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Vyaire - Fifth Monthly Fee Application (November 1-14 2024)

Date
2025-01-16

Summary

The fifth monthly fee application of McDermott Will & Emery LLP, counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, filed December 26, 2024 as Doc 888 in In re Vyaire Medical, Inc., et al., Case No. 24-11217 (BLS), the Chapter 11 cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. For the period November 1, 2024 through November 14, 2024 the firm seeks $90,331.54, equal to 80% of $112,914.43 in fees, and no expense reimbursement. Fees are shown as $132,840.50 for 85.3 hours less a 15% client accommodation of $19,926.08, giving a blended rate of $1,323.73. Project categories include plan and disclosure statement work at $94,627.50, creditor communications at $13,852.50, fee applications at $9,650.00 and court hearings at $8,306.00. It lists four prior monthly applications totalling $2,085,691.76 in requested fees.

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Full text

               Case 24-11217-BLS              Doc 888        Filed 12/26/24        Page 1 of 14




                       IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
                            FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

                                                       )   Chapter 11
In re:                                                 )
                                                       )   Case No. 24-11217 (BLS)
VYAIRE MEDICAL, INC., et al.,1                         )
                                                       )   (Jointly Administered)
                                   Debtors.            )
                                                       )   Obj. Deadline: 1/16/25 at 4:00 p.m. (ET)
                                                       )   Hrg. Date: Only if an objection is filed

              SUMMARY OF FIFTH MONTHLY FEE APPLICATION OF
          MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP, COUNSEL TO THE OFFICIAL
          COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS, FOR ALLOWANCE OF
          COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FOR THE
          PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Name of Applicant:                                             MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP

Authorized to provide professional                             Official Committee of Unsecured
services to:                                                   Creditors of Vyaire Medical, Inc., et al.

Date of retention:                                             July 30, 2024, effective June 28, 2024

Period for which compensation and                              November 1, 2024 through November 14,
reimbursement are sought:                                      2024

Amount of compensation sought as actual,
reasonable, and necessary:                                     $90,331.54 (80% of $112,914.43)

Amount of reimbursement sought as actual,
reasonable, and necessary:                                     $0.00

This is a:                                                     Monthly Fee Application




1
    The last four digits of Debtor Vyaire Medical, Inc.’s federal tax identification number are 6495. A complete list
    of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases and each such Debtor’s federal tax identification number may
    be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ claims and noticing agent at https://omniagentsolutions.com/Vyaire.
    The location of Debtor Vyaire Medical, Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in
    these chapter 11 cases is 26125 North Riverwoods Boulevard, Mettawa, Illinois, USA 60045.
             Case 24-11217-BLS          Doc 888        Filed 12/26/24       Page 2 of 14




Prior Monthly Applications:

          MONTHLY FEE               REQUESTED FEES              APPROVED FEES              HOLDBACK
          APPLICATION                AND EXPENSES                AND EXPENSES
 Application    CNO     Period     Requested Requested         Approved  Approved             Fees
 Docket No.     Date   Covered       Fees    Expenses            Fees    Expenses           Holdback
 Date Filed     Filed                                           (80%)     (100%)             (20%)
               Docket
                 No.
    First     9/16/24 6/28/24-    $738,990.00     $3,295.01   $591,192.00     $3,295.01    $147,798.00
  Monthly     D.I. 525 7/31/24
  D.I. 402
  8/21/24
   Second     10/25/24 8/1/24-    $536,880.40     $1,664.69   $429,504.32     $1,664.69    $107,376.08
  Monthly     D.I. 679 8/31/24
  D.I. 592
  10/1/24
    Third     11/22/24 9/1/24-    $480,715.38     $2,222.21   $384,572.30     $2,222.21    $96,143.08
  Monthly     D.I. 794 9/30/24
  D.I. 696
  10/31/24
   Fourth     12/13/24 10/1/24-   $329,105.98     $986.58     $263,284.78      $986.58     $65,821.20
  Monthly     D.I. 840 10/31/24
  D.I. 759
  11/21/24
              Total               $2,085,691.76   $8,168.49   $1,668,553.41   $8,168.49    $417,138.35




