Judge Won't Allow Transfer of 3M, Hopeman Claims to NARCO Bankruptcy

PITTSBURGH - Asbestos defendants 3M and Hopeman Brothers have been denied in their attempts to attach certain claims filed against them to the bankruptcy proceedings of North American Refractories Co. In Re: North American Refractories Co., et al., No. 02-20198 (W.D. Pa., Bankr.).

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald on June 28 issued an opinion denying the defendants' motion to transfer several asbestos cases pending against them to the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Both companies had moved to attach the claims to NARCO's bankruptcy case, arguing they have common law contribution and indemnity claims against the debtor, which filed for …