AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT OF NEWINVOICE, L.L.C.
Exhibit 3.88
AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT
OF
NEWINVOICE, L.L.C.
ANY SECURITIES CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE GEORGIA SECURITIES ACT
OF 1973, AS AMENDED, IN RELIANCE UPON THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION SET FORTH IN SECTION
10-5-9(13) OF SUCH ACT. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, IF ANY, HAVE NOT
BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN RELIANCE UPON AN
EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION SET FORTH IN THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 PROVIDED BY SECTION 4(2)
THEREOF, NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF CERTAIN STATES IN RELIANCE
UPON CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION. THE EQUITY INTERESTS CREATED HEREBY HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED
FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD OR
TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND IN A
TRANSACTION WHICH IS EITHER EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACTS OR PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACTS.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
The following capitalized terms are used in this Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
with the meanings thereafter ascribed:
“Affiliate” means (a) in the case of an individual, any relative of such Person, (b) any
officer, director, trustee, partner, manager, employee or holder often percent (10%) or more of any
class of the voting securities of or equity interest in such Person; (c) any corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity controlling, controlled by or under
common control with such Person; or (d) any officer, director, trustee, partner, manager, employee
or holder of ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of any corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity controlling, controlled by or under
common control with such Person.
“Articles
of Organization” means the Articles of Organization of NewInvoice, L.L.C., as filed
with the Secretary of State of Georgia as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Business of the Company” means the any lawful business in which the company may engage.
“Capital Account” means a capital account maintained in accordance with the rules contained
in Treas. Reg. §1.704-1(b)(2) as maintained in accordance with applicable rules under the Code and
as set forth in Treas. Reg, §1-704-1(b)(2)(4) as amended from time to time.
“Capital Contribution” means any contribution to the capital of the Company in cash, services
or property by a Shareholder whenever made.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Company”
means NewInvoice, L.L.C.
“Deceased Shareholder” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.5 hereof.
“Disposition” means any transfer or attempted transfer of all or any part of the rights and
incidents of ownership of the Shares, including, in the case of a Shareholder, the right to vote,
and the right to possession of Shares as collateral for indebtedness, whether such transfer is
outright or conditional, inter vivos or testamentary, voluntary or involuntary, or for or without
consideration.
“Distributable Cash” means all cash, revenues, and funds received by the Company from Company
operations, less the sum of the following to the extent paid or set aside by the Company; (a) all
principal and interest payments on indebtedness of the Company and all other sums paid to lenders;
(b) all cash expenditures incurred incident to the normal operation of the Company’s business; (c)
such Reserves as the Board of Managers deems reasonably necessary to the proper operation of the
Company’s business; and (d) any amounts due to FNFS pursuant to transactions described in Section
5.8(b) or Section 5.8(h).
“Economic Interest” means a Shareholder’s share of the Company’s Net Profits, Net Losses, and
distributions of the Company’s assets pursuant to this Operating Agreement which share shall,
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[ILLEGIBLE] as set forth immediately below, be equal to the quotient of the number of Shares held of record
by such Shareholder divided by the total number of Shares then outstanding.
“Economic Interest Holder” means a holder of Shares which only represent an Economic Interest
and not any right to vote or otherwise participate in the affairs or management of the Company.
“Entity” means any general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company,
corporation, joint venture, trust, business trust, cooperative, or association or any foreign
trust or foreign business organization.
“Event of Dissociation” means an event so defined in O.C.G.A. § 00-00-000.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Fair Market Value” at any time and from time to time means the quotient of (a) the fair
market value of the Company as of the date immediately prior to the relevant meaning, as
determined in good faith by the Board of Managers of the Company, divided by (b) the total number
of Shares outstanding on the applicable date. In making the determination of the Fair Market Value
pursuant to this subsection, the Board of Managers shall assume that fair market value of the
Company is equal to the amount which would be paid in cash for the Company, as a going concern, by
an unaffiliated third party financial buyer, and may take into account such additional factors as
may be relevant to such valuation. The Board of Managers may, but shall not be obligated to,
engage the services of a reputable, experienced investment banking firm to assist it in the
determination of Fair Market Value. [ILLEGIBLE] of determining Fair Market Value shall be borne by the
Company.
“Fiscal Year” means the Company’s fiscal year, which shall be the calendar year.
“FNFS” shall mean Fidelity National Foreclosure Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Manager” means one or more Persons designated or elected to the Board of Managers pursuant
to this Operating Agreement.
“Net Capital Contributions” as to a Shareholder means the aggregate Capital Contribution by
such Shareholder reduced by the amounts distributed to such Shareholder as returns of capital.
“Net Losses” means the Company’s taxable loss as computed under of the Code.
“Net Profits” means the Company’s taxable income and gain as computed under the Code.
“New Securities” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 7.9 hereof.
“Officer” means one or more persons appointed by the Board of Managers pursuant to Article 6
hereof.
“Operating Agreement” means this Amended and Restated Operating Agreement as [ILLEGIBLE]
executed and as amended from time to time.
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“Permitted Disposition” means a Disposition by an assignment of an Economic Interest in the
Company (evidenced by the Shares to be assigned):
(a) to which each Shareholder consents in writing;
(b) effected pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.1 hereof;
(c) to a member of such Shareholder’s immediate family, as defined in the
regulations promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or to any trust for his or their
benefit;
or
(d) a Disposition in accordance with Article 16 hereof.
The foregoing notwithstanding, no Permitted Disposition shall entitle the transferee to the
rights and benefits of a Shareholder, unless and until such transferee is admitted to the Company
as a Shareholder in the manner described in Article 14 hereof. In addition, no Disposition shall
be a Permitted Disposition unless the Transferring Shareholder shall have obtained the written
agreement of the transferee, that such transferee will be bound by, and the Shares proposed to be
transferred will be subject to, the restrictions on transfer in Article 13 of this Operating
Agreement.
“Person” means any individual or entity, and the heirs, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, successors, and assigns of such “Person” where the context so permits.
“Preferred Return” means an amount computed as if it were interest as to each Shareholder’s
Net Capital Contributions, from time to time, at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum
compounded annually.
“Prime Rate” means the “prime rate” as announced from time to time by Wachovia or its
successor.
“Reserves” means with respect to any fiscal period, funds set aside or amounts allocated
during such period to reserves which shall be maintained in amounts deemed sufficient by the Board
of Managers for working capital and to pay taxes, insurance, debt service, or other costs or
expenses incident to the ownership or operation of the Company’s business.
“Xxxxxxx” shall mean Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, an individual.
“Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement” shall mean that certain Employment Agreement by and between
Xxxxxxx and the Company, dated as of January 1, 2002.
“Shareholder” means a “member” of this limited liability company, as the term “member” is
defined in the Georgia Act, who executes a counterpart of this Operating Agreement as a Shareholder
as well as each party who may hereafter become member pursuant to this Operating Agreement. If a
Manager has purchased or received a Shareholder Interest in the Company, such Manager will have all
the rights of a Shareholder with respect to such Shareholder Interest, and the term “Shareholder”
as used herein shall include a Manager to the extent such Manager has purchased a Shareholder
Interest in the Company. If a Person is a Shareholder immediately prior to the purchase or other
acquisition by such Person of an Economic Interest, such Person shall have all the rights of a
Shareholder with respect to such purchased or otherwise acquired Shareholder Interest or Economic
Interest, as the case may be.
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“Shareholder Interest” means a Shareholder’s entire interest in the Company consisting of
such Shareholder’s Economic Interest together with the right to vote on, consent to, or otherwise
participate in any decision or action of or by the Shareholders granted pursuant to this Operating
Agreement or the Georgia Act. A Shareholder is entitled to one vote for each Share held by such
Shareholder on all matters that require or are submitted by the Board of Managers to a vote or
other action by the Shareholders.
“Shares” are the basis for determining a Shareholder’s share of the Net Profits and Net
Losses, distributions of the Company’s assets pursuant to this Operating Agreement, and the voting
rights of Shareholders. Shares shall be evidenced by certificates in the form approved by the
Board of Managers. Each Share held of record by a Shareholder shall entitle the Shareholder to one
vote on all matters which require or which are submitted for Shareholder approval unless and until
such voting rights are terminated as to a Share or Shares pursuant to Section 13.2.
“Transferring Shareholder” means Shareholder who sells, assigns, pledges, hypothecates, or
otherwise transfers for consideration or gratuitously all or any portion of the Shares held of
record by such Shareholder.
“Treasury Regulations” or “Regulations” means the Federal Income Tax Regulations
promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including
corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
“Withdrawing Shareholder” means a Shareholder that undergoes or incurs an Event of
Dissociation within the meaning of O.C.G.A.
§ 00-00-000.
§ 00-00-000.
ARTICLE 2
FORMATION OF COMPANY
Section 2.1 Formation. The Company was formed on June 15, 1999 by having Articles of
Organization delivered to the Secretary of State of Georgia in accordance with the provisions of
the Georgia Act.
Section 2.2
Name. The name of the Company is NewInvoice, L.L.C.
