In The Matter Of: Cts Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146 (5th Cir. 1989). · Go Syfert
In The Matter Of: Cts Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146 (5th Cir. 1989). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
101 citation events (22 in the last 25 years) across 31 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Farinash v. Henry, Jr. (tneb, 2022-03-31)
Treatment trajectory · 1989 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1989 2007 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 41 distinct citers.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Farinash v. Henry, Jr.
Bankr. E.D. Tenn. · 2022 · confidence medium
Holt v. FDIC (Matter of CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 149 (5th Cir. 1989).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Henry v. Casey
Bankr. E.D. Tenn. · 2022 · confidence medium
Holt v. FDIC (Matter of CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 149 (5th Cir. 1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Brandt v. FDIC (In re Equipment Acquisition Resources, Inc.)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2016 · confidence medium
Realty Trust), 968 F.2d 1332, 1345-48 (1st Cir. 1992) (admitting use of defense in bankruptcy court for equitable subordina tion, fraud, breach of contract, and conversion); Holt v. FDIC (In re CTS Truss, Inc,), 868 F.2d 146, 150 (5th Cir. 1989) (admitting defense in bankruptcy court for an equitable subordination claim); Woodstone, 149 B.R. 294, 295, 300-01 (E.D.N.Y. 1993) (admitting use of defense in bankruptcy court for action to reclassify claim held by FSLIC); FDIC v. Skotske, 881 F.Supp. 364 , 368 n.5 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Durango Georgia Paper Co. v. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (In re Durango Georgia Paper Co.)
Bankr. S.D. Ga. · 2015 · confidence medium
Equitable subordination is an “extraordinary remedy.” Holt v. FDIC (In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148 (5th Cir.1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Litzler v. Cooper (In re Margaux Texas Ventures, Inc.)
Bankr. N.D. Tex. · 2014 · confidence medium
(In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989) ("this case does not fall within any of the classic patterns of conduct that led courts to fashion the extraordinary remedy of equitable subordination”); U.S. Abatement Corp. v. Mobil Exploration & Producing U.S., Inc. (In re U.S. Abatement Corp.), 39 F.3d 556, 561 (5th Cir.1994) (“Equitable subordination is a remedial, not penal, measure which is' used only sparingly”). .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gernsbacher v. Campbell (In re Equipment Equity Holdings, Inc.)
Bankr. N.D. Tex. · 2013 · confidence medium
(In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989) ("this case does not fall within any of the classic patterns of conduct that led courts to fashion the extraordinary remedy of equitable subordination”); U.S. Abatement Corp. v. Mobil Exploration & Producing U.S., Inc. (In re U.S. Abatement Corp.), 39 F.3d 556, 561 (5th Cir.1994) ("Equitable subordination is a remedial, not penal, measure which is used only sparingly”). .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Jack Kline Co., Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see"
Bankr. S.D. Tex. · 2010 · confidence medium
Equitable subordination is recognized as “an unusual remedy which should be applied only in limited circumstances.” In re Fabricators, Inc., 926 F.2d 1458, 1466-67 (5th Cir.1991) (citing Holt v. FDIC (In re GTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th *743 Cir.1989)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Perry
Bankr. S.D. Tex. · 2010 · confidence medium
Equitable subordination has been recognized as “an unusual remedy which should be applied only in limited circumstances.” Matter of Fabricators, Inc., 926 F.2d 1458, 1466-1467 (5th Cir.1991) citing Holt v. FDIC (In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gecker v. Goldman Sachs & Co. (In Re Automotive Professionals, Inc.)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2008 · confidence medium
(In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-149 (5th Cir.1989) (noting that categories of cases in which equitable subordination is appropriate includes those where a fiduciary or third party effectively controls the debtor to the disadvantage of other creditors).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wooley v. Faulkner (In Re SI Restructuring, Inc.)
