any reason, the Confirmation Order is not entered or the Effective Date does not occur, the Debtors, the Noteholders, and the Tidewater Lenders reserve all of their respective rights with respect to any and all disputes resolved and settled under the Plan. The entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the compromises and settlements of all such Claims, Interests, and controversies, and the Bankruptcy Court’s findings shall constitute its determination that such compromises and settlements are in the best interests of the Debtors, their Estates, holders of such Claims and Interests, and other parties-in-interest, and are fair, equitable, and within the range of reasonableness. The provisions of the Plan, including, without limitation, its release, injunction, exculpation, and compromise provisions, are mutually dependent and non-severable.

5.2.     Continued Corporate Existence.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Debtors shall continue to exist after the Effective Date as Reorganized Debtors in accordance with the applicable laws of the respective jurisdictions in which they are incorporated or organized and pursuant to the Amended Organizational Documents. On or after the Effective Date, each Reorganized Debtor may in its sole discretion, take such

 

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action that may be necessary or appropriate as permitted by applicable law, instruments and agreements, and such Reorganized Debtor’s organizational documents, as such Reorganized Debtor may determine is reasonable and appropriate.

5.3.     Plan Funding.

Plan distributions of Cash shall be funded from the Debtors’ Cash on hand as of the applicable date of such Plan distribution.

5.4.     Cancellation of Existing Securities and Agreements.

Except for the purpose of evidencing a right to a distribution under the Plan and except as otherwise set forth in the Plan, including with respect to executory contracts or unexpired leases that shall be assumed by the Reorganized Debtors, on the Effective Date, all agreements, instruments, and other documents evidencing any Claim or Interest (other than Intercompany Interests that are not modified by the Plan) and any rights of any holder in respect thereof shall be deemed cancelled, discharged, and of no force or effect and the obligations of the Debtors thereunder shall be deemed fully satisfied, released, and discharged. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding such cancellation and discharge, (a) the Troms Credit Agreement shall continue in effect and (b) the Credit Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreements shall continue in effect solely to (i) the extent necessary to allow the holders of Allowed Credit Agreement Claims and Allowed Notes Claims to receive distributions under the Plan, (ii) the extent necessary to allow the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, and/or the Disbursing Agent to make post-Effective Date distributions or take such other action pursuant to the Plan on account of the Allowed Credit Agreement Claims and the Allowed Notes Claims and to otherwise exercise their rights and discharge their obligations relating to the interests of the holders of such Claims, and (iii) appear in the Chapter 11 Cases; provided that all expense reimbursement obligations of the Debtors arising under (x) the Note Purchase Agreements in favor of the Noteholders or (y) the Credit Agreement in favor of the Credit Agreement Agent and/or the Tidewater Lenders, or in each case, their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, controlling persons, and legal and financial advisors, shall survive, remain in full force and effect, and be enforceable against the Reorganized Debtors on and after the Effective Date; provided , however , that except to the extent provided in clauses (a) and (b) above, nothing in this Section 5.4 shall affect the discharge of Claims pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, the Confirmation Order, or the Plan, or result in any liability or expense to the Reorganized Debtors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any provision in any document, instrument, lease, or other agreement that causes or effectuates, or purports to cause or effectuate, a default, termination, waiver, or other forfeiture of, or by, the Debtors or their interests, as a result of the cancellations, terminations, satisfaction, releases, or discharges provided for in this Section 5.4 shall be deemed null and void and shall be of no force and effect. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to cancel, terminate, release, or discharge the obligation of the Debtors or any of their counterparties under any executory contract or lease to the extent such executory contract or lease has been assumed by the Debtors pursuant to a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court or hereunder.

5.5.     Authorization and Issuance of New Common Stock and New Warrants.

(a)    On the Effective Date, (i) Reorganized Tidewater Parent is authorized to issue or cause to be issued and shall issue the New Common Stock and the New Warrants, and (ii) the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors are authorized to issue or cause to be issued and shall issue the New Secured Notes, each in accordance with the terms of the Plan without the need for any further corporate or limited liability company action. All of the New Common Stock, the New Warrants, and the New Secured Notes issuable under the Plan, when so issued, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, and, in the case of the New Common Stock, fully paid, and non-assessable. In no event shall Non-U.S. Citizens in the aggregate

 

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own more than twenty-two percent (22%) of the total number of shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding on the Effective Date. All of the New Common Stock underlying the New Warrants (upon payment of the exercise price in accordance with the terms of such New Warrants) issued pursuant to this Plan shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.

(b)    Upon the Effective Date, Reorganized Tidewater Parent anticipates that it will continue to be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78(a) – 78(pp). Reorganized Tidewater Parent shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the New Common Stock and the New Existing Equity Warrants listed on the same nationally recognized exchange as soon as practicable, in each case, subject to meeting applicable listing requirements following the Effective Date. Following the Effective Date, Reorganized Tidewater Parent will explore listing the New Creditor Warrants on an exchange to be determined, subject to approval by the New Board and applicable listing requirements.

(c)    The New Creditor Warrants will be issued pursuant to the terms of the New Creditor Warrant Agreement. Each New Creditor Warrant will, subject to the terms of the New Creditor Warrant Agreement, be exercisable for one (1) share of New Common Stock.

(d)    The New Existing Equity Warrants will be issued pursuant to the terms of the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement. Each New Existing Equity Warrant will, subject to the terms of the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement, be exercisable for one (1) share of New Common Stock.

5.6.     Section 1145 Exemption.

(a)    The offer, issuance, and distribution of the New Creditor Warrants (and the New Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof), the New Existing Equity Warrants (and the New Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof), the New Common Stock, and the New Secured Notes to holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims and holders of Allowed Existing Interests, as applicable, under Article IV of the Plan shall be exempt, pursuant to section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, without further act or action by any Entity, from registration under (i) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) any state or local law requiring registration for the offer, issuance, or distribution of securities.

(b)    The New Common Stock, the New Secured Notes, and the New Warrants (and the New Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof) shall be freely tradable by the recipients thereof, subject to (i) the provisions of section 1145(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code relating to the definition of an underwriter in section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) compliance with any rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, if any, applicable at the time of any future transfer of such securities or instruments, (iii) the restrictions, if any, on the transferability of such securities and instruments, including, without limitation, any restrictions on the transferability under the terms of the Amended Organizational Documents and the New Warrants, and (iv) applicable regulatory approval.

5.7.     Officers and Boards of Directors.

(a)    On the Effective Date, the initial directors of the New Board shall consist of seven (7) directors composed of (i) the Chief Executive Officer and (ii) six (6) directors designated by the Requisite Consenting Noteholders and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders subject to compliance with the Jones Act (such that Reorganized Tidewater Parent shall at all times be eligible and qualified to own and operate U.S.-flag vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade). Each such director shall serve from and after the Effective Date pursuant to the terms of the Amended Organizational Documents and the other constituent documents of the Reorganized Debtors. After the Effective Date, the board of directors for

 

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Reorganized Tidewater Parent will be elected by its stockholders in accordance with Delaware law and Reorganized Tidewater Parent’s Amended Organizational Documents. Pursuant to section 1129(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors will disclose in the Plan Supplement the identity and affiliations of any person proposed to serve on the initial board of directors of the Reorganized Debtors. Without any further action by either the stockholders of Reorganized Tidewater Parent or the members of the New Board, and pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court’s authority under Section 303 of the DGCL and other applicable Delaware and federal law, the appointment of directors provided by this Section 5.7(a) shall have the effect of unanimous stockholder action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting.

(b)    Except as otherwise provided in the Plan Supplement, the officers of the respective Reorganized Debtors immediately before the Effective Date, as applicable, shall serve as the initial officers of each of the respective Reorganized Debtors on and after the Effective Date and in accordance with Section 5.12 of the Plan and applicable non-bankruptcy law. After the Effective Date, officers of the Reorganized Debtors shall serve at the pleasure of their respective boards and the selection of officers of the Reorganized Debtors shall be as provided by their respective organizational documents.

(c)    Except to the extent that a member of the board of directors or a manager, as applicable, of a Debtor continues to serve as a director or manager of such Debtor on and after the Effective Date, the members of the board of directors or managers of each Debtor prior to the Effective Date, in their capacities as such, shall have no continuing obligations to the Reorganized Debtors on or after the Effective Date and each such director or manager shall be deemed to have resigned or shall otherwise cease to be a director or manager of the applicable Debtor on the Effective Date. Commencing on the Effective Date, each of the directors and managers of each of the Reorganized Debtors shall be elected and serve pursuant to the terms of the applicable organizational documents of such Reorganized Debtor and may be replaced or removed in accordance with such organizational documents.

5.8.     Restructuring Transactions.

(a)    On or as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, but to the extent taken on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, the Reorganized Debtors shall take such actions as may be or become necessary or appropriate to effect any transaction described in, approved by, contemplated by, or necessary to effectuate the Plan, including, without limitation, (i) the execution and delivery of appropriate agreements or other documents of merger, consolidation, restructuring, financing, conversion, disposition, transfer, dissolution, or liquidation containing terms that are consistent with the terms of the Plan and the Definitive Documents that satisfy the applicable requirements of applicable law and any other terms to which the applicable Entities may agree, (ii) the execution and delivery of appropriate instruments of transfer, assignment, assumption, or delegation of any asset, property, right, liability, debt, or obligation on terms consistent with the terms of the Plan and the Definitive Documents having other terms to which the applicable parties agree, (iii) the filing of appropriate certificates or articles of incorporation, reincorporation, merger, consolidation, conversion, or dissolution and the Amended Organizational Documents pursuant to applicable state law, (iv) the execution and delivery of the applicable documents included in the Restructuring Support Agreement or the Plan Supplement, as applicable, including but not limited to, the New Indenture, the New Creditor Warrant Agreement, the New Existing Warrant Agreement, and the Registration Rights Agreement; (v) the issuance of securities, 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, and (vi) all other actions that the applicable Entities determine to be necessary or appropriate, including making filings or recordings that may be required by applicable law, subject, in each case, to the Amended Organizational Documents. For purposes of effectuating the Plan, none of the transactions contemplated in this Section 5.8 shall constitute a change of control under any agreement, contract, or document of the Debtors (other than with respect to the CIC Agreements, in which case the terms of the applicable CIC Waiver Letters shall govern).

 

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(b)    Each officer, member of the board of directors, or manager of the Debtors is (and each officer, member of the board of directors, or manager of the Reorganized Debtors shall be) authorized and directed to issue, execute, deliver, file, or record such contracts, securities, instruments, releases, indentures, and other agreements or documents and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan and the securities issued pursuant to the Plan in the name of and on behalf of the Reorganized Debtors, all of which shall be authorized and approved in all respects, in each case, without the need for any approvals, authorization, consents, or any further action required under applicable law, regulation, order, or rule (including, without limitation, any action by the stockholders or directors or managers of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors) except for those expressly required pursuant to the Plan.

(c)    All matters provided for herein involving the corporate structure of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, or any corporate, limited liability company, or related action required by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors in connection herewith shall be deemed to have occurred and shall be in effect, without any requirement of further action by the stockholders, members, directors, or managers of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, and with like effect as though such action had been taken unanimously by the stockholders, members, directors, or managers, as applicable, of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors.

(d)    To the extent that any New Common Stock, New Creditor Warrants, or New Secured Notes are distributed pursuant to the Plan to a holder of an Allowed Claim against a Debtor other than Tidewater Parent, such New Common Stock, New Creditor Warrant, or New Secured Notes shall be treated as contributed by Reorganized Tidewater Parent directly or indirectly to such Debtor and then distributed on behalf of such Debtor in accordance with the Plan.

(e)    On the Effective Date, to enhance tax efficiencies, Debtor Tidewater Marine Western Inc. will be converted from a Texas corporation to a Delaware limited liability company and Tidewater Marine Alaska Inc. will be merged with and into Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, L.L.C.

5.9.     Cancellation of Liens.

Upon the payment or other satisfaction of an Allowed Secured Claim, the holder of such Allowed Secured Claim shall deliver to the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors (as applicable) any collateral or other property of the Debtors held by such holder, and any termination statements, instruments of satisfaction, or releases of all security interests with respect to its Allowed Secured Claim that may be required in order to terminate any related financing statements, mortgages, mechanic’s liens, or lis pendens, or other similar interests or documents.

5.10.     New Indenture .

(a)    On the Effective Date, Reorganized Tidewater Parent, the other Reorganized Debtors that are guarantors, and the New Indenture Trustee shall enter into the New Indenture substantially in the form included in the Plan Supplement. The Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors shall be authorized to execute, deliver, and enter into and perform under the New Indenture without the need for any further corporate or limited liability company action and without further action by the holders of Claims or Interests.

 

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(b)    The Confirmation Order shall include approval of the New Indenture (including the transactions contemplated thereby, including all actions to be taken, all undertakings to be made, and obligations to be incurred by the Reorganized Debtors in connection therewith, including the payment of all fees, indemnities, and expenses provided for therein), the granting of any Liens and security interests in favor of the lenders under the New Indenture securing such obligations, and authorization for the Reorganized Debtors to enter into and execute the New Indenture and such other documents as may be required to effectuate the treatment afforded to the lenders under the New Indenture, including any and all documents that serve to evidence and secure the Reorganized Debtors’ respective obligations under the New Indenture and any Liens and security interests in favor of the lenders under the New Indenture which Liens or security interests secure such obligations.

(c)    On the Effective Date, (i) the Reorganized Debtors are authorized to execute and deliver the New Indenture and any and all security agreements, guarantees, mortgages, or extensions of mortgages, certificates, control agreements, insurance documents, opinions, and other instruments, agreements, assignments, and documents contemplated or required by the New Indenture, including any and all such documents that serve to evidence and secure the Reorganized Debtors’ respective obligations under the New Indenture and any Liens and security interests in favor of the lenders under the New Indenture securing such obligations, and perform their obligations thereunder including the payment or reimbursement of any fees, expenses, losses, damages, or indemnities, and (ii) subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, the New Indenture as and when executed and delivered in accordance with the terms of the New Indenture, any and all security agreements, guarantees, mortgages or extensions of mortgages, certificates, control agreements, insurance documents, opinions, and other instruments, agreements, assignments, and documents contemplated or required by the New Indenture, including any and all such documents that serve to evidence and secure the Reorganized Debtors’ respective obligations under the New Indenture and any Liens and security interests in favor of the lenders under the New Indenture securing such obligations, shall constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Reorganized Debtors and be enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

5.11.     Registration Rights Agreement .

No later than the Effective Date, the Debtor or the Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, and the Registration Rights Parties will enter into the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement shall provide the Registration Rights Parties with commercially reasonable demand and piggyback registration rights.

5.12.     Employee Matters.

(a)    On the Effective Date, the Employment Arrangements shall be deemed to be, and shall be treated as executory contracts and the Reorganized Debtors shall be deemed to have assumed all such Employment Arrangements unless rejected pursuant to Article VIII of the Plan or by agreement of the Debtors and each affected employee. The consummation of the Plan shall not be treated as a change in control or change of control or other similar transaction under any Employment Arrangements (other than with respect to the CIC Agreements, in which case the terms of the applicable CIC Waiver Letters shall govern).

(b)    Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Tidewater Parent Interests issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Petition Date pursuant to a Benefit Plan that have not been subsequently forfeited (or agreed to be forfeited) by the holder thereof (either voluntarily or by operation of the terms of such Benefit Plan, with effect as of any time on or prior to the Effective Date) shall be deemed to vest immediately prior to the Distribution Record Date.

 

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5.13.     Nonconsensual Confirmation.

The Debtors intend to undertake to have the Bankruptcy Court confirm the Plan under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code as to any Classes that reject or are deemed to reject the Plan.

5.14.     Closing of Chapter 11 Cases.

After an Estate has been fully administered, the Reorganized Debtors shall promptly seek authority from the Bankruptcy Court to close the applicable Chapter 11 Case(s) in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules.

5.15.     Notice of Effective Date.

On the Effective Date, the Debtors shall file a notice of the occurrence of the Effective Date with the Bankruptcy Court.

5.16.     Separability.

Notwithstanding the combination of separate plans of reorganization for the Debtors set forth in the Plan for purposes of economy and efficiency, the Plan constitutes a separate chapter 11 plan for each Debtor. Accordingly, if the Bankruptcy Court does not confirm the Plan with respect to one or more Debtors, it may still confirm the Plan with respect to any other Debtor that satisfies the confirmation requirements of section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code with the consent of the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

ARTICLE VI    DISTRIBUTIONS.

6.1.     Distributions Generally.

One or more Disbursing Agents shall make all distributions under the Plan to the holders or the Permitted Designees, as applicable, of Allowed Claims in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Such distributions shall be made to holders or Permitted Designees, as applicable, of Allowed Claims on behalf of the respective Debtors to which such Allowed Claims relate.

6.2.     Distribution Record Date.

As of the close of business on the Distribution Record Date, the various transfer registers for each of the Classes of Claims or Interests as maintained by the Debtors or their respective agents, shall be deemed closed, and there shall be no further changes in the record holders or the Permitted Designees of any of the Claims or Interests. The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors shall have no obligation to recognize any transfer or designation of the Claims or Interests occurring after the close of business on the Distribution Record Date. In addition, with respect to payment of any Cure amounts or Assumption Disputes, neither the Debtors nor the Disbursing Agent shall have any obligation to recognize or deal with any party other than the non-Debtor party to the applicable executory contract or unexpired lease as of the close of business on the Distribution Record Date, even if such non-Debtor party has sold, assigned, or otherwise transferred its Claim for a Cure amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Distribution Record Date shall not apply to the Existing Interests, the holders of which shall receive a distribution via mandatory or deemed exchange in accordance with Section 4.7 of the Plan on or as soon as practicable after the Effective Date.

 

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6.3.     Date of Distributions.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, any distributions and deliveries to be made under the Plan shall be made on the Effective Date or as otherwise determined in accordance with the Plan, including, without limitation, the treatment provisions of Article IV of the Plan, or as soon as practicable thereafter; provided , that the Reorganized Debtors may implement periodic distribution dates to the extent they reasonably determine them to be appropriate, and if on or prior to the Effective Date, in consultation with the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group.

6.4.     Disbursing Agent.

All distributions under the Plan shall be made by Reorganized Tidewater Parent (or such other Entity designated by Reorganized Tidewater Parent), as Disbursing Agent, on or after the Effective Date or as otherwise provided in the Plan solely to Permitted Designees as provided in Section 4.3(c) of the Plan or to the record holders of Claims and Interests as of the Distribution Record Date who are entitled to receive distributions under the Plan. A Disbursing Agent shall not be required to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of its duties. The Reorganized Debtors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Disbursing Agent (if other than the Reorganized Debtors) with the amounts of Claims and the identities and addresses of holders of Claims and Interests as of the Distribution Record Date, in each case, as set forth in the Debtors’ or Reorganized Debtors’ books and records. The Reorganized Debtors shall cooperate in good faith with the applicable Disbursing Agent (if other than the Reorganized Debtors) to comply with the reporting and withholding requirements outlined in Section 6.20 of the Plan.

6.5.     Rights and Powers of Disbursing Agent.

(a)    From and after the Effective Date, the Disbursing Agent, solely in its capacity as Disbursing Agent, shall be exculpated by all Entities, including, without limitation, holders of Claims against and Interests in the Debtors and other parties in interest, from any and all Claims, Causes of Action, and other assertions of liability arising out of the discharge of the powers and duties conferred upon such Disbursing Agent by the Plan or any order of the Bankruptcy Court entered pursuant to or in furtherance of the Plan, or applicable law, except for actions or omissions to act arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct, fraud, malpractice, criminal conduct, or ultra vires acts of such Disbursing Agent. No holder of a Claim or Interest or other party in interest shall have or pursue any claim or Cause of Action against the Disbursing Agent, solely in its capacity as Disbursing Agent, for making payments in accordance with the Plan or for implementing provisions of the Plan, except for actions or omissions to act arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct, fraud, malpractice, criminal conduct, or ultra vires acts of such Disbursing Agent.

(b)    A Disbursing Agent shall be empowered to (i) effect all actions and execute all agreements, instruments, and other documents necessary to perform its duties hereunder, (ii) make all distributions contemplated hereby, (iii) employ professionals to represent it with respect to its responsibilities, and (iv) exercise such other powers as may be vested in the Disbursing Agent by order of the Bankruptcy Court, pursuant to the Plan, or as deemed by the Disbursing Agent to be necessary and proper to implement the provisions of the Plan.

6.6.     Expenses of Disbursing Agent.

To the extent the Disbursing Agent is an Entity other than a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, except as otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court and subject to the written agreement of the Reorganized Debtors, the amount of any reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Disbursing Agent

 

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on or after the Effective Date (including taxes) and any reasonable compensation and expense reimbursement Claims (including for reasonable attorneys’ and other professional fees and expenses) made by the Disbursing Agent shall be paid in Cash by the Reorganized Debtors in the ordinary course of business.

6.7.     No Postpetition Interest on Claims .

Except to the extent that payments to Allowed Other General Unsecured Claims are not paid pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Plan in the ordinary course or as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or another order of the Bankruptcy Court or required by the Bankruptcy Code, interest shall not accrue or be paid on any Claims on or after the Petition Date; provided , however , if interest is payable pursuant to the preceding sentence, interest shall accrue, and shall be paid, in accordance with any applicable law, agreement, document, or Final Order, as the case may be, from the date the obligation underlying the Claim becomes due and is not timely paid through the date of payment.

6.8.     Delivery of Distributions.

(a)    Subject to Bankruptcy Rule 9010, all distributions to any holder or Permitted Designee, as applicable, of an Allowed Claim or Interest shall be made to a Disbursing Agent, who shall transmit such distribution to the applicable holders or Permitted Designees of Allowed Claims or Interests on behalf of the respective Debtor. In the event that any distribution to any holder or Permitted Designee is returned as undeliverable, no further distributions shall be made to such holder or such Permitted Designee unless and until such Disbursing Agent is notified in writing of such holder’s or Permitted Designee’s, as applicable, then-current address, at which time all currently-due, missed distributions shall be made to such holder as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter without interest. Nothing herein shall require the Disbursing Agent to attempt to locate holders or Permitted Designees, as applicable, of undeliverable distributions and, if located, assist such holders or Permitted Designees, as applicable, in complying with Section 6.20 of the Plan.

(b)    Distributions of the New Common Stock, the New Warrants, and the New Secured Notes on account of Allowed General Unsecured Claims and Existing Interests held through DTC shall be made through the facilities of DTC in accordance with DTC’s customary practices. All New Common Stock, New Warrants, and New Secured Notes to be distributed pursuant to the Plan shall, for General Unsecured Claims, be issued in the names of such holders, their nominees of record, or their Permitted Designees as of the Distribution Record Date, and, for holders of Existing Interests, be issued pursuant to a mandatory or deemed exchange on or as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, each in accordance with DTC’s book-entry procedures, to the extent applicable; provided , that such New Common Stock, New Warrants, and New Secured Notes are permitted to be held through DTC’s book-entry system; provided , further , that to the extent that the New Common Stock, New Warrants, or New Secured Notes are not eligible for distribution in accordance with DTC’s customary practices, Reorganized Tidewater Parent will, and if on or prior to the Effective Date, in consultation with the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, take such reasonable actions as may be required to cause distributions of the New Common Stock, the New Warrants, and the New Secured Notes under the Plan. Except with respect to Existing Interests not held through DTC, no distributions will be made other than through DTC if the New Common Stock, the New Warrants, and the New Secured Notes are permitted to be held through DTC’s book entry system. Any distribution that otherwise would be made to any holder eligible to receive a distribution of a security available solely through DTC who does not own or hold an account eligible to receive a distribution through DTC on a relevant distribution date shall be forfeited.

 

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6.9.     Distributions to Class  3 General Unsecured Claims.

(a)    In addition to the Disputed Claims Reserve provided for in Section 7.5 of the Plan, there shall be withheld from the Cash and the New Creditor Warrants (which withheld New Creditor Warrants shall not be issued by Reorganized Tidewater Parent and distributed on behalf of the respective Reorganized Debtor until such time as such New Creditor Warrants are to be distributed pursuant to this Section 6.9) to be distributed to holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims on the Class 3 Initial Distribution Date, an amount of Cash and New Creditor Warrants that would be distributable to Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Plan had such Claims been Allowed in the amount to be reserved on account of such Claims, as set forth in the Rejection Orders, on the Effective Date.

(b)    At such time as all Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims have been Allowed or Disallowed, any remaining withheld New Creditor Warrants shall be distributed as soon as reasonably practicable to all holders or Permitted Designee(s), as applicable, of Allowed General Unsecured Claims in accordance with Section 4.3 of the Plan based on their Pro Rata share as of the Class 3 Final Distribution Date. Distributions of the New Secured Notes from the Disputed Claims Reserve and any remaining withheld Cash retained by the Reorganized Debtors with respect to the Sale Leaseback Claims, as described in Section 6.9(a) of the Plan, shall be governed by Section 7.5 of the Plan.

(c)    If at any time or from time to time after the Effective Date and prior to the date that all Sale Leaseback Claims have been Allowed or Disallowed, the number of outstanding shares of New Common Stock is (i) increased by a share dividend or share distribution to all holders of New Common Stock, in each case payable in shares of New Common Stock, or by a subdivision, (ii) reduced by a combination of shares, or (iii) otherwise increased or decreased by a reclassification of shares of New Common Stock (or any event similar in effect to any of the foregoing), then Tidewater Parent shall make such adjustment in the determination of the amount of New Creditor Warrants to be distributed pursuant to this Section 6.9 as it determines in good faith to be equitable in the circumstance (such adjustment to be equitably made with reference to adjustments made to outstanding New Creditor Warrants under the terms of the New Creditor Warrant Agreement).

