Money grab for past due rent almost derailed sale of shuttered mall

The sale of DeSoto Square Mall in Bradenton was nearly derailed because of a dispute between Hudson’s Furniture and DeSoto Owners LLC over back rent.

The problem arose after a bankruptcy auction was completed and won by Rompsen US Master Mortgage, the lender, which paid $20 million for the shuttered mall. The sales agreement called for the new owners to assume Hudson’s lease. A hearing was scheduled to approve the sale Oct. 20 and the motion was granted by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jil Mazer-Marino at that time.