                                                  ii
                  Case 24-11217-BLS             Doc 888         Filed 12/26/24       Page 3 of 14




                          OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED
                        CREDITORS OF VYAIRE MEDICAL, INC., ET AL.
                         SUMMARY OF BILLING BY PROFESSIONAL
                       NOVEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2024

                                              Position with
         Name of               Date of                                                 Total
                                              the Applicant          Hourly                            Total
        Professional            Bar                                                    Billed
                                               and Practice       Billing Rate2                     Compensation
          Person              Admission                                                Hours
                                                  Area
                                                 Partner;
    Kristin K. Going              2002          Corporate            $1,750             39.3          $68,775.00
                                                 Advisory
                                                 Partner;
    David R. Hurst                1998          Corporate            $1,750             8.5           $14,875.00
                                                Advisory
                                                 Partner;
    Maris J. Kandestin            2004          Corporate            $1,650             22.5          $37,125.00
                                                Advisory
                                                Partner;
    Kelly D. Newsome              2015         White Collar          $1,525             0.5             $762.50
                                               & Securities
                                                Associate;
    Carole Wurzelbacher           2015          Corporate            $1,245             4.8           $5,976.00
                                                Advisory
                                                Associate;
    Kristin E. Schwam             2020         White Collar          $1,200             1.2           $1,440.00
                                               & Securities
                                               Technology
    Edward Y. Kwon                N/A            Project              $570              1.1             $627.00
                                                Manager
                                                Paralegal;
    Nolley M. Rainey              N/A           Corporate             $500              5.4           $2,700.00
                                                Advisory
                                                Litigation
    Andy Garcia                   N/A          Technology             $280              1.0             $280.00
                                               Data Analyst
                                                Litigation
    Daniel Valentino              N/A          Technology             $280              1.0             $280.00
                                               Data Analyst
    Total                                                                               85.3         $132,840.50




2
      Except as set forth below, the rate represents the current standard hourly rate of each McDermott attorney and
      paralegal who rendered legal services.


                                                          iii
                 Case 24-11217-BLS             Doc 888         Filed 12/26/24       Page 4 of 14




                                              Position with
         Name of               Date of                                                Total
                                              the Applicant         Hourly                            Total
        Professional            Bar                                                   Billed
                                               and Practice      Billing Rate2                     Compensation
          Person              Admission                                               Hours
                                                  Area
    Less 15% Client Accommodation3                                                                   $19,926.08
    ADJUSTED TOTAL                                                                                  $112,914.43
                                                                                     Blended Rate: $1,323.734




3
      As an accommodation to the Committee, McDermott has agreed to discount the amount of its monthly invoices
      by an amount equal to 15% of the aggregate fees requested in each such invoice.
4
      The blended rate was calculated by dividing the adjusted total fees sought by the aggregate number of hours
      worked by McDermott Professionals.


                                                          iv
                 Case 24-11217-BLS           Doc 888        Filed 12/26/24      Page 5 of 14




                         OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED
                       CREDITORS OF VYAIRE MEDICAL, INC., ET AL.
                       SUMMARY OF FEES BY PROJECT CATEGORY
                      NOVEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2024

                      Project Category                             Total Hours                Total Fees
    Case Administration                                                 3.9                   $2,325.00
    Asset Disposition                                                    0.4                   $690.00
    Meetings and Communications with Creditors                          8.7                  $13,852.50
    Court Hearings                                                       5.3                  $8,306.00
    Fee and Employment Applications                                     6.8                   $9,650.00
    Contested and Litigation-Related Matters                            4.8                   $3,389.50
    Plan/Disclosure Statement                                           55.4                 $94,627.50
    Total                                                               85.3                 $132,840.50
    Less 15% Client Accommodation5                                                            $19,926.08
    ADJUSTED TOTAL                                                                           $112,914.43




5
      As an accommodation to the Committee, McDermott has agreed to discount the amount of its monthly invoices
      by an amount equal to 15% of the aggregate fees requested in each such invoice.