Section 00 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx of Business. The principal place of business of the Company within
the State of Georgia is 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0-X, Xxxxxxx, XX 00000. The Company may
locate its places of business and registered office at any other place or places within or outside
the State of Georgia as the Board of Managers may from time to time deem advisable.
Section 2.4 Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Company’s initial registered office
shall be at the office of its registered agent, Xxxxxx X. Prior. The registered office and
registered agent may be changed from time to time pursuant to the Georgia Act and the applicable
rules promulgated thereunder.
Section 2.5 Term. The term of the Company shall commence on the date the Articles of
Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of Georgia and shall continue until dissolved
in accordance with the provisions of this Operating Agreement.
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ARTICLE 3
BUSINESS OF COMPANY
The Company may engage in any lawful business whatsoever, or which shall at any time appear
conducive to or expedient for the protection or benefit of the Company and its assets. The Company
shall have all powers necessary to or reasonably connected with the Company’s business which may
be legally exercised by a limited liability company under the Georgia Act or which are necessary,
customary, convenient, or incident to the realization of its business purpose.
ARTICLE 4
NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF SHAREHOLDERS
The names and addresses of the Shareholders are set out on Schedule 1 hereto under
the caption “Shareholder’s Name and Address.”
ARTICLE 5
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MANAGERS
Section 5.1 Management. The full and entire management of the business and affairs of the
Company shall be vested in the Board of Managers, which shall have and may exercise all of the
powers that may be exercised or performed by the Company. Except for situations in which the approval
of the Shareholders is expressly required by this Operating Agreement or by nonwaivable provisions
of applicable law, the Board of Managers shall have full and complete authority, power, and
discretion to manage and control the business, affairs, and properties of the Company, to make all
decisions regarding those matters, and to perform any and all other acts or activities customary
or incident to the management of the Company’s business.
Section 5.2 Number, Tenure and Qualifications. The Board of Managers shall initially consist
of four (4) persons, one (1) of whom shall be appointed by Xxxxxxx, and three (3) of whom shall be
appointed by FNFS. The initial Xxxxxxx appointee shall be Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, and the initial FNFS
appointees shall be Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxx Xxxxxxx. Managers shall be elected at
each annual meeting of Shareholders and shall hold office until the first to occur of the death
(or dissolution as the case may be), resignation, or removal of such Manager, or until a successor
to such Manager shall have been elected and qualified. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
herein, at all times during which Xxxxxxx is a Member of Company he shall be entitled to appoint a
single representative to the Board of Managers.
Section 5.3 Manner of Action, Quorum. At any time when there is more than one Manager, the
Board of Managers may not take any action permitted to be taken by the Board of Managers unless the
Board of Managers act at any regular or special meeting held in accordance with Section 5.5 hereof
or by unanimous written consent in accordance with Section 5.6 of this Operating Agreement. A
majority of the Board of Managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any
meeting. All resolutions adopted and all business transacted by the Board of Managers shall require
the affirmative vote of a majority of the Managers present at the meeting. Managers need not be
residents of the State of Georgia or Shareholders of the Company.
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Section 5.4 Vacancies. Xxxxxxx may fill the place of any
Manager appointed by Xxxxxxx in
accordance with Section 5.2, which may become vacant prior to the expiration of his term, such
appointment to continue until the expiration of the term of the Manager whose place has become
Vacant FNFS may fill the place of any Manager appointed by FNFS in accordance with Section
5.2, which may become vacant prior to the expiration of his term, such appointment to
continue until the expiration of the term of the Manager whose place has become vacant.
Section 5.5 Meetings. The Managers shall meet annually, without notice, following the annual
meeting of the Shareholders. The Board of Managers may set any number of regular meetings by
resolution. No notice need be given for any annual or regular meeting of the Board of Managers.
Special meetings of the Managers may be called at any time by the President or by any two
Managers, on two days’ written notice to each Manager, which notice shall specify the time and
place of the meeting. Notice of any such meeting may be waived by an instrument in writing
executed before or after the meeting. Managers may attend and participate in meetings either in
person or by means of conference telephones or similar communications equipment by means of which
all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by
means of such communication equipment shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Attendance in person at such meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice thereof.
Section 5.6 Action in Lieu of Meeting. Any action to be taken at a meeting of the Managers,
or any action that may be taken at a meeting of the Managers, may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the Managers and
any further requirements of law pertaining to such consents have been complied with.
Section 5.7 Removal. Subject to Rollin’s rights under the last sentence of Section 5.2
above, any Manager may be removed from office, with or without cause, upon the majority vote of the
Shareholders, at a meeting with respect to which notice of such purpose is given.
Section 5.8 Certain Powers of the Board of Managers. The Board of Managers shall have plenary
power and authority to conduct the business of the Company. Without limiting the generality of the
preceding sentence or the powers described in Section 5.1 hereof, the Board of Managers shall have
full power and authority to authorize the Company:
(a) To acquire property from any Person as the Board of Managers may
determine. The fact that a Manager or a Shareholder is directly or indirectly affiliated or
connected
with any such Person shall not prohibit the Board of Managers from dealing with that Person.
(b) To borrow money for the Company from banks, other lending institutions,
one or more Managers, Shareholders, or Affiliates of a Manager or Shareholder on such terms as
the
Managers deem appropriate, and in connection therewith, to hypothecate, encumber and grant
security interests in the assets of the Company to secure repayment of the borrowed sums;
provided,
however, that such loans from any Manager, Shareholder, or Affiliates of a Manager or
Shareholder
shall be upon terms as would be commercially reasonable in an arm’s-length transaction of a
similar
nature between nonaffiliated or non-interested parties. No debt shall be contracted or
liability
incurred by or on behalf of the Company except by the Board of Managers, or to the extent
permitted
under the Georgia Act, by agents or employees of the Company expressly authorized to contract
such
debt or incur such liability by the Board of Managers.
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(c) To purchase liability and other insurance to protect the Company’s property
and business.
(d) To invest any Company funds temporarily (by way of example but not
limitation) in time deposits, short-term governmental obligations, commercial paper or other
investments.
(e) Upon the affirmative vote of the Shareholders holding at least a majority of
the Shares held by Shareholders, to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of
the assets of
the Company as part of a single transaction or plan so long as such disposition is not in
violation of
or a cause of a default under any other agreement to which the Company may be bound. The
affirmative vote of the Shareholders shall not be required with respect to any sale or
disposition of
the Company’s assets in the ordinary course of the
Company’s business.
(f) To execute on behalf of the Company all instruments and documents,
including, without limitation, checks; drafts; notes and other negotiable instruments;
mortgages or
deeds of trust; security agreements; financing statements; documents providing for the
acquisition,
mortgage or disposition of the Company’s property; assignments; bills of sale; leases;
partnership
agreements, operating agreements of other limited liability companies; and any other
instruments or
documents necessary, in the opinion of the Board of Managers, to the business of the Company.
(g) To employ accountants, legal counsel, managing agents, or other experts to
perform services for the Company and to compensate them from Company funds.
(h) To enter into any and all other agreements and transactions on behalf of the Company,
with any other Person for any purpose, in such forms as the Board of Managers may approve,
including agreements and transactions with one or more Managers, Shareholders, or Affiliates of a
Manager or Shareholder; provided, however, that such agreements and transactions with any Manager,
Shareholder, or Affiliates of a Manager or Shareholder shall be upon terms as would be
commercially reasonable in an arm’s-length transaction of a similar nature between nonaffiliated
or non-interested parties.
(i) To create offices and to delegate executive responsibility to them, and to appoint
individuals, who need not be Managers, to serve as such officers at the pleasure of the Board of
Managers.
(j) To do and perform all other acts as may be necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the
Company’s business.
(k) To issue authorized but unissued Shares and New Securities for such consideration as the
Board of Managers deems appropriate; provided, however, that so long as Xxxxxxx is serving on the
Board of Managers, no such action may be taken without his express written consent.
(l) To fix, without Shareholder action, the relative rights, privileges, preferences as to (i)
allocations of taxable income, gain, and loss, (ii) distributions, and voting power of any special
class or series of unissued Shares and New Securities; provided, however, that so long as Xxxxxxx
is serving on the Board of Managers, no such action may be taken without his express written
consent.
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Unless authorized by the Board of Managers, no attorney-in-fact, employee, or other agent of
the Company shall have any power or authority to bind the Company in any way, to pledge its
credit, or to render it liable pecuniarily for any purpose. No Shareholder shall have any power or
authority to bind the Company unless the Shareholder has been authorized by the Board of Managers
to act as an agent of the Company in accordance with the previous sentence.
Section 5.9 Liability for Certain Acts. No Manager shall be liable to the Company or to
any Shareholder for any loss or damage sustained by the Company or any Shareholder except loss or
damage resulting from (a) intentional misconduct, (b) knowing violation of law, or (c) a
transaction from which such Manager received an improper personal benefit in violation or breach
of the provisions of this Operating Agreement. The Managers shall be entitled to rely on
information, opinions, reports, or statements, including but not limited to financial statements
or other financial data, prepared or presented by any Officer or by third persons employed by an
Officer.
