IN RE BP P.L.C. SECURITIES LITIGATION

MDL No. 4:10-MD-2185, Civil Action No. 4:10-cv-4214.

IN RE: BP P.L.C. SECURITIES LITIGATION. This document relates to: IN RE: BP ERISA LITIGATION.

United States District Court, S.D. Texas, Houston Division.

January 14, 2016.


Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

Robert Ludlow, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Jordanna G Thigpen , Cotchett Pitre McCarthy, Richard Warren Mithoff, Jr , Mithoff Law Firm, Aron K Liang , Cotchett Pitre and Carthy, Bryan M. Payne , Cotchett Pitre et al, Hester H. Cheng , Garcia & Gurney, ALC, James P Roy , Domengeaux Wright et al, Joseph W Cotchett , Cotchett Pitre et al, Mark C Molumphy , Cotchett Pitre et al, Matthew K. Edling , Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, Nancy L Fineman , Cotchett Pitre et al & Victor S Elias , Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP.

Alan R Higgs, Individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Ana M Cabassa , Zwerling Schachter & Zwerling LLP, Anthony Chu , Capretz & Associates, Don K Ledgard , Capretz & Associates, James T Capretz , Robert S Schachter , Zwerling Schachter & Zwerling, Sona R Shah , Zwerling Schachter & Zwerling LLP, W Mark Lanier , The Lanier Law Firm & Mary K Blasy , Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP.

Thomas P DiNapoli, Comptroller of the State of New York, Plaintiff, represented by Erica G Langsen , Stephen Douglas Bunch , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Autry W Ross , Yetter Coleman, Daniel S Sommers , Cohen Milstein et al, Eric R Nowak , Harrell and Nowak, Jason M Leviton , Berman DeValerio, Jeffrey C Block , Block & Leviton LLP, Joseph Alan Callier , Callier & Garza, Joseph J Tabacco, Jr. , Berman DeValerio, Joshua S Devore , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Joshua M. Kolsky , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Julie Reiser , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Matthew Keith Handley , Cohen Milstein et al, Matthew D Pearson , Berman DeValerio, R Paul Yetter , Yetter Coleman LLP, Richard Warren Mithoff, Jr , Mithoff Law Firm, Steven J Toll , Cohen Milstein et al, Glen DeValerio , Berman DeValerio et al, Kristin J. Moody , Berman DeValerio & Mark Delaney , Block and Leviton LLP.

Johnson Investment Counsel Inc, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Dianne M Nast , Nast Law LLC, Richard J Arsenault , Neblett Beard et al, Stanley M Chesley , Waite Schneider Bayless Chesley Co LPA, W Mark Lanier , The Lanier Law Firm & Wilbert B Markovits , Markovits, Stock & DeMarco LLC.

Thomas Yuen, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Kirk B Hulett , Hulett Harper Stewart LLP, Robert P Frutkin , Law Offices of Bernard M Gross PC, Sarah P Weber , Hulett Harper Stewart LLP, W Mark Lanier , The Lanier Law Firm & Mary K Blasy , Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP.

Sunmi Ahn, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Deborah R Gross , KAUFMAN, COREN & RESS, PC, Kirk B Hulett , Hulett Harper Stewart LLP, Robert P Frutkin , Law Offices of Bernard M Gross PC, Sarah P Weber , Hulett Harper Stewart LLP, W Mark Lanier , The Lanier Law Firm & Mary K Blasy , Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP.

Lore Greenfield, Individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by W Mark Lanier , The Lanier Law Firm & Mary K Blasy , Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP.

Alameda County Employees Retirement Association, Plaintiff, represented by Emma Gilmore , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom Gross, Jeffrey M. Hoffman , Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, LLP, Jeremy A Lieberman , Pomerantz LLP, Marc I Gross , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom & Gross, Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP, Mitchell J. Hoffman , Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, LLP & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Eugene McClurg, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Eugene McClurg, Pro se.

The Oklahoma Police Pension & Retirement System, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiff, represented by Eric R Nowak , Harrell and Nowak, W Mark Lanier , The Lanier Law Firm & Mary K Blasy , Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP.

Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Erica G Langsen , Daniel E Barenbaum , Berman DeValerio, Jason M Leviton , Berman DeValerio, Jeffrey C Block , Block & Leviton LLP, Joshua S Devore , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Matthew D Pearson , Berman DeValerio, R Paul Yetter , Yetter Coleman LLP, Steven Buttacavoli , Berman DeValerio, Brian P Muething , Keating Muething and Kllekamp PLL, Glen DeValerio , Berman DeValerio et al, Gregory M Utter , Keating Muething & Klekamp PC, J Pierre Tismo , Dyer Garofolo Mann & Schultz, Julie Reiser , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Kristin J. Moody , Berman DeValerio, Mark Delaney , Block and Leviton LLP, Paul V Muething , Steven J Toll , Cohen Milstein et al & Whitney Street , Berman DeValerio.

