0000921895-17-000418.txt : 20170216 0000921895-17-000418.hdr.sgml : 20170216 20170215191222 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000921895-17-000418 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20170214 ITEM INFORMATION: Regulation FD Disclosure ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20170216 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20170215 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NOVATION COMPANIES, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001025953 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE AGENTS & MANAGERS (FOR OTHERS) [6531] IRS NUMBER: 742830661 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-22897 FILM NUMBER: 17616073 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2114 CENTRAL STREET 2: STE 600 CITY: KANSAS CITY STATE: MO ZIP: 64108 BUSINESS PHONE: 8162377000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2114 CENTRAL STREET 2: STE 600 CITY: KANSAS CITY STATE: MO ZIP: 64108 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NOVASTAR FINANCIAL INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19970723 8-K 1 form8k11032009_02152017.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): February 14, 2017

NOVATION COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland	000-22897	74-2830661
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

2114 Central Street, Suite 600, Kansas City, MO		64108
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (816) 237-7000

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, If Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

As previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Novation Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 22, 2016, on July 20, 2016, the Company and its subsidiaries NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation, NovaStar Mortgage, LLC and 2114 Central, LLC (the “Subsidiaries,” and together with the Company, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions (the cases commenced thereby, the “Bankruptcy Cases”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division) (the “Bankruptcy Court”) seeking relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”). The Bankruptcy Cases are being jointly administered under the caption “In re Novation Companies, Inc., et. al.” Case Nos. 16-19745, 19747-19749-DER. The Debtors are operating as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.

On February 14, 2017, the Company and NovaStar Mortgage, LLC (the “Plan Debtors”) filed with the Bankruptcy Court a proposed plan of reorganization (as may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Proposed Plan”) for the resolution of the outstanding claims against and interests in the Plan Debtors pursuant to Section 1121(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. Furthermore, on February 14, 2017, the Plan Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court a related proposed disclosure statement (as may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Proposed Disclosure Statement”). Information contained in the Proposed Plan and the Proposed Disclosure Statement is subject to change, whether as a result of further amendments to the Proposed Plan, third-party actions, or otherwise. Copies of the filed Proposed Plan and related Proposed Disclosure Statement are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, respectively.

The Bankruptcy Court has scheduled a hearing on the Proposed Disclosure Statement for April 6, 2017.

This Current Report on Form 8-K is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, a solicitation for a vote on the Proposed Plan. The Bankruptcy Court has not yet approved the Proposed Disclosure Statement as containing adequate information pursuant to Section 1125(b) of title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code for use in the solicitation of acceptances or rejections of the Proposed Plan. Accordingly, the filing and dissemination of the Proposed Disclosure Statement are not intended to be, and should not in any way be construed as, a solicitation of votes on the Proposed Plan, nor should the information contained in the Proposed Disclosure Statement be relied on for any purpose until a determination by the Bankruptcy Court that the Proposed Disclosure Statement contains adequate information.

The information in Item 7.01 of this Form 8-K, including the Exhibits described herein and furnished herewith, are being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such section, nor shall it be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference therein.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this report regarding the Company and its business that are not historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events, do not relate solely to historical matters and include statements regarding management's beliefs, estimates, projections, and assumptions with respect to, among other things, our future operations, business plans and strategies, as well as industry and market conditions, all of which are subject to change at any time without notice. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “promise,” “plan,” and other expressions or words of similar meanings, as well as future or conditional auxiliary verbs such as “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may” are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results and operations for any future period may vary materially from those discussed herein. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include: the disposition and results of our Bankruptcy Cases; our ability to consummate the acquisition of an operating business; decreases in cash flows from our mortgage securities; our ability to remain in compliance with the agreements governing our indebtedness; the outcome of litigation actions pending against us or other legal contingencies; our compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations; compliance with new accounting pronouncements; the impact of general economic conditions; and the risks that are from time to time included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, as amended, and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2016. Other factors not presently identified may also cause actual results to differ. This report speaks only as of its date and we expressly disclaim any duty to update the information herein except as required by federal securities laws.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Novation Companies, Inc. and NovaStar Mortgage LLC, dated as of February 14, 2017.
99.2	Disclosure Statement Regarding Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, dated as of February 14, 2017.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


		NOVATION COMPANIES, INC.

DATE: February 15, 2017		/s/ Rodney E. Schwatken Rodney E. Schwatken Chief Executive Officer

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Novation Companies, Inc. and NovaStar Mortgage LLC, dated as of February 14, 2017.
99.2	Disclosure Statement Regarding Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, dated as of February 14, 2017.

EX-99.1 2 ex991to8k11032009_02152017.htm

Exhibit 99.1

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OF ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN. ACCEPTANCES OR REJECTIONS MAY NOT BE SOLICITED UNTIL A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT. THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS BEING SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL BUT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND

BALTIMORE DIVISION

In re:

Novation Companies, Inc., et al.,

Debtors.¹

Chapter 11

Case No. 16-19745, 19747-19749 DER

(Jointly Administered)

DEBTORS’ JOINT CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION OF (i) NOVATION COMPANIES, INC AND (ii) NOVASTAR MORTGAGE LLC

Dated: February 14, 2017

OLSHAN FROME WOLOSKY LLP
Adam H. Friedman
Thomas J. Fleming
Lauren B. Irby
1325 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
Telephone: (212) 451-2300
-and-

SHAPIRO SHER GUINOT & SANDLER
Joel I. Sher, Bar No. 00719
Daniel J. Zeller, Bar No. 28107
250 West Pratt Street, Suite 2000
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Telephone: (410) 385-4277

Co-Counsel to the Plan Debtors and Plan Debtors-in-Possession

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¹The debtors in these chapter 11 cases are: (i) Novation Companies, Inc. f/k/a NovaStar Financial, Inc., (ii) NovaStar Mortgage LLC f/k/a NovaStar Mortgage, Inc.,(iii) NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation and (iv) 2114 Central, LLC f/k/a Advent Financial Services, LLC. The Plan proponents herein are (i) Novation Companies, Inc. f/k/a NovaStar Financial, Inc., (ii) NovaStar Mortgage LLC f/k/a NovaStar Mortgage, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS, RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND EXHIBITS	5
Section 1.01. Definitions.	5
Section 1.02. Interpretation; Application of Definitions and Rules of Construction.	13
Section 1.03. Exhibits.	14
ARTICLE II CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS	14
Section 2.01. General.	14
Section 2.02. Unclassified Claims (Not entitled to vote on the Plan).	15
Section 2.03. Classification of Claims and Interests.	15
Section 2.04. Unimpaired Classes of Claims	15
Section 2.05. Impaired Classes of Claims and Interests.	16
ARTICLE III TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS	16
Section 3.01. Satisfaction of Claims and Interests.	16
Section 3.02. Treatment of Claims and Interests.	16
ARTICLE IV ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN	20
Section 4.01. Each Impaired Class Entitled to Vote Separately.	20
Section 4.02. Acceptance by a Class of Claims.	20
Section 4.03. Confirmation Pursuant to Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or “Cramdown.”	20
Section 4.04. Voting Classes.	21
Section 4.05. Confirmation of All Cases.	21
ARTICLE V MEANS OF PLAN IMPLEMENTATION	21
Section 5.01. Corporate Action.	21
Section 5.02. Effective Date Transactions.	22
Section 5.03. [Reserved].	22
Section 5.04. Corporate Governance.	22
Section 5.05. [Intentionally Deleted]	22
Section 5.06. Intercompany Claims.	22
Section 5.07. Obligations Incurred After the Effective Date.	23
Section 5.08. Post-Confirmation Operating Reports and United States Trustee Fees.	23
ARTICLE VI PRESERVATION AND PROSECUTION OF CAUSES OF ACTION HELD BY THE PLAN DEBTORS	23
Section 6.01. Preservation and Prosecution of Causes of Action.	23

ARTICLE VII PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS	23
Section 7.01. Objections to Claims.	23
Section 7.02. No Payment or Distribution Pending Allowance.	24
Section 7.03. Disputed Distributions.	24
Section 7.04. Estimation.	24
Section 7.05. Reserve Account for Disputed Claims.	24
Section 7.06. Release of Funds from Claims Reserves.	25
ARTICLE VIII DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE PLAN	25
Section 8.01. Limitation to Full Recovery.	25
Section 8.02. Timing of Distributions.	25
Section 8.03. Saturdays, Sundays, or Legal Holidays.	25
Section 8.04. Distribution Record Date.	25
Section 8.05. Delivery of Distributions.	26
Section 8.06. Method of Cash Distributions.	26
Section 8.07. Unclaimed Property.	26
Section 8.08. Compliance with Tax Requirements.	27
Section 8.09. Setoffs.	27
Section 8.10. Documentation Necessary to Release Lien.	27
Section 8.11. Distributions Under Fifty Dollars.	27
ARTICLE IX EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES; INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS	28
Section 9.01. General Treatment.	28
Section 9.02. Bar Date for Filing Proofs of Claim Relating to Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases Rejected Pursuant to the Plan.	28
Section 9.03. Treatment of Rejection Claims.	28
Section 9.04. Reinstatement and Continuation of Insurance Policies.	28
ARTICLE X EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION	29
Section 10.01. Binding Effect.	29
Section 10.02. Continued Corporate Existence.	29
Section 10.03. Vesting of Property.	29
Section 10.04. Discharge of Claims Against and Interests in the Plan Debtors.	29
Section 10.05. Injunction.	30
Section 10.06. Releases.	31
Section 10.07. Exculpation and Limitation of Liability.	32
Section 10.08. Injunction Related to Releases and Exculpation.	32
Section 10.09. Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights.	33
ARTICLE XI RETENTION OF JURISDICTION	33
Section 11.01. Exclusive Jurisdiction of Bankruptcy Court.	33
ARTICLE XII CONFIRMATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN	35
Section 12.01. Conditions Precedent to Confirmation.	35
Section 12.02. Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date.	35

Section 12.03. Notice of Occurrence of the Effective Date.	36
Section 12.04. Dissolution of Creditors’ Committee.	36
Section 12.05. Waiver of Conditions Precedent and Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e) Automatic Stay.	36
Section 12.06. Consequences of Non-Occurrence of Effective Date.	37
ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS	37
Section 13.01. Binding Effect of Plan.	37
Section 13.02. Severability.	37
Section 13.03. Governing Law.	37
Section 13.04. Notices.	37
Section 13.05. Filing of Additional Documents.	38
Section 13.06. Time.	38
Section 13.07. Exhibits/Schedules.	38
Section 13.08. Defenses with Respect to Impaired or Unimpaired Claims.	38
Section 13.09. No Injunctive Relief.	38
Section 13.10. No Admissions.	39
Section 13.11. Extension of Time.	39
Section 13.12. Payment of Statutory Fees.	39
Section 13.13. Conflict.	39
Section 13.14. Reservation of Rights.	39
Section 13.15. Modifications and Amendments.	39
Section 13.16. Continuing Exclusivity and Solicitation Period.	40
Section 13.17. [Intentionally Deleted]	40
Section 13.18. Revocation, Withdrawal, or Non-Consummation.	40

INTRODUCTION

Novation Companies, Inc., f/k/a/ NovaStar Financial, Inc (“Novation”) and NovaStar Mortgage LLC f/k/a NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. (“NovaStar” or “NovaStar Mortgage”), the two Plan Debtors-in-possession in the above-captioned cases, propose the following Plan² for the resolution of the outstanding Claims against and Interests in the Plan Debtors. Reference is made to the Disclosure Statement for a discussion of the Plan Debtors’ history, business, properties and operations, projections for those operations, risk factors, a summary and analysis of the Plan, and certain related matters including, among other things, certain tax matters, and the securities and other consideration to be issued and/or distributed under the Plan. The Plan Debtors reserve the right to alter, amend, modify, revoke or withdraw the Plan prior to its substantial consummation.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS, RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND EXHIBITS

Section 1.01. Definitions.

Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, all terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Bankruptcy Code or the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. For the purposes of the Plan, the following terms (which appear in the Plan in capitalized form) shall have the meanings set forth below, and such meanings shall be equally applicable to the singular and to the plural form of the terms defined, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “Administrative Claim(s)” means a Claim for any (a) cost or expense of administration of the Chapter 11 Cases, of the kind specified in section 503(b), including section 503(b)(9), and 507(a)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, including, but not limited to (i) any actual and necessary post-petition costs or expenses of preserving the estates of the Plan Debtors, (ii) any actual and necessary costs and expenses of operating the businesses of the Plan Debtors, (iii) any indebtedness or obligations incurred or assumed by the Plan Debtors in connection with the conduct of their business, (iv) amounts owed to vendors providing goods and services to the Plan Debtors during the Chapter 11 Cases, (v) tax obligations incurred after the Petition Date, (vi) all compensation and reimbursement of expenses of Professionals to the extent Allowed by the Bankruptcy Court under sections 328, 330 or 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, whether fixed before or after the Effective Date, and (b) United States Trustee’s Fee Claims.

2. “Administrative Claims Bar Date” means the date that is sixty (60) days after the Effective Date or such other date as the Bankruptcy Court determines.

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² All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in Article I herein.

3. “Allowed” means with respect to any Claim (including any Administrative Claim) and/or Interest or portion thereof (to the extent such Claim or Interest is not Disputed or Disallowed): (a) any Claim or Interest, proof of which (i) was timely Filed with the Bankruptcy Court, (ii) was deemed timely Filed pursuant to section 1111(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, or (iii) was not required to be Filed pursuant to a Final Order; (b) any Claim or Interest that has been, or hereafter is, listed in the Schedules as of the Effective Date as (i) liquidated in an amount other than zero, or (ii) not Disputed or a Contingent Claim (or as to which the applicable Proof of Claim has been withdrawn or Disallowed); (c) any Claim or Interest which has been allowed (whether in whole or in part) by a Final Order (but only to the extent so allowed), and, in (a) and (b) above, as to which no objection to the allowance thereof, or action to subordinate, avoid, classify, reclassify, expunge, estimate or otherwise limit recovery with respect thereto, has been Filed within the applicable period of limitation fixed by the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules or a Final Order; (d) any Claim or Interest allowed under or pursuant to the terms of the Plan; (e) any Claim arising from the recovery of property under sections 550 or 553 of the Bankruptcy Code which has been allowed in accordance with section 502(h) of the Bankruptcy Code; (f) any Claim relating to a rejected Executory Contract or rejected Unexpired Lease that either (i) is not Disputed or (ii) has been allowed by a Final Order, in either case only if a Proof of Claim has been filed by the applicable Bar Date or has Claim for which a fee award amount has been approved by Final Order; provided, however, that Claims or Interests allowed solely for the purpose of voting to accept or reject the Plan pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court shall not be considered “Allowed” hereunder.

4. “Amended Certificate and Bylaws” means the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws for the Reorganized Plan Debtors, if so amended, in the form set forth in the Plan Supplement.

5. “Avoidance Action(s)” means any and all Causes of Action which a trustee, Plan Debtors-in-possession, the estate or other appropriate party in interest may assert under Chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code, including, but not limited to, sections 502(d), 510, 522(f), 522(h), 542, 543, 544, 545, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 553 and 724(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

6. “Ballot” means the form distributed to each Holder of an Impaired Claim entitled to vote on the Plan on which is to be indicated the acceptance or rejection of the Plan.

7. “Bankruptcy Code” means title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101, et seq., together with all amendments and modifications thereto as applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases.

8. “Bankruptcy Court” means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland or, if such court ceases to exercise jurisdiction over these proceedings, the court or adjunct thereof that exercises jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases.

9. “Bankruptcy Rule(s)” means (a) the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Official Bankruptcy Forms, as amended and promulgated under 28 U.S.C. § 2075, (b) the applicable Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended and promulgated under 28 U.S.C. § 2072, (c) the applicable Local Rules of Civil Practice and Procedure of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, to the extent applicable, and (d) any local rules and standing orders governing practice and procedure issued by the Bankruptcy Court, each as in effect on the Petition Date, together with all amendments and modifications thereto that were subsequently made applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases or proceedings therein, as the case may be.

10. “Bar Date” means the general bar date and governmental bar date as set forth in the Bar Date Notice, or any other date set therefore by order of the Bankruptcy Court.

11. “Bar Date Notice” means the notice of the Bar Date established by the Bankruptcy Court by notice dated July 20, 2016 (Docket No. 20).

12. “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Plan Debtors.

13. “Business Day(s)” means any day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday, a “legal holiday” as defined in Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a), or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or governmental decree to be closed.

14. “Cash” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America and its equivalents including bank deposits and checks.

15. “Cause(s) of Action” means any and all actions, proceedings, obligations, judgments, debts, accounts, claims, rights, defenses, third-party claims, damages, executions, demands, crossclaims, counterclaims, suits, causes of action (including against insiders), choses in action, controversies, agreements, promises, rights to legal remedies, rights to equitable remedies, rights to payment and claims whatsoever (and any rights to any of the foregoing), whether known, unknown, reduced to judgment, not reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, then existing or thereafter arising, secured or unsecured and whether asserted or assertable directly, indirectly or derivatively, at law, in equity or otherwise, including, without limitation, any recharacterization, subordination, avoidance, or other claim arising under or pursuant to section 105 or chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any similar provisions of applicable state or federal law.

16. “Chapter 11 Cases” or “Cases” means the jointly administered chapter 11 cases of the Plan Debtors herein pending in the Bankruptcy Court.

17. “Claim(s)” means a “claim” as defined in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code against any one or more of the Plan Debtors, or their property, whether or not asserted.

18. “Class” means each group or category of Claims or Interests as classified herein.

19. “Confirmation” means the entry by the Bankruptcy Court of the Confirmation Order.

20. “Confirmation Date” means the date on which the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court enters the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Bankruptcy Court with respect to the Chapter 11 Cases within the meaning of Bankruptcy Rules 5003 and 9021.

21. “Confirmation Hearing” means the hearing held before the Bankruptcy Court to consider Confirmation of the Plan pursuant to sections 1128(a) and 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, as it may be adjourned or continued from time to time.

22. “Confirmation Order” means the order entered by the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Plan pursuant to section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

23. “Creditor” means any Person that is the Holder of any Claim against the Plan Debtors.

24. “Creditors’ Committee” means the statutory committee of unsecured creditors that was appointed in these Cases in accordance with section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code, as the same may be reconstituted from time to time.

25. “Cure Amount” means all amounts required to be paid or otherwise provided as may be agreed upon by a counterparty to an Executory Contract or unexpired lease to assume such Executory Contract or unexpired lease pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

26. “Debtor-Released Parties” means, collectively, the Plan Debtors’ directors, officers, employees, agents, members, shareholders, advisors and professionals (including any attorneys, financial advisors, investment bankers, and other professionals retained by such persons), each solely in their capacity as such, and to the extent such Persons occupied any such positions at any time on or after the Petition Date.

27. “Disallowed” means any Claim against the Plan Debtors which, in whole or in part, (i) has been disallowed by a Final Order; (ii) has been withdrawn by agreement of the Holder thereof and the Plan Debtors; (iii) has been withdrawn by the Holder thereof; (iv) is listed in the Schedules as a zero amount or as Disputed, contingent or unliquidated and in respect of which a Proof of Claim has not been timely Filed or deemed timely Filed pursuant to the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code or any Final Order or other applicable law; (v) has been reclassified, expunged, subordinated or estimated resulting in a reduction in the Filed amount of any Proof of Claim; (vi) is evidenced by a Proof of Claim that is required to be Filed, but was not timely or properly Filed; (vii) is unenforceable against the Plan Debtors and the Property of the Plan Debtors, under any agreement or applicable law for a reason other than because such Claim is contingent or unmatured; (viii) includes unmatured interest, penalties or late charges; (ix) is for reimbursement or contribution that is contingent as of the time of allowance or disallowance of such claim; or (x) is a Claim or portion thereof for any fine, penalty, forfeiture, attorneys’ fees (to the extent such attorneys’ fees are punitive in nature), or for multiple, exemplary or punitive damages, to the extent that such fine, penalty, forfeiture, attorneys’ fees or damages does not constitute compensation for the Creditor’s actual pecuniary loss. In each case a Disallowed Claim is disallowed only to the extent of disallowance, withdrawal, reclassification, expungement, subordination or estimation.

28. “Disallowed Claim” means a Claim that is Disallowed, or the Disallowed portion thereof.

29. “Disbursing Agent(s)” means the Reorganized Plan Debtors or any other entity in its capacity as a disbursing agent under the Plan.

30. “Disclosure Statement” means the disclosure statement dated February 14, 2017, related to the Plan as such disclosure statement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and all exhibits and schedules annexed thereto, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code.

31. “Disputed” means with respect to any Claim (a) if no Proof of Claim has been Filed by the applicable Bar Date or has otherwise been deemed timely Filed under applicable law: (i) a Claim that is listed on the Schedules as other than disputed, contingent or unliquidated, but as to which the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors or, prior to the Confirmation Date, any other party in interest, has Filed an objection by the Claims Objection Bar Date, and such objection has not been withdrawn or denied by a Final Order; or (ii) a Claim that is listed on the Claim Request has been Filed by the applicable Bar Date or has otherwise been deemed timely Filed under applicable law: (i) a Claim for which no corresponding Claim is listed on the Schedules; (ii) a Claim for which a corresponding Claim is listed on the Schedules as other than disputed, contingent or unliquidated, but the nature or amount of the Claim as asserted in the Proof of Claim varies from the nature and amount of such Claim as it is listed on the Schedules; (iii) a Claim for which a corresponding Claim is listed on the Schedules as disputed, contingent or unliquidated; (iv) a Claim for which an objection has been Filed by the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors or, prior to the Confirmation Date, any other party-in-interest, by the Claims Objection Bar Date, and such objection has not been withdrawn or denied by a Final Order; (v) a Claim which asserts it is contingent or unliquidated in whole or in part; or (vi) a tort claim.

32. “Disputed Claims Reserve(s)” means the reserve(s) established in accordance with Section 7.05 of the Plan, to hold Cash or other consideration that will be distributable to the Holders of such Claims if such Claims are subsequently Allowed.

33. “Disputed Distribution” means any dispute that arises as to the identity of a Holder of an Allowed Claim who is to receive any Distribution.

34. “Distribution” means Cash, property, interests in property or other value distributed under the Plan to the Holders of Allowed Claims.

35. “Distribution Date” means the Initial Distribution Date or the date every six (6) months subsequent to the Initial Distribution Date, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, unless the Disbursing Agent determines, in its reasonable discretion, that such Distribution would be economically impracticable.

36. “Distribution Record Date” means, for purposes of determining the Holders of Claims entitled to receive Distributions under the Plan on account of such Claims and, to the extent applicable, to vote on the Plan, the Effective Date.

37. “Effective Date” means the first Business Day on which all conditions to the Effective Date set forth in Section 12.02 of the Plan have been satisfied or waived.

38. “Estates” means the estates of the Plan Debtors created by operation of law on the Petition Date pursuant to section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code.

39. “Executory Contract” means a written contract between the Plan Debtors and any other Person entered into prior to and in effect as of the Petition Date under which performance remains due on both sides.

40. “Fee Claim” means an Administrative Claim under sections 330(a), 331 or 503 of the Bankruptcy Code for compensation of a Professional or other Person for services rendered or expenses incurred in the Chapter 11 Case on or prior to the Effective Date.

41. “FHFA Case” means that action captioned as Federal Housing Financing Agency v. Novation Companies, Inc. and currently pending in the New York Supreme Court as Index No. 650693/2013.

42. “Final Order” means an order, ruling, judgment, the operation or effect of a judgment or other decree issued and entered by the Bankruptcy Court or by any state or other federal court or other court of competent jurisdiction which has not been reversed, vacated, stayed, modified or amended, and as to which (i) the time to appeal or petition for review, rehearing, certiorari, reargument or retrial has expired and as to which no appeal or petition for review, rehearing, certiorari, reargument or retrial is pending, or (ii) any appeal or petition for review, rehearing, certiorari, reargument or retrial has been finally decided and no further appeal or petition for review, rehearing, certiorari, reargument or retrial can be taken for granted.

43. “General Unsecured Claim” means any Claim against the Plan Debtors that is not an Administrative Claim, Priority Non-Tax Claim, Priority Tax Claim, Noteholder Claims, and/or RMBS Litigation Claims.

44. “Holder” means the legal or beneficial holder of a Claim or Interest (and, if used in conjunction with a Class or type of Claim or Interest, means a holder of a Claim or Interest in such Class or of such type).

45. “Impaired” means, when used with reference to a Claim or Interest, a Claim or Interest that is impaired within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

46. “Indentures” means the following three series of indentures: Indenture (Series 1), dated as of March 22, 2011, between NovaStar Financial, Inc. and The Bank Of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee; Indenture (Series 2), dated as of March 22, 2011, between NovaStar Financial, Inc. and The Bank Of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee; Indenture (Series 3), dated as of March 22, 2011, between NovaStar Financial, Inc. and The Bank Of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee

47. “Intercompany Claim” means any Claim that is asserted by a Debtor against another Debtor.

48. “Interests” means, means any share, equity or membership interest in the Plan Debtors as of the Petition Date.

49. “Interim Funding Agreement” means that certain agreement dated as of October 18, 2016 by and among Allied World Assurance Company (U.S.) Inc. on behalf of Newmarket Underwriters Insurance Company, which agreement was approved by order of the Bankruptcy Court dated December 20, 2016 (Docket No. 203)

50. “IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service.

51. “Lien” means, with respect to any asset or Property (or the Cash, rent, revenue, income, profit or proceed therefrom), and in each case, whether the same is consensual or nonconsensual or arises by contract, operation of law, legal process or otherwise: (a) any and all mortgages, liens, pledges, attachments, charges, leases evidencing a capitalizable lease obligation, conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or other security interest or encumbrance or other legally cognizable security devices of any kind in respect of any asset or Property, or upon the Cash, rents, revenues, income, profits or proceeds therefrom; or (b) any arrangement, express or implied, under which any Property is transferred, sequestered or otherwise identified for the purpose of subjecting or making available the same for the payment of debt or performance of any other obligation in priority to the payment of General Unsecured Creditors.

52. “NCUAB Case” means that action captioned as National Credit Union Administration Board v. RBS Securities, et al. and currently pending in the United Stated District Court for the District of Kansas as Case No. 11-CV-2340-JWL-JPO.

53. “New Jersey Carpenters Heath Fund Case” means that action captioned as New Jersey Carpenters Health Fund v. The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, et al. and currently pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York as Case No. 08-cv-5310.

54. “Noteholder Claim” means the unsecured claims of all holders of notes arising under the Indentures.

55. “Objection” means any objection, application, motion, complaint or other legal, equitable or administrative proceeding brought by any party (including arbitration, mediation, summary proceeding, adversary proceeding or other litigation if applicable) seeking to disallow, determine, liquidate, classify, reclassify or establish the priority, expunge, avoid, subordinate, estimate or otherwise limit recovery, in whole or in part, with respect to any Claim (including the resolution of any request for payment of any Administrative Claim).

56. “Ordinary Course Administrative Claims” means Administrative Claims against the Plan Debtors that represent liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Plan Debtors.

57. “Person(s)” means a corporation, governmental unit and person, each as respectively defined in sections 101(9), (27) and (41) of the Bankruptcy Code, including a natural person, individual, partnership, corporation, or other domestic or foreign entity or organization.

58. “Petition Date” means July 20, 2016, the date upon which the Chapter 11 Cases were commenced in the Bankruptcy Court.

59. “Plan” means this chapter 11 plan of reorganization proposed by the Plan Debtors, including all exhibits, appendices, schedules and annexes, if any, attached or to be attached thereto or filed or considered in connection therewith including a Plan Supplement, if any, as such plan and related documents may be further altered, amended, supplemented or modified from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and/or the Confirmation Order.

60. “Plan Debtors” means Novation Companies, Inc., f/k/a/ NovaStar Financial, Inc; and NovaStar Mortgage LLC f/k/a NovaStar Mortgage, Inc.

61. “Plan Document” means collectively the Plan and or any schedule, appendix or exhibit thereto, including, but not limited to the Plan Supplement.

62. “Plan Supplement” means (if any) such exhibits, documents, lists or schedules not Filed with the Plan but as may be Filed in connection therewith prior to the hearing to confirm the Plan, or such other date as the Bankruptcy Court may establish.

63. “Priority Non-Tax Claim” means any Claims entitled to priority in payment pursuant to sections 507(a)(3) and 507(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code.

64. “Priority Tax Claim” means any Claims of a governmental unit (as defined in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code) of the kind entitled to priority in payment pursuant to sections 502(i) and 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

65. “Professional” shall mean any professional retained by Order of the Bankruptcy Court in these Chapter 11 Cases in accordance with sections 327, 328, 330 or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code.

66. “Proof(s) of Claim” means any proof of claim Filed or that should have been Filed with the Bankruptcy Court in the Case pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 3001 or 3002, the Bar Date Notice, or other order of the Bankruptcy Court.

67. “Property” means, as to the Plan Debtors, any and all assets or property of the Plan Debtors, of any kind, nature or description whatsoever, real or personal, tangible or intangible, as defined in section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code.