Section 5.10 Indemnity of the Managers, Employees, and Other Agents. To the fullest
extent permitted by the Georgia Act, the Company shall indemnify the Managers and its officers, if
any, from and against all costs of defense (including reasonable fees), judgments, fines, and
amounts paid in settlement suffered by a Manager because a Manager was made a party to an action
because the Manager is or was a Manager or an Officer of the Company or an officer, director,
partner, or manager of another Person at the request of the Company, and make advances for
expenses to such Managers and officers with respect to such matters to the maximum extent
permitted under applicable law.
Section 5.11 Resignation. Any Manager of the Company may resign at any time by [ILLEGIBLE] written
notice to the Shareholders of the Company. The resignation of any Manager as a Manager shall take
effect upon receipt of notice thereof or at such later time as shall be specified in such notice;
and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary
to make it effective. The resignation of a Manager who is also a Shareholder shall not affect the
Manager’s rights as a Shareholder and shall not constitute an Event of Dissociation as to such
Manager.
Section 5.12 Officer’s and Manager’s Compensation. Any salaries and other compensation of the
Officers shall be fixed by the Board of Managers, and no Officer shall be prevented from receiving
such salary by reason of the fact that he is also a Shareholder of the Company. Managers who are
employees of the Company shall not receive special or separate compensation for serving as the
Board of Managers, but may receive compensation as Officers or employees. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in this Section 5.12, the terms and conditions of Xxxxxxx employment as President
of the Company shall be governed exclusively by that certain Employment Agreement (“Xxxxxxx
Employment Agreement”) of even date herewith by and between the Company and Xxxxxxx for such
period as the Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement remains in effect.
ARTICLE 6
OFFICERS
Section 6.1 General Provisions. The Officers of the Company shall consist of a President, a
CEO, a Secretary, and a Treasurer who shall be elected by the Board of Managers, and such other
officers as may be elected by the Board of Managers or appointed as provided in this Operating
Agreement. Each Officer shall be elected or appointed for a term of office running until
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the meeting of the Board of Managers following the next annual meeting of the Shareholders, or
such other term as provided by resolution of the Board of Managers or the appointment to office.
Each Officer shall serve for the term of office for which he or she is elected or appointed and
until his or her successor has been elected or appointed and has qualified or his or her earlier
resignation, removal from office, or death. Any two or more offices may be held by the same
person, except that the President and the Secretary shall not be the same person. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 6.1, Xxxxxxx may not be removed as the President of the
Company except in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement for
such period as the Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement remains in effect.
Section 6.2 CEO. The CEO shall be the chief executive officer of the Company and shall have
general and active management of the operation of the Company subject to the authority of the
Board of Managers. The CEO, along with the President, shall be responsible for the administration
of the Company, including general supervision of the policies of the Company and general and
active management of the financial affairs of the Company, and shall execute bonds, mortgages, or
other contracts in the name and on behalf of the Company. The initial CEO shall be Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx.
Section 6.3 President. The President shall have general and active management of the operation
of the Company subject to the authority of the Board of Managers and CEO. The President, along
with the CEO, shall be responsible for the administration of the Company, including general
supervision of the policies of the Company and general and active management of the financial
affairs of the Company, and shall execute bonds, mortgages, or other contracts in the name and on
behalf of the Company. The initial President shall be Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx.
Section 6.4 Vice Presidents. The Company may have one or more Vice Presidents,
elected by the Board of Managers or appointed by the President, who shall perform such duties and
have such powers as may be delegated by the President or the Board of Managers.
Section 6.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the Shareholders
and the Board of Managers and have charge of the minute books and shall perform such other duties
and have such other powers as may from time to time be delegated to him or her by the CEO,
President or the Board of Managers.
Section 6.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be charged with the management of the financial
affairs of the Company, shall have the power to recommend action concerning the Company’s affairs
to the President, and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time
to time be delegated to him or her by the CEO, President or the Board of Managers. The same person
may simultaneously serve as Secretary and Treasurer.
Section 6.7 Assistant Secretaries and Treasurers. Vice Presidents, Assistants to the
Secretary and Treasurer and such other officers as may be designated from time to time may be
appointed by the President or elected by the Board of Managers and shall perform such duties and
have such powers as shall be delegated to them by the CEO, President or the Board of Managers.
Section 6.8 General Counsel. The General Counsel shall be charged with management of the legal
affairs of the Company and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the CEO,
President, or Board of Managers shall delegate to him. The same person may simultaneously serve as
CEO and General Counsel.
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ARTICLE 7
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section 7.1 Limitation on Liability. Each Shareholder’s liability shall be limited as
provided for “members” in the Georgia Act.
Section 7.2 No Liability for Company Obligations. No Shareholder will have any personal
liability for any debts or losses of the Company beyond such Shareholder’s Capital Contributions,
except as provided by law.
Section 7.3 List of Shareholders. Upon written request of any Shareholder, the CEO or
President shall provide a list showing the names, addresses, and the number of Shares owned of
record by all Shareholders and the other information required by the Georgia Act.
Section 7.4 Priority and Return of Capital. Except as may be expressly provided in
Article 11, no Shareholder shall have priority over any other Shareholder, either as to the return
of Capital Contributions or as to Net Profits, Net Losses, or distributions. This Section 7.4
shall not apply to loans (as distinguished from Capital Contributions) that a Shareholder has made
to the Company.
Section 7.5 Purchase Upon Death. Upon the death of any Shareholder (the “Deceased
Shareholder”), the Company shall have the irrevocable option, exercisable for 6 months after the
date of death of the Deceased Shareholder, to purchase from the estate of such Deceased
Shareholder, all shares then owned by the estate of the Deceased Shareholder. The purchase price
for such Shares shall be the Fair Market Value and shall be paid by delivery of an promissory note
of the Company secured by the assets of the Company (subject to any prior liens, encumbrances or
other security interests), payable to the order of the Deceased Shareholder (or the personal
representative, executor, or administrator of the Deceased Shareholder, as the case may be), and
bearing interest at the Prime Rate in effect on the date of the closing plus two percentage points,
with accrued and unpaid interest being due on each principal installment payment date. The
principal amount of such note shall be paid by delivery of twenty percent (20%) of the principal
amount by check or wire transfer at the closing of such buyout, and the remaining eighty percent
(80%) in the form of an unsecured promissory note executed by the Company, payable to the order of
Deceased Shareholder (or the personal representative, executor, or administrator of the Deceased
Shareholder, as the case may be), and bearing interest at the Prime Rate in effect on the date of
the closing plus two percentage points, with accrued and unpaid interest being due on each
principal installment payment date. The principal amount of such note shall be payable in twenty
(20) equal quarterly installments. Payment of quarterly installments shall commence on the first
three-month anniversary of the closing date of any purchase of Shares pursuant to this Section 7.5.
Section 7.6 Failure to Deliver Shares to the Company. If a Shareholder becomes obligated to
sell any Shares to the Company or to FNFS under this Operating Agreement (the “Obligated
Shareholder”) and fails to deliver such Shares in accordance with the terms of this Operating
Agreement, the Company or FNFS may, in addition to all other remedies it or they may have, tender
to the Obligated Shareholder, at the address set forth in the Share transfer records of the
Company, the purchase price for such Shares as is herein specified, and (i) in the case of Shares
to be sold to the Company pursuant to this Operating Agreement, cancel such Shares on its books and
records whereupon all of the Obligated Shareholder’s right, title, and interest in and to such
Shares
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[ILLEGIBLE] terminate, (ii) in the case of Shares to be sold to FNFS under this Operating Agreement,
issue certificates representing such Shares to FNFS and register FNFS on its Company’s books and
records as the record owner of the Shares whereupon all of the Obligated Shareholder’s right,
title, and interest in and to such Shares shall terminate.
Section 7.7 Company’s Inability to Purchase. If the Company is entitled to purchase the
Shares of a Shareholder pursuant to this Operating Agreement and the Company at such time is
unable to fulfill its obligations hereunder because of the Company’s commitments to creditors or
because the Board of Managers has determined that the Company does not have financial wherewithal
to perform the obligation of the Company, the Company may assign its rights or delegate its
obligations hereunder to FNFS, which. FNFS shall have the right to purchase all of such Shares and
then perform all of the obligations of the Company, and exercise all rights of the Company, with
respect to the purchase of such Shares.
Section 7.8 Status of Shares Purchased by Company. Shares purchased by the Company pursuant
hereto shall not be deemed to be outstanding, and shall revert to authorized, and unissued Shares.
Section 7.9 Preemptive Rights to Purchase New Securities. The Company hereby grants to each
Shareholder the right to purchase a pro rata share of any New Securities, as hereinafter defined
(the “Purchase Right”), which the Company may, from time to time, propose to sell and issue (which
issuance has been approved in accordance with Section 9.5 and/or Article 14, as the case may be).