6.10.     Distributions after Effective Date.

Distributions made after the Effective Date to holders of Disputed Claims that are not Allowed Claims as of the Effective Date but which later become Allowed Claims shall be deemed to have been made on the Effective Date.

6.11.     Unclaimed Property.

Undeliverable distributions or unclaimed distributions shall remain in the possession of the Debtors until such time as a distribution becomes deliverable or holder or Permitted Designee, as applicable, accepts distribution, or such distribution reverts back to the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and shall not be supplemented with any interest, dividends, or other accruals of any kind. Such distributions shall be deemed unclaimed property under section 347(b) of the Bankruptcy Code at the expiration of one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of distribution. After such date all unclaimed property or interest in property shall revert to the Reorganized Debtors, and the Claim of any other holder to such property or interest in property shall be discharged and forever barred.

 

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6.12.     Time Bar to Cash Payments.

Checks issued by the Disbursing Agent in respect of Allowed Claims shall be null and void if not negotiated within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of issuance thereof. Thereafter, the amount represented by such voided check shall irrevocably revert to the Reorganized Debtors, and any Claim in respect of such voided check shall be discharged and forever barred, notwithstanding any federal or state escheat laws to the contrary. Requests for re-issuance of any check shall be made to the Disbursing Agent by the holder or the Permitted Designee(s), as applicable, of the Allowed Claim to whom such check was originally issued.

6.13.     Manner of Payment under Plan.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, at the option of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, any Cash payment to be made hereunder may be made by a check or wire transfer or as otherwise required or provided in applicable agreements or customary practices of the Debtors; provided , however , that any Cash payments made by check to a holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim must be consented to by the applicable holder, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

6.14.     Satisfaction of Claims.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, any distributions and deliveries to be made on account of Allowed Claims under the Plan shall be in complete and final satisfaction, settlement, and discharge of and exchange for such Allowed Claims.

6.15.     Fractional Stock.

If any distributions of New Common Stock or New Warrants pursuant to the Plan would result in the issuance of a fractional share of New Common Stock, then the number of shares of New Common Stock or New Warrants to be issued in respect of such distribution shall be calculated to one decimal place and rounded up or down to the closest whole share (with a half share or greater rounded up and less than a half share rounded down). The total number of shares of New Common Stock or New Warrants to be distributed in connection with the Plan shall be adjusted as necessary to account for the rounding provided for in this Section 6.15. The New Secured Notes shall be issued in denominations of One Dollar ($1) or any integral multiples thereof and any other amounts shall be rounded down. No consideration shall be provided in lieu of fractional shares or notes that are rounded down. Neither the Reorganized Debtors nor the Disbursing Agent shall have any obligation to make a distribution that is less than one (1) share of New Common Stock or one (1) New Warrant. New Common Stock and New Warrants that are not distributed in accordance with this Section 6.15 shall be returned to, and ownership thereof shall vest in, Reorganized Tidewater Parent.

6.16.     Minimum Cash Distributions.

The Disbursing Agent shall not be required to make any distribution of Cash less than One Hundred Dollars ($100) to any holder or Permitted Designee(s), as applicable, of an Allowed Claim; provided , however , that if any distribution is not made pursuant to this Section 6.16, such distribution shall be added to any subsequent distribution to be made on behalf of the holder’s Allowed Claim.

 

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6.17.     Setoffs and Recoupments.

The Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, or such entity’s designee (including, without limitation, the Disbursing Agent), may, but shall not be required to, set off or recoup against any Claim, and any distribution to be made on account of such Claim, any and all claims, rights, and Causes of Action of any nature whatsoever that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may have against the holder of such Claim pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or applicable nonbankruptcy law; provided , however , that neither the failure to do so nor the allowance of any Claim hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release by a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor or its successor of any claims, rights, or Causes of Action that a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor or its successor or assign may possess against the holder of such Claim.

6.18.     Allocation of Distributions between Principal and Interest.

Except as otherwise required by law (as reasonably determined by the Reorganized Debtors), distributions with respect to an Allowed Claim shall be allocated first to the principal portion of such Allowed Claim (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) and, thereafter, to the remaining portion of such Allowed Claim, if any.

6.19.     No Distribution in Excess of Amount of Allowed Claim.

Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, no holder or Permitted Designee, as applicable, of an Allowed Claim shall receive, on account of such Allowed Claim, distributions in excess of the Allowed amount of such Claim plus any postpetition interest on such Claim, to the extent such interest is permitted by Section 6.7 of the Plan.

6.20.     Withholding and Reporting Requirements.

(a)     Withholding Rights . In connection with the Plan, any party issuing any instrument or making any distribution described in the Plan shall comply with all applicable withholding and reporting requirements imposed by any federal, state, or local taxing authority, and all distributions pursuant to the Plan and all related agreements shall be subject to any such withholding or reporting requirements. In the case of a non-Cash distribution that is subject to withholding, the distributing party may withhold an appropriate portion of such distributed property and either (i) sell such withheld property to generate Cash necessary to pay over the withholding tax (or reimburse the distributing party for any advance payment of the withholding tax), or (ii) pay the withholding tax using its own funds and retain such withheld property. Any amounts withheld pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be deemed to have been distributed to and received by the applicable recipient for all purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each holder or Permitted Designee, as applicable, of an Allowed Claim or any other Entity that receives a distribution pursuant to the Plan shall have responsibility for any taxes imposed by any governmental unit, including, without limitation, income, withholding, and other taxes, on account of such distribution. In the event any party issues any instrument or makes any non-Cash distribution pursuant to the Plan that is subject to withholding tax and such issuing or distributing party has not sold such withheld property to generate Cash to pay the withholding tax or paid the withholding tax using its own funds and retains such withheld property as described above, such issuing or distributing party has the right, but not the obligation, to not make a distribution until such holder or Permitted Designee, as applicable, has made arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such issuing or disbursing party for payment of any such tax obligations.

(b)     Forms . Any party entitled to receive any property as an issuance or distribution under the Plan shall, upon request, deliver to the Disbursing Agent or such other Entity designated by the

 

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Reorganized Debtors (which Entity shall subsequently deliver to the Disbursing Agent any applicable IRS Form W-8 or Form W-9 received) an appropriate Form W-9 or (if the payee is a foreign Entity) Form W-8 and any other forms or documents reasonably requested by any Reorganized Debtor to reduce or eliminate any withholding required by any federal, state, or local taxing authority. If such request is made by the Reorganized Debtors, the Disbursing Agent, or such other Entity designated by the Reorganized Debtors or Disbursing Agent and the holder or Permitted Designee, as applicable, fails to comply before the date that is three hundred sixty-five (365) days after the request is made, the amount of such distribution shall irrevocably revert to the applicable Reorganized Debtor and any Claim in respect of such distribution shall be discharged and forever barred from assertion against such Reorganized Debtor or its respective property.

6.21.     Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

Any New Common Stock to be distributed under the Plan to an Entity required to file a premerger notification and report form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, to the extent applicable, shall not be distributed until the notification and waiting periods applicable under such Act to such Entity have expired or been terminated.

ARTICLE VII    PROCEDURES FOR DISPUTED CLAIMS.

7.1.     Disputed Claims Process.

Notwithstanding section 502(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, holders of Other General Unsecured Claims need not file proofs of Claim with the Bankruptcy Court, and the Reorganized Debtors and the holders of Claims shall determine, adjudicate, and resolve any disputes over the validity and amounts of such Claims in the ordinary course of business; provided , that (unless expressly waived pursuant to the Plan) the Allowed amount of such Claims shall be subject to and shall not exceed the limitations under or maximum amounts permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, including sections 502 or 503 of the Bankruptcy Code, to the extent applicable. If a holder of a Claim elects to file a proof of claim with the Bankruptcy Court, such holder shall be deemed to have consented to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court for all purposes with respect to the Claim, and the Bankruptcy Court shall retain nonexclusive jurisdiction over all such Claims, which shall be resolved on a case-by-case basis through settlements, Claim objections (or, if necessary, through adversary proceedings), adjudication in a forum other than the Bankruptcy Court, or by withdrawal of the Claims by the holders of such Claims. Except for proofs of Claim that have been objected to by the Debtors before the Effective Date, upon the Effective Date, any filed Claim, regardless of the time of filing, and including Claims filed after the Effective Date, shall be deemed withdrawn without further notice to, action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court or any other Entity. To the extent not otherwise provided in the Plan, the deemed withdrawal of a proof of claim is without prejudice to such claimant’s rights under this Section 7.1 of the Plan to assert its Claims in any forum as though the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced. From and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may satisfy, dispute, settle, or otherwise compromise any Claim, including a Claim in connection with or related to the assumption or rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease, without approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

7.2.     Estimation of Claims.

The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may at any time request that the Bankruptcy Court estimate any contingent, unliquidated, or Disputed Claim pursuant to section 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code regardless of whether the Debtors previously objected to such Claim or whether the Bankruptcy Court has ruled on any such objection, and the Bankruptcy Court shall retain jurisdiction to estimate any Claim at any time during litigation concerning any objection to any Claim, including,

 

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without limitation, during the pendency of any appeal relating to any such objection. In the event that the Bankruptcy Court estimates any contingent, unliquidated, or Disputed Claim, the amount so estimated shall constitute either the Allowed amount of such Claim or a maximum limitation on such Claim, as determined by the Bankruptcy Court. If the estimated amount constitutes a maximum limitation on the amount of such Claim, the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may pursue supplementary proceedings to object to the allowance of such Claim.

7.3.     No Distributions Pending Allowance.

If an objection, motion to estimate, or other challenge to a Claim is filed, no payment or distribution provided under the Plan shall be made on account of such Claim unless and until (and only to the extent that) such Claim becomes an Allowed Claim.

7.4.     Distributions after Allowance.

To the extent that a Disputed Claim ultimately becomes an Allowed Claim, distributions (if any) shall be made to the holder of such Allowed Claim in accordance with Section 7.5 and other provisions of the Plan, including the treatment provisions provided in Article IV of the Plan and Section 6.3 of the Plan. Holders of Disputed Claims that ultimately become Allowed Claims shall not be entitled to payment of interest (except as provided in Section 7.5 of the Plan with respect to interest accruing in connection with the New Secured Notes held in the Disputed Claims Reserve) unless otherwise provided in the Plan, in a Final Order, or required under applicable bankruptcy law.

7.5.     Disputed Claims Reserve .

(a)    There shall be withheld from the New Secured Notes to be distributed to holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims an amount of New Secured Notes that would be distributable to holders of Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims had such Claims been Allowed in the amount to be reserved on account of such Claims, as set forth in the Rejection Orders, on the Effective Date, together with all earnings thereon (net of any expenses relating thereto, including any taxes imposed thereon or otherwise payable by the Disputed Claims Reserve). The Disbursing Agent shall hold in the Disputed Claims Reserve such New Secured Notes and all payments and other distributions made on account of, as well as any obligations arising from, property held in the Disputed Claims Reserve, to the extent that such property continues to be so held at the time such distributions are made or such obligations arise, and such payments or other distributions shall be held for the benefit of (a) holders of Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims, and (b) other parties entitled thereto hereunder.

(b)    On the Petition Date, the Debtors will file the Rejection Motion, seeking entry of interim and final orders (i) authorizing the rejection of the Sale Leaseback Agreements, (ii) temporarily allowing the Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims for voting and reserve purposes only, (iii) setting briefing schedule relating thereto, (iv) objecting to final allowance of the Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims, and (v) granting related relief. The amount of the Disputed Claims Reserve shall be established by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Rejection Orders.

(c)    Subject to definitive guidance from the IRS or a court of competent jurisdiction to the contrary, or the receipt of a determination by the IRS, the Disbursing Agent shall (i) treat any assets held in the Disputed Claims Reserve allocable (including retained on account of) Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims as a “disputed ownership fund” governed by Treasury Regulation section 1.468B-9, and (ii) to the extent permitted by applicable law, report consistently with the foregoing for state and local income tax purposes. All parties (including, without limitation, the Debtors, Reorganized Tidewater Parent, the Disbursing Agent, and the holders of General Unsecured Claims) shall report for tax purposes

 

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consistently with such treatment. The Disbursing Agent shall be responsible for payment, out of the assets of the Disputed Claims Reserve with respect to each Disputed Sale Leaseback Claim, of any taxes imposed on the Disputed Claims Reserve or its assets attributable to each Disputed Sale Leaseback Claim. In the event, and to the extent, any Cash in the Disputed Claims Reserve allocable to a particular Disputed Sale Leaseback Claim is insufficient to pay taxes attributable to any taxable income arising from the assets of the Disputed Claims Reserve allocable to such Claim (including any income that may arise upon the distribution of such assets from the Disputed Claims Reserve), the Disbursing Agent may satisfy such taxes (x) out of the Cash retained by the Reorganized Debtors with respect to such Claim, or (y) from the sale of a portion of the assets of the Disputed Claims Reserve allocable to such Claim.

(d)    To the extent that a Sale Leaseback Claim is Disputed on the Effective Date and later becomes an Allowed Claim, the Disbursing Agent shall distribute to the holder thereof on the next Interim Distribution Date, the distribution, if any, of (i) the New Secured Notes out of the Disputed Claims Reserve to which such holder is entitled under the Plan, together with an amount in Cash equal to the interest actually paid prior to such Interim Distribution Date on the principal amount of New Secured Notes so distributed (net of any expenses relating thereto, including any taxes imposed thereon or otherwise payable by the Disputed Claims Reserve), based on such holder’s Pro Rata share, as of the Effective Date, and (ii) such holder’s Pro Rata share, as of the Effective Date, of Cash (net of any allocable expenses relating thereto, including any allocable expenses of the Disputed Claims Reserve paid out of such Cash) and New Creditor Warrants withheld in accordance with Section 4.3 and Section 6.9 of the Plan.

(e)    At such time as all Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims have been resolved, any remaining withheld New Secured Notes and Cash in the Disputed Claims Reserve and any remaining Cash retained by the Reorganized Debtor with respect to Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims shall be distributed as soon as practicable: (i) first, to all holders of Sale Leaseback Claims that became Allowed Claims after the Effective Date to the extent of any reduction in the amount of Cash and/or New Secured Notes distributed to such holders on account of any expenses of the Disputed Claims Reserve (including any taxes imposed upon or payable by the reserve), and as among such holders, in proportion to each such holder’s relative portion of the total of reductions, and (ii) thereafter, together with any remaining New Creditor Warrants retained by the Reorganized Debtor with respect to the Disputed Sale Leaseback Claims, to all holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims in accordance with Section 4.3 of the Plan.

7.6.     Claim Resolution Procedures Cumulative.

All of the objection, estimation, and resolution procedures in the Plan are intended to be cumulative and not exclusive of one another. Claims may be estimated and subsequently settled, compromised, withdrawn, or resolved in accordance with the Plan without further notice or Bankruptcy Court approval.

ARTICLE VIII    EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES.

8.1.     General Treatment.

As of and subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date and the payment of any applicable Cure amounts, all executory contracts and unexpired leases to which any of the Debtors are a party, and which have not expired by their own terms on or prior to the Confirmation Date, including the Employment Arrangements, shall be deemed assumed except for any executory contract or unexpired lease that (a) previously has been assumed or rejected pursuant to a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, (b) is the subject of a separate motion filed by the Debtors under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code before the Confirmation Date for assumption or rejection, or (c) is the subject of a pending Assumption

 

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Dispute. Subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, entry of the Confirmation Order by the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute approval of the assumptions provided for in the Plan pursuant to sections 365(a) and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code. Each executory contract and unexpired lease assumed pursuant to the Plan shall vest in and be fully enforceable by the applicable Reorganized Debtor in accordance with its terms, except as modified by the provisions of the Plan, and any order of the Bankruptcy Court authorizing and providing for its assumption or applicable law.

8.2.     Determination of Assumption Disputes and Deemed Consent.

(a)    Following the Petition Date, the Debtors shall serve a notice on parties to executory contracts and unexpired leases to be assumed reflecting the Debtors’ intention to assume the contract or unexpired lease in connection with the Plan and setting forth the proposed Cure amount (if any). If the counterparty believes any Cure amount is due by the Debtors in connection with the assumption, it shall assert such Cure amount against the Debtors in the ordinary course of business.

(b)    Cure amounts shall be paid by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors in the ordinary course, subject to all defenses and disputes the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may have with respect to such executory contracts or unexpired leases, which the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors may assert in the ordinary course. If there is an Assumption Dispute pertaining to assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease, such dispute shall be heard by the Bankruptcy Court prior to such assumption being effective; provided , however , the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may settle any dispute regarding the Cure amount or the nature thereof without any further notice to any party or any action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court. To the extent the Assumption Dispute is resolved or determined by a Final Order unfavorably to the applicable Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, such Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, shall have thirty (30) days following entry of such Final Order to file a motion to reject such contract or lease.

(c)    Any counterparty to an executory contract or unexpired lease that fails to object timely to the notice of the proposed assumption of such contract or lease within ten (10) days of the service thereof shall be deemed to have assented to the assumption of the applicable contract or lease notwithstanding any provision thereof that purports to (i) prohibit, restrict, or condition the transfer or assignment of such contract or lease, (ii) terminate or modify, or permit the termination or modification of, a contract or lease as a result of any direct or indirect transfer or assignment of the rights of the Debtors under such contract or lease or a change, if any, in the ownership or control to the extent contemplated by the Plan, (iii) increase, accelerate, or otherwise alter any obligations or liabilities of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors under such executory contract or unexpired lease, or (iv) create or impose a Lien upon any property or asset of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable. Each such provision shall be deemed to not apply to the assumption of such executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to the Plan and counterparties to assumed executory contracts or unexpired leases that fail to object to the proposed assumption in accordance with the terms set forth in this Section 8.2(c) shall forever be barred and enjoined from objecting to the proposed assumption or to the validity of such assumption, or taking actions prohibited by the foregoing on account of transactions contemplated by the Plan.

8.3.     Effect of Assumption of Contracts and Leases.

Subject to resolution of any Assumption Dispute, all Cure amounts shall be satisfied by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as the case may be, upon assumption of the underlying contracts and unexpired leases in the ordinary course. Assumption of any executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to the Plan, or otherwise, shall result in the full release and satisfaction of any Claims or defaults, subject to satisfaction of the Cure amount, whether monetary or nonmonetary, including defaults

 

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of provisions restricting the change in control or ownership interest composition or other bankruptcy-related defaults, arising under any assumed executory contract or unexpired lease at any time before the effective date of the assumption. As provided in Section 7.1 of the Plan, on the Effective Date, any proofs of Claim filed with respect to an executory contract or unexpired lease that has been assumed shall be deemed withdrawn without further notice to, action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court or any other Entity.

8.4.     Rejection Claims of Sale Leaseback Parties.

On the Petition Date, the Debtors shall file with the Bankruptcy Court the Rejection Motion. Before the earlier of the entry of the Final Order determining such motion or the Confirmation Hearing, the Debtors may, and if on or prior to the Effective Date, alter the treatment of such Sale Leaseback Agreements by filing a notice indicating such altered treatment. Upon the filing of such notice of altered treatment, Sections 8.2 and 8.3 of the Plan shall apply. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on or prior to the Effective Date, (i) the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors may not alter, in any way, the treatment or settle any Disputed Sale Leaseback Claim without the prior written consent of the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld; and (ii) the Debtors must consult with the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders in connection with any litigation related to or arising from the Sale Leaseback Claims.

8.5.     Survival of Debtors Indemnification Obligations.

(a)    Any obligations of the Debtors pursuant to their corporate charters, bylaws, limited liability company agreements, other organizational documents, or indemnification agreements to indemnify current and former officers, directors, managers, agents, and/or employees with respect to all present and future actions, suits, and proceedings against the Debtors or such directors, officers, managers, agents, and/or employees, based upon any act or omission for or on behalf of the Debtors, shall not be discharged or impaired by confirmation of the Plan; provided, however , that the Reorganized Debtors shall not indemnify directors of the Debtors for any Claims or Causes of Action arising out of or relating to any act or omission that constitutes intentional fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct. All such obligations shall be deemed and treated as executory contracts to be assumed by the Debtors under the Plan and shall continue as obligations of the Reorganized Debtors. Any Claim based on the Debtors’ obligations herein shall not be a Disputed Claim or subject to any objection in either case by reason of section 502(e)(1)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code.

(b)    In addition, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall not terminate or otherwise reduce the coverage under any directors’ and officers’ insurance policies (including any “tail policy”) in effect or purchased as of the Petition Date, and all members, managers, directors, and officers who served in such capacity at any time before the Effective Date shall be entitled to the full benefits of any such policy for the full term of such policy regardless of whether such members, managers, directors, and/or officers remain in such positions after the Effective Date, in each case, to the extent set forth in such policies.

8.6.     Insurance Policies.

All insurance policies pursuant to which any Debtor has any obligations in effect as of the date of the Confirmation Order shall be deemed and treated as executory contracts pursuant to the Plan and shall be assumed by the respective Debtors and Reorganized Debtors and shall continue in full force and effect thereafter in accordance with their respective terms. All other insurance policies shall vest in the Reorganized Debtors.

 

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8.7.     Intellectual Property Licenses and Agreements.

All intellectual property contracts, licenses, royalties, or other similar agreements to which the Debtors have any rights or obligations in effect as of the date of the Confirmation Order shall be deemed and treated as executory contracts pursuant to the Plan and shall be assumed by the respective Debtors and Reorganized Debtors and shall continue in full force and effect unless any such intellectual property contract, license, royalty, or other similar agreement otherwise is specifically rejected pursuant to a separate order of the Bankruptcy Court or is the subject of a separate rejection motion filed by the Debtors in accordance with Section 8.1 of the Plan. Unless otherwise noted hereunder, all other intellectual property contracts, licenses, royalties, or other similar agreements shall vest in the Reorganized Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors may take all actions as may be necessary or appropriate to ensure such vesting as contemplated herein.

8.8.     Modifications, Amendments, Supplements, Restatements, or Other Agreements.

Unless otherwise provided herein or by separate order of the Bankruptcy Court, each executory contract and unexpired lease that is assumed shall include any and all modifications, amendments, supplements, restatements, or other agreements made directly or indirectly by any agreement, instrument, or other document that in any manner affects such executory contract or unexpired lease, without regard to whether such agreement, instrument, or other document is listed in the notice of assumed contracts.

8.9.     Reservation of Rights.

(a)    Neither the exclusion nor inclusion of any contract or lease by the Debtors on any exhibit, schedule, or other annex to the Plan or in the Plan Supplement, nor anything contained in the Plan, shall constitute an admission by the Debtors that any such contract or lease is or is not in fact an executory contract or unexpired lease or that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors or their respective affiliates have any liability thereunder.

(b)    Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, nothing in the Plan shall waive, excuse, limit, diminish, or otherwise alter any of the defenses, Claims, Causes of Action, or other rights of the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors under any executory or non-executory contract or any unexpired or expired lease.

(c)    Nothing in the Plan shall increase, augment, or add to any of the duties, obligations, responsibilities, or liabilities of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors under any executory or non-executory contract or any unexpired or expired lease.

ARTICLE IX    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONFIRMATION OF PLAN AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

9.1.     Conditions Precedent to Confirmation of Plan.

The following are conditions precedent to confirmation of the Plan:

(a)    the Disclosure Statement shall have been in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders, and an order finding that the Disclosure Statement contains adequate information pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code shall have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court, which shall, in form and substance, be reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders;

 

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(b)    the Plan and the Plan Supplement and all of the schedules, documents, and exhibits contained therein shall have been filed, and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders;

(c)    the Restructuring Support Agreement shall not have been terminated and shall be in full force and effect;

(d)    the entry of the Rejection Orders; and

(e)    the Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the Confirmation Order in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders.

9.2.     Conditions Precedent to Effective Date.

The following are conditions precedent to the Effective Date of the Plan:

(a)    the Bankruptcy Court shall have entered the Confirmation Order and such order shall not have been stayed, modified, vacated, or reversed on appeal;

(b)    the New Indenture shall have been executed and delivered by all of the Entities that are parties thereto, and all conditions precedent to the consummation of the New Indenture shall have been waived or satisfied in accordance with the terms thereof and the closing of the New Indenture shall have occurred;

(c)    the Definitive Documents shall contain terms and conditions consistent in all material respects with this Plan and the Restructuring Support Agreement and shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory in all respects to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders;

(d)    all actions, documents and agreements necessary to implement and consummate the Plan, including without limitation, entry into the Definitive Documents and the Amended Organizational Documents, and the transactions and other matters contemplated thereby, shall have been effected or executed;

(e)    subject to Section 12.6 of the Plan, any amendments, modifications or supplements to the Plan (including the Plan Supplement), if any, shall be reasonably acceptable to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders;

(f)    the Amended Organizational Documents shall have been filed with the appropriate governmental authority, as applicable;

(g)    all governmental, regulatory, and third-party approvals and consents, including Bankruptcy Court approval, necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Plan shall have been obtained, not be subject to unfulfilled conditions, and be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority that would restrain, prevent, or otherwise impose materially adverse conditions on such transactions;

 

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(h)    the Troms Credit Agreement shall be in effect and unamended;

(i)    the Restructuring Support Agreement shall not have been terminated and shall be in full force and effect;

(j)    Tidewater Marine International Inc. shall have caused $500,000,000 in Cash to be repatriated to Tidewater Parent;

(k)    Tidewater Parent shall deliver the Certificate, dated as of the Effective Date, to the New Indenture Trustee; and

(l)    all conditions precedent listed in clauses (a)-(k) of this Section 9.2 shall have occurred on or prior to the date that is thirty (30) calendar days after the Confirmation Date.