68. “Pro Rata Share” means the proportion that the face amount of a Claim in a particular Class or Classes bears to the aggregate face amount of all Claims (including Disputed Claims, but excluding Disallowed Claims) in such Class or Classes, unless the Plan provides otherwise.

69. “Released Parties” means, collectively, (a) the Debtor-Released Parties and (b) the Creditors’ Committee and its members, advisors and professionals (including any attorneys, financial advisors, investment bankers and other professionals retained by such persons), each solely in its capacity as such.

70. “Reorganized Plan Debtors” means the Plan Debtors on and after the Effective Date.

71. “RMBS Litigation Claims” mean collectively, any and all claims arising from or related to the FHFA Case, the NCUAB Case, and the New Jersey Carpenters Health Fund Case, including without limitation any claims arising from indemnification or contribution from any of the parties to such cases or other third parties, which are allowed by Final Order or settlement.

72. “Schedules” means the Schedules, Statements and Lists filed with the Bankruptcy Court by the Plan Debtors pursuant to Bankruptcy Code section 521(1) and Bankruptcy Rule 1007, as they have been or may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 1009 or orders of the Bankruptcy Court prior to the entry of the final decree in these Cases.

73. “Tax(es)” means any tax, charge, fee, levy, or other assessment by any federal, state, local or foreign governmental authority, including, without limitation, income, excise, property, sales, transfer, employment, payroll, franchise, profits, license, use, ad valorem, estimated, severance, stamp, occupation and withholding tax, together with any interest, penalties, fines or additions attributable to, imposed on, or collected by any such federal, state, local or foreign governmental authority.

74. “Unclaimed Property” means any unclaimed Distribution of Cash or any other Property made pursuant to the Plan to the Holder of an Allowed Claim pursuant to the Plan, including checks that are either not cashed for ninety (90) days after issuance or which are returned as undeliverable without a proper forwarding address, and any Distribution not delivered because no mailing address was available as of the applicable Distribution Date.

75. “Unimpaired” means any Claim that is not Impaired.

76. “United States Trustee” means the United States Trustee appointed under section 58l(a)(2) of title 28 of the United States Code to serve in the Chapter 11 Cases.

77. “United States Trustee Fee Claims” means fees arising under 28 U.S.C. § 1930(a)(6) or accrued interest thereon arising under 31 U.S.C. § 3717.

78. “Unsecured Claim(s)” means any Claim which arose prior to the Petition Date, is not subject to any priority under the Bankruptcy Code and is not secured by a Lien on the Plan Debtors’ Property, including, but not limited to any Claim arising from the rejection of an Executory Contract in accordance with sections 365 or 1123(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

79. “Voting Record Date” means the record date for voting on the Plan that is designated in the Disclosure Statement order.

Section 1.02. Interpretation; Application of Definitions and Rules of Construction.

Whenever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in either the singular or the plural shall include the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neutral gender shall include the masculine, feminine and the neuter.

The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereunder,” and other words of similar import refer to the Plan as a whole and not to any particular paragraph, subparagraph, or clause contained in the Plan.

The words “includes” and “including” are not limiting and mean that the things specifically identified are set forth for purposes of illustration, clarity or specificity and do not in any respect qualify, characterize or limit the generality of the class within which such things are included.

The captions and headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the provisions hereof.

Any term used in the Plan that is not defined in the Plan, either in Article I of the Plan or elsewhere, but that is used in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules, shall have the meaning assigned to that term in (and shall be construed in accordance with the rules of construction under) the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules (with the Bankruptcy Code controlling in the case of a conflict or ambiguity). Without limiting the preceding sentence, the rules of construction set forth in section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply to the Plan, unless superseded herein.

To the extent that the description of the Plan or any Plan document is inconsistent with the actual terms or conditions of the Plan or any Plan document, the terms and conditions of the Plan or Plan document, as the case may be, shall control.

Section 1.03. Exhibits.

Any and all exhibits to the Plan and any documents included in the Plan Supplement are incorporated into and are a part of the Plan as if set forth in full herein, regardless of when Filed. All references to “the Plan” herein shall be construed, where applicable, to include references to this document and any amendments and exhibits hereto, the Plan Supplement and any amendments thereto, and all of their respective exhibits, appendices, schedules and annexes.

ARTICLE II

CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

Section 2.01. General.

Pursuant to section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code, a Claim or Interest is classified in a particular Class only to the extent that the Claim or Interest qualifies within the description of the Class and is classified in a different Class to the extent the Claim or Interest qualifies within the description of that different Class. A Claim or Interest is placed in a particular Class for the purpose of receiving Distributions pursuant to the Plan only to the extent that such Claim or Interest is an Allowed Claim or an Allowed Interest in that Class and such Claim or Interest has not been paid, released, settled or otherwise satisfied prior to the Effective Date.

Section 2.02. Unclassified Claims (Not entitled to vote on the Plan).

In accordance with section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, Administrative Claims,, United States Trustee Fees, and Priority Tax Claims are not classified. The treatment accorded Administrative Claims, Fee Claims, United States Trustee Fees, and Priority Tax Claims is set forth in Section 3.02 of the Plan.

Section 2.03. Classification of Claims and Interests.

The following table designates the Classes of Claims against and Interests in the Plan Debtors, and specifies which Classes are (a) Impaired or Unimpaired by the Plan, (b) entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan in accordance with section 1126 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (c) deemed to accept or reject the Plan:

Class	Designation	Impairment	Entitled to Vote
Class 1	Priority Non-Tax Claims against both Plan Debtors	No	No (deemed to accept)
Class 2	Noteholder Claims against Novation	No	No (deemed to accept)
Class 3a Class 3b	General Unsecured Claims against Novation General Unsecured Claims against NovaStar Mortgage	Yes Yes	Yes Yes
Class 4a Class 4b	RMBS Litigation Claims against Novation RMBS Litigation Claims against NovaStar Mortgage	Yes Yes	Yes Yes
Class 5a Class 5b	Interests in Novation Interests in NovaStar Mortgage	No No	No No

Section 2.04. Unimpaired Classes of Claims

The following Classes of Claims are unimpaired and, therefore, deemed to have accepted the Plan and are not entitled to vote on the Plan under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Class 1: Class 1 consists of all Priority Non-Tax Claims.

Class 2: Class 2 consists of all Noteholder Claims against Novation.

Class 5a and 5b: Class 5a consists of all Interests in Novation and NovaStar, respectively.

Section 2.05. Impaired Classes of Claims and Interests.

The following Classes of Claims are impaired:

Class 3a and 3b consists of all General Unsecured Claims against the Plan Debtors and each Class is Impaired

Class 4a and 4b consists of all RMBS Litigation Claims against the Plan Debtors and each Class is Impaired

ARTICLE III

TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

Section 3.01. Satisfaction of Claims and Interests.

The treatment of and consideration to be received by Holders of Allowed Claims or Allowed Interests pursuant to the Plan shall be in full satisfaction, settlement, release, extinguishment and discharge of their respective Claims against or Interests in the Plan Debtors and the Plan Debtors’ Property.

Section 3.02. Treatment of Claims and Interests.

Provisions for Treatment of Unclassified Claims.

1. Administrative Claims

Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed Administrative Claim agrees to less favorable treatment, or as otherwise provided for in the Plan, the Plan Debtors shall pay to each Holder of an Allowed Administrative Claim Cash in an amount equal to the amount of such Allowed Administrative Claim on, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, the later of (i) the Effective Date, and (ii) the first Business Day after the date that is thirty (30) calendar days after the date an Administrative Claim becomes an Allowed Administrative Claim, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable; provided, however, that Allowed Ordinary Course Administrative Claims may be paid by the Plan Debtors in the ordinary course of business of the Reorganized Plan Debtors consistent with past practice and in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of any agreements governing, instruments evidencing, or other documents relating to such transactions.

The Confirmation Order or separate bankruptcy court order will establish the Administrative Claims Bar Date for filing applications for the allowance of Administrative Claims (except for Fee Claims, claims pursuant to section 503(b)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code, Ordinary Course Administrative Claims, and any fees or charges assessed against the Estates under section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code and any applicable interest thereon). A notice setting forth the Administrative Claim Bar Date shall be filed on the Bankruptcy Court’s docket. Any requests for payment of an Administrative Claim that are not properly filed and served by the Administrative Claim Bar Date shall be disallowed automatically without the need for any objection from the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors or any action by the Bankruptcy Court. The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have until 120 days after the Administrative Claims Bar Date (or such longer period as may be allowed by order of the Bankruptcy Court) to review and object to all applications for the allowance of Administrative Claims. Unless the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors object to a timely-filed and properly served Administrative Claim, such Administrative Claim shall be deemed Allowed in the amount requested.

2. Fee Claims.

Any entity seeking an award by the Bankruptcy Court of compensation or reimbursement of Fee Claims pursuant to sections 327, 328, 330, 331, 503 or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code for services rendered prior to the Effective Date file and serve on the Reorganized Plan Debtors and their counsel, the United States Trustee, counsel to the Creditors’ Committee, and such other entities who are designated by the Bankruptcy Rules, the Confirmation Order or any other order(s) of the Court, its final application for allowance of such compensation and/or reimbursement by no later than sixty (60) days after the Effective Date or such other date as may be fixed by the Bankruptcy Court. Holders of Fee Claims that are required to file and serve applications for final allowance of their Fee Claims and that do not file and serve such applications by the required deadline shall be forever barred from asserting such Fee Claims against the Plan Debtors, the Reorganized Plan Debtors or their respective properties, and such Fee Claims shall be deemed discharged as of the Effective Date. Objections to any Fee Claims must be filed and served on the Reorganized Plan Debtors and their counsel and the requesting party no later than thirty (30) days (or such longer period as may be allowed by order of the Bankruptcy Court) after the date on which an application for final allowance of such Fee Claims was filed and served.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors may, without application to or approval by the Bankruptcy Court, retain professionals and pay reasonable professional fees and expenses in connection with services rendered to the Reorganized Plan Debtors after the Effective Date.

3. United States Trustee Fees.

On the Effective Date or as soon as practicable thereafter, the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors shall pay all United States Trustee Fees.

4. Priority Tax Claims.

Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim agrees to a different treatment, or the Bankruptcy Court has previously ordered otherwise, each Holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement, and release of, and in exchange for such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, at the sole option of the Reorganized Plan Debtors, (a) on, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, the later of the Effective Date and the first Business Day after the date that is thirty (30) calendar days after the date a Priority Tax Claim becomes an Allowed Claim, Cash in an amount equal to such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, or (b) deferred Cash payments following the Effective Date, over a period ending not later than five (5) years after the Petition Date, in an aggregate amount equal to the Allowed amount of such Priority Tax Claim (with any interest to which the holder of such Priority Tax Claim may be entitled to be calculated in accordance with section 511 of the Bankruptcy Code). All Allowed Priority Tax Claims which are not due and payable on or before the Effective Date shall be paid in the ordinary course of business. The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall retain the right to pay any Allowed Priority Tax Claim, or any remaining balance of such claim, in full at any time without premium or penalty.

Provisions for Treatment of Classified Claims.

1. Class 1 – Priority Non-Tax Claims.

A. Treatment. The legal, equitable and contractual rights of the holders of Class 1 Claims are unaltered by the Plan. Except to the extent a Holder of a Priority Non-Tax Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim will be paid, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement, and release of and in exchange for such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim, the Allowed Amount of such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim in full in Cash on later of the Effective Date and the first Distribution Date subsequent to the date such Priority Non-Tax Claim becomes an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim.

B. Voting. In accordance with section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holders of Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claims are conclusively presumed to accept the Plan and the votes of such holders will not be solicited with respect to such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claims.

2. Class 2 – Noteholder Claims Against Novation.

A. Allowance. On the Effective Date, the Noteholder Claims shall be deemed Allowed in the amount determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Indentures and consistent with the Bankruptcy Code and shall not be subject to defense, avoidance, recharacterization, disgorgement, subordination, setoff, recoupment, or other contest (whether legal or equitable), for all purposes of the Plan.

B. Treatment. On the Effective Date, the Noteholder Claims and each of the Indentures shall be reinstated pursuant to Bankruptcy Code section 1124. All principal, non-default interest, fees, expenses, costs, charges or other such valid and allowable amounts due and payable on or before the Effective Date under the Indenturesthat were not paid by Debtor Novation prior to or during the Chapter 11 Case shall be paid in full in cash in immediately available funds on the Effective Date to the extent required by Bankruptcy Code section 1124.

C. Voting. The Noteholder Claims are Unimpaired and as a result such Holders are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

3. Class 3a – General Unsecured Claims Against Novation.

A. Treatment. Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim against Novation shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Allowed General Unsecured Claim payment in full over a one year period, with payments made quarterly, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

B. Voting. The General Unsecured Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

3b. Class 3b – General Unsecured Claims Against NovaStar Mortgage.

D. Voting. The General Unsecured Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

4. Class 4a – RMBS Litigation Claims Against Novation.

A. Treatment. Except to the extent that a Holder of an RMBS Litigation Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed RMBS Litigation Claim against Novation shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Claim, (x) to the extent such claim is covered by an insurance policy, payment solely from and to the extent of the applicable coverage under such insurance policies and the Interim Funding Agreement or (y) in the event such claim is not covered by an insurance policy, payment shall be paid in full in cash once allowed by Final Order payable over ten years in quarterly installments, together with interest thereon at the Federal Judgement Rate.

B. Voting. The Class 4a RMBS Litigation Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

4b. Class 4b – RMBS Litigation Claims Against NovaStar.

C. Treatment. Except to the extent that a Holder of an RMBS Litigation Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed RMBS Litigation Claim against NovaStar shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Claim, (x) to the extent such claim is covered by an insurance policy, payment solely from and to the extent of the applicable coverage under such insurance policies and the Interim Funding Agreement or (y) in the event such claim is not covered by an insurance policy, payment shall be paid in full in cash once allowed by Final Order payable over ten years in quarterly installments, together with interest thereon at the Federal Judgement Rate.

D. Voting. The Class 4b RMBS Litigation Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

5. Class 5a – Interests in Novation.

A. Treatment. The Holders of existing Interests in Novation shall retain their Interests.

B. Voting. The Holders of Interests are Unimpaired and as a result such Holders are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

5b. Class 5b – Interests in NovaStar.

C. Treatment. The Holders of existing Interests in NovaStar shall retain their Interests.

D. Voting. The Holders of Interests are Unimpaired and as a result such Holders are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

ARTICLE IV

ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN

Section 4.01. Each Impaired Class Entitled to Vote Separately.

Each Impaired Class of Claims that is to receive a Distribution under the Plan will be entitled to vote separately to accept or reject the Plan. Except as provided herein, each Person that, as of the Voting Record Date, holds a Claim in an Impaired Class will receive a Ballot that will be used to cast its vote to accept or reject the Plan. In the event of a controversy as to whether any Class of Claims or Interests is Impaired under the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court shall, after notice and a hearing, determine such controversy.

Section 4.02. Acceptance by a Class of Claims.

In accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as provided in section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code, an Impaired Class of Claims will be deemed to accept the Plan if the Plan is accepted by the Holders of Claims in such Class that hold at least two-thirds (2/3) in dollar amount and more than one-half (1/2) in number of the Allowed Claims of such Class that have voted to accept or reject the Plan.

Section 4.03. Confirmation Pursuant to Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or “Cramdown.”

Because certain Classes are deemed to have rejected the Plan, the Plan Debtors will seek confirmation of the Plan, as it may be modified from time to time, under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan Debtors reserve the right to alter, amend, modify, revoke or withdraw the Plan or any Plan Document in order to satisfy the requirements of section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, if necessary.

Section 4.04. Voting Classes.

If a Class contains Claims or Interests eligible to vote and no Holders of Claims or Interests eligible to vote in such Class vote to accept or reject the Plan, the Plan shall be deemed accepted by the Holders of such Claims or Interests in such Class.

Section 4.05. Confirmation of All Cases.

Except as otherwise specified herein, the Plan shall not be deemed to have been confirmed unless and until the Plan has been confirmed as to each of the Plan Debtors.

ARTICLE V

MEANS OF PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Section 5.01. Corporate Action.

On and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have full authority and are authorized to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to effectuate the transactions provided for in the Plan. The Reorganized Plan Debtors’ post-Effective Date authority shall include the right to operate their business as a going concern to purchase and/or sell assets; to commence and prosecute actions and proceedings; to open, maintain and close bank accounts and/or other investments on behalf of the Estates; to make and File Objections to, or otherwise contest the amount, validity and/or priority of, all Claims other than General Unsecured Claims; to calculate and make Distributions consistent with the Plan; to prosecute and resolve Objections regarding all Claims other than General Unsecured Claims; to engage in arbitration or mediation; to engage or retain Professionals and to pay the fees and disbursements thereof; to file tax information and returns as required and, in connection therewith, to make such determinations of tax liability, challenge assessments, make tax elections, pay taxes and take other, related actions; to hold and dispose of any unclaimed Distributions; and to close the case and any related proceedings. Subsequent to the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors’ charter shall be amended to prohibit the issuance of non-voting securities and to otherwise comply with the terms and conditions of section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.

On and after the Effective Date, the members of the Board of Directors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors are authorized to, and may direct an officer to, issue, execute, deliver, file, or record such contracts, securities, instruments, releases, and other agreements or documents and take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan and the securities issued pursuant to the Plan in the name of, and on behalf of the Reorganized Plan Debtors, without the need for any approvals, authorizations, or consents except for those required pursuant to the Plan.

The adoption of the Amended Certificate and Bylaws, if so amended, the selection of directors and officers of Reorganized Plan Debtors, and all other actions contemplated by the Plan shall be authorized and approved in all respects (subject to the provisions of the Plan) by the Confirmation Order. All matters provided for in the Plan involving the corporate structure of the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, and any corporate action required by the Plan Debtors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors in connection with the Plan, shall be deemed to have timely occurred in accordance with applicable law and shall be in effect, without any requirements or further action by the security holders, directors, or managers of the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors. On the Effective Date, as applicable, the appropriate officers of the Plan Debtors and /or Reorganized Plan Debtors and members of the boards of directors or managers of the Plan Debtors and/or Reorganized Plan Debtors are authorized and directed to issue, execute and deliver, and cause the Reorganized Plan Debtors to perform, the agreements, documents, securities and instruments contemplated by the Plan in the name of and on behalf of the Plan Debtors and/or Reorganized Plan Debtors.

Section 5.02. Effective Date Transactions.

Entry Into Stock Purchase Transaction.

On the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall be authorized to consummate and close the transactions contemplated by that certain Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Novation Companies, Inc., Novation Holdings, Inc., and Butler America, LLC (“Seller”), as seller (the “HCS Transaction”) for the purchase of 100% of the Seller’s outstanding voting securities of Healthcare Staffing, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“HCS”) for a purchase price of $24 million in cash. The purchase price shall be paid from Novation’s cash on hand. A copy of the Stock Purchase Agreement related to the HCS Transaction is annexed to the Disclosure Statement as Exhibit D and defined as the “Purchase Agreement.” The terms of the Purchase Agreement govern the HCS Transaction, and any inconsistency between the Plan and the agreement shall be resolved in favor of the provisions of the Purchase Agreement.

Effective Date Funding.

On the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors shall use cash on hand to fund all payments required under the Plan and to close the HCS Transaction.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors may execute all documents and enter into all agreements as may be necessary and appropriate in connection with the HCS Transaction.

Section 5.03. [Reserved].

Section 5.04. Corporate Governance.

On the Effective Date, the Boards of Directors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall consist of those individuals set forth in the Plan Supplement.

Section 5.05. [Intentionally Deleted]

Section 5.06. Intercompany Claims.

On the Effective Date, all Intercompany Claims shall be deemed cancelled and there shall be no distribution made on account of such Claims.

Section 5.07. Obligations Incurred After the Effective Date.

Payment obligations incurred after the Effective Date, including, without limitation, the professional fees of the Plan Debtors, will not be subject to application or proof of claim and may be paid by the Reorganized Plan Debtors in the ordinary course of business and without further Bankruptcy Court approval.

Section 5.08. Post-Confirmation Operating Reports and United States Trustee Fees.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of operating reports until entry of a final decree in this case. Quarterly fees payable to the United States Trustee pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1930 and any applicable interest thereon shall be paid by the Reorganized Plan Debtors until the entry of an order converting, dismissing or granting a final decree in these cases.

ARTICLE VI

PRESERVATION AND PROSECUTION OF CAUSES OF ACTION HELD BY THE PLAN DEBTORS

Section 6.01. Preservation and Prosecution of Causes of Action.

In accordance with section 1123(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, all claims and causes of action of the Reorganized Plan Debtors are retained and preserved. The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall retain and may enforce all rights to commence and pursue, as appropriate, any and all Causes of Action. The Reorganized Plan Debtors’ right to commence, prosecute, settle, or abandon their Causes of Action shall be preserved, notwithstanding the occurrence of the Effective Date. No entity may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as any indication that the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, will not pursue any and all available Causes of Action against them. Unless any Causes of Action against an entity are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised, or settled in the Plan or a Bankruptcy Court order, the Reorganized Plan Debtors expressly reserve all Causes of Action, for later adjudication, and, therefore, no preclusion doctrine, including the doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable, or otherwise), or laches, shall apply to such Causes of Action upon, after, or as a consequence of the Confirmation Order. In accordance with section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code, any Causes of Action against any entity shall vest in the Reorganized Plan Debtors.

ARTICLE VII

PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS

Section 7.01. Objections to Claims.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have the right to object to the allowance of any Claims or Interests with respect to which they dispute liability, priority, and/or amount. Any Objections to Claims that have been filed on or before the Confirmation Date, shall be served and filed as soon as practicable, but, in each instance, no later than: (a) 180 days after the Effective Date; or (b) such other date as may be fixed by the Bankruptcy Court, whether fixed before or after the date specified in clause (a) hereof. The Filing of a motion to extend such objection deadline shall automatically extend such deadline until a Final Order is entered on such motion. In the event that such a motion to extend the objection deadline is denied by the Bankruptcy Court, or approved by the Bankruptcy Court and reversed on appeal, such objection deadline shall be the later of the current deadline (as previously extended, as applicable) or 30 days after entry of a Final Order denying the motion to extend the objection deadline.

Section 7.02. No Payment or Distribution Pending Allowance.

Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan, if any portion of a Claim is a Disputed Claim, no payment or Distribution of Property provided for hereunder shall be made on account of such Claim unless and until the Disputed Claim becomes an Allowed Claim. To the extent a Disputed Claim is Disallowed in whole or in part, the Holder of such Claim will not receive any Distribution on account of the portion of such Claim (including the whole, if applicable) that is Disallowed.

Section 7.03. Disputed Distributions.

If any dispute arises as to the identity of a Holder of an Allowed Claim who is to receive any Distribution, in lieu of making a distribution to such Person, the Disbursing Agent may reserve or deposit the Distribution at issue (or the disputed portion thereof into a segregated account for Disputed Distributions until the disposition thereof is determined by a Final Order or by written agreement among the interested parties to such dispute.

Section 7.04. Estimation.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have the right, but not the obligation, at any time to seek an order of the Bankruptcy Court, after notice and a hearing (which hearing may be held on an expedited basis), estimating for final Distribution purposes any contingent, unliquidated, or Disputed Claim pursuant to section 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, regardless of whether the Plan Debtors, the Reorganized Plan Debtors previously objected to such Claim. If the Bankruptcy Court estimates any contingent, Disputed or unliquidated Claim, the estimated amount shall constitute either the Allowed Amount of such Claim or a maximum limitation on such Claim, as determined by the Bankruptcy Court, including for purposes of the Disputed Claims Reserve; provided, however, that if the estimate constitutes the maximum limitation on such Claim, the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors as the case may be, may elect to pursue supplemental proceedings to object to any ultimate allowance of such Claim. On or after the Confirmation Date, Claims that have been estimated may be compromised, settled, withdrawn, or otherwise resolved subsequently, without further order of the Bankruptcy Court.

Section 7.05. Reserve Account for Disputed Claims.

On or after the Effective Date, the Disbursing Agent shall hold in their respective Disputed Claims Reserves, Cash or other consideration in an aggregate amount sufficient to compensate each Holder of a Disputed Claim, which the Disbursing Agent is ultimately responsible for disbursing, with (i) the amount that such Holder would have been entitled to receive under the Plan if such Claim had been an Allowed Claim on the Effective Date, (ii) to the extent the value of a Disputed Claim has been estimated in accordance with Section 7.04 above, the estimated value of such Disputed Claim, or (iii) such other amount as may be agreed upon by the Holder of such Disputed Claim and the Reorganized Debtor. The Disbursing Agent may pool funds in the Disputed Claims Reserves with other funds; provided, however, the Disbursing Agent shall treat all such funds as segregated accounts in their respective books and records.

Section 7.06. Release of Funds from Claims Reserves.

At such time as a Disputed Claim becomes, in whole or in part, an Allowed Claim, the Disbursing Agent, shall distribute to the Holder thereof the distribution, if any, to which such Holder is then entitled under the Plan. To the extent a Disputed Claim is Disallowed or Allowed in a lesser amount than has been reserved for such Disputed Claim, the Cash reserved for such Disputed Claim or the difference between the amount reserved for such Disputed Claim and the lesser amount at which such Disputed Claim is ultimately Allowed, as applicable, be returned from the Disputed Claims Reserve to the Reorganized Plan Debtors.

ARTICLE VIII

DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE PLAN

Section 8.01. Limitation to Full Recovery.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Holder of any Claim will be entitled to a Distribution in excess of 100% of the Allowed amount of its Claims.

Section 8.02. Timing of Distributions.

Distributions under the Plan shall be made (i) as set forth in the Plan or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter; or (ii) as agreed between the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, and the particular Creditor, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. If a Claim is not an Allowed Claim as of the Effective Date, Distributions will be made only if and when the Claim is Allowed and, to the extent a Disputed Claim is the subject of estimation in accordance with Section 7.04 of the Plan, in an amount no greater than the amount reserved in the Disputed Claims Reserve.

Section 8.03. Saturdays, Sundays, or Legal Holidays.

If any payment or act under the Plan is required to be made or performed on a date that is not a Business Day, then the making of such payment or the performance of such act may be completed on the next succeeding Business Day, and shall be deemed to have been completed as of the required date.

Section 8.04. Distribution Record Date.

Except as otherwise provided in a Final Order that is not subject to any stay, the transferees of Claims that are transferred pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3001 and Filed with the Bankruptcy Court on or prior to the Distribution Record Date will be treated as the Holders of such Claims for all purposes, notwithstanding that any period provided by Bankruptcy Rule 3001 for objecting to such transfer may not have expired by the Distribution Record Date. As of the close of business on the Distribution Record Date, any transfer ledgers, transfer books, registers and any other records will be closed and, for purposes of the Plan, there shall be no further changes in the record Holders of such Claims. The Plan Debtors shall have no obligation to recognize the transfer of any Claim occurring after the Distribution Record Date, and will be entitled for all purposes to recognize and deal only with those Holders of Claims and Interests as of the close of business on the Distribution Record Date, as reflected on the ledgers, books, registers or records of the Plan Debtors and the Bankruptcy Court.

Section 8.05. Delivery of Distributions.

Subject to the treatment of Disputed Distributions as set forth in Section 7.03 of the Plan, Distributions shall be made to Holders of Allowed Claims at the addresses set forth on the Plan Debtors’ books and records or the Proofs of Claim, if any, Filed by such Creditors or at the last known addresses of such Creditors or, in the case of transferred Claims, on the notice of transfer Filed with the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3001, each as of the Distribution Record Date. If any such Creditor’s Distribution is returned as undeliverable, no further Distribution shall be made to such Creditor unless and until the Plan Debtors are notified of such Creditor’s then-current address, at which time any missed Distribution shall be made to such Creditor to the extent of available Cash; provided that in no event are the Plan Debtors required to make Distributions to a Creditor whose Distribution is returned as undeliverable and becomes Unclaimed Property.

Section 8.06. Method of Cash Distributions.

The Disbursing Agent shall make all Distributions contemplated by the Plan. Any Cash payment to be made pursuant to the Plan shall be made by check drawn on a domestic bank or by wire transfer from a domestic bank, at the option of the Disbursing Agent. If a Creditor holds more than one Claim in any one Class, all Allowed Claims of the Creditor in that Class may, at the Plan Debtors’ option, be aggregated and one Distribution may be made with respect thereto.

Section 8.07. Unclaimed Property.

All Property distributed on account of Claims must be claimed within the later of ninety (90) days after (i) the Distribution Date and (ii) the date such Distribution is made to such Holder provided, however, in the case of a Distribution made in the form of a check, must be negotiated or a request for reissuance made directly to the Plan Debtors by the Creditor that was originally issued such check and shall be made within ninety (90) days after the date the Distribution is made to the applicable Creditor. Nothing contained in the Plan shall require the Plan Debtors to attempt to locate any Holder of an Allowed Claim, other than as provided herein. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code sections 347(b) and 1143, all Claims in respect of Unclaimed Property shall be deemed Disallowed and the Holder of any Claim Disallowed is forever barred, expunged, estopped and enjoined from asserting such Claim in any manner against the Plan Debtors or the Estates.