5th Cir. · 2008 · confidence medium
(In the Matter of CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989) (equitable subordination is an unusual remedy which should be applied only in limited circumstances); A. DeNatale and P. Abram, The Doctrine of Equitable Subordination as Applied to Nonmanagement Creditors, 40 Business Lawyer, 417, 429 (1985) ("Indeed, only in a handful of cases have the courts seen fit to apply the doctrine [of equitable subordination].”). 3 . 11 U.S.C. § 510 (c). 4 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Enron Corp. v. Springfield Associates, L.L.C. (In Re Enron Corp.)
S.D.N.Y. · 2007 · confidence medium
Corp., 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989))); In re M.
cited Cited as authority (rule) American Honda Finance Corp. v. A. Angelle, Inc. (In Re A. Angelle, Inc.)
Bankr. W.D. La. · 1998 · confidence medium
Holt v. FDIC (In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989) (citing cases).
examined Cited as authority (rule) In Re After Six, Inc. (3×)
Bankr. E.D. Pa. · 1995 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Kham & Nate’s Shoes, supra, 908 F.2d at 1356-59 ; CTS Truss, supra, 868 F.2d at 148-49; *233 Heartland Chemicals, supra, 136 B.R. at 516-20 ; Pinetree Partners, supra, 87 B.R. at 488-90 ; and Tinsley & Groom, supra, 49 B.R. at 90-91 (all holding that lender’s decision not to lend or to continue lending money did not constitute egregious conduct warranting the subordination of the lender’s claim).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Waslow v. MNC Commercial Corp. (In Re M. Paolella & Sons, Inc.) (2×) also: Cited "see"
E.D. Pa. · 1993 · confidence medium
Clark Pipe, 893 F.2d at 699, citing In re Missionary Baptist Found., 712 F.2d 206 (5th Cir.1983); see also In re Herby’s Foods, Inc., 2 F.3d 128, 131 (5th Cir.1993); In re CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d at 148-49.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jobin v. Resolution Trust Corp.
D. Colo. · 1993 · confidence medium
Realty Trust), 968 F.2d 1332, 1355 (1st Cir.1992); Holt v. FDIC (In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 150 (5th Cir.1989); In re Woodstone Ltd.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Capitol Bank & Trust Co. v. 604 Columbus Avenue R6ealty Trust (3×) also: Cited "see"
1st Cir. · 1992 · confidence medium
The claim of equitable subordination is valid only if, (1) the claims or defenses on which the borrower’s claim for subordination is premised are not already barred by the FDIC’s recognized protections under federal law, and, (2) if the misconduct alleged in these claims dr defenses against the receiver’s predecessor in interest falls within “any of the classic patterns of conduct that have led courts to fashion the extraordinary remedy of equitable subordination.” CTS Truss, 868 F.2d at 148. *1357 Y.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Demakes Enterprises, Inc. v. Federal Deposit Insurance (In Re Demakes Enterprises, Inc.) (2×)
Bankr. D. Mass. · 1992 · confidence medium
In addition to Timberland, the FDIC cites Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 150 (5th Cir.1989), in support of its position that Demakes’ Complaint should be dismissed.
examined Cited as authority (rule) ca1 1992 (3×) also: Cited "see"
1st Cir. · 1992 · confidence medium
The claim of equitable subordination is valid only if, (1) the claims or defenses on which the borrower's claim for subordination is premised are not already barred by the FDIC's recognized protections under federal law, and, (2) if the misconduct alleged in these claims or defenses against the receiver's predecessor in interest falls within "any of the classic patterns of conduct that have led courts to fashion the extraordinary remedy of equitable subordination." CTS Truss, 868 F.2d at 148.V.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Unsecured Creditors' Committee Ex Rel. Estate of Heartland Chemicals, Inc. v. Banque Paribas (In Re Heartland Chemicals, Inc.)
Bankr. C.D. Ill. · 1992 · confidence medium
In re CTS Truss, Inc., supra, 868 F.2d at 148-49.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Poughkeepsie Hotel Associates Joint Venture