9.3.     Waiver of Conditions Precedent.

(a)    Except as otherwise provided herein, all 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. Each of the conditions precedent in Section 9.1 and Section 9.2 of the Plan may be waived in writing by the Debtors with the prior written consent of the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, without leave of or order of the Bankruptcy Court. Subject to the consent of both the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, if the Plan is confirmed for fewer than all of the Debtors as provided for in Section 5.16 of the Plan, only the conditions applicable to the Debtor or Debtors for which the Plan is confirmed must be satisfied or waived for the Effective Date to occur.

(b)    The stay of the Confirmation Order pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e) shall be deemed waived by and upon the entry of the Confirmation Order, and the Confirmation Order shall take effect immediately upon its entry.

9.4.     Effect of Failure of a Condition.

If the conditions listed in Section 9.2 of the Plan are not satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 9.3 of the Plan on or before the first Business Day that is more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the Confirmation Order is entered or by such later date as set forth by the Debtors, with the consent of the Requisite Consenting Noteholders and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, in a notice filed with the Bankruptcy Court prior to the expiration of such period, the Plan shall be null and void in all respects and nothing contained in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement shall (a) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims by or against or any Interests in the Debtors, (b) prejudice in any manner the rights of any Entity, or (c) constitute an admission, acknowledgement, offer, or undertaking by the Debtors, any of the Consenting Creditors, or any other Entity.

ARTICLE X    EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION OF PLAN .

10.1.     Vesting of Assets.

On the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 1141(b) and (c) of the Bankruptcy Code, all property of the Debtors’ Estates shall vest in the Reorganized Debtors free and clear of all Claims, Liens,

 

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encumbrances, charges, and other interests, except as provided pursuant to the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or the New Indenture and documents securing the obligations under the New Indenture. On and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may take any action, including, without limitation, the operation of their businesses; the use, acquisition, sale, lease, and disposition of property; and the entry into transactions, agreements, understandings, or arrangements, whether in or other than in the ordinary course of business, and execute, deliver, implement, and fully perform any and all obligations, instruments, documents, and papers or otherwise in connection with any of the foregoing, free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rules and in all respects as if there were no pending cases under any chapter or provision of the Bankruptcy Code, except as expressly provided herein. Without limiting the foregoing, the Reorganized Debtors may pay the charges that they incur on or after the Effective Date for professional fees, disbursements, expenses, or related support services without application to the Bankruptcy Court.

10.2.     Binding Effect.

As of the Effective Date, the Plan shall bind all holders of Claims against and Interests in the Debtors and their respective successors and assigns, notwithstanding whether any such holders (a) were Impaired or Unimpaired under the Plan, (b) were deemed to accept or reject the Plan, (c) failed to vote to accept or reject the Plan, (d) voted to reject the Plan, or (e) received any distribution or not under the Plan.

10.3.     Discharge of Claims and Termination of Interests.

Upon the Effective Date and in consideration of the distributions to be made hereunder, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each holder (as well as any representatives, trustees, or agents on behalf of each holder) of a Claim or Interest and any affiliate of such holder shall be deemed to have forever waived, released, and discharged the Debtors, to the fullest extent permitted by section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, of and from any and all Claims, Interests, rights, and liabilities that arose prior to the Effective Date. Upon the Effective Date, all such Entities shall be forever precluded and enjoined, pursuant to section 524 of the Bankruptcy Code, from prosecuting or asserting any such discharged Claim against or terminated Interest in the Debtors against the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or any of its or their assets or property, whether or not such holder has filed a proof of claim and whether or not the facts or legal bases therefor were known or existed prior to the Effective Date.

10.4.     Term of Injunctions or Stays.

Unless otherwise provided herein or in a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, all injunctions or stays arising under or entered during the Chapter 11 Cases under section 105 or 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise, and in existence on the Confirmation Date, shall remain in full force and effect until the later of the Effective Date and the date indicated in the order providing for such injunction or stay.

10.5.     Injunction.

(a)     Upon entry of the Confirmation Order, all holders of Claims and Interests and other parties in interest, along with their respective present or former employees, agents, officers, directors, principals, and affiliates, shall be enjoined from taking any actions to interfere with the implementation or consummation of the Plan and the Definitive Documents.

(b)     Except as expressly provided in the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or a separate order of the Bankruptcy Court or as agreed to by the Debtors and a holder of a Claim

 

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against or Interest in the Debtors, all Entities who have held, hold, or may hold Claims against or Interests in any or all of the Debtors (whether proof of such Claims or Interests has been filed or not and whether or not such Entities vote in favor of, against, or abstain from voting on the Plan or are presumed to have accepted or deemed to have rejected the Plan) and other parties in interest, along with their respective present or former employees, agents, officers, directors, principals, and affiliates are permanently enjoined, on and after the Effective Date, solely with respect to any Claims, Interests, and Causes of Action that will be or are extinguished, discharged, or released pursuant to the Plan from (i) commencing, conducting, or continuing in any manner, directly or indirectly, any suit, action, or other proceeding of any kind (including, without limitation, any proceeding in a judicial, arbitral, administrative, or other forum) against or affecting the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, (ii) enforcing, levying, attaching (including, without limitation, any prejudgment attachment), collecting, or otherwise recovering by any manner or means, whether directly or indirectly, any judgment, award, decree, or order against the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, (iii) creating, perfecting, or otherwise enforcing in any manner, directly or indirectly, any encumbrance of any kind against the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, (iv) asserting any right of setoff, directly or indirectly, against any obligation due the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, except as contemplated or allowed by the Plan, and (v) acting or proceeding in any manner, in any place whatsoever, that does not conform to or comply with the provisions of the Plan and the Definitive Documents.

(c)     By accepting distributions pursuant to the Plan, each holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest shall be deemed to have affirmatively and specifically consented to be bound by the Plan, including, without limitation, the injunctions set forth in this Section  10.5.

(d)     The injunctions in this Section  10.5 shall extend to any successors of the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors and their respective property and interests in property.

10.6.     Releases.

(a)     Releases by Debtors .

As of the Effective Date, except (i) for the right to enforce the Plan or any right or obligation arising under the Definitive Documents that remain in effect or become effective after the Effective Date, or (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in the Confirmation Order, in exchange for good and valuable consideration, including the obligations of the Debtors under the Plan and the Definitive Documents and the contributions of the Released Parties to facilitate and implement the Plan and the Definitive Documents to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, on and after the Effective Date, the Released Parties shall be deemed conclusively, absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably, and forever released and discharged by the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, and the Estates from any and all Claims and Causes of Action, including any derivative claims, asserted or assertable on behalf of the Debtors, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, existing or hereinafter arising, in law, equity, or otherwise, that the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, or their affiliates would have been legally entitled to assert in their own right (whether individually or collectively) or on behalf of the holder of any Claim or Interest or other Entity, based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale, or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the business or contractual arrangements between any Debtor and any Released Party, the restructuring of Claims and Interests before or

 

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during the Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, proposal, confirmation, or consummation of the Plan (including the Plan Supplement), the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Definitive Documents, or related agreements, instruments, or other documents, or the solicitation of votes with respect to the Plan, in all cases based upon any act or omission, transaction, agreement, event, or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date; provided , that nothing in this Section 10.6(a) shall be construed to release any Released Party or Entity from any claims or Causes of Action arising out of or related to any act or omission that is a criminal act or constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional fraud as determined by Final Order.

(b)     Releases by Holders of Claims or Interests .

As of the Effective Date, except (i) for the right to enforce the Plan or any right or obligation arising under the Definitive Documents that remain in effect or become effective after the Effective Date, or (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in the Confirmation Order, in exchange for good and valuable consideration, including the obligations of the Debtors under the Plan and the Definitive Documents and the contributions of the Released Parties to facilitate and implement the Plan and the Definitive Documents, to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, as such law may be extended or integrated after the Effective Date, the Released Parties shall be deemed conclusively, absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably, and forever released and discharged by:

(1) the holders of Impaired Claims or Interests except those (A) deemed to reject the Plan or (B) who are entitled to vote on the Plan and vote to reject, or abstain from voting on, the Plan and also check the box on the applicable ballot indicating that they opt out of granting the releases provided in the Plan; provided , that the Consenting Creditors may not opt out of granting the releases provided in the Plan in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Restructuring Support Agreement;

(2) the holders of Unimpaired Claims or Interests who do not timely object to the releases provided in the Plan; and

(3) with respect to any Entity in the foregoing clauses (1) and (2), except to the extent deemed to reject the Plan, such Entity’s predecessors, successors and assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates, managed accounts or funds, current or former officers, directors, principals, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, advisory board members, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, fund advisors and other professionals, and such Entity’s respective heirs, executors, estates, servants, and nominees;

in each case, from any and all Claims, interests or Causes of Action whatsoever, including any derivative Claims asserted on behalf of a Debtor, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, existing or hereafter arising, in law, equity, or otherwise, that such Entity would have been legally entitled to assert (whether individually or collectively), based on, relating to, or arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Debtors’ restructuring, the Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale, or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the business or contractual arrangements between any Debtor and any Released Party, the restructuring of Claims and Interests before or during the Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, proposal, confirmation, or consummation of the Plan (including the Plan

 

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Supplement), the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Definitive Documents, or any related agreements, instruments, or other documents, the solicitation of votes with respect to the Plan, in all cases based upon any act or omission, transaction, agreement, event or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date; provided , that nothing in this Section 10.6(b) shall be construed to release any Released Party or Entity from any claims or Causes of Action arising out of or related to any act or omission that is a criminal act or constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional fraud as determined by Final Order.

10.7.     Exculpation.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Exculpated Parties shall neither have nor incur any liability to any holder of a Claim or Interest or any other party in interest, or any of their respective predecessors, successors, and assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates, managed accounts, or funds, current or former officers, directors, principals, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, advisory board members, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, fund advisors, and other professionals, and such Entity’s respective heirs, executors, estates, servants, or nominees for any act or omission (both prior to and subsequent to the Petition Date) in connection with, related to, or arising out of, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Debtors’ restructuring, the Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale, or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, the business or contractual arrangements between any Debtor and any Released Party relating to the Chapter 11 Cases, the Plan, or the Disclosure Statement, the restructuring of Claims and Interests before or during the Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, proposal, confirmation, or consummation of the Plan (including the Plan Supplement), the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Definitive Documents, or any related agreements, instruments, or other documents, the solicitation of votes with respect to the Plan, any settlement or agreement in the Chapter 11 Cases, the offer, issuance, and distribution of any securities issued or to be issued pursuant to the Plan, whether or not such distribution occurs following the Effective Date, negotiations regarding or concerning any of the foregoing, or the administration of the Plan or property to be distributed hereunder, except for any act or omission that is a criminal act or constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional fraud as determined by Final Order. This exculpation shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, all other releases, indemnities, exculpations, and any other applicable law or rules protecting such Exculpated Parties from liability.

10.8.     Subordinated Claims.

The allowance, classification, and treatment of all Allowed Claims and Interests and the respective distributions and treatments under the Plan take into account and conform to the relative priority and rights of the Claims and Interests in each Class in connection with any contractual, legal, and equitable subordination rights relating thereto, whether arising under general principles of equitable subordination, section 510(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise. Pursuant to section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors reserve the right to re-classify any Allowed Claim or Interest in accordance with any contractual, legal, or equitable subordination relating thereto.

10.9.     Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights.

Except as otherwise provided herein, including in Sections 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7 of the Plan, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any rights, claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff or recoupment, or other legal or equitable defenses that the Debtors had immediately prior to the Effective Date on behalf of the Estates or

 

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of themselves in accordance with any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable nonbankruptcy law or any affirmative Causes of Action against parties with a relationship with the Debtors. The Reorganized Debtors shall have, retain, reserve, and be entitled to assert all such claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff or recoupment, and other legal or equitable defenses as fully as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced, and all of the Debtors’ legal and equitable rights in respect of any Unimpaired Claim may be asserted after the Confirmation Date and Effective Date to the same extent as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced; provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors shall not retain any claims or Causes of Action released pursuant to Sections 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7 of the Plan against the Released Parties or arising under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code (except that such claims or Causes of Action may be asserted as a defense to a claim in connection with the claims reconciliation and objection procedures pursuant to section 502(d) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise).

10.10.     Solicitation of Plan.

As of and subject to the occurrence of the Confirmation Date: (a) the Debtors shall be deemed to have solicited acceptances of the Plan in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including without limitation, sections 1125(a) and (e) of the Bankruptcy Code, and any applicable non-bankruptcy law, rule, or regulation governing the adequacy of disclosure in connection with such solicitation, and (b) the Debtors and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, financial advisors, investment bankers, professionals, accountants, and attorneys shall be deemed to have participated in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code in the offer and issuance of any securities under the Plan, and therefore are not, and on account of such offer, issuance, and solicitation shall not be, liable at any time for any violation of any applicable law, rule, or regulation governing the solicitation of acceptances or rejections of the Plan or the offer and issuance of any securities under the Plan.

10.11.     Corporate and Limited Liability Company Action.

Upon the Effective Date, all actions contemplated by the Plan shall be deemed authorized and approved in all respects, including (a) those set forth in Section 5.12 of the Plan, (b) the selection of the managers, directors, and officers for the Reorganized Debtors, (c) the distribution or issuance of the New Common Stock and the New Warrants, (d) the issuance of the New Secured Notes and entry into the New Indenture, (e) the entry into the New Creditor Warrant Agreement, (f) the entry into the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement, (g) the approval of the Restructuring Support Agreement, and (h) all other actions contemplated by the Plan (whether to occur before, on, or after the Effective Date), in each case, in accordance with and subject to the terms hereof. All matters provided for in the Plan involving the corporate or limited liability company structure of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, and any corporate or limited liability company action required by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have occurred and shall be in effect, without any requirement of further action by the security holders, directors, managers, or officers of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors. On or (as applicable) before the Effective Date, the appropriate officers of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall be authorized and directed to issue, execute, and deliver the agreements, documents, securities, and instruments, certificates of merger, certificates of conversion, certificates of incorporation, or comparable documents, or franchise tax reports contemplated by the Plan (or necessary or desirable to effect the transactions contemplated by the Plan) in the name of and on behalf of the Reorganized Debtors, including, but not limited to, (i) the Amended Organizational Documents, (ii) the New Indenture, (iii) the New Creditor Warrant Agreement, (iv) the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement, and (v) any and all other agreements, documents, securities, and instruments relating to the foregoing. The authorizations and approvals contemplated by this Section 10.11 shall be effective notwithstanding any requirements under non-bankruptcy law.

 

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ARTICLE XI    RETENTION OF JURISDICTION.

11.1.     Retention of Jurisdiction.

On and after the Effective Date, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain jurisdiction over all matters arising in, arising under, and related to the Chapter 11 Cases for, among other things, the following purposes:

(a)    to hear and determine motions and/or applications for the assumption or rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases, including Assumption Disputes, and the allowance, classification, priority, compromise, estimation, or payment of Claims resulting therefrom;

(b)    to determine any motion, adversary proceeding, application, contested matter, and other litigated matter pending on or commenced after the Confirmation Date;

(c)    to ensure that distributions to holders of Allowed Claims are accomplished as provided for in the Plan and Confirmation Order and to adjudicate any and all disputes arising from or relating to distributions under the Plan, including but not limited to, cases, controversies, suits, disputes, or Causes of Action with respect to the repayment or return of distributions and the recovery of additional amounts owed by the holder of a Claim or Interest for amounts not timely paid;

(d)    to hear and determine all disputes arising from or related to any determination by Tidewater Parent in its reasonable discretion with respect to the acceptance, non-acceptance or rejection of any U.S. Citizen Certification as reasonable proof in establishing that any holder (or its Permitted Designee(s)) of an Allowed Class 3 Claim is a U.S. Citizen under the Jones Act;

(e)    to consider the allowance, classification, priority, compromise, estimation, or payment of any Claim;

(f)    to enter, implement, or enforce such orders as may be appropriate in the event the Confirmation Order is for any reason stayed, reversed, revoked, modified, or vacated;

(g)    to issue injunctions, enter and implement other orders, and take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to restrain interference by any Entity with the consummation, implementation, or enforcement of the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or any other order of the Bankruptcy Court;

(h)    to hear and determine any application to modify the Plan in accordance with section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code, to remedy any defect or omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, or any order of the Bankruptcy Court, including the Confirmation Order, in such a manner as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and effects thereof;

(i)    to hear and determine all Fee Claims;

(j)    to adjudicate, decide, or resolve any and all matters related to section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(k)    to hear and determine disputes arising in connection with the interpretation, implementation, or enforcement of the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or the Confirmation Order, or any agreement, instrument, or other document governing or relating to any of the foregoing;

 

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(l)    to take any action and issue such orders as may be necessary to construe, interpret, enforce, implement, execute, and consummate the Plan;

(m)    to determine such other matters and for such other purposes as may be provided in the Confirmation Order;

(n)    to hear and determine matters concerning state, local, and federal taxes in accordance with sections 346, 505, and 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code (including any requests for expedited determinations under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code);

(o)    to hear, adjudicate, decide, or resolve any and all matters related to Article X of the Plan, including, without limitation, the releases, discharge, exculpations, and injunctions issued thereunder;

(p)    to resolve disputes concerning Disputed Claims or the administration thereof;

(q)    to hear and determine any other matters related hereto and not inconsistent with the Bankruptcy Code and title 28 of the United States Code;

(r)    to enter a final decree closing the Chapter 11 Cases;

(s)    to adjudicate any and all disputes arising from or relating to distributions under the Plan;

(t)    to resolve disputes as to the ownership of any Claim or Interest;

(u)    to recover all assets of the Debtors and property of the Debtors’ Estates, wherever located;

(v)    to resolve any disputes concerning whether an Entity had sufficient notice of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Disclosure Statement, any solicitation conducted in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, any bar date established in the Chapter 11 Cases, or any deadline for responding or objecting to the amount of a Cure, in each case, for the purpose of determining whether a Claim or Interest is discharged hereunder or for any other purpose;

(w)    to hear and determine any rights, Claims, or Causes of Action held by or accruing to the Debtors pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or pursuant to any federal statute or legal theory; and

(x)    to hear and resolve any dispute over the application to any Claim of any limit on the allowance of such Claim set forth in sections 502 or 503 of the Bankruptcy Code, other than defenses or limits that are asserted under non-bankruptcy law pursuant to section 502(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Bankruptcy Court shall not retain jurisdiction with respect to the following documents entered into by a Reorganized Debtor on or after the Effective Date: (i) the New Indenture, (ii) the New Creditor Warrant Agreements, (iii) the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement and (iv) the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

49


11.2.     Courts of Competent Jurisdiction.

If the Bankruptcy Court abstains from exercising, or declines to exercise, jurisdiction or is otherwise without jurisdiction over any matter arising out of the Plan, such abstention, refusal, or failure of jurisdiction shall have no effect upon and shall not control, prohibit, or limit the exercise of jurisdiction by any other court having competent jurisdiction with respect to such matter.

ARTICLE XII    MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

12.1.     Payment of Statutory Fees.

On the Effective Date and thereafter as may be required, the Reorganized Debtors shall pay all fees due and payable pursuant to section 1930(a) of title 28 of the United States Code for each Debtor’s case, or until such time as a final decree is entered closing a particular Debtor’s case, a Final Order converting such Debtor’s case to a case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code is entered, or a Final Order dismissing such Debtor’s case is entered.

12.2.     Substantial Consummation of the Plan.

On the Effective Date, the Plan shall be deemed to be substantially consummated under sections 1101 and 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

12.3.     Plan Supplement.

The Plan Supplement shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Court not later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Voting Deadline. Documents included in the Plan Supplement shall be posted at the website of the Debtors’ notice, claims, and solicitation agent.

12.4.     Request for Expedited Determination of Taxes.

The Debtors shall have the right to request an expedited determination under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to tax returns filed, or to be filed, for any and all taxable periods ending after the Petition Date through the Effective Date.

12.5.     Exemption from Certain Transfer Taxes.

Pursuant to section 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code, (a) the issuance, transfer or exchange of any securities, instruments or documents, (b) the creation of any Lien, mortgage, deed of trust, or other security interest, (c) the making or assignment of any lease or sublease or the making or delivery of any deed or other instrument of transfer under, pursuant to, in furtherance of, or in connection with the Plan, including, without limitation, any deeds, bills of sale, or assignments executed in connection with any of the transactions contemplated under the Plan or the revesting, transfer, or sale of any real or personal property of the Debtors pursuant to, in implementation of or as contemplated in the Plan (whether to one or more of the Reorganized Debtors or otherwise), (d) the grant of collateral under the New Indenture, and (e) the issuance, renewal, modification, or securing of indebtedness by such means, and the making, delivery or recording of any deed or other instrument of transfer under, in furtherance of, or in connection with, the Plan, including, without limitation, the Confirmation Order, shall not be subject to any document recording tax, stamp tax, conveyance fee, or other similar tax, mortgage tax, real estate transfer tax, mortgage recording tax, Uniform Commercial Code filing or recording fee, regulatory filing or recording fee, sales tax, use tax, or other similar tax or governmental assessment. Consistent with the foregoing, each recorder of deeds or similar official for any county, city, or governmental unit in which

 

50


any instrument hereunder is to be recorded shall, pursuant to the Confirmation Order, accept such instrument without requiring the payment of any filing fees, documentary stamp tax, deed stamps, stamp tax, transfer tax, intangible tax, or similar tax.

12.6.     Amendments.

(a)     Plan Modifications . Subject to the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement, (i) the Debtors reserve the right, in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, to amend or modify the Plan prior to the entry of the Confirmation Order, including amendments or modifications to satisfy section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, and (ii) after entry of the Confirmation Order, the Debtors may, upon order of the Bankruptcy Court, amend, modify, or supplement the Plan in the manner provided for by section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code or as otherwise permitted by law, in each case without additional disclosure pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(b)     Other Amendments . Subject to the Restructuring Support Agreement, before the Effective Date, the Debtors may make appropriate technical adjustments and modifications to the Plan and the documents contained in the Plan Supplement to cure any non-substantive ambiguity, defect (including any technical defect), or inconsistency without further order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

12.7.     Effectuating Documents and Further Transactions.

Each of the officers of the Reorganized Debtors is authorized, in accordance with his or her authority under the resolutions of the applicable board of directors or managers (on terms materially consistent with the Plan), 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, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders.

12.8.     Revocation or Withdrawal of Plan.

Subject to the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Debtors reserve the right to revoke or withdraw the Plan prior to the Effective Date as to any or all of the Debtors; provided , however , that the Debtors may revoke or withdraw the Plan without such consent in the exercise of the Debtors’ fiduciary duty to the extent permitted under the Restructuring Support Agreement. If, with respect to a Debtor, the Plan has been revoked or withdrawn prior to the Effective Date, or if confirmation or the occurrence of the Effective Date as to such Debtor does not occur on the Effective Date, then, with respect to such Debtor: (a) the Plan shall be null and void in all respects; (b) any settlement or compromise embodied in the Plan (including the fixing of or limiting to an amount of any Claim or Interest or Class of Claims or Interests), assumption of executory contracts or unexpired leases affected by the Plan, and any document or agreement executed pursuant to the Plan shall be deemed null and void; and (c) nothing contained in the Plan shall (i) constitute a waiver or release of any Claim by or against, or any Interest in, such Debtor or any other Entity, (ii) prejudice in any manner the rights of such Debtor or any other Entity, or (iii) constitute an admission of any sort by any Debtor, any of the Consenting Creditors, or any other Entity. This provision shall not modify or otherwise alter the rights of the Consenting Creditors or the Debtors, as set forth in the Restructuring Support Agreement, in respect of any such revocation or withdrawal.

 

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12.9.     Severability of Plan Provisions.

If, before the entry of the Confirmation Order, any term or provision of the Plan is held by the Bankruptcy Court to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the Bankruptcy Court, at the request of the Debtors (to be made only with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), shall have the power to alter and interpret such term or provision to make it valid or enforceable to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the original purpose of the term or provision held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, and such term or provision shall then be applicable as altered or interpreted; provided that any such alteration or interpretation shall be acceptable to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders, and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders. Notwithstanding any such holding, alteration, or interpretation, the remainder of the terms and provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated by such holding, alteration, or interpretation. The Confirmation Order shall constitute a judicial determination and shall provide that each term and provision of the Plan, as it may have been altered or interpreted in accordance with the foregoing, is (a) valid and enforceable pursuant to its terms, (b) integral to the Plan and may not be deleted or modified without the consent of (x) the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors (as the case may be), and (y) the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders; provided , that if such deletion or modification adversely affects the recovery or treatment of any of the Consenting Sale Leaseback Parties, if any, then such deletion or modification may not be made without the written consent of such Consenting Sale Leaseback Party, and (c) nonseverable and mutually dependent.

