First Brands Judge Halts Creditor Talks in Push to Resolve Case

A federal judge ordered an early end to First Brands Group’s confidential talks with lenders, telling the various negotiating groups that it was time for them to make their final offers on how to resolve the multi-billion dollar bankruptcy.

• US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez ordered the auto-parts maker and its creditors to end their mediation efforts by noon on Tuesday.
• Lopez said ending mediation will force First Brands’ creditors to put forward their best offer and allow company advisers to determine the struggling auto supplier’s best course of action in bankruptcy, which could include a sale of assets.
• “I don’t ...