School Employees Retirement System of Ohio, Plaintiff, represented by Erica G Langsen , Jason M Leviton , Berman DeValerio, Jeffrey C Block , Block & Leviton LLP, Joshua S Devore , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Matthew D Pearson , Berman DeValerio, R Paul Yetter , Yetter Coleman LLP, Steven Buttacavoli , Berman DeValerio, Brian P Muething , Keating Muething and Kllekamp PLL, Glen DeValerio , Berman DeValerio et al, Gregory M Utter , Keating Muething & Klekamp PC, J Pierre Tismo , Dyer Garofolo Mann & Schultz, Julie Reiser , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Kristin J. Moody , Berman DeValerio, Mark Delaney , Block and Leviton LLP, Paul V Muething , Steven J Toll , Cohen Milstein et al & Whitney Street , Berman DeValerio.

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, Plaintiff, represented by Erica G Langsen , Jason M Leviton , Berman DeValerio, Jeffrey C Block , Block & Leviton LLP, Joshua S Devore , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Matthew D Pearson , Berman DeValerio, R Paul Yetter , Yetter Coleman LLP, Brian P Muething , Keating Muething and Kllekamp PLL, Glen DeValerio , Berman DeValerio et al, Gregory M Utter , Keating Muething & Klekamp PC, J Pierre Tismo , Dyer Garofolo Mann & Schultz, Julie Reiser , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Kristin J. Moody , Berman DeValerio, Mark Delaney , Block and Leviton LLP, Paul V Muething , Steven J Toll , Cohen Milstein et al & Whitney Street , Berman DeValerio.

Taylor Safe, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, represented by Donald Amamgbo , Amamgbo & Associates, Reginald Von Terrell , The Terrell Law Group, W Mark Lanier , The Lanier Law Firm & Mary K Blasy , Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP.

City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement, Plaintiff, represented by Matthew L Mustokoff , Kessler Topaz, Bernardo S Garza , Darren Check , Kessler Topaz et al, David Kessler , Kessler Topaz, Gregory M Castaldo , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP, Margaret E. Onasch , Kessler Topaz, Michelle M. Newcomer , Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP & Naumon A Amjed , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP.

Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds, Plaintiff, represented by Matthew L Mustokoff , Kessler Topaz, Bernardo S Garza , Darren Check , Kessler Topaz et al, David Kessler , Kessler Topaz, Gregory M Castaldo , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP, Margaret E. Onasch , Kessler Topaz, Michelle M. Newcomer , Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP & Naumon A Amjed , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP.

North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, Plaintiff, represented by Matthew L Mustokoff , Kessler Topaz, Bernardo S Garza , Darren Check , Kessler Topaz et al, David Kessler , Kessler Topaz, Gregory M Castaldo , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP, Margaret E. Onasch , Kessler Topaz, Matthew M. Mustokoff , Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, Michelle M. Newcomer , Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP & Naumon A Amjed , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP.

Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado, Plaintiff, represented by Matthew L Mustokoff , Kessler Topaz, Bernardo S Garza , Darren Check , Kessler Topaz et al, David Kessler , Kessler Topaz, Gregory M Castaldo , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP, Margaret E. Onasch , Kessler Topaz, Matthew M. Mustokoff , Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, Michelle M. Newcomer , Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP & Naumon A Amjed , Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP.

Employees' Retirement System of the City of Providence, Plaintiff, represented by Marc I Gross , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom & Gross & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Julie Reiser , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, R Paul Yetter , Yetter Coleman LLP, Richard Warren Mithoff, Jr , Mithoff Law Firm, Steven Buttacavoli , Berman DeValerio, Brian P Muething , Keating Muething and Kllekamp PLL, Daniel E Barenbaum , Berman DeValerio, Gregory M Utter , Keating Muething & Klekamp PC, J Pierre Tismo , Dyer Garofolo Mann & Schultz & Paul V Muething .