Section 8.08. Compliance with Tax Requirements.

In connection with each Distribution with respect to which the filing of an information return (such as an IRS Form 1099 or 1042) or withholding is required, the Plan Debtors shall file such information return with the IRS and provide any required statements in connection therewith to the recipients of such Distribution or effect any such withholding and deposit all moneys so withheld as required by law. With respect to any Person from whom a tax identification number, certified tax identification number or other tax information required by law to avoid withholding has not been received by the Plan Debtors within thirty (30) days from the date of any such request, the Plan Debtors may, at their option, withhold the amount required and distribute the balance to such Person or decline to make such Distribution until the information is received.

Section 8.09. Setoffs.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or in an agreement approved by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, may, pursuant to applicable law (including section 553 of the Bankruptcy Code), setoff against any Distribution amounts related to any Claim before any Distribution is made on account of such Claim, any and all of the Claims, rights and causes of action of any nature that the Plan Debtors, the Estates or the Reorganized Plan Debtors may hold against the Holder of such Claim, provided, however, that neither the failure to effect such a setoff, the allowance of any Claim hereunder, any other act or omission of the Plan Debtors or the Disbursing Agent, nor any provision of the Plan (other than Article X of the Plan) will constitute a waiver or release by the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors of any such claims, rights or causes of action that the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors may possess against such Holder.

Section 8.10. Documentation Necessary to Release Lien.

Each Creditor who is a Holder of a Lien satisfied, discharged and released under the Plan and who is to receive a Distribution under the Plan shall not receive such Distribution until such Creditor executes and delivers any documents necessary to release all Liens arising under any applicable security agreement or non-bankruptcy law (in recordable form, if appropriate) in connection with such Claim and such other documents as the Plan Debtors may reasonably request to document satisfaction of the Lien.

Section 8.11. Distributions Under Fifty Dollars.

No Distribution of Cash in an amount less than fifty dollars ($50.00) will be made by the Disbursing Agent to any Holder of an allowed Claim unless a request is made in writing to the Disbursing Agent. If no such request is made, all such Distributions will be treated as Unclaimed Property.

ARTICLE IX

EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES;
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS

Section 9.01. General Treatment.

Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, prior to the Effective Date, the Debtor will have rejected or filed a motion to assume or reject all executory contracts or unexpired leases of the Debtor not previously (a) assumed or (b) terminated or expired by their terms. Any executory contracts that were not expressly assumed, terminated or expired by their terms or rejected shall be deemed rejected upon entry of the Confirmation Order.

Section 9.02. Bar Date for Filing Proofs of Claim Relating to Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases Rejected Pursuant to the Plan.

Claims arising out of the rejection of an Executory Contract or unexpired lease pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Plan must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served upon the Plan Debtors (or, on and after the Effective Date, Reorganized Plan Debtors) no later than thirty (30) days after the later of (i) notice of entry of an order approving the rejection of such Executory Contract or unexpired lease, and (ii) notice of entry of the Confirmation Order. All such Claims not filed within such time will be forever barred from assertion against the Plan Debtors and their estates or the Reorganized Plan Debtors and their Property.

Section 9.03. Treatment of Rejection Claims.

Any Allowed Claim arising out of the rejection of an Executory Contract or unexpired lease pursuant to the Plan (as opposed to a separate order of the Bankruptcy Court) shall, pursuant to section 502(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, be a General Unsecured Claim.

Section 9.04. Reinstatement and Continuation of Insurance Policies.

Unless otherwise assumed during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, from and after the Effective Date, and notwithstanding Section 9.01 of the Plan, each of the Plan Debtors’ insurance policies in existence on and as of the Confirmation Date shall be reinstated and continued in accordance with its terms and, to the extent applicable, shall be deemed assumed by the Reorganized Plan Debtors pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code. Nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any Cause of Action that the Plan Debtors may hold against any entity, including, without limitation, the insurer under any of the Plan Debtors’ insurance policies.

The Plan Debtors’ discharge and release from all Claims and Interests, as provided herein, shall not diminish or impair the enforceability of any insurance policy that may cover Claims against the Plan Debtors (including, without limitation, their officers and directors), the Reorganized Plan Debtors (including, without limitation, their officers and directors) or any other person or entity.

ARTICLE X

EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION

Section 10.01. Binding Effect.

The Plan shall be binding and inure to the benefit of the Plan Debtors, all Holders of Claims and Interests, and their respective successors and assigns.

Section 10.02. Continued Corporate Existence.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, each Debtor shall continue to exist after the Effective Date as a separate corporate (or limited liability company, as applicable) entity, with all the powers of a corporation (or limited liability company, as applicable), pursuant to the jurisdiction in which each applicable Debtor is incorporated or formed and pursuant to the respective certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other formation documents) in effect prior to the Effective Date, except to the extent such Amended Certificate and Bylaws (or other formation documents) are amended by the Plan or otherwise, and to the extent such documents are amended, such documents are deemed to be amended pursuant to the Plan and require no further action or approval.

Section 10.03. Vesting of Property.

On the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 1141(b) and (c) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Property of each Estate shall vest in the applicable Reorganized Debtor as the case may be, free and clear of all Claims, Liens, encumbrances, charges, and other Interests, except as provided herein or in the Confirmation Order. From and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Plan Debtors may operate their businesses and may use, acquire, and dispose of property free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules and in all respects as if there were no pending case under any chapter or provision of the Bankruptcy Code, except as provided herein.

Section 10.04. Discharge of Claims Against and Interests in the Plan Debtors.

Upon the Effective Date and in consideration of the distributions to be made hereunder, except as otherwise provided herein or in the Confirmation Order, each Person that is a Holder (as well as any trustees and agents on behalf of such Person) of a Claim or Interest and any affiliate of such Holder shall be deemed to have forever waived, released, and discharged the Plan Debtors, to the fullest extent permitted by section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, of and from any and all Claims, Interests, rights, and liabilities that arose prior to the Effective Date. Except as otherwise provided herein, upon the Effective Date, all such Holders of Claims and Interests and their affiliates shall be forever precluded and enjoined, pursuant to sections 105, 524, 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, from prosecuting or asserting any such discharged Claim against or terminated Interest in any Debtor.

Section 10.05. Injunction.

EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE PLAN, THE CONFIRMATION ORDER, OR SUCH OTHER ORDER OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE, AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE, ALL PERSONS WHO HAVE HELD, HOLD OR MAY HOLD CLAIMS AGAINST OR INTERESTS IN THE PLAN DEBTORS OR THEIR ESTATES THAT ARE DISCHARGED PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, INCLUDING THOSE ARISING PURSUANT TO THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE HCS TRANSACTION, ARE, WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH CLAIMS OR INTERESTS, PERMANENTLY ENJOINED FROM AND AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE FROM: (I) COMMENCING, CONDUCTING OR CONTINUING IN ANY MANNER, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY PROCEEDING IN A JUDICIAL, ARBITRAL, ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER FORUM) ON ANY SUCH CLAIM OR INTEREST AGAINST OR AFFECTING THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE ESTATES OR ANY OF THEIR PROPERTY, OR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT TRANSFEREE OF ANY PROPERTY OF, OR DIRECT OR INDIRECT SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO, ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS OR ANY PROPERTY OF ANY SUCH TRANSFEREE OR SUCCESSOR, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION SELLER; (II) ENFORCING, LEVYING, ATTACHING (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY PRE-JUDGMENT ATTACHMENT), COLLECTING OR OTHERWISE RECOVERING BY ANY MANNER OR MEANS, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY JUDGMENT, AWARD, DECREE OR ORDER AGAINST THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE ESTATES OR ANY OF THE PLAN DEBTORS’ PROPERTY, OR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT TRANSFEREE OF ANY PROPERTY OF, OR DIRECT OR INDIRECT SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO, ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS, OR ANY PROPERTY OF ANY SUCH TRANSFEREE OR SUCCESSOR, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION SELLER; (III) CREATING, PERFECTING OR OTHERWISE ENFORCING IN ANY MANNER, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY ENCUMBRANCE OF ANY KIND AGAINST THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE ESTATES, OR ANY OF THEIR PROPERTY, OR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT TRANSFEREE OF ANY PROPERTY OF, OR SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO, ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION SELLER; (IV) ACTING OR PROCEEDING IN ANY MANNER, IN ANY PLACE WHATSOEVER, THAT DOES NOT CONFORM TO OR COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW; AND (V) COMMENCING OR CONTINUING, IN ANY MANNER OR IN ANY PLACE, ANY ACTION THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH OR IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL PRECLUDE SUCH PERSONS FROM EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS, OR OBTAINING BENEFITS, PURSUANT TO AND CONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THE PLAN, NOR SHALLTHIS INJUNCTION EXTEND TO CLAIMS HELD BY SELLER ARSING FROM THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE HCS TRANSACTION.

Section 10.06. Releases.

(a) RELEASES BY THE PLAN DEBTORS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE PLAN OR THE CONFIRMATION ORDER, AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE, EACH PLAN DEBTOR, IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND AS A DEBTOR IN POSSESSION, SHALL BE DEEMED TO FOREVER RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE ALL CLAIMS, OBLIGATIONS, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION AND LIABILITIES (OTHER THAN THE RIGHTS OF THE PLAN DEBTORS TO ENFORCE THE PLAN AND THE CONTRACTS, INSTRUMENTS, RELEASES, INDENTURES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS OR DOCUMENTS DELIVERED THEREUNDER) WHETHER LIQUIDATED OR UNLIQUIDATED, FIXED OR CONTINGENT, MATURED OR UNMATURED, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, THEN EXISTING OR THEREAFTER ARISING, IN LAW, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE THAT ARE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY ACT, OMISSION, TRANSACTION, EVENT OR OTHER OCCURRENCE TAKING PLACE ON OR PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE PARTIES RELEASED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, THE PLAN OR THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, AND THAT COULD HAVE BEEN ASSERTED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE PLAN DEBTORS OR THEIR ESTATES, WHETHER DIRECTLY, INDIRECTLY, DERIVATIVELY OR IN ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR ANY OTHER CAPACITY, AGAINST ANY DEBTOR RELEASED PARTIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL ANYTHING IN THIS SECTION BE CONSTRUED AS A RELEASE OF ANY PERSON’S FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT FOR MATTERS WITH RESPECT TO THE PLAN DEBTORS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES AND/OR AFFILIATES.

(i) The Plan Debtors release Butler from any claims except claims arising under the Purchase Agreement, all of which are preserved.

(b) RELEASES BY HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE PLAN OR THE CONFIRMATION ORDER, ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AS SUCH LAW MAY BE EXTENDED OR INTERPRETED SUBSEQUENT TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE, EACH HOLDER OF A CLAIM THAT DOES NOT VOTE TO REJECT THE PLAN AND ANY PERSON WHO RECEIVES A DISTRIBUTION UNDER THE PLAN, IN CONSIDERATION FOR THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PLAN DEBTORS AND THE OTHER RELEASED PARTIES UNDER THE PLAN, THE PLAN DISTRIBUTIONS, AND OTHER RELEASES, AGREEMENTS OR DOCUMENTS EXECUTED AND DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLAN, WILL BE DEEMED TO CONSENSUALLY FOREVER RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LIABILITIES (OTHER THAN THE RIGHT TO ENFORCE THE OBLIGATIONS OF ANY PARTY UNDER THE PLAN AND THE CONTRACTS, INSTRUMENTS, RELEASES, AGREEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS DELIVERED UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLAN, EXCEPT OBLIGATIONS TO BUTLER UNDER THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT), INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CLAIMS FOR ANY SUCH LOSS SUCH HOLDER MAY SUFFER, HAVE SUFFERED OR BE ALLEGED TO SUFFER AS A RESULT OF THE PLAN DEBTORS COMMENCING THE CHAPTER 11 CASES OR AS A RESULT OF THE PLAN BEING CONSUMMATED, WHETHER LIQUIDATED OR UNLIQUIDATED, FIXED OR CONTINGENT, MATURED OR UNMATURED, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, THEN EXISTING OR THEREAFTER ARISING, IN LAW, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE THAT ARE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY ACT OR OMISSION, TRANSACTION, EVENT OR OTHER OCCURRENCE TAKING PLACE ON OR PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, THE PLAN OR THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AGAINST ANY RELEASED PARTY (WHICH INCLUDES THE DEBTOR-RELEASED PARTIES, THE “THIRD PARTY RELEASE”).

(i) In addition, Butler shall have no liability and shall be released from all claims asserted by Holders of Claims or Interests provided that the Plan Debtors and Reorganized Plan Debtors shall retain all rights and claims under the Purchase Agreement.

Section 10.07. Exculpation and Limitation of Liability.

NONE OF THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE DISBURSING AGENT, THE CREDITORS’ COMMITTEE, BUTLER AND ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS, ATTORNEYS, CONSULTANTS, ADVISORS, AND AGENTS (BUT SOLELY IN THEIR CAPACITIES AS SUCH) SHALL HAVE OR INCUR ANY LIABILITY TO ANY HOLDER OF ANY CLAIM OR INTEREST FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION UP TO AND INCLUDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE IN CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO, OR ARISING OUT OF THE PLAN DEBTORS’ RESTRUCTURING AND THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE NEGOTIATION AND EXECUTION OF THE PLAN, THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, THE SOLICITATION OF VOTES FOR AND THE PURSUIT OF THE PLAN, THE CONSUMMATION OF THE PLAN, OR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN OR THE PROPERTY TO BE DISTRIBUTED UNDER THE PLAN, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL DOCUMENTS ANCILLARY THERETO, ALL DECISIONS, ACTIONS, INACTIONS AND ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE OR MISCONDUCT RELATING THERETO AND ALL PREPETITION ACTIVITIES LEADING TO THE PROMULGATION AND CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN EXCEPT FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS DETERMINED BY A FINAL ORDER OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

Section 10.08. Injunction Related to Releases and Exculpation.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE PLAN, THE CONFIRMATION ORDER SHALL PERMANENTLY ENJOIN THE COMMENCEMENT OR PROSECUTION BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY, WHETHER DIRECTLY, DERIVATIVELY OR OTHERWISE, OF ANY CLAIMS, OBLIGATIONS, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LIABILITIES RELEASED PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CLAIMS, OBLIGATIONS, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LIABILITIES RELEASED IN THE PLAN AGAINST THE DEBTOR RELEASED PARTIES.

Section 10.09. Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights.

(a) Except as explicitly provided in the Plan, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver, release, or relinquishment of any rights, claims or causes of action, rights of setoff, or other legal or equitable defenses (including, for avoidance of doubt, any cause of action to avoid a transfer under sections 303(c), 544, 547, 548, or 553(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, of any similar state law) that the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, or which the Reorganized Plan Debtors may choose to assert on behalf of their respective estates under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable non-bankruptcy law, including, without limitation, (i) any and all Claims against any Person or entity, to the extent such Person or entity asserts a cross-claim, counterclaim, and/or Claim for setoff which seeks affirmative relief against the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, (ii) the turnover of any property of the Plan Debtors’ Estates, and (iii) Causes of Action against current of former directors, officers, professionals, agents, financial advisors, underwriters, lenders or auditors relating to act or omissions occurring prior to the Petition Date, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan.

(b) Except as explicitly provided in the Plan, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver, release or relinquishment of any rights, claims or causes of action, rights of setoff, or other legal or equitable defenses (including, for avoidance of doubt, any cause of action to avoid a transfer under sections 303(c), 544, 547, 548, or 553(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, of any similar state law) that the Plan Debtors had immediately prior to the Petition Date against or with respect to any Claim left Unimpaired. The Reorganized Plan Debtors as the case may be, shall have, retain, reserve, and be entitled to assert all such Claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff and other legal or equitable defenses which they had immediately prior to the Petition Date fully as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced.

ARTICLE XI

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

Section 11.01. Exclusive Jurisdiction of Bankruptcy Court.

Notwithstanding the entry of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain exclusive jurisdiction of all matters arising out of, arising in or related to, the Chapter 11 Cases, the Plan and the Confirmation Order to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including, without limitation, jurisdiction to:

(i) Allow, disallow, determine, liquidate, classify, estimate or establish the priority or secured or unsecured status of any Claim (whether Filed before or after the Effective Date and whether or not contingent, Disputed or unliquidated), including the compromise, settlement and resolution of any request for payment of any Claim, the resolution of any Objections to the allowance or priority of any Claim and the resolution of any dispute as to the treatment necessary to reinstate a Claim pursuant to the Plan and to hear and determine any other issue presented hereby or arising hereunder, including during the pendency of any appeal relating to any Objection to such Claim;

(ii) Grant or deny any applications for allowance of compensation or reimbursement of expenses for Professionals authorized pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or the Plan, for periods ending on or before the Effective Date;

(iii) Hear and determine motions, applications, adversary proceedings, contested matters and other litigated matters pending on, Filed on or commenced after the Effective Date, including proceedings with respect to the rights of the Estate to recover Property under sections 542 or 543 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(iv) Determine and resolve any matters related to the assumption, assumption and assignment or rejection of any Executory Contract or unexpired lease to which the Plan Debtors are a party or with respect to which the Plan Debtors may be liable, and to hear, determine and, if necessary, liquidate any Claims arising therefrom;

(v) Ensure that all payments due under the Plan and performance of the provisions of the Plan are accomplished as provided herein and resolve any issues relating to Distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims pursuant to the provisions of the Plan;

(vi) Following the Effective Date and consistent with section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code, construe, take any action and issue such orders as may be necessary for the enforcement, implementation, execution and consummation of the Plan and all contracts, instruments, releases and other agreements or documents created in connection with the Plan and the Confirmation Order, for the maintenance of the integrity of the Plan and protection of the Estates following consummation in accordance with sections 524 and 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(vii) Determine and resolve any case, controversy, suit or dispute that may arise in connection with the consummation, interpretation, implementation or enforcement of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, including the indemnification, release and injunction provisions set forth in the Plan, or any Person’s rights arising under or obligations incurred in connection therewith;

(viii) Modify the Plan after the Effective Date pursuant to section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code and the Plan or modify the Plan Summary, the Confirmation Order or any contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created in connection with the Plan, the Plan Summary or the Confirmation Order, or remedy any defect or omission or reconcile any inconsistency in any Bankruptcy Court order, the Plan, the Plan Summary, the Confirmation Order;

(ix) Issue injunctions, enter and implement other orders or take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to restrain interference by any Person with consummation, implementation or enforcement of the Plan or the Confirmation Order;

(x) Enter and implement such orders as are necessary or appropriate if the Confirmation Order is for any reason modified, stayed, reversed, revoked or vacated;

(xi) Determine any other matters that may arise in connection with or relating to the Plan, the Plan Summary, the Confirmation Order and the Bankruptcy Code;

(xii) Determine such other matters and for such other purposes as may be provided in the Confirmation Order;

(xiii) Continue to enforce the automatic stay through the Effective Date;

(xiv) Hear and determine disputes arising in connection with the interpretation, implementation or enforcement of the Plan, and issues presented or arising under the Plan, including but not limited to disputes among Holders or with the Reorganized Debtor and arising under agreements, documents or instruments executed in connection with or governed by the Plan;

(xv) Hear and determine any other matter relating to the Plan, its interpretation or enforcement; and

(xvi) Enter a final decree and close the Chapter 11 Cases.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bankruptcy Court shall not accept jurisdiction over any dispute or claim arising from the Purchase Agreement; any such dispute or claim shall be governed in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement.

ARTICLE XII

CONFIRMATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN

Section 12.01. Conditions Precedent to Confirmation.

The following conditions precedent to the occurrence or the confirmation must be satisfied unless any such condition shall have been waived by the Plan Debtors:

(a) the Disclosure Statement having been approved by the Bankruptcy Court as having adequate information in accordance with section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code; and

(b) entry of the Confirmation Order in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Plan Debtors.

Section 12.02. Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date.

The following conditions precedent to the occurrence or the confirmation must be satisfied unless any such condition shall have been waived by the Plan Debtors:

(a) the Confirmation Order, in form and substance satisfactory to the Plan Debtors, having become a Final Order;

(b) the Plan and related documents, in form and substance satisfactory to the Plan Debtors, being executed and delivered, and any conditions (other than the occurrence of the Effective Date or certification by the Plan Debtors that the Effective Date has occurred) contained therein having been satisfied or waived in accordance therewith;

(c) the Plan Debtors and Seller having executed all documents and entered into all agreements as may be necessary and appropriate in connection with the HCS Transaction;

(d) the Cash or the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby shall be sufficient to fund the Distributions under the Plan;

(e) the Board of Directors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have been selected and shall have agreed to serve; and

(f) all other actions and documents necessary to implement the Plan shall have been effected or executed and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Plan Debtors.

Section 12.03. Notice of Occurrence of the Effective Date.

The Plan Debtors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall file a Notice of the Occurrence of the Effective Date within five (5) Business Days after the Effective Date. Failure to file such Notice shall not prevent the effectiveness of the Plan, Plan Supplement or any related documents.

Section 12.04. Dissolution of Creditors’ Committee.

Upon the Effective Date, the Creditors’ Committee shall be dissolved and the current and former members of the Creditors’ Committee and any other creditor, equity or other committee appointed pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Chapter 11 Cases, and their respective officers, employees, counsel, advisors and agents, shall be released and discharged of and from all further authority, duties, responsibilities and obligations related to and arising from and in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases.

Section 12.05. Waiver of Conditions Precedent and Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e) Automatic Stay.

The Plan Debtors shall have the right to waive one or more of the conditions precedent set forth above at any time without leave of or notice to the Bankruptcy Court and without formal action other than proceeding with confirmation of the Plan.

If any condition precedent to the Effective Date is waived pursuant to this Section and the Effective Date occurs, the waiver of such condition shall benefit from the “mootness doctrine”, and the act of consummation of the Plan shall foreclose any ability to challenge the Plan in any court.

Section 12.06. Consequences of Non-Occurrence of Effective Date.

If the Confirmation Order is vacated, (a) the Plan shall be null and void in all respects, and (b) any settlement or release of claims provided for hereby shall be null and void without further Order of the Bankruptcy Court.

ARTICLE XIII

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 13.01. Binding Effect of Plan.

The provisions of the Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Plan Debtors, any Holder of any Claim or Interest treated herein and each of their respective heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents, officers and directors, and, to the fullest extent permitted under the Bankruptcy Code and other applicable law, each other Person affected by the Plan.

Section 13.02. Severability.

Should the Bankruptcy Court determine prior to entry of the Confirmation Order, that any provision of the Plan is either illegal or unenforceable on its face or illegal or unenforceable as applied to any Claim or Interest, such provision shall be unenforceable as to all Holders of Claims or Interests or to the specific Holder of such Claim or Interest, as the case may be, as to which the provision is illegal. Unless otherwise determined by the Bankruptcy Court, such a determination shall in no way limit or affect the enforceability and operative effect of any other provisions of the Plan. The Plan Debtors reserve the right not to proceed with Confirmation and/or consummation of the Plan if any such ruling occurs.

Section 13.03. Governing Law.

Except to the extent that the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rules or other federal laws are applicable, and subject to the provisions of any contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document entered into in connection with the Plan, in particular the provision on governing law and jurisdiction of the Purchase Agreement, the construction, implementation and enforcement of the Plan and all rights and obligations arising under the Plan shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles which would apply the law of a jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland or the United States of America.

Section 13.04. Notices.

Any notice required or permitted to be provided under the Plan shall be in writing and served by either prepaid (i) certified mail, return receipt requested, (ii) hand delivery, or (iii) overnight delivery service, to be addressed as follows:

If to the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors

Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP
Counsel for Novation Companies, Inc.
1325 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
Attn: Adam H. Friedman, Esquire

-and-

Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler
250 West Pratt Street, Suite 2000
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attn: Joel Sher, Esquire

Section 13.05. Filing of Additional Documents.

On or before substantial consummation of the Plan, or such later time as may be authorized by the Bankruptcy Court, the Plan Debtors are authorized to issue, execute, deliver or File with the Bankruptcy Court or record any agreements and other documents, and take any action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, consummate and further evidence implementation of the terms and conditions of the Plan.

Section 13.06. Time.

Unless otherwise specified herein, in computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by the Plan, the day of the act or event from which the designated period begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is not a Business Day, in which event the period runs until the end of next succeeding day that is a Business Day. Otherwise, the provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 9006 shall apply.

Section 13.07. Exhibits/Schedules.

All exhibits and schedules to the Plan and any Plan Supplement are incorporated into and constitute a part of the Plan as if fully set forth herein.

Section 13.08. Defenses with Respect to Impaired or Unimpaired Claims.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, nothing shall affect the parties’ rights and/or legal and equitable defenses with respect to any Impaired or Unimpaired Claim, including but not limited to all rights relating to legal and equitable defenses to setoffs or recoupments against any Unimpaired Claim.

Section 13.09. No Injunctive Relief.

No Claim shall be entitled to specific performance or other injunctive, equitable or other prospective relief except as may be specified in the Plan.

Section 13.10. No Admissions.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, prior to the Effective Date, nothing contained in the Plan shall be deemed an admission by any party with respect to any matter set forth herein, including, without limitation, liability on any Claim or the propriety of any classification of any Claim; provided, however, that the provisions of the Plan shall be treated as admissions under the Federal Rules of Evidence upon the Effective Date.

Section 13.11. Extension of Time.

Any period of time or deadline under the Plan may be extended by agreement of the parties affected thereby, or by order of the Bankruptcy Court upon good cause shown.

Section 13.12. Payment of Statutory Fees.

All fees payable on or before the Effective Date pursuant to section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code, and any applicable interest thereon, shall be paid by the Plan Debtors on or before the Effective Date, and all such fees payable after the Effective Date shall be paid by the applicable Reorganized Plan Debtors as and when such fees become due. Any deadline for filing Administrative Claims shall not apply to fees payable pursuant to section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code.

Section 13.13. Conflict.

To the extent that terms of Confirmation Order or the Plan are inconsistent with the Disclosure Statement or any agreement entered into between any of the Plan Debtors and any other party, the terms of the Plan control the Disclosure Statement and any such agreement, and the provisions of the Confirmation Order (and any Final Orders entered by the Bankruptcy Court after the date of the Plan) control the terms of the Plan.

Section 13.14. Reservation of Rights.

Except as expressly set forth herein, the Plan shall have no force or effect unless the Bankruptcy Court shall enter the Confirmation Order. None of the filing of the Plan, any statement or provision contained herein, or the taking of any action by the Plan Debtors with respect to the Plan shall be or shall be, deemed to be, an admission or waiver of any rights of the Plan Debtors with respect to any Claims or Interests prior to the Effective Date.

Section 13.15. Modifications and Amendments.

The Plan Debtors may alter, amend, or modify the Plan or any Plan Document under section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code at any time prior to the Confirmation Date.

The Plan Debtors shall provide parties-in-interest with notice of such amendments or modifications as may be required by the Bankruptcy Rules or order of the Bankruptcy Court. A Holder of a Claim or Interest that has accepted the Plan shall be deemed to have accepted the Plan, as altered, amended, modified, or clarified, if the proposed alteration, amendment, modification, or clarification does not materially and adversely change the treatment of the Claim or Interest of such Holder.

After the Confirmation Date and prior to substantial consummation (as defined in section 1101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code) of the Plan, the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, may, under section 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, institute proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court to remedy any defect or omission or to reconcile any inconsistencies in the Plan, the Disclosure Statement approved with respect to the Plan, or the Confirmation Order, and such matters as may be necessary to carry out the purpose and effect of the Plan so long as such proceedings do not adversely affect the treatment of Holders of Claims or Interests in the Plan Debtors under the Plan; provided, however, that, to the extent required, prior notice of such proceedings shall be served in accordance with the Bankruptcy Rules or an order of the Bankruptcy Court. A Holder of a Claim or Interest that has accepted the Plan shall be deemed to have accepted the Plan, as altered, amended, modified or clarified, if the proposed alteration, amendment, modification or clarification does not materially and adversely change the treatment of the Claim or Interest of such Holder.

Section 13.16. Continuing Exclusivity and Solicitation Period.

Subject to further order of the Bankruptcy Court, until the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors shall, pursuant to section 1121 of the Bankruptcy Code, retain the exclusive right to amend the Plan and to solicit acceptances thereof, and any modifications or amendments thereto.

Section 13.17. [Intentionally Deleted]

Section 13.18. Revocation, Withdrawal, or Non-Consummation.

The Plan Debtors reserve the right to revoke or withdraw the Plan at any time prior to the Confirmation Date and to File subsequent plans of reorganization. If the Plan Debtors revoke or withdraw the Plan prior to the Confirmation Date, or if the Confirmation or the Effective Date does not occur, then (a) the Plan shall be null and void in all respects, (b) any settlement or compromise embodied in the Plan (including the fixing or limiting to an amount certain any Claim or Class of Claims), assumption or rejection of Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases effected by the Plan, and any document or agreement executed pursuant to the Plan shall be deemed null and void, and (c) nothing contained in the Plan, and not acts taken in preparation for consummation of the Plan, shall (i) constitute or to be deemed to constitute a waiver or release of any Claims against, or any Interests in, the Plan Debtors, or any Avoidance Actions or other claims by or against Plan Debtors or any Person or Entity, (ii) prejudice in any manner the rights of the Plan Debtors or any Person or Entity in any further proceedings involving the Plan Debtors, or (iii) constitute an admission of any sort by the Plan Debtors or any other Person or Entity.