A pro rata share, for purposes of this Purchase Right, is a fraction, the numerator of which is
the number of Shares then held by a Shareholder, and the denominator of which is the total number
of shares then outstanding.
(a) Except as set forth below, “New Securities” shall mean any Ownership
Interest, whether now authorized or not, and any rights, options, or warrants to purchase said
Ownership Interest, and securities of any type that are, or may become, convertible into
Ownership
Interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “New Securities” does not include: (i) securities
offered to
the public generally pursuant to a registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act
of 1933,
as amended (the “1933 Act”), or pursuant to Regulation A under the 1933 Act; (ii) securities
issued
pursuant to the acquisition of another Person by the Company by a merger, share exchange, the
purchase of substantially all of the assets, or other reorganization whereby the Company or
its
Shareholders own not less than fifty-one percent (51%) of the voting power of the surviving or
successor Person; (iii) Shares or related options exercisable for Shares issued to employees
of,
Officers, and Managers of the Company pursuant to any plan or arrangement approved by the
Board
of Managers of the Company; (iv) securities issued pursuant to any rights or agreements
including
without limitation convertible securities, options, and warrants, provided that the Purchase
Right
under this Section applies with respect to the initial sale of New Securities or the grant by
the
Company of such rights or agreements; (v) securities issued in connection with any
recapitalization
by the Company; or (vi) securities issued pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of any now
or
hereafter outstanding option, warrant, right, or convertible security.
(b) In the event the Company proposes to undertake an issuance of New
Securities (which issuance shall be approved in accordance with Section 9.5 and/or Article 14,
as the
case may be), it shall give each Shareholder written notice of its intention, describing the
type of
New Securities, and the price and terms upon which the Company proposes to issue the New
Securities. Each Shareholder shall have fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of any such
notice
11
[ILLEGIBLE] to purchase up to its respective pro rata portion of shares of such New Securities for
the price and upon the terms specified in the notice by giving written notice to the Company of
such Shareholder’s intentions and stating therein the quantity of New Securities to be purchased
by such Shareholder.
(c) In the event a Shareholder fails to exercise the Purchase Right within said
fifteen (15) day period, the Company shall have ninety (90) days thereafter to sell or enter
into a
written agreement (pursuant to which the sale of New Securities covered thereby shall be
completed,
if at all, within sixty (60) days from the date of said agreement) to sell the New Securities
not
purchased by the Shareholders at a price and upon such terms which are no more favorable to
the
purchaser of such New Securities than specified in the Company’s notice to the Shareholders.
In the
event the Company has not sold the New Securities or entered into a written agreement to sell
the
New Securities within said ninety (90) day period (or completed the sale of the New Securities
within sixty (60) days from the date of said agreement, as provided above), the Company shall
not
thereafter issue or sell any New Securities without first offering such securities in the
manner
provided in this Section.
(d) The Purchase Right granted to a Shareholder under this Section shall expire
upon the date such Shareholder no longer owns any Shares.
ARTICLE 8
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section 8.1 Annual Meeting. A meeting of Shareholders shall be held annually, within four (4)
months of the end of the fiscal year of the Company. The annual meeting shall be held at such time
and place and on such date as the Board of Managers shall determine from time to time and as shall
be specified in the notice of the meeting. Failure to hold the annual meeting of Shareholders as
provided above shall not invalidate any actions taken by the Company after the failure to hold the
annual meeting as provided above.
Section 8.2 Special Meetings. Special meetings of Shareholders, for any purpose or purposes,
unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by any Manager, and shall be called by the
President upon the written request of a Shareholder or Shareholders holding at least 25% of the
then outstanding Shares held by Shareholders. Special meetings of Shareholders shall be held at
such time and place and on such date as shall be specified in the notice of the meeting.
Section 8.3 Place of Meetings. Annual or special meetings of Shareholders may be held within
or outside the State of Georgia.
Section 8.4 Notice of Meetings. Written notice of annual or special meetings of
Shareholders stating the place, day, and hour of the meeting shall be given not less than ten (10)
nor
more than fifty (50) days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the
direction of the Board of Managers or person calling the meeting, to each Shareholder entitled to
vote
at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given two calendar days after being
deposited in the United States mail, addressed to each Shareholder at the address of each
Shareholder
as it appears on the books of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice, of a meeting may
[ILLEGIBLE] waived by an instrument in writing executed before or after the meeting. The waiver need not
[ILLEGIBLE] the purpose of the meeting or the business transacted. Attendance at such meeting in
person
12
or by proxy shall constitute a waiver of notice thereof. Notice of any special meeting of
Shareholders shall state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.
Section 8.5 Meeting of all Shareholders. If all of the Shareholders shall meet at any time
and place, either within or outside of the State of Georgia, and consent to the holding of a
meeting at such time and place, such meeting shall be valid without call or notice, and at such
meeting any lawful action may be taken.
Section 8.6 Record Date. For the purpose of determining Shareholders entitled to notice of or
to vote at any meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or Shareholders entitled to
receive payment of any distribution, or in order to make a determination of Shareholders for any
other purpose, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the
resolution declaring such distribution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date
for such determination of Shareholders. When a determination of Shareholders entitled to vote at
any meeting of Shareholders has been made as provided in this Section 8.6, such determination
shall apply to any adjournment thereof.
Section 8.7 Quorum. At all meetings of Shareholders, a majority of the outstanding Shares
held by Shareholders represented at the meeting in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum at any such meeting, a majority of the
Shares so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time for a period not to exceed sixty
(60) days without further notice. However, if at the adjournment a new record date is fixed
for
the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Shareholder of
record entitled to vote at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be
present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the
meeting as originally noticed. The Shareholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue
to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal during such meeting of that
number of Shares whose absence would cause less than a quorum to be present.
Section 8.8 Manner of Acting. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of Shareholders
holding a majority of the Shares represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote shall be the act of the Shareholders, unless the vote of a greater or lesser proportion or
number is otherwise required by the Georgia Act, by the Articles of Organization, or by this
Operating Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein or required under applicable law,
Shareholders who have an interest (economic or otherwise) in the outcome of any particular matter
upon which the Shareholders vote or consent may vote or consent upon any such matter and their
vote or consent, as the case may be, shall be counted in the determination of whether the
requisite matter was approved by the Shareholders.
Section 8.9 Actions Requiring Shareholder Approval. In addition to specific
requirements for Shareholder action specified elsewhere in this Operating Agreement:
(a) The Shareholders shall have the right, by the affirmative vote of Shareholders holding at
least a majority of the Shares held by Shareholders to approve (i) the sale, exchange, or other
disposition of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets (other than in the ordinary
course of the Company’s business) which is to occur as part of a single transaction or plan, (ii)
any merger of the Company into another Person, if the Company shall not be the survivor of the
Merger and (iii) subject to Xxxxxxx’ rights under the last sentence of Section 5.2 above, election
of Managers to the Board of Managers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, during the
first year of
13
this Operating Agreement only, the actions specified in clauses (i) and (ii) of this section
8.9(a) may ,not be effected without the approval of Shareholders holding at least 81% of the
outstanding Shares.
(b) The Shareholders shall have the right, by the affirmative vote of Shareholders
holding at least 81% of the Shares held by Shareholders to approve the amendment of the
Operating
Agreement (other than an amendment to reflect the designation by the Board of Managers of any
special class or series of authorized but unissued Shares pursuant to the authority granted to
the
Board of Managers pursuant to Section 5.8(1) hereof).
(c) The Shareholders shall have the right, by the affirmative vote of Shareholders
holding 100% of the Shares held by Shareholders, to approve the admission of new Shareholders
as
provided in Article 14 hereof.
Section 8.10 Proxies. At all meetings of Shareholders, a Shareholder may vote in person or by
proxy executed in writing by the Shareholder or by a duly authorized attorney-in-fact. Such proxy
shall be filed with the Board of Managers of the Company before or at the time of the meeting. No
proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided
in the proxy.
Section 8.11 Action by Shareholders Without a Meeting. Action required or permitted to be
taken at a meeting of Shareholders may be taken without a meeting if the action is evidenced by
one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by the Shareholders holding a
majority of the outstanding Shares held by Shareholders, or such greater number as may be required
to approve such action and delivered to the Board of Managers of the Company for inclusion in the minutes or for filing with the Company records. Action taken under this Section 8.11 is effective
when the Shareholders required to approve such action have signed the consent, unless the consent
specifies a different effective date. The record date for determining Shareholders entitled to
take action without a meeting shall be the date the first Shareholder signs a written consent.
Section 8.12 Waiver of Notice. When any notice is required to be given to any Shareholder, a
waiver thereof in writing signed by the person entitled to such notice, whether before, at, or
after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice.
Section 8.13 Meeting by Telephone; Action by Consent. Shareholders may also meet by
conference telephone call if all Shareholders can hear one another on such call and the requisite
notice is given or waived.