South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Mondrian All Countries WOrld Ex-US Equity Fund, L.P., Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Mondrian All Countries World Ex-US Equity Fund, L.P., Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Mondrian Focused International Equity Fund, L.P., Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Mondrian Global Equity Fund, L.P., Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Mondrian Group Trust, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Mondrian International Equity Fund, L.P., Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Stichting Aandelenfonds Mn Services Europa, Plaintiff, represented by Emma Gilmore , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom Gross, Jeremy A Lieberman , Pomerantz LLP, Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Stichting Aandelenfonds Mn Services Europa III, Plaintiff, represented by Emma Gilmore , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom Gross, Jeremy A Lieberman , Pomerantz LLP, Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Stichting Pensioenfonds Metaal En Techniek, Plaintiff, represented by Emma Gilmore , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom Gross, Jeremy A Lieberman , Pomerantz LLP, Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Stichting Pensioenfonds van de Metalelektro, Plaintiff, represented by Emma Gilmore , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom Gross, Jeremy A Lieberman , Pomerantz LLP, Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

HESTA Super Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Emma Gilmore , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom Gross, Jeremy A Lieberman , Pomerantz LLP, Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Shell Pension Trust, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

The Houston Municipal Employees Pension System, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Jamie J McKey , Kendall Law Group LLP, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

KBC Asset Management NV, Plaintiff, represented by Daniel Hume , Kirby McInerney LLP, Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Kathryn Bale Allen , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

Union Asset Management Holding AG, Plaintiff, represented by Daniel Hume , Kirby McInerney LLP, Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

State-Boston Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Jeremy A Lieberman , Pomerantz LLP, Marc I Gross , Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom & Gross, Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP & Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

New York City Board of Education Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Inga Van Eysden , New York City Law Department & Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

New York City Employees' Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend, Inga Van Eysden , New York City Law Department & Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

New York City Fire Department Pension Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Inga Van Eysden , New York City Law Department & Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

New York City Group Trust, Plaintiff, represented by Inga Van Eysden , New York City Law Department & Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

New York City Police Pension Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Inga Van Eysden , New York City Law Department & Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

Teachers Variable Annuity Funds, Plaintiff, represented by Inga Van Eysden , New York City Law Department & Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

Teachers' Retirement System of the City of New York, Plaintiff, represented by Inga Van Eysden , New York City Law Department & Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

Avalon Holdings, Inc., Plaintiff, represented by Jamie J McKey , Kendall Law Group LLP, Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

BNP Paribas Investment Partners Belgium NV/SA, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Bayerninvest Kapitalanlagegesellschaft, MBH, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Caisse de Depot El Placement Du Quebec, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

City of Westminster Council Superannuation Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Cumbria County Council, as Administering Authority of the Cumbria Local Government Pension Scheme, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Inter-Local Pension Fund of the Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Jacksonville Police & Fire Pension Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Lincolnshire County Council, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

London Borough of Redbridge Pension Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Metzler Investment GmbH, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Nomura Trust and Banking Co., Ltd., Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Nykredit Asset Management, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Ontario Pension Board, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Orange County Employees Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Premier LTD, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

San Mateo County Employees' Retirement Association, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

The Municipal Employees' Retirement System of Michigan, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Utah Retirement Systems, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Verizon Investment Management Corp., Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Xerox Pensions Limited, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew D Abramowitz , Spector Roseman et al, Daniel J Mirarchi , Spector Roseman Kodroff et al, Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP, Mark S Willis , Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis PC & Robert M Roseman , Spector Roseman et al.

Deutsche Asset Management Investmentgesellschaft mbH, Plaintiff, represented by John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Kathryn Bale Allen , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

GIC Private Limited, Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin C Wickert , Joyce McFarland and McFarland LLP, Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

Helaba Invest Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH, Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin C Wickert , Joyce McFarland and McFarland LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

LBBW Asset Management Investmentgesellschaft mbH, Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin C Wickert , Joyce McFarland and McFarland LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

Landesbank Berlin Investment GmbH, Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin C Wickert , Joyce McFarland and McFarland LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

Lnsfrskringar AB, Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin C Wickert , Joyce McFarland and McFarland LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

SGSS Deutschland Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH, Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin C Wickert , Joyce McFarland and McFarland LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

Universal-Investment-Gesellschaft mbH, Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin C Wickert , Joyce McFarland and McFarland LLP, John Brandon Walker , Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., Ira M Press , Kirby McInerney LLP & Melissa Ann Fortunato , Kirby McInerney LLP.

Washington State Investment Board, Plaintiff, represented by Andrew M Edison , Edison, McDowell & Hetherington, LLP.

Pension Reserves Investment Management Board of Massachusetts, Plaintiff, represented by Stephen Douglas Bunch , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Joseph Alan Callier , Callier & Garza, Joshua S Devore , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Joshua M. Kolsky , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC & Steven J Toll , Cohen Milstein et al.

Indiana Public Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

The Nebraska Investment Council, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

Virginia Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

ING (L) Sicav, Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

ING Bewaar Maatschappij I B.V., Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

ING Fund Management B.V., Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

Norges Bank, Plaintiff, represented by David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP, Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP & Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman.

