(Sample from The Altman Group Ballot Archive) Ballot No. 1 - Individual Ballot for Class 7 Direct Asbestos PI Claims

Transcription

1 UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF DELAWARE In re USG CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, et al., 1 Debtors. Chapter 11 Jointly Administered Case No (JKF) INDIVIDUAL BALLOT FOR ACCEPTING OR REJECTING THE FIRST AMENDED JOINT PLAN OF REORGANIZATION OF USG CORPORATION AND ITS DEBTOR SUBSIDIARIES CLASS 7 ASBESTOS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS THE VOTING DEADLINE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN IS 500 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON JUNE 2, 2006 This Ballot is submitted to you to solicit your vote to accept or reject the First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of USG Corporation and Its Debtor Subsidiaries (as amended, the "Plan") described in the accompanying Disclosure Statement, dated March 27, 2006 (the "Disclosure Statement"). In connection with soliciting votes to accept or reject the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court approved certain Solicitation and Ballot Tabulation Procedures (the "Solicitation and Tabulation Procedures"), which are attached to the Disclosure Statement as Exhibit II. Capitalized terms used in this Ballot or the attached instructions that are not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Solicitation and Tabulation Procedures. The Plan can be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court and thereby made binding on you, including the creation of a trust pursuant to section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code and the related channeling of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims to such trust, if the Plan satisfies the following requirements (a) is accepted by holders of at least two-thirds in amount of the Asbestos Personal Injury Claims for which votes to accept or reject the Plan were cast and counted pursuant to the Solicitation and Tabulation Procedures; (b) is accepted by at least three-fourths of the holders of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims that cast votes to accept or reject the Plan that were counted pursuant to the Solicitation and Tabulation Procedures; and (c) satisfies the applicable requirements of section 1129(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. To have your vote counted, you must complete, sign and return this Ballot to Logan & Company, Inc., 546 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, New Jersey so that it is received by the deadline indicated above. IN ORDER FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED, THIS BALLOT MUST BE PROPERLY COMPLETED, SIGNED AND RETURNED SO THAT IT IS RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE INDICATED ABOVE. PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED VOTING INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE COMPLETING THIS BALLOT. 1 The Debtors are the following 11 entities USG Corporation, United States Gypsum Company, USG Interiors, Inc., USG Interiors International, Inc., L&W Supply Corporation, Beadex Manufacturing, LLC, B-R Pipeline Company, La Mirada Products Co., Inc., USG Industries, Inc., USG Pipeline Company and Stocking Specialists, Inc. Page 1 of 6

2 PLEASE COMPLETE ITEMS 1, 2 AND 3. IF NEITHER THE "ACCEPT" NOR "REJECT" BOX IS CHECKED IN ITEM 1, OR IF THIS BALLOT IS NOT SIGNED ON THE APPROPRIATE LINES BELOW, THIS BALLOT WILL NOT BE VALID OR COUNTED AS HAVING BEEN CAST. Item 1. Vote Regarding the Plan. The undersigned, a holder of an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim, votes to (check only one box) Accept the Plan. Reject the Plan. Item 2. Designation of Disease Category and Amount of Claim for Voting Purposes. Solely for purposes of voting to accept or reject the Plan, please designate only one of the following disease categories as the basis for your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim. If you believe that you hold an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim as defined in the Plan, but do not meet the medical and exposure criteria for any of the disease categories identified below, your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim will be allowed for voting purposes only in the amount of $1.00 and you are not required to select a disease category below. Other Asbestos Disease (Level I). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease (as defined in the Instructions to this Ballot) or an asbestos-related malignancy other than mesothelioma, and (2) USG/A.P. Green Exposure (as defined in the Instructions to this Ballot) prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green). Claim amount for voting purposes only $400. Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease, and (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), and (3) five years cumulative occupational exposure to asbestos. Claim amount for voting purposes only $2,625. Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III). Requires (1) Diagnosis of Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease, plus (a) TLC less than 80%, or (b) FVC less than 80% and FEV1/FVC ratio greater than or equal to 65%, and (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure (as defined in the Instructions to this Ballot) to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the pulmonary disease in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $8,300. Severe Asbestosis (Level IV). Requires (1) Diagnosis of asbestosis with ILO of 2/1 or greater, or asbestosis determined by pathological evidence of asbestos, plus (a) TLC less than 65%, or (b) FVC less than 65% and FEV1/FVC ratio greater than 65%, (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the pulmonary disease in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $30,000. Other Cancer (Level V). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a primary colo-rectal, laryngeal, esophageal, pharyngeal, or stomach cancer, plus evidence of an underlying Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease, (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the other cancer in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $15,000. Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a primary lung cancer; (2) USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), and (3) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the lung cancer in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $15,000. Lung Cancer 1 (Level VII). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a primary lung cancer plus evidence of an underlying Bilateral Asbestos- Related Nonmalignant Disease, (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the lung cancer in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $45,000. Mesothelioma (Level VIII). Requires (1) Diagnosis of mesothelioma; and (2) USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green). Claim amount for voting purposes only $155,000. Please note that your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim has been temporarily allowed solely for the purposes of voting to accept or reject the Plan in an amount corresponding to the disease category you designate above. The temporary allowance of your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim is solely for voting purposes and does not constitute an allowance of such Claim for purposes of distribution under the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Distribution Procedures and is without prejudice to your rights or the rights of the Debtors and the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust in any other context. Page 2 of 6

