Opinion
Nos. 02-13533 (AJG) (Jointly Administered), 02-13532 (AJG), 02-42155 (AJG), 02-42156 (AJG), 02-42157 (AJG), 02-42158 (AJG), 02-42159 (AJG), 02-42160 (AJG), 02-42161 (AJG), 02-42162 (AJG), 02-42163 (AJG), 02-42164 (AJG), 02-42165 (AJG), 02-42166 (AJG), 02-42167 (AJG), 02-42168 (AJG), 02-42169 (AJG), 02-42170 (AJG), 02-42171 (AJG), 02-42172 (AJG), 02-42173 (AJG), 02-42174 (AJG), 02-42175 (AJG), 02-42176 (AJG), 02-42177 (AJG), 02-42178 (AJG), 02-42179 (AJG), 02-42180 (AJG), 02-42181 (AJG), 02-42182 (AJG), 02-42183 (AJG), 02-42184 (AJG), 02-42185 (AJG), 02-42186 (AJG), 02-42187 (AJG), 02-42188 (AJG), 02-42189 (AJG), 02-42190 (AJG), 02-42191 (AJG), 02-42192 (AJG), 02-42193 (AJG), 02-42194 (AJG), 02-42195 (AJG), 02-42196 (AJG), 02-42197 (AJG), 02-42198 (AJG), 02-42199 (AJG), 02-42200 (AJG), 02-42201 (AJG), 02-42202 (AJG), 02-42203 (AJG), 02-42204 (AJG), 02-42205 (AJG), 02-42206 (AJG), 02-42207 (AJG), 02-42208 (AJG), 02-42209 (AJG), 02-42210 (AJG), 02-42211 (AJG), 02-42212 (AJG), 02-42213 (AJG), 02-42214 (AJG), 02-42215 (AJG), 02-42216 (AJG), 02-42217 (AJG), 02-42218 (AJG), 02-42219 (AJG), 02-42220 (AJG), 02-42221 (AJG), 02-42222 (AJG), 02-42223 (AJG), 02-42224 (AJG), 02-42225 (AJG), 02-42226 (AJG), 02-42227 (AJG), 02-42228 (AJG), 02-42229 (AJG), 02-42230 (AJG), 02-42231 (AJG), 02-42232 (AJG), 02-42233 (AJG), 02-42234 (AJG), 02-42235 (AJG), 02-42236 (AJG), 02-42237 (AJG), 02-42238 (AJG), 02-42239 (AJG), 02-42240 (AJG), 02-42241 (AJG), 02-42242 (AJG), 02-42243 (AJG), 02-42244 (AJG), 02-42245 (AJG), 02-42246 (AJG), 02-42247 (AJG), 02-42248 (AJG), 02-42249 (AJG), 02-42250 (AJG), 02-42251 (AJG), 02-42252 (AJG), 02-42253 (AJG), 02-42254 (AJG), 02-42255 (AJG), 02-42256 (AJG), 02-42257 (AJG), 02-42258 (AJG), 02-42259 (AJG), 02-42260 (AJG), 02-42261 (AJG), 02-42262 (AJG), 02-42263 (AJG), 02-42264 (AJG), 02-42265 (AJG), 02-42266 (AJG), 02-42267 (AJG), 02-42268 (AJG), 02-42269 (AJG), 02-42270 (AJG), 02-42271 (AJG), 02-42272 (AJG), 02-42273 (AJG), 02-42274 (AJG), 02-42275 (AJG), 02-42276 (AJG), 02-42277 (AJG), 02-42278 (AJG), 02-42279 (AJG), 02-42280 (AJG), 02-42281 (AJG), 02-42282 (AJG), 02-42283 (AJG), 02-42284 (AJG), 02-42285 (AJG), 02-42286 (AJG), 02-42287 (AJG), 02-42288 (AJG), 02-42289 (AJG), 02-42290 (AJG), 02-42291 (AJG), 02-42292 (AJG), 02-42293 (AJG), 02-42294 (AJG), 02-42295 (AJG), 02-42296 (AJG), 02-42297 (AJG), 02-42298 (AJG), 02-42299 (AJG), 02-42300 (AJG), 02-42301 (AJG), 02-42302 (AJG), 02-42303 (AJG), 02-42304 (AJG), 02-42305 (AJG), 02-42306 (AJG), 02-42307 (AJG), 02-42308 (AJG), 02-42309 (AJG), 02-42310 (AJG), 02-42311 (AJG), 02-42312 (AJG), 02-42313 (AJG), 02-42314 (AJG), 02-42315 (AJG), 02-42316 (AJG), 02-42317 (AJG), 02-42318 (AJG), 02-42319 (AJG), 02-42320 (AJG), 02-42321 (AJG), 02-42322 (AJG), 02-42323 (AJG), 02-42324 (AJG), 02-42325 (AJG), 02-42326 (AJG), 02-42327 (AJG), 02-42328 (AJG), 02-42329 (AJG), 02-42330 (AJG), 02-43305 (AJG), 02-43306 (AJG), 02-43307 (AJG), 02-43308 (AJG), 02-43309 (AJG), 02-43310 (AJG), 02-43311 (AJG), 02-43312 (AJG), 02-43313 (AJG), 02-43314 (AJG), 02-43315 (AJG), 02-43316 (AJG), 02-43317 (AJG), 02-43318 (AJG), 02-43319 (AJG), 02-43320 (AJG), 02-43321 (AJG), 02-43324 (AJG), 02-43322 (AJG), 02-43323(AJG), 02-43325 (AJG), 02-43326 (AJG), 02-43327 (AJG), 02-43328 (AJG), 02-43329 (AJG), 02-43330 (AJG), 02-43331 (AJG), 02-43332 (AJG), 02-43333 (AJG), 02-43334 (AJG), 02-43335 (AJG), 02-43336 (AJG), 02-43337 (AJG), 02-43338 (AJG), 02-43339 (AJG), 02-43340 (AJG), 02-43341 (AJG), 02-43342 (AJG), 02-43343 (AJG), 02-43344 (AJG), 02-43345 (AJG), 02-43346 (AJG), 02-43347 (AJG).
March 29, 2005
FINAL DECREE CLOSING CERTAIN CHAPTER 11 CASES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 105 AND 350(a) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND BANKRUPTCY RULE 3022
Upon consideration of the expedited joint motion (the "Motion") of the above-captioned direct and indirect subsidiaries of MCI, Inc. (formerly, WorldCom, Inc.), as debtors and reorganized debtors (the "Affiliated Debtors," and together with MCI, Inc. and Intermedia Communications, Inc., the "Debtors"), seeking the entry of a Final Decree closing their respective cases under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") pursuant to sections 105 and 350(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, and Bankruptcy Rule 3022, as more fully described in the Motion; and after due consideration of arguments and authorities set forth in the Motion, as well as the objections to the Motion, if any; and a hearing having been held before this Court; and upon the proceedings before the Court; and good and sufficient cause appearing therefor,
Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings that are ascribed to such terms in the Motion.
The Affiliated Debtors consist of all direct and indirect debtor subsidiaries of MCI, Inc., except for Intermedia Communications, Inc.
IT IS HEREBY FOUND AND DETERMINED THAT:
A. The Court has jurisdiction to consider the Motion pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334, and this matter is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157. Venue of these chapter 11 cases and the Motion is proper under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1409 and 1412.
B. Notice of the Motion was proper.
C. On July 21, 2002 (the "Commencement Date") and November 8, 2002, WorldCom, Inc. and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries commenced 222 cases under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code"). By Orders, dated July 22, 2002 and November 12, 2002, the Debtors' chapter 11 cases were consolidated for procedural purposes. During the chapter 11 cases, the Debtors operated their businesses and managed their properties as debtors in possession pursuant to sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code.