                                                        v
          Case 24-11217-BLS   Doc 888    Filed 12/26/24   Page 6 of 14




                 OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED
               CREDITORS OF VYAIRE MEDICAL, INC., ET AL.
                       SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
              NOVEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2024

                                 Service Provider
        Expense Category                                      Total Expenses
                                  (if applicable)
N/A                                                               $0.00
TOTAL                                                             $0.00




                                    vi
               Case 24-11217-BLS              Doc 888        Filed 12/26/24        Page 7 of 14




                       IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
                            FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

                                                       )   Chapter 11
In re:                                                 )
                                                       )   Case No. 24-11217 (BLS)
VYAIRE MEDICAL, INC., et al.,1                         )
                                                       )   (Jointly Administered)
                                   Debtors.            )
                                                       )   Obj. Deadline: 1/16/25 at 4:00 p.m. (ET)
                                                       )   Hrg. Date: Only if an objection is filed

              FIFTH MONTHLY FEE APPLICATION OF MCDERMOTT
         WILL & EMERY LLP, COUNSEL TO THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF
         UNSECURED CREDITORS, FOR ALLOWANCE OF COMPENSATION
          AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FOR THE PERIOD FROM
                NOVEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14, 2024

          McDermott Will & Emery LLP (the “Applicant” or “McDermott”), counsel to the

Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Committee”) of Vyaire Medical, Inc., et al., the

debtors and debtors in possession (collectively, the “Debtors”) in the above-captioned chapter 11

cases (the “Chapter 11 Cases”), hereby applies (the “Application”), pursuant to sections 330 and

331 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532 (the “Bankruptcy Code”), Rule

2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the “Bankruptcy Rules”), and Rule 2016-2

of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure of the United States Bankruptcy Court

for the District of Delaware (the “Local Rules”), for allowance of compensation for services

rendered and expenses incurred for the period from November 1, 2024 through November 14,

2024 (the “Application Period”), and respectfully represents as follows:




1
    The last four digits of Debtor Vyaire Medical, Inc.’s federal tax identification number are 6495. A complete list
    of each of the Debtors in these chapter 11 cases and each such Debtor’s federal tax identification number may
    be obtained on the website of the Debtors’ claims and noticing agent at https://omniagentsolutions.com/Vyaire.
    The location of Debtor Vyaire Medical, Inc.’s principal place of business and the Debtors’ service address in
    these chapter 11 cases is 26125 North Riverwoods Boulevard, Mettawa, Illinois, USA 60045.
              Case 24-11217-BLS          Doc 888      Filed 12/26/24     Page 8 of 14




                                 JURISDICTION AND VENUE

       1.      The Court has jurisdiction to consider the Application 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. This is a core proceeding under

28 U.S.C. § 157(b). Venue of these cases and the Application in this District is proper under

28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.

       2.      The legal predicates for the relief requested herein are Bankruptcy Code sections

330 and 331, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, and Local Rule 2016-2.

       3.      McDermott confirms its consent, pursuant to Local Rule 9013-1(f), to the entry of

a final order by the Court in connection with the Application in the event that it is later

determined that the Court, absent consent of the parties, cannot enter final orders or judgments in

connection herewith consistent with Article III of the United States Constitution.

                                         BACKGROUND

A.     The Chapter 11 Cases

       4.      On June 9, 2024 (the “Petition Date”), the Debtors commenced the Chapter 11

Cases by filing petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with the Court. The

Debtors continue to operate their business and manage their properties as debtors and debtors in

possession under sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. No trustee or examiner has

been appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases.

       5.      On June 26, 2024, the Office of the United States Trustee for the District of

Delaware (the “U.S. Trustee”) appointed the Committee under section 1102(a)(1) of the

Bankruptcy Code. See Docket No. 121.