Dated: February 14, 2017	Respectfully submitted,

	NOVATION COMPANIES, INC.


	By:	/s/ Rodney E. Schwatken
		By: Rodney E. Schwatken Title: Chief Executive Officer

	NOVASTAR MORTGAGE LLC


	By:	/s/ Rodney E. Schwatken
		By: Rodney E. Schwatken Title: President and Chief Financial Officer

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this 14th day of February, 2017, I reviewed the Court’s CM/ECF system and it reports that an electronic copy of the Debtors’ Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of (i) Novation Companies, Inc. and (ii) NovaStar Mortgage, LLC will be served electronically by the Court’s CM/ECF system on the following:

Jason W. Harbour, Esquire

Nathan Kramer, Esquire

Tyler P. Brown, Esquire

Hunton & Williams, LLP

Riverfront Plaza, East Tower

951 East Byrd Street

Richmond, VA 23219

jharbour@hunton.com

nkramer@hunton.com

tpbrown@hunton.com

Thomas C. Goodhue, Esquire

HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP

2200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20037

tgoodhue@hunton.com

Counsel for Creditors’ Committee

John W. Weiss, Esquire

ALSTON & BIRD LLP

90 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Jonathan T. Edwards, Esquire

ALSTON & BIRD LLP

One Atlantic Center

1201 West Peachtree Street

Atlanta, GA 30309

Scott J. Pivnick, Esquire

ALSTON & BIRD LLP

The Atlantic Building

950 F Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20004

Attorneys for Taberna Preferred Funding I, Ltd. and Taberna Preferred Funding II, Ltd. (c/o TP Management LLC)

Edmund A. Goldberg, Esquire

Katherine A. Levin, Esquire

Office of the U.S. Trustee

101 West Lombard Street, Suite 2625

Baltimore, MD 21201

Edmund.A.Goldberg@usdoj.gov

Katherine.A.Levin@usdoj.gov

Susan R. Sherrill-Beard, Esquire

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Office of Reorganization (Atlanta Regional Office)

950 East Paces Ferry Road, N.E., Suite 900

Atlanta, GA 30326-1382

sherrill-beards@sec.gov

Counsel for U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Michael S. Etkin, Esquire

Andrew Behlmann, Esquire

Keara M. Waldron, Esquire

LOWENSTEIN SANDLER LLP

65 Livingston Avenue

Roseland, New Jersey 07068

metkin@lownstein.com

abehlmann@lownstein.com

kwaldron@lownestein.com

Joel P. Laitman, Esquire

Christopher Lometti, Esquire

Michael B. Eisenkraft, Esquire

Daniel B. Rehns, Esquire

Robert Dumas, Esquire

COHEN MILSTEIN SELLERS & TOLL PLLC

88 Pine Street

New York, New York 10005

jlaitman@cohenmilstein.com

colmetti@cohenmilstein.com

meisenkraft@cohenmilstein.com

drehns@cohenmilstein.com

rdumas@cohenmilstein.com

Alan M. Grochal, Esquire

TYDINGS & ROSENBERG LLP

100 East. Pratt Street, 26th Floor

Baltimore, Maryland 21201

agrochal@tydingslaw.com

Counsel for Interested Party, New Jersey Carpenters Health Fund

Kyle J. Moulding, Esquire

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC

312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800

Laurel, Maryland 20707

bankruptcymd@mwc-law.com

Counsel for Creditor U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for J.P. Morgan

Mortgage Acquisition Trust 2006-HE3, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-HE3

I hereby further certify that on the 14th day of February, 2017, a copy of Debtors’ Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of (i) Novation Companies, Inc. and (ii) NovaStar Mortgage, LLC was served via electronic mail to the following:

Stephen A. Opler, Esquire BARNES & THORNBURG LLP Prominence in Buckhead 3475 Piedmont Road N.W., Suite 1700 Atlanta, Georgia 30305 Stephen.Opler@btlaw.com	Paul Laurin, Esquire BARNES & THORNBURG LLP 2029 Century Park East, Suite 300 Los Angeles, California 90067 Paul.Laurin@btlaw.com
*Counsel to Interested Party*

	/s/ Joel I. Sher Joel I. Sher

EX-99.2 3 ex992to8k11032009_02152017.htm

Exhibit 99.2

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND

(Baltimore Division)

In re:

Novation Companies, Inc, et al.,

Debtors.¹

Chapter 11

Case No. 16-19745, 19747-19749 (DER)

(Jointly Administered)

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT REGARDING JOINT CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION OF (i) NOVATION COMPANIES, INC AND (ii) NOVASTAR MORTGAGE, LLC

Dated: February 14, 2017	OLSHAN FROME WOLOSKY LLP Adam H. Friedman Thomas J. Fleming Lauren B. Irby 1325 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10019 Telephone: (212) 451-2300
	-and-

SHAPIRO SHER GUINOT & SANDLER
Joel I. Sher, Bar No. 00719
Daniel J. Zeller, Bar No. 28107
250 West Pratt Street, Suite 2000
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Telephone: (410) 385-4277

Co-Counsel to the Plan Debtors and Plan Debtors-in-Possession

--------

¹ The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are: (i) Novation Companies, Inc. f/k/a NovaStar Financial, Inc., (ii) NovaStar Mortgage LLC f/k/a NovaStar Mortgage, Inc., (iii) NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation and (iv) 2114 Central, LLC f/k/a Advent Financial Services, LLC.

THE VOTING DEADLINE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN IS 4:00 p.m. [ ] 2017 prevailing eastern time UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE PLAN DEBTORS. TO BE COUNTED, COUNSEL FOR THE PLAN DEBTOR MUST ACTUALLY RECEIVE YOUR BALLOT on or before THE VOTING DEADLINE.

CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, THE PLAN AND ANY EXHIBITS ATTACHED HERETO IS SPECULATIVE, AND PERSONS SHOULD NOT RELY ON SUCH DOCUMENTS IN MAKING INVESTMENT DECISIONS WITH RESPECT TO (A) THE PLAN DEBTOR OR (B) ANY OTHER ENTITIES THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PLAN DEBTORs’ CHAPTER 11 CASES.

NOVATION COMPANIES, INC., F/K/A/ NOVASTAR FINANCIAL, INC; NOVASTAR MORTGAGE LLC F/K/A NOVASTAR MORTGAGE, INC.; AS PLAN DEBTORS ARE PROVIDING THE INFORMATION IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR THE CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN DEBTORS TO HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS FOR PURPOSES OF SOLICITING VOTES TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY UPON OR USE THE INFORMATION IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN TO DETERMINE HOW TO VOTE ON THE PLAN.

THE VOTING DEADLINE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN IS 4:00 P.M. (PREVAILING EASTERN TIME) ON [ ], 2017, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE PLAN DEBTORS (THE “VOTING DEADLINE”). TO BE COUNTED, BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY COUNSEL FOR THE PLAN DEBTORS ON OR BEFORE THE VOTING DEADLINE.

THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS BEEN PREPARED PURSUANT TO SECTION 1125 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE AND RULE 3016(B) OF THE FEDERAL RULES OF BANKRUPTCY PROCEDURE AND IS NOT NECESSARILY IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR OTHER SIMILAR LAWS. THE PLAN DEBTORS BELIEVE THAT THE SOLICITATION OF VOTES ON THE PLAN MADE BY THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, AND THE OFFER OF THE NEW SECURITIES THAT MAY BE DEEMED TO BE MADE PURSUANT TO THE SOLICITATION ARE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND ANY SIMILAR FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS IN RELIANCE ON SECTION 1145(a)(1) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE. TO THE EXTENT THAT SECTION 1145(a)(1) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE IS INAPPLICABLE, THE PLAN DEBTORS BELIEVE THAT THE NEW SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE PLAN WILL BE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND ANY SIMILAR FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS BY REASON OF THE EXEMPTION SET FORTH IN SECTION 4(2) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OR REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER.

THE PLAN DEBTORS WILL BE FILING A PLAN SUPPLEMENT NO LATER THAN THREE (3) DAYS PRIOR TO THE CONFIRMATION HEARING.

IF THE PLAN IS CONFIRMED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT AND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OCCURS, ALL HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AGAINST, AND HOLDERS OF INTERESTS IN, THE PLAN DEBTORS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE HOLDERS OF CLAIMS OR INTERESTS WHO DO NOT SUBMIT BALLOTS TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN OR WHO ARE NOT ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE PLAN) WILL BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THE PLAN AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT MAY CONTAIN “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. SUCH STATEMENTS CONSIST OF ANY STATEMENT OTHER THAN A RECITATION OF HISTORICAL FACT AND CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS “MAY,” “EXPECT,” “ANTICIPATE,” “ESTIMATE” OR “CONTINUE” OR THE NEGATIVE THEREOF OR OTHER VARIATIONS THEREON OR COMPARABLE TERMINOLOGY. THE READER IS CAUTIONED THAT ALL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NECESSARILY SPECULATIVE AND THERE ARE CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL EVENTS OR RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE REFERRED TO IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THE DISTRIBUTION PROJECTIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND ATTACHED HERETO ARE ESTIMATES ONLY, AND THE TIMING AND AMOUNT OF ACTUAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS OF ALLOWED CLAIMS MAY BE AFFECTED BY MANY FACTORS THAT CANNOT BE PREDICTED. THEREFORE, ANY ANALYSES, ESTIMATES OR RECOVERY PROJECTIONS MAY OR MAY NOT TURN OUT TO BE ACCURATE. DUE TO THESE UNCERTAINTIES, READERS CANNOT BE ASSURED THAT ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WILL PROVE TO BE CORRECT. THE PLAN DEBTORS ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO (AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION TO) UPDATE OR ALTER ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHETHER AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS, OR OTHERWISE, UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

NO LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE IS PROVIDED TO YOU BY THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. THE PLAN DEBTORS URGE EACH HOLDER OF A CLAIM OR AN INTEREST TO CONSULT WITH ITS OWN ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO ANY LEGAL, FINANCIAL, SECURITIES, TAX OR BUSINESS ADVICE IN REVIEWING THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, THE PLAN AND EACH OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY. FURTHERMORE, THE BANKRUPTCY COURT’S APPROVAL OF THE ADEQUACY OF DISCLOSURE CONTAINED IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE BANKRUPTCY COURT’S APPROVAL OF THE MERITS OF THE PLAN.

IT IS THE PLAN DEBTORS’ POSITION THAT THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED AS, AN ADMISSION OF FACT, LIABILITY, STIPULATION OR WAIVER. RATHER, HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS AND OTHER ENTITIES SHOULD CONSTRUE THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AS A STATEMENT MADE IN SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS RELATED TO CONTESTED MATTERS, ADVERSARY PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER PENDING OR THREATENED LITIGATION OR ACTIONS.

NO RELIANCE SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE FACT THAT A PARTICULAR CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM OR PROJECTED OBJECTION TO A PARTICULAR CLAIM IS, OR IS NOT, IDENTIFIED IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. THE PLAN DEBTORS MAY SEEK TO INVESTIGATE, FILE AND PROSECUTE CLAIMS AND MAY OBJECT TO CLAIMS AFTER THE CONFIRMATION OR EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IDENTIFIES ANY SUCH CLAIMS OR OBJECTIONS TO CLAIMS. THE PLAN RESERVES FOR THE PLAN DEBTORS THE RIGHT TO BRING CAUSES OF ACTION (DEFINED IN THE PLAN) AGAINST ANY ENTITY OR PARTY IN INTEREST EXCEPT THOSE SPECIFICALLY RELEASED.

iii

THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT CONTAINS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SUMMARIES OF THE PLAN, CERTAIN STATUTORY PROVISIONS, CERTAIN EVENTS IN THE PLAN DEBTORS’ CHAPTER 11 CASES AND CERTAIN DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE PLAN THAT ARE ATTACHED HERETO AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. ALTHOUGH THE PLAN DEBTORS BELIEVE THAT THESE SUMMARIES ARE FAIR AND ACCURATE, THESE SUMMARIES ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SUMMARIES DO NOT SET FORTH THE ENTIRE TEXT OF SUCH DOCUMENTS OR STATUTORY PROVISIONS OR EVERY DETAIL OF SUCH EVENTS. IN THE EVENT OF ANY INCONSISTENCY OR DISCREPANCY BETWEEN A DESCRIPTION IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, THE PLAN OR SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS WILL GOVERN FOR ALL PURPOSES. FACTUAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE PLAN DEBTORS’ MANAGEMENT EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY NOTED. THE PLAN DEBTORS DO NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR ATTACHED HERETO IS WITHOUT ANY MATERIAL INACCURACY OR OMISSION.

THE PLAN DEBTORS’ MANAGEMENT HAS REVIEWED THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. ALTHOUGH THE PLAN DEBTORS HAVE USED REASONABLE BUSINESS JUDGMENT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THIS FINANCIAL INFORMATION, NO ENTITY HAS AUDITED THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN, OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO, THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.

THE PLAN DEBTORS ARE MAKING THE STATEMENTS AND PROVIDING THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AS OF THE DATE HEREOF, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY NOTED. ALTHOUGH THE PLAN DEBTORS MAY SUBSEQUENTLY UPDATE THE INFORMATION IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, THE PLAN DEBTORS HAVE NO AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO DO SO. HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS REVIEWING THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT SHOULD NOT INFER THAT, AT THE TIME OF THEIR REVIEW, THE FACTS SET FORTH HEREIN HAVE NOT CHANGED SINCE THE PLAN DEBTORS FILED THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS ENTITLED TO VOTE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN MUST RELY ON THEIR OWN EVALUATION OF THE PLAN DEBTORS AND THEIR OWN ANALYSIS OF THE TERMS OF THE PLAN, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY RISK FACTORS CITED HEREIN, IN DECIDING WHETHER TO VOTE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE PLAN.

PRIOR TO DECIDING WHETHER AND HOW TO VOTE ON THE PLAN, EACH HOLDER OF A CLAIM IN A VOTING CLASS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY ALL OF THE INFORMATION IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, INCLUDING THE RISK FACTORS DESCRIBED IN GREATER DETAIL HEREIN.

ALL CAPITALIZED TERMS IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT NOT OTHERWISE DEFINED HEREIN HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THE PLAN, ATTACHED TO THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AS EXHIBIT A.

THE PLAN DEBTORS SUPPORT CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN AND URGE ALL HOLDERS OF CLAIMS WHOSE VOTES ARE BEING SOLICITED TO ACCEPT THE PLAN.

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH IRS CIRCULAR 230, HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT: (A) ANY DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL TAX ISSUES CONTAINED OR REFERRED TO IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, BY HOLDERS OF CLAIMS OR INTERESTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON THEM UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; (B) SUCH DISCUSSION IS WRITTEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING BY THE PLAN DEBTORS OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN; AND (C) HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ARTICLE I INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW	1
Section 1.01. General.	1
Section 1.02. Classification of Claims and Interests.	7
Section 1.03. Voting; Holders of Claims Entitled to Vote.	7
Section 1.04. Solicitation Process.	9
Section 1.05. Confirmation Hearing.	10
Section 1.06. Important Matters.	11
ARTICLE II BACKGROUND TO THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES	12
Section 2.01. The Debtors’ Business.	12
Section 2.02. Unsecured Indebtedness.	13
Section 2.03. Summary of Prepetition Assets.	13
ARTICLE III EVENTS LEADING TO THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES	14
Section 3.01. Acceleration of Bonds	14
Section 3.02. Pending Litigation and Legal Proceedings.	14
ARTICLE IV ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHAPTER 11 CASES	15
Section 4.01. Overview of Chapter 11.	15
Section 4.02. Relevant Case Background.	16
Section 4.03. Acquisition Efforts.	20
ARTICLE V SUMMARY OF THE PLAN	23
Section 5.01. Summary.	23
Section 5.02. Effective Date Funding.	24
Section 5.03. Provisions for Treatment of Unclassified Claims.	24
Section 5.04. Provisions for Treatment of Classified Claims.	26
Section 5.05. Acceptance or Rejection of the Plan.	28
Section 5.06. “Confirmation Pursuant to Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or “Cramdown.”	29
Section 5.07. Voting Classes.	29
Section 5.08. Confirmation of all Cases.	29
ARTICLE VI MEANS OF PLAN IMPLEMENTATION	29
Section 6.01. Introduction.	29
Section 6.02. Corporate Action Non-Voting Securities.	29
Section 6.03. Effective Date Transactions.	30
Section 6.04. [Intentionally Deleted]	31
Section 6.05. Corporate Governance.	31
Section 6.06. Intercompany Claims.	31
Section 6.07. Obligations Incurred After the Effective Date.	31
Section 6.08. Post-Confirmation Operating Reports and United States Trustee Fees.	31

ARTICLE VII PRESERVATION AND PROSECUTION OF CAUSES OF ACTION HELD BY THE DEBTORS	31
Section 7.01. Preservation and Prosecution of Causes of Action.	31
ARTICLE VIII PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS	32
Section 8.01. Objections to Claims.	32
Section 8.02. No Payment or Distribution Pending Allowance.	32
Section 8.03. Disputed Distributions.	32
Section 8.04. Estimation.	32
Section 8.05. Reserve Account for Disputed Claims.	33
Section 8.06. Release of Funds from Claims Reserves.	33
ARTICLE IX DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE PLAN	33
Section 9.01. Limitation to Full Recovery.	33
Section 9.02. Timing of Distributions.	33
Section 9.03. Saturdays, Sundays, or Legal Holidays.	34
Section 9.04. Distribution Record Date.	34
Section 9.05. Delivery of Distributions.	34
Section 9.06. Method of Cash Distributions.	34
Section 9.07. Unclaimed Property.	35
Section 9.08. Compliance with Tax Requirements.	35
Section 9.09. Setoffs.	35
Section 9.10. Documentation Necessary to Release Lien.	35
Section 9.11. Distributions Under Fifty Dollars.	36
ARTICLE X EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES; INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS	36
Section 10.01. General Treatment.	36
Section 10.02. Bar Date for Filing Proofs of Claim Relating to Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases Rejected Pursuant to the Plan.	36
Section 10.03. Treatment of Rejection Claims.	36
Section 10.04. Reinstatement and Continuation of Insurance Policies.	36
ARTICLE XI EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION	37
Section 11.01. Binding Effect.	37
Section 11.02. Continued Corporate Existence.	37
Section 11.03. Vesting of Property.	37
Section 11.04. Discharge of Claims Against and Interests in the Plan Debtors.	37
Section 11.05. Injunction.	38
Section 11.06. Releases.	39
Section 11.07. Exculpation and Limitation of Liability.	40
Section 11.08. Injunction Related to Releases and Exculpation.	41
Section 11.09. Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights.	41
Section 11.10. Term of Injunctions or Stays.	41

vii

ARTICLE XII RETENTION OF JURISDICTION	42
Section 12.01. Exclusive Jurisdiction of Bankruptcy Court.	42
ARTICLE XIII CONFIRMATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN	44
Section 13.01. Conditions Precedent to Confirmation.	44
Section 13.02. Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date.	44
Section 13.03. Notice of Occurrence of the Effective Date.	44
Section 13.04. Dissolution of Creditors’ Committee.	45
Section 13.05. Waiver of Conditions Precedent and Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e) Automatic Stay.	45
Section 13.06. Statutory Confirmation Requirements.	45
ARTICLE XIV CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN	48
Section 14.02. Consequences to the Plan Debtors.	50
ARTICLE XV SECURITIES LAW MATTERS	51
Section 15.01. General.	51
Section 15.02. [Reserved]	51
ARTICLE XVI SUMMARY OF VOTING PROCEDURES	51
ARTICLE XVII CERTAIN FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED REGARDING THE PLAN	52
Section 17.01. Certain Bankruptcy Considerations.	52
Section 17.02. Certain Tax Consequences of the Plan Raise Unsettled and Complex Legal Issues and Involve Factual Determinations.	53
Section 17.03. [Reserved]	54
ARTICLE XVIII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS	54
Section 18.01. Binding Effect of Plan.	54
Section 18.02. Severability.	54
Section 18.03. Governing Law.	54
Section 18.04. Notices.	55
Section 18.05. Filing of Additional Documents.	55
Section 18.06. Time.	55
Section 18.07. Exhibits/Schedules.	55
Section 18.08. Defenses with Respect to Impaired or Unimpaired Claims.	56
Section 18.09. No Injunctive Relief.	56
Section 18.10. No Admissions.	56
Section 18.11. Extension of Time.	56
Section 18.12. Payment of Statutory Fees.	56
Section 18.13. Conflict.	56
Section 18.14. Reservation of Rights.	56
Section 18.15. Modifications and Amendments.	57
Section 18.16. Continuing Exclusivity and Solicitation Period.	57
Section 18.17. [Intentionally Deleted]	57
Section 18.18. Revocation, Withdrawal, or Non-Consummation.	57

viii

ARTICLE XIX ALTERNATIVES TO CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN	58
ARTICLE XX CONCLUSION	59
ARTICLE XXI DEBTORS’ RECOMMENDATION	59

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A	Plan of Reorganization
EXHIBIT B	Financial Projections
EXHIBIT C	Liquidation Analysis
EXHIBIT D	Stock Purchase Agreement

the Plan Debtors hereby adopt and incorporate EACH exhibit attached to this disclosure statement by reference as though fully set forth herein.

ARTICLE I

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Section 1.01. General.

Novation Companies, Inc., f/k/a/ NovaStar Financial, Inc. (“Novation”) and NovaStar Mortgage LLC f/k/a NovaStar Mortgage, Inc. (“NovaStar” or “NovaStar Mortgage,” and together with Novation the “Company” or the “Plan Debtors,” and collectively with non-Plan Debtors NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation and 2114 Central, LLC, the “Debtors”) as debtors and debtors in possession, hereby transmit the Disclosure Statement (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Disclosure Statement”) pursuant to section 1125 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532, as amended (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in connection with the Plan Debtors’ solicitation of votes (the “Solicitation”) to confirm the Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization dated as of February 14, 2017, a copy of which is attached to the Disclosure Statement as Exhibit A (as may be amended, the “Plan”).²

The purpose of the Disclosure Statement is to set forth information concerning: (i) the history of the Plan Debtors and their businesses; (ii) the Chapter 11 Cases; and (iii) the Plan and alternatives to the Plan. The Disclosure Statement also notifies Holders of Claims and Interests of their rights under the Plan, and guides Holders of Claims entitled to vote on the Plan, so they may make an informed judgment regarding whether they should vote to accept or reject the Plan.

The Plan described in the Disclosure Statement provides for the Plan Debtors’ emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases. The Plan provides for the authorization of the transactions contemplated by that certain Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Novation Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Novation (“NHI”) and Butler America, LLC, the owner of Healthcare Staffing, Inc. (“HCS”), which owns and operates a healthcare staffing solutions business, (“Butler” or “Seller” and, together with HCS, the “Seller Parties”) (the “HCS Transaction”). A copy of the Purchase Agreement related to the HCS Transaction is annexed hereto as Exhibit D. The terms of the Purchase Agreement govern the HCS Transaction, and any inconsistency between the Disclosure Statement and the agreement shall be resolved in favor of the provisions of the Purchase Agreement.

On [___ __], 2017, after notice and a hearing, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order: (a) Granting Approval of the Proposed Disclosure Statement to Accompany the Debtors’ Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of (i) Novation Companies, Inc and (ii) NovaStar Mortgage LLC; (b) Scheduling a Hearing to Confirm the Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization; (c) Prescribing Notice and Solicitation Procedures; and (d) Establishing Deadlines and Procedures for Filing Objections to the Confirmation of Plan. The Order establishes [ ], 2017 at 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) as the deadline for the return of Ballots accepting or rejecting the Plan (the “Voting Deadline”).

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² Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 1.01 of the Plan.

APPROVAL OF THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT DOES NOT, HOWEVER, CONSTITUTE A DETERMINATION BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT AS TO THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE PLAN.

The Disclosure Statement Order sets forth in detail the deadlines, procedures and instructions for voting to accept or reject the Plan, and for filing objections to confirmation of the Plan, the record date for voting purposes and the applicable standards for tabulating Ballots. In addition, detailed voting instructions accompany each Ballot. Each Holder of a Claim entitled to vote on the Plan should read the Disclosure Statement and the Exhibits hereto, including the Plan and the Disclosure Statement Order, as well as the instructions accompanying the Ballot in their entirety before voting on the Plan. These documents contain important information concerning the classification of Claims and Interests for voting purposes and the tabulation of votes. No solicitation of votes may be made except pursuant to the Disclosure Statement and section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code. In voting on the Plan, Holders of Claims entitled to vote should not rely on any information relating to the Plan Debtors and their business other than the information contained in the Disclosure Statement, the Plan and all Exhibits hereto and thereto.

Under the Plan, Holders of Allowed Class 3a General Unsecured Claims Against Novation and Class 3b General Unsecured Claims Against NovaStar Mortgage shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Allowed General Unsecured Claims payment in full over a one year period, with payments made quarterly, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

The Plan Debtors submit that, because unsecured creditors would receive materially less recoveries under a liquidation, the Plan presents the best options for such Holders.

THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE A CAREFUL AND DETAILED REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE PLAN. THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS INTENDED TO AID AND SUPPLEMENT THAT REVIEW. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN HEREIN IS ONLY A SUMMARY. HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS AND OTHER PARTIES-IN-INTEREST ARE CAUTIONED TO REVIEW THE PLAN AND ANY RELATED EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS FOR A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLAN’S PROVISIONS. THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE PLAN.

Additional copies of the Disclosure Statement (including the Exhibits hereto) are available upon request made to the Plan Debtors’ counsel Shapiro, Sher, Guinot & Sandler.

In addition, a Ballot for voting to accept or reject the Plan is enclosed with the Disclosure Statement for the Holders of Claims that are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan. If you are a Holder of a Claim entitled to vote on the Plan and did not receive a Ballot, received a damaged Ballot or lost your Ballot, or if you have any questions concerning the procedures for voting on the Plan, please contact the co-counsel for the Plan Debtors at the address and phone number listed above.

Each Holder of a Claim entitled to vote on the Plan should read the Disclosure Statement, the Plan, the other Exhibits attached hereto and the instructions accompanying the Ballots in their entirety before voting on the Plan. These documents contain important information concerning the classification of Claims and Interests for voting purposes and the tabulation of votes.

The Plan organizes the Plan Debtors’ creditor and equity constituencies into groups called “Classes.” For each Class, the Plan describes (a) the underlying “Claim” or “Interest,” (b) the recovery available to the Holders of Claims or Interests in that Class under the Plan, (c) whether the Class is “Impaired” under the Plan, meaning that each Holder will receive less than the full value on account of its Claim or Interest or that the rights of Holders under law will be altered in some way (such as receiving stock instead of holding a Claim) and (d) the form of consideration (e.g., Cash, stock or a combination thereof), if any, that such Holders will receive on account of their respective Claims or Interests.

The table below provides a summary of the classification, treatment and estimated recoveries of Claims and Interests under the Plan. This information is provided in summary form below for illustrative purposes only, is subject to material change based on contingencies related to the claims reconciliation process, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Plan.

THE ESTIMATED PROJECTED RECOVERIES SET FORTH IN THE TABLE BELOW ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND ARE THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

SUMMARY OF TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

AND ESTIMATED RECOVERIES³

Class

Treatment of Claims and Interests

Estimated Aggregate Claims

Estimated Percent Recovery

Class 1:

Priority Non-Tax Claims

Except to the extent a Holder of a Priority Non-Tax Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim will be paid, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement, and release of and in exchange for such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim, the Allowed Amount of such Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim in full in Cash on later of the Effective Date and the first Distribution Date subsequent to the date such Priority Non-Tax Claim becomes an Allowed Priority Non-Tax Claim.

$0.00⁴

100%

Class 2:

Noteholder Claims Against Novation

All principal, non-default interest, fees, expenses, costs, charges or other amounts due and payable on or before the Effective Date under the Indentures that were not paid by the Plan Debtors prior to or during the Chapter 11 Case shall be paid in immediately available funds on the Effective Date to the extent required by Bankruptcy Code section 1124.

$87,954,018.14

100%

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³ The foregoing table represents claims as scheduled and/or filed and have not yet been allowed. The Plan Debtors reserve right to object to, or estimate, any filed claim, as well as any disputed, contingent, or unliquidated claims.

⁴ There are approximately $38,500.58 in Priority Tax Claims, which are not classified claims.

