JPMorgan Chase to Pay $4.5 Billion to Investors

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has reached a $4.5 billion agreement with 21 major institutional investors, represented by Gibbs & Bruns LLP, to make a binding offer to the trustees of 330 residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) trusts issued by J.P. Morgan, Chase, and Bear Stearns. This settlement is another important step in J.P. Morgan's efforts to resolve legacy related RMBS matters. The firm believes it is appropriately reserved for this and any remaining RMBS litigation matters. As agreed in the settlement, the institutional investors have committed to support the settlement and have requested that the trustees accept the settlement offer. The offer, which the trustees may seek court approval for, would resolve all representation and warranty claims as well as servicing claims on all trusts issued by J.P. Morgan, Chase and Bear Stearns between 2005 and 2008. While this agreement would resolve representation and warranty claims as well as servicing claims facing the firm with respect to J.P. Morgan, Chase and Bear Stearns trusts, it does not resolve claims on trusts issued by Washington Mutual. The offer will remain open until January 15, 2014, but may be extended pursuant to its terms for an additional sixty days. It includes the following key terms: ►Payment by J.P. Morgan of $4.5 billion in cash to settle all representation and warranty claims as well as servicing claims that have been or could have been asserted by the 330 RMBS trusts; ►J.P. Morgan has reserved the right to seek offset or credit payment made or benefit conferred under this settlement against or in reduction of any claimed damages by securities plaintiffs; ►Implementation of certain servicing changes to mortgage loans serviced by J.P. Morgan in the 330 RMBS trusts; ►Continuation of a previously agreed tolling and forbearance agreement among J.P. Morgan and the trustees while the trustees evaluate the proposed settlement.