ARTICLE 9
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL, CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS, AND LOANS
Section 9.1 Authorized Number of Shares. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued by
the Company is 500, of which 100 Shares shall be issued to the initial Shareholders upon the
execution of this Operating Agreement. The Board of Managers, shall have the authority without
Shareholder action to issue all authorized but unissued Shares (including Treasury Shares) for such
consideration as the Board of Managers deems appropriate. Pursuant to Section 5.8(1) hereof, the
Board of Managers has the right, without Shareholder action to fix the terms of any special class
or series of authorized but unissued Shares.
14
Section 9.2 Share Certificates. Shares shall be evidenced by a numbered certificate in such
form as shall be approved by the Board of Managers, signed by the CEO or President and the
Secretary. Any such Share certificates shall be kept in a book and shall be issued in consecutive
order therefrom. The name of the person owning the Shares, the number of Shares, and the date of
issue shall be entered on the stub of each certificate. Share certificates exchanged or returned
shall be canceled by the Secretary and returned to their original place in the Share book.
Section 9.3 Transfer of Shares. Transfers of Shares shall be made on the Share books of the
Company by the Transferring Shareholder in person or by power of attorney, upon surrender of the
old certificate evidencing the Shares to be transferred, duly assigned to the transferee, and only
upon compliance with the provisions of this Operating Agreement.
Section 9.4 Capital Contributions. Each initial Shareholder has made a Capital Contribution
as set forth in Schedule 1 attached hereto and each Person who thereafter purchases Shares from
the Company shall make a Capital Contribution in an amount determined by the Board
of Managers.
Section 9.5 Additional Contributions. Except as set forth in Section 9.4 hereof, no
Shareholder shall be required to make any Capital Contributions or loans to the Company. To the
extent approved by the Board of Managers and by the affirmative vote of Shareholders holding 100%
of the Shares held by Shareholders, from time to time Shareholders may be permitted to make
additional Capital Contributions and/or loans if and to the extent they so desire, and if the
Board of Managers determine that such additional Capital Contributions and/or loans are necessary
or appropriate in connection with the conduct of the Company’s business (including without
limitation, expansion or diversification). In such event, Shareholders shall have the opportunity
(but not the obligation) to participate in such additional Capital Contributions and/or loans on a
pro rata basis in accordance with the number of Shares held of record.
Section 9.6 Withdrawal or Reduction of Contributions to Capital.
(a) A Shareholder shall not receive out of the Company’s property any part of
such Shareholder’s Capital Contribution until all liabilities of the Company, except
liabilities to
Shareholder on account of their Capital Contributions, have been paid or there remains
property of
the Company sufficient to pay them.
(b) A Shareholder, irrespective of the nature of such Shareholder’s Capital
Contribution, has only the right to demand and receive cash in return for such Capital
Contribution.
ARTICLE 10
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 10.1 Other Distributions. All distributions of cash or other property shall be made
to Shareholders only using Distributable Cash, as follows:
(a) First, to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders until they have received their full
Preferred Returns, such distribution to be in proportion to their accrued but unpaid Preferred
Returns;
15
(b) Next, to the Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders in the proportion
that the positive Capital Account balance of each such Shareholder and Economic Interest
Holder
bears to the positive Capital Account balance of all such Shareholders and Economic Interest
Holders
until such balances are reduced to zero;
(c) Finally, to all Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders pro rata in
accordance with the ratio that the number of Shares held of record by such Shareholder and
Economic Interest Holder bears to all Shares then outstanding.
Section 10.2 Minimum Distributions. The Company shall, unless restricted or prohibited by the
Georgia Act or unless the Board of Managers unanimously determines otherwise, make at least
annually distributions of Distributable Cash to Shareholders in an amount that is deemed by the
Board of Managers sufficient to pay the combined estimated federal and state income tax liability
of Shareholders resulting solely from inclusion of the operating results of the Company on the
personal tax returns of the Shareholders. The Board of Managers shall not be required to consider
the personal circumstances of Shareholders in making a determination of the estimated combined
federal and state income tax liability of the Shareholders, and may make an assumption as to the
“tax bracket” applicable to Shareholders as a group.
Section 10.3 Limitation Upon Distributions. No distribution shall be made to Shareholders if
the distribution is prohibited by the Georgia Act, and no distribution shall be made to
Shareholders except from Distributable Cash.
Section 10.4 Interest On and Return of Capital Contributions. No Shareholder or Economic
Interest Holder shall be entitled to interest on its Capital Contribution or to the return of its
Capital Contribution, except as otherwise specifically provided for herein.
Section 10.5 Loans to Company. Nothing in this Operating Agreement shall prevent any
Shareholder from making secured or unsecured loans to the Company by agreement with the Company in
accordance with Section 5.8(b).
Section 10.6 Prepayment of Distributions to Xxxxxxx. Provided the Company is not in default
(or will not be in default as a result of any distributions contemplated by this Section 10.6) of
(a) any of its principal and interest payment obligations on indebtedness of the Company and all
other sums due to lenders, and (b) any amounts due to FNFS pursuant to transactions described in
Section 5.8(b) or Section 5.8(h), during the term of the Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement, at Xxxxxxx’
request, the Company shall advance to Xxxxxxx, on a quarterly basis, an amount equal to twenty-five
percent 25% of the product of (i) the Company’s pre-tax profits, as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, for the immediately preceding quarter, multiplied by (ii)
the percentage of the Shares owned by Xxxxxxx relative to the total issued and outstanding Shares
in the Company (the “Advances”). All such Advances shall be offset dollar for dollar against the
amount of distributions to which Xxxxxxx would otherwise be entitled under this Operating
Agreement. To the extent that the Advances in any calendar year during the term of Xxxxxxx’
employment with the Company under the Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement (pro-rated for any partial
employment year), exceeds the distributions to which Xxxxxxx would otherwise have been entitled
under this Operating Agreement, then such excess shall be deemed a loan by the Company to Xxxxxxx,
which excess amount shall be immediately due and payable following the final determination by the
Board of Managers of the amount of distributions under this Operating Agreement for the applicable
calendar year. Failure by Xxxxxxx to pay such excess amount when due
16
[ILLEGIBLE] be a material breach of this Operating Agreement entitling the Company and the other
Shareholders to all of their rights and remedies under this Operating Agreement, at law or in
equity, including without limitation the right to offset such amounts against future
distributions, or Xxxxxxx’ Base Salary (as defined in the Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement) and/or
bonus payments.
ARTICLE 11
ALLOCATIONS
Section 11.1 Net Profits. Net Profits shall be allocated for
each Fiscal Year as follows:
(a) First, to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders until the Net Profits
allocated to them for such Fiscal Year and all prior Fiscal Years is equal to the aggregate
amount of
the Net Losses allocated to them pursuant to Section 11.2(c) hereof for all prior Fiscal
Years, such
allocation to be in the amount that the Net Losses allocated to each of them pursuant to
Section 11.2(c) hereof bears to the Net Losses allocated to all of them under that Section;
(b) Next, to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders until the Net Profits
allocated to them for such Fiscal Year and all prior Fiscal Years is equal to the aggregate
amount of
Net Losses allocated to them under Section 11.2(b) hereof for all prior Fiscal Years; such
allocation
to be in the proportion that the Net Losses allocated to each of them pursuant to that Section
11.2(b)
hereof is to the Net Losses allocated to all of them pursuant to that Section 11.2(b) hereof;
(c) Next, to the Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders to the extent of and
in proportion to their cumulative Preferred Returns;
(d) Finally, to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders in the ratio that the
number of Shares held by such Shareholder or Economic Interest Holder bears to all Shares then
outstanding.
Section 11.2 Net Losses. Net Losses shall be allocated:
(a) First, to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders until the aggregate
amount of Net Losses allocated to them for such fiscal year and all prior fiscal years is
equal to the
aggregate Net Profit allocated to them pursuant to Section 11.1(c) hereof for all prior
Fiscal Years;
such allocation to be in the amount of the Net Profit allocated to each of them pursuant to
that
Section;
(b) Next, to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders whose Capital
Accounts reflect an initial Capital Contribution, in the proportion that the positive capital
account
balances of each of such Shareholders bears to the positive capital account balances of all
Shareholders, until the capital account balances of such Shareholders equal zero;
(c) Finally, the balance, to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders in the
ratio that the number of Shares held by such Shareholder or Economic Interest Holder bears to
all
Shares then outstanding.