Stichting Bewaarneming APG-IS 1, Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

Stichting Depositary APG Developed Markets Equity Pool, Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP, Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

Stichting tot Bewaring Cordares Subfonds Aandelen Europa Actief Beheer, Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Plaintiff, represented by Blair A Nicholas , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman, David R Kaplan , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, Lucas E. Gilmore , Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Thomas Robert Ajamie , Ajamie LLP.

Deka International S.A. Luxemburg, Plaintiff, represented by Alexander Reus , Diaz Reus & Targ LLP, David M Haendler , Grant & Eisenhofer P.A., Geoffrey C Jarvis , Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. & Kent A Schaffer , Bires Schaffer DeBorde.

Deka Investment GmbH, Plaintiff, represented by Alexander Reus , Diaz Reus & Targ LLP, David M Haendler , Grant & Eisenhofer P.A., Geoffrey C Jarvis , Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. & Kent A Schaffer , Bires Schaffer DeBorde.

International Fund Management S.A., Plaintiff, represented by Alexander Reus , Diaz Reus & Targ LLP, David M Haendler , Grant & Eisenhofer P.A., Geoffrey C Jarvis , Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. & Kent A Schaffer , Bires Schaffer DeBorde.

The Bank of America Pension Plan, Plaintiff, represented by Matthew L Tuccillo , Pomerantz LLP.

Allianz Global Investors France S.A., Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

IBM United Kingdom Pensions Trust Limited, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

John Lewis Partnership Pensions Trust, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund Trustee Limited, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund Trustees Limited, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Universities Superannuation Scheme, Ltd., Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Peter Kaynes, Plaintiff, represented by Bruce W Steckler , Steckler Law, L.L.P..

Discovery Global Citizens Master Fund, Ltd., Plaintiff, represented by Lawrence J Rolnick , Lawenstein Sandler, LLP, Marc B Kramer , Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael J Hampson , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, Stewart H Thomas , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Tom Moore Dees, III , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Sheila A. Sadighi , Lowenstein Sandler LLP & Thomas H. Redburn , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP.

Discovery Global Focus Master Fund, Ltd., Plaintiff, represented by Lawrence J Rolnick , Lawenstein Sandler, LLP, Marc B Kramer , Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael J Hampson , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, Stewart H Thomas , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Tom Moore Dees, III , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Sheila A. Sadighi , Lowenstein Sandler LLP & Thomas H. Redburn , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP.

Discovery Global Opportunity Master Fund, Ltd., Plaintiff, represented by Lawrence J Rolnick , Lawenstein Sandler, LLP, Marc B Kramer , Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael J Hampson , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, Stewart H Thomas , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Tom Moore Dees, III , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Sheila A. Sadighi , Lowenstein Sandler LLP & Thomas H. Redburn , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP.

PEAK 6 Capital Management LLC, Plaintiff, represented by Lawrence J Rolnick , Lawenstein Sandler, LLP, Marc B Kramer , Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael J Hampson , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, Stewart H Thomas , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Tom Moore Dees, III , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Sheila A. Sadighi , Lowenstein Sandler LLP & Thomas H. Redburn , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP.

BPLR, L.L.C., Plaintiff, represented by Lawrence J Rolnick , Lawenstein Sandler, LLP, Marc B Kramer , Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael J Hampson , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, Stewart H Thomas , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Tom Moore Dees, III , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Sheila A. Sadighi , Lowenstein Sandler LLP & Thomas H. Redburn , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP.

BP Litigation Recovery I, L.L.C., Plaintiff, represented by Lawrence J Rolnick , Lawenstein Sandler, LLP, Marc B Kramer , Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael J Hampson , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, Stewart H Thomas , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Tom Moore Dees, III , Hallett & Perrin, P.C., Sheila A. Sadighi , Lowenstein Sandler LLP & Thomas H. Redburn , Lowenstein Sandler, LLP.

Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, Plaintiff, represented by Matthew L Mustokoff , Kessler Topaz.

Illinois State Board of Investment, Plaintiff, represented by Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP.

MERSEYSIDE PENSION FUND, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

The Bank of America Pension Plan, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

Employees' Retirement System of the State of Hawaii, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Damon Joseph Chargois , Mashayekh & Chargois, P.C..

MNOP Trustees Limited, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

Nova Scotia Health Employees' Pension Plan, Plaintiff, represented by Sammy Ford, IV , Abraham Watkins Nichols Sorrels Agosto & Friend.