3 Item 3. Required Certifications Regarding Asbestos Personal Injury Claims. By signing this Ballot, the undersigned certifies, under penalty of perjury, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1746, that the following is true and correct (a) (b) (c) (d) I have been provided with a copy of the Disclosure Statement, dated March 27, 2006, for the Plan and the other applicable solicitation materials. I am the holder of an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim or I have the authority, under applicable law, to vote to accept or reject the Plan on behalf of a holder of an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim. The holder of such Asbestos Personal Injury Claim has been exposed to an asbestos-containing product such that the claimant holds an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim, as defined in the Plan and described in the Disclosure Statement. If a disease category is selected in Item 2 above, the holder of such Asbestos Personal Injury Claim has the disease category indicated above and meets the criteria for that disease category, as described above and in the Voting Information and Instructions for Completing the Ballot, based on medical records or similar documentation. The text of 28 U.S.C is set forth in paragraph 10 of the attached voting instructions. For your vote to be counted, you must sign and provide your social security number. Name (please print) Social Security No. (required) Signature (required) If by Authorized Agent, Name and Title Street Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number (if voting as Authorized Agent) Address (if available) (if voting as Authorized Agent) Date Completed Page 3 of 6

4 VOTING INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE BALLOT 1. This Ballot is submitted to you in connection with the solicitation of votes on the Plan from individual holders of Asbestos Personal Injury Claims. PLEASE READ THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND PLAN CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE BALLOT. Unless otherwise defined, all capitalized terms used herein have the meanings given to them in the Solicitation and Tabulation Procedures. 2. You have been sent this Ballot either because you do not have an attorney or because your attorney has requested that you be sent this Ballot directly. 3. In the boxes provided in Item 1 of the Ballot, please indicate either acceptance or rejection of the Plan. Complete the Ballot by providing all the information requested and sign, date and return the Ballot by mail, overnight courier or personal delivery to Logan & Company, Inc. (the "Voting Agent") at the following address Logan & Company, Inc. 546 Valley Road Upper Montclair, New Jersey Attn USG Voting Department Ballots must be received by the Voting Agent by 500 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 2, 2006 (the "Voting Deadline"). If a Ballot is received after the Voting Deadline, it will not be counted. An envelope addressed to the Voting Agent is enclosed for your convenience. Ballots submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. If neither the "accept" nor "reject" box is checked in Item 1, or if this Ballot is not signed, this Ballot will not be valid or counted as having been cast. 4. The attached Ballot is designated only for voting Asbestos Personal Injury Claims in Class An otherwise properly executed Ballot that attempts to partially accept and partially reject the Plan will not be counted. Furthermore, for purposes of computing your vote submitted on the enclosed Ballot, you shall be deemed to have voted the full amount of your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim according to the disease category specified for such Claim. 