Even with this latest reprieve, Sears' long-term survival remains an open question. : NEW YORK — A bankruptcy judge has blessed a $5.2 billion plan by Sears’ chairman and biggest shareholder to keep the iconic business going. Eddie Lampert’s bid through an affiliate of his ESL hedge fund overcame opposition from a group of unsecured creditors, including mall owners and suppliers, that tried to block the sale and pushed hard for liquidation.