John Hancock Caital Series, Plaintiff, represented by Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II, Plaintiff, represented by Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP.

John Hancock Tax Advantage Dividend Income Fund, Plaintiff, represented by Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP.

john hancock premium, Plaintiff, represented by Joe Kendall , Kendall Law Group, LLP.

BP plc, Defendant, represented by Robert Mike Brock , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Scott W Fowkes , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Diane Lee McGimsey , Sullivan and Cromwell LLP, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Lois O Rosenbaum , Stoel Rives LLP, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Frances Floriano Goins , Ulmer & Berne LLP & Isaac J Eddington , Ulmer & Berne.

BP America Inc, Defendant, represented by Scott W Fowkes , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Frances Floriano Goins , Ulmer & Berne LLP, Isaac J Eddington , Ulmer & Berne & Lois O Rosenbaum , Stoel Rives LLP.

Anthony Hayward, Defendant, represented by Scott W Fowkes , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Diane Lee McGimsey , Sullivan and Cromwell LLP, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Frances Floriano Goins , Ulmer & Berne LLP, Isaac J Eddington , Ulmer & Berne & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Andy Inglis, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Kathleen Goodhart , Cooley LLP, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Stephen C. Neal , Cooley Godward Kronish.

Carl-Henric Svanberg, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

H Lamar McKay, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

William Castell, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Paul Anderson, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Antony Burgmans, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Cynthia Carroll, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Erroll B Davis, Jr, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Iain C Conn, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Robert W Dudley, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

George David, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Ian Davis, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Douglas J Flint, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Deanne S Julius, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Ian MG Prosser, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

BP Exploration & Production Inc, Defendant, represented by Scott W Fowkes , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Frances Floriano Goins , Ulmer & Berne LLP, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, Isaac J Eddington , Ulmer & Berne, Lois O Rosenbaum , Stoel Rives LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Tom McKillop, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Lord Edmund John Philip Browne, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, George Denegre, Jr , Liskow & Lewis, John C. Anjier , Liskow & Lewis, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Russell Keith Jarrett , Liskow Lewis, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Transocean Deepwater Inc, Defendant, represented by Campbell Edington Wallace , Frilot L.L.C., Carl J Hebert , Preis & Roy, Edward F Kohnke, IV , Preis & Roy, Edwin G Preis, Jr , Preis Roy PLC, Evans Martin McLeod , Phelps Dunbar LL, Everett R. Fineran , Frilot L.L.C., George M Gilly , Phelps Dunbar LLP, Joseph E Lee, III , Preis & Roy, PLC, Kerry J. Miller , Frilot L.L.C., Miles Paul Clements , Frilot L.L.C., Paul C. Thibodeaux , Frilot L.L.C., Richard J Hymel , Preis Roy & Robert M Kallam , Preis Roy.

Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc, Defendant, represented by Campbell Edington Wallace , Frilot L.L.C., Carl J Hebert , Preis & Roy, Edward F Kohnke, IV , Preis & Roy, Edwin G Preis, Jr , Preis Roy PLC, Evans Martin McLeod , Phelps Dunbar LL, Everett R. Fineran , Frilot L.L.C., George M Gilly , Phelps Dunbar LLP, John Daniel Johnson , Sutherland Asbill Brennan LLP, Joseph E Lee, III , Preis & Roy, PLC, Kerry J. Miller , Frilot L.L.C., Miles Paul Clements , Frilot L.L.C., Paul C. Thibodeaux , Frilot L.L.C., Richard J Hymel , Preis Roy & Robert M Kallam , Preis Roy.

Halliburton Energy Services Inc, Defendant, represented by Adelaida J Ferchmin , Chaffe McCall LLP, Alan R. Davis , Chaffe McCall LLP, Bruce W Bowman, Jr , Godwin Lewis PC, Daniel A Tadros , Chaffe McCall et al, Derek A Walker , Chaffe McCall LLP, Donald Everett Godwin , Godwin Lewis PC, Floyd Richard Hartley, Jr , Allred Wilcox & Hartley PLLC, Gavin Eugene Hill , Godwin Lewis PC, Jenny LaNell Martinez , Godwin Ronquillo PC, Katharine Rachael Colletta , Chaffe McCall, LLP & Robert Alan York , GODWIN PC.