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1991 · confidence medium
Equitable subordination typically requires the bankruptcy court to determine: “1) whether the claimant engaged in fraudulent conduct, 2) whether the conduct resulted in injury to creditors, and 3) whether subordination would be consistent with other bankruptcy law.” In re ASI Reactivation, Inc., 934 F.2d 1315 , 1321 (4th Cir.1991); Matter of Lemco Gypsum, Inc., 911 F.2d 1553 , 1556 (11th Cir.1990), reh’g denied, 930 F.2d 925 (11th Cir.1991); Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 148 (5th Cir.1989); Matter of Missionary Baptist Foundation of America, Inc., 712 F.2d 206, 212 (5th Cir.19…
cited Cited as authority (rule) MBank New Braunfels, N.A. v. Federal Deposit Insurance
N.D. Tex. · 1991 · confidence medium
In the Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 148 (5th Cir.1989).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In the Matter of Fabricators, Inc., Debtor. Fabricators, Inc., Cross-Appellant v. Technical Fabricators, Inc., Cross-Appellee
5th Cir. · 1991 · confidence medium
Holt v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989).
cited Cited as authority (rule) MCorp v. Clarke
N.D. Tex. · 1991 · confidence medium
In the Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 148 (5th Cir.1989).
cited Cited as authority (rule) 604 Columbus Avenue Realty Trust v. Capitol Bank & Trust Co. (In Re 604 Columbus Avenue Realty Trust)
Bankr. D. Mass. · 1990 · confidence medium
Id. at 15 ; Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 148-149 (5th Cir.1989); In re Martin Specialty Vehicles, Inc., 87 B.R. 752, 768 (Bankr.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kingsway Revocable Trust v. Federal Savings & Loan Insurance (In Re C.P.C. Development Co. No. 5)
Bankr. C.D. Cal. · 1990 · confidence medium
On reconsideration, the Court of Appeals deleted that portion of the opinion concerning imputation to the FDIC. 868 F.2d at 147.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Successor Trust Committee of Permian Distributing, Inc. v. First State Bank
W.D. Tex. · 1990 · confidence medium
In the Matter of CTS Truss, Inc. v. FDIC, 868 F.2d 146, 150 (5th Cir.1989); Federal Savings & Loan Insurance v. Murray, 853 F.2d 1251 (5th Cir.1988).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corp. v. T.F. Stone-Liberty Land Associates
Tex. App. · 1990 · confidence medium
See Beighley, 868 F.2d at 784 n. 12 (fraud claim based on oral agreement barred); In the Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 149-50 (5th Cir.1989) (claim for equitable subordination based on fraud; bad faith barred); Templin v. Weisgram, 867 F.2d 240, 241-42 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 110 S.Ct. 63 , 107 L.Ed.2d 31 (1989) (injunction to prevent foreclosure based upon misrepresentation barred); Black, 640 F.2d at 701-02 (subjective intent evidence barred).
cited Cited "see" Settlers' Housing Service, Inc. v. Schaumburg Bank & Trust Co. (In re Settlers' Housing Service, Inc.)
Bankr. N.D. Ill. · 2017 · signal: see · confidence high
See CTS Truss, 868 F.2d at 150 .
discussed Cited "see" World Help v. Leisure Lifestyles, Inc. (2×)
Tex. App. · 1998 · signal: see · confidence high
See In re CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146 , 149 (5th Cir.1989).
discussed Cited "see" Ansel Properties, Inc. v. Nutri/System of Florida Associates (In Re Nutri/System of Florida Associates)
E.D. Pa. · 1995 · signal: see · confidence high
See In re *657 CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146 , 148 (6th Cir. 1989) (finding that intent of 11 U.S.C. § 510 (c) “was to incorporate the doctrines that had been well-developed in the courts for several decades preceding the enactment of the Bankruptcy Code”); In re M.
discussed Cited "see" Salisbury v. Texas Commerce Bank-Houston (In Re WCC Holding Corp.) (2×)
Bankr. N.D. Tex. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See Holt v. FDIC (Matter of CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 149 (5th Cir.1989). 32.
cited Cited "see" Gaff v. Federal Deposit Insurance
6th Cir. · 1990 · signal: see · confidence high
See Holt v. FDIC [In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989); Benjamin v. Diamond (In re Mobile Steel Co.), 563 F.2d 692, 700 (5th Cir.1977) (three-part test for applying doctrine).