Section 11.3 Alternative Allocations. It is the intent of the Shareholders that each
Shareholder’s distributive share of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit (or item thereof) be
determined and allocated consistently with the provisions of the Code, including Sections 704(b)
and
17
7[ILLEGIBLE] of the Code. If in connection with the issuance of Shares or New Securities pursuant
to the provisions hereof, or for any other reason, the Managers deem it necessary in order to
comply with the Code, the Managers may, and hereby are, authorized and directed to allocate
income, gain, loss, deduction or credit (or items thereof) arising in any year differently than as
provided for in this Article if, and to the extent, (i) that allocating income, gain, loss,
deduction or credit (or item thereof) would cause the determinations and allocations of each
Shareholder’s distributive share of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit (or item thereof) not
to be permitted by the Code and any Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder or (ii) such
allocation would be inconsistent with a Shareholder’s interest in the Company taking into
consideration all facts and circumstances. Any allocation made pursuant to this Section shall be
deemed to be a complete substitute for any allocation otherwise provided for in this Operating
Agreement, and no further amendment of this Operating Agreement or approval by any Shareholder
shall be required to effectuate such allocation. In making any such allocations under this Section
(“New Allocations”) the Managers are authorized to act in reliance upon advice of counsel to the
Company or the Company’s regular certified public accountants that, in their opinions after
examining the relevant provisions of the Code and any current or future proposed or final Treasury
Regulations thereunder, the New Allocation is necessary in order to ensure that, in either the
then-current year or in any preceding year, each Shareholder’s distributive share of income, gain,
loss, deduction or credit (or items thereof) are determined and allocated in accordance with the
Code and the Shareholder’s interests in the Company.
New Allocations made by the Managers in reliance upon the advice of counsel and
accountants as described above shall be deemed to be made in the best interests of the Company and
all of the Shareholders consistent with the duties of the Managers hereunder and any such New
Allocations shall not give rise to any claim or cause of action by any Shareholder or Economic
interest Holder against the Company or any Manager.
ARTICLE 12
BOOKS AND RECORDS
Section 12.1 Accounting Period. The Company’s accounting period shall be the calendar
year.
Section 12.2 Records, Audits and Reports. The Company shall maintain records and accounts of
all operations and expenditures of the Company. The Company shall keep at its principal place of
business the following records:
(a) A current list of the full name and last known address of each Shareholder,
Economic Interest Owner and Manager;
(b) Copies of records to enable a Shareholder to determine the relative voting
rights of each Shareholder, if any;
(c) A copy of the Articles of Organization of the Company and all amendments
thereto;
(d) Copies of the Company’s federal, state, and local income tax returns and
reports, if any, for the three most recent years;
18
(e) Copies of the Company’s written Operating Agreement, together with any
amendments thereto; and
(f) Copies of any financial statements of the Company for the three most recent
years.
Section 12.3 Tax Returns. The Board of Managers shall cause the preparation and timely filing
of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company pursuant to the Code and all other tax
returns deemed necessary and required in each jurisdiction in which the Company does business.
Copies of such returns, or pertinent information therefrom, shall be furnished to the Shareholders
within a reasonable time after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.
Section 12.4 Financial Statements, Reports, Etc. The Company shall furnish to each
Shareholder:
(a) within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the
Company, a balance sheet of the Company, as of the end of such fiscal year and the related
statements of income, Shareholders’ equity, and changes in cash flows for such fiscal year,
prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(b) within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal month, other than the last
month in each fiscal year, a balance sheet of the Company and an income statement of the
Company,
unaudited, but prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) promptly following receipt by the Company, each audit response letter,
accountant’s management letter and other written report submitted to the Company by its
independent public accountants in connection with an annual or interim audit of the books of
the
Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(d) promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of all actions, suits, claims,
proceedings, investigations, and inquiries that could materially adversely affect the Company;
(e) promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding the business,
prospects, financial condition, operations, property, or affairs of the Company as the
Shareholders
may reasonably may request.
Section 12.5 Board of Managers Meetings. The Company shall use its best efforts to ensure
that meetings of the Board of Managers of the Company are held at least four (4) times each year
and at least once each quarter.
Section 12.6 Compliance with Laws. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, rules,
regulations, and orders, noncompliance with which could materially adversely affect its business
or condition, financial or otherwise.
Section 12.7 Keeping of Records and Books of Account. The Company shall keep adequate records
and books of account, in which complete entries will be made in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, consistently applied, reflecting all financial transactions of the Company
and in which, for each fiscal year, all proper reserves for depreciation, depletion, obsolescence,
amortization, taxes, bad debts, and other purposes in connection with its business shall be made.
19
ARTICLE 13
TRANSFERABILITY
Section 13.1 Transfer Restricted. Except for a transfer in accordance with Article 16, no
Shareholder Interest in the Company may be transferred to a Person without the prior written
unanimous approval of (a) all of the Managers and (b) Shareholders holding Shares constituting at
least 66.67% of all Shares. No Shareholder may Dispose of such Shareholder’s Economic Interest in
the Company evidenced by the Shares unless such Disposition is a Permitted Disposition.
Section 13.2 Termination of Non-Economic Interest of a Person who is not a Shareholder. Upon
and contemporaneously with any Permitted Disposition of a Transferring Shareholder’s Economic
Interest in the Company in connection with a Permitted Disposition (except for a Permitted
Disposition described in paragraph (c) of the definition of Permitted Disposition), the Company
shall purchase from the Transferring Shareholder, and the Transferring Shareholder shall sell to
the Company for a purchase price of $100.00, all remaining rights and interest retained by the
Transferring Shareholder which immediately prior to such Permitted Disposition comprised that
portion of the Shareholder Interest which was not the Economic Interest. It is the intent of this
Section that no Person shall be a Shareholder if such person has made a Disposition of all Shares
previously held by such Shareholder, unless the Disposition is to a Shareholder or such
Shareholder’s immediate family, as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16 of the
Exchange Act or a trust established for their benefit, in which event, the Transferring
Shareholder shall remain a Shareholder and shall have the right to vote all Shares transferred by
such Shareholder to the Economic Interest Holder.
Section 13.3 Successors to Economic Rights. References in this Operating Agreement to a
Shareholder shall also be deemed to constitute a reference to an Economic Interest Owners where
the provision relates to economic rights and obligations. By way of illustration and not
limitation, such provisions would include those regarding Capital Accounts, distributions,
allocations and contributions. A transferee shall succeed to the transferor’s Capital
Contributions and Capital Account to the extent related to the Economic Interest transferred,
regardless of whether such transferee becomes a Member.
ARTICLE 14
ADMISSION OF NEW SHAREHOLDERS
At any time after the date of the formation of the Company, any Person, including a person
who, by virtue of a Permitted Disposition becomes a holder of an Economic Interest in the Company
(a “Permitted Transferee”) may become a Shareholder if (a) such Person is approved in writing by
all of the Managers and (b) the admission of such Person as a Shareholder is approved in writing by
Shareholders holding 100% of the outstanding Shares held by Shareholders. Upon the occurrence of
(a) and (b) in the preceding sentence, such Person shall be admitted as a Shareholder of the
Company by (i) executing a counterpart of this Operating Agreement and (ii) if the Person is not a
transferee in connection with a Permitted Disposition, the payment of a Capital Contribution in an
amount determined by the Board of Managers. Upon delivery to the Company of cash in an amount equal
to such Capital Contribution, the Company shall issue a certificate evidencing the number of Shares
purchased in connection with the Shareholder Interest acquired by such Person. No additional
Shareholders (or substitute Shareholders) shall be entitled to any retroactive allocation of
losses,
20
[ILLEGIBLE] or expense deductions incurred by the Company. The Board of Managers may, at the time a
Shareholder is admitted, close the Company books (as though the Company’s tax year had ended) or
make pro rata allocations of loss, income, and expense deductions to a new Shareholder for that
portion of the Company’s tax year in which a Shareholder was admitted in accordance with the
provisions of 706(d) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
ARTICLE 15
DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION
Section 15.1 Dissolution.
(a) The Company shall be dissolved only upon the vote or written consent of
Shareholders holding at least a majority of the Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary
above, during the first year of this Operating Agreement only, the actions specified in this
Section
15.1(a) may not be effected without the approval of Shareholders holding at least 81% of the
outstanding Shares.
outstanding Shares.
(b) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Georgia Act or this Operating
Agreement to the contrary, the Company will not be dissolved upon the sale of all or
substantially all
of the Company’s assets and the collection of all proceeds therefrom, or on the occurrence of
an
event specified in Section 14-11-601(a)(1) [relating to voluntary withdrawal of a
shareholder],
Section 00-00-000 (a)(2) [relating to cessation of shareholder status in certain
circumstances],
Section 14-11-601(a)(3) [relating to removal of a shareholder] or Section 14-11-601(a)(4)
[relating to
[ILLEGIBLE] of a shareholder’s interest] Section 14-11-601(a)(5) [relating to various
voluntary insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings or dissolution], Section 14-11-601(a)(6) [relating
to various involuntary insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings or dissolution] or Section
14-11-601(a)(7) [relating to death or incompetency of a member] of the Georgia Act (collectively
an “Event of Dissociation”).
(c) Any successor in interest of the Shareholder as to whom the Event of
Dissociation occurred shall become an Economic Interest Owner but shall not be admitted as a
Shareholder except in accordance with Article 14 hereof.
(d) A Shareholder shall not voluntarily withdraw from the Company or take any
other voluntary action which causes an Event of Dissociation. A Shareholder shall have no
right to
withdraw from the Company under Section 14-11-601(c) of the Georgia Act or otherwise.