D. On October 31, 2003, this Court entered an order confirming the Debtors' Modified Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the "Plan"). The order confirming the Plan is final and non-appealable.
E. On April 20, 2004 (the "Effective Date"), the Plan became substantially consummated and effective in accordance with its terms, and pursuant to the Plan, WorldCom, Inc. merged with and into MCI, Inc. with MCI, Inc. being the survivor. Accordingly, payments to be made under the Plan have commenced.
F. The Plan provides for the substantive consolidation of the WorldCom Debtors and the Intermedia Debtors, respectively. To the extent that any claims remain pending against one of the Affiliated Debtors, such claims are deemed claims against the WorldCom Debtors or the Intermedia Debtors as a result of substantive consolidation. The WorldCom Case and the Intermedia Case will continue to be jointly administered for the purpose of adjudicating or resolving pending claims against either the WorldCom Debtors or the Intermedia Debtors, as the case may be. Accordingly, the chapter 11 cases of the Affiliated Debtors have been rendered redundant by substantive consolidation and the rights of creditors will not be adversely affected by closing these cases.
G. The Plan also provides that certain of the Debtors will be merged into one or more of the Debtors, dissolved, or otherwise consolidated as of the Effective Date. The Affiliated Debtors identified on the attached "Exhibit A" (the "Merger Subsidiaries") were so merged, dissolved, or otherwise consolidated as of the Effective Date and those cases were ripe for closing at that time. The Affiliated Debtors identified on the attached "Exhibit B" (the "Surviving Subsidiaries") survived on and after the Effective Date in accordance with Section 5.05 of the Plan.
H. In accordance with Section 13.05 of the Plan, all fees payable pursuant to section 1930 of chapter 123 of title 28 of the United States Code were paid on the Effective Date, and have continued to be paid to the Office of the United States Trustee (the "Trustee") thereafter as required. Absent an order closing these chapter 11 cases, the Debtors will be forced to incur the ongoing financial burden of paying quarterly fees to the Trustee on cases that have been rendered redundant as a result of substantive consolidation.
I. The estates of the Affiliated Debtors have been fully administered within the meaning of section 350(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.
J. The facts and circumstances before the Court justify an order retroactively closing the cases of the Merger Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date of the Plan.
K. Entry of a final decree closing these chapter 11 cases is in the best interest of the Debtors, their estates and creditors.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED THAT:
1. The Motion is granted.
2. The chapter 11 cases of WorldCom, Inc. (Case No. 02-13533-ajg) (the "WorldCom Case") and Intermedia Communications, Inc. (Case No. 02-42154-ajg) (the "Intermedia Case"), shall remain open; provided that, the Affiliated Debtors, as debtors in possession, are hereby discharged.
3. The Merger Subsidiaries' cases under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, as reflected on Exhibit A hereto, are each hereby CLOSED, effective as of April 20, 2004, in accordance with the provisions of sections 105 and 350 of the Bankruptcy Code and Rule 3022 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, without prejudice to the rights of the Debtors or any other party in interest to seek to reopen such cases for good cause shown, and the Clerk of Court may forward all records to the official record center.
4. The Surviving Subsidiaries' cases under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, as reflected on Exhibit B hereto, are each hereby CLOSED as of the date of this Final Decree or March 31, 2005, whichever is earlier, in accordance with the provisions of sections 105 and 350 of the Bankruptcy Code and Rule 3022 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, without prejudice to the rights of the Debtors or any other party in interest to seek to reopen such cases for good cause shown, and the Clerk of Court may forward all records to the official record center.
5. This Final Decree is intended to facilitate administration of these chapter 11 cases only and shall not have or be deemed to have any effect whatsoever upon the WorldCom Case or the Intermedia Case or any order of this Court entered in such cases.