Richard J. Dorazil, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

The Savings Plan Investment Oversight Committee, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Marc De Leeuw , Sullivan & Cromwell, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Daryl A Libow , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP & Richard C Pepperman, II , Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Stephanie C. Atkins, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP & Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

BP Corporation North America Inc, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

BP Corporation North America Inc. Savings Plan Investment Oversight Committee, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Neil Shaw, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Thomas L Taylor, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Gregory T. Williamson, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

The Investment Committee, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

BP Corporation North America, Inc.'s Board of Directors, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

BP Corporation North America, Inc. Savings Plan Investment Oversight Committee, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Robert A Malone, Defendant, represented by Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

Lamar McKay, Defendant, represented by Kristopher S. Ritter , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Corey Correnti, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Marvin Damsma, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

James Dupree, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Patrick Gower, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Jeanne M. Johns, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Patricia H. Miller, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Stephen J. Riney, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Brian D. Smith, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Stephanie C Moore, Defendant, represented by Morgan D Hodgson , Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Paul J Ondrasik, Jr , Steptoe & Johnson LLP & Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth.

Douglas J Suttles, Defendant, represented by Scott W Fowkes , Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Thomas W Taylor , Andrews and Kurth, Patrick J Somers , Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton Garrison, Roberto Finzi , Paul Weiss et al, Theodore V Wells, Jr. , Paul Weiss et al, Frances Floriano Goins , Ulmer & Berne LLP & Isaac J Eddington , Ulmer & Berne.

Richard A Cordray, Ohio Attorney General, Movant, represented by Erica G Langsen , Autry W Ross , Yetter Coleman, Eric R Nowak , Harrell and Nowak, Joshua S Devore , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Matthew D Pearson , Berman DeValerio, R Paul Yetter , Yetter Coleman LLP, Daniel S Sommers , Cohen Milstein et al, Glen DeValerio , Berman DeValerio et al, Jason M Leviton , Berman DeValerio, Jeffrey C Block , Block & Leviton LLP, Joshua M. Kolsky , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Julie Reiser , Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Kristin J. Moody , Berman DeValerio, Mark Delaney , Block and Leviton LLP, Matthew Keith Handley , Cohen Milstein et al, Steven J Toll , Cohen Milstein et al & Whitney Street , Berman DeValerio.

Sacramento County Employees Retirement System, Movant, represented by Jeffrey M. Hoffman , Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, LLP & Mitchell J. Hoffman , Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, LLP.

Fresno County Employees Retirement Association, Movant, represented by Jeffrey M. Hoffman , Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, LLP & Mitchell J. Hoffman , Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, LLP.

Peter D. Lichtman, Movant, represented by James P Roy , Domengeaux Wright et al & Richard Warren Mithoff, Jr , Mithoff Law Firm.

Leslie J. Nakagiri, Movant, represented by James P Roy , Domengeaux Wright et al & Richard Warren Mithoff, Jr , Mithoff Law Firm.

Paul Huyck, Movant, represented by James P Roy , Domengeaux Wright et al & Richard Warren Mithoff, Jr , Mithoff Law Firm.


MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

Before the Court is Defendants' Renewed Motion for Stay of Proceedings.

I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On January 15, 2015, this Court granted in part Plaintiffs' motion for leave to amend their complaint. Defendants subsequently filed motions to (i) certify the January 15th decision for interlocutory appeal, which this Court granted and the Fifth Circuit accepted,1 and (ii) stay further proceedings pending the appeal, which this Court denied.2 Defendants' appeal of the January 15th decision is still pending. Briefing is scheduled to conclude on February 29, 2016.3

As Defendants' interlocutory appeal began to wend its way through the appellate process, Defendants filed a motion in this Court seeking a partial dismissal of Plaintiffs' First Amended Consolidated ERISA Complaint ("FAC"). The Court granted Defendants' motion on October 30, 2015, substantially narrowing Plaintiffs' "Count I" claims, and dismissing their "Count II" claims entirely. Plaintiffs' only remaining claims are: (i) that Lamar McKay, Neil Shaw, and James Dupree4 (the "Remaining Insider Defendants") violated ERISA's duty of prudence; and (ii) that the Remaining Insider Defendants violated ERISA's duty of loyalty.5 Defendants now renew their request, initially made on January 30, 2015, that the Court exercise its discretion to stay further proceedings in this case pending the Fifth Circuit's decision on Defendants' interlocutory appeal.