                                                  2
                Case 24-11217-BLS              Doc 888        Filed 12/26/24        Page 9 of 14




B.       The Committee’s Retention of McDermott

         6.       On July 9, 2024, the Committee applied [Docket No. 215] to the Court for an

order authorizing the Committee to retain and employ McDermott as its counsel, effective as of

June 28, 2024. On July 30, 2024, the Court entered an order [Docket No. 336] authorizing such

retention.

C.       The Interim Compensation Order

         7.       On July 9, 2024, the Court entered the Order (I) Establishing Procedures for

Interim Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Retained Professionals and

(II) Granting Related Relief [Docket No. 218] (the “Interim Compensation Order”), 2 which sets

forth the procedures for interim compensation and reimbursement of expenses in the Chapter 11

Cases. Specifically, the Interim Compensation Order provides that a retained professional may

file and serve a Monthly Fee Statement on or after the twenty-first (21st) day of each month

following the month for which compensation is sought. Provided that there are no objections to

the Monthly Fee Statement filed within twenty-one (21) days after the service of a Monthly Fee

Statement, the professional may file a certificate of no objection with the Court, after which the

Debtors are authorized to pay such professional eighty percent (80%) of the fees and one-

hundred percent (100%) of the expenses requested in such Monthly Fee Statement.




2
     Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such items in the Interim
     Compensation Order.



                                                          3
               Case 24-11217-BLS             Doc 888        Filed 12/26/24       Page 10 of 14




                                          RELIEF REQUESTED

         8.       By this Application, McDermott requests the allowance of $90,331.54 , which is

equal to eighty percent (80%) of the $112,914.43 in fees for professional services rendered by

McDermott during the Application Period.3

                            DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES RENDERED

         9.       During the Application Period, McDermott professionals, including attorneys and

paraprofessionals (collectively, the “McDermott Professionals”), devoted 85.3 hours to, among

other things, plan and disclosure statement matters, communications with the Committee and

other creditors, preparation of professional fee applications, and Court hearings. McDermott

Professionals’ most significant work in these matter categories is summarized below, and all

work performed by McDermott Professionals is described in detail in Exhibit A hereto, which

provides a detailed itemization, by project category, of all services performed by McDermott

Professionals with respect to the Chapter 11 Cases during the Application Period. This detailed

itemization complies with Local Rule 2016-2(d) in that each time entry contains a separate time

allotment, a description of the type of activity, and the subject matter of the activity, all time is

billed in increments of one-tenth of an hour, time entries are presented chronologically in

categories, and all meetings or hearings are individually identified.

A.       Plan/Disclosure Statement
         Amount Sought: $94,627.50

         10.      During the Application Period, McDermott Professionals (i) coordinated with the

Committee’s other professionals and the Debtors’ advisors regarding a settlement of the issues




3
     These figures reflect a 15% voluntary fee reduction provided by McDermott to the Committee as a client
     accommodation.


                                                        4
             Case 24-11217-BLS        Doc 888       Filed 12/26/24   Page 11 of 14




relating to confirmation of the Debtors’ chapter 11 plan [Docket No. 719]; and (ii) reviewed and

revised the settlement proposal, plan, and confirmation order.

       11.     McDermott Professionals devoted a total of 55.4 hours to plan and disclosure

statement matters during the Application Period, for which compensation in the amount of

$94,627.50 is sought.

B.     Meetings and Communications with Creditors
       Amount Sought: $13,852.50

       12.     During the Application Period, McDermott Professionals prepared for and

conducted regular Committee meetings and communicated with the Committee members and

their counsel both as a group and on an individual basis. Among other things, McDermott

Professionals provided recommendations to the Committee regarding various requests of the

Debtors and other parties in interest, counseled the Committee in connection with the Debtors’

chapter 11 plan, and delivered email updates regarding case status and various outstanding

matters. McDermott Professionals also coordinated with the Committee’s financial advisor to

prepare for Committee calls by preparing, discussing, and reviewing Committee presentations on

topics such as the Debtors’ operations and finances and case strategy.