Class

Treatment of Claims and Interests

Estimated Aggregate Claims

Estimated Percent Recovery

Class 3a:

General Unsecured Claims Against Novation

Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Allowed General Unsecured Claim payment in full over a one year period, with payments made quarterly, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

$1,145,000

100%

Class 3b:

General Unsecured Claims Against NovaStar Mortgage

None

N/A

Class 4a:

RMBS Litigation Claims Against Novation

Except to the extent that a Holder of an RMBS Litigation Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed RMBS Litigation Claim against Novation shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Claim, (x) to the extent such claim is covered by an insurance policy, payment solely from and to the extent of the applicable coverage under such insurance policies and the Interim Funding Agreement or (y) in the event such claim is not covered by an insurance policy, payment shall be paid in full in cash once allowed by Final Order over a ten year period payable in equal quarterly installments, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

Undetermined (see Section 4.02.12)

100%, if allowed

Class

Treatment of Claims and Interests

Estimated Aggregate Claims

Estimated Percent Recovery

Class 4b:

RMBS Litigation Claims Against NovaStar Mortgage

Except to the extent that a Holder of an RMBS Litigation Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed RMBS Litigation Claim against NovaStar shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Claim, (x) to the extent such claim is covered by an insurance policy, payment solely from and to the extent of the applicable coverage under such insurance policies and the Interim Funding Agreement or (y) in the event such claim is not covered by an insurance policy, payment shall be paid in full in cash once allowed by Final Order over a ten year period payable in equal quarterly installments, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

Undetermined (see Section 4.02.12)

100%, if allowed

Class 5:

Interests in NovaStar Mortgage

The Holders of existing Interests in Novation shall retain their Interests.

Retained

The Plan Debtors believe that the Plan provides the best recoveries possible for Holders of Allowed Claims and Interests and strongly recommends that, if such Holders are entitled to vote, they vote to accept the Plan.

Section 1.02. Classification of Claims and Interests.

Class	Designation	Impairment	Entitled to Vote
Class 1	Priority Non-Tax Claims against both Plan Debtors	No	No (deemed to accept)
Class 2	Noteholder Claims against Novation	No	No (deemed to accept)
Class 3a Class 3b	General Unsecured Claims against Novation General Unsecured Claims against NovaStar Mortgage	Yes Yes	Yes Yes
Class 4a Class 4b	RMBS Litigation Claims against Novation RMBS Litigation Claims against NovaStar Mortgage	Yes Yes	Yes Yes
Class 5a Class 5b	Interests in Novation Interests in NovaStar Mortgage	No No	No No

Section 1.03. Voting; Holders of Claims Entitled to Vote.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, only holders of allowed claims or equity interests in classes of claims or equity interests that are impaired and that are not deemed to have rejected a plan of reorganization are entitled to vote to accept or reject such proposed plan. Generally, a claim or interest is impaired under a plan if the holder’s legal, equitable or contractual rights are altered under such plan. Classes of claims or equity interests under a chapter 11 plan in which the holders of claims or equity interests are unimpaired are deemed to have accepted such plan and are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the proposed plan. In addition, classes of claims or equity interests in which the holders of claims or equity interests will not receive or retain any property on account of their claims or equity interests are deemed to have rejected the plan and are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the plan.

In connection with the Plan:

Claims in Classes 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b are Impaired and the Holders of such Claims will receive distributions under the Plan. As a result, Holders of Claims in Classes 3 and 4 are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan;

Claims in Classes 1 and 2 are Unimpaired. As a result, Holders of Claims in Classes 1 and 2 are deemed to have accepted the Plan and are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan; and

Interests in Classes 5a and 5b are Unimpaired and the Holders of such Interests shall retain their Interests.

The Bankruptcy Code defines “acceptance” of a plan by a class of claims as acceptance by creditors in that class that hold at least two-thirds in dollar amount and more than one-half in number of the claims that cast ballots for acceptance or rejection of the plan. Your vote on the Plan is important. The Bankruptcy Code requires as a condition to confirmation of a plan of reorganization that each class that is impaired and entitled to vote under a plan vote to accept such plan, unless the provisions of section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code are met.

The Plan Debtors may request confirmation of the Plan pursuant to section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code permits the confirmation of a plan of reorganization notwithstanding the non-acceptance of a plan by one or more impaired classes of claims or equity interests, so long as at least one impaired class of claims or interests votes to accept the plan. Under that section, a plan may be confirmed by a bankruptcy court if it does not “discriminate unfairly” and is “fair and equitable” with respect to each non-accepting class.

If you are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan, a Ballot is enclosed for the purpose of voting on the Plan. The Disclosure Statement, the Exhibits attached hereto, the Plan and the related documents are the only materials the Plan Debtors are providing to creditors for their use in determining whether to vote to accept or reject the Plan, and such materials may not be relied upon or used for any purpose other than to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

Please complete, execute and return your Ballot(s) to co-counsel for the Plan Debtors at the address below:

BALLOTS MUST BE RETURNED TO SHAPIRO SHER GUINOT & SANDLER BY FIRST CLASS MAIL, HAND DELIVERY OR OVERNIGHT MAIL TO:

Novation Companies, Inc., et. al.

c/o Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler

Joel I. Sher, Esquire

250 W. Pratt Street, Suite 2000

Baltimore, Maryland 21201

TO BE COUNTED, YOUR ORIGINAL BALLOT INDICATING ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN MUST BE ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY COUNSEL FOR THE PLAN DEBTORS NO LATER THAN 4:00 P.M., PREVAILING EASTERN TIME, ON [ ], 2017, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE PLAN DEBTORS. YOUR BALLOT MAY BE SENT VIA MAIL, OVERNIGHT COURIER OR MESSENGER. ALL BALLOTS MUST BE SIGNED.

The Ballots have been specifically designed for the purpose of soliciting votes on the Plan from the Classes entitled to vote with respect thereto. Accordingly, in voting on the Plan, please use only the Ballots sent to you with the Disclosure Statement or provided by the Plan Debtors’ counsel.

The Plan Debtors have fixed 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on [ ], 2017 (the “Voting Record Date”), as the time and date for the determination of Persons who are entitled to receive a copy of the Disclosure Statement and all of the related materials and to vote whether to accept or reject the Plan. Accordingly, only Holders of record of Claims as of the Voting Record Date that are entitled to vote on the Plan, will receive a Ballot and may vote on the Plan.

All properly completed Ballots received prior to the Voting Deadline will be counted for purposes of determining whether a voting Class of impaired Claims has accepted the Plan. Counsel for the Plan Debtors will prepare and file with the Bankruptcy Court a certification of the results of the balloting with respect to the Class entitled to vote.

THE PLAN DEBTORS BELIEVE THAT CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ALL HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND RECOMMEND THAT ALL HOLDERS OF CLAIMS ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE PLAN VOTE TO ACCEPT THE PLAN.

The Plan Debtors’ legal advisor is Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, and can be contacted at:

Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP
Attention: Adam Friedman, Esq.	afriedman@olshanlaw.com

Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler
Attention: Joel I Sher, Esq.	jis@shapirosher.com

The Creditors’ Committee legal advisor is Hunton & Williams LLP, and can be contacted at:

Hunton & Williams LLP
Attention: Jason Harbour, Esq.	jharbour@hunton.com
Thomas Clinton Goodhue, Esq.	tgoodhue@hunton.com
Nathan Kramer, Esq.	nkramer@hunton.com

Section 1.04. Solicitation Process.

The following documents and materials will constitute the Plan Debtors’ Solicitation Package which may be sent, at the Plan Debtors’ option, by hard copy book or CD-ROM:

Plan;

Disclosure Statement;

Order approving the Disclosure Statement and related Solicitation Procedures (“Disclosure Statement Order”);

Notice of the hearing at which confirmation of the Plan will be considered (“Confirmation Hearing Notice”);

Appropriate ballot and voting instructions; and

Pre-addressed, postage prepaid return envelope.

The Plan Debtors intend to distribute the Solicitation Packages no fewer than twenty-eight (28) calendar days before the Voting Deadline or on such other schedule as is approved by the Bankruptcy Court. The Plan Debtors submit that distribution of the Solicitation Packages at least twenty-eight (28) calendar days prior to the Voting Deadline or on such other schedule as is approved by the Bankruptcy Court will provide the requisite materials to Holders of Claims entitled to vote on the Plan in compliance with Bankruptcy Rules 3017(d) and 2002(b).

The Solicitation Package will be distributed to Holders of Claims in Classes 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b as of the Voting Record Date and in accordance with the Solicitation Procedures. The Solicitation Package (except the Ballots) is also available by email at jis@shapirosher.com or by writing Novation Companies, Inc., c/o Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler, Joel I. Sher, 250 W. Pratt Street, Suite 2000, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Other parties entitled to receive the Solicitation Packages, including the IRS and other relevant taxing authorities, will be served paper or electronic copies of the order approving the Disclosure Statement, the Disclosure Statement and all exhibits to the Disclosure Statement, including the Plan, and the Confirmation Hearing Notice.

Section 1.05. Confirmation Hearing.

Section 1128(a) of the Bankruptcy Code requires the Bankruptcy Court, after notice, to hold a hearing on confirmation of the Plan. Section 1128(b) of the Bankruptcy Code provides that any party-in-interest may object to confirmation of the Plan.

The Confirmation Hearing will commence on [ ], 2017 at [ ].m., prevailing Eastern Time, before the Honorable David E. Rice, United States Bankruptcy Judge, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore). The Confirmation Hearing may be adjourned from time to time without further notice except for an announcement of the adjourned date made at the Confirmation Hearing or any adjournment thereof.

The Plan Objection Deadline is 4:00 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time on [ ], 2017. All objections to the Plan must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served on the Plan Debtors and certain other parties in accordance with the Disclosure Statement Order on or before the Plan Objection Deadline. In accordance with the Confirmation Hearing Notice filed with the Bankruptcy Court, objections to the Plan or requests for modifications to the Plan, if any, must:

Be in writing;

Conform to the Bankruptcy Rules and the Local Bankruptcy Rules;

State the name and address of the objecting Creditor and the amount and nature of the Claim or Interest of such Creditor;

State with particularity the basis and nature of the objection to the Plan and, if practicable, a proposed modification to the Plan that would resolve such objection; and

Be filed, contemporaneously with proof of service, with the Bankruptcy Court and served so that it is actually received by the notice parties identified in the Confirmation Hearing Notice on or prior to the Plan Objection Deadline.

THE BANKRUPTCY COURT MAY NOT CONSIDER OBJECTIONS TO THE PLAN UNLESS THEY ARE TIMELY SERVED AND FILED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ORDER.

Section 1.06. Important Matters.

The Disclosure Statement contains projected financial information and certain other forward-looking statements, all of which are based on various estimates and assumptions and will not be updated to reflect events occurring after the date hereof. Such information and statements are subject to inherent uncertainties and to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks, including, among others, those described herein. Consequently, actual events, circumstances, effects and results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated by such projected financial information and such other forward-looking statements. The projected financial information contained herein and in the Exhibits annexed hereto is, therefore, not necessarily indicative of the future financial condition or results of operations of the Plan Debtors, which in each case may vary significantly from those set forth in such projected financial information. Consequently, the projected financial information and other forward-looking statements contained herein should not be regarded as representations by any of the Plan Debtors, the Reorganized Plan Debtors, their advisors, or any other Person that the projected financial conditions or results of operations can or will be achieved.

ARTICLE II

BACKGROUND TO THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES

Section 2.01. The Debtors’ Business.

1. The Debtors’ Operations.

On July 20, 2016, the Debtors each filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with the stated intent of restructuring the Debtors and their outstanding indebtedness. The Debtors have operated and remained Debtors-In-Possession.

The Debtors are headquartered at 500 Grand Boulevard, Suite 210B, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Prior to 2008, the Debtors originated, purchased, securitized, sold, invested in and serviced residential nonconforming mortgage loans and mortgage securities. At the height of their operations, the debtors originated more than $11 billion annually in mortgage loans. After the Debtors ceased their lending operations and completed a sale of its servicing portfolio in 2007, the Company has been engaged in the business of acquiring various businesses. In October 2012, Novation acquired a majority interest in IVR Central LLC, later renamed Corvisa LLC. Corvisa developed a cloud-based telecommunications platform. This business was sold to Shoretel, Inc. in January 2016. Novation recently received $1 million from a holdback from the Shoretel transaction, which amounts are being held and shall be used to assist in implementing the Plan.

2. Employees.

As of the Petition Date, the Plan Debtors employed six people. The Debtors now employ five people. None of the employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit.

3. Officers.

As of the date hereof, the Plan Debtors have one individual comprising the Plan Debtors’ senior management. That individual is Rodney Schwatken.

4. Board Members.

From April 2015 through approximately the end of 2015, the Debtors underwent a change in leadership with a majority of the Board being replaced. The current board is composed of 5 members, three of whom joined the Board in 2015 or 2016 to implement a turnaround strategy to acquire an operating business or make other investments for the benefit of the Debtors creditors and other stakeholders. These individuals are Barry Igdaloff, Howard Amster, Jeffrey Eberwein, Robert Pearse, and Charles Gillman.

5. Corporate Structure.

The Debtors consist of a parent company, Plan Debtor Novation Companies, Inc. (“Novation”); its wholly owned operating subsidiaries, Debtor 2114 Central, LLC and Novation Holdings, Inc.; Novation Holdings, Inc.’s wholly owned operating subsidiary Plan Debtor NovaStar Mortgage LLC and Debtor NovaStar Mortgage LLC’s wholly owned operating subsidiary Debtor NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corp.

Section 2.02. Unsecured Indebtedness.

The Plan Debtors have no secured debt. The Plan Debtors’ assets are unencumbered.

Novation has outstanding three series of unsecured senior notes (collectively, the “Unsecured Notes”), each dated March 22, 2011, between Novation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (the “Trustee”) (collectively, the “Indentures”), with an aggregate principal balance of $85.9 million. The Unsecured Notes accrued interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum until January 1, 2016, and since then have accrued interest at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on a quarterly basis and no principal payments are due until maturity on March 30, 2033.

As the aforementioned bonds do not mature until 2033 and have very favorable economic terms, under the Plan, the Plan Debtors are seeking to reinstate the bonds to the maximum extent allowable under the Bankruptcy Code. Novation can cure the existing payment defaults and remain current on the reinstated Indentures, having significant unencumbered cash, operating cash flow, and other significant assets. The Plan Debtors estimate that the amount necessary to cure all arrears and amounts owing under the Indentures upon reinstatement is approximately $4,480,000.

Section 2.03. Summary of Prepetition Assets.

As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate book value of the Plan Debtors’ assets was approximately $34.9 million.⁵ Of this amount there is in excess of $33 million in cash and marketable securities. Included in these marketable securities are certain over-collateralization and residual bonds that were retained interests of the Plan Debtors’ prior securitizations. All of the aforementioned securities continue to be a source of earnings and cash flow.

While the Plan Debtors’ over-collateralization and residual bonds are carried on the Debtors’ balance sheets at a lower book value, the Plan Debtors estimate they will generate more than $50 million in aggregate cash flow over the next 16 years, the same term as the Indentures which are to be reinstated. These cash flows will be used, together with cash on hand and cash flow from operations, to remain current on the reinstated Indentures.

Finally, the Plan Debtors have significant net operating losses (“NOL’s”). The Plan Debtors intend on preserving and maximizing their NOL’s and any other tax attributes for the benefit of creditors and equity holders. At the end of 2015, the Plan Debtors had approximately $370 million in NOL’s available to offset future Federal taxable income. The losses were incurred in 2005, 2007–2013 and 2015. The Plan Debtors generated taxable earnings in 2014 as a result of the sale of one of their prior businesses, StreetLinks. The Plan Debtors have approximately $355 million in unrealized losses on mortgage securities that have not been recognized for tax purposes. These losses will be recognized if sold or when the securities are deemed to have no fair market value and considered worthless in accordance with the IRS tax code or related guidance.

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⁵ A complete listing of the Plan Debtors’ assets and the valuation methodology assigned to each asset can be found in the Plan Debtors’ Monthly Operating Reports for the period ending December 31, 2016. [Novation Dkt. No. 268; NovaStar Dkt. No 23].

ARTICLE III

EVENTS LEADING TO THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES

Section 3.01. Acceleration of Bonds

Prior to the Petition Date, Novation reached out to the managers of the Senior Notes to discuss options for restructuring the Senior Notes beginning in December of 2015. The managers were generally unresponsive to these negotiation efforts. Novation did not make the quarterly interest payments due on March 30, 2016, and June 30, 2016, totaling $1.8 million. Novation received notices of acceleration with respect to the Unsecured Notes, declaring all principal and unpaid interest immediately due and payable. The Debtors actively pursued negotiations with the holders of the Unsecured Notes to either cure the defaults under the terms of the Indentures or alternatively to otherwise modify or restructure the Unsecured Notes outside of court. Such holders did not agree to any of the proposals made and did not make any counteroffers or proposals.

Section 3.02. Pending Litigation and Legal Proceedings.

In May 21, 2008, a class action case was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by the New Jersey Carpenters' Health Fund, on behalf of itself and all others similarly situated. Plan Debtor NovaStar Mortgage LLC and Debtor NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation (which is not a Plan Debtor) were named as defendants, along with certain former individual directors, several securitization trusts sponsored by the Company and several unaffiliated investment banks and credit rating agencies. The case was removed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 16, 2009, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages, alleging that the defendants violated sections 11, 12 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by making allegedly false statements regarding mortgage loans that served as collateral for securities purchased by the plaintiff and the purported class members.

On June 20, 2011, the National Credit Union Administration Board, as liquidating agent of U.S. Central Federal Credit Union, filed an action against Debtor NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation and numerous other defendants in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, claiming that the defendants issued or underwrote residential mortgage-backed securities pursuant to allegedly false or misleading registration statements, prospectuses, and/or prospectus supplements. On August 24, 2012, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint making essentially the same claims against NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation. NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint which was denied on September 12, 2013. A trial date set for January 2017 was adjourned without date.

On February 28, 2013 the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as conservator for the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and on behalf of the Trustee of the NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust, Series 2007-1 (the “Trust”), a securitization trust in which the Company retains a residual interest, filed a summons with notice in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against Novation and NovaStar Mortgage LLC. The notice provides that this is a breach of contract action with respect to certain, unspecified mortgage loans and defendant's failure to repurchase such loans under the applicable agreements. Plaintiff alleges that defendants, from the closing date of the transaction that created the Trust, were aware of the alleged breach of the representations and warranties made and failed to notice and cure such breaches, and due to the failure of defendants to cure any breach, notice to defendants would have been futile. Plaintiff seeks specific performance of repurchase obligations of an unspecified number of the 11,400 loans backing the underlying $1.813 billion offering; compensatory, consequential, recessionary and equitable damages for breach of contract; specific performance and damages for anticipatory breach of contract; and indemnification (indemnification against NovaStar Mortgage LLC only).

ARTICLE IV

ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHAPTER 11 CASES

Section 4.01. Overview of Chapter 11.

Chapter 11 is the principal business reorganization chapter of the Bankruptcy Code. Under chapter 11, a debtor is authorized to reorganize its business for the benefit of itself, its creditors and its equity interest holders. In addition to permitting the rehabilitation of a debtor, another goal of chapter 11 is to promote equality of treatment for similarly situated creditors and similarly situated equity interest holders with respect to the distribution of a debtor’s assets.

The commencement of a chapter 11 case creates an estate that is comprised of all of the legal and equitable interests of the debtor as of the Commencement Date. The Bankruptcy Code provides that the debtor may continue to operate its business and remain in possession of its property as a “debtor in possession.”

The consummation of a plan of reorganization is the principal objective of a chapter 11 reorganization case. A plan of reorganization sets forth the means for satisfying claims against and interests in a debtor. Confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the bankruptcy court makes the plan binding upon the debtor, any issuer of securities under the plan, any person acquiring property under the plan and any creditor or equity interest holder of a debtor. Subject to certain limited exceptions, the order approving confirmation of a plan discharges a debtor from any debt that arose prior to the date of confirmation of the plan and substitutes the obligations specified under the confirmed plan.

In general, a chapter 11 plan of reorganization (a) divides claims and equity interests into separate classes, (b) specifies the property, if any, that each class is to receive under the plan, and (c) contains other provisions necessary to the reorganization of the debtor and that are required or permitted by the Bankruptcy Code.

Pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, acceptance or rejection of a plan may not be solicited after the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases until such time as the court has approved the Disclosure Statement as containing adequate information. Pursuant to section 1125(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, “adequate information” is information of a kind, and in sufficient detail, to enable a hypothetical reasonable investor to make an informed judgment regarding the plan. To satisfy applicable disclosure requirements, the Plan Debtors submit the Disclosure Statement to holders of Claims that are impaired and not deemed to have rejected the Plan.

Section 4.02. Relevant Case Background.

On July 20, 2016, the Debtors each filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Honorable David E. Rice is presiding over the Chapter 11 Cases. The Plan Debtors continue to operate their businesses and manage their properties as debtor and debtor in possession pursuant to sections 1107 and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. As of the date hereof, no request has been made for the appointment of a trustee or examiner in these cases. The Creditors’ Committee was appointed on August 1, 2016.

The following is a brief description of certain significant events that have occurred during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases. Creditors may also look on the docket on file with the Bankrupt Court for copies of any specific motions or order other case background.

1. Joint Administration.

On July 20, 2016, the Debtors filed a motion seeking an order seeking joint administration of the Debtors’ four bankruptcy cases. On July 25, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an (Docket No. 40) approving the motion.

2. Retention of Professionals.

To assist in carrying out its duties as a debtor in possession, and to otherwise represent their interests in the Chapter 11 Cases, the Debtors, on July 20, 2016, filed with the Bankruptcy Court applications seeking entry of orders authorizing the Debtors to retain a number of professionals, nunc pro tunc to the Petition Date, including Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP (“Olshan”) as counsel and Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler (“SSGS”) as co-counsel. On August 2, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court an application seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to retain Oberon Securities, LLC (“Oberon”) as Investment Banker. On August 11, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court an application seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to retain Boulay PLLP (“Boulay”) as auditor. On August 15, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court an application seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to retain Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (“Orrick”) as Special Litigation Counsel. On September 27, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court an application seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to retain Holland & Knight LLP (“Holland & Knight”) as Investment Company Act Compliance Counsel. On November 16, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court an application seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to retain Deloitte Tax LLP (“Deloitte”) as Tax Services Provider. On November 29, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court an application seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to retain National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (“NERA”) as Valuation Expert.

On August 9, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Debtors’ retention of Olshan (Docket No. 69) and SSGS (Docket No. 70), and on August 23, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Debtors’ retention of Oberon (Docket No. 93). On August 31, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Debtors’ retention of Boulay (Docket No. 105). On September 30, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Debtors’ retention of Orrick (Docket No. 155). On October 18, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Debtors’ retention of Holland & Knight (Docket No. 172). On December 7, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Debtors’ retention of Deloitte (Docket No. 233). On December 13, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Debtors’ retention of NERA (Docket No. 233).

On August 18, 2016, the Creditors’ Committee also filed with the Bankruptcy Court its application to employ Hunton & Williams LLP (“Hunton & Williams”) as legal counsel to the Creditors’ Committee. On August 19, 2016, the Creditors’ Committee also filed with the Bankruptcy Court its application to employ Carl Marks Advisory Group LLC (“Carl Marks”) as Financial Advisor for the Creditors’ Committee.

On September 1, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Creditors’ Committee’s retention of Carl Marks (Docket No. 108) and on September 30, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order amending the order approving the Creditors’ Committee’s retention of Carl Marks (Docket No. 156). On September 8, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the Creditors’ Committee’s retention of Hunton & Williams (Docket No. 117).

3. Employment Obligations.

The Debtors believe it has a valuable asset in its workforce, and that the efforts of the Debtors’ employees are critical to a successful reorganization. On July 20, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court a motion for an order authorizing the Debtors to pay certain prepetition employee wage and benefit obligations. On July 25, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (Docket No. 43) approving the motion.

4. Cash Management.

The Debtors believe it would have been disruptive to its operations if it was forced to change significantly its cash management system upon the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case. Accordingly, on July 20, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court a motion seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to maintain its current cash management system. On July 25, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (Docket No. 46) approving the Motion.

5. Leases.

On July 20, 2016, the Debtors filed a motion seeking entry of an order authorizing the Debtors to reject two leases. On August 12, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (Docket No. 80) approving the motion.

6. NOL’s.

On July 20, 2016, the Debtors filed a motion seeking entry of an order (A) limiting certain transfers of claims against the debtors and (B) approving related notice procedures. On August 12, 2016, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (Docket No. 81) approving the motion.

7. Schedules and Statements.

On August 23, 2016, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Schedules and Statement of Financial Affairs (collectively, the “Schedules”).

8. Section 341 Meeting.

The meeting of creditors pursuant to section 341(a) of the Bankruptcy Code took place on August 17, 2016 and September 28, 2016.

9. The Creditors’ Committee.

Pursuant to section 1102(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, on August 1, 2016, the United States Trustee for Region Four (the “U.S. Trustee”) appointed the Creditors’ Committee. The current members of the Creditors’ Committee are set forth below:

Taberna Preferred Funding I, Ltd.;
James and Robert Hentges.; and
Kodiak CDO I, Ltd.

As noted above, the Creditors’ Committee retained the law firm of Hunton & Williams.

10. Exclusive Periods.

The Bankruptcy Code provides for an initial period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the commencement of a chapter 11 case during which the debtor has the exclusive right to file a chapter 11 plan (the “Exclusive Filing Period”) and an exclusive period of one hundred eighty (180) days from the commencement of the chapter 11 case to solicit acceptances of and confirm such a plan (the “Exclusive Solicitation Period,” and, together with the Exclusive Filing Period, the “Exclusive Periods”). On October 19, 2016, the Debtors filed a motion (the “Motion to Extend Exclusivity”) to extend the Exclusive Periods each by 90 days to allow the Debtors sufficient time to stabilize their operations and negotiate a Plan of Reorganization without making rushed decisions.

On November 7, 2016, the Creditors’ Committee filed an objection to the Motion to Extend Exclusivity. After an evidentiary hearing on the motion and the Creditors’ Committee’s objection, the Bankruptcy Court overruled the Creditors’ Committee’s objection by entry of an order (Docket No. 202) on November 14, 2016, granting the Debtors’ motion and extending the Exclusive Filing Period to February 15, 2017, and extending the Exclusive Solicitation Period to April 17, 2017.

11. Interim Funding Agreement.

The Debtors were involved in disputes regarding insurance coverage with their insurer, Allied World Assurance Company (U.S.), Inc. on behalf of Newmarket Underwriters Insurance Company (“Allied World”). On December 20, 2016, the court entered an Amended Order (Docket No. 242) amending the original Order (Docket No. 203) (collectively, the “Order”) authorizing the Debtors to enter into the Interim Funding and Non-Waiver Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of October 18, 2016, by and among Allied World, Novation, NovaStar Mortgage LLC, and NovaStar Mortgage Funding Corporation, and Scott F. Hartman, Gregory S. Metz, W. Lance Anderson and Mark Herpich.

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Debtors agreed to defer such disputes, and Allied World agreed in the interim to advance Defense Expenses (as defined in the Agreement) that had been or would be incurred by the Debtors in excess of the $10,000,000 limit of the primary policy thereto. The Agreement also generally provides, among other things, that:

(a) Allied World shall advance reasonable and necessary Defense Expenses incurred in connection with the defense of the RMBS Litigation for certain of the Debtors and individual insureds;

(b) Allied World reserves all rights to contest coverage under the Excess Policy (as defined in the Agreement) and to seek recovery of any defense expenses it has advanced under the Agreement if it is finally determined in a coverage action that such amounts were not covered under the Excess Policy; and

(c) Nothing in the Agreement or the Order grants or supports Allied World having an allowed administrative expense claim against the Debtors, and any claims for repayment Allied World may have against the Debtors shall have the same priority and allowance status as if Allied World made the payments in the absence of the Agreement and the Order.

12. Stipulation to Rejection Claim of Landlord.

On January 17, 2017, the Debtors filed a Consent Motion of Debtors to Approve Stipulation to Rejection Claim of Broadway Square Partners Under Lease for 2114 Central Street [Dkt. No. 260] (the “Consent Motion”), seeking entry of an order approving the stipulated amount of the allowed unsecured claim of Broadway Square Partners, LLP, a former landlord of Novation (the “Landlord”). On February 7, 2017, the Court entered an order [Dkt. No. 297] approving the Consent Motion, allowing the Landlord an unsecured claim in the amount of $113,356.61.

13. RMBS Litigation Claims Estimation.

Certain plaintiffs in the three RMBS Litigations have each filed proofs of claims against the Debtors in relation to those litigations (the “RMBS Claims”). The Plan Debtors believe there is no liability to the estate on the RMBS Claims and intend to file motions to estimate each of the claims at zero. The RMBS Claims are contingent and disputed. Courts have made clear that where the claimant is unlikely to recover under applicable non-bankruptcy law, the claim may properly be estimated at zero. See Bittner v. Borne Chem. Co., Inc., 691 F2d at 137; In re Corey, 892 F.2d 829, 834 (9th Cir. 1989) (claims correctly estimated at zero due to their “highly speculative” nature); In re Frontier Airlines, Inc., 137 BR 811, 814 (D. Co. 1992) (section 502(c)(1) claim estimation allows both for allowance and disallowance of claims (through zero valuation)). Related to the RMBS Claims, indemnification claims were filed by former officers and directors, seeking indemnification relating to the foregoing actions. These claims were filed by three individuals against each of the Plan Debtors in the amount of $20 million per individual claim. The Plan Debtors may seek estimation or disallowance of these claims.