cited Cited "see" Joel R. Gaff v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
6th Cir. · 1990 · signal: see · confidence high
See Holt v. FDIC (In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146 , 148-49 (5th Cir.1989); Benjamin v. Diamond (In re Mobile Steel Co.), 563 F.2d 692, 700 (5th Cir.1977) (three-part test for applying doctrine).
cited Cited "see" Federal Sav. and Loan Ins. Corp. v. Wilson
N.D. Tex. · 1989 · signal: see · confidence high
See Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 150 (5th Cir.1989). a.
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Sender v. Bronze Group, LTD.
10th Cir. · 2004 · signal: see also · confidence low
See also CTS Truss, Inc. v. FDIC (In re CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146 , 148-49 (5th Cir.1989) (formulating the categories as cases “in which a fiduciary of the debtor misuses his position to the disadvantage of other creditors; those in which a third party, in effect, controls the debtor to the disadvantage of others; and those in which a third-party defrauds other creditors”).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Freytag v. American Federal Bank, F.S.B. (In Re Freytag)
Bankr. N.D. Tex. · 1993 · signal: see also · confidence medium
See also Holt v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Matter of CTS Truss, Inc.), 868 F.2d 146, 148-49 (5th Cir.1989) (pointing out that “the unusual remedy of equitable subordination” has actually been confined by courts to cases in which a fiduciary of the debtor misuses his position to the disadvantage of other creditors, those in which a third party controls the debtor to the disadvantage of others, and those in which a third party defrauds other creditors).
cited Cited "see, e.g." Herby's Foods, Inc. v. Summit Coffee Co. (In Re Herby's Foods, Inc.)
Bankr. N.D. Tex. · 1991 · signal: see also · confidence low
In re Fabricators, Inc., 926 F.2d 1458, 1464 (5th Cir.1991); See also In re CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146 , 148-49 (5th Cir.1989).
cited Cited "see, e.g." Madonna Corp. v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Fla. Dist. Ct. App. · 1990 · signal: see also · confidence low
See also Matter of CTS Truss, Inc. v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 868 F.2d 146 (5th Cir.1989) ( 12 U.S.C. § 1823 (e) forbids equitable subordination of the FDIC’s priority).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Smith v. Associates Commercial Corp. (In re Clark Pipe & Supply Co.)
5th Cir. · 1990 · signal: see, e.g. · confidence medium
See, e.g., Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 149 (5th Cir.1989) (lender did not represent to third parties that additional financing was in place or that debtor was solvent, when the opposite was true).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." In The Matter Of Clark Pipe And Supply Co., Inc.
5th Cir. · 1990 · signal: see, e.g. · confidence medium
See, e.g., Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 868 F.2d 146, 149 (5th Cir.1989) (lender did not represent to third parties that additional financing was in place or that debtor was solvent, when the opposite was true). 42 When the foregoing factors are considered, there is no basis for finding inequitable conduct upon which equitable subordination can be based.
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Sibarium v. NCNB Texas National Bank
N.D. Tex. · 1989 · signal: see, e.g. · confidence low
See, e.g., Matter of CTS Truss, Inc., 859 F.2d 357 , 361 n. 7 (5th Cir.1988), on reconsideration, 868 F.2d 146 (5th Cir.1989) (“Here, CTS *113 alleges that it had an oral side agreement with the Bank to extend additional financing.”); Aero Support Sys., Inc. v. FDIC, 726 F.Supp. 651, 654 (N.D.Tex.1989) (“The Court therefore finds that Plaintiffs claims based upon alleged oral side or secret agreements are barred as against the [FDIC] as Receiver for [Defendants]”); RSR Properties, Inc. v. FDIC, 706 F.Supp. 524, 531-32 (W.D.Tex.1989) (in an action for breach of contract against bank, co…
In the Matter Of: Cts Truss, Inc., Debtor. Kenneth D. Holt, Trustee for the Bankruptcy Estate of Cts Truss, Inc.
v.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
88-1036.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Mar 10, 1989.
868 F.2d 146
Cited by 32 opinions  |  Published