6. This Final Decree is without prejudice to the Trustee's claims for statutory fees in connection with the WorldCom Case and the Intermedia Case.
7. This Court shall retain such jurisdiction as is provided for in the Plan and the order confirming the Plan.
8. The requirement of Local Bankruptcy Rule 9013-1(b) for a filing of a memorandum of law in support of the Motion has been satisfied. Exhibit A Debtor Case No.
MCI Communications Corporation 02-42155 Access Network Services, Inc. 02-42156 Access Virginia, Inc. 02-42157 ALD Communications, Inc. 02-42158 BFC Communications, Inc. 02-42159 Bittel Telecommunications Corporation 02-42160 Brooks Fiber Communications of Arkansas, Inc. 02-42161 Brooks Fiber Communications of Bakersfield, Inc. 02-42162 Brooks Fiber Communications of Connecticut, Inc. 02-42163 Brooks Fiber Communications of Fresno, Inc. 02-42164 Brooks Fiber Communications of Michigan, Inc. 02-42166 Brooks Fiber Communications of Minnesota, Inc. 02-42167 Brooks Fiber Communications of Mississippi, Inc. 02-42168 Brooks Fiber Communications of Missouri, Inc. 02-42169 Brooks Fiber Communications of Nevada, Inc. 02-42170 Brooks Fiber Communications of New England, Inc. 02-42171 Brooks Fiber Communications of New Mexico, Inc. 02-42172 Brooks Fiber Communications of New York, Inc. 02-42173 Brooks Fiber Communications of Ohio, Inc. 02-42174 Brooks Fiber Communications of Oklahoma, Inc. 02-42175 Brooks Fiber Communications of Rhode Island, Inc. 02-42176 Brooks Fiber Communications of Sacramento, Inc. 02-42177 FiberNet Rochester, Inc. 02-42197 Fibernet, Inc. 02-42198 Healan Communications, Inc. 02-42199 Intelligent Investment Partners, Inc. 02-42200 Intermedia Capital, Inc. 02-42201 Intermedia Licensing Company 02-42204 Jones Lightwave of Denver, Inc. 02-42205 Marconi Telegraph Cable Company, Inc. 02-42206 MCI Canada, Inc. 02-42207 MCI Equipment Acquisition Corporation 02-42208 MCI Galaxy III Transponder Leasing, Inc. 02-42209 MCI Global Access Corporation 02-42210 MCI Investments Holdings, Inc. 02-42215 MCI Network Technologies, Inc. 02-42216 MCI Omega Properties, Inc. 02-42217 MCI Research, Inc. 02-42218 MCI WORLDCOM Capital Management Corporation 02-42221 MCI WORLDCOM Communications of Virginia, Inc. 02-42222 MCI/OTI Corporation 02-42231 Metrex Corporation 02-42233 Metropolitan Fiber systems of Arizona, Inc. 02-42234 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Baltimore, Inc. 02-42235 Brooks Fiber Communications of San Jose, Inc. 02-42178 Brooks Fiber Communications of Stockton, Inc. 02-42179 Brooks Fiber Communications of Tennessee, Inc. 02-42180 Brooks Fiber Communications of Texas, Inc. 02-42181 Brooks Fiber Communications of Tucson, Inc. 02-42182 Brooks Fiber Communications of Tulsa, Inc. 02-42183 Brooks Fiber Communications of Utah, Inc. 02-42184 Brooks Fiber Communications-LD, Inc. 02-42185 Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc. 02-42186 BTC Transportation Corporation 02-42187 Business Internet, Inc. 02-42188 Chicago Fiber Optic Corporation 02-42189 Com Systems, Inc. 02-42190 COM/NAV Realty Corp. 02-42191 Cross County Wireless, Inc. 02-42192 CS Wireless Battle Creek, Inc. 02-42193 CS Wireless Systems, Inc. 02-42194 E.L. Acquisition, Inc. 02-42195 Express Communications, Inc. 02-42196 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Florida, Inc. 02-42242 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Houston, Inc. 02-42243 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Indianapolis, Inc. 02-42244 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Inc. 02-42245 