Judge says loan to Yellowstone Club was predatory

HELENA, Mont. — A federal bankruptcy judge has ruled that a $375 million loan made by Credit Suisse to a Montana resort for the ultrarich was predatory and should be subordinated to other debts.

Judge Ralph Kirscher issued a partial and interim order Tuesday. He did not say when he would issue a final decision.

The decision finds that Credit Suisse “lined its pockets” on the backs of the Yellowstone Club’s creditors.

Under the order, Credit Suisse’s lien for $232 million in repayment on the 2005 loan will be subordinated to the claims of other creditors.

The resort filed for bankruptcy protection in November, after Edra Blixseth took over its control from her former husband, Tim Blixseth.

The club is scheduled to be sold at auction Wednesday in Billings.