868 F.2d 146

57 USLW 2610, 20 Collier Bankr.Cas.2d 1292,
19 Bankr.Ct.Dec. 391, Bankr. L. Rep. P 72,835

In the Matter of: CTS TRUSS, INC., Debtor.
Kenneth D. HOLT, Trustee for the Bankruptcy Estate of CTS
Truss, Inc., Appellant,
v.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, Appellee.

No. 88-1036.

United States Court of Appeals,
Fifth Circuit.

March 10, 1989.

Robert R. Truitt, Jr., Midland, Tex., for appellant.

Christine M. Anderson, F.D.I.C., Midland, Tex., for appellee.

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.

Opinion On Reconsideration

(Opinion Nov. 4, 1988, 5th Cir.1988, 859 F.2d 357)

Before REAVLEY, JOHNSON and JONES, Circuit Judges.

EDITH H. JONES, Circuit Judge:

[*~146]1

This panel has reconsidered the rationale underlying part I of our opinion issued previously in this case and reported at 859 F.2d 357. The mandate has not yet been issued. Without changing the result in the case, we herewith delete part of the discussion formerly contained in part I of the opinion and reissue the opinion as follows:

2

CTS Truss, Inc. (CTS), represented by its bankruptcy trustee, appeals a decision of the district court which denied its request for equitable subordination of a claim of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) under 11 U.S.C. Sec. 510(c). Because the district court correctly affirmed the decision of the bankruptcy court to deny equitable subordination, we affirm its judgment.

BACKGROUND

3

CTS sought relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on July 2, 1985. During the course of those proceedings, which eventually became a Chapter 7 liquidation, the FDIC filed a proof of claim in the amount of $324,515.36 secured by the Debtor's equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and two vehicles. CTS objected to the FDIC's proof of claim, arguing that this claim should be equitably subordinated to the claims of all other creditors pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Sec. 510(c). CTS alleged that equitable subordination was appropriate because the FDIC's predecessor in interest, The First National Bank of Midland, Texas ("Bank") had engaged in wrongful conduct toward the debtor. Allegedly, an officer of the Bank promised CTS in June, 1983 to make additional loans to the company to finance a proposed expansion of its business. Although no written loan agreement ever memorialized this commitment, CTS executed two promissory notes, for $75,000 each, on June 23. CTS alleged that it had relied on the Bank's promises to its detriment, by purchasing supplies and inventory and hiring additional employees. The Bank never funded the promissory notes or extended additional financing.[1] The alleged misrepresentations by the Bank caused CTS to overextend itself financially and ultimately resulted in its bankruptcy filing.

4

In October 1983 the Bank was declared insolvent and taken over by the FDIC in its capacity as Receiver. In its corporate capacity, the FDIC subsequently purchased from the Receiver certain assets formerly held by the Bank, including the notes and security documents which form the basis of the FDIC's proof of claim. That proof of claim was founded on CTS's unpaid debts to the Bank and not on the June 1983 notes. CTS has alleged no wrongdoing by the FDIC.

5

The bankruptcy court found that the FDIC held valid, perfected liens on all of its collateral. The bankruptcy court approved the FDIC's claim and as a matter of law held that it could not be equitably subordinated because the FDIC was a transferee innocent of any misconduct against CTS. Because of this legal conclusion, the court did not make findings of fact with respect to the Bank's conduct and did not reach the issue whether the Bank's alleged conduct satisfied the criteria for equitable subordination. CTS unsuccessfully appealed to the district court.