II. LEGAL STANDARD

To determine whether a district court should grant a discretionary stay pending an interlocutory appeal, district courts traditionally employ a four-factor test: "(1) whether the stay applicant has made a strong showing that he is likely to succeed on the merits; (2) whether the applicant will be irreparably injured absent a stay; (3) whether issuance of the stay will substantially injure other parties interested in the proceedings; and (4) [whether] public interest [favors a stay]."6 Each part of the test must be met.7 The movant bears the burden of showing that a stay is justified.8

The Fifth Circuit clarified in Ruiz v. Estelle, however, that "the movant need not always show a probability of success on the merits; instead, the movant need only present a substantial case on the merits when a serious legal question is involved and show that the balance of the equities weighs heavily in favor of granting the stay."9 In other words, if the second, third, and fourth factors of the traditional test weigh heavily in favor of granting a stay, then a movant need only show that he has "a substantial case on the merits" to satisfy the first factor.10

II. ANALYSIS

In denying Defendants' initial request in January of 2015, this Court identified several considerations of equity that counseled against staying the proceedings. Nearly all of those considerations are equally applicable—if not more applicable—today than they were a year ago.11 Because Defendants have not shown that the balance of equities weighs in their favor, much less heavily in their favor, Defendants have failed to meet their burden under Ruiz. The Court therefore denies their Renewed Motion for Stay of Proceedings.

A. The Balance of Equities

Where, as here, a movant invokes Ruiz's "substantial case on the merits" standard,12 a court should begin its analysis by balancing the three equitable factors of the traditional test.13

(1) Irreparable Injury

Defendants imply that they will suffer irreparable injury because, absent the stay, they will be forced to engage in "expensive discovery practice."14 The legal merit of this proposition, however, is dubious. A court in this district rejected a virtually identical argument in M.D. v. Perry, and Defendants have provided no precedent that otherwise suggests that discovery expenses can constitute "irreparable harm" in the context of a motion for stay.15

Moreover, Defendants' concerns seem somewhat overstated. As Defendants themselves note, the scope of this case has been "sharply curtailed,"16 meaning that the scope of potential discovery has been similarly narrowed. Additionally, Defendants have already agreed to "provide Plaintiffs with access to the document production in the securities class action pending before this Court and the massive production in MDL 2179."17 Thus, Defendants have already reviewed and catalogued many of the documents that will be relevant to Plaintiffs' discovery requests.

(2) Injury to Other Parties Interested in the Proceeding

Defendants argue that granting the stay will not cause substantial harm to any party because "most putative class members" seek remedies related to future retirement benefits.18 But this seems a tacit acknowledgement that at least some putative class members seek remedies related to current retirement benefits, and that those members would be negatively affected by additional delay.19 Whether delaying those retirees' potential remedies constitutes "substantial harm" is difficult to say,20 but at least this much is clear: this equitable factor does not weigh "heavily" in favor of the Defendants.

(3) Public Interest

Defendants argue that a stay would serve the public interest by "promoting judicial efficiency and avoiding needless expenditure of resources."21 While promoting judicial efficiency undoubtedly serves the public interest in the abstract, it is unclear how Defendants think this concern is particularly applicable to the analysis here—they provide no citation or elaboration in support of their argument. Indeed, judicial efficiency concerns will always be implicated by the prospect of denying a stay—allowing a district court and a court of appeals to proceed in parallel means that the district court might do more work than is necessary. But those concerns bear particularly little relevance here. The parties are now entering the discovery phase of the litigation, which typically requires relatively minimal court involvement. The risk of unnecessarily expending substantial public resources during the pendency of the interlocutory appeal is low.

(B) Substantial Case on the Merits

Ruiz imposes two primary requirements on parties that move for a stay of proceedings: (1) "show that the balance of the equities weighs heavily in favor of granting a stay," and (2) "present a substantial case on the merits [involving] a serious legal question."22 Defendants have failed to meet the first requirement, so it is unnecessary for the Court to address the second.23

III. CONCLUSION

After considering the parties' filings, all responses and replies thereto, and the applicable law, the Court holds that Defendants' Renewed Motion for Stay of Proceedings is DENIED in its entirety.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