12.10.     Governing Law.

Except to the extent that the Bankruptcy Code or other federal law is applicable, or to the extent an exhibit hereto or a schedule in the Plan Supplement or a Definitive Document provides otherwise, the rights, duties, and obligations arising under the Plan shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.

12.11.     Time.

In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by the Plan, unless otherwise set forth herein or determined by the Bankruptcy Court, the provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 9006 shall apply.

12.12.     Dates of Actions to Implement the Plan.

In the event that any payment or act under the Plan is required to be made or performed on a date that is on a Business Day, then the making of such payment or the performance of such act may be completed on or as soon as reasonably practicable after the next succeeding Business Day, but shall be deemed to have been completed as of the required date.

12.13.     Immediate Binding Effect.

Notwithstanding Bankruptcy Rules 3020(e), 6004(h), 7062, or otherwise, upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the terms of the Plan and Plan Supplement shall be immediately effective and enforceable and deemed binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Debtors, the holders of Claims and Interests (irrespective of whether such Claims or Interests are deemed to have accepted the Plan), the Released Parties, the Exculpated Parties and each of their respective successors and assigns, including, without limitation, the Reorganized Debtors.

 

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12.14.     Deemed Acts.

Subject to and conditioned on the occurrence of the Effective Date, whenever an act or event is expressed under the Plan to have been deemed done or to have occurred, it shall be deemed to have been done or to have occurred without any further act by any party, by virtue of the Plan and the Confirmation Order.

12.15.     Successor and Assigns.

The rights, benefits, and obligations of any Entity named or referred to in the Plan shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of any heir, executor, administrator, successor, or permitted assign, if any, of each Entity.

12.16.     Entire Agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, and the Confirmation Order shall supersede all previous and contemporaneous negotiations, promises, covenants, agreements, understandings, and representations on such subjects, all of which have become merged and integrated into the Plan.

12.17.     Exhibits to Plan.

All exhibits, schedules, supplements, and appendices to the Plan (including the Plan Supplement) are incorporated into and are a part of the Plan as if set forth in full herein.

12.18.     Notices.

All notices, requests, and demands to or upon the Debtors to be effective shall be in writing (including by electronic or 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:

 

  (a) if to the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors:

Tidewater Inc.

Pan American Life Center

601 Poydras, Suite 1500

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Attn:      Bruce D. Lundstrom

Email:    blundstrom@tdw.com

Facsimile: (888) 909-0946

-and-

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

767 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10153

Attn:      Ray C. Schrock, P.C. and Alfredo R. Pérez, Esq.

Email:    ray.schrock@weil.com and alfredo.perez@weil.com

Facsimile: (212) 310-8007

 

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-and-

Jones Walker LLP

201 St. Charles Avenue, Floor 50

New Orleans, Louisiana 70170

Attn:    Amy G. Scafidel, Esq. and Curt Hearn, Esq.

E-mail: ascafidel@joneswalker.com and chearn@joneswalker.com

Facsimile: (504) 582-8583

-and-

Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.

One Rodney Square

920 North King Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Attn:      Daniel J. DeFranceschi, Esq. and Zachary I. Shapiro, Esq.

Email:    defranceschi@RLF.com and shapiro@rlf.com

Facsimile: (302) 651-7701

 

  (b) If to the Credit Agreement Agent, to:

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

One Federal Street,

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Attn: Amy L. Kyle, Esq. and Edwin E. Smith, Esq.

E-mail: amy.kyle@morganlewis.com and edwin.smith@morganlewis.com

Facsimile: (617) 341-7701

-and-

Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP

1201 North Market Street, 16th Floor

P.O. Box 1347

Wilmington, Delaware 19899

Attn: Derek C. Abbott, Esq.

E-mail: dabbott@mnat.com

Facsimile: (302) 425-4664

 

  (c) If to the Unofficial Noteholder Committee, to:

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

1285 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019

Attn: Alan W. Kornberg, Esq. and Brian S. Hermann, Esq.

E-mail: akornberg@paulweiss.com and bhermann@paulweiss.com

Facsimile: (212) 757-3990

 

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-and-

Blank Rome LLP

1201 North Market Street, Suite 800

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Attn: Stanley B. Tarr, Esq. and Rick Antonoff, Esq.

E-mail: tarr@blankrome.com and rantonoff@blankrome.com

Facsimile: (302) 428-5104 and (212) 885-5001

 

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After the Effective Date, the Debtors have authority to send a notice to Entities providing that, to continue to receive documents pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002, they must file a renewed request to receive documents pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002. After the Effective Date, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, are authorized to limit the list of Entities receiving documents pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002 to those Entities who have filed such renewed requests.

Dated: July 13, 2017

 

Respectfully submitted,
Tidewater Inc. and each of the other Debtors
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey M. Platt

  Name:   Jeffrey M. Platt
  Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer and Authorized Representative

 

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Schedule 1

Restructuring Support Agreement

( Intentionally Omitted )


Schedule 2

Sale Leaseback Agreements 1

 

Vessel

  

Charterer

  

Owner

   Date of
Agreement
BARTHEL TIDE    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    Regions Commercial Equipment Finance, LLC    3/27/2014
BREWSTER TIDE    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    PNC Equipment Finance, LLC    12/11/2014
BROUSSARD TIDE    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    Regions Commercial Equipment Finance, LLC    3/20/2014
DALFREY TIDE    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    Regions Commercial Equipment Finance, LLC    3/31/2014
DAMON B BANKSTON    Zapata Gulf Marine, L.L.C.    Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company    11/22/2013
DELATTE TIDE    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    Banc of America Leasing & Capital, L.L.C.    12/9/2014
DEAN EDWARD TAYLOR    Zapata Gulf Marine, L.L.C.    Banc of America Leasing & Capital, L.L.C.    12/20/2013
FORTIER TIDE    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    Regions Commercial Equipment Finance, LLC    3/20/2014
JONATHAN ROZIER    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    MassMutual Asset Finance LLC    3/30/2015
KEN C. TAMBLYN    Point Marine, L.L.C.    BBVA Compass Financial Corporation    9/30/2013
LESTER POLLACK    Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, L.L.C.    Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company    12/13/2013
MISS JANE TIDE    Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, L.L.C.    Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company    12/20/2013
PAT TILLMAN    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    Banc of America Leasing & Capital, L.L.C.    11/25/2014
PATTAROZZI TIDE    Point Marine, L.L.C.    Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company    9/30/2014
PAUL W. MURRILL    Twenty Grand Marine Service, L.L.C.    BBVA Compass Financial Corporation    9/27/2013
SOLAR TIDE II    Tidewater Marine, L.L.C.    Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company    4/1/2014

 

 

1   All Sale Leaseback Agreements are guaranteed by Tidewater Inc.

Exhibit 99.1

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

 

 

  x   
In re:   :   
  :        Chapter 11
TIDEWATER INC., et al .,   :   
  :        Case No. 17–11132 (BLS)
  :   

Debtors. 1

  :        (Jointly Administered)
  :   
  :   

 

 

 

x

 

  

FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND

ORDER (I) APPROVING DEBTORS’ (A) DISCLOSURE

STATEMENT, (B) SOLICITATION OF VOTES AND VOTING

PROCEDURES AND (C) FORM OF BALLOTS, AND (II) CONFIRMING

JOINT PREPACKAGED CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

OF TIDEWATER INC. AND ITS AFFILIATED DEBTORS

Tidewater Inc. (“ Tidewater ”) 2 and its debtor affiliates, as debtors and debtors in possession in the above-captioned chapter 11 cases (the “ Debtors ”), as “proponents of the plan” within the meaning of section 1129 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”) having filed (A) the Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors dated May 11, 2017 with the Bankruptcy Court on May 17, 2017 (Docket No. 16) and the First Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization

 

1   The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases, along with the last four digits of each Debtor’s federal tax identification number, if any, are: Tidewater Inc. (7776), Tidewater Marine Western, Inc. (1064), Tidewater Corporate Services, L.L.C. (7776), Tidewater Marine, L.L.C. (7779), Cajun Acquisitions, LLC (2365), Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, L.L.C. (2194), Hilliard Oil & Gas, Inc. (4727), Java Boat Corporation (0278), Pan Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C., Point Marine, L.L.C. (9586), Quality Shipyards, L.L.C. (2335), S.O.P., Inc. (3464), Tidewater Marine Alaska, Inc. (7549), Tidewater Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C. (2289), Tidewater Marine Sakhalin, L.L.C. (7779), Tidewater Mexico Holding, L.L.C. (8248), Tidewater Venture, Inc. (7694), Twenty Grand (Brazil), L.L.C. (7730), Twenty Grand Marine Service, L.L.C. (7730), Zapata Gulf Marine, L.L.C. (5513), Tidewater GOM, Inc. (2799), Tidewater Subsea, L.L.C. (2022), Tidewater Subsea ROV, L.L.C. (3832), Tidewater Marine Fleet, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Hulls, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Ships, L.L.C., and Tidewater Marine Vessels, L.L.C. The Debtors’ principal offices are located at 601 Poydras Street, Suite 1500, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.
2  

Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan (as defined herein). The rules of construction in section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply to this Order.


of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , dated July 12, 2017 with the Bankruptcy Court on July 12, 2017 (Docket No. 336) and the Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , dated July 13, 2017 with the Bankruptcy Court on July 13, 2017 (Docket No. 359) (as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, or restated, the “ Plan ”), a copy of which is annexed hereto as Exhibit  1 , and that certain supplement to the Plan, dated and filed with the Bankruptcy Court on June 5, 2017 (Docket No. 163) (as may be further amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time, the “ Plan Supplement ”), and (B) the Disclosure Statement for Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , dated May 11, 2017 and filed with the Bankruptcy Court on May 17, 2017 (Docket No. 17) (the “ Disclosure Statement ”); and the Bankruptcy Court having entered an order on May 19, 2017 (Docket No. 99), as modified by the Order (I)  Adjourning Combined Hearing on (A)  Adequacy of Disclosure Statement and Solicitation Procedures and (B)  Confirmation of Prepackaged Plan and (II)  Granting Related Relief , entered on June 28, 2017 (Docket No. 290) (the “ Scheduling Order ”), which (i) scheduled a combined hearing (the “ Combined Hearing ”) to consider approval of the Disclosure Statement and the Debtors’ solicitation procedures and solicitation of votes to accept or reject the Plan (the “ Solicitation Procedures ”) and confirmation of the Plan; (ii) established procedures for objecting to approval of the Disclosure Statement and the Solicitation Procedures, and confirmation of the Plan; (iii) approved the form, manner, and sufficiency of notice of the Combined Hearing; (iv) extended the time for the Debtors to file their schedules of assets and liabilities and statements of financial affairs (collectively, the “ Schedules and SOFAs ”) and waived the requirement that the Debtors file the Schedules and SOFAs unless the Plan is not confirmed by July 31, 2017; and (v) granted related relief; and appropriate ballots for voting on

 

2


the Plan (the “ Ballots ”), in the form attached as Exhibit B to the motion to approve the Solicitation Procedures (Docket No. 4) having been duly transmitted to holders of Class 3 Claims (General Unsecured Claims) in compliance with the Solicitation Procedures as set forth in the Declaration of Jane Sullivan on Behalf of Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC Regarding Service of Solicitation Packages and Tabulation of Ballots Cast on the Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , filed on June 21, 2017 (Docket No. 244) (the “ Voting Certification ”); and the Ballots having been tabulated in the manner set forth in the Voting Certification and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the “ Bankruptcy Rules ”), the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Local Rules ”), and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the Combined Hearing having been held before the Bankruptcy Court on July 13, 2017, after due and sufficient notice was given to (i) all of the Debtors’ known creditors and equity interest holders; (ii) the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the District of Delaware; (iii) counsel to the Credit Agreement Agent, (a) Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, One Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110 (Attn: Amy L. Kyle, Esq. and Edwin E. Smith, Esq.), and (b) Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, 1201 North Market Street, P.O. Box 1347, Wilmington, DE 19899 (Attn: Derek C. Abbott, Esq.); (iv) counsel to the Unofficial Noteholder Committee, (a) Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 (Attn: Alan W. Kornberg, Esq. and Brian S. Hermann, Esq.), and (b) Blank Rome LLP, 1201 North Market Street, Suite 800, Wilmington, DE 19801 (Attn: Stanley B. Tarr, Esq. and Rick Antonoff, Esq.); (v) proposed counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “ Creditors Committee ”), (a) Whiteford Taylor & Preston L.L.P., 7 Saint Paul

 

3


Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Attn: Paul M. Nussbaum, Esq. and Alan C. Lazerow, Esq.) and (b) Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLC, The Renaissance Centre, 405 King Street, Suite 500, Wilmington, DE 19801 (Attn: Thomas J. Francella, Jr., Esq., Christopher M. Samis, Esq., and L. Katherine Good, Esq.); (vi) proposed counsel to the Official Committee of Equity Security Holders (the “ Equity Committee ”), (a) Brown Rudnick LLP, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 (Attn: Steven D. Pohl, Esq.) and Seven Times Square, 47th Floor, New York, NY 10036 (Attn: Howard S. Steel, Esq.) and (b) Saul Ewing LLP, 1201 North Market Street, Suite 2300, P.O. Box 1266, Wilmington, DE 19899 (Attn: Mark Minuti, Esq.) and 1037 Raymond Boulevard, Suite 1520, Newark, NJ 07102 (Attn: Sharon L. Levine, Esq.); (vii) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (viii) the Internal Revenue Service; (ix) the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware; (x) all other entities required to be served under Bankruptcy Rules 2002 and 3017; and (xi) all other parties in interest (collectively, the “ Master Service List ”) in accordance with the Scheduling Order, the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and the Local Rules, in each case established by the affidavits of service, mailing, and/or publication filed with the Bankruptcy Court, including (1) the Affidavit of Service of Konstantina Haidopoulos Regarding the Scheduling Order, dated May 18, 2017 (Docket No. 56); (2) the Affidavit of Service of Konstantina Haidopoulos Regarding Notice of the Combined Hearing, dated May 26, 2017 (Docket No. 143); (3) the Affidavit of Service of Konstantina Haidopoulos Regarding the Filing of the Plan Supplement, dated June 6, 2017 (Docket No. 165); (4) the Proofs of Publication of Shannon Schmidt for The New York Times and Donna Laird of The Times-Picayune Regarding Notice of Commencement of Cases under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and Summary of Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan and Notice of Hearing to Consider (A) Adequacy of Disclosure Statement and Solicitation Procedures; (B) Confirmation

 

4


of Plan of Reorganization; and (C) Related Materials, dated May 31, 2017 (Docket No. 162); and the (5) the Affidavit of Service of Konstantina Haidopoulos Regarding, among other things, the Order (I)  Adjourning Combined Hearing on (A)  Adequacy of Disclosure Statement and Solicitation Procedures and (B)  Confirmation of Prepackaged Plan and (II)  Granting Certain Related Relief , dated June 29, 2017 (Docket No. 294) (collectively, the “ Notice Affidavits ”), and such notice being sufficient under the circumstances and no further notice being required; and due notice of the Plan Supplement having been given to the Master Service List and all holders of Claims in Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims) in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, and the Solicitation Procedures; and based upon and after full consideration of the entire record of the Combined Hearing, including (A) the Disclosure Statement, the Plan (including the Plan Supplement), and the Voting Certification; (B)  Debtors Memorandum of Law (1)  in Support of (I)  Approval of (A)  Disclosure Statement, (B)  Solicitation of Votes and Voting Procedures, and (C)  Form of Ballots, and (II)  Confirmation of First Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors and (2)  Omnibus Reply to Objections Thereto , dated July 12, 2017 (Docket Nos. 342 & 343); (C) the Declaration of Quinn P. Fanning in Support of Debtors Request for (I)  Approval of Debtors Disclosure Statement, (II)  Final Approval of Solicitation Procedures, and (III)  Confirmation of Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code , dated July 12, 2017 (Docket No. 350) (the “ Fanning Declaration ”); (D) the Declaration of Marc J. Brown in Support of Confirmation of Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , dated July 12, 2017 (Docket No. 353) (the “ Brown Declaration ”); (E) the Declaration of Douglas Fordyce in Support of Confirmation of the Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of

 

5


Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors (the “ Fordyce Declaration ”), dated July 12, 2017 (Docket Nos. 347 & 349) and (F) the Notice Affidavits; and the Bankruptcy Court being familiar with the Disclosure Statement and the Plan and other relevant factors affecting the Chapter 11 Cases (defined below); and the Bankruptcy Court being fully familiar with, and having taken judicial notice of, the entire record of the Chapter 11 Cases; and upon the arguments of counsel and the evidence proffered and adduced at the Combined Hearing; and the Bankruptcy Court having found and determined that the Disclosure Statement and the Solicitation Procedures should be approved and the Plan should be confirmed as reflected by the Bankruptcy Court’s rulings made herein and at the Combined Hearing; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor; the Bankruptcy Court hereby FINDS, DETERMINES, AND CONCLUDES that:

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

A.     Findings and Conclusions . The findings and conclusions set forth herein and in the record of the Combined Hearing constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to Rule 52 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as made applicable herein by Bankruptcy Rules 7052 and 9014. To the extent any of the following findings of fact constitute conclusions of law, they are adopted as such. To the extent any of the following conclusions of law constitute findings of fact, they are adopted as such.

B.     Jurisdiction, Venue, Core Proceeding (28 U.S.C. § §  157(b )( 2), 1334(a)) . The Bankruptcy Court has jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334, and the Amended Standing Order of Reference from the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, dated February 29, 2012. Approval of the Disclosure Statement and the Solicitation Procedures and confirmation of the Plan are core proceedings pursuant to 28

 

6


U.S.C. § 157(b), and this Bankruptcy Court has jurisdiction to enter a final order with respect thereto. The Debtors are eligible debtors under section 109 of the Bankruptcy Code. Venue is proper before this Bankruptcy Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409. The Debtors are proper plan proponents under section 1121(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

C.     Chapter 11 Petitions . On May 17, 2017 (the “ Petition Date ”), each Debtor commenced with this Bankruptcy Court a voluntary case under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “ Chapter  11 Cases ”). The Debtors are authorized to continue to operate their businesses and manage their properties as debtors in possession pursuant to sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. No trustee or examiner has been appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 1104 of the Bankruptcy Code. On June 20, 2017, the Office of the U.S. Trustee appointed the Equity Committee (Docket No. 242) and the Creditors’ Committee (Docket No. 243). In accordance with an order of this Bankruptcy Court (Docket No. 90), the Chapter 11 Cases are being jointly administered pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 1015(b).

D.     Judicial Notice . The Bankruptcy Court takes judicial notice of the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases maintained by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court, including all pleadings and other documents filed, all orders entered, and all evidence and arguments made, proffered, or adduced at the hearings held before the Bankruptcy Court during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases.

E.     Burden of Proof . The Debtors have the burden of proving the elements of sections 1129(a) and 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code by a preponderance of the evidence. Each Debtor has met such burden.

 

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F.     Adequacy of Disclosure Statement . The Disclosure Statement (i) contains sufficient information of a kind necessary to satisfy the disclosure requirements of all applicable nonbankruptcy law, including the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. §§ 77a-77aa (as amended, the “ Securities Act ”), (ii) contains “adequate information” (as such term is defined in section 1125(a)(1) and used in section 1126(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code) with respect to the Debtors, the Plan, and the transactions contemplated therein, and (iii) is approved in all respects.

G.     Solicitation . Prior to the Petition Date, the Debtors, through their administrative advisor, Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC (“ Epiq ”), caused the Plan, the Disclosure Statement (which included as exhibits thereto, among other things, the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Troms Agreement, the Form of Amended Tidewater Parent Organizational Documents, the Form of Management Incentive Plan, the Form of New Indenture, the Certificate, the Form of New Creditor Warrant Agreement, the Form of New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement, the Form of Registration Rights Agreement, the Troms Forbearance, and a Liquidation Analysis), the Ballots, a U.S. citizenship questionnaire, a U.S. citizenship certification, and a cover letter (collectively, the “ Solicitation Package ”), to be transmitted to and served on the holders of Claims in Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims) in compliance with sections 1125(g) and 1126(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules (including Bankruptcy Rules 3017 and 3018), the Local Rules, all other applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, and all other applicable rules, laws, and regulations applicable to such solicitation. As set forth in the Voting Certification, Solicitation Packages were transmitted to and served on holders of Claims in Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims)—the only Class entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan—on May 12, 2017. See Voting Certification , 5 & 6. Each holder of a Class 3 Claim (General Unsecured Claims) received a Ballot. The form of the Ballot

 

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adequately addressed the particular needs of these Chapter 11 Cases and was appropriate for holders of Class 3 Claims (General Unsecured Claims). The instructions on the Ballot advised parties that for a Ballot to be counted, the Ballot must be properly completed, signed, and returned to Epiq so that it would be received by Epiq no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on June 12, 2017 (the “ Voting Deadline ”), unless such time was extended by the Debtors. The period during which the Debtors solicited acceptances to the Plan was a reasonable period of time for holders to make an informed decision to accept or reject the Plan. The Debtors were not required to solicit votes from the holders of Claims or Interests in Class 1 (Priority Non-Tax Claims), Class 2 (Secured Claims), Class 4 (Other General Unsecured Claims), Class 5 (Intercompany Claims), and Class 6 (Intercompany Interests) (collectively, the “ Unimpaired Classes ”), as each such class is Unimpaired under the Plan. The Debtors also were not required to solicit votes from the holders of Interests in Class 7 (Tidewater Parent Interests) and holders of Claims in Class 8 (Subordinated Securities Claims), as such Classes are deemed to reject the Plan. As described in and as evidenced by the Voting Certification and the Notice Affidavits, the transmittal and service of the Solicitation Package (all of the foregoing, the “ Solicitation ”) were timely, adequate, and sufficient under the circumstances and no other or further solicitation was or shall be required. The Solicitation complied with the Solicitation Procedures, was appropriate and satisfactory based upon the circumstances of the Chapter 11 Cases, was conducted in good faith and was in compliance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, and any other applicable rules, laws, and regulations. The Released Parties are entitled to the protection of section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code.

H.     Mailing and Publication of Combined Notice . On May 22, 2017, the Debtors caused the Notice of Commencement of Cases Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy

 

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Code and Summary of Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan and Notice of Hearing to Consider (A)  Adequacy of Disclosure Statement and Solicitation Procedures; (B)  Confirmation of Plan of Reorganization; and (C)  Related Materials (Docket No. 105) (the “ Combined Notice ”) to be mailed to the Master Service List and other parties in interest in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order, and the Solicitation Procedures, and published notices substantially similar to the Combined Notice in The New York Times and The Times-Picayune on May 26, 2017. See Notice Affidavit (Docket No. 162). The Debtors have given proper, adequate, and sufficient notice of the Combined Hearing, as required by Bankruptcy Rules 3017(a) and 3017(d), Local Rule 3017–1, and the Scheduling Order. Proper, adequate, and sufficient notice of the Disclosure Statement, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, and the deadlines for filing objections to the Disclosure Statement and Plan have been given to all known holders of Claims or Interests and all parties on the Master Service List, substantially in accordance with the Scheduling Order. No other or further notice was or shall be required.

I.     Tabulation Results . On June 21, 2017, Epiq filed the Voting Certification (Docket No. 244) certifying the method and results of the Ballots tabulated for Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims). As of the Voting Deadline, approximately 80% in amount and approximately 83% in number of holders of Claims in Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims) that voted on the Plan by the Voting Deadline voted to accept the Plan. Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements of section 1126 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Court finds that Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims) has accepted the Plan. All procedures used to tabulate the Ballots were fair, reasonable, and conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of the

 

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Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order, and all other applicable rules, laws and regulations.

J.     Joint Chapter  11 Plan . The Plan is a joint chapter 11 plan for each of the Debtors, with the Plan for each Debtor being nonseverable and mutually dependent on the Plan for each other Debtor.

K.     Plan Supplement . On June 5, 2017, the Debtors filed the Plan Supplement, consisting of (i) the list of the New Board Members of Reorganized Tidewater Parent, (ii) the Restructuring Support Agreement, which includes, among other exhibits, the following: (a) the Troms Agreement, (b) the Certificate, (c) the Form of Amended Tidewater Parent Organizational Documents, (d) the Form of Management Incentive Plan, (e) the Form of New Indenture, (f) the Form of New Creditor Warrant Agreement, (g) the Form of New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement, and (h) the Form of Registration Rights Agreement. All such documents comply with the terms of the Plan, and the filing and notice of such documents were good and proper in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order, and all other applicable rules, laws, and regulations, and no other or further notice is or shall be required. All documents included in the Plan Supplement are integral to, part of, and incorporated by reference into the Plan. The Debtors reserve the right to alter, amend, update, or modify the Plan Supplement in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, provided , that such alteration, amendment, update, or modification shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders. All parties required to be given notice of the documents identified in the Plan Supplement have been provided due, proper, timely, and adequate notice and have had an opportunity to appear and be heard with respect

 

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thereto. The transmittal and notice of the Plan Supplement (and all documents identified therein) were appropriate and satisfactory based upon the circumstances of the Chapter 11 Cases and were conducted in good faith. No other or further notice with respect to the Plan Supplement (and all documents identified therein) is necessary or shall be required.