DISCUSSION

[*~147]6

On appeal, CTS argues that the Bankruptcy Code's equitable subordination provision, 11 U.S.C. Sec. 510, applies to claims of the FDIC in the bankruptcy context, notwithstanding the two venerable doctrines of D'Oench[2] and the FDIC shield statute, 12 U.S.C. Sec. 1823(e). The fulcrum of the argument is an assumption that the FDIC's secured claim can be equitably subordinated to the claims of other unsecured or secured creditors of CTS. If equitable subordination is in its own terms inapplicable, then CTS's proffered "conflict" between Sec. 510 and Sec. 1823(e) is non-existent.

7

We conclude that equitable subordination is unavailable in this case. Even if the alleged misconduct of the Bank could be imputed to the FDIC, this case does not fall within any of the classic patterns of conduct that have led the courts to fashion the extraordinary remedy of equitable subordination.

I.

8

The Bankruptcy Code does not specify the circumstances under which equitable subordination may be imposed. Instead, 11 U.S.C. Sec. 510(c) provides:

9

Notwithstanding Secs. (a) and (b) of this section, after notice and a hearing, the court may--(1) under principles of equitable subordination, subordinate for purposes of distribution all or part of an allowed claim to all or part of another allowed claim or all or part of an allowed interest to all or part of another allowed interest; or (2) order that any lien securing such a subordinated claim be transferred to the estate.

10

The intent of Congress, in referring to "principles of equitable subordination," was to incorporate doctrines that had been well-developed in the courts for several decades preceding the enactment of the Bankruptcy Code. See S.Rep. No. 989, 95th Cong., 2d Sess., at 74 (1978), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1978, p. 5787. The Fifth Circuit summarized the criteria for equitable subordination in In re: Mobile Steel Co., 563 F.2d 692, 703 (5th Cir.1977), as follows:

11

(1) whether the claimant engaged in fraudulent or inequitable conduct; (2) whether the conduct resulted in injury to creditors or gave an unfair advantage to the claimant; and (3) whether equitable subordination would be inconsistent with the bankruptcy law.

12

See also 3 L. King, Collier on Bankruptcy (MB) p 510.05 (15th ed. 1979).

13

Even if the Bank's actions could be imputed to the FDIC, we do not believe that the unusual remedy of equitable subordination is appropriate to the facts alleged by CTS. Mobile Steel's three-part test for equitable subordination is perhaps deceptively broad.[3] The courts have actually confined equitable subordination of claims to three general categories of cases: those in which a fiduciary of the debtor misuses his position to the disadvantage of other creditors;[4] those in which a third party, in effect, controls the debtor to the disadvantage of others;[5] and those in which a third-party defrauds other creditors.[6] See Collier on Bankruptcy p 510.05.

[*~148]14

The cases cited by CTS actually demonstrate the limited circumstances in which equitable subordination has been ordered. In Pepper v. Litton, 308 U.S. 295, 60 S.Ct. 238, 84 L.Ed. 2811, a corporation's controlling shareholder took a judgment against the corporation (debtor) with no intention of enforcing it, so that his interest would be secured over that of subsequent creditors. In Speco v. Valley State Bank, 36 B.R. 279 (D.S.D.1984), a bank fraudulently induced the holder of a valid mechanic's lien against the debtor into subordinating his claim to the bank's. Likewise, in In re Sterling House, Inc., 356 F.Supp. 1113 (W.D.Va.1973) the fiduciary (a director, officer, and substantial stockholder) of a severely undercapitalized corporation failed to properly record his claim against the corporation, thereby unfairly disadvantaging other creditors.

15

The allegations of CTS do not conform to any of the paradigmatic cases for equitable subordination. CTS contends that the Bank failed to fund the two promissory notes executed by the company and failed to extend further financing as it had orally agreed to do--conduct which CTS denounces as fraudulent and inequitable. CTS does not, however, allege that it or the Bank made any misrepresentations to third parties, such as creditors or suppliers, that additional financing was in place or that CTS was solvent when the opposite was true. The Bank was not a fiduciary of CTS, nor was it in a position of control over CTS. Compare, In re: American Lumber Co., 5 B.R. 470 (D.Minn.1980). Likewise, there are no representations that the Bank's collateral position improved because of CTS's actions in reliance upon the promise of further funding nor that the Bank knew or intended its collateral would be enhanced by CTS's additional purchases of equipment and supplies.