       13.     McDermott Professionals devoted a total of 8.7 hours to communications with the

Committee and other creditors (and related tasks) during the Application Period, for which

compensation in the amount of $13,852.50 is sought.

C.     Fee and Employment Applications
       Amount Sought: $9,650.00

       14.     During the Application Period, McDermott Professionals drafted McDermott’s

monthly fee application for October 2024, which ultimately was filed on November 21, 2024

[Docket No. 759]. McDermott Professionals also spent time reviewing and filing

the Committee’s financial advisor’s monthly fee application for September 2024.


                                                5
               Case 24-11217-BLS             Doc 888         Filed 12/26/24      Page 12 of 14




         15.      McDermott Professionals devoted a total of 6.8 hours to the preparation of

professional fee applications during the Application Period, for which compensation in the

amount of $9,650.00 is sought.

D.       Court Hearings
         Amount Sought: $8,306.00

         16.      During the Application Period, McDermott Professionals devoted time to, among

other things, preparing for and attending the hearing on the confirmation of the Debtors’ chapter

11 plan.

         17.      McDermott Professionals devoted a total of 5.3 hours to preparation for and

attendance at Court hearings during the Application Period, for which compensation in the

amount of $8,306.00 is sought.

                                      VALUATION OF SERVICES

         18.      McDermott Professionals have expended a total of 85.3 hours in connection with

this matter during the Application Period. The amount of time spent by each of the McDermott

Professionals providing services to the Committee during the Application Period is set forth in

Exhibit A. The rates reflected in this Application are McDermott’s normal hourly rates of

compensation for work of this character. The reasonable value of the services rendered by

McDermott during the Application Period as counsel for the Committee in the Chapter 11 Cases

is $112,914.43.4

         19.      In accordance with the factors enumerated in Bankruptcy Code section 330,

McDermott submits that the amount requested is fair and reasonable given (a) the complexity of

the Chapter 11 Cases, (b) the time expended, (c) the nature and extent of the services rendered,



4
     This figure reflects a 15% voluntary fee reduction provided by McDermott to the Committee as a client
     accommodation.


                                                         6
              Case 24-11217-BLS        Doc 888       Filed 12/26/24   Page 13 of 14




(d) the value of such services, and (e) the costs of comparable services other than in a case under

the Bankruptcy Code.

                                     NO PRIOR REQUEST

       20.     No prior request for the relief requested in this Application has been made to this

Court or any other court.

             CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE AND REQUEST FOR WAIVER

       21.     The undersigned representative of McDermott certifies that he has reviewed the

requirements of Local Rule 2016-2 and that the Application substantially complies with that

Local Rule. To the extent that the Application does not comply in all respects with the

requirements of Local Rule 2016-2, McDermott believes that such deviations are not material

and respectfully requests that any such requirement be waived.


                            [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]




                                                 7
            Case 24-11217-BLS         Doc 888       Filed 12/26/24   Page 14 of 14




       WHEREFORE, McDermott respectfully requests that it (a) be allowed compensation in

the amount of $90,331.54 (80% of the $112,914.43) for necessary professional services rendered

to the Committee during the Application Period, and (b) be granted such other and further relief

as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: Wilmington, Delaware                     MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP
       December 26, 2024
                                                /s/ David R. Hurst
                                                David R. Hurst (I.D. No. 3743)
                                                Maris J. Kandestin (I.D. No. 5294)
                                                The Brandywine Building
                                                1000 N. West Street, Suite 1400
                                                Wilmington, Delaware 19801
                                                (302) 485-3900
                                                dhurst@mwe.com
                                                mkandestin@mwe.com

                                                - and -

                                                Darren Azman
                                                Kristin K. Going
                                                One Vanderbilt Avenue
                                                New York, New York 10017
                                                (212) 547-5400
                                                dazman@mwe.com
                                                kgoing@mwe.com

                                                Counsel for the Official Committee
                                                of Unsecured Creditors




                                                8


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