When the Article 77 hearing in a New York City courtroom went on hiatus earlier this month, Justice Barbara Kapnick told Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) and institutional investors like American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) and the Federal Home Loan Banks that they should use the time until the reconvene date of July 8 constructively.
These objectors to the $8.5 billion settlement decided to take this suggestion to heart, sending a letter to settlement trustee The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) , requesting that they and Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) sit down and talk. B of A’s response? A resounding “No.”
Confidence, or bluster?
According to The Wall Street Journal, Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC)’s attorney noted that the current settlement was hard-won, and the bank is not open to new negotiations. Strong words, especially considering that testimony before the hiatus centered on the issue of whether or not B of A was ready to put Countrywide, the source of the crummy loans in the bonds these investors purchased, into bankruptcy.
Such a threat would certainly have colored negotiations, and there was some conflicting testimony on that score. While this issue might not be considered cause to question BONY’s “reasonableness” as trustee of the agreement, it certainly puts a different spin on what those talks may have been like, and how pressured the investors felt to reach a settlement.
AIG may have shot itself in the foot
And, yet, Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) stands firm, repulsing American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG)’s efforts to reopen negotiations on the settlement amount, even at the recommendation of Judge Kapnick. Sources at The Journal note that the bank feels certain the settlement will be approved.
Perhaps B of A has good reason to be smug. In truth, the mediation bid by American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) smacks of desperation. The insurer may have interpreted the recommendation to the parties by Judge Kapnick as a heads-up to the objectors that private negotiations might be the best way for them to resolve the matter — and secure a higher payout, since she would rule only to approve or disapprove the settlement. Considering the fact that American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) rebuffed an invitation back in 2011 to sit in on the negotiations, the insurer’s current complaints might be too little, too late.
The article Bank of America to AIG: We Have Nothing to Talk About originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Amanda Alix has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) and Bank of America. The Motley Fool owns shares of American International Group and Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) and has the following options: Long Jan 2014 $25 Calls on American International Group.
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