L.     Modifications of the Plan . Pursuant to and in compliance with section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3018, the Debtors proposed certain immaterial modifications to the Plan as reflected herein and/or in modified or amended versions of the Plan and/or Plan Supplement filed with the Court prior to entry of this Order (collectively, the “ Plan Modifications ”). In accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 3019, the Plan Modifications do not (i) constitute material modifications of the Plan under section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) cause the Plan to fail to meet the requirements of sections 1122 or 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, (iii) materially and adversely change the treatment of any Claims or Interests, (iv) require re-solicitation of any holders of Claims or Interests, or (v) require that any such holders be afforded an opportunity to change previously cast acceptances or rejections of the Plan. Under the circumstances, the form and manner of notice of the proposed Plan Modifications are adequate, and no other or further notice of the proposed Plan Modifications is necessary or required. In accordance with section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3019, all holders of Claims or Interests who voted to accept the Plan or who are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan, as applicable, are deemed to have accepted the Plan as modified by the Plan Modifications. No holder of a Claim that has voted to accept the Plan shall be permitted to change its acceptance to a rejection as a consequence of the Plan Modifications.

 

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M.     Bankruptcy Rule 3016(a) . In accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 3016, the Plan is dated and identifies the Debtors as proponents of the Plan. The discharge, release, injunction, and exculpation provisions of the Plan are set forth in bold, thereby complying with Bankruptcy Rule 3016(c).

Compliance with Requirements of Section 1129 of Bankruptcy Code

N.     Plan Compliance with the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(1)) . The Plan complies with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and thereby satisfies section 1129(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. More particularly:

i.     Proper Classification (11 U.S.C. §§  1122, 1123(a)(1)) . In addition to Administrative Expense Claims (Section 2.1 of the Plan), Fee Claims (Section 2.2 of the Plan), and Priority Tax Claims (Section 2.3 of the Plan), which need not be classified, Articles III and IV of the Plan classify eight (8) Classes of Claims and Interests for each of the Debtors. The Claims or Interests placed in each Class are substantially similar to the other Claims or Interests, as the case may be, in each such Class. Valid business, factual, and legal reasons exist for separately classifying the various Classes of Claims or Interests created under the Plan, and such Classes do not unfairly discriminate between holders of Claims or Interests. The Plan therefore satisfies sections 1122 and 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.

ii.     Specified Unimpaired Classes (11 U.S.C. §  1123(a)(2)) . Articles III and IV of the Plan specify that holders of Claims or Interests in Class 1 (Priority Non-Tax Claims), Class 2 (Secured Claims), Class 4 (Other General Unsecured Claims), Class 5 (Intercompany Claims), and Class 6 (Intercompany Interests) are Unimpaired under the Plan within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, thereby satisfying section 1123(a)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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iii.     Specified Treatment of Impaired Classes (11 U.S.C. §  1123(a)(3)) . Articles III and IV of the Plan designate holders of Claims and Interests in Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims), Class 7 (Tidewater Parent Interests), and Class 8 (Subordinated Securities Claims) as impaired within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code and specify the treatment of the Claims and Interests in those Classes, thereby satisfying section 1123(a)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code.

iv.     No Discrimination (11 U.S.C. §  1123(a)(4)) . The Plan provides for the same treatment by the Debtors for each holder of a Claim or Interest in each respective Class unless the holder of a particular Claim or Interest has agreed to a less favorable treatment of such Claim or Interest, thereby satisfying section 1123(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code.

v.     Implementation of Plan (11 U.S.C. §  1123(a)(5)) . The Plan, including the various documents and agreements set forth in the Plan Supplement, provides adequate and proper means for the implementation of the Plan, thereby satisfying section 1123(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, including: (i) all corporate action set forth in Article V of the Plan, including the adoption and filing of the Amended Organizational Documents; (ii) the issuance of New Common Stock and New Warrants; (iii) the entry into, execution, delivery, and performance under the New Indenture; (iv) the restructuring transactions described in Section 5.8 of the Plan; and (v) provisions governing distributions under the Plan.

vi.     Non-Voting Equity Securities / Allocation of Voting Power (11  U.S.C. §  1123(a )( 6)) . The certificate of incorporation, articles of incorporation, limited liability company agreement or similar governing document, as applicable, of each Debtor has been or will be amended on or prior to the Effective Date to prohibit the issuance of non-voting equity securities. In addition, pursuant to the Plan, the New Common Stock and the New Warrants are

 

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being issued. The New Common Stock and the New Warrants are not non-voting equity securities. Therefore, the issuance of the New Common Stock and the New Warrants complies with section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.

vii.     Designation of Directors and Officers (11 U.S.C. §  1123(a)(7)) . On June 5, 2017, the Debtors filed with the Court the list of New Board Members of Reorganized Tidewater Parent as Exhibit 1 to the Plan Supplement , identifying the directors of Tidewater. Furthermore, Section 5.7(b) of the Plan provides that, except as otherwise provided in the Plan Supplement, the officers of the respective Reorganized Debtors immediately before the Effective Date, as applicable, shall serve as the initial officers of each of the respective Reorganized Debtors on and after the Effective Date and in accordance with Section 5.12 of the Plan and applicable nonbankruptcy law. The Plan provisions governing the manner of selection of any director or officer under the Plan are consistent with the interests of creditors and equity security holders and with public policy in accordance with section 1123(a)(7) of the Bankruptcy Code.

viii.     Impairment/ Unimpairment of Classes of Claims or Interests (11 U.S.C. §  1123(b )( 1)) . As contemplated by section 1123(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, and pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, Articles III and IV of the Plan classify and describe the treatment for the Unimpaired Classes and Impaired Classes.

ix.     Assumption and Rejection (11 U.S.C. §  1123(b)(2)) . Article VIII of the Plan governing the assumption or rejection of executory contracts and unexpired leases satisfies the requirements of sections 365(b) and 1123(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

x.     Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights (11 U.S.C. §  1123(b )( 3)) . Pursuant to Section 10.9 of the Plan and in compliance with section 1123(b)(3)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code, except as otherwise set forth in the Plan, the Plan

 

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preserves the Debtors’ rights, Claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff or recoupment or other legal or equitable defenses that the Debtors had immediately prior to the Effective Date on behalf of the Estates or of themselves in accordance with any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable nonbankruptcy law, and any other affirmative Causes of Action against parties with a relationship with the Debtors.

xi.     Modification of Rights (11 U.S.C. §  1123(b)(5)) . The Plan modifies the rights of holders of Claims or Interests, as applicable, in Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims), Class 7 (Tidewater Parent Interests), and Class 8 (Subordinated Securities Claims), and leaves Unimpaired the rights of holders of Claims or Interests, as applicable, in Class 1 (Priority Non-Tax Claims), Class 2 (Secured Claims), Class 4 (Other General Unsecured Claims), Class 5 (Intercompany Claims), and Class 6 (Intercompany Interests).

xii.     Additional Plan Provisions (11 U.S.C. §  1123(b)(6)) . The provisions of the Plan are appropriate and consistent with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable law, thereby satisfying section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.

xiii.     Debtors Are Not Individuals (11 U.S.C. §  1123(c)) . The Debtors are not individuals and, accordingly, section 1123(c) of the Bankruptcy Code is inapplicable to these Chapter 11 Cases.

xiv.     Cure of Defaults (11 U.S.C. §  1123(d)) . Section 8.2 of the Plan provides for the satisfaction of default claims associated with each executory contract and unexpired lease to be assumed pursuant to the Plan in accordance with section 365(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors have paid or will pay valid Cure amounts in the ordinary course, subject to all defenses and disputes the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may have with respect to such

 

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executory contracts or unexpired leases, which the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors may assert in the ordinary course.

O.     Debtors’ Compliance with Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(2)) . The Debtors have complied with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Specifically:

i.    Each of the Debtors is an eligible debtor under section 109 of the Bankruptcy Code;

ii.    The Debtors have complied with applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, except as otherwise provided or permitted by orders of the Bankruptcy Court; and

iii.    The Debtors have complied with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including sections 1125 and 1126(b), the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order, applicable nonbankruptcy law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations in transmitting the Plan, Plan Supplement, Disclosure Statement, Ballots, and related documents and notices and in soliciting and tabulating the votes on the Plan.

P.     Plan Proposed in Good Faith (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a )( 3)) . The Debtors have proposed the Plan in good faith and not by any means forbidden by law, thereby satisfying section 1129(a)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors’ good faith is evident from the facts and record of these Chapter 11 Cases, the Disclosure Statement, and the record of the Combined Hearing and other proceedings held in these Chapter 11 Cases. The Plan was proposed with the legitimate and honest purpose of maximizing the value of the Estates and to effectuate a successful reorganization of the Debtors. The Plan and the Plan Documents (as defined below) are the products of extensive negotiations conducted in good faith and at arm’s length among the Debtors, the Consenting Creditors, and their respective professionals. Further, the Plan’s classification, indemnification, exculpation, release, and injunction provisions have been

 

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negotiated in good faith and at arm’s length, are consistent with sections 105, 1122, 1123(b)(3)(A), 1123(b)(6), 1129, and 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code, and are each integral to the Plan, supported by valuable consideration, and necessary to the Debtors’ successful reorganization. Accordingly, the requirements of section 1129(a)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code are satisfied.

Q.     Payment for Services or Costs and Expenses (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(4)) .

i.    Any payment made or to be made by the Debtors for services or for costs and expenses of the Debtors’ professionals in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, or in connection with the Plan and incident to the Chapter 11 Cases, is subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court as reasonable, thereby satisfying section 1129(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code.

ii.    As set forth in the Restructuring Support Agreement, as part of the negotiated terms on which the Debtors and the Consenting Creditors agreed to proceed with the consensual, prepackaged restructuring reflected in the Plan, the Debtors have agreed to pay all reasonable documented fees, expenses, and reimbursements (including any deferred fees earned and payable upon the Effective Date) of the advisors to the Credit Agreement Agent and the Unofficial Noteholder Committee incurred on or prior to the date of termination of the Restructuring Support Agreement, in accordance with existing engagement letters with any Debtor (which engagement letters shall be assumed pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code on the Effective Date of the Plan), including, without limitation, the reasonable and documented costs and expenses of (a) Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, as counsel to the Credit Agreement Agent; (b) Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, as local Delaware counsel to the Credit Agreement Agent; (c) FTI Consulting, Inc., as financial advisor to the Credit Agreement Agent; (d) Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, as counsel to the Unofficial

 

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Noteholder Committee; (e) Blank Rome LLP, as maritime and local Delaware counsel to the Unofficial Noteholder Committee; (f) Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., as financial advisor to the Unofficial Noteholder Committee; and (g) such advisors as may be retained in the Consenting Creditors’ reasonable discretion in non-U.S. jurisdictions for purposes of effecting the transactions contemplated under the Plan (the “ Restructuring Expenses ”).

R.     Directors, Officers, and Insiders (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(5)) . The Debtors have complied with section 1129(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code. The identity and affiliations of the persons proposed to serve as the directors and officers of the Reorganized Debtors upon the Effective Date have been fully disclosed to the extent such information is available, and the appointment to, or continuance in, such offices of such persons is consistent with the interests of holders of Claims against and Interests in the Debtors and with public policy. Each such person shall serve pursuant to the terms of the applicable organizational documents of such Reorganized Debtor.

S.     No Rate Changes (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(6)) . The Plan does not provide for rate changes by any of the Reorganized Debtors. Thus, section 1129(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code is not applicable in these Chapter 11 Cases.

T.     Best Interest of Creditors (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a )( 7)) . The Plan satisfies section 1129(a)(7) of the Bankruptcy Code. The liquidation analysis included in the Disclosure Statement and the other evidence related thereto in support of confirmation of the Plan that were proffered or adduced at or prior to the Combined Hearing or in the Brown Declaration (i) are reasonable, persuasive, and credible; (ii) utilize reasonable and appropriate methodologies and assumptions; (iii) have not been controverted by other evidence; and (iv) establish that each holder of an impaired Claim or Interest either has accepted the Plan or will receive or retain

 

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under the Plan, on account of such Claim or Interest, property of a value, as of the Effective Date, that is not less than the amount that such holder would receive or retain if the Debtors were liquidated under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code on such date.

U.     Acceptance by Certain Classes (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(8)) . Holders of Claims or Interests in Class 1 (Priority Non-Tax Claims), Class 2 (Secured Claims), Class 4 (Other General Unsecured Claims), Class 5 (Intercompany Claims), and Class 6 (Intercompany Interests) are Unimpaired under the Plan and are, therefore, conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan pursuant to section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims) has voted to accept the Plan in accordance with sections 1126(b) and 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, without regard to the votes of insiders of the Debtors. Holders of Interests in Class 7 (Tidewater Parent Interests) and Claims in Class 8 (Subordinated Securities Claims) are Classes of Impaired Interests or Claims that are conclusively presumed to have rejected the Plan in accordance with section 1126(g) of the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to section 1129(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Plan may be confirmed notwithstanding that holders of Interests in Class 7 (Tidewater Parent Interests) and Claims in Class 8 (Subordinated Securities Claims) are Impaired and are deemed to have rejected the Plan.

V.     Treatment of Administrative Expense Claims, Priority Tax Claims, and Other Priority Claims (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a )( 9)) . The treatment of Allowed Administrative Expense Claims and Fee Claims pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of the Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(9)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code. The treatment of Priority Non-Tax Claims pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(9)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code. The treatment of Priority Tax Claims pursuant to

 

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Section 2.3 of the Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(9)(C) of the Bankruptcy Code.

W.     Acceptance by Impaired Class (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(10)) . Class 3 (General Unsecured Claims) is Impaired and voted to accept the Plan by the requisite majorities, determined without including any acceptance of the Plan by any insider, thereby satisfying the requirements of section 1129(a)(10) of the Bankruptcy Code.

X.     Feasibility (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(11)) . The information in the Disclosure Statement and the evidence proffered or adduced at the Combined Hearing or set forth in the Fanning Declaration, the Brown Declaration, and the Fordyce Declaration, (i) are reasonable, persuasive, and credible, (ii) utilize reasonable and appropriate methodologies and assumptions, (iii) have not been controverted by other evidence, and (iv) together with the record of these Chapter 11 Cases establish that the Plan is feasible and that there is a reasonable prospect of the Reorganized Debtors being able to meet their financial obligations under the Plan and their business in the ordinary course, and that confirmation of the Plan is not likely to be followed by the liquidation or the need for further financial reorganization of the Reorganized Debtors. Accordingly, the Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(11) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Y.     Payment of Statutory Fees (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(12)) . All fees payable under section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code, as determined by the Bankruptcy Code, have been or will be paid on or before the Effective Date pursuant to Section 12.1 of the Plan, thereby satisfying the requirements of section 1129(a)(12) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Z.     Continuation of Retiree Benefits (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a )( 13)) . Section 5.12 of the Plan provides that all Employment Arrangements (which includes Benefits Plans) shall be deemed to be, and shall be treated as, executory contracts under the Plan and, on the Effective

 

21


Date, shall be assumed pursuant to sections 365 and 1123(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan therefore satisfies section 1129(a)(13) of the Bankruptcy Code.

AA.     No Domestic Support Obligations (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(14)) . The Debtors are not required by a judicial or administrative order, or by statute, to pay a domestic support obligation. Accordingly, section 1129(a)(14) of the Bankruptcy Code is inapplicable in these Chapter 11 Cases.

BB.     Debtors Are Not Individuals (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(15)) . The Debtors are not individuals, and accordingly, section 1129(a)(15) of the Bankruptcy Code is inapplicable in these Chapter 11 Cases.

CC.     No Applicable Nonbankruptcy Law Regarding Transfers (11 U.S.C. §  1129(a)(16)) . The Debtors are each a moneyed, business, or commercial corporation, and accordingly, section 1129(a)(16) of the Bankruptcy Code is inapplicable in these Chapter 11 Cases.

DD.     No Unfair Discrimination; Fair and Equitable (11 U.S.C. §  1129(b)) .    Class 7 (Tidewater Parent Interests) and Class 8 (Subordinated Securities Claims) are deemed to have rejected the Plan. Based upon the evidence proffered, adduced, and presented by the Debtors at the Combined Hearing, the Plan does not discriminate unfairly and is fair and equitable with respect to the aforementioned Classes, as required by sections 1129(b)(1) and (b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, because no holder of any Claim or Interest that is junior to each such Class will receive or retain any property under the Plan on account of such junior claim or interest, and no holder of a Claim or Interest in a Class senior to such Classes is receiving more than 100% recovery on account of its Claim or Interest. Thus, the Plan may be confirmed

 

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notwithstanding the deemed rejection of the Plan by Class 7 (Tidewater Parent Interests) and Class 8 (Subordinated Securities Claims).

EE.     Only One Plan (11 U.S.C. §  1129(c)) . The Plan is the only plan filed in each of the Chapter 11 Cases, and accordingly, section 1129(c) of the Bankruptcy Code is inapplicable in these Chapter 11 Cases.

FF.     Principal Purpose of Plan (11 U.S.C. §  1129(d)) . The principal purpose of the Plan is not the avoidance of taxes or the avoidance of the application of section 5 of the Securities Act and no governmental entity has objected to confirmation of the Plan on any such grounds. The Plan, therefore, satisfies the requirements of section 1129(d) of the Bankruptcy Code.

GG.     Good Faith Solicitation (11 U.S.C. §  1125(e)) . Based on the record before the Bankruptcy Court in these Chapter 11 Cases, including evidence presented at the Combined Hearing, the Debtors and the Released Parties (i) have acted in “good faith” within the meaning of section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order, and any applicable nonbankruptcy law, rule, or regulation governing the adequacy of disclosure in connection with all their respective activities relating to the solicitation of acceptances of the Plan and their participation in the activities described in section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) shall be deemed to have participated in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code in the offer and issuance of any securities under the Plan, and therefore are not, and on account of such offer, issuance, and solicitation will not be, liable at any time for the violation of any applicable law, rule, or regulation governing the solicitation of acceptances or rejections of the Plan or the offer and issuance of the securities under the Plan,

 

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and are entitled to the protections afforded by section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 10.10 of the Plan, and, to the extent such parties are listed therein as Exculpated Parties, the exculpation provisions set forth in Section 10.7 of the Plan.

HH.     Satisfaction of Confirmation Requirements . Based upon the foregoing, the Plan satisfies the requirements for confirmation set forth in section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

II.     Implementation . All documents and agreements necessary to implement the Plan, including, without limitation, the documents contained in and contemplated by the Plan Supplement, and all other relevant and necessary documents and agreements that are necessary to implement the Plan and the Plan Supplement (including all exhibits and schedules thereto) (collectively, the “ Plan Documents ”) are essential elements of the Plan, and consummation of each such Plan Document is in the best interests of the Debtors, the Estates, and holders of Claims and Interests. The Debtors have exercised reasonable business judgment in determining to enter into the Plan Documents, and the Plan Documents have been negotiated in good faith, at arm’s-length, are fair and reasonable, are supported by reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration, and shall, upon completion of documentation and execution, be valid, binding, and enforceable agreements and not be in conflict with any federal or state law. The Debtors are authorized to take any action reasonably necessary or appropriate to consummate such agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby.

JJ.     Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases . The Debtors have exercised reasonable business judgment in determining whether to assume or reject executory contracts and unexpired leases pursuant to Article VIII of the Plan. Each assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to Article VIII of the Plan shall be legal, valid, and binding

 

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upon the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors and their successors and assigns and all non-Debtor parties and their successors and assigns to such executory contract or unexpired lease, all to the same extent as if such assumption were effectuated pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code entered before entry of this Order. Moreover, the Debtors have Cured, or provided adequate assurance that the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, will Cure, defaults (if any) under or relating to each of the executory contracts and unexpired leases that are being assumed by the Debtors pursuant to the Plan.

KK.     Injunction, Exculpation, and Releases . The Bankruptcy Court has jurisdiction under sections 1334(a) and 1334(b) of title 28 of the United States Code and authority under section 105 of the Bankruptcy Code to approve the injunctions or stays, injunction against interference with the Plan, releases, and exculpation set forth in the Plan, including in Sections 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7 of the Plan. As has been established here based upon the record in the Chapter 11 Cases and the evidence presented at the Combined Hearing, such provisions (i) were given in exchange for good and valuable consideration; (ii) were integral to the agreements among the various parties in interest and are essential to the formulation and implementation of the Plan, as provided in section 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code; (iii) confer substantial benefits on the Estates; (iv) are fair, equitable and reasonable; (v) are in the best interests of the Debtors, the Estates, and parties in interest; and (vi) failure to implement the injunctions, exculpation, and releases would jeopardize the Debtors’ ability to confirm and implement the Plan. Pursuant to section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019(a), the injunctions, releases, and exculpation set forth in the Plan and implemented by this Order are fair, equitable, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, creditors, and equity holders, and supported by adequate consideration. The

 

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releases granted by non-Debtors under the Plan for the benefit of the Released Parties are consensual because they are provided only by (i) the holders of Impaired Claims except those (A) deemed to reject the Plan or (B) who voted to reject, or abstained from voting on, the Plan and have also checked the box on the applicable ballot or notice indicating that they opt out of granting the releases provided in the Plan (except the Consenting Creditors, who may not opt out of granting the releases provided in the Plan in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Restructuring Support Agreement), and (ii) the holders of Unimpaired Claims or Interests who do not timely object to the releases provided in the Plan. See In re Indianapolis Downs, LLC , 486 B.R. 286, 304–05 (Bankr. D. Del. 2013). Moreover, the releases granted by holders of Claims or Interests under the Plan are fair to holders of Claims and Interests, are necessary to the proposed reorganization, and/or are given in exchange for, and are supported by fair, sufficient, and adequate consideration provided by each and all of the parties receiving such releases, thereby satisfying the applicable standards contained in In re Indianapolis Downs , 486 B.R. at 303, and are otherwise appropriate under In re W.R. Grace  & Co. , 475 B.R. 34, 107 (D. Del. 2012). Each non-Debtor Released Party that will benefit from the releases either shares an identity of interest with the Debtors, was instrumental to the successful prosecution of the Chapter 11 Cases, and/or provided a substantial contribution to the Debtors, which value provided a significant benefit to the Estates. The releases granted by the Debtors under the Plan represent a valid exercise of the Debtors’ business judgment. The exculpations granted under the Plan are reasonable in scope as the exculpation provision does not relieve any party of liability for an act or omission to the extent such act or omission is a criminal act or constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional fraud as determined by Final Order. The record of the Combined Hearing and these Chapter 11 Cases is sufficient to support the injunctions,

 

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releases, and exculpation provided for in the Plan, including Sections 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7 of the Plan. Accordingly, based upon the record of these Chapter 11 Cases, the representations of the parties, and/or the evidence proffered, adduced, and/or presented at the Combined Hearing, the injunctions, releases, and exculpation set forth in Article X of the Plan are consistent with the Bankruptcy Code and applicable law.

LL.     Good Faith . The Debtors and the Released Parties have been and will be acting in good faith as they proceed to (i) consummate the Plan and the agreements, settlements, transactions, and transfers contemplated thereby (including those contained in the Plan Documents) and (ii) take the actions authorized and directed by this Order.

MM.     New Secured Notes . The Debtors’ issuance of the New Secured Notes is an essential element of the Plan, is necessary to the consummation of the Plan and the operation of the Reorganized Debtors, and constitutes reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration. The terms of the New Secured Notes are fair and reasonable, are supported by reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration, and entry into and consummation of the transactions contemplated by the New Secured Notes and related documents, including the New Indenture and all the other related agreements, instruments, or other documents necessary to implement the New Secured Notes (collectively, the “ New Secured Notes Documents ”) is in the best interests of the Debtors, their Estates, and all holders of Claims or Interests, and is approved in all respects. The Debtors have exercised their reasonable business judgment in determining to enter into the New Indenture and the other New Secured Notes Documents and have provided sufficient and adequate notice of the material terms of the New Indenture, which was filed as part of the Plan Supplement. The execution, delivery, and performance by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as the case may be, of any documents in connection with the New Secured

 

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Notes, including the New Secured Notes Documents, and compliance by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as the case may be, with the terms thereof are authorized by, and will not conflict with, the terms of the Plan or this Order. The financial accommodations to be extended pursuant to the New Secured Notes Documents were negotiated in good faith and at arm’s length, for legitimate business purposes, are fair and reasonable, do not conflict with applicable law, shall not be subject to recharacterization for any purposes whatsoever, and shall not constitute preferential transfers or fraudulent conveyances under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable nonbankruptcy law.

NN.     Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement . The Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement are necessary to the consummation of the Plan and the operation of the Reorganized Debtors. The terms of the Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement are fair and reasonable, reflect the Debtors’ exercise of prudent business judgment consistent with their fiduciary duties, are supported by reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration, and are in the best interests of the Estates and their creditors. The Amended Organizational Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement are the result of good faith, arm’s-length negotiations among the Debtors and the Consenting Creditors, are appropriate and consistent with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, including, but not limited to, Bankruptcy Code sections 1123, 1129, and 1142, and are necessary to the Debtors’ successful emergence from chapter 11. The execution, delivery, or performance by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as the case may be, of any documents in connection with the Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement and compliance by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as the case may be, with the terms thereof are authorized by, and will not conflict with, the terms of

 

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the Plan or this Order. The notice provided by the Debtors of the Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement was consistent with the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and the Scheduling Order, and no other or further notice is or shall be required. The Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement are hereby approved and shall constitute legal, valid, binding, and authorized obligations of the Reorganized Debtors enforceable in accordance with their terms.