14. Preference Actions.

The Plan Debtors do not believe that any material preference actions exist.

Section 4.03. Acquisition Efforts.

1. Background and Negotiation Efforts.

Following the financial crisis beginning in 2007, aside from managing a significant portfolio of existing mortgage backed securities, the Debtors exited the loan origination and servicing business and turned their attention on acquiring other businesses for the benefit of the stakeholders of the Company. Such acquisitions are entirely permissible under the terms of the Indentures, however the acquisition targets are required to comply with covenants of the Indentures. The HCS Transaction contemplated by the Plan Debtors complies with the terms of the Indentures.

In July 2016, the Debtors engaged Oberon as its investment banker to evaluate strategic alternatives to restructure their debt obligations while continuing normal operations. The Plan Debtors and Oberon have aggressively explored all third-party going-concern options since the filing of these Cases, focusing on identifying a target company for the Plan Debtors to acquire.

Oberon led the Plan Debtors’ extensive research efforts to identify target companies and negotiate the related transactions. Oberon utilized both its industry and restructuring bankers to identify potential investment opportunities. Utilizing its proprietary databases and market knowledge, Oberon contacted 43 potential parties for the Plan Debtors to evaluate. Of the 43 potential companies initially evaluated, 20 signed non-disclosure agreements. Oberon also engaged 17 target companies in preliminary calls, and conducted in-person meetings with five potential parties. Through these efforts and negotiations, the Plan Debtors, Oberon and its advisors ultimately conducted a total of 15 in-person meetings with potential parties, nine of which were held on the premises of such potential parties.

These discussions resulted in the issuance of five letters of intent, with four letters of intent or exclusivity agreements ultimately executed between the Plan Debtors and potential target companies. After careful evaluation and negotiations, the Debtors determined that entering into the HCS Transaction was the best solution for preserving their going-concern value.

2. The HCS Transaction.

On February 1, 2017, Novation entered into the Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, NHI agreed to purchase from Butler all of the outstanding capital stock of HCS for $24 million in cash (the “Acquisition”), subject to terms and conditions including but not limited to the Company’s receipt of Court approval for the Acquisition in its chapter 11 case. The purchase price is subject to a potential working capital adjustment, and the parties have agreed to deposit $240,000 of the purchase price in escrow at closing for a period of six months to secure Butler’s indemnification obligations under the Purchase Agreement. Additionally, subject to the Company’s receipt of Court approval, NHI agreed to deposit $100,000 in escrow prior to closing, to be available to reimburse Butler for its reasonable and documented legal fees and expenses up to $100,000 in the event (i) the Purchase Agreement is terminated if bankruptcy court approval of the Acquisition is denied or a similar event in the Company’s bankruptcy case occurs or (ii) bankruptcy court approval of the Acquisition is not obtained by June 30, 2017.

The obligations of the parties to consummate the Acquisition are subject to closing conditions customary for transactions of this type, as well as the Company’s receipt of bankruptcy court approval for the Acquisition. The obligations of Novation and NHI to consummate the Acquisition are subject to additional closing conditions including but not limited to (i) Novation’s entry into an employment agreement with, and the continued employment of, HCS’s current CEO, (ii) NHI’s obtaining representations and warranties insurance with respect to Butler’s representations and warranties under the Purchase Agreement and (iii) the satisfaction of Novation and NHI with certain outstanding due diligence items related to HCS.

Under the Purchase Agreement, HCS agreed not to, and Butler agreed to cause HCS not to, take certain actions prior to closing without NHI’s prior written consent, and Butler agreed to pay a portion of NHI’s cost of obtaining representations and warranties insurance with respect to Butler’s representations and warranties under the Purchase Agreement. The Seller Parties also agreed to cease any and all discussions or negotiations with a third party regarding an alternative sale or similar transaction for HCS for 120 days from the date of the Purchase Agreement, provided this exclusivity period may expire earlier based on the Company’s failure to meet specified milestones related to the bankruptcy court approval process or take certain other actions. Further, Novation and NHI agreed to cease any and all discussions or negotiations with a third party regarding an alternative acquisition transaction that would reasonably be expected to prevent or delay in any material respect the ability of Novation or NHI to perform their obligations under the Purchase Agreement or consummate the Acquisition, or otherwise require the use of any of Novation’s or NHI’s available cash. The Purchase Agreement also contains other representations, warranties, covenants and indemnifications, and limitations thereto, customary for transactions of this type.

The Purchase Agreement is subject to customary termination provisions. Additionally, the Purchase Agreement may be terminated by any party if (i) bankruptcy court approval of the Acquisition is denied or a similar event in the Company’s bankruptcy case occurs or (ii) the closing has not occurred on or before June 30, 2017.

3. HCS Summary.

Established in 1995, HCS is the largest outsourced healthcare services provider in the State of Georgia. HCS delivers outsourced full-time and part-time employees primarily to Community Service Boards (“CSBs”), quasi state organizations that provide behavioral health services at facilities across Georgia including mental health services, developmental disabilities programs and substance abuse treatments. The State of Georgia has a total of 25 CSBs. Each CSB has a number of facilities, including crisis centers, outpatient centers and 24-hour group homes that require a broad range of employees, such as registered nurses, social workers, house parents and supervisors. The CSB market in Georgia is large and growing steadily, as the demand for the services provided by the CSBs continues to grow. The Georgia Association for CSBs estimates that CSBs in Georgia provided services to over 173,000 people in 2010, a figure that grew to over 188,000 people in 2015.

Over the past 15 years, HCS has become the largest medical services outsource provider in Georgia, operating throughout the state. Contracts between HCS and its CSB customers are typically long-term agreements. HCS has been providing services to several clients for more than 15 years. In addition to providing outsourced employees to CSBs, HCS also provides healthcare outsourcing and staffing services to hospitals, schools and a variety of privately owned businesses. The services and positions provided to non CSB clients are similar to the ones provided to CSB client.

HCS generated revenue and adjusted EBITDA in 2016 of approximately $55 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Investment Highlights

Long track record of consistent growth and profitability – Since 2000, HCS grew revenue from $1.3 million to $55.3 million, a 26.5% CAGR. This trend continued in the past two years, as HCS has grown revenue by 25% and adjusted EBITDA by 38%, respectively, since 2014. This recent growth has been driven predominantly by HCS’s ability to add new CSB clients and to expand with its existing clients.

Market leading position in Georgia CSB market.

Stable and growing CSB market – The CSB market in Georgia is large and growing steadily, as the demand for the services provided by the CSBs continues to grow. The Georgia Association for CSBs estimates that CSBs in Georgia provided services to over 173,000 people in 2010, a figure that grew to over 188,000 people in 2015.

Size and scale provides significant competitive advantage – HCS provides a clear value proposition to customers that is hard to replicate by its smaller competitors, considering its larger size and ability to address continued and changing needs of its customers. Those smaller competitors do not have the resources to provide the certifications, training and qualifications needed for many of the CSBs, and do not have the flexibility to service large customers that often require a rapid ramp up in the number and type of employees needed to service their facilities.

Long term contracts and long term relationship with customers.

Significant growth opportunities – HCS recently signed four additional new customers that should drive its top line growth in the next two years and which would drive improved margins that derive from economies of scale. In addition to winning additional CSB customers in Georgia, HCS has been able to win customers outside the CSB market and is exploring expansion outside the state of Georgia.

Strong management team – HCS is currently managed by a 30 year staffing veteran who was brought in by Butler to run HCS when it acquired the business. He has led the business to significant growth over the past two years and HCS is poised for continued growth as it adds new customers in 2017 and beyond.

HCS Historical Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA

HCS Results
	2014A	2015A	2016E
Revenue	$44,159,731	$47,232,109	$55,323,489
Adjusted EBITDA	2,315,051	2,896,034	3,196,877
Revenue Growth		7.0%	17.1%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin	5.2%	6.1%	5.8%

ARTICLE V

SUMMARY OF THE PLAN

Section 5.01. Summary.

THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT ELEMENTS OF THE PLAN. THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE PLAN AND THE EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES THERETO.

The Plan classifies Claims and Interests separately in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and provides different treatment for different Classes of Claims and Interests. Claims and Interests shall be included in a particular Class only to the extent such Claims or Interests qualify for inclusion within such Class. The Plan separates the various Claims (other than those that do not need to be classified) into five separate Classes. These Classes take into account the differing nature and priority of Claims against, and Interests in, the Plan Debtors. Unless otherwise indicated, the characteristics and amounts of the Claims or Interests in the following Classes are based on the books and records of the Plan Debtors.

The Plan is intended to enable the Plan Debtors to continue their present operations without the likelihood of a subsequent liquidation or the need for further financial reorganization. The Plan Debtors believe that they will be able to perform all of its obligations under the Plan and meet their expenses after the Effective Date without further financial reorganization. Also, the Plan Debtors believe that the Plan permits fair and equitable recoveries, while expediting the reorganization of the Plan Debtors.

The Confirmation Date will be the date that the Confirmation Order is entered by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court. The Effective Date will be the first Business Day on or after the Confirmation Date on which all of the conditions to the Effective Date specified the Plan have been satisfied or waived and the parties have consummated the transactions contemplated by the Plan.

The Plan Debtors anticipate that the Effective Date will occur in or prior to June 2017. Resolution of any challenges to the Plan may take time and, therefore, the actual Effective Date cannot be predicted with certainty.

Other than as specifically provided in the Plan, the treatment under the Plan of each Claim and Interest will be in full satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of all Claims or Interests. The Reorganized Plan Debtors will make all payments and other distributions to be made under the Plan unless otherwise specified.

All Claims and Interests, except Administrative Expense Claims, Fee Claims, United States Trustee Fees, and Priority Tax Claims, are placed in the Classes set forth in Article II of the Plan. In accordance with section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, Administrative Expense Claims, Fee Claims, U.S. Trustee Fees and Priority Tax Claims have not been classified, and the holders thereof are not entitled to vote on the Plan. A Claim or Interest is placed in a particular Class only to the extent that the Claim or Interest falls within the description of that Class and is classified in other Classes to the extent that any portion of the Claim or Interest falls within the description of such other Classes.

Section 5.02. Effective Date Funding.

On the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors shall use cash on hand and from the disposition of marketable securities to fund all payments required under the Plan and to close the HCS Transaction.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors may execute all documents and enter into all agreements as may be necessary and appropriate in connection with the HCS Transaction.

Section 5.03. Provisions for Treatment of Unclassified Claims.

1. Administrative Expense Claims.

The Confirmation Order or separate bankruptcy court order will establish the Administrative Claims Bar Date for filing applications for the allowance of Administrative Claims (except for Fee Claims, claims pursuant to section 503(b)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code, Ordinary Course Administrative Claims, and any fees or charges assessed against the Estates under section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code and any applicable interest thereon). A notice setting forth the Administrative Claim Bar Date shall be filed on the Bankruptcy Court’s docket. Any requests for payment of an Administrative Claim that are not properly filed and served by the Administrative Claim Bar Date shall be disallowed automatically without the need for any objection from the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors or any action by the Bankruptcy Court. The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have until 120 days after the Administrative Claims Bar Date (or such longer period as may be allowed by order of the Bankruptcy Court) to review and object to all applications for the allowance of Administrative Claims. Unless the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors object to a properly served Administrative Claim, such Administrative Claim shall be deemed Allowed in the amount requested.

2. Fee Claims.

3. United States Trustee Fees.

On the Effective Date or as soon as practicable thereafter, the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall pay all United States Trustee Fees.

4. Priority Tax Claims.

Section 5.04. Provisions for Treatment of Classified Claims.

1. Class 1 – Priority Non-Tax Claims.

2. Class 2 – Noteholder Claims Against Novation.

B. Treatment. On the Effective Date, the Noteholder Claims and each of the Indentures shall be reinstated pursuant to Bankruptcy Code section 1124. All principal, non-default interest, fees, expenses, costs, charges or other such valid and allowable amounts due and payable on or before the Effective Date under the Indentures that were not paid by Debtor Novation prior to or during the Chapter 11 Case shall be paid in full in cash in immediately available funds on the Effective Date to the extent required by Bankruptcy Code section 1124.

C. Voting. The Noteholder Claims are Unimpaired and as a result such Holders are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

3. Class 3a – General Unsecured Claims Against Novation.

B. Voting. The General Unsecured Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

3b. Class 3b – General Unsecured Claims Against NovaStar Mortgage.

  C.       Treatment. Except to the extent that a Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim against NovaStar Mortgage shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Allowed General Unsecured Claim payment in full over a one year period, with payments made quarterly, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

  D.       Voting. The General Unsecured Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

4.       Class 4a – RMBS Litigation Claims Against Novation.

  A.       Treatment. Except to the extent that a Holder of an RMBS Litigation Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed RMBS Litigation Claim against Novation shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Claim, (x) to the extent such claim is covered by an insurance policy, payment solely from and to the extent of the applicable coverage under such insurance policies and the Interim Funding Agreement or (y) in the event such claim is not covered by an insurance policy, payment shall be paid in full in cash once allowed by Final Order over a ten year period payable in equal quarterly installments, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

  B.       Voting. The Class 4a RMBS Litigation Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

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4b.    Class 4b – RMBS Litigation Claims Against NovaStar.

  C.       Treatment. Except to the extent that a Holder of an RMBS Litigation Claim agrees to different treatment, each Holder of an Allowed RMBS Litigation Claim against NovaStar shall receive, in full and complete satisfaction, settlement and release of and in exchange for such Claim, (x) to the extent such claim is covered by an insurance policy, payment solely from and to the extent of the applicable coverage under such insurance policies and the Interim Funding Agreement or (y) in the event such claim is not covered by an insurance policy, payment shall be paid in full in cash once allowed by Final Order over a ten year period payable in equal quarterly installments, together with interest at the Federal Judgment Rate.

  D.       Voting. The Class 4b RMBS Litigation Claims are Impaired Claims, and holders of such Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

5.       Class 5a – Interests in Novation.

  A.       Treatment. The Holders of existing Interests in Novation shall retain their Interests.

  B.       Voting. The Holders of Interests are Unimpaired and as a result such Holders are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

5b.     Class 5b – Interests in NovaStar.

  C.       Treatment. The Holders of existing Interests in NovaStar shall retain their Interests.

  D.       Voting. The Holders of Interests are Unimpaired and as a result such Holders are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

Section 5.05. Acceptance or Rejection of the Plan.

1.       Each Impaired Class Entitled to Vote Separately.

Each Impaired Class of Claims that is to receive a Distribution under the Plan will be entitled to vote separately to accept or reject the Plan. Except as provided herein, each Person that, as of the Voting Record Date, holds a Claim in an Impaired Class will receive a Ballot that will be used to cast its vote to accept or reject the Plan. In the event of a controversy as to whether any Class of Claims or Interests is Impaired under the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court shall, after notice and a hearing, determine such controversy.

2.       Acceptance by a Class of Claims.

In accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as provided in section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code, an Impaired Class of Claims will be deemed to accept the Plan if the Plan is accepted by the Holders of Claims in such Class that hold at least two-thirds (2/3) in dollar amount and more than one-half (1/2) in number of the Allowed Claims of such Class that have voted to accept or reject the Plan.

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Section 5.06.         “Confirmation Pursuant to Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or “Cramdown.”

Because certain Classes are deemed to have rejected the Plan, the Plan Debtors will seek confirmation of the Plan, as it may be modified from time to time, under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan Debtors reserve the right to alter, amend, modify, revoke or withdraw the Plan or any Plan Document in order to satisfy the requirements of section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, if necessary.

Section 5.07.          Voting Classes.

If a Class contains Claims or Interests eligible to vote and no Holders of Claims or Interests eligible to vote in such Class vote to accept or reject the Plan, the Plan shall be deemed accepted by the Holders of such Claims or Interests in such Class.

Section 5.08.          Confirmation of all Cases.

Except as otherwise specified herein, the Plan shall not be deemed to have been confirmed unless and until the Plan has been confirmed as to each of the Plan Debtors.

ARTICLE VI

MEANS OF PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Section 6.01.         Introduction.

As of December 31, 2016, Novation had cash and liquid securities in the approximate amount of $30.6 million, and NovaStar had approximately $743,000 in cash. In January 2017, Novation received $1 million from the release of escrow from a prior sale transaction of the Debtors’ Corvisa business. The Plan Debtors estimate that as of January 31, 2017, Novation will have approximately $31.6 million in available cash and liquid securities and NovaStar Mortgage will have approximately $743,000 in cash.

Section 6.02.         Corporate Action Non-Voting Securities.

On and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have full authority and are authorized to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to effectuate the transactions provided for in the Plan. The Reorganized Plan Debtors’ post-Effective Date authority shall include the right to operate their business as a going concern to purchase and/or sell assets; to commence and prosecute actions and proceedings; to open, maintain and close bank accounts and/or other investments on behalf of the Estates; to make and File Objections to, or otherwise contest the amount, validity and/or priority of, all Claims; to calculate and make Distributions consistent with the Plan; to prosecute and resolve Objections regarding all Claims; to engage in arbitration or mediation; to engage or retain Professionals and to pay the fees and disbursements thereof; to file tax information and returns as required and, in connection therewith, to make such determinations of tax liability, challenge assessments, make tax elections, pay taxes and take other, related actions; to hold and dispose of any unclaimed Distributions; and to close the case and any related proceedings. Subsequent to the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors’ charter shall be amended to prohibit the issuance of non-voting securities and to otherwise comply with the terms and conditions of section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.

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On and after the Effective Date, the members of the Board of Directors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors are authorized to, and may direct an officer to, issue, execute, deliver, file, or record such contracts, securities, instruments, releases, and other agreements or documents and take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan and the securities issued pursuant to the Plan in the name of, and on behalf of the Reorganized Plan Debtors, without the need for any approvals, authorizations, or consents except for those required pursuant to the Plan.

The adoption of the Amended Certificate and Bylaws (if so amended), if so amended, the selection of directors and officers of Reorganized Plan Debtors, and all other actions contemplated by the Plan shall be authorized and approved in all respects (subject to the provisions of the Plan) by the Confirmation Order. All matters provided for in the Plan involving the corporate structure of the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, and any corporate action required by the Plan Debtors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors in connection with the Plan, shall be deemed to have timely occurred in accordance with applicable law and shall be in effect, without any requirements or further action by the security holders, directors, or managers of the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors. On the Effective Date, as applicable, the appropriate officers of the Plan Debtors and /or Reorganized Plan Debtors and members of the boards of directors or managers of the Plan Debtors and/or Reorganized Plan Debtors are authorized and directed to issue, execute and deliver, and cause the Reorganized Plan Debtors to perform, the agreements, documents, securities and instruments contemplated by the Plan in the name of and on behalf of the Plan Debtors and/or Reorganized Plan Debtors.

Section 6.03.         Effective Date Transactions.

1. Entry Into HCS Transaction.

On the Effective Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall be authorized to consummate and close the transactions contemplated by that certain Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Novation Companies, Inc., Novation Holdings, Inc., and Seller. A copy of the Stock Purchase Agreement related to the HCS Transaction is annexed hereto as Exhibit D.

2. Effective Date Funding.

On the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors shall use cash on hand to fund all payments required under the Plan and to close the HCS Transaction. As of January 31, 2017, Novation had approximately $31.6 million in available cash and liquid securities and NovaStar Mortgage had approximately $743,000 in cash.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors may execute all documents and enter into all agreements as may be necessary and appropriate in connection with the HCS Transaction.

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Section 6.04.         [Intentionally Deleted]

Section 6.05.          Corporate Governance.

On the Effective Date, the Boards of Directors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall consist of those individuals set forth in the Plan Supplement.

Section 6.06.          Intercompany Claims.

On the Effective Date, all Intercompany Claims shall be deemed cancelled and there shall be no distribution made on account of such Claims.

Section 6.07.         Obligations Incurred After the Effective Date.

Payment obligations incurred after the Effective Date, including, without limitation, the professional fees of the Plan Debtors, will not be subject to application or proof of claim and may be paid by the Reorganized Plan Debtors in the ordinary course of business and without further Bankruptcy Court approval.

Section 6.08.         Post-Confirmation Operating Reports and United States Trustee Fees.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of operating reports until entry of a final decree in this case. Quarterly fees payable to the United States Trustee pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1930 and any applicable interest thereon shall be paid by the Reorganized Plan Debtors until the entry of an order converting, dismissing or granting a final decree in these cases.

ARTICLE VII

PRESERVATION AND PROSECUTION OF CAUSES OF ACTION HELD BY THE DEBTORS

Section 7.01.         Preservation and Prosecution of Causes of Action.

In accordance with section 1123(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, all claims and causes of action of the Reorganized Plan Debtors are retained and preserved. The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall retain and may enforce all rights to commence and pursue, as appropriate, any and all Causes of Action. The Reorganized Plan Debtors’ right to commence, prosecute, settle, or abandon their Causes of Action shall be preserved, notwithstanding the occurrence of the Effective Date. No entity may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as any indication that the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, will not pursue any and all available Causes of Action against them. Unless any Causes of Action against an entity are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised, or settled in the Plan or a Bankruptcy Court order, the Reorganized Plan Debtors expressly reserve all Causes of Action, for later adjudication, and, therefore, no preclusion doctrine, including the doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable, or otherwise), or laches, shall apply to such Causes of Action upon, after, or as a consequence of the Confirmation Order. In accordance with section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code, any Causes of Action against any entity shall vest in the Reorganized Plan Debtors.

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ARTICLE VIII

PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS

Section 8.01.         Objections to Claims.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have the right to object to the allowance of any Claims or Interests with respect to which they dispute liability, priority, and/or amount. Any Objections to Claims that have been filed on or before the Confirmation Date, shall be served and filed as soon as practicable, but, in each instance, no later than: (a) 180 days after the Effective Date; or (b) such other date as may be fixed by the Bankruptcy Court, whether fixed before or after the date specified in clause (a) hereof. The Filing of a motion to extend such objection deadline shall automatically extend such deadline until a Final Order is entered on such motion. In the event that such a motion to extend the objection deadline is denied by the Bankruptcy Court, or approved by the Bankruptcy Court and reversed on appeal, such objection deadline shall be the later of the current deadline (as previously extended, as applicable) or 30 days after entry of a Final Order denying the motion to extend the objection deadline.

Section 8.02.         No Payment or Distribution Pending Allowance.

Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan, if any portion of a Claim is a Disputed Claim, no payment or Distribution of Property provided for hereunder shall be made on account of such Claim unless and until the Disputed Claim becomes an Allowed Claim. To the extent a Disputed Claim is Disallowed in whole or in part, the Holder of such Claim will not receive any Distribution on account of the portion of such Claim (including the whole, if applicable) that is Disallowed.

Section 8.03.         Disputed Distributions.

If any dispute arises as to the identity of a Holder of an Allowed Claim who is to receive any Distribution, in lieu of making a distribution to such Person, the Disbursing Agent may reserve or deposit the Distribution at issue (or the disputed portion thereof into a segregated account for Disputed Distributions until the disposition thereof is determined by a Final Order or by written agreement among the interested parties to such dispute.

Section 8.04.         Estimation.

The Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have the right, but not the obligation, at any time to seek an order of the Bankruptcy Court, after notice and a hearing (which hearing may be held on an expedited basis), estimating for final Distribution purposes any contingent, unliquidated, or Disputed Claim pursuant to section 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, regardless of whether the Plan Debtors, the Reorganized Plan Debtors previously objected to such Claim. If the Bankruptcy Court estimates any contingent, Disputed or unliquidated Claim, the estimated amount shall constitute either the Allowed Amount of such Claim or a maximum limitation on such Claim, as determined by the Bankruptcy Court, including for purposes of the Disputed Claims Reserve; provided, however, that if the estimate constitutes the maximum limitation on such Claim, the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors as the case may be, may elect to pursue supplemental proceedings to object to any ultimate allowance of such Claim. On or after the Confirmation Date, Claims that have been estimated may be compromised, settled, withdrawn, or otherwise resolved subsequently, without further order of the Bankruptcy Court.

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Section 8.05.         Reserve Account for Disputed Claims.

On or after the Effective Date, the Disbursing Agent shall hold in their respective Disputed Claims Reserves, Cash or other consideration in an aggregate amount sufficient to compensate each Holder of a Disputed Claim, which the Disbursing Agent is ultimately responsible for disbursing, with (i) the amount that such Holder would have been entitled to receive under the Plan if such Claim had been an Allowed Claim on the Effective Date, (ii) to the extent the value of a Disputed Claim has been estimated in accordance with Section 7.04 of the Plan, the estimated value of such Disputed Claim, or (iii) such other amount as may be agreed upon by the Holder of such Disputed Claim and the Reorganized Plan Debtors. The Disbursing Agent may pool funds in the Disputed Claims Reserves with other funds; provided, however, the Disbursing Agent shall treat all such funds as segregated accounts in their respective books and records.

Section 8.06.         Release of Funds from Claims Reserves.

At such time as a Disputed Claim becomes, in whole or in part, an Allowed Claim, the Disbursing Agent, shall distribute to the Holder thereof the distribution, if any, to which such Holder is then entitled under the Plan. To the extent a Disputed Claim is Disallowed or Allowed in a lesser amount than has been reserved for such Disputed Claim, the Cash reserved for such Disputed Claim or the difference between the amount reserved for such Disputed Claim and the lesser amount at which such Disputed Claim is ultimately Allowed, as applicable, be returned from the Disputed Claims Reserve to the Reorganized Plan Debtors.

ARTICLE IX

DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE PLAN

Section 9.01.         Limitation to Full Recovery.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Holder of any Claim will be entitled to a Distribution in excess of 100% of the Allowed amount of its Claims.

Section 9.02.         Timing of Distributions.

Distributions under the Plan shall be made (i) as set forth in the Plan or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter; or (ii) as agreed between the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, and the particular Creditor, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. If a Claim is not an Allowed Claim as of the Effective Date, Distributions will be made only if and when the Claim is Allowed and, to the extent a Disputed Claim is the subject of estimation in accordance with Section 7.04 of the Plan, in an amount no greater than the amount reserved in the Disputed Claims Reserve.

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Section 9.03.         Saturdays, Sundays, or Legal Holidays.

If any payment or act under the Plan is required to be made or performed on a date that is not a Business Day, then the making of such payment or the performance of such act may be completed on the next succeeding Business Day, and shall be deemed to have been completed as of the required date.

Section 9.04.         Distribution Record Date.

Except as otherwise provided in a Final Order that is not subject to any stay, the transferees of Claims that are transferred pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3001 and Filed with the Bankruptcy Court on or prior to the Distribution Record Date will be treated as the Holders of such Claims for all purposes, notwithstanding that any period provided by Bankruptcy Rule 3001 for objecting to such transfer may not have expired by the Distribution Record Date. As of the close of business on the Distribution Record Date, any transfer ledgers, transfer books, registers and any other records will be closed and, for purposes of the Plan, there shall be no further changes in the record Holders of such Claims. The Plan Debtors shall have no obligation to recognize the transfer of any Claim occurring after the Distribution Record Date, and will be entitled for all purposes to recognize and deal only with those Holders of Claims and Interests as of the close of business on the Distribution Record Date, as reflected on the ledgers, books, registers or records of the Plan Debtors and the Bankruptcy Court.

Section 9.05.         Delivery of Distributions.

Subject to the treatment of Disputed Distributions as set forth in Section 7.03 of the Plan, Distributions shall be made to Holders of Allowed Claims at the addresses set forth on the Plan Debtors’ books and records or the Proofs of Claim, if any, Filed by such Creditors or at the last known addresses of such Creditors or, in the case of transferred Claims, on the notice of transfer Filed with the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3001, each as of the Distribution Record Date. If any such Creditor’s Distribution is returned as undeliverable, no further Distribution shall be made to such Creditor unless and until the Plan Debtors are notified of such Creditor’s then-current address, at which time any missed Distribution shall be made to such Creditor to the extent of available Cash; provided that in no event are the Plan Debtors required to make Distributions to a Creditor whose Distribution is returned as undeliverable and becomes Unclaimed Property.

Section 9.06.         Method of Cash Distributions.

The Disbursing Agent shall make all Distributions contemplated by the Plan. Any Cash payment to be made pursuant to the Plan shall be made by check drawn on a domestic bank or by wire transfer from a domestic bank, at the option of the Disbursing Agent. If a Creditor holds more than one Claim in any one Class, all Allowed Claims of the Creditor in that Class may, at the Plan Debtors’ option, be aggregated and one Distribution may be made with respect thereto.

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Section 9.07.         Unclaimed Property.

All Property distributed on account of Claims must be claimed within the later of ninety (90) days after (i) the Distribution Date and (ii) the date such Distribution is made to such Holder provided, however, in the case of a Distribution made in the form of a check, must be negotiated or a request for reissuance made directly to the Plan Debtors by the Creditor that was originally issued such check and shall be made within ninety (90) days after the date the Distribution is made to the applicable Creditor. Nothing contained in the Plan shall require the Plan Debtors to attempt to locate any Holder of an Allowed Claim, other than as provided herein. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code sections 347(b) and 1143, all Claims in respect of Unclaimed Property shall be deemed Disallowed and the Holder of any Claim Disallowed is forever barred, expunged, estopped and enjoined from asserting such Claim in any manner against the Plan Debtors or the Estates.