16

Although CTS likens its position to that of the undercapitalized debtor in Pepper v. Litton, supra, that case, and ones similar to it, displays a conscious plan by one in a fiduciary or control position to undercapitalize a debtor by substituting debt funding for risk capital to defeat the interests of junior creditors. See Pepper, supra; Matter of Multiponics, Inc., 622 F.2d 709; In re Trimble Co., 479 F.2d 103. Such a plan is completely absent from the case pleaded by CTS.

II.

17

CTS's allegations demonstrate, if anything, challenges to the FDIC's claim based on defenses to its indebtedness to the Bank. These allegations suggest claims for fraud, bad faith, breach of a promise to extend financing and promissory estoppel. See, Fretz Construction Co. v. Southern National Bank of Houston, 626 S.W.2d 478 (Texas, 1981). See also Chatham Ventures, Inc. v. Federal Deposit Ins. Corp., 651 F.2d 355 (5th Cir., Unit B 1981). To the extent such allegations would justify disallowance or an offset against the Bank's secured claim under Texas law, they would prevent the assertion of a claim of equitable subordination. Mobile Steel, 563 F.2d 692, 701 (claims should be subordinated only to the extent necessary to offset the harm done by the inequitable conduct).

[*~149]18

Of course, it is likely that CTS forebore to assert its defenses against its secured indebtedness to the Bank because it realized that the FDIC, as transferee of the notes and security agreements, would be shielded from such a reduction. To enable the FDIC to carry out its mandate to protect the solvency of the national banking system, Congress authorized the following protection when the FDIC acquires failed bank assets:No agreement which tends to diminish or defeat the right, title or interest of the Corporation in any asset acquired by it under this section, either as security for a loan or by purchase, shall be valid against the Corporation unless such agreement (1) shall be in writing, (2) shall have been executed by the bank and the person or persons claiming an adverse interest thereunder, including the obligor, contemporaneously with the acquisition of the asset by the bank, (3) shall have been approved by the board of directors of the bank or its loan committee, which approval shall be reflected in the minutes of said board or committee, and (4) shall have been, continuously, from the time of its execution, an official record of the bank.

19

12 U.S.C. Sec. 1823(e).

20

This FDIC "shield" statute squarely covers the allegations of CTS against the Bank in this case,[7] and thus forecloses CTS from asserting its particular alleged defenses against the FDIC. See Langley v. Federal Deposit Ins. Corp., 484 U.S. 86, 108 S.Ct. 396, 402, 98 L.Ed.2d 340 (1987); Chatham Ventures, 651 F.2d 355 (obligors under a note subsequently acquired by the FDIC challenged its right to collect on the note claiming that they were relieved of this obligation because the bank failed to advance them additional funds, thereby breaching a joint venture agreement. Our circuit held that "[t]he statutory protection of section 1823(e) shields the FDIC from defenses or claims raised with respect to 'any asset acquired by it under this section.' 12 U.S.C. Sec. 1823(e).").

21

We recently analyzed the statute's scope in applying its principles to a savings and loan liquidation conducted by FSLIC, and held that FSLIC enjoys the rights of a holder in due course of assets it receives from failed banks. See Federal Savings & Loan Ins. Corp. v. Murray, 853 F.2d 1251 (5th Cir.1988). As we noted in Murray, the FDIC should also enjoy this right. Murray, at 1256-57, citing Federal Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Cremona Co., 832 F.2d 959, 964 (6th Cir.1987), cert. dism'd sub nom. Gonda v. Federal Deposit Ins. Corp., --- U.S. ----, 108 S.Ct. 1494, 99 L.Ed.2d 879 (1988); Federal Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Wood, 758 F.2d 156 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 944, 106 S.Ct. 308, 88 L.Ed.2d 286 (1985); Gunter v. Hutcheson, 674 F.2d 862 (11th Cir.), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 826, 103 S.Ct. 60, 74 L.Ed.2d 63 (1982).[8] The significance of this statutory protection to the FDIC and its important mission has been confirmed repeatedly in court decisions denying various defenses against its claims to the assets of failed banks. See Wood, 758 F.2d 156, 160-61; Federal Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Gulf Life Ins. Co., 737 F.2d 1513, 1517 (11th Cir.1984); Gunter, 674 F.2d 862, 870. Consequently, even if principles of equitable subordination otherwise permitted the imputation of wrongful conduct to a transferee such as the FDIC, we would be constrained to hold that 12 U.S.C. Sec. 1823(e) forbids that result. As the foregoing analysis demonstrates, however, there is no such collision of principles.