OO.     Exemption from Securities Laws .

i.    The offer, issuance, and distribution of the New Warrants (and the New Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof), the New Common Stock, and the New Secured Notes to holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims and holders of Allowed Existing Interests, as applicable, under Article IV of the Plan shall be exempt, pursuant to section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, without further act or action by any Entity, from registration under (a) the Securities Act, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (b) any state or local law requiring registration for the offer, issuance, or distribution of securities.

ii.    The New Common Stock, the New Secured Notes, and the New Warrants (and the New Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof) shall be freely tradable by the recipients thereof, subject to (a) the provisions of section 1145(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code relating to the definition of an underwriter in section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act; (b) compliance with any rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, if any, applicable at the time of any future transfer of such securities or instruments; (c) the restrictions, if any, on the transferability of such securities and instruments, including, without limitation, any restrictions on the transferability under the terms of the Amended Organizational Documents and the New Warrants; and (d) applicable regulatory approval.

 

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PP.     Conditions Precedent to Confirmation and Effective Date . The conditions precedent to confirmation of the Plan and occurrence of the Effective Date set forth in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 of the Plan may be waived in writing by the Debtors with the prior written consent of the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, without leave of or order of the Bankruptcy Court. Subject to the consent of both the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, if the Plan is confirmed for fewer than all of the Debtors as provided for in Section 5.16 of the Plan, only the conditions applicable to the Debtor or Debtors for which the Plan is confirmed must be satisfied or waived for the Effective Date to occur with respect to such Debtor or Debtors.

QQ.     Retention of Jurisdiction . Except as otherwise provided in any of the Plan Documents, the Bankruptcy Court may properly, and upon the Effective Date shall, retain exclusive jurisdiction over all matters arising out of, and related to, the Chapter 11 Cases, including the matters set forth in Article XI of the Plan and section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code.

RR.     Waiver of Stay . Given the facts and circumstances of the Chapter 11 Cases, it is appropriate that this Order shall not be stayed pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 3020(e), 6004(g), 6006(d), or 7062.

ORDER

ACCORDINGLY, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, DECREED, AND DETERMINED THAT:

1.     Confirmation of Plan . The Plan and each of its provisions shall be, and hereby are, CONFIRMED under section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan Documents

 

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are hereby authorized and approved. The terms of the Plan, all schedules thereto, and the Plan Documents each, as may be modified under the Plan, are incorporated by reference into and are an integral part of the Plan and this Order.

2.     Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law . The above-referenced findings of fact and conclusions of law are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 7052, made applicable herein by Bankruptcy Rule 9014. To the extent that any finding of fact shall be determined to be a conclusion of law, it shall be deemed so, and vice versa.

3.     Combined Notice . The Combined Notice complied with the terms of the Scheduling Order, was appropriate and satisfactory based upon the circumstances of the Chapter 11 Cases, and was in compliance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, and applicable nonbankruptcy law.

4.     Solicitation . The solicitation of votes on the Plan complied with the Solicitation Procedures, was appropriate and satisfactory based upon the circumstances of the Chapter 11 Cases, and was in compliance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order, and applicable nonbankruptcy law.

5.     Ballot . The form of Ballot annexed as an exhibit to the motion to approve the Solicitation Procedures (Docket No. 4) is adequate and appropriate, is in compliance with Bankruptcy Rule 3018(c), substantially conforms to Official Form B 314, and is approved in all respects.

6.     Plan Modifications and Amendments . On July 12, 2017, the Debtors filed the First Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , dated July 12, 2017 (Docket No. 336). On July 13, 2017, the Debtors filed

 

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the Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , dated July 13, 2017 (Docket No. 359). The modifications, amendments, and supplements made to the Plan following the solicitation of votes thereon constitute technical changes and do not materially adversely affect or change the treatment of any Claims or Interests. Accordingly, such modifications do not require additional disclosure or re-solicitation of votes under sections 1125, 1126, or 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rule 3019, nor do they require that holders of Class 3 Claims (General Unsecured Claims) be afforded an opportunity to change previously cast acceptances or rejections of the Plan. Holders of Class 3 Claims (General Unsecured Claims) who voted to accept the solicitation version of the Plan are deemed to accept the Plan as modified.

7.     Solicitation of Disclosure Statement . The Disclosure Statement (a) contains adequate information of a kind that is consistent with the disclosure requirements of applicable nonbankruptcy law, including the Securities Act, (b) contains “adequate information” (as such term is defined in section 1125(a)(1) and used in section 1126(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code) with respect to the Debtors, the Plan, and the transactions contemplated therein, and (c) is approved in all respects. To the extent that the Debtors’ Solicitation was deemed to constitute an offer of new securities, such Solicitation is exempt from registration pursuant to section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D of the Securities Act. Specifically, section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D of the Securities Act creates an exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act for transactions not involving a “public offering.” 15 U.S.C. § 77d(a)(2). The Debtors have complied with the requirements of section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D of the Securities Act as the prepetition Solicitation of acceptances would constitute a private placement of securities. The Solicitation was made only to those holders of Class 3 Claims (General Unsecured Claims) who

 

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are “accredited investors” (within the meaning of rule 501(a) of Regulation D of the Securities Act), as such creditors were required to certify on their Ballots that they were “accredited investors.”

8.     Objections . All objections to confirmation of the Plan and other responses, comments, statements, or reservation of rights, if any, in opposition to the Plan, the Plan Supplement, and/or the Disclosure Statement have been withdrawn, waived, or otherwise resolved by the Debtors prior to entry of this Order. To the extent that any objections (including any reservations of rights contained therein) to confirmation of the Plan or the Plan Supplement or other responses, comments, statements, or reservation of rights with respect to confirmation of the Plan or the Plan Supplement have not been withdrawn prior to entry of this Order, such objections or other responses, comments, statements, or reservations of rights shall be, and hereby are, overruled on the merits.

9.     Binding Effect . Except as otherwise set forth in this Order, on the date of and after entry of this Order, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Plan, the Plan Supplement and this Order shall bind the Debtors, their Estates, any party seeking to act on behalf of, or in respect of, the Debtors or the Estates, and any holder of a Claim against or Interest in the Debtors and their respective successors and assigns, whether or not any such holders (a) are Impaired or Unimpaired under the Plan, (b) are deemed to accept or reject the Plan, (c) failed to vote to accept or reject the Plan, (d) voted to reject the Plan, (e) are entitled to a distribution under the Plan, or (f) will receive or retain any property or interests in property under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, the Plan Documents, or this Order, until an Unimpaired Allowed Claim that arises prior to the Effective Date has been (w) paid in full in accordance with applicable law, (x) paid in full or otherwise satisfied under the

 

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governing documents giving rise to the Claim, (y) paid in full or otherwise satisfied pursuant to terms agreed to between the holder of such Claim and the Debtor or Reorganized Debtor or in accordance with the terms and conditions of the particular transaction giving rise to such Claim, or (z) otherwise satisfied or disposed of as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provisions of Sections 6.2, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, and 10.6(b) of the Plan shall not apply or take effect with respect to such Claim. The Plan and the Plan Documents constitute legal, valid, binding, and authorized obligations of the respective parties thereto and shall be enforceable in accordance with their terms.

10.     Free and Clear . On the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 1141(b) and 1141(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, this Order, or in any contract, instrument, or other agreement or document created pursuant to the Plan, including the Plan Documents, all property of the Estates shall vest in the Reorganized Debtors free and clear of all Claims, Liens, Causes of Action, encumbrances, charges, and other interests. On and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may take any action, including, without limitation, the operation of their business, the use, acquisition, sale, lease, and disposition of property and the entry into transactions, agreements, understandings, or arrangements, whether in or other than in the ordinary course of business, and execute, deliver, implement, and fully perform any and all obligations, instruments, documents, and papers or otherwise in connection with any of the foregoing, free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rules and in all respects as if there were no pending cases under any chapter or provision of the Bankruptcy Code, except as expressly provided in this Order or the Plan. Without limiting the foregoing, the Reorganized Debtors may pay the charges that they incur on

 

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or after the Effective Date for professional fees, disbursements, expenses, or related support services without application to, or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court.

11.     Implementation of Plan . The Plan Documents are hereby approved. The Plan Documents and all other relevant and necessary documents have been negotiated in good faith and at arm’s length, are in the best interests of the Debtors, and shall, upon completion of documentation and execution, be valid, binding, and enforceable documents and agreements not in conflict with any federal, state, or local law. The Debtors are authorized to take any action reasonably necessary or appropriate to consummate such agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby. On or as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, but to the extent taken on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, the Reorganized Debtors shall be authorized to take such actions as may be or become necessary or appropriate to effect any transaction described in, approved by, contemplated by, or necessary to effectuate the Plan and the Plan Supplement, including (a) the execution and delivery of appropriate agreements or other documents of merger, consolidation, restructuring, financing, conversion, disposition, transfer, dissolution, or liquidation containing terms that are consistent with the terms of the Plan and the Plan Supplement and that satisfy the applicable requirements of applicable law and any other terms to which the applicable Entities may agree, (b) the execution and delivery of appropriate instruments of transfer, assignment, assumption, or delegation of any asset, property, right, liability, debt, or obligation on terms consistent with the terms of the Plan and the Plan Supplement and having other terms to which the applicable Entities agree, (c) the filing of appropriate certificates or articles of incorporation, reincorporation, merger, consolidation, conversion, or dissolution and the Amended Organizational Documents pursuant to applicable

 

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state law, (d) the issuance of securities, 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, and (e) all other actions that the applicable Entities determine to be necessary or appropriate, including making filings or recordings that may be required by applicable law, subject, in each case, to the Amended Organizational Documents. For purposes of effectuating the Plan, none of the transactions contemplated by Section 5.8 of the Plan shall constitute a change in control under any agreement, contract, or document of the Debtors (other than with respect to the CIC Agreements, in which case the terms of the applicable CIC Waiver Letters shall govern). Each officer, member of the board of directors, or manager of the Debtors is (and each officer, member of the board of directors, or manager of the Reorganized Debtors shall be) authorized and directed to issue, execute, deliver, file, or record such contracts, securities, instruments, releases, indentures, and other agreements or documents and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Plan Supplement, and the securities issued pursuant to the Plan in the name of and on behalf of the Reorganized Debtors, all of which shall be authorized and approved in all respects, in each case, without the need for any approvals, authorization, consents, or any further action required under applicable law, regulation, order, or rule (including, without limitation, any action by the stockholders, directors, or managers of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors). All matters provided for in the Plan or the Plan Supplement involving the corporate or limited liability company structure of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, and any corporate, limited liability company, or related action required by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors in connection herewith shall be deemed to have occurred and shall be in effect, without any requirement of further action by the stockholders, members, directors, or

 

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managers of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, and with like effect as though such action had been taken unanimously by the stockholders, members, directors, managers, or officers, as applicable, of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors.

12.     Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement Approved . The Amended Organizational Documents and Registration Rights Agreement are hereby approved. The Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, are authorized, without further approval of the Bankruptcy Court or any other party, to execute and deliver all agreements, documents, instruments, and certificates relating to the Amended Organizational Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement, and take such other actions as reasonably deemed necessary to perform their obligations thereunder.

13.     Designation of Directors and Officers Approved . On the Effective Date, the initial directors of the Reorganized Debtors shall consist of those individuals identified in the Plan Supplement, and such directors shall be deemed elected and authorized to serve as directors of each of the Reorganized Debtors pursuant to the terms of the applicable Amended Organizational Documents of such Reorganized Debtor. Such appointment and designation is hereby approved and ratified as being in the best interests of the Debtors and creditors and consistent with public policy, and such directors hereby are deemed elected and appointed to serve in their respective capacities as of the Effective Date without further action of the Bankruptcy Court, the Reorganized Debtors, or their security holders. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan Supplement, the officers of the respective Reorganized Debtors immediately before the Effective Date, as applicable, shall serve as the initial officers of each of the respective Reorganized Debtors on and after the Effective Date and in accordance with Section 5.12 of the Plan and applicable nonbankruptcy law.

 

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14.     New Secured Notes Approved .

a.    On the Effective Date, Reorganized Tidewater Parent and the other Reorganized Debtors that are guarantors shall execute and deliver, as applicable, the New Secured Notes Documents, including the New Indenture, and all related documents, including the New Secured Notes. All such documents (including the schedules thereto) are incorporated in the Plan and this Order by reference, and shall become effective in accordance with their terms and the Plan.

b.    The Bankruptcy Court hereby (i) approves the New Secured Notes, New Secured Notes Documents, including the New Indenture, and all transactions contemplated thereby and therein, including all actions to be taken, all undertakings to be made, and obligations to be incurred by the Reorganized Debtors in connection therewith, including the payment of all fees, indemnities, and expenses provided for by the New Secured Notes Documents (including fees and expenses of the New Indenture Trustee), (ii) approves the granting of Liens and security interests securing the obligations under the New Indenture in favor of the lenders thereunder, and (iii) authorizes the Reorganized Debtors, without further notice to or action, order, or approval of this Bankruptcy Court and without the need for any further corporate or shareholder action, to enter into and execute the New Secured Notes Documents and such other documents as may be required to effectuate the treatment afforded to the lenders under the New Indenture, including any and all documents that serve to evidence and secure the Reorganized Debtors’ respective obligations under the New Indenture and any liens and security interests in favor of the lenders under the New Indenture, and fully perform their obligations under the New Secured Notes Documents.

 

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c.    On the Effective Date, (i) the Reorganized Debtors are authorized to execute and deliver the New Indenture and any and all security agreements, guarantees, mortgages, or extensions of mortgages, certificates, control agreements, insurance documents, opinions, and other instruments, agreements, assignments, and documents contemplated or required by the New Indenture, including any and all such documents that serve to evidence and secure the Reorganized Debtors’ respective obligations under the New Indenture and any Liens and security interests in favor of the lenders under the New Indenture securing such obligations, and perform their obligations thereunder including the payment or reimbursement of any fees, expenses, losses, damages, or indemnities, and (ii) subject to, and upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the New Indenture as and when executed and delivered in accordance with the terms of the New Indenture, and any and all security agreements, guarantees, mortgages or extensions of mortgages, certificates, control agreements, insurance documents, opinions, and other instruments, agreements, assignments, and documents contemplated or required by the New Indenture, including any and all such documents that serve to evidence and secure the Reorganized Debtors’ respective obligations under the New Indenture and any Liens and security interests in favor of the lenders under the New Indenture securing such obligations, shall constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Reorganized Debtors and be enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

d.    Subject to, and upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the New Secured Notes Documents shall constitute legal, valid, binding, and authorized debt obligations of each of the Reorganized Debtors, and the terms and provisions set forth in the New Secured Notes Documents shall be enforceable in accordance with their terms. On the Effective Date, all of the Liens and security interests to be granted pursuant to the New Secured Notes Documents

 

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shall be (i) deemed to be approved, (ii) legal, valid, binding, and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, the collateral granted thereunder in accordance with the terms of the New Secured Notes Documents and with the priorities established in respect thereof under applicable nonbankruptcy law, and (iii) deemed perfected on the Effective Date, subject only to such Liens and security interests as may be permitted under the New Secured Notes Documents.

e.    The New Secured Notes Documents shall be deemed to have been entered into in good faith, for legitimate business purposes, are reasonable, shall not be subject to challenge, recharacterization or subordination (including equitable subordination) or avoidance for any purpose whatsoever and shall not constitute preferential transfers, fraudulent conveyances, fraudulent transfers, or other voidable transfers under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable nonbankruptcy law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Order or the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court’s retention of jurisdiction shall not govern the enforcement of the New Secured Notes Documents or any other documents executed in connection with the New Indenture or any rights or remedies related thereto.

15.     Issuance of New Warrants and New Common Stock Approved . On the Effective Date, Reorganized Tidewater Parent is authorized to issue or cause to be issued and shall issue the New Common Stock and the New Warrants in accordance with the terms of the Plan without the need for any further corporate action. All of the New Common Stock and the New Warrants issuable under the Plan, when so issued, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, and, in the case of the New Common Stock, fully paid and non-assessable. In no event shall Non-U.S. Citizens in the aggregate own more than twenty-two percent (22%) of the total number of shares of New Common Stock to be outstanding on the Effective Date. All of the New Common Stock underlying the New Warrants (upon payment of the exercise price in accordance

 

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with the terms thereof) issued pursuant to the Plan shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.

16.     Compliance with Section  1123(a)(6) of Bankruptcy Code . The adoption and filing of the Amended Organizational Documents are hereby authorized, ratified, and approved. The Debtors have complied in all respects, to the extent necessary, with section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.

17.     Exemption from Securities Laws . The offer, issuance, and distribution of the New Warrants (and the New Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof), the New Common Stock, and the New Secured Notes to holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims and holders of Allowed Existing Interests, as applicable, under Article IV of the Plan shall be exempt, pursuant to section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, without further act or action by any Entity, from registration under (a) the Securities Act, as amended, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (b) any state or local law requiring registration for the offer, issuance, or distribution of securities. The New Common Stock, the New Secured Notes, and the New Warrants (and the New Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof) shall be freely tradable by the recipients thereof, subject to (a) the provisions of section 1145(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code relating to the definition of an underwriter in section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act; (b) compliance with any rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, if any, applicable at the time of any future transfer of such securities or instruments; (c) the restrictions, if any, on the transferability of such securities and instruments, including, without limitation, any restrictions on the transferability under the terms of the Amended Organizational Documents and the New Warrants; and (d) any applicable regulatory approval.

 

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18.     Exemption from Transfer Taxes . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the issuance, transfer, or exchange of any security or other property under the Plan, as well as all sale transactions consummated by the Debtors and approved by the Bankruptcy Court on and after the Confirmation Date through and including the Effective Date, including any transfers effectuated under the Plan, shall constitute a “transfer under a plan” within the purview of section 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code and shall not be subject to any stamp, real estate transfer, mortgage recording, or other similar tax.

19.     Cancellation of Existing Securities and Agreements . Except for the purpose of evidencing a right to a distribution under the Plan and except as otherwise set forth in the Plan, including with respect to executory contracts or unexpired leases that shall be assumed by the Reorganized Debtors, on the Effective Date, all agreements, instruments, and other documents evidencing any Claim or Interest (other than Intercompany Interests that are not modified by the Plan) and any rights of any holder in respect thereof shall be deemed cancelled, discharged, and of no force or effect and the obligations of the Debtors thereunder shall be deemed fully satisfied, released, and discharged. Notwithstanding such cancellation and discharge, (a) the Troms Credit Agreement shall continue in effect and (b) the Credit Agreement and Note Purchase Agreements shall continue in effect solely to (i) the extent necessary, to allow the holders of Allowed Credit Agreement Claims and Allowed Notes Claims to receive distributions under the Plan, (ii) the extent necessary, to allow the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors, and/or the Disbursing Agent to make post-Effective Date distributions or take such other action pursuant to the Plan on account of the Allowed Credit Agreement Claims and the Allowed Notes Claims and to otherwise exercise their rights and discharge their obligations relating to the interests of the holders of such Claims, and (iii) permit counsel to the Credit Agreement Agent

 

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and counsel to the Unofficial Noteholder Committee to appear in the Chapter 11 Cases, provided , that all expense reimbursement obligations of the Debtors arising under (x) the Note Purchase Agreements in favor of the Noteholders or (y) the Credit Agreement in favor of the Credit Agreement Agent and/or the Tidewater Lenders, or in each case, their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, controlling persons, and legal and financial advisors, shall survive, remain in full force and effect, and be enforceable against the Reorganized Debtors on and after the Effective Date; provided , that except to the extent provided in clauses (a) and (b) above, nothing in Section 5.4 of the Plan shall affect the discharge of Claims pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, this Order, or the Plan, or result in any liability or expense to the Reorganized Debtors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any provision in any document, instrument, lease, or other agreement that causes or effectuates, or purports to cause or effectuate, a default, termination, waiver, or other forfeiture of, or by, the Debtors or their interests, as a result of the cancellations, terminations, satisfaction, releases, or discharges provided for in Section 5.4 of the Plan shall be deemed null and void and shall be of no force and effect. Nothing contained in this Order shall be deemed to cancel, terminate, release, or discharge the obligation of the Debtors or any of their counterparties under any executory contract or lease to the extent such executory contract or lease has been assumed by the Debtors pursuant to a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court or this Order.

20.     Cancellation of Liens . Upon the payment or other satisfaction of an Allowed Secured Claim, the holder of such Allowed Secured Claim shall deliver to the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors (as applicable) any collateral or other property of the Debtors held by such holder, and any termination statements, instruments of satisfaction, or releases of all security interests with respect to its Allowed Secured Claim that may be required in order to

 

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terminate any related financing statements, mortgages, mechanic’s liens, or lis pendens , or other similar interests or documents.

21.     Subordination . Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, this Order, or a separate order of the Bankruptcy Court, the allowance, classification and treatment of all Allowed Claims and Interests and the respective distributions and treatments under the Plan take into account and conform to the relative priority and rights of the Claims and Interests in each Class in connection with any contractual, legal, and equitable subordination rights relating thereto, whether arising under general principles of equitable subordination, section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise. Pursuant to section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors’ rights are reserved to re-classify any Allowed Claim or Interest in accordance with any contractual, legal, or equitable subordination relating thereto. All subordination rights that a holder of a Claim or Interest may have with respect to any distribution to be made under the Plan shall be discharged and terminated and all actions related to the enforcement of such subordination rights shall be enjoined permanently. Accordingly, the distributions under the Plan to the holders of Allowed Claims will not be subject to payment of a beneficiary of such subordination rights, or to levy, garnishment, attachment, or other legal process by a beneficiary of such terminated subordination rights.

22.     Assumption of Contracts and Leases . Pursuant to Article VIII of the Plan, as of and subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date and the payment of any applicable Cure amount, all executory contracts and unexpired leases to which any of the Debtors are a party, and which have not expired by their own terms on or prior to the Confirmation Date, including Employment Agreements, shall be deemed assumed except for any executory contract or unexpired lease that (a) previously has been assumed or rejected pursuant to a Final Order of the

 

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Bankruptcy Court, (b) is the subject of a separate motion filed by the Debtors under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code before the Confirmation Date for assumption or rejection, or (c) is the subject of a pending Assumption Dispute. Subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, entry of this Order by the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute approval of the assumptions provided for in the Plan pursuant to sections 365(a) and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, and all objections, if any, are overruled. Each executory contract and unexpired lease assumed pursuant to the Plan shall vest in and be fully enforceable by the applicable Reorganized Debtor in accordance with its terms, except as modified by the provisions of the Plan, any order of the Bankruptcy Court authorizing and providing for its assumption, or applicable law. Nothing herein or in the Plan shall or is intended to be contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with the Rejection Orders or any Final Order pertaining to any Sale Leaseback Agreements.

23.     Notice of Assumption. On May 22, 2017, the Debtors filed and served the Notice of Assumption of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases of Debtors and Related Procedures (the “ Assumption Notice ”) (Docket No. 120), which set forth a non-exclusive list of executory contracts and unexpired leases reflecting the Debtors’ intention to assume certain contracts or unexpired leases in connection with the Plan. Pursuant to the Plan, all obligations or Cure amounts relating to executory contracts and unexpired leases shall be paid in the ordinary course. Any counterparty to an executory contract or unexpired lease had ten (10) days from the service of an assumption notice to object to a proposed assumption. All counterparties who failed to object timely to a notice of the proposed assumption shall be deemed to have assented to assumption of their contract or lease notwithstanding any provision thereof or applicable law that purports to (a) prohibit, restrict, or condition the transfer or assignment of such contract or lease or require consent to assumption, transfer, or assignment thereof, (b) terminate or modify,

 

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or permit the termination or modification of, a contract or lease as a result of any direct or indirect transfer or assignment of the rights of the Debtors under such contract or lease or a change, if any, in the ownership or control to the extent contemplated by the Plan, (c) increase, accelerate, or otherwise alter any obligations or liabilities of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors under such executory contract or unexpired lease, or (d) create or impose a Lien upon any property or asset of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable. Each such provision shall be deemed to not apply to the assumption of such executory contract or unexpired lease pursuant to the Plan, and counterparties to assumed executory contracts or unexpired leases that fail to object to the proposed assumption in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 8.2(c) of the Plan and the Assumption Notice shall forever be barred and enjoined from objecting to the proposed assumption or to the validity of such assumption, or taking actions prohibited by the foregoing on account of transactions contemplated by the Plan.

24.     Reservation of Rights in Favor of United States Government . Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan, this Order, or the Plan Documents, nothing discharges or releases the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, or any non-Debtor from any claim, liability, or cause of action of any Governmental Unit or impairs the ability of any Governmental Unit to pursue any claim, liability, or cause of action against any Debtor, Reorganized Debtor, or non-Debtor. Contracts, leases, covenants, operating rights agreements, or other interests or agreements with any Governmental Unit shall be paid, treated, determined, and administered in the ordinary course of business as if these Chapter 11 Cases were never filed and the Debtors and Reorganized Debtors shall comply with all applicable nonbankruptcy law. All claims, liabilities, or causes of action of or to any Governmental Unit shall survive these Chapter 11 Cases as if these Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced and shall be determined in the ordinary course

 

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of business, including in the manner and by the administrative or judicial tribunals in which such rights or claims would have been resolved or adjudicated if these Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced. Without limiting the foregoing, for the avoidance of doubt: (a) Governmental Units shall not be required to file any proof of claim in these Chapter 11 Cases in order to be paid on account of any claim, liability, or cause of action; (b) nothing shall affect or impair the exercise of any Governmental Unit’s police and regulatory powers against the Debtors and/or the Reorganized Debtors; (c) nothing shall be interpreted to set cure amounts or to require any Governmental Unit to novate or otherwise consent to the transfer of any federal or state interests; (d) nothing shall affect or impair any Governmental Unit’s rights to assert setoff and recoupment against the Debtors and/or the Reorganized Debtors and such rights are expressly preserved and (e) nothing shall constitute an approval or consent by the United States without compliance with all applicable legal requirements and approvals under non-bankruptcy law.