6. In the boxes provided in Item 2, please indicate which disease category serves as the basis for your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim. If you believe that you hold an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim as defined in the Plan, but do not meet the medical and exposure criteria for any of the disease categories, your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim will be allowed for voting purposes only in the amount of $1.00 and you are not required to select a disease category in Item 2. The disease categories, along with their corresponding amounts and medical and exposure criteria for voting purposes only, are as follows Other Asbestos Disease (Level I). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease 1 or an asbestos-related malignancy other than mesothelioma, and (2) USG/A.P. Green Exposure 2 prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green). Claim amount for voting purposes only $ Evidence of "Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease," for purposes of meeting the criteria for establishing Disease Levels I, II, III, V, and VII, means either (i) a chest X-ray read by a qualified B reader of 1/0 or higher on the ILO scale or (ii)(x) a chest X-ray read by a qualified B reader or other Qualified Physician, (y) a CT scan read by a Qualified Physician, or (z) pathology, in each case showing either bilateral interstitial fibrosis, bilateral pleural plaques, bilateral pleural thickening, or bilateral pleural calcification. Solely for claims filed against USG or another asbestos defendant in the tort system prior to the Petition Date, if an ILO reading is not available, either (i) a chest X-ray or a CT scan read by a Qualified Physician, or (ii) pathology, in each case showing bilateral interstitial fibrosis, bilateral pleural plaques, bilateral pleural thickening, or bilateral pleural calcification consistent with or compatible with a diagnosis of asbestos-related disease, shall be evidence of a Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease for purposes of meeting the presumptive medical requirements of Disease Levels I, II, III, V and VII. Pathological proof of asbestosis may be based on the pathological grading system for asbestosis described in the Special Issue of the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, "Asbestos-associated Diseases," Vol. 106, No. 11, App. 3 (October 8, 1982). A "Qualified Physician" means a physician who is board-certified (or in the case of Canadian claims or Foreign Claims, a physician who is certified or qualified under comparable medical standards or criteria of the jurisdiction in question) in one or more relevant specialized fields of medicine such as pulmonology, radiology, internal medicine or occupational medicine; provided, however, that the requirement for board certification in this provision shall not apply to otherwise qualified physicians whose X-ray and/or CT scan readings are submitted for deceased holders of PI Trust Claims (as defined in the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust Distribution Procedures). "USG/A.P. Green Exposure" means (i) meaningful and credible exposure, which occurred prior to December 31, 1982, to asbestos or asbestos-containing products supplied, specified, manufactured, installed, maintained, or repaired by the Debtors and/or any entity, including a Debtor contracting unit, for which any of the Debtors has legal responsibility or (ii) meaningful and credible exposure, which occurred prior to January 2, 1968, to asbestos or asbestos-containing products supplied, specified, manufactured, installed, maintained, or repaired by A.P. Green and/or any entity, including an A.P. Green contracting unit, for which A.P. Green has legal responsibility. Page 4 of 6