Section 9.08.         Compliance with Tax Requirements.

In connection with each Distribution with respect to which the filing of an information return (such as an IRS Form 1099 or 1042) or withholding is required, the Plan Debtors shall file such information return with the IRS and provide any required statements in connection therewith to the recipients of such Distribution or effect any such withholding and deposit all moneys so withheld as required by law. With respect to any Person from whom a tax identification number, certified tax identification number or other tax information required by law to avoid withholding has not been received by the Plan Debtors within thirty (30) days from the date of any such request, the Plan Debtors may, at their option, withhold the amount required and distribute the balance to such Person or decline to make such Distribution until the information is received.

Section 9.09.         Setoffs.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or in an agreement approved by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, may, pursuant to applicable law (including section 553 of the Bankruptcy Code), setoff against any Distribution amounts related to any Claim before any Distribution is made on account of such Claim, any and all of the Claims, rights and causes of action of any nature that the Plan Debtors, the Estates or the Reorganized Plan Debtors may hold against the Holder of such Claim, provided, however, that neither the failure to effect such a setoff, the allowance of any Claim hereunder, any other act or omission of the Plan Debtors or the Disbursing Agent, nor any provision of the Plan (other than Article X of the Plan) will constitute a waiver or release by the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors of any such claims, rights or causes of action that the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors may possess against such Holder.

Section 9.10.         Documentation Necessary to Release Lien.

Each Creditor who is a Holder of a Lien satisfied, discharged and released under the Plan and who is to receive a Distribution under the Plan shall not receive such Distribution until such Creditor executes and delivers any documents necessary to release all Liens arising under any applicable security agreement or non-bankruptcy law (in recordable form, if appropriate) in connection with such Claim and such other documents as the Plan Debtors may reasonably request to document satisfaction of the Lien.

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Section 9.11.      Distributions Under Fifty Dollars.

No Distribution of Cash in an amount less than fifty dollars ($50.00) will be made by the Disbursing Agent to any Holder of an allowed Claim unless a request is made in writing to the Disbursing Agent. If no such request is made, all such Distributions will be treated as Unclaimed Property.

ARTICLE X

EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES;
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS

Section 10.01.         General Treatment.

Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, prior to the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors will have rejected or filed a motion to assume or reject tall executory contracts or unexpired leases of the Plan Debtors not previously (a) assumed, (b) rejected, or (c) terminated or expired by their terms. Any executory contracts that were not expressly assumed, terminated or expired by their terms or rejected shall be deemed rejected upon entry of the Confirmation Order.

Section 10.02.          Bar Date for Filing Proofs of Claim Relating to Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases Rejected Pursuant to the Plan.

Claims arising out of the rejection of an Executory Contract or unexpired lease pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Plan must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served upon the Plan Debtors (or, on and after the Effective Date, Reorganized Plan Debtors) no later than thirty (30) days after the later of (i) notice of entry of an order approving the rejection of such Executory Contract or unexpired lease, and (ii) notice of entry of the Confirmation Order. All such Claims not filed within such time will be forever barred from assertion against the Plan Debtors and their estates or the Reorganized Plan Debtors and their Property.

Section 10.03.         Treatment of Rejection Claims.

Any Allowed Claim arising out of the rejection of an Executory Contract or unexpired lease pursuant to the Plan (as opposed to a separate order of the Bankruptcy Court) shall, pursuant to section 502(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, be a General Unsecured Claim.

Section 10.04.         Reinstatement and Continuation of Insurance Policies.

Unless otherwise assumed during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, from and after the Effective Date each of the Plan Debtors’ insurance policies in existence on and as of the Confirmation Date shall be reinstated and continued in accordance with its terms and, to the extent applicable, shall be deemed assumed by the Reorganized Plan Debtors pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code. Nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any Cause of Action that the Plan Debtors may hold against any entity, including, without limitation, the insurer under any of the Plan Debtors’ insurance policies.

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The Plan Debtors’ discharge and release from all Claims and Interests, as provided herein, shall not diminish or impair the enforceability of any insurance policy that may cover Claims against the Plan Debtors (including, without limitation, their officers and directors), the Reorganized Plan Debtors (including, without limitation, their officers and directors) or any other person or entity.

ARTICLE XI

EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION

Section 11.01.         Binding Effect.

The Plan shall be binding and inure to the benefit of the Plan Debtors, all Holders of Claims and Interests, and their respective successors and assigns.

Section 11.02.         Continued Corporate Existence.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, each Plan Debtor shall continue to exist after the Effective Date as a separate corporate (or limited liability company, as applicable) entity, with all the powers of a corporation (or limited liability company, as applicable), pursuant to the jurisdiction in which each applicable Plan Debtor is incorporated or formed and pursuant to the respective certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other formation documents) in effect prior to the Effective Date, except to the extent such Amended Certificate and Bylaws (or other formation documents) are amended by the Plan or otherwise, and to the extent such documents are amended, such documents are deemed to be amended pursuant to the Plan and require no further action or approval.

Section 11.03.         Vesting of Property.

On the Effective Date, pursuant to sections 1141(b) and (c) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Property of each Estate shall vest in the applicable Reorganized Plan Debtor as the case may be, free and clear of all Claims, Liens, encumbrances, charges, and other Interests, except as provided herein or in the Confirmation Order. From and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Plan Debtors may operate their businesses and may use, acquire, and dispose of property free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules and in all respects as if there were no pending case under any chapter or provision of the Bankruptcy Code, except as provided herein.

Section 11.04.         Discharge of Claims Against and Interests in the Plan Debtors.

Upon the Effective Date and in consideration of the distributions to be made hereunder, except as otherwise provided herein or in the Confirmation Order, each Person that is a Holder (as well as any trustees and agents on behalf of such Person) of a Claim or Interest and any affiliate of such Holder shall be deemed to have forever waived, released, and discharged the Plan Debtors, to the fullest extent permitted by section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, of and from any and all Claims, Interests, rights, and liabilities that arose prior to the Effective Date. Except as otherwise provided herein, upon the Effective Date, all such Holders of Claims and Interests and their affiliates shall be forever precluded and enjoined, pursuant to sections 105, 524, 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, from prosecuting or asserting any such discharged Claim against or terminated Interest in any Plan Debtor.

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Section 11.05.         Injunction.

EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE PLAN, THE CONFIRMATION ORDER, OR SUCH OTHER ORDER OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE, AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE, ALL PERSONS WHO HAVE HELD, HOLD OR MAY HOLD CLAIMS AGAINST OR INTERESTS IN THE PLAN DEBTORS OR THEIR ESTATES THAT ARE DISCHARGED PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, INCLUDING THOSE ARISING PURSUANT TO THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE HCS TRANSACTION, ARE, WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH CLAIMS OR INTERESTS, PERMANENTLY ENJOINED FROM AND AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE FROM: (I) COMMENCING, CONDUCTING OR CONTINUING IN ANY MANNER, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY PROCEEDING IN A JUDICIAL, ARBITRAL, ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER FORUM) ON ANY SUCH CLAIM OR INTEREST AGAINST OR AFFECTING THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE ESTATES OR ANY OF THEIR PROPERTY, OR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT TRANSFEREE OF ANY PROPERTY OF, OR DIRECT OR INDIRECT SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO, ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS OR ANY PROPERTY OF ANY SUCH TRANSFEREE OR SUCCESSOR, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION SELLER; (II) ENFORCING, LEVYING, ATTACHING (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY PRE-JUDGMENT ATTACHMENT), COLLECTING OR OTHERWISE RECOVERING BY ANY MANNER OR MEANS, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY JUDGMENT, AWARD, DECREE OR ORDER AGAINST THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE ESTATES OR ANY OF THE PLAN DEBTORS’ PROPERTY, OR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT TRANSFEREE OF ANY PROPERTY OF, OR DIRECT OR INDIRECT SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO, ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS, OR ANY PROPERTY OF ANY SUCH TRANSFEREE OR SUCCESSOR, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION SELLER; (III) CREATING, PERFECTING OR OTHERWISE ENFORCING IN ANY MANNER, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY ENCUMBRANCE OF ANY KIND AGAINST THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE ESTATES, OR ANY OF THEIR PROPERTY, OR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT TRANSFEREE OF ANY PROPERTY OF, OR SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO, ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION SELLER; (IV) ACTING OR PROCEEDING IN ANY MANNER, IN ANY PLACE WHATSOEVER, THAT DOES NOT CONFORM TO OR COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW; AND (V) COMMENCING OR CONTINUING, IN ANY MANNER OR IN ANY PLACE, ANY ACTION THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH OR IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL PRECLUDE SUCH PERSONS FROM EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS, OR OBTAINING BENEFITS, PURSUANT TO AND CONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THE PLAN, NOR SHALLTHIS INJUNCTION EXTEND TO CLAIMS HELD BY SELLER ARSING FROM THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE HCS TRANSACTION.

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Section 11.06.         Releases.

(a)       RELEASES BY THE PLAN DEBTORS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE PLAN OR THE CONFIRMATION ORDER, AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE, EACH PLAN DEBTOR, IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND AS A DEBTOR IN POSSESSION, SHALL BE DEEMED TO FOREVER RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE ALL CLAIMS, OBLIGATIONS, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION AND LIABILITIES (OTHER THAN THE RIGHTS OF THE PLAN DEBTORS TO ENFORCE THE PLAN AND THE CONTRACTS, INSTRUMENTS, RELEASES, INDENTURES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS OR DOCUMENTS DELIVERED THEREUNDER) WHETHER LIQUIDATED OR UNLIQUIDATED, FIXED OR CONTINGENT, MATURED OR UNMATURED, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, THEN EXISTING OR THEREAFTER ARISING, IN LAW, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE THAT ARE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY ACT, OMISSION, TRANSACTION, EVENT OR OTHER OCCURRENCE TAKING PLACE ON OR PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE PARTIES RELEASED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, THE PLAN OR THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, AND THAT COULD HAVE BEEN ASSERTED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE PLAN DEBTORS OR THEIR ESTATES, WHETHER DIRECTLY, INDIRECTLY, DERIVATIVELY OR IN ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR ANY OTHER CAPACITY, AGAINST ANY DEBTOR RELEASED PARTIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL ANYTHING IN THIS SECTION BE CONSTRUED AS A RELEASE OF ANY PERSON’S FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT FOR MATTERS WITH RESPECT TO THE PLAN DEBTORS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES AND/OR AFFILIATES.

(i) The Plan Debtors release Butler from any claims except claims arising under the Purchase Agreement, all of which are preserved.

(b)       RELEASES BY HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE PLAN OR THE CONFIRMATION ORDER, ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AS SUCH LAW MAY BE EXTENDED OR INTERPRETED SUBSEQUENT TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE, EACH HOLDER OF A CLAIM THAT DOES NOT VOTE TO REJECT THE PLAN AND ANY PERSON WHO RECEIVES A DISTRIBUTION UNDER THE PLAN, IN CONSIDERATION FOR THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PLAN DEBTORS AND THE OTHER RELEASED PARTIES UNDER THE PLAN, THE PLAN DISTRIBUTIONS, AND OTHER RELEASES, AGREEMENTS OR DOCUMENTS EXECUTED AND DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLAN, WILL BE DEEMED TO CONSENSUALLY FOREVER RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LIABILITIES (OTHER THAN THE RIGHT TO ENFORCE THE OBLIGATIONS OF ANY PARTY UNDER THE PLAN AND THE CONTRACTS, INSTRUMENTS, RELEASES, AGREEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS DELIVERED UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLAN, EXCEPT OBLIGATIONS TO BUTLER UNDER THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT), INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CLAIMS FOR ANY SUCH LOSS SUCH HOLDER MAY SUFFER, HAVE SUFFERED OR BE ALLEGED TO SUFFER AS A RESULT OF THE PLAN DEBTORS COMMENCING THE CHAPTER 11 CASES OR AS A RESULT OF THE PLAN BEING CONSUMMATED, WHETHER LIQUIDATED OR UNLIQUIDATED, FIXED OR CONTINGENT, MATURED OR UNMATURED, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, THEN EXISTING OR THEREAFTER ARISING, IN LAW, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE THAT ARE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY ACT OR OMISSION, TRANSACTION, EVENT OR OTHER OCCURRENCE TAKING PLACE ON OR PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, THE PLAN OR THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AGAINST ANY RELEASED PARTY (WHICH INCLUDES THE DEBTOR-RELEASED PARTIES, THE “THIRD PARTY RELEASE”).

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(i) In addition, Butler shall have no liability and shall be released from all claims asserted by Holders of Claims or Interests provided that the Plan Debtors and Reorganized Plan Debtors shall retain all rights and claims under the Purchase Agreement.

Section 11.07.         Exculpation and Limitation of Liability.

NONE OF THE PLAN DEBTORS, THE REORGANIZED PLAN DEBTORS, THE DISBURSING AGENT, THE CREDITORS’ COMMITTEE, BUTLER AND ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS, ATTORNEYS, CONSULTANTS, ADVISORS, AND AGENTS (BUT SOLELY IN THEIR CAPACITIES AS SUCH) SHALL HAVE OR INCUR ANY LIABILITY TO ANY HOLDER OF ANY CLAIM OR INTEREST FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION UP TO AND INCLUDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE IN CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO, OR ARISING OUT OF THE PLAN DEBTORS’ RESTRUCTURING AND THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE NEGOTIATION AND EXECUTION OF THE PLAN, THE CHAPTER 11 CASES, THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, THE SOLICITATION OF VOTES FOR AND THE PURSUIT OF THE PLAN, THE CONSUMMATION OF THE PLAN, OR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN OR THE PROPERTY TO BE DISTRIBUTED UNDER THE PLAN, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL DOCUMENTS ANCILLARY THERETO, ALL DECISIONS, ACTIONS, INACTIONS AND ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE OR MISCONDUCT RELATING THERETO AND ALL PREPETITION ACTIVITIES LEADING TO THE PROMULGATION AND CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN EXCEPT FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS DETERMINED BY A FINAL ORDER OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

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Section 11.08.         Injunction Related to Releases and Exculpation.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE PLAN, THE CONFIRMATION ORDER SHALL PERMANENTLY ENJOIN THE COMMENCEMENT OR PROSECUTION BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY, WHETHER DIRECTLY, DERIVATIVELY OR OTHERWISE, OF ANY CLAIMS, OBLIGATIONS, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LIABILITIES RELEASED PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CLAIMS, OBLIGATIONS, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, DEMANDS, DEBTS, RIGHTS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LIABILITIES RELEASED IN THE PLAN AGAINST THE DEBTOR RELEASED PARTIES.

Section 11.09.         Retention of Causes of Action/Reservation of Rights.

Administrative Expense Claims incurred by the Reorganized Plan Debtors after the Confirmation Date, including (without limitation) Claims for Professionals’ fees and expenses incurred after such date, may be paid by the Reorganized Plan Debtors in the ordinary course of business and without the need for approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

Section 11.10.         Term of Injunctions or Stays.

(a)       Except as explicitly provided in the Plan, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver, release, or relinquishment of any rights, claims or causes of action, rights of setoff, or other legal or equitable defenses (including, for avoidance of doubt, any cause of action to avoid a transfer under sections 303(c), 544, 547, 548, or 553(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, of any similar state law) that the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, or which the Reorganized Plan Debtors may choose to assert on behalf of their respective estates under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable non-bankruptcy law, including, without limitation, (i) any and all Claims against any Person or entity, to the extent such Person or entity asserts a cross-claim, counterclaim, and/or Claim for setoff which seeks affirmative relief against the Plan Debtors or the Reorganized Plan Debtors, (ii) the turnover of any property of the Plan Debtors’ Estates, and (iii) Causes of Action against current of former directors, officers, professionals, agents, financial advisors, underwriters, lenders or auditors relating to act or omissions occurring prior to the Petition Date, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan.

(b)        Except as explicitly provided in the Plan, nothing contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall be deemed to be a waiver, release or relinquishment of any rights, claims or causes of action, rights of setoff, or other legal or equitable defenses (including, for avoidance of doubt, any cause of action to avoid a transfer under sections 303(c), 544, 547, 548, or 553(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, of any similar state law) that the Plan Debtors had immediately prior to the Petition Date against or with respect to any Claim left Unimpaired. The Reorganized Plan Debtors as the case may be, shall have, retain, reserve, and be entitled to assert all such Claims, Causes of Action, rights of setoff and other legal or equitable defenses which they had immediately prior to the Petition Date fully as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced.

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ARTICLE XII

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

Section 12.01.         Exclusive Jurisdiction of Bankruptcy Court.

Notwithstanding the entry of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain exclusive jurisdiction of all matters arising out of, arising in or related to, the Chapter 11 Cases, the Plan and the Confirmation Order to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including, without limitation, jurisdiction to:

(i) Allow, disallow, determine, liquidate, classify, estimate or establish the priority or secured or unsecured status of any Claim (whether Filed before or after the Effective Date and whether or not contingent, Disputed or unliquidated), including the compromise, settlement and resolution of any request for payment of any Claim, the resolution of any Objections to the allowance or priority of any Claim and the resolution of any dispute as to the treatment necessary to reinstate a Claim pursuant to the Plan and to hear and determine any other issue presented hereby or arising hereunder, including during the pendency of any appeal relating to any Objection to such Claim;

(ii) Grant or deny any applications for allowance of compensation or reimbursement of expenses for Professionals authorized pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or the Plan, for periods ending on or before the Effective Date;

(iii) Hear and determine motions, applications, adversary proceedings, contested matters and other litigated matters pending on, Filed on or commenced after the Effective Date, including proceedings with respect to the rights of the Estate to recover Property under sections 542 or 543 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(iv) Determine and resolve any matters related to the assumption, assumption and assignment or rejection of any Executory Contract or unexpired lease to which the Plan Debtors are a party or with respect to which the Plan Debtors may be liable, and to hear, determine and, if necessary, liquidate any Claims arising therefrom;

(v) Ensure that all payments due under the Plan and performance of the provisions of the Plan are accomplished as provided herein and resolve any issues relating to Distributions to Holders of Allowed Claims pursuant to the provisions of the Plan;

(vi) Following the Effective Date and consistent with section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code, construe, take any action and issue such orders as may be necessary for the enforcement, implementation, execution and consummation of the Plan and all contracts, instruments, releases and other agreements or documents created in connection with the Plan and the Confirmation Order, for the maintenance of the integrity of the Plan and protection of the Estates following consummation in accordance with sections 524 and 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code;

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(vii) Determine and resolve any case, controversy, suit or dispute that may arise in connection with the consummation, interpretation, implementation or enforcement of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, including the indemnification, release and injunction provisions set forth in the Plan, or any Person’s rights arising under or obligations incurred in connection therewith;

(viii) Modify the Plan after the Effective Date pursuant to section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code and the Plan or modify the Plan Summary, the Confirmation Order or any contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created in connection with the Plan, the Plan Summary or the Confirmation Order, or remedy any defect or omission or reconcile any inconsistency in any Bankruptcy Court order, the Plan, the Plan Summary, the Confirmation Order;

(ix) Issue injunctions, enter and implement other orders or take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to restrain interference by any Person with consummation, implementation or enforcement of the Plan or the Confirmation Order;

(x) Enter and implement such orders as are necessary or appropriate if the Confirmation Order is for any reason modified, stayed, reversed, revoked or vacated;

(xi) Determine any other matters that may arise in connection with or relating to the Plan, the Plan Summary, the Confirmation Order and the Bankruptcy Code;

(xii) Determine such other matters and for such other purposes as may be provided in the Confirmation Order;

(xiii) Continue to enforce the automatic stay through the Effective Date;

(xiv) Hear and determine disputes arising in connection with the interpretation, implementation or enforcement of the Plan, and issues presented or arising under the Plan, including but not limited to disputes among Holders or with the Reorganized Plan Debtors and arising under agreements, documents or instruments executed in connection with or governed by the Plan;

(xv) Hear and determine any other matter relating to the Plan, its interpretation or enforcement; and

(xvi) Enter a final decree and close the Chapter 11 Cases.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bankruptcy Court shall not accept jurisdiction over any dispute or claim arising from the Purchase Agreement; any such dispute or claim shall be governed in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement.

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ARTICLE XIII

CONFIRMATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN

Section 13.01.         Conditions Precedent to Confirmation.

The following conditions precedent to the occurrence or the confirmation must be satisfied unless any such condition shall have been waived by the Plan Debtors:

(a)       the Disclosure Statement having been approved by the Bankruptcy Court as having adequate information in accordance with section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code; and

(b)       entry of the Confirmation Order in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Plan Debtors.

Section 13.02.         Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date.

The following conditions precedent to the occurrence or the confirmation must be satisfied unless any such condition shall have been waived by the Plan Debtors:

(a)       the Confirmation Order, in form and substance satisfactory to the Plan Debtors, having become a Final Order;

(b)       the Plan and related documents, in form and substance satisfactory to the Plan Debtors, being executed and delivered, and any conditions (other than the occurrence of the Effective Date or certification by the Plan Debtors that the Effective Date has occurred) contained therein having been satisfied or waived in accordance therewith;

(c)       the Plan Debtors and Seller having executed all documents and entered into all agreements as may be necessary and appropriate in connection with the HCS Transaction;

(d)       the Cash or the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby shall be sufficient to fund the Distributions under the Plan.

(e)       the Board of Directors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall have been selected and shall have agreed to serve.

(f)       all other actions and documents necessary to implement the Plan shall have been effected or executed and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Plan Debtors.

Section 13.03.         Notice of Occurrence of the Effective Date.

The Plan Debtors of the Reorganized Plan Debtors shall file a Notice of the Occurrence of the Effective Date within five (5) Business Days after the Effective Date. Failure to file such Notice shall not prevent the effectiveness of the Plan, Plan Supplement or any related documents.

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Section 13.04.         Dissolution of Creditors’ Committee.

Upon the Effective Date, the Creditors Committee will be dissolved and the current and former members of the Creditors’ Committee and any other creditor, equity or other committee appointed pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Chapter 11 Cases, and their respective officers, employees, counsel, advisors and agents, shall be released and discharged of and from all further authority, duties, responsibilities and obligations related to and arising from and in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases.

Section 13.05.         Waiver of Conditions Precedent and Bankruptcy Rule 3020(e) Automatic Stay.

The Plan Debtors shall have the right to waive one or more of the conditions precedent set forth above at any time without leave of or notice to the Bankruptcy Court and without formal action other than proceeding with confirmation of the Plan.

If any condition precedent to the Effective Date is waived pursuant to this Section and the Effective Date occurs, the waiver of such condition shall benefit from the “mootness doctrine,” and the act of consummation of the Plan shall foreclose any ability to challenge the Plan in any court.

Section 13.06.         Statutory Confirmation Requirements.

Set forth below is a summary of the relevant statutory confirmation requirements.

1.       Best Interests Test.

Each Holder of a Claim or Interest in an Impaired Class must either (i) accept the Plan or (ii) receive or retain under the Plan Cash or property of a value, as of the Effective Date of the Plan, that is not less than the value such Holder would receive or retain if the Plan Debtors were liquidated under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Bankruptcy Court will determine whether the Cash and property issued under the Plan to each Holder of a Claim or Interest equals or exceeds the value that would be allocated to such Holders in a liquidation under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Best Interests Test”). The Plan Debtors’ Liquidation Analysis is attached as Exhibit C hereto. The Plan Debtors believe the Holders of Claims against and Interests in the Plan Debtors will have an equal or greater recovery as a result of an orderly chapter 11 reorganization as discussed herein and under the Plan than could be realized in a chapter 7 liquidation for the following reasons:

To determine the value that a Holder of a Claim or Interest in an Impaired Class would receive if the Plan Debtors were liquidated under chapter 7, the Bankruptcy Court must determine the aggregate dollar amount that would be generated from the liquidation of the Plan Debtors’ Property if the Plan Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases had been converted to chapter 7 liquidation cases and the Plan Debtors’ Property were liquidated by a chapter 7 trustee (the “Liquidation Value”). The Liquidation value would consist of the net proceeds from the disposition of the Plan Debtors’ Property, augmented by Cash held by the Plan Debtors and reduced by certain increased costs and Claims that arise in a chapter 7 liquidation case that do not arise in a chapter 11 reorganization case.

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As explained below, the Liquidation value available for satisfaction of Claims and Interests in the Plan Debtors would be reduced by: (a) the costs, fees and expenses of the liquidation under chapter 7, which would include disposition expenses and the compensation of a trustee and his or her counsel and other professionals retained, (b) the fees of the chapter 7 trustee, and (c) certain other costs arising from conversion of the Chapter 11 Cases to chapter 7.

The Plan Debtors believe that Holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims have benefited and will continue to clearly benefit from the reorganization of the Plan Debtors under the terms of the Plan. If the Plan Debtors’ Property were liquidated by a chapter 7 trustee, the Plan Debtors projects that the maximum recovery for Holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims would be zero. Under the Plan, the Plan Debtors projects a recovery of approximately fifteen percent.

Moreover, under the Plan the Plan Debtors will avoid the increased costs and expenses of a chapter 7 liquidation, including the fees payable to a chapter 7 trustee and his or her professionals. The Cash to be distributed to Creditors would be reduced by the chapter 7 trustee’s statutory fee, which is calculated on a sliding scale from which the maximum compensation is determined based on the total amount of moneys disbursed or turned over by the chapter 7 trustee. Bankruptcy Code § 326(a) permits reasonable compensation not to exceed 3% of the proceeds in excess of $1 million distributable to creditors.⁶ The chapter 7 trustee’s professionals, including legal counsel and accountants, would add substantial administrative expenses that would be entitled to be paid ahead of Allowed Claims and Interests against the Plan Debtors. Moreover, these chapter 7 trustee fees would reduce the funds available for distribution to the Plan Debtors’ Creditors from additional recoveries such as preferential payments, expunged Administrative Expense Claims and the proceeds of successful Estate litigation or settlement.

It is also anticipated that a chapter 7 liquidation would result in a significant delay in payments being made to Creditors. Bankruptcy Rule 3002(c) provides that conversion of a chapter 11 case to chapter 7 will trigger a new bar date for filing claims against the Plan Debtors, and that the new bar date will be 90 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors called under section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code. Not only would a chapter 7 liquidation delay distribution to Creditors, but it is possible that additional claims that were not asserted in the Chapter 11 Case, or were late-filed, could be filed against the Plan Debtors. Reopening the bar date in connection with conversion to chapter 7 would provide these and other claimants an additional opportunity to file claims against the Estates.

For the reasons set forth above, the Plan Debtors believe that the Plan provides a superior recovery for Holders of Claims and Interests, and the Plan meets the requirements of the Best Interests Test.
--------
⁶ Bankruptcy Code § 326(a) permits a chapter 7 trustee to receive 25% of the first $5,000 distributed to creditors, 10% of additional amounts up to $50,000, 5% of additional distributions up to $1 million and reasonable compensation up to 3% of distributions in excess of $1 million.

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2.       Financial Feasibility Test.

Even if the Plan is accepted by each Class of Claims and Interests voting on the Plan, and even if the Bankruptcy Court determines that the Plan satisfies the Best Interests Test, the Bankruptcy Code requires that, in order for the Plan to be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, it must be demonstrated that consummation of the Plan is not likely to be followed by the liquidation or the need for further financial reorganization of the Plan Debtors.

As part of this analysis, the Plan Debtors have prepared projections of the financial performance of the Reorganized Plan Debtors (the “Financial Projections”). The Financial Projections, and the assumptions on which they are based, are set forth in Exhibit B hereto.

The Plan Debtors believe that it will be able to make all payments required pursuant to the Plan while conducting ongoing business operations and, therefore, that confirmation of the Plan is not likely to be followed by liquidation or the need for further reorganization.

3.       Acceptance by Impaired Classes.

Bankruptcy Code § 1129(b) provides that a plan can be confirmed even if it has not been accepted by all impaired classes as long as at least one impaired class of claims has accepted it. The process by which nonaccepting classes are forced to be bound by the terms of a plan is commonly referred to as “cramdown.” The Bankruptcy Court may confirm the Plan at the request of the Plan Debtors notwithstanding the Plan’s rejection (or deemed rejection) by impaired classes as long as the Plan “does not discriminate unfairly” and is “fair and equitable” as to each impaired class that has not accepted it. A plan does not discriminate unfairly within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code if a dissenting class is treated equally with respect to classes of equal rank.

A class of claims under a plan accepts the plan if the plan is accepted by creditors that hold at least two-thirds in amount and more than one-half in number of the allowed claims in the class that actually vote on the plan. A class of interests accepts the plan if the plan is accepted by holders of interests that hold at least two-thirds in amount of the allowed interests in the class that actually vote on a plan.

A class that is not “impaired” under a plan is conclusively presumed to have accepted the plan. Solicitation of acceptances from such a class is not required. A class is “impaired” unless (i) the legal, equitable and contractual rights to which a claim or interest in the class entitles the holder are not modified, or (ii) the effect of any default is cured and the original terms of the obligation are reinstated.