25.     Reservation of Rights in Favor of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Safeco Insurance Company of America . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Order to the contrary: (a) the Debtors and Reorganized Debtors hereby affirm and ratify, in all respects, that certain General Agreement of Indemnity (the “ Indemnity Agreement ”), dated June 23, 2003, executed by Debtors Tidewater Inc. and Quality Shipyards, L.L.C., on their own behalves and for any entities for which Tidewater Inc. has requested or requests a bond, as indemnitors and principals (a “ Bond ” or “ Bonds ”), in favor of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliate, Safeco Insurance Company of America (collectively herein, the “ Surety ”); and (b) the discharge or release of any Claim under the Plan or this Order, including under Article X of the Plan, shall not release, discharge, preclude, or enjoin any obligation of any of the Debtors (prior to the Effective Date) or the Reorganized Debtors (on and after the Effective Date) to the Surety

 

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under the Indemnity Agreement, any Bonds, or the common law of suretyship. The Debtors further acknowledge and confirm that nothing in the Plan or this Order shall be deemed to impair Surety’s subrogation rights, if any, against any and all non-Debtors.

26.     Gulf Island Arbitration . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or this Order to the contrary (including any exhibits, attachments or other documents referenced in, or incorporated into, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or this Order), (a) any and all legal and equitable rights, claims, defenses, security interests, liens and privileges of any kind whatsoever of Gulf Island Shipyards, LLC (“ Gulf Island ”) against or relating to any of the Debtors, the Gulf Island Contracts (as defined below), or the Vessels (as defined below) (collectively, “ Gulf Island Claims ”), whether secured or unsecured, contingent or matured, liquidated or unliquidated, including but not limited to rights, claims, defenses, security interests, liens and privileges under or relating to (i) the Vessel Construction Contract for Hull No. 367 (the “ POTTER TIDE ”), as amended from time to time (the “ POTTER TIDE Contract ”), and (ii) the Vessel Construction Contract for Hull No. 368 (the “ YOUNGS TIDE ” and together with the POTTER TIDE, the “ Vessels ”), as amended from time to time (the “ YOUNGS TIDE Contract ” and together with the POTTER TIDE Contract, the “ Gulf Island Contracts ”), are fully preserved and shall pass through these Chapter 11 Cases unaffected and unimpaired by the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or this Order; (b) Gulf Island is hereby granted immediate relief from the automatic stay pursuant to section 362(d) of the Bankruptcy Code, and immediate relief from any injunctive provisions of this Order, the Plan, or the Plan Supplement, to proceed in all respects with (i) arbitration before the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association against Tidewater Marine, L.L.C. (“ Tidewater Marine ”) for Gulf Island Claims, subject to all of the Debtors’ respective claims, defenses and objections to such Gulf Island Claims, and (ii) upon the

 

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occurrence of the Effective Date, any other act, action or proceeding relating to any Gulf Island Claims, subject to all of the Debtors’ respective claims, defenses and objections to such other Gulf Island Claims; and (c) the Debtors shall assume the Gulf Island Contracts pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, subject to any and all Gulf Island Claims (whether or not such claims could be construed as “Cure Amounts” as defined in the Plan), which assumption is hereby approved. Without limiting any of the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, none of the provisions of Sections 7.2, 8.2(c)(iv), 8.3 (second sentence only), 10.3, 10.5, or 10.6(b) of the Plan shall apply to Gulf Island, the Gulf Island Claims or the Gulf Island Contracts, and nothing in the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or this Order shall effect a satisfaction, waiver, relinquishment or release of any Gulf Island Claims or a determination of any defaults under the Gulf Island Contracts. The stay of Bankruptcy Rule 4001(a)(3) is waived and shall not be applicable to the relief granted in this paragraph.

27.     BBVA Sale Leaseback Claims . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Disclosure Statement, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, this Order or any other Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, or otherwise, the Sale Leaseback Claims of BBVA Compass Financial Corporation (“ BBVA ”) and any and all claims, counterclaims, rights, and causes of action of any nature, guarantee claims, and legal and equitable claims of BBVA arising from or related to the Sale Leaseback Claims of BBVA (collectively with the Sale Leaseback Claims of BBVA, the “ BBVA Claims ”) are fully preserved; provided , that the BBVA Claims shall be adjudicated subject to the terms and conditions of the Sale Leaseback Order, the Consent Order Establishing Schedule for Discovery and Determination of Debtors Objections to Lessors Damages Claims (Docket No. 217) and any subsequent order of the Court related

 

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thereto, and any Allowed BBVA Claims shall be treated and satisfied in accordance with Section 4.3 of the Plan and the Sale Leaseback Order.

28.     LEEVAC Arbitration . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Disclosure Statement, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, this Order, or any other Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, or otherwise, nothing herein or therein shall affect the claims, counterclaims, rights, claims of setoff or recoupment, claim to escrow funds, causes of action, defenses and remedies of any nature whatsoever of LEEVAC Shipyards Jennings LLC (“ LEEVAC ”), all of which shall be treated, as applicable, as Secured Claims or Other General Unsecured Claims under Sections 4.2 or 4.4 of the Plan, including, without limitation, all of LEEVAC’s rights in respect of legal and equitable claims and defenses, setoffs, recoupments, and payments, and the claims, counterclaims, rights, claims of setoff or recoupment, claim to escrow funds, causes of action, defenses, and remedies of LEEVAC and Tidewater Marine, as applicable, in the arbitration pending in New Orleans, Louisiana under the Rules of the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association captioned Tidewater Marine, L.L.C. v. LEEVAC Shipyards Jennings, LLC are preserved, including all rights under applicable law to enforce any arbitration award rendered in favor of LEEVAC or Tidewater Marine, as the case may be.

29.     Ongoing Litigation and Administrative Proceedings . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Order, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or the Plan Documents, each litigation or administrative proceeding against the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, that was commenced against the Debtors prior to the Confirmation Date (including, without limitation, any Claim covered by insurance policies, but excluding the Sale Leaseback Claims 3 ),

 

3  

For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Sale Leaseback Claims” includes any guaranty Claim held by a party arising from or related to a Sale Leaseback Agreement.

 

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shall survive these Chapter 11 Cases as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced and continue in the ordinary course in the forum where such proceeding has been or could have been brought had these Chapter 11 Cases not been commenced, and the insurance carriers may administer, handle, defend, settle, and/or pay such Claims and use and apply any or all of the collateral provided by or on behalf of the Debtors (or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable) in the ordinary course of business subject to the terms of the insurance policies.

30.     Return of Deposits . All utilities, including any Person who received a deposit or other form of “adequate assurance” of performance pursuant to section 366 of the Bankruptcy Code during the Chapter 11 Cases (collectively, the “ Deposits ”), whether pursuant to the Final Order Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 366 and 105(a)  (I) Approving Debtors’ Proposed Form of Adequate Assurance of Payment to Utility Providers, (II)  Establishing Procedures for Resolving Objections by Utility Providers, and (III)  Prohibiting Utility Providers from Altering, Refusing or Discontinuing Service (Docket No. 221) (the “ Final Utilities Order ”) or otherwise, including, gas, electric, telephone, data, cable, trash, and sewer services, are directed, subject to the terms of the Final Utilities Order to the extent applicable, to return such Deposits to the Reorganized Debtors, either by setoff against postpetition indebtedness or by Cash refund, within fifteen (15) days following service of the Notice of Effective Date (defined below).

31.     Compromise and Settlement of Claims, Interests, and Controversies . The provisions of the Plan shall, upon the Effective Date, constitute a good faith compromise and settlement among the Debtors and the Consenting Creditors of numerous disputes from or related to (a) the Notes Claims, (b) the Credit Agreement Claims, and (c) the treatment of, and distribution to, holders of Tidewater Parent Interests. Furthermore, with regard to the holders of Sale Leaseback Claims, the Plan implements the settlements set forth in the Order Approving

 

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Stipulation Among the Debtors and Lessors Related to Sale Leaseback Agreements (Docket No. 129) (“ Sale Leaseback Order ”). This Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the compromises and settlements of all such Claims, Interests, and controversies, and the findings herein shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s determination that such compromises and settlements are in the best interests of the Debtors, the Estates, holders of such Claims and Interests, and other parties in interest, and are fair, equitable, and within the range of reasonableness. The provisions of the Plan, including, without limitation, its release, injunction, exculpation, and compromise provisions, are mutually dependent and non-severable.

32.     Conditions Precedent to Effective Date . The Plan shall not become effective unless and until the conditions set forth in Section 9.2 of the Plan have been satisfied or waived pursuant to Section 9.3 of the Plan. If the conditions specified in Section 9.2 of the Plan are not satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 9.3 of the Plan on or before the first (1st) Business Day that is more than thirty (30) days after the date on which this Order is entered or by such later date as set forth by the Debtors, with the consent of the Requisite Consenting Noteholders and the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, in a notice filed with the Bankruptcy Court prior to the expiration of such period, the Plan shall be null and void in all respects and nothing contained in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement shall (a) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims by or against or any Interests in the Debtors, (b) prejudice in any manner the rights of any Entity, or (c) constitute an admission, acknowledgement, offer, or undertaking by the Debtors, any of the Consenting Creditors, or any other Entity.

33.     Professional Compensation . All Entities seeking awards by the Bankruptcy Court of compensation for services rendered or reimbursement of expenses incurred

 

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through and including the Effective Date under sections 330, 331, 503(b)(2), 503(b)(3), 503(b)(4) or 503(b)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code shall file, on or before the date that is forty-five (45) days after the Effective Date, their respective final applications for allowance of compensation for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred. Objections to any Fee Claims must be filed and served on counsel to the Reorganized Debtors, the U.S. Trustee, and the requesting party no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after the filing of the final applications for compensation or reimbursement (unless otherwise agreed by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and the party requesting compensation of a Fee Claim). Allowed Fee Claims shall be paid in full, in Cash, in such amounts as are Allowed by the Bankruptcy Court (i) upon the later of (A) the Effective Date and (B) the date upon which a Final Order relating to any such Allowed Fee Claim is entered, in each case, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, or (ii) upon such other terms as may be mutually agreed upon between the holder of such an Allowed Fee Claim and the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and solely with respect to agreements entered into on or prior to the Effective Date, with the consent of the Tidewater Lender and Noteholder Group, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Fee Claims that are authorized to be paid pursuant to any orders entered by the Bankruptcy Court may be paid at the times and in the amounts authorized pursuant to such orders. The Reorganized Debtors are authorized to pay compensation for services rendered or reimbursement of expenses incurred after the Effective Date in the ordinary course and without the need for Bankruptcy Court approval. On or about the Effective Date, holders of Fee Claims shall provide a reasonable estimate of such Fee Claims to (i) the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and, in addition, (ii) solely with respect to estimates provided on or prior to the Effective Date, to (A) counsel to the Consenting

 

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Noteholders and (B) counsel to the Consenting Tidewater Lenders, and the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall separately reserve such estimated amounts for the benefit of the holders of the Fee Claims until the fee applications related thereto are resolved by Final Order or agreement of the parties. If a holder of a Fee Claim does not provide an estimate, the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may estimate the unpaid and unbilled fees and expenses of such holder of a Fee Claim. When all such Allowed Fee Claims have been paid in full, any remaining amount in such reserve shall promptly be released from such reserve and revert to, and ownership thereof shall vest in, the Reorganized Debtors without any further action or order of the Bankruptcy Court.

34.     Disputed Claims Reserve . On the Effective Date, the Disbursing Agent shall maintain the Disputed Claims Reserve in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the Sale Leaseback Order.

35.     Immediate Binding Effect . Pursuant to section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code and the other applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, on or after entry of this Order and subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, the terms of the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, and this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable and shall bind the Reorganized Debtors, the Released Parties, the Exculpated Parties, all holders of Claims and Interests (irrespective of whether such Claims or Interests are impaired under the Plan or whether the holders of such Claims or Interests accepted or are deemed to have accepted the Plan), any other person giving, acquiring, or receiving property under the Plan, any and all non-Debtor parties to executory contracts and unexpired leases with any of the Debtors, any other party in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, or assigns, if any, of the foregoing. On the Effective Date, all

 

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settlements (including the Restructuring Support Agreement), compromises, releases (including, without limitation the releases set forth in Sections 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7 of the Plan), waivers, discharges, exculpations, and injunctions set forth in the Plan shall be effective and binding on all Persons who may have had standing to assert any settled, compromised, released, waived, discharged, exculpated or enjoined Causes of Action after the Effective Date.

36.     Discharge of Claims and Termination of Interests . Upon the Effective Date and in consideration of the distributions to be made under the Plan, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or this Order, each holder (as well as any representatives, trustees, or agents on behalf of each holder) of a Claim or Interest and any affiliate of such holder shall be deemed to have forever waived, released, and discharged the Debtors, to the fullest extent permitted by section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, of and from any and all Claims, Interests, Causes of Action, rights, and liabilities that arose prior to the Effective Date. Upon the Effective Date, all such Entities shall be forever precluded and enjoined, pursuant to section 524 of the Bankruptcy Code, from prosecuting or asserting any such discharged Claim against or terminated Interest in the Debtors against any of the Debtors, Reorganized Debtors, or any of its or their assets or property, whether or not such holder has filed a proof of claim and whether or not the facts or legal bases therefor were known or existed prior to the Effective Date.

37.     Injunction, Release, and Exculpation Provisions . All injunctions, releases, and exculpation provisions set forth in the Plan, including but not limited to those contained in Sections 6.5, 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7 of the Plan, are approved and shall be effective and binding on all persons and entities, to the extent provided therein; provided , notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Order, from and after the Effective Date, the Disbursing Agent, solely in its capacity as Disbursing Agent and only with respect to acts in conformity with its

 

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obligations under the Plan, shall be exculpated by all Entities, including, without limitation, holders of Claims against and Interests in the Debtors and other parties in interest, from any and all Claims, Causes of Action, and other assertions of liability arising out of the discharge of the powers and duties conferred upon such Disbursing Agent by the Plan or any order of the Bankruptcy Court entered pursuant to or in furtherance of the Plan, or applicable law, except for actions or omissions to act arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct, fraud, malpractice, criminal conduct, or ultra vires acts of such Disbursing Agent.

38.     Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights . Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, including in Sections 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7 of the Plan, nothing contained in the Plan or this Order shall be deemed to be a waiver or relinquishment of any rights, claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff or recoupment, or other legal or equitable defenses that the Debtors had immediately prior to the Effective Date on behalf of the Estates or of themselves in accordance with any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable nonbankruptcy law or any affirmative Causes of Action against parties with a relationship with the Debtors. The Reorganized Debtors shall have, retain, reserve, and be entitled to assert all such claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff or recoupment, and other legal or equitable defenses as fully as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced, and all of the Debtors’ legal and equitable rights in respect of any Unimpaired Claim may be asserted after the Confirmation Date and Effective Date to the same extent as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors shall not retain any claims or Causes of Action released pursuant to Sections 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7 of the Plan against the Released Parties or arising under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code (except that such claims or Causes of Action

 

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may be asserted as a defense pursuant to section 502(d) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise to a claim in connection with the claims reconciliation and objection procedures).

39.     Terms of Injunctions or Stays . Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Order or a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, all injunctions or stays arising under or entered during the Chapter 11 Cases under sections 105 or 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise, and in existence on the Confirmation Date, are hereby approved or confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect until the later of the Effective Date or the date indicated in the order providing for such injunction or stay.

40.     Injunction Against Interference with Plan . Upon entry of this Order, all holders of Claims and Interests and other parties in interest, along with their respective present or former employees, agents, officers, directors, principals, and affiliates, shall be enjoined from (i) commencing or continuing in any manner, whether directly, derivatively or otherwise, any suit, action, or other proceeding, on account of, or in respect of, any Claim, demand, liability, obligation, debt, right suit, judgment, damages, Cause of Action, Interest or remedy whatsoever released or to be released pursuant to the Plan or this Order, and (ii) taking any actions to interfere with the implementation or consummation of the Plan and the Definitive Documents. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, this Order, or a separate order of the Bankruptcy Court or as agreed to by the Debtors and a holder of a Claim against or Interest in the Debtors, all Entities who have held, hold, or may hold Claims against or Interests in any or all of the Debtors (whether proof of such Claims or Interests has been filed or not and whether or not such Entities vote in favor of, against, or abstain from voting on the Plan or are presumed to have accepted or deemed to have rejected the Plan) and other parties in interest, along with their respective present or former employees, agents, officers, directors, principals, and affiliates are permanently

 

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enjoined, on and after the Effective Date, solely with respect to any Claims, Interests, and Causes of Action that will be or are extinguished, discharged, or released pursuant to the Plan from (a) commencing, conducting, or continuing in any manner, directly or indirectly, any suit, action, or other proceeding of any kind (including, without limitation, any proceeding in a judicial, arbitral, administrative, or other forum) against or affecting the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, (b) enforcing, levying, attaching (including, without limitation, any prejudgment attachment), collecting, or otherwise recovering by any manner or means, whether directly or indirectly, any judgment, award, decree, or order against the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, (c) creating, perfecting, or otherwise enforcing in any manner, directly or indirectly, any encumbrance of any kind against the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, (d) asserting any right of setoff, directly or indirectly, against any obligation due the Released Parties or the property of any of the Released Parties, except as contemplated or allowed by the Plan, and (e) acting or proceeding in any manner, in any place whatsoever, that does not conform to or comply with the provisions of the Plan. By accepting distributions pursuant to the Plan, each holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest shall be deemed to have affirmatively and specifically consented to be bound by the Plan, including, without limitation, the injunctions set forth in Section 10.5 of the Plan. The injunctions in Section 10.5 of the Plan shall extend to any successors of the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors and their respective property and interests in property.

41.     Survival of Debtors’ Indemnification Obligations . Pursuant to Section 8.5 of the Plan, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, any obligations of the Debtors pursuant to their corporate charters, bylaws, limited liability company agreements, other organizational documents, or indemnification agreements to indemnify current and former

 

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officers, directors, managers, agents, and/or employees with respect to all present and future actions, suits, and proceedings against the Debtors or such directors, officers, managers, agents, and/or employees, based upon any act or omission for or on behalf of the Debtors, shall not be discharged or impaired by confirmation of the Plan; provided , that the Reorganized Debtors shall not indemnify directors of the Debtors for any Claims or Causes of Action arising out of or relating to any act or omission that constitutes intentional fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct. All such indemnification obligations shall be deemed and treated as executory contracts to be assumed by the Debtors under the Plan and shall continue as obligations of the Reorganized Debtors. Any Claim based on the Debtors’ indemnification obligations, as described in Section 8.5 of the Plan, shall not be a Disputed Claim or subject to any objection in either case by reason of section 502(e)(1)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code. In addition, after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall not terminate or otherwise reduce the coverage under any directors’ and officers’ insurance policies (including any “tail policy”) in effect or purchased as of the Petition Date, and all members, managers, directors, and officers who served in such capacity at any time before the Effective Date shall be entitled to the full benefits of any such policy for the full term of such policy regardless of whether such members, managers, directors, and/or officers remain in such positions after the Effective Date, in each case, to the extent set forth in such policies.

42.     Insurance Policies . All insurance policies pursuant to which any Debtor has any obligations in effect as of the date of this Order shall be deemed and treated as executory contracts pursuant to the Plan and shall be assumed by the respective Debtors and Reorganized Debtors and shall continue in full force and effect thereafter in accordance with their respective terms. All other insurance policies shall vest in the Reorganized Debtors.

 

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43.     Intellectual Property Licenses and Agreements . All intellectual property contracts, licenses, royalties, or other similar agreements to which the Debtors have any rights or obligations in effect as of the date of this Order shall be deemed and treated as executory contracts pursuant to the Plan and shall be assumed by the respective Debtors and Reorganized Debtors and shall continue in full force and effect unless any such intellectual property contract, license, royalty, or other similar agreement otherwise is specifically rejected pursuant to a separate order of the Bankruptcy Court or is the subject of a separate rejection motion filed by the Debtors in accordance with Section 8.1 of the Plan. Unless otherwise noted under the Plan, all other intellectual property contracts, licenses, royalties, or other similar agreements shall vest in the Reorganized Debtors, and the Reorganized Debtors may take all actions as may be necessary or appropriate to ensure such vesting as contemplated in the Plan.

44.     Employee Matters .

a.    On the Effective Date, the Employment Arrangements shall be deemed to be, and shall be treated as, executory contracts and the Reorganized Debtors shall be deemed to have assumed all such Employment Arrangements unless rejected pursuant to Article VIII of the Plan or by agreement of the Debtors and each affected employee. The consummation of the Plan shall not be treated as a change in control or other similar transaction under any Employment Arrangements (other than to the extent provided otherwise in the CIC Agreements, in which case the terms of the applicable CIC Waiver Letters shall govern).

b.    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or in this Order, any Tidewater Parent Interests issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Petition Date pursuant to a Benefit Plan that have not been subsequently forfeited (or agreed to be forfeited) by the holder thereof (either voluntarily or by operation of the terms of such Benefit Plan, with

 

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effect as of any time on or prior to the Effective Date) shall be deemed to vest immediately prior to the Distribution Record Date.

c.    Upon the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall be deemed to have assumed the Tidewater Pension Plan (the “ Pension Plan ”) and shall comply with all applicable statutory provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (the “ IRC ”), including, but not limited to, satisfying the minimum funding standards pursuant to 26 U.S.C. §§ 412, 430, and 29 U.S.C. §§ 1082, 1083; paying the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“ PBGC ”) premiums in accordance with 29 U.S.C. §§ 1306 and 1307; and administering the Pension Plan in accordance with its terms and the provisions of ERISA and the IRC. In the event that the Pension Plan terminates after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors and each of its controlled group members will be responsible for the liabilities imposed by Title IV of ERISA. Nothing in the Plan or this Order shall be construed as (a) discharging or releasing the Debtors, their successors, including the Reorganized Debtors, or any party, in any capacity, from any liability imposed under any law or regulatory provision with respect to the Pension Plan or PBGC or (b) enjoining the Pension Plan or PBGC from enforcing such liability under applicable law. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan, this Order, or the Bankruptcy Code (including section 1141 thereof) to the contrary, including but not limited to Sections 10.3–10.7 of the Plan, nothing in the Plan, this Order, or the Bankruptcy Code will relieve, release, discharge, or exculpate the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Released Parties, the Exculpated Parties, or any party in any capacity, from any liability or responsibility with respect to the Pension Plan under any law, governmental policy, or regulatory provision. PBGC and the Pension Plan shall not be enjoined or precluded from enforcing such liability or responsibility by any of the provisions of the Plan, this Order, or the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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45.     Plan Implementation .

a.    The transactions described in the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, and this Order are hereby approved. In accordance with section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code and any provisions of the business corporation law of any applicable jurisdiction (collectively, the “ Reorganization Effectuation Statutes ”), without further action by the Bankruptcy Court or the equity holders, members, managers, or directors of any Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, as well as the officers of the appropriate Debtor or Reorganized Debtor are authorized to: (i) take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to implement, effectuate, and consummate the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, the Definitive Documents, this Order, and the transactions contemplated thereby or hereby, including, without limitation, the transactions identified in Article V of the Plan; and (ii) execute and deliver, adopt, or amend, as the case may be, any contracts, instruments, releases, agreements, and documents necessary to implement, effectuate, and consummate the Plan and the Plan Supplement, including, without limitation, those contracts, instruments, releases, agreements, and documents identified in Article V of the Plan (including, without limitation, documents related to the New Secured Notes Documents, the Certificate, the New Creditor Warrant Agreement, the New Existing Equity Warrant Agreement, the Amended Organizational Documents, and the Registration Rights Agreement).

b.    Except as set forth in the Plan, all actions authorized to be taken pursuant to the Plan, the Plan Supplement, and the other Plan Documents, including, without limitation, the transactions identified in Article V of the Plan, shall be effective prior to, on, or after the Effective Date pursuant to this Order, without further notice, application to, or order of this

 

62


Bankruptcy Court, or further action by the respective managers, officers, directors, members, or equity holders of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors.

c.    To the extent that, under applicable nonbankruptcy law, any of the foregoing actions would otherwise require the consent or approval of the equity holders, members, managers, or directors of any of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, this Order shall, pursuant to section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code and the Reorganization Effectuation Statutes, constitute such consent or approval, and such actions are deemed to have been taken by unanimous action of the directors, managers, members, and equity holders of the appropriate Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable.

d.    Each government entity is hereby authorized to accept any and all documents, mortgages, security agreements, financing statements, and instruments necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, or consummate the transactions contemplated by the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, and this Order.

46.     Payment of Statutory Fees . On the Effective Date and thereafter as may be required, the Reorganized Debtors shall pay all fees incurred pursuant to section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code for each Debtor’s case until such time as a final decree is entered closing a particular Debtor’s case, a Final Order converting such Debtor’s case to a case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code is entered, or a Final Order dismissing such Debtor’s case is entered.