5 Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level II). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease, and (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), and (3) five years cumulative occupational exposure to asbestos. Claim amount for voting purposes only $2,625. Asbestosis/Pleural Disease (Level III). Requires (1) Diagnosis of Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease, plus (a) TLC less than 80%, or (b) FVC less than 80% and FEV1/FVC ratio greater than or equal to 65%, and (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure 3 to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the pulmonary disease in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $8,300. Severe Asbestosis (Level IV). Requires (1) Diagnosis of asbestosis with ILO of 2/1 or greater, or asbestosis determined by pathological evidence of asbestos, plus (a) TLC less than 65%, or (b) FVC less than 65% and FEV1/FVC ratio greater than 65%, (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the pulmonary disease in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $30,000. Other Cancer (Level V). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a primary colo-rectal, laryngeal, esophageal, pharyngeal, or stomach cancer, plus evidence of an underlying Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease, (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the other cancer in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $15,000. Lung Cancer 2 (Level VI). Requires (1) Diagnosis of a primary lung cancer; (2) USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), and (3) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the lung cancer in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $15,000. Lung Cancer 1 (Level VII). (1) Diagnosis of a primary lung cancer plus evidence of an underlying Bilateral Asbestos-Related Nonmalignant Disease, (2) six months USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green), (3) Significant Occupational Exposure to asbestos, and (4) supporting medical documentation establishing asbestos exposure as a contributing factor in causing the lung cancer in question. Claim amount for voting purposes only $45,000. Mesothelioma (Level VIII). Requires (1) Diagnosis of mesothelioma; and (2) USG/A.P. Green Exposure prior to December 31, 1982 (in the case of the Debtors) and January 2, 1968 (in the case of A.P. Green). Claim amount for voting purposes only $155, Your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim has been temporarily allowed in the amount set forth above that corresponds to the disease category you designate as the basis for your Claim. The temporary allowance of your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim in the applicable amount is solely for voting purposes and does not constitute an allowance of such Claim for purposes of distribution under the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust and is without prejudice to your rights or the rights of the Debtors and the Asbestos Personal Injury Trust in any other context. 8. If no disease category is indicated for your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim, your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim will be counted for voting purposes only in the amount of $1.00. If more than one disease category is selected for your Asbestos Personal Injury Claim, the Voting Agent shall count your vote in the amount corresponding to the disease category with the highest allowed amount. 9. Any vote on behalf of a holder of an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim submitted without inclusion of the name and social security number of such holder will not be counted. 3 "Significant Occupational Exposure" means employment for a cumulative period of at least five years with a minimum of two years prior to December 31, 1982, in an industry and an occupation in which the claimant (a) handled raw asbestos fibers on a regular basis; (b) fabricated asbestos-containing products so that the claimant in the fabrication process was exposed on a regular basis to raw asbestos fibers; (c) altered, repaired or otherwise worked with an asbestos-containing product such that the claimant was exposed on a regular basis to asbestos fibers; or (d) was employed in an industry and occupation such that the claimant worked on a regular basis in close proximity to workers engaged in the activities described in (a), (b) and/or (c). Page 5 of 6

6 10. Item 3 contains certain required certifications, under penalty of perjury pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1746, which you are making by signing and returning this Ballot, including certifications that (a) you are the holder of an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim or have the authority to vote on behalf of a holder of an Asbestos Personal Injury Claim and (b) to the extent that a disease category is selected, such holder has the disease category indicated and meets the medical and exposure criteria for that disease category based on medical records or similar documentation in such holder's file. Please ensure that (a) you have read and understood the certifications prior to signing the Ballot and (b) the certifications are correct for the Asbestos Personal Injury Claim voted on the Ballot. 28 U.S.C states, in pertinent part, that Wherever, under any law of the United States or under any rule, regulation, order, or requirement made pursuant to law, any matter is required or permitted to be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by the sworn declaration, verification, certificate, statement, oath, or affidavit, in writing of the person making the same (other than a deposition, or an oath of office, or an oath required to be taken before a specified official other than a notary public), such matter may, with like force and effect, be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by the unsworn declaration, certificate, verification, or statement, in writing of such person which is subscribed by him, as true under penalty of perjury, and dated, in substantially the following form "I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (date). (signature)" 11. The Ballot does not constitute and will not be deemed a proof of Claim or equity interest or an assertion of a Claim or equity interest. 12. If you cast more than one Ballot voting the same Claim prior to the Voting Deadline, the latest Ballot will supersede any prior Ballots. TO BE COUNTED, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU SIGN YOUR BALLOT AND THAT YOU PROVIDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. A BALLOT THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN THIS REQUIRED INFORMATION WILL NOT BE COUNTED. PLEASE RETURN YOUR BALLOT SO THAT IT IS RECEIVED NO LATER THAN JUNE 2, THE VOTING AGENT WILL NOT ACCEPT BALLOTS BY FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A DAMAGED BALLOT OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS BALLOT OR THE VOTING PROCEDURES, PLEASE CONTACT THE VOTING AGENT, LOGAN & COMPANY, INC., AT USG@LOGANANDCO.COM OR (973) Page 6 of 6