FootNotes


1. See Whitley v. BP P.L.C., No. 15-20282, Do. 00513050363 (5th Cir. May 20, 2015).
2. (Dkt. 178.) Defendants did not appeal this Court's denial of their motion to stay further proceedings.
3. (See Dkt. 220.)
4. The Court dismissed Plaintiffs' claims against Dupree in its October 30th ruling, but it also granted Plaintiffs leave to re-plead. They did so in their Second Amended Consolidated ERISA Complaint ("SAC").
5. There is some confusion amongst the parties regarding the scope of Plaintiffs' remaining prudence claims. Plaintiffs contend that, in addition to their "prudence claim . . . against the Insider Defendants," Count I of the complaints also alleges a so-called "procedural prudence" claim against each of the SPIOC Defendants. (See Pls.' Resp. 3.) In other words, Plaintiffs believe that they have asserted prudence claims not only against the Insider Defendants, but against non-Insider Defendants as well. This is incorrect. Count I of both the FAC and the SAC expressly provides in bold typeface that Count I is alleged only "Against the Insider Defendants and Corporate Defendants." (Dkt. 213 (SAC at Page 89); Dkt. 172 (FAC at 89).) Indeed, similar references limiting the scope of Count I can be found throughout both iterations of the complaint. (See, e.g., FAC ¶ 306 (alleging only that the "Insider Defendants were fiduciaries within the meaning of ERISA"); SAC ¶ 306 (same); FAC ¶ 22 (prefatory allegation describing Count I as being directed at "certain Defendant-fiduciaries," and listing only the Insider Defendants and Corporate Defendants); SAC ¶ 22 (same).) It was based on these references that, in its October 30th ruling, this Court described Count I as a claim that "[t]he `Insider Defendants' and `Corporate Defendants' breached their duties of prudence and loyalty." (Dkt. 212 (Order at 2).)
6. Arnold v. Garlock, Inc., 278 F.3d 426, 439 (5th Cir. 2001).
7. Nken v. Holder, 556 U.S. 418, 433-34 (2009).
8. Id.
9. Ruiz v. Estelle, 650 F.2d 555, 565 (5th Cir. 1981); see also Arnold, 278 F.3d 426, 439 (5th Cir. 2001) (quoting In re First S. Sav. Assoc., 820 F.2d 700, 704 (5th Cir.1987)). The term "equities" in Ruiz refers to the last three factors of the traditional four-factor test. Ministry of Oil of the Republic of Iraq v. 1,032,212 Barrels of Crude Oil Aboard the United Kalavrvta, 2015 WL 851920, at *4 (S.D. Tex. Feb. 26, 2015).
10. See Ruiz, 650 F.2d at 565.
11. When the Court rejected Defendants' motion for stay in March of 2015, it based its decision primarily on four considerations: (1) the action had been pending for more than four years; (2) due to circumstances beyond their control, Plaintiffs have been unable to move the litigation past the pleadings stage and into discovery; (3) it was uncertain that the Fifth Circuit would agree to hear the appeal; and (4) it was uncertain that the Fifth Circuit would reverse this Court's order on the motion to amend. Only the third consideration is inapplicable today.
12. Defendants have not attempted to argue that they satisfy the "likely to succeed on the merits" factor of the traditional test, so the Court views their motion solely through the lens of Ruiz.
13. See Reading & Bates Petroleum Co. v. Musslewhite, 14 F.3d 271, 275 (5th Cir. 1994) (Smith, J., dissenting) ("We should evaluate these factors in Musslewhite's case, then, by first examining the last three [traditional] factors.").
14. (Defs.' Br. at 5-6.)
15. M.D. v. Perry, 2011 WL 7047039, at *2 (S.D. Tex. July 21, 2011) ("The prospect of burdensome or expensive discovery alone is not sufficient to demonstrate `irreparable injury.'"); see also Renegotiation Bd. v. Bannercraft Clothing Co., 415 U.S. 1, 24 (1974) ("Mere litigation expense, even substantial and unrecoupable cost, does not constitute irreparable injury."). The Court has found two cases that deemed discovery an irreparable injury, but neither court did so based on the burden or expense that discovery presents. See Trefny v. Bear Stearns Sec. Corp., 243 B.R. 300, 309 (S.D. Tex. 1999) (concluding that forcing a party to participate in discovery would cause the party irreparable harm, but only because doing so would jeopardize the party's right to arbitrate the dispute—not because of the expense of discovery); see also Weingarten, 661 F.3d at 913 n. 19 (leaving open the possibility, based on Trefny, that discovery of sensitive information or discovery that jeopardizes the right to arbitrate could constitute an irreparable injury). This alone potentially suggests that Defendants' motion for stay should be denied, see Arnold, 278 F.3d at 439 ("each part [of the test] must be met"), but for the sake of thoroughness, the Court will analyze the remaining equities.
16. (See Defs.' Brief 3.)
17. (See Defs.' Brief 3-4.)
18. (Defs.' Brief at 6 (emphasis added).)
19. Cf. Arnold, 278 F.3d at 441 ("What is certain is that delay where plaintiffs have mesothelioma, asbestosis, or pleural disease, or where decedents' survivors await compensation for support substantially harms those parties.").
20. For example, it is unclear how long the Fifth Circuit will take to rule on Defendants' appeal. Moreover, it is unclear how many class members seek remedies related to current retirement benefits, the extent to which they rely on those retirement benefits, and the extent to which this litigation will affect those retirement benefits.
21. (Defs.' Brief at 6.)
22. Ruiz, 650 F.2d at 565.
23. Id.

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