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of New Hampshire, Inc. 02-42246 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of New Jersey, Inc. 02-42247 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of New Orleans, Inc. 02-42248 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of California, Inc. 02-42236 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Connecticut, Inc. 02-42237 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Dallas, Inc. 02-42238 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Delaware, Inc. 02-42239 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Denver, Inc. 02-42240 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Detroit, Inc. 02-42241 UUNET Holdings Corp. 02-42299 Virginia Metrotel, Inc. 02-42303 Wireless One, Inc. 02-42304 Wireless Video Services 02-42305 WorldCom Broadband Solutions, Inc. 02-42306 WorldCom East, Inc. 02-42307 WorldCom ICC, Inc. 02-42310 WorldCom International Mobile Services, Inc. 02-42313 WorldCom Overseas Holdings, Inc. 02-42314 ICI Capital LLC 02-42317 Intermedia Services LLC 02-42318 Tenant Network Services, Inc. 02-42292 TransCall America, Inc. 02-42293 Tru Vision Wireless, Inc. 02-42294 Tru Vision-Flippin, Inc. 02-42295 UUNET Australia Limited 02-42297 UUNET Caribbean, Inc. 02-42298 MCI WORLDCOM Brooks Telecom, LLC 02-42322 MCI WORLDCOM MFS Telecom, LLC 02-42323 WorldCom International Mobile Services LLC 02-42327 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Ohio, Inc. 02-42250 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Oregon, Inc. 02-42251 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Philadelphia, Inc. 02-42252 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Pittsburgh, Inc. 02-42253 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Seattle, Inc. 02-42254 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of St. Louis, Inc. 02-42255 Metropolitan Fiber Systems/McCourt, Inc. 02-42256 MFS CableCo U.S., Inc. 02-42257 MFS Datanet, Inc. 02-42258 MFS Telecom, Inc. 02-42259 MFS Telephone of Missouri, Inc. 02-42260 MFS Telephone of New Hampshire, Inc. 02-42261 MFS Telephone of Virginia, Inc. 02-42262 MFS Telephone, Inc. 02-42263 MFSA Holding, Inc. 02-42264 MobileComm Europe Inc. 02-42266 Mtel Asia, Inc. 02-42267 Mtel Cellular, Inc. 02-42268 Mtel International, Inc. 02-42269 Mtel Microwave, Inc. 02-42271 Mtel Service Corporation 02-42272 National Telecommunications of Florida, Inc. 02-42273 N.C.S. Equipment Corporation 02-42274 Netwave Systems, Inc. 02-42275 networkMCI, Inc. 02-42276 Northeast Networks, Inc. 02-42277 Nova Cellular Co. 02-42278 MFS/C-TEC 02-42330 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of North Carolina, Inc. 02-43328 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Oklahoma, Inc. 02-43329 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Rhode Island, Inc. 02-43330 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Tennessee, Inc. 02-43331 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Virginia, Inc. 02-43332 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Wisconsin, Inc. 02-43333 MFS Foreign Personnel, Inc. 02-43334 Mtel American Radiodetermination Corporation 02-43335 Mtel Digital Services, Inc. 02-43336 Mtel Space Technologies Corporation 02-43337 Mtel Technologies, Inc. 02-43338 Southern Wireless Video, Inc. 02-43339 TMC Communications, Inc. 02-43340 Wireless Video Enhanced Services, Inc. 02-43341 Wireless Video Enterprises, Inc. 02-43342 MCI Systemhouse L.L.C. 02-43343 MFS International Holdings, L.L.C. 02-43345 WorldCom Switzerland LLC 02-43347 Shared