Second Circuit Directs Consideration of an 'Efficient Market' Interest Rate for <b><i>Momentive</i></b> Cramdown Plan

On Oct. 20, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in Momentive Performance Materials, Inc. v. BOKF, NA (In re MPM Silicones, L.L.C. “MPM”) –F.3d–, 2017 WL 4700314, Nos. 15-1682 (2nd Cir. Oct.20, 2017), reversed in part and remanded to the bankruptcy court an order confirming the Debtor's Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The appellate court instructed the bankruptcy court to apply an “efficient market rate” of interest to the senior secured notes issued under the plan, if such a rate could be ascertained, in lieu of a “formula rate” of interest that had been applied. The Second Circuit affirmed the balance of judgment on appeal by denying any make-whole recovery, refusing to subordinate claims of certain second lien creditors and finding that the doctrine of equitable mootness did not apply.