47.     Payment of Advisor Fees of Credit Agreement Agent and Unofficial Noteholder Committee . On the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors are authorized and directed to pay in Cash all outstanding Restructuring Expenses.

 

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48.     Documents, Mortgages, and Instruments . Each federal, state, commonwealth, local, foreign, or other governmental agency is hereby authorized to accept any and all documents, mortgages, and instruments necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, or consummate the transactions contemplated by the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, and this Order.

49.     Reversal/Stay/Modification/Vacatur of Confirmation Order . Except as otherwise provided in this Order, if any or all of the provisions of this Order are hereafter reversed, modified, vacated, or stayed by subsequent order of this Bankruptcy Court or any other court, such reversal, stay, modification, or vacatur shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any act, obligation, indebtedness, liability, priority, or lien incurred or undertaken by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, prior to the effective date of such reversal, stay, modification, or vacatur. Notwithstanding any such reversal, stay, modification, or vacatur of this Order, any such act or obligation incurred or undertaken pursuant to, or in reliance on, this Order prior to the effective date of such reversal, stay, modification, or vacatur shall be governed in all respects by the provisions of this Order and the Plan or any amendments or modifications thereto.

50.     Retention of Jurisdiction . On and after the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 105 and 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code, this Bankruptcy Court, except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in this Order, shall retain jurisdiction over the matters set forth in Article XI and other applicable provisions of the Plan.

51.     Modifications and Amendments . Subject to the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Debtors may, upon order of the Bankruptcy Court, amend, modify, or supplement the Plan in the manner provided for by section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code or as

 

64


otherwise permitted by law, in each case without additional disclosure pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code. Subject to the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement and the applicable sections of the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, before the Effective Date, the Debtors may make appropriate technical adjustments and modifications to the Plan and the documents contained in the Plan Supplement to cure any non-substantive ambiguity, defect (including any technical defect), or inconsistency without further order or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

52.     Provisions of Plan and Confirmation Order are Nonseverable and Mutually Dependent . Each term and provision of the Plan (including the Plan Supplement and all exhibits and schedules thereto) and all other documents filed in connection with the Plan, or executed or to be executed in connection with transactions contemplated by the Plan and all amendments and modifications of any of the foregoing made pursuant to provisions of the Plan governing such modifications, is (a) valid and enforceable pursuant to its terms, (b) integral thereto and may not be deleted or modified without the consent of (i) the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors (as the case may be), and (ii) the Requisite Consenting Tidewater Lenders and the Requisite Consenting Noteholders, and (c) nonseverable and mutually dependent. The provisions of the Plan and this Order, including the findings of fact and conclusions of law set forth herein, are nonseverable and mutually dependent.

53.     Jones Act Compliance . The Solicitation Package and Solicitation Procedures, and the New Common Stock and the New Warrants issued by Reorganized Tidewater Parent shall be deemed reasonable and appropriate measures for ensuring compliance with the Jones Act and with the applicable provisions of Reorganized Tidewater Parent’s Amended Organizational Documents, which contain reasonable and appropriate measures for

 

65


ensuring compliance with the Jones Act. Upon issuance of the New Common Stock and the New Warrants, as provided for in the Solicitation Procedures, and upon adoption of Reorganized Tidewater Parent’s Amended Organizational Documents, Reorganized Tidewater Parent, as well as other Reorganized Debtors that own or operate U.S.-flag vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade, shall be deemed to be in compliance with the Jones Act and qualified to own and operate U.S.-flag vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade.

54.     Governing Law . Except to the extent the Bankruptcy Code or other federal law is applicable, or to the extent an exhibit hereto or a schedule in the Plan Supplement or a Definitive Document provides otherwise, the rights, duties, and obligations arising under the Plan shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.

55.     Applicable Nonbankruptcy Law . Pursuant to sections 1123(a) and 1142(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, the provisions of this Order, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, and the other Plan Documents, or any amendments or modifications thereto shall apply and be enforceable notwithstanding any otherwise applicable nonbankruptcy law.

56.     Waiver of Filings . Any requirement under section 521 of the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rule 1007 obligating the Debtors to file any list, schedule, or statement with the Bankruptcy Court or the Office of the U.S. Trustee (except for monthly operating reports or any other post-confirmation reporting obligation to the U.S. Trustee), is hereby waived as to any such list, schedule, or statement not filed as of the Confirmation Date.

57.     Governmental Approvals Not Required . Subject to paragraph 24 of this Order, this Order shall constitute all approvals and consents required, if any, by the laws, rules, or regulations of any state or other governmental authority with respect to the implementation or

 

66


consummation of the Plan, any documents, instruments, or agreements, and any amendments or modifications thereto, and any other acts referred to in, or contemplated by, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, the other Plan Documents, and the Disclosure Statement.

58.     Additional Plan Modifications .

(a)    Section 1.72 of the Plan shall be amended and restated (deletions shown in strikethrough and bold; additions shown in underline and bold) as follows:

Exculpated Parties means collectively: (a) the Debtors, (b) the Reorganized Debtors, (c) the Creditors’ Committee, (d) the Equity Committee, and (e)   with respect to each of the foregoing Entities in clauses (a)  and (b), such Entities’ respective officers and directors, (f)  with respect to each of the foregoing Entities in clauses (a) through (d), such Entities’ respective predecessors, successors, and assigns, managed accounts or funds, current or former officers, directors, principals, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, and other professionals , and such Entities’ respective heirs, executors, estates, and nominees , and (g) the respective members of the Creditors’ Committee and the Equity Committee (each in their capacity as such) .

(b)    Section 10.6(b)(3) of the Plan shall be amended and restated (additions shown in underline and bold) as follows:

with respect to any Entity in the foregoing clauses (1) and (2), except to the extent deemed to reject the Plan, such Entity’s predecessors, successors and assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates, managed accounts or funds, current or former officers, directors, principals, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, advisory board members, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, fund advisors and other professionals, and such Entity’s respective heirs, executors, estates, servants, and nominees (each, solely in their capacity as such) ;

(c)    Section 10.7 of the Plan shall be amended and restated (deletions shown in strikethrough and bold) as follows:

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Exculpated Parties shall neither have nor incur any liability to any holder of a Claim or Interest or any other party in interest, or any of their respective predecessors, successors, and assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates, managed accounts, or funds, current or former officers, directors, principals, shareholders, members, partners, employees, agents, advisory board members, financial advisors,

 

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attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, management companies, fund advisors, and other professionals, and such Entity’s respective heirs, executors, estates, servants, or nominees for any act or omission (both prior to and subsequent to the Petition Date) in connection with, related to, or arising out of, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Debtors’ restructuring, the Chapter 11 Cases, the purchase, sale, or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, the business or contractual arrangements between any Debtor and any Released Party relating to the Chapter 11 Cases, the Plan, or the Disclosure Statement, the restructuring of Claims and Interests before or during the Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, preparation, proposal, confirmation, or consummation of the Plan (including the Plan Supplement), the Restructuring Support Agreement, the Definitive Documents, or any related agreements, instruments, or other documents, the solicitation of votes with respect to the Plan, any settlement or agreement in the Chapter 11 Cases, the offer, issuance, and distribution of any securities issued or to be issued pursuant to the Plan, whether or not such distribution occurs following the Effective Date, negotiations regarding or concerning any of the foregoing, or the administration of the Plan or property to be distributed hereunder, except for any act or omission that is a criminal act or constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional fraud as determined by Final Order. This exculpation shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, all other releases, indemnities, exculpations, and any other applicable law or rules protecting such Exculpated Parties from liability.

59.     Notice of Entry of Confirmation Order and Effective Date . In accordance with Bankruptcy Rules 2002 and 3020(c), as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, the Debtors shall serve notice of the entry of this Order, substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 2 (the “ Notice of Effective Date ”), to all parties who hold a Claim or Interest in these cases and the U.S. Trustee. Such notice is hereby approved in all respects and shall be deemed good and sufficient notice of entry of this Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date.

60.     Dissolution of the Creditors Committee and the Equity Committee . On the Effective Date, the Creditors’ Committee and the Equity Committee shall dissolve, and the members thereof shall be released and discharged from all rights and duties arising from, or related to, the Chapter 11 Cases; provided , that the Creditors’ Committee and the Equity Committee shall exist, and its professionals shall continue to be retained, after the Effective Date

 

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solely with respect to all applications filed pursuant to sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code and any related hearings.

61.     Waiver or Estoppel . Each holder of a Claim or Interest shall be deemed to have waived any right to assert any argument, including the right to argue that its Claim or Interest should be Allowed in a certain amount, in a certain priority, secured, or not subordinated by virtue of an agreement made with the Debtors or their counsel (or any other Entity), if such agreement was not disclosed in the Plan or papers filed with the Court before the Confirmation Date.

62.     Debtors’ Actions Post-Confirmation Through the Effective Date . During the period from entry of this Order through and until the Effective Date, each of the Debtors shall continue to operate their business as a debtor in possession, subject to the oversight of the Court as provided under the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and this Order, and any order of the Court that is in full force and effect.

63.     Waiver of Section  341 Meeting . As of the date of this Order, the Section 341 Meeting has not been convened. The convening of the Section 341 Meeting is hereby waived in accordance with the Scheduling Order.

64.     Substantial Consummation . On the Effective Date, the Plan shall be deemed to be substantially consummated under sections 1101 and 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code.

65.     Inconsistency . To the extent of any inconsistency between this Order and the Plan, this Order shall govern.

66.     Effect of Confirmation Order on Other Orders . Unless expressly provided for herein, nothing in the Plan or this Order shall affect any orders entered in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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67.     Stay of Confirmation . The requirements under Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e) that an order confirming a plan is stayed until the expiration of fourteen (14) days after entry of the order are hereby waived. This Order shall take effect immediately and shall not be stayed pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 3020(e), 6004(g), 6006(d), or 7062.

68.     No Waiver . The failure to specifically include any particular Plan Document or provision of the Plan or Plan Document in this Order will not diminish the effectiveness of such provision nor constitute a waiver thereof, it being the intent of this Bankruptcy Court that the Plan is confirmed in its entirety, the Plan Documents are approved in their entirety, and all are incorporated herein by this reference.

69.     Closure of the Chapter 11 Cases . As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors are authorized but not directed to submit an order to the Bankruptcy Court under certification of counsel that is in form and substance acceptable to the U.S. Trustee that closes and issues a final decree for each of the Chapter 11 Cases.

70.     Final Order . This Order is a Final Order and the period in which an appeal must be filed shall commence upon the entry hereof.

Dated: July 17, 2017

            Wilmington, Delaware

 

/s/ Brendan L. Shannon

HONORABLE BRENDAN L. SHANNON
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY JUDGE

 

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Exhibit 1

Second Amended Plan


Exhibit 2

Notice of Effective Date


UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY

COURT DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

     x       

In re:

 

TIDEWATER INC., et al. ,

 

                          Debtors. 1

   



:
:
:
:
:
 
 
 
 
 
  

Chapter 11

 

Case No. 17–11132 (BLS)

 

(Jointly Administered)

      x     

NOTICE OF (I) ENTRY OF ORDER CONFIRMING FIRST

AMENDED JOINT PREPACKAGED CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF

REORGANIZATION

OF TIDEWATER INC. AND ITS AFFILIATED DEBTORS

AND (II) OCCURRENCE OF EFFECTIVE DATE

TO CREDITORS, INTEREST HOLDERS, AND OTHER PARTIES IN INTEREST:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on July          , 2017, the Honorable Brendan L. Shannon, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) entered an order (Docket No. [          ]) (the “ Order ”), 2 approving, among other things, the First Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater Inc. and Its Affiliated Debtors , dated as of July 12, 2017 (Docket No. [          ]) (the “ Plan ”) of Tidewater Inc. and its debtor affiliates, as debtors and debtors in possession in the above-captioned chapter 11 cases (collectively, the “ Debtors ”).

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Order, the Plan, and all of the other documents filed in the Chapter 11 Cases, can be viewed for free at the website for the Debtors’ claims, noticing, and solicitation agent, Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLP (“ Epiq ”): http://dm.epiq11.com/Tidewater. Additionally, copies of the documents are available upon request by (i) calling Epiq at (866) 734-9393 (toll free), (ii) sending an

 

1   The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases, along with the last four digits of each Debtor’s federal tax identification number, if any, are: Tidewater Inc. (7776), Tidewater Marine Western, Inc. (1064), Tidewater Corporate Services, L.L.C. (7776), Tidewater Marine, L.L.C. (7779), Cajun Acquisitions, LLC (2365), Gulf Fleet Supply Vessels, L.L.C. (2194), Hilliard Oil & Gas, Inc. (4727), Java Boat Corporation (0278), Pan Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C., Point Marine, L.L.C. (9586), Quality Shipyards, L.L.C. (2335), S.O.P., Inc. (3464), Tidewater Marine Alaska, Inc. (7549), Tidewater Marine International Dutch Holdings, L.L.C. (2289), Tidewater Marine Sakhalin, L.L.C. (7779), Tidewater Mexico Holding, L.L.C. (8248), Tidewater Venture, Inc. (7694), Twenty Grand (Brazil), L.L.C. (7730), Twenty Grand Marine Service, L.L.C. (7730), Zapata Gulf Marine, L.L.C. (5513), Tidewater GOM, Inc. (2799), Tidewater Subsea, L.L.C. (2022), Tidewater Subsea ROV, L.L.C. (3832), Tidewater Marine Fleet, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Hulls, L.L.C., Tidewater Marine Ships, L.L.C., and Tidewater Marine Vessels, L.L.C. The Debtors’ principal offices are located at 601 Poydras Street, Suite 1500, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.
2  

Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan and the Order.


electronic mail message to tabulation@epiqsystems.com with “Tidewater” in the subject line, or (iii) accessing the Bankruptcy Court’s website: www.deb.uscourts.gov. A PACER password and login are needed to access documents on the Bankruptcy Court’s website. A PACER password can be obtained at http://www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov. The Order, the Plan, and all of the other documents filed in the Chapter 11 Cases are also available for inspection during regular business hours in the office of the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court, 824 N. Market Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Effective Date of the Plan occurred on                      , 2017.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that pursuant to section 1141 and other applicable provisions of title 11 of the United States Code, as a result of the occurrence of the Effective Date, the provisions of the Plan (including the exhibits thereto and all documents and agreements executed pursuant thereto or in connection therewith), and the Order are binding on the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, all holders of Claims or Interests in the Debtors (irrespective of whether such Claims or Interests are impaired under the Plan or whether the holders of such Claims or Interests accepted or rejected the Plan), any other person giving, acquiring, or receiving property under the Plan, any and all non-Debtor parties to executory contracts and unexpired leases with any of the Debtors, any other party in interest in the Chapter 11 Cases, and the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns of any of the foregoing.

[ Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

2


Dated:                          , 2017

            Wilmington, Delaware

 

 
 

 

Daniel J. DeFranceschi (No. 2732)

Zachary I. Shapiro (No. 5103)

RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER, P.A.

One Rodney Square

920 North King Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Telephone:   (302) 651-7700
Facsimile:   (302) 651-7701
Email:   defranceschi@rlf.com
Email:   shapiro@rlf.com
 
-and-  
 

Ray C. Schrock, P.C. (admitted pro hac vice )

Jill Frizzley

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP

767 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10153

Telephone:   (212) 310-8000
Facsimile:   (212) 310-8007
Email:   ray.schrock@weil.com
Email:   jill.frizzley@weil.com
 
-and-  
 

Alfredo R. Pérez (admitted pro hac vice )

Chris López (admitted pro hac vice )

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP

700 Louisiana Street, Suite 1700

Houston, Texas 77002

Telephone:   (713) 546-5000
Facsimile:   (713) 224-9511
Email:   alfredo.perez@weil.com
Email:   chris.lopez@weil.com
 

Attorneys for the Debtors

and Debtors in Possession

 

3

Exhibit 99.2

 

LOGO

 

  

Press Release

 

 

TIDEWATER INC. • Pan-American Life Center • 601 Poydras Street, Suite 1500 • New Orleans, LA 70130 • Telephone (504) 568-1010 • Fax (504) 566-4582

TIDEWATER ANNOUNCES CONFIRMATION OF PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

NEW ORLEANS, July 13, 2017— Tidewater Inc. (NYSE: TDW) (“Tidewater” or the “Company”) today announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) has confirmed the Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Tidewater and its Affiliated Debtors, originally dated May 17, 2017 and amended on July 12, 2017 and July 13, 2017 (the “Plan”). The Company expects that Judge Brendan L. Shannon will enter a written confirmation order within the next few business days (the “Confirmation Order”).

“We are very pleased that the court has confirmed our Plan within a relatively short time frame,” said Jeffrey M. Platt, Tidewater’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The substantial deleveraging of our balance sheet through the recapitalization contemplated by the Plan, as well as our strong liquidity position, should reassure our customer and vendor base of our ongoing ability to perform our contracts and meet our obligations while we weather the continuing headwinds in the offshore energy industry. Additionally, this restructuring will position us to consider possible targeted acquisition opportunities in an industry where consolidation is to be expected. We are working hard to complete the remaining steps necessary to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of this month. Tidewater is thankful for the continued support of our many stakeholders, including our lenders, noteholders, stockholders, employees, customers, vendors and trade creditors. Their support has been integral to the successful outcome of the chapter 11 process, and we look forward to emerging in the coming weeks as a strong, well-capitalized company, poised to continue providing our customers with the same safe, compliant and efficient services which have been the hallmark of our Company throughout our history.”

The following is a summary of the material terms of the Plan. This summary highlights only certain substantive provisions of the Plan and is not intended to be a complete description of the Plan. Capitalized terms used but not defined below have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan. Following the entry of the written Confirmation Order, the Company will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which will include the Plan and Confirmation Order as exhibits.

The Plan of Reorganization and Treatment of Claims and Interests

The Plan contemplates the following treatment of claims against and interests in the Debtors:

 

   

The lenders under the Credit Agreement, the holders of Notes, and the lessor parties (the “Sale Leaseback Parties”) to certain sale leaseback agreements (the

 

1


 

“Sale Leaseback Agreements”) holding claims thereunder (collectively, the “General Unsecured Creditors” and the claims thereof, the “General Unsecured Claims”) will receive their pro rata share of (a) $225 million of cash, (b) subject to the considerations discussed below, common stock and, if applicable, warrants (the “New Creditor Warrants”) to purchase common stock, representing 95% of the pro forma common equity in reorganized Tidewater (subject to dilution by a management incentive plan and the exercise of warrants issued to existing stockholders under the Plan as described below); and (c) new 8% fixed rate secured notes due in 2022 in the aggregate principal amount of $350 million (the “New Secured Notes”).

The Company and the Sale Leaseback Parties are not in agreement with respect to the allowed amount of claims of the Sale Leaseback Parties (the “Sale Leaseback Claims”). Accordingly, on the Effective Date, a portion of the cash, New Creditor Warrants, and New Secured Notes referenced above, in an amount that the Company believes represents the maximum possible distributions owing on account of such disputed Sale Leaseback Claims, will be withheld from distributions to General Unsecured Creditors and will be distributed according to the terms of the Plan as such claims are resolved. To the extent the Sale Leaseback Claims are resolved for less than the amount withheld, the remainder will thereafter be distributed to holders of allowed General Unsecured Claims pro rata.

To assure the continuing ability of certain vessels owned by the Company’s subsidiaries to engage in U.S. coastwise trade, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that would otherwise be issuable to the allowed General Unsecured Creditors may be adjusted to assure that the foreign ownership limitations of the United States Jones Act are not exceeded. The Jones Act requires any corporation that engages in coastwise trade be a U.S. citizen within the meaning of that law, which requires, among other things, that the aggregate ownership of common stock by non-U.S. citizens within the meaning of the Jones Act be not more than 25% of its outstanding common stock. The Plan requires that, at the time Tidewater emerges from bankruptcy, not more than 22% of the outstanding common stock will be held by non-U.S. citizens. To that end, the Plan provides for the issuance of a combination of common stock of reorganized Tidewater and the New Creditor Warrants to purchase common stock of reorganized Tidewater on a pro rata basis to any non-U.S. citizen among the allowed General Unsecured Creditors whose ownership of common stock, when combined with the shares to be issued to other General Unsecured Creditors and existing Tidewater stockholders that are non-U.S. citizens, would otherwise cause the 22% threshold to be exceeded. The New Creditor Warrants will not grant the holders thereof any voting or control rights or dividend rights, or contain any negative covenants restricting the operation of the Company’s business. Generally, the New Creditor Warrants will be transferrable and will be exercisable immediately at a nominal exercise price, subject to restrictions contained in the Company’s new certificate of incorporation designed to assure the Company’s continuing eligibility to engage in coastwise trade under the Jones Act that prohibit the exercise of such warrants where such

 

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exercise would cause the total number of shares held by non-U.S. citizens to exceed 24% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Tidewater will establish, under its charter and through DTC, appropriate measures to assure compliance with these ownership limitations.

 

    The Company’s existing shares of common stock will be cancelled as of the Effective Date. Existing common stockholders of Tidewater will receive their pro rata share of common stock representing 5% of the pro forma common equity in reorganized Tidewater (subject to dilution by a management incentive plan and the exercise of warrants issued to existing stockholders under the Plan) and six-year warrants to purchase additional shares of common stock of reorganized Tidewater. These warrants will be issued in two tranches, with the first tranche (the “Series A Warrants”) being exercisable immediately, at an aggregate exercise price based upon an equity value of the Company of approximately $1.71 billion, and the second tranche (the “Series B Warrants”) being exercisable immediately, at an aggregate exercise price based upon an equity value of the Company of $2.02 billion. The Series A Warrants will be exercisable for a number of shares equal to 7.5% of the sum of (i) the total outstanding shares of common stock after completion of the transactions contemplated by the Plan, and (ii) any shares issuable upon exercise of the New Creditor Warrants and the Series A Warrants, while the Series B Warrants will be exercisable for a number of shares equal to 7.5% of the sum of (x) the total outstanding shares of common stock after completion of the transactions contemplated by the Plan, and (y) any shares issuable upon the exercise of the New Creditor Warrants, the Series A Warrants, and Series B Warrants. Like the New Creditor Warrants, the Series A Warrants and the Series B Warrants will not grant the holders thereof any voting or control rights or dividend rights, or contain any negative covenants restricting the operation of the Company’s business and will be subject to the restrictions in the Company’s new certificate of incorporation described above that prohibit the exercise of such warrants where such exercise would cause the total number of shares held by non-U.S. citizens to exceed 24% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

 

    The undisputed claims of other unsecured creditors such as customers, employees, and vendors, will be paid in full in the ordinary course of business (except as otherwise agreed among the parties).

Unless otherwise specified, the treatment set forth in the Plan and Confirmation Order will be in full satisfaction of all claims against and interests in the Debtors, which will be discharged on the Effective Date. All of the Company’s existing common stock will be extinguished by the Plan.

Additional Information

Additional details about the restructuring are available on the Company’s website and at http://dm.epiq11.com/tidewater, or via the Company’s restructuring information line 844-843-0204 (toll free) or 504-597-5543 (international calls).

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

In accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company notes that certain statements set forth in this press release provide other than historical information and are forward looking. The actual achievement of any forecasted results, or the unfolding of future economic or business developments in a way anticipated or projected by the Company, involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual performance to be materially different from that stated or implied in the forward-looking statement. Among those risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, without limitation, the ability to satisfy the conditions necessary to declare the Plan effective in the anticipated timeframe; effects on the market price of the Company’s common stock and on the Company’s ability to access the capital markets; volatility in worldwide energy demand and oil and gas prices, and continuing depressed levels of oil and gas prices, without a clear indication of if, or when, prices will recover to a level to support renewed offshore exploration activities; consolidation of our customer base; fleet additions by competitors and industry overcapacity; our views with respect to the need for and timing of the replenishment of our asset base, including through acquisitions or vessel construction; changes in capital spending by customers in the energy industry for offshore exploration, field development and production; loss of a major customer; changing customer demands for vessel specifications, which may make some of our older vessels technologically obsolete for certain customer projects or in certain markets; delays and other problems associated with vessel construction and maintenance; uncertainty of global financial market conditions and difficulty in accessing credit or capital; potential difficulty in meeting financial covenants in material debt or other obligations of the Company or in obtaining covenant relief from lenders or other contract parties; acts of terrorism and piracy; integration of acquired businesses and entry into new lines of business; disagreements with our joint venture partners; significant weather conditions; unsettled political conditions, war, civil unrest and governmental actions, such as expropriation or enforcement of customs or other laws that are not well developed or consistently enforced, or requirements that services provided locally be paid in local currency, in each case especially in higher political risk countries where we operate; foreign currency fluctuations; labor changes proposed by international conventions; increased regulatory burdens and oversight; changes in laws governing the taxation of foreign source income; retention of skilled workers; enforcement of laws related to the environment, labor and foreign corrupt practices; and the resolution of pending legal proceedings. Readers should consider all of these risk factors as well as other information contained in this press release.

Tidewater is the leading provider of Offshore Service Vessels (OSVs) to the global energy industry.

INVESTOR CONTACT: Tidewater Inc.

Quinn P. Fanning, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

713-470-5300

Joe Bennett, Executive Vice President and Chief Investor Relations Officer

504-566-4506

 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer E. Mercer

Epiq Strategic Communications for Tidewater

310-712-6215

SOURCE: Tidewater Inc.

 

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