Technologies Fairchild Communications Corporation 02-42281 Shared Technologies Fairchild Telecom, Inc. 02-42282 Shared Technologies Fairchild, Inc. 02-42283 SkyTel Communications, Inc. 02-42284 Western Business Network, Inc. 02-43305 1-800-Collect, Inc. 02-43306 J.B. Telecom, Inc. 02-43317 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Alabama, Inc. 02-43318 NTC, Inc. 02-42279 Overseas Telecommunications, Inc. 02-42280 B.T.C. Real Estate Investments, Inc. 02-43307 Brooks Fiber Communications of Idaho, Inc. 02-43308 Brooks Fiber Communications of Virginia, Inc. 02-43309 BTC Finance Corp. 02-43310 CC Wireless, Inc. 02-43311 Compuplex Incorporated 02-43312 Cross Country Telecommunications, Inc. 02-43313 CS Network Services, Inc. 02-43314 Fibercom of Missouri, Inc. 02-43315 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Columbus, Inc. 02-43319 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Hawaii, Inc. 02-43320 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Iowa, Inc. 02-43321 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Kansas City, Missouri, Inc. 02-43322 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Kansas, Inc. 02-43323 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Kentucky, Inc. 02-43324 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Massachusetts, Inc. 02-43325 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Nebraska, Inc. 02-43326 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of Nevada, Inc. 02-43327 Institutional Communications Company 02-43316
EXHIBIT B
Debtor Case No.
WorldCom Caribbean, Inc. 02-13532 Metropolitan Fiber Systems of New York, Inc. 02-42249 Military Communications Center, Inc. 02-42265 Mtel Latin America, Inc. 02-42270 SkyTel Corp. 02-42285 Southernnet of South Carolina, Inc. 02-42286 Southernnet Systems, Inc. 02-42287 Southernnet, Inc. 02-42288 Telecom *USA, Inc. 02-42289 Teleconnect Company 02-42290 Teleconnect Long Distance Services Systems Co. 02-42291 Intermedia Communications of Virginia, Inc. 02-42202 Intermedia Investment, Inc. 02-42203 MCI Global Support Corporation 02-42211 MCI International 02-42212 Telecommunications Corporation MCI International, Inc. 02-42213 MCI International 02-42214 Telecommunications Holding Corporation MCI Transcon Corporation 02-42219 MCI Wireless, Inc. 02-42220 MCI WORLDCOM Financial Management Corporation 02-42224 MCI WORLDCOM Global Networks U.S., Inc. 02-42225 Brooks Fiber Communications of Massachusetts, Inc. 02-42165 MCI WORLDCOM Network Services, Inc. 02-42229 MCImetro Access Transmission Services LLC 02-42324 New England Fiber Communications L.L.C. 02-43346 MCI WORLDCOM International, Inc. 02-42226 MCI WorldCom Management Company, Inc. 02-42227 MCI WORLDCOM Synergies Management Company, Inc. 02-42230 MCImetro Access Transmission Services of Virginia, Inc. 02-42232 UUNET International Ltd. 02-42300 UUNET Japan Ltd. 02-42301 UUNET Technologies, Inc. 02-42302 WorldCom ETC, Inc. 02-42308 WorldCom Federal Systems, Inc. 02-42309 WorldCom International, Inc. 02-42311 WorldCom International Data Services, Inc. 02-42312 WorldCom Ventures, Inc. 02-42315 WorldCom Wireless, Inc. 02-42316 MCI International Services, L.L.C. 02-42319 TTI National, Inc. 02-42296 MCI Payroll Services, LLC 02-42320 MCI WORLDCOM Brands, L.L.C. 02-42321 SkyTel Payroll Services, LLC 02-42325 UUNET Payroll Services, LLC 02-42326 WorldCom Payroll Services, LLC 02-42328 WorldCom Purchasing, LLC 02-42329 MCI WORLDCOM Communications, Inc. 02-42223 MCI WORLDCOM Network Services of Virginia, Inc. 02-42228 MCI WORLDCOM Brazil, LLC 02-43344