A plan is fair and equitable as to a class of secured claims that rejects the plan if the plan provides (i)(a) that the holders of claims included in the rejecting class retain the liens securing those claims, whether the property subject to those liens is retained by the debtor or transferred to another entity, to the extent of the allowed amount of such claims, and (b) that each holder of a claim of such class receives on account of that claim deferred cash payments totaling at least the allowed amount of that claim, of a value, as of the effective date of the plan, at least equal to the value of the holder’s interest in the estate’s interest in such property; (ii) for the sale, subject to Bankruptcy Code § 363(k), of any property that is subject to the liens securing the claims included in the rejecting class, free and clear of the liens, with the liens to attach to the proceeds of the sale, and the treatment of the liens on proceeds under clause (i) or (ii) of this paragraph; or (iii) for the realization of the indubitable equivalent of such claims.

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A plan is fair and equitable as to a class of unsecured claims that rejects the plan if the plan provides (i) for each holder of a claim included in the rejecting class to receive or retain on account of that claim property that has a value, as of the effective date of the plan, equal to the allowed amount of such claim, or (ii) that the holder of any claim or interest that is junior to the claims of such rejecting class will not receive or retain on account of such junior claim or interest any property at all.

A plan is fair and equitable as to a class of equity interests that rejects a plan if the plan provides (i) that each holder of an interest included in the rejecting class receive or retain on account of that interest property that has a value, as of the effective date of the plan, equal to the greater of the allowed amount of any fixed liquidation preference to which such holder is entitled, any fixed redemption price to which such holder is entitled, or the value of such interest, or (ii) that the holder of any interest that is junior to the interest of such rejecting class will not receive or retain under the plan on account of such junior interest any property at all. The Plan Debtors believe the Plan to be both fair and equitable.

ARTICLE XIV

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN

The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax consequences expected to result from the consummation of the Plan. This discussion is only for general information purposes and only describes the expected tax consequences to Holders entitled to vote on the Plan. It is not a complete analysis of all potential federal income tax consequences and does not address any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws or federal estate or gift tax laws. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the IRS, all as in effect on the date of the Disclosure Statement. These authorities may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS, and no legal opinion of counsel will be rendered, with respect to the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a contrary position regarding the federal income tax consequences resulting from the consummation of the Plan or that any contrary position would not be sustained by a court.

This discussion does not address all federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular Holder in light of that Holder’s particular circumstances or to Holders subject to special rules under the federal income tax laws, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, brokers, dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies, tax-exempt organizations, tax-qualified retirement plans, partnerships and other pass-through entities, foreign corporations, foreign trusts, foreign Estate, Holders who are not citizens or residents of the U.S., Holders subject to the alternative minimum tax, and Holders who have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.

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HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE CONSUMMATION OF THE PLAN, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS, OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL TAX LAWS.

TO COMPLY WITH INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CIRCULAR 230, TAXPAYERS ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT (a) ANY DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX ISSUES IN THE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED BY ANY TAXPAYER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON A TAXPAYER UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, (b) ANY SUCH DISCUSSION IS WRITTEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN, AND (c) TAXPAYERS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.

Payments of interest, dividends and certain other payments are generally subject to backup withholding at the applicable withholding rate unless the payee of such payment furnishes such payee’s correct taxpayer identification number (social security number or employer identification number) to the payer. The Plan Debtors may be required to withhold the applicable percentage of any payments made to a Holder who does not provide his, her or its taxpayer identification number. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but an advance payment that may be refunded to the taxpayer by the IRS to the extent that the backup withholding results in an overpayment of tax by such taxpayer in such taxable year.

THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. EACH HOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN DESCRIBED HEREIN. NEITHER THE DEBTORS NOR THEIR PROFESSIONALS WILL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON OR HOLDER ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN OR THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION.

1. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Holders of General Unsecured Claims.

Each Holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim will recognize gain or loss upon receipt of such Pro Rata Share equal to the difference between the “amount realized” by such Creditor and such Creditor’s adjusted tax basis in his, her or its Claim. The amount realized is equal to the value of such Creditor’s Pro Rata Share of the proceeds of the Plan Debtors’ Property. Any gain or loss realized by an Unsecured Creditor should constitute ordinary income or loss to such creditor unless such Claim is a capital asset in the hands of such Unsecured Creditor. If a Claim is a capital asset and it has been held for more than one year, such Creditor will realize long-term capital gain or loss.

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The federal income tax consequences to such Creditors will differ and will depend on factors specific to each such Creditor, including, but not limited to: (i) whether the Creditor’s Claim (or a portion thereof) constitutes a Claim for principal or interest, (ii) the origin of the Creditor’s Claim, (iii) the type of consideration received by the Creditor in exchange for the Claim, (iv) whether the Creditor is a United States person or a foreign person for United States federal income tax purposes, (v) whether the Creditor reports income on the accrual or cash basis method, and (vi) whether the Creditor has taken a bad debt deduction or otherwise recognized a loss with respect to the Claim.

2. Withholding and Reporting.

Payments of interest, dividends and certain other payments are generally subject to backup withholding at the rate at the applicable withholding rate unless the payee of such payment furnishes such payee’s correct taxpayer identification number (social security number or employer identification number) to the payer. The Plan Debtors may be required to withhold the applicable percentage of any payments made to a Holder who does not provide his, her or its taxpayer identification number. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but an advance payment that may be refunded to the taxpayer by the IRS to the extent that the backup withholding results in an overpayment of tax by such taxpayer in such taxable year.

THERE ARE MANY FACTORS THAT WILL DETERMINE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO EACH SUCH CREDITOR. FURTHERMORE, THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN ARE COMPLEX AND IN SOME CASES UNCERTAIN. THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT EACH CREDITOR OBTAIN HIS, HER OR ITS OWN PROFESSIONAL TAX ADVICE REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH CREDITOR AS A RESULT OF THE PLAN.

THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. EACH HOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN DESCRIBED HEREIN. NEITHER THE DEBTORS NOR THEIR PROFESSIONALS WILL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON OR HOLDER ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN OR THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION.

Section 14.02.         Consequences to the Plan Debtors.

Subject to certain exceptions, a debtor recognizes cancellation of debt (“COD”) income upon satisfaction of its outstanding indebtedness equal to the excess of (i) the amount of the indebtedness discharged, over (ii) the issue price of any new indebtedness issued, the amount of cash paid, and the fair market value of any other consideration (including stock of the debtor) given in satisfaction of the indebtedness. As discussed below, there is an insolvency exception to the recognition of COD income which will apply to the Reorganized Plan Debtors in connection with the Plan.

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The Reorganized Plan Debtors will not be required to include COD income to the extent Reorganized Plan Debtors are insolvent at the time of the discharge. IRC § §108(a)(1)(B) and 108(a)(3).

However, under IRC § 108(b)(2), the Reorganized Plan Debtors must reduce certain tax attributes (in general, first its Net Operating Loss carryovers and then certain tax credits, capital loss carryovers, the tax basis of its assets, and foreign tax credits) by the amount of COD income excluded from gross income by this exception.

ARTICLE XV

SECURITIES LAW MATTERS

Section 15.01.         General.

The Plan provides for the continued existence of Novation, which is a publicly traded company.

Section 15.02.         [Reserved]

ARTICLE XVI

SUMMARY OF VOTING PROCEDURES

The Disclosure Statement, including all Exhibits hereto and the related materials included herewith, is being furnished to the Holders of Claims in Classes 3, and 4, which are the only Classes entitled to vote on the Plan.

All votes to accept or reject the Plan must be cast by using the ballot (the “Ballot”) enclosed with the Disclosure Statement. No other votes will be counted. Consistent with the provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 3018, the Court has fixed [ ] at 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) as the Voting Record Date. Ballots must be RECEIVED by counsel for the Plan Debtors at the address set forth below (or as otherwise directed) no later than 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on [         ], unless the Plan Debtors, at any time, extend such date by oral or written notice, in which event the period during which Ballots will be accepted will terminate at 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on such extended date.

If the Ballot is damaged or lost, you may contact counsel for the Plan Debtors at the number set forth below.

Ballots received by facsimile, telecopy or other means of electronic transmission will not be accepted, except as otherwise agreed by the Plan Debtors.

Ballots previously delivered may be withdrawn or revoked at any time prior to the Voting Deadline by the beneficial owner on the Voting Record Date who completed the original Ballot. Only the person or nominee who submits a Ballot can withdraw or revoke that Ballot. A Ballot may be revoked or withdrawn either by submitting a superseding Ballot or by providing written notice to counsel for the Plan Debtors.

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Acceptances or rejections may be withdrawn or revoked prior to the Voting Deadline by delivering a written notice of withdrawal or revocation to counsel for the Plan Debtors. To be effective, notice of revocation or withdrawal must: (a) be received on or before the Voting Deadline by counsel for the Plan Debtors at its address specified below; (b) specify the name of the Holder of the Claim whose vote on the Plan is being withdrawn or revoked; (c) contain the description of the Claim as to which a vote on the Plan is withdrawn or revoked; and (d) be signed by the Holder of the Claim who executed the Ballot reflecting the vote being withdrawn or revoked, in the same manner as the original signature on the Ballot. The foregoing procedures should also be followed with respect to a person entitled to vote on the Plan who wishes to change (rather than revoke or withdraw) its vote.

ARTICLE XVII

CERTAIN FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED REGARDING THE PLAN

Holders of Claims and Interests against the Plan Debtors should read and consider carefully the factors set forth below, as well as the other information set forth in the Disclosure Statement (and the documents delivered together herewith and/or incorporated by reference), prior to voting to accept or reject the Plan. These risk factors should not, however, be regarded as constituting the only risks involved in connection with the Plan and its implementation.

Section 17.01.         Certain Bankruptcy Considerations.

1. General.

Although the Plan is designed to minimize the length of time remaining in the Chapter 11 Cases, it is impossible to predict with certainty the amount of time that the Plan Debtors may spend in bankruptcy or to assure parties-in-interest that the Plan will be confirmed.

Even if the Plan is confirmed on a timely basis, the Chapter 11 Cases could have an adverse effect on the Plan Debtors’ businesses. Among other things, it is possible that any delays could adversely affect the Plan Debtors’ relationships with its key vendors and suppliers, customers and employees. If the Plan Debtors are unable to obtain confirmation of the Plan on a timely basis because of a challenge to confirmation of the Plan or a failure to satisfy the conditions to consummation of the Plan, the Plan Debtors may be forced to continue the Chapter 11 Cases for an extended period while the Plan Debtors try to develop a different reorganization plan that can be confirmed. That would increase both the probability and the magnitude of the potentially adverse effects described herein.

2. Failure to Receive Requisite Acceptances.

Classes 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b are the only Classes that are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan. If the requisite acceptances are not received by at least one Impaired Class, the Plan Debtors will not be able to seek confirmation of the Plan under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, because at least one Impaired Class will not have voted in favor of the Plan as required by section 1129(a)(10) of the Bankruptcy Code. Further, if the requisite acceptances are not received, the Plan Debtors may seek to accomplish an alternative restructuring of their capitalization and obligations to creditors and obtain acceptances to an alternative plan of reorganization for the Plan Debtors, or otherwise, the Plan Debtors may be required to liquidate the Estate under chapter 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. There can be no assurance that the terms of any such alternative restructuring arrangement or plan would be similar to or as favorable to the Plan Debtors’ creditors as those proposed in the Plan.

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3. Failure to Confirm the Plan.

Even if the requisite acceptances are received, the Bankruptcy Court, which, as a court of equity may exercise substantial discretion, may decide not to confirm the Plan. Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code requires, among other things, a showing that confirmation of the Plan will not be followed by liquidation or the need for further financial reorganization of the Plan Debtors, and that the value of distributions to dissenting Holders of Claims and Interests may not be less than the value such Holders would receive if the Plan Debtors were liquidated under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Although the Plan Debtors believe that the Plan meets such test, there can be no assurance that the Bankruptcy Court will reach the same conclusion.

Additionally, the contemplated solicitation must comply with the requirements of section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code and the applicable Bankruptcy Rules with respect to the length of the solicitation period and the adequacy of the information contained in the Disclosure Statement.

4. Failure to Consummate the Plan.

There can be no assurance that conditions to consummation will be satisfied or waived. Accordingly, even if the Plan is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, there can be no assurance that the Plan will be consummated and the restructuring completed.

5. Objections to Classification of Claims.

Section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code provides that a plan of reorganization may place a claim or an interest in a particular class only if such claim or interest is substantially similar to the other claims or interests in such class. The Plan Debtors believe that the classification of Claims and Interests under the Plan complies with the requirements set forth in the Bankruptcy Code. However, there can be no assurance that the Bankruptcy Court will reach the same conclusion.

Section 17.02.          Certain Tax Consequences of the Plan Raise Unsettled and Complex Legal Issues and Involve Factual Determinations.

The federal income tax consequences of the Plan are complex and are subject to significant uncertainties. The Plan Debtors currently do not intend to seek any ruling from the IRS on the tax consequences of the Plan. Even if the Plan Debtors decide to request a ruling, there would be no assurance that the IRS would rule favorably or that any ruling would be issued before the Effective Date. In addition, in such case, there would still be issues with significant uncertainties, which would not be the subject of any ruling request. Thus, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the various positions the Plan Debtors have taken, or intends to take, with respect to the tax treatment in the Plan, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge.

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As a result of the consummation of the Plan and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Reorganized Plan Debtors believe they will be subject to the fresh-start accounting rules. Fresh-start accounting allows for the assessment of every balance sheet account for possible fair value adjustment, resulting in the emergence of a new company recapitalized and revalued. This process is guided by purchase price allocation standards under GAAP.

In addition, the contents of the Disclosure Statement should not be construed as legal, business or tax advice. Each Holder of a Claim or Interest should consult his, her, or its own legal counsel and accountant as to legal, tax and other matters concerning his, her, or its Claim or Interest.

The Disclosure Statement is not legal advice to you. The Disclosure Statement may not be relied upon for any purpose other than to determine how to vote on the Plan or object to confirmation of the Plan.

Section 17.03.         [Reserved]

ARTICLE XVIII

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 18.01.         Binding Effect of Plan.

The provisions of the Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Plan Debtors, any Holder of any Claim or Interest treated herein and each of their respective heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents, officers and directors, and, to the fullest extent permitted under the Bankruptcy Code and other applicable law, each other Person affected by the Plan.

Section 18.02.         Severability.

Should the Bankruptcy Court determine prior to entry of the Confirmation Order, that any provision of the Plan is either illegal or unenforceable on its face or illegal or unenforceable as applied to any Claim or Interest, such provision shall be unenforceable as to all Holders of Claims or Interests or to the specific Holder of such Claim or Interest, as the case may be, as to which the provision is illegal. Unless otherwise determined by the Bankruptcy Court, such a determination shall in no way limit or affect the enforceability and operative effect of any other provisions of the Plan. The Plan Debtors reserve the right not to proceed with Confirmation and/or consummation of the Plan if any such ruling occurs.

Section 18.03.         Governing Law.

Except to the extent that the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rules or other federal laws are applicable, and subject to the provisions of any contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document entered into in connection with the Plan, in particular the provision on governing law and jurisdiction of the Purchase Agreement, the construction, implementation and enforcement of the Plan and all rights and obligations arising under the Plan shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles which would apply the law of a jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland or the United States of America.

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Section 18.04.         Notices.

Any notice required or permitted to be provided under the Plan shall be in writing and served by either prepaid (i) certified mail, return receipt requested, (ii) hand delivery, or (iii) overnight delivery service, to be addressed as follows:

If to the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors:

OLSHAN FROME WOLOSKY LLP
Counsel for Novation Companies, Inc.
1325 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
Attn: Adam H. Friedman, Esq.

With a copy to:

SHAPIRO SHER GUINOT & SANDLER
250 W. Pratt Street, Suite 2000
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attn: Joel I. Sher, Esq.

Section 18.05.         Filing of Additional Documents.

On or before substantial consummation of the Plan, or such later time as may be authorized by the Bankruptcy Court, the Plan Debtors are authorized to issue, execute, deliver or File with the Bankruptcy Court or record any agreements and other documents, and take any action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, consummate and further evidence implementation of the terms and conditions of the Plan.

Section 18.06.         Time.

Unless otherwise specified herein, in computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by the Plan, the day of the act or event from which the designated period begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is not a Business Day, in which event the period runs until the end of next succeeding day that is a Business Day. Otherwise, the provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 9006 shall apply.

Section 18.07.         Exhibits/Schedules.

All exhibits and schedules to the Plan and any Plan Supplement are incorporated into and constitute a part of the Plan as if fully set forth herein.

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Section 18.08.         Defenses with Respect to Impaired or Unimpaired Claims.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, nothing shall affect the parties’ rights and/or legal and equitable defenses with respect to any Impaired or Unimpaired Claim, including but not limited to all rights relating to legal and equitable defenses to setoffs or recoupments against any Unimpaired Claim.

Section 18.09.         No Injunctive Relief.

No Claim shall be entitled to specific performance or other injunctive, equitable or other prospective relief except as may be specified in the Plan.

Section 18.10.         No Admissions.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, prior to the Effective Date, nothing contained in the Plan shall be deemed an admission by any party with respect to any matter set forth herein, including, without limitation, liability on any Claim or the propriety of any classification of any Claim; provided, however, that the provisions of the Plan shall be treated as admissions under the Federal Rules of Evidence upon the Effective Date.

Section 18.11.         Extension of Time.

Any period of time or deadline under the Plan may be extended by agreement of the parties affected thereby, or by order of the Bankruptcy Court upon good cause shown.

Section 18.12.         Payment of Statutory Fees.

All fees payable on or before the Effective Date pursuant to section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code, and any applicable interest thereon, shall be paid by the Plan Debtors on or before the Effective Date, and all such fees payable after the Effective Date shall be paid by the applicable Reorganized Plan Debtors as and when such fees become due. Any deadline for filing Administrative Claims shall not apply to fees payable pursuant to section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code.

Section 18.13.         Conflict.

To the extent that terms of Confirmation Order or the Plan are inconsistent with the Disclosure Statement or any agreement entered into between any of the Plan Debtors and any other party, the terms of the Plan control the Disclosure Statement and any such agreement, and the provisions of the Confirmation Order (and any Final Orders entered by the Bankruptcy Court after the date of the Plan) control the terms of the Plan.

Section 18.14.         Reservation of Rights.

Except as expressly set forth herein, the Plan shall have no force or effect unless the Bankruptcy Court shall enter the Confirmation Order. None of the filing of the Plan, any statement or provision contained herein, or the taking of any action by the Plan Debtors with respect to the Plan shall be or shall be, deemed to be, an admission or waiver of any rights of the Plan Debtors with respect to any Claims or Interests prior to the Effective Date.

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Section 18.15.         Modifications and Amendments.

The Plan Debtors may alter, amend, or modify the Plan or any Plan Document under section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code at any time prior to the Confirmation Date.

The Plan Debtors shall provide parties-in-interest with notice of such amendments or modifications as may be required by the Bankruptcy Rules or order of the Bankruptcy Court. A Holder of a Claim or Interest that has accepted the Plan shall be deemed to have accepted the Plan, as altered, amended, modified, or clarified, if the proposed alteration, amendment, modification, or clarification does not materially and adversely change the treatment of the Claim or Interest of such Holder.

After the Confirmation Date and prior to substantial consummation (as defined in section 1101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code) of the Plan, the Plan Debtors or Reorganized Plan Debtors, as applicable, may, under section 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, institute proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court to remedy any defect or omission or to reconcile any inconsistencies in the Plan, the Disclosure Statement approved with respect to the Plan, or the Confirmation Order, and such matters as may be necessary to carry out the purpose and effect of the Plan so long as such proceedings do not adversely affect the treatment of Holders of Claims or Interests in the Plan Debtors under the Plan; provided, however, that, to the extent required, prior notice of such proceedings shall be served in accordance with the Bankruptcy Rules or an order of the Bankruptcy Court. A Holder of a Claim or Interest that has accepted the Plan shall be deemed to have accepted the Plan, as altered, amended, modified or clarified, if the proposed alteration, amendment, modification or clarification does not materially and adversely change the treatment of the Claim or Interest of such Holder.

Section 18.16.         Continuing Exclusivity and Solicitation Period.

Subject to further order of the Bankruptcy Court, until the Effective Date, the Plan Debtors shall, pursuant to section 1121 of the Bankruptcy Code, retain the exclusive right to amend the Plan and to solicit acceptances thereof, and any modifications or amendments thereto.

Section 18.17.         [Intentionally Deleted]

Section 18.18.         Revocation, Withdrawal, or Non-Consummation.

The Plan Debtors reserve the right to revoke or withdraw the Plan at any time prior to the Confirmation Date and to File subsequent plans of reorganization. If the Plan Debtors revoke or withdraw the Plan prior to the Confirmation Date, or if the Confirmation or the Effective Date does not occur, then (a) the Plan shall be null and void in all respects, (b) any settlement or compromise embodied in the Plan (including the fixing or limiting to an amount certain any Claim or Class of Claims), assumption or rejection of Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases effected by the Plan, and any document or agreement executed pursuant to the Plan shall be deemed null and void, and (c) nothing contained in the Plan, and not acts taken in preparation for consummation of the Plan, shall (i) constitute or to be deemed to constitute a waiver or release of any Claims against, or any Interests in, the Plan Debtors, or any Avoidance Actions or other claims by or against Plan Debtors or any Person or Entity, (ii) prejudice in any manner the rights of the Plan Debtors or any Person or Entity in any further proceedings involving the Plan Debtors, or (iii) constitute an admission of any sort by the Plan Debtors or any other Person or Entity.

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ARTICLE XIX

ALTERNATIVES TO CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN

If the Plan is not consummated, the Plan Debtors’ capital structure will remain over-leveraged and the Plan Debtors will remain unable to service their debt obligations. Accordingly, if the Plan is not confirmed and consummated, the alternatives include:

1. Liquidation Under the Bankruptcy Code.

The Plan Debtors could be liquidated under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan Debtors believe that liquidation would result in lower aggregate distributions being made to creditors than those provided for in the Plan, which is demonstrated by the Liquidation Analysis set forth in Article XIV and attached as Exhibit C to the Disclosure Statement.

2. Alternative Plan(s) of Reorganization.

The Plan Debtors believe that failure to confirm the Plan will lead inevitably to expensive and protracted Chapter 11 Cases. In formulating and developing the Plan, the Plan Debtors have explored numerous other alternatives.

The Plan Debtors believe that not only does the Plan fairly adjust the rights of various Classes of Claims, but also that the Plan provides superior recoveries to the Plan Debtors’ creditors over any alternative capable of rational consideration (such as a chapter 7 liquidation), thus enabling many stakeholders to maximize their returns. Rejection of the Plan in favor of some alternative method of reconciling the Claims and Interests will require, at the very least, an extensive and time consuming process (including the possibility of protracted and costly litigation) and will not result in a better recovery for any Class of Claims or Interests.

THE DEBTORS BELIEVE THAT CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN IS PREFERABLE TO ANY ALTERNATIVE BECAUSE THE PLAN MAXIMIZES THE AMOUNT OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO ALL HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS AND ANY ALTERNATIVE TO CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN WILL RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL DELAYS IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF ANY RECOVERIES. THEREFORE, THE DEBTORS RECOMMEND THAT ALL HOLDERS OF IMPAIRED CLAIMS ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE PLAN VOTE TO ACCEPT THE PLAN.

3. Dismissal of the Plan Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases.

Dismissal of the Plan Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases would have the effect of restoring (or attempting to restore) all parties to the status quo ante. Upon dismissal of the Plan Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases, the Plan Debtors would lose the protection of the Bankruptcy Code, thereby requiring, at the very least, an extensive and time consuming process of negotiation with the creditors of the Plan Debtors, and possibly resulting in costly and protracted litigation in various jurisdictions. The Plan Debtors believe that these actions would seriously undermine its ability to obtain financing and could lead ultimately to the liquidation of the Plan Debtors under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Therefore, the Plan Debtors believe that dismissal of the Plan Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases is not a viable alternative to the Plan.

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ARTICLE XX

CONCLUSION

The Plan Debtors believe that confirmation and implementation of the Plan is preferable because it will provide the greatest recovery to Holders of Claims. Other alternatives could involve significant delay, uncertainty and substantial administrative costs and are likely to reduce any return to creditors who hold Claims. The Plan Debtors urge the Holders of Impaired Claims in Classes 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b who are entitled to vote on the Plan, to vote to accept the Plan and to evidence such acceptance by returning their Ballots to counsel for the Plan Debtors so that they will be received not later than 4:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time) on [VOTING DEADLINE].

ARTICLE XXI

DEBTORS’ RECOMMENDATION

The Plan Debtors believe that confirmation and implementation of the Plan is preferable because it will provide the greatest recovery to Holders of Claims and Interests. All Holders of Impaired Classes are urged to vote to accept the Plan and to evidence such acceptance by returning the ballots in accordance with the Procedures set forth herein.

Dated: February 14, 2017 Respectfully submitted,

NOVATION COMPANIES, INC.

By:
/s/ Rodney E. Schwatken

Name: Rodney E. Schwatken

Title: Chief Executive Officer

NOVASTAR MORTGAGE LLC

By:
/s/ Rodney E. Schwatken

Name: Rodney E. Schwatken

Title: President and Chief Financial Officer

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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this 14th day of February, 2017, I reviewed the Court’s CM/ECF system and it reports that an electronic copy of the Disclosure Statement Regarding Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of (i) Novation Companies, Inc. and (ii) NovaStar Mortgage, LLC will be served electronically by the Court’s CM/ECF system on the following:

Jason W. Harbour, Esquire

Nathan Kramer, Esquire

Tyler P. Brown, Esquire

Hunton & Williams, LLP

Riverfront Plaza, East Tower

951 East Byrd Street

Richmond, VA 23219

jharbour@hunton.com

nkramer@hunton.com

tpbrown@hunton.com

Thomas C. Goodhue, Esquire

HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP

2200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20037

tgoodhue@hunton.com

Counsel for Creditors’ Committee

John W. Weiss, Esquire

ALSTON & BIRD LLP

90 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Jonathan T. Edwards, Esquire

ALSTON & BIRD LLP

One Atlantic Center

1201 West Peachtree Street

Atlanta, GA 30309

Scott J. Pivnick, Esquire

ALSTON & BIRD LLP

The Atlantic Building

950 F Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20004

Attorneys for Taberna Preferred Funding I, Ltd. and Taberna Preferred Funding II, Ltd. (c/o TP Management LLC)

Edmund A. Goldberg, Esquire

Katherine A. Levin, Esquire

Office of the U.S. Trustee

101 West Lombard Street, Suite 2625

Baltimore, MD 21201

Edmund.A.Goldberg@usdoj.gov

Katherine.A.Levin@usdoj.gov

Susan R. Sherrill-Beard, Esquire

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Office of Reorganization (Atlanta Regional Office)

950 East Paces Ferry Road, N.E., Suite 900

Atlanta, GA 30326-1382

sherrill-beards@sec.gov

Counsel for U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

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Michael S. Etkin, Esquire

Andrew Behlmann, Esquire

Keara M. Waldron, Esquire

LOWENSTEIN SANDLER LLP

65 Livingston Avenue

Roseland, New Jersey 07068

metkin@lownstein.com

abehlmann@lownstein.com

kwaldron@lownestein.com

Joel P. Laitman, Esquire

Christopher Lometti, Esquire

Michael B. Eisenkraft, Esquire

Daniel B. Rehns, Esquire

Robert Dumas, Esquire

COHEN MILSTEIN SELLERS & TOLL PLLC

88 Pine Street

New York, New York 10005

jlaitman@cohenmilstein.com

colmetti@cohenmilstein.com

meisenkraft@cohenmilstein.com

drehns@cohenmilstein.com

rdumas@cohenmilstein.com

Alan M. Grochal, Esquire

TYDINGS & ROSENBERG LLP

100 East. Pratt Street, 26th Floor

Baltimore, Maryland 21201

agrochal@tydingslaw.com

Counsel for Interested Party, New Jersey Carpenters Health Fund

Kyle J. Moulding, Esquire

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC

312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800

Laurel, Maryland 20707

bankruptcymd@mwc-law.com

Counsel for Creditor U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for J.P. Morgan

Mortgage Acquisition Trust 2006-HE3, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-HE3

I hereby further certify that on the 14th day of February, 2017, a copy of Disclosure Statement Regarding Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of (i) Novation Companies, Inc. and (ii) NovaStar Mortgage, LLC was served via electronic mail to the following:

Stephen A. Opler, Esquire

BARNES & THORNBURG LLP

Prominence in Buckhead

3475 Piedmont Road N.W., Suite 1700

Atlanta, Georgia 30305

Stephen.Opler@btlaw.com

Paul Laurin, Esquire

BARNES & THORNBURG LLP

2029 Century Park East, Suite 300

Los Angeles, California 90067

Paul.Laurin@btlaw.com

Counsel to Interested Party

/s/ Joel I. Sher

Joel I. Sher

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