There was some serious discussion at one of the programs at the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference about Sunnyslope, more in the area of equitable mootness than in property valuation issues. Someone reminded us that a confirmed plan in a corporate chapter 11 cannot be modified after it has been substantially consummated. In Sunnyslope, everyone involved in the case agreed that the plan was substantially consummated. The opinion says, “the plan as approved by the bankruptcy court was substantially consummated, as all parties acknowledge.” So it must be “unraveled,” – pitched out. The court (the two person majority) concluded, “As a result, the plan of reorganization confirmed by the bankruptcy court and affirmed by the district court must be set aside.” So I guess it will not be modified, the parties will simply start over four years later. Read more…