(e) Subject to the purchase prices required to be paid under Section 16 above in
the event FNFS exercises its option to purchase, unless otherwise approved by Shareholders
holding
at least a majority of the Shares held by the other Shareholders, a Shareholder who suffers or
incurs
an Event of Dissociation or whose status as a Shareholder is otherwise terminated (a
“Withdrawing
Shareholder”), regardless of whether such termination was the result of a voluntary act by
such
Withdrawing Shareholder, shall not be entitled to receive the fair value of his Shareholder
Interest,
and such Withdrawing Shareholder shall become an Economic Interest Owner.
(f) Damages for breach of Section 15.1(d) may be offset against distributions by
the Company to which the Withdrawing Shareholder would otherwise be entitled.
21
Section 15.2 Effect of Dissolution. Upon dissolution, if the business of the Company is not
continued, the Company shall commence to wind up its affairs and shall file a statement of
commencement of winding up, and publish the notice permitted by the Georgia Act.
Section 15.3 Winding Up, Liquidation and Distribution of Assets.
(a) Upon dissolution, an accounting shall be made by the Company’s
independent accountants of the accounts of the Company and of the Company’s assets,
liabilities,
and operations, from the date of the last previous accounting until the date of dissolution.
The
Manager(s) shall then immediately begin to wind up the affairs of the Company consistent with
maximization of realization as to the Company’s assets. All Shareholders acknowledge that
final
collection of such indebtedness and distribution with respect thereto may extend over a period
of
years and that winding up will proceed consistently with the foregoing.
(b) If the Company is dissolved and its affairs are to be wound up, the Board
Managers shall:
(i) Sell or otherwise liquidate all of the Company’s assets consistent with realization of
full value of such assets and collection of any assets outstanding (except to the extent the
Manager(s) may determine to distribute any assets to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders in
kind),
(ii) Allocate any profit or loss resulting from such sales to Shareholders in accordance with
Article 11 hereof,
(iii) Discharge all liabilities of the Company, including liabilities to Shareholders who are
creditors, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, other than liabilities to Shareholders for
distributions, and establish such Reserves as may be reasonably necessary to provide for
contingent or liabilities of the Company,
(iv) The remaining assets shall be distributed to Shareholders and
Economic Interest Holders, either in cash or in kind, as determined by the Board of Managers,
with any assets distributed in kind being valued for this purpose at their fair market value, in
accordance with the positive balance (if any) in each Shareholder’s or Economic Interest Holder’s
Capital Account (as determined after taking into account all Capital Account adjustments for the
Company’s taxable year during which the liquidation occurs) with the balance, if any, being
distributed pro rata to the Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders in accordance with the
Economic Interests held by such holders. Any such distributions in respect of their Capital
Accounts shall be made in accordance with the time requirements set forth in Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
(v) If any assets of the Company are to be distributed in kind, the net fair market value of
such assets as of the date of dissolution shall be determined by independent appraisal or by the
Board of Managers. Such assets shall be deemed to have been sold as of the date of dissolution for
their fair market value, and the Capital Accounts of Shareholders shall be adjusted pursuant to the
provisions of this Operating Agreement to reflect such deemed sale.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Operating Agreement, upon
a liquidation within the meaning of Section 1.704-l(b)(2)(ii)(g) of the Treasury Regulations,
if any
22
Shareholder or Economic Interest Holder has a deficit Capital Account (after giving effect to all
contributions, distributions, allocations, and other Capital Account adjustments for all taxable
years, including the year during which such liquidation occurs), such Shareholder or Economic
Interest Holder shall have no obligation to make a Capital Contribution sufficient to eliminate
the negative balance of such Shareholder’s Capital Account.
(d) Upon completion of the winding up, liquidation, and distribution of the assets, the
Company shall be deemed terminated.
Section 15.4 Certificate of Termination. When all debts, liabilities, and obligations have
been paid and discharged or adequate provisions have been made therefor and all of the remaining
property and assets have been distributed to Shareholders and Economic Interest Holders, a
certificate evidencing such termination may be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of
Georgia in accordance with the Georgia Act.
Section 15.5 Return of Contribution Nonrecourse to Other Shareholders. Upon dissolution, each
Shareholder and Economic Interest Holder shall look solely to the assets of the Company for the
return of such Shareholder’s Capital Account. If the Company property remaining after the payment
or discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Company is insufficient to return the Capital
Account of one or more Shareholder or Economic Interest Holder, including, without limitation, all
or any part of that Capital Account attributable to Capital Contributions, then such Shareholders
shall have no recourse against the Company, any Manager, or any other Shareholder.
ARTICLE 16
OPTION TO PURCHASE UNITS OF XXXXXXX
Section 16.1 Option to Purchase. In the event Xxxxxxx is no longer employed by the Company,
regardless of the reason therefore (the “Option Event”), FNFS shall have the option to purchase
all of the Shares and all of the Shareholder Interest of Xxxxxxx in the Company as described in
this Article 16, for the price and upon the terms set forth in this Article 16.
Section 16.2 Exercise of Option. Xxxxxxx or his legal representative and the Company shall
give written notice to FNFS immediately upon the occurrence of the Option Event and in no event
more than ten (10) days after the occurrence of the Option Event. Upon receipt of written notice
of the occurrence of the Option Event and for a period often (10) years thereafter, FNFS shall
have the first option to purchase all of the Shares of the Xxxxxxx.
Section 16.3 Notice of Exercise of Option. If FNFS elects to purchase all of the Shares of
Xxxxxxx, FNFS shall deliver to the Secretary of the Company a written election to purchase said
Shares during such ten (10) year period after the FNFS’s receipt of notice of the Option Event. The
option set forth in this Article 16 may not be exercised unless FNFS purchases all of the Shares of
Xxxxxxx.
23
Section 16.4 Purchase Price for Units. The purchase price to be paid by FNFS upon the
[ILLEGIBLE] of any option to purchase Shares under this Article 16 (the “Buyout Purchase Price”
shall be determined as follows:
(a) If Xxxxxxx is terminated for Cause (as defined in the Xxxxxxx Employment
Agreement), or resigns his employment with the Company:
(i) If such termination for Cause or resignation occurs within one (1) year of January 1, 2002
(the “Start Date”), then the Buyout Purchase Price shall be the greater of (i) one million dollars
($1,000,000), or (ii) an amount equal to the product of (x) six (6) multiplied by (y)the pre-tax
profit of the Company during the preceding twelve (12) months, determined in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, multiplied by (z) the percentage of the total outstanding
Shares that are owned by Xxxxxxx (e.g., currently 20%);
(ii) If such termination for Cause or resignation occurs more than one (1) year but less than
two (2) years from the Start Date, then the Buyout Purchase Price shall be the greater of (i) two
million dollars ($2,000,000), or (ii) an amount equal to the product of (x) six (6) multiplied by
(y) the pre-tax profit of the Company during the preceding twelve (12) months, determined in
accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, multiplied by (z) the percentage of the
total outstanding Shares that are owned by Xxxxxxx (e.g., currently 20%);
(iii) If such termination for Cause or resignation occurs more than two (2) years following
the Start Date, including at any time following the expiration of the term of the Xxxxxxx
Employment Agreement, then the Buyout Purchase Price shall be the greater of (i) three million
dollars ($3,000,000), or (ii) an amount equal to the product of (x) six (6) multiplied by (y) the
pre-tax profit of the Company during the preceding twelve (12) months, determined in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, multiplied by (z) the percentage of the total
outstanding Shares that are owned by Xxxxxxx (e.g., currently 20%).
(b) If Xxxxxxx is terminated without Cause (as defined in the Xxxxxxx Employment
Agreement) at any time during or after the term of the Xxxxxxx Employment Agreement, then the
Buyout Purchase Price shall be the greater of (i) four million dollars ($4,000,000), or (ii)
an amount
equal to the product of (x) six (6) multiplied by (y) the pre-tax profit of the Company during
the
preceding twelve (12) months, determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles, multiplied by (z) the percentage of the total outstanding Shares that are owned by
Xxxxxxx
(e.g., currently 20%).
Section 16.5 Binding Effect. The value determined pursuant to this Article 16 shall be
binding upon the parties to this Agreement, their legal representatives, and their successors in
interest for purposes of purchases and sales made pursuant to this Article 16.
Section 16.6 Payment of Purchase Price. The Buyout Purchase Price shall, at the option
of FNFS in its sole discretion, be paid by delivery of (a) 100% of the Buyout Purchase Price by
check or wire transfer at the closing of such buyout, or (b) twenty percent (20%) of the Buyout
Purchase Price by check or wire transfer at the closing of such buyout, and the remaining eighty
percent (80%) in the form of an unsecured promissory note executed by FNFS, payable to the order
of Xxxxxxx, and bearing interest at the Prime Rate in effect on the date of the closing plus two
percentage points, with accrued and unpaid interest being due on each principal installment
payment date. The principal amount of such note shall be payable in twenty (20) equal quarterly
installments.
24
Payment of quarterly installments shall commence on the first three-month anniversary of the
closing price of any purchase of Shares pursuant to this Article 16. Said note will call for
payments within, and be construed by the laws of, the then domicile State of Xxxxxxx and will
require maker to be responsible for all enforcement and collection costs and fees in the event of a
default thereunder.