[*~150]22

Accordingly, the judgment of the district court affirming the bankruptcy court's rejection of equitable subordination and its allowance of the FDIC's secured claim against CTS, is AFFIRMED.

1

CTS was unable to provide copies of the notes at the hearing held on CTS's objection to the FDIC proof of claim. Mr. Bembinster, CTS's president, testified that the Bank never furnished him with a copy of the notes after he signed them, although the Bank had given him copies of other promissory notes on previous occasions. No representative of the Bank testified

2

D'Oench Duhme & Co., Inc. v. Federal Deposit Ins. Corp., 315 U.S. 447, 62 S.Ct. 676, 86 L.Ed. 956 (1942)

3

See DeNatale & Abram, The Doctrine of Equitable Subordination as Applied to Nonmanagement Creditors, 40 Bus.Law. 417, at 429 (1985) ("Indeed, only in a handful of cases have the courts seen fit to apply the doctrine [of equitable subordination].")

4

Matter of Multiponics, Inc., 622 F.2d 709 (5th Cir.1980); In re Trimble Co., 479 F.2d 103 (3rd Cir.1973)

5

Pepper v. Litton, 308 U.S. 238, 60 S.Ct. 238, 84 L.Ed. 281 (1939); In re American Lumber Co., 5 B.R. 470 (Bankr.D.Minn.1980) (bank having control over a debtor's operations had duty to deal fairly and impartially with debtor's unsecured creditors); In re T.E. Mercer Trucking Co., 16 B.R. 176 (N.D.Tex.1981) (third party controlled debtor by virtue of terms of loan and security agreements with debtor). Contra Krivo Indus. Supply Co. v. National Distillers & Chem. Corp., 483 F.2d 1098 (5th Cir.1973) (sufficient control not established)

6

In re Bowman Hardware & Electric Co., 67 F.2d 792 (7th Cir.1933) (creditor instructed debtor to conceal loan by not recording the indebtedness on debtor's books and financial statements); In re Just for the Fun of It of Tenn., Inc., 7 B.R. 166 (E.D.Tenn.1980) (claimant filed false notice of completion which led other creditors of debtor to act to their detriment)

7

Here, CTS alleges that it had an oral side agreement with the Bank to extend additional financing. No evidence of any written agreement to this effect has been offered. Furthermore, the record contains no evidence, nor does CTS allege, that this agreement was approved by the Bank's board of directors or its loan committee. Finally, there is no evidence in the record that this agreement was ever made an official record of the Bank

8

The FDIC shield statute codifies the holding of the Supreme Court in D'Oench Duhme & Co. Inc. v. Federal Deposit Ins. Corp., 315 U.S. 447, 62 S.Ct. 676, 86 L.Ed. 956 (1942), which protected the FDIC from a claim that the parties had a secret agreement that the signed promissory note would not be enforced. The holding of D'Oench Duhme has been extended considerably by the courts in interpreting the plain meaning of 12 U.S.C. Sec. 1823(e). See Wood, 758 F.2d 156 (6th Cir.) cert. denied, 474 U.S. 944, 106 S.Ct. 308, 88 L.Ed.2d 286 (1985); Gunter v. Hutcheson, 674 F.2d 862 (11th Cir.), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 826, 103 S.Ct. 60, 74 L.Ed.2d 63 (1982)