Section 16.7 Agreement to Transfer. Xxxxxxx agrees that upon receipt of the cash portion of
the Buyout Purchase Price and delivery of the Note for such remainder of the Purchase Price, in
connection with the purchase of Xxxxxxx’ Shares pursuant to this Article 16, Xxxxxxx shall deliver
all documents that are required to transfer the Shares to FNFS. If Xxxxxxx or his or her legal
representative shall refuse to do so, the Company shall nevertheless enter the transfer on its
Member records and hold such consideration available for Xxxxxxx his or her legal representative,
and thereafter all voting rights of such Shares shall be exercised by the designated transferees
of such Shares under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 17
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 17.1 Application of Georgia Law. This Operating Agreement, and the application of
interpretation hereof, shall be governed exclusively by its terms and by the laws of the State of
Georgia, and specifically the Georgia Act.
Section 17.2 No Action for Partition. No Shareholder or Economic Interest Holder has any
right to maintain any action for partition with respect to the property of the Company.
Section 17.3 Execution of Additional Instruments. Each Shareholder hereby agrees to execute
such other and further statements of interest and holdings, designations, powers of attorney and
other instruments necessary to comply with any laws, rules or regulations.
Section 17.4 Construction. Whenever the singular number is used in this Operating Agreement
and when required by the context, the same shall include the plural and vice versa, and the
masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa.
Section 17.5 Headings. The headings in this Operating Agreement are inserted for convenience
only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent or
intent of this Operating Agreement or any provision hereof.
Section 17.6 Waivers. The failure of any party to seek redress for violation of or to insist
upon the strict performance of any covenant or condition of this Operating Agreement shall not
prevent a subsequent act, which would have originally constituted a violation, from having the
effect of an original violation.
Section 17.7 Rights and Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies provided by this
Operating Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not
preclude or waive the right not use any or all other remedies. Such rights and remedies are given
in addition to any other rights the parties may have by law, statute, ordinance, or otherwise.
Section 17.8 Severability. If any provision of this Operating Agreement or the application
[ILLEGIBLE] to any person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable to any extent, the
25
remainder of this Operating Agreement and the application thereof shall not be affected
and shall be [ILLEGIBLE] to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Section 17.9 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Each and all of the covenants, terms, provisions
and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and, to the extent permitted by this Operating Agreement, their respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors, and assigns.
Section 17.10 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Operating Agreement shall be for the
benefit of or enforceable by any creditor of the Company.
Section 17.11 Counterparts. This Operating Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 17.12 Federal Income Tax Elections; Tax Matters Partner. All elections required or
permitted to be made by the Company under the Code shall be made by the Board of Managers as
determined in their sole discretion. For all purposes permitted or required by the Code, the
Shareholders constitute and appoint Xxxxxx X. Prior as Tax Matters Manager or, if Xxxxxx X. Prior
is no longer a Manager, then such other Shareholder as shall be designated by the Shareholders
holding a majority of the Shares. The provisions on limitations of liability of the Shareholders
and Managers contained herein and indemnification in Section 5.10 hereof shall be fully applicable
to the Tax Matters Manager in his or her capacity as such. The Tax Matters Manager may resign at
any time by giving written notice to the Company and each of the other Shareholders. Upon the
signature of the Tax Matters Manager, a new Tax Matters Manager shall be elected by Majority
Consent of the Members.
Section 17.13 Certification of Non-Foreign Status. In order to comply with §1445 of the Code
and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder, in the event of the disposition by the Company
of a United States real property interest as defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations, each
Shareholder shall provide to the Company, an affidavit stating, under penalties of perjury,
(a) the Shareholder’s address, (b) United States
taxpayer identification number, and (c) that the
Shareholder is not a foreign person as that term is defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations.
Failure by any Shareholder to provide such affidavit by the date of such disposition shall
authorize
the Board of Managers to withhold ten percent (10%) of each such Shareholder’s distributive Share
of the amount realized by the Company on the disposition.
Section 17.14 Notices. Any and all notices, offers, demands, or elections required or
permitted to be made under this Operating Agreement (“Notices”) shall be in writing, signed by the
party giving such Notice, and shall be deemed given and effective (a) when hand-delivered (either
in person by the party giving such notice, or by its designated agent, or by commercial courier)
or
(b) on the third (3rd) business day (which term means a day when the United States Postal Service,
or
its legal successor (“Postal Service”) is making regular deliveries of mail on all of its regularly
appointed week-day rounds in Atlanta, Georgia) following the day (as evidenced by proof of
mailing) upon which such notice is deposited, postage pre-paid, certified mail, return receipt
requested, with the Postal Service, and
26
(a) if to the Company:
NewInvoice, L.L.C.
Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, CEO
Telephone:
Telecopy:
Telephone:
Telecopy:
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, President
(b) if to a Shareholder or Economic Interest Holder, to the Shareholder’s or
Economic Interest Holder’s address as reflected in the Share ownership records of the Company
or as
the Shareholders shall designate to the Company in writing.
Section 17.15 Amendments. Any amendment to this Operating Agreement shall be made in writing
and signed by Shareholders holding at least eighty-one percent (81%) of the Shares held by
Shareholders.
Section 17.16 Banking. All funds of the Company shall be deposited in its name in an account
or accounts as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Managers. All funds of the
Company shall be used solely for the business of the Company. All withdrawals from the Company
bank accounts shall be made only upon check signed by Officers or by such other persons as the
Board of Managers may designate from time to time.
Section 17.17 Arbitration. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection
with, or relating to, this Operating Agreement or any breach or alleged breach hereof shall, upon
the request of any party involved, be submitted to, and settled by, arbitration in the City of
Atlanta, State of Georgia, pursuant to the commercial arbitration rules then in effect of the
American Arbitration Association (or at any time or at any other place or under any other form of
arbitration mutually acceptable to the parties so involved). Any award rendered shall be final and
conclusive upon the parties and a judgment thereon may be entered in the highest court of the
forum, state or federal, having jurisdiction. The expenses of the arbitration shall be borne
equally by the parties to the arbitration, provided that each party shall pay for and bear the
cost of its own experts, evidence and counsel’s fees, except that in the discretion of the
arbitrator, any award may include the cost of a party’s counsel if the arbitrator expressly
determines that the party against whom such award is entered has caused the dispute, controversy
or claim to be submitted to arbitration as a dilatory tactic.
Section 17.18 Determination of Matters Not Provided For In This Operating Agreement. The Board
of Managers shall decide any questions arising with respect to the Company and this Operating
Agreement which are not specifically or expressly provided for in this Operating
Agreement.
27
Section 17.19 Further Assurances. Each Shareholder agrees to cooperate, and to execute and
deliver in a timely fashion any and all additional documents necessary to effectuate the purposes
of the Company and this Operating Agreement.
Section 17.20 Legends. Any certificate evidencing Shares shall bear the following legends:
On the face of the certificate:
“TRANSFER OF SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS RESTRICTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
CONDITIONS PRINTED ON THE REVERSE OF THIS CERTIFICATE.”
On the reverse:
“THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO AND TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THAT CERTAIN OPERATING AGREEMENT OF NEWINVOICE, L.L.C. A COPY OF
WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMPANY IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA. NO
TRANSFER OR PLEDGE OF THE SHARES EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY BE MADE EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE
WITH AND SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SAID AGREEMENT. BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS
CERTIFICATE, ANY HOLDER, TRANSFEREE OR PLEDGEE HEREOF AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF
THE PROVISIONS OF SAID AGREEMENT.”
“SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE HOLDER FOR
INVESTMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR RESALE, TRANSFER OR DISTRIBUTION, HAVE BEEN
ISSUED PURSUANT TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICABLE STATE
AND FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED
OTHER THAN PURSUANT TO EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH LAWS, OR IN TRANSACTIONS
OTHERWISE IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS, AND UPON EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO THE
COMPANY OF COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS, AS TO WHICH THE COMPANY MAY RELY UPON AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY.”
Each Shareholder shall promptly surrender the certificates representing Shares to the Company
so that the Company may affix the foregoing legends thereto. A copy of this Operating Agreement
shall be kept on file in the principal office of the Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon termination
of all applicable restrictions set forth herein and upon tender to the Company of the appropriate
stock certificates, the Company shall reissue to the holder of such certificates new certificates
which shall contain only the second paragraph of the restrictive legend set forth above. This
legend may be modified from time to time by the Board of Managers of the Company to conform to
such statutes or to this Operating Agreement.
Section 17.21 Investment Representations. In addition to the restrictions on transfer set
forth above, each Shareholder understands that Shareholder must bear the economic risk of this
investment for an indefinite period of time because the Shares are not registered under the 1933
Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction. Each Shareholder has been advised
that there is no public market for the Shares and that the Shares are not being registered under
the 1933 Act upon the basis that the transactions involving their sale are exempt from such
registration requirements, and that reliance by the Company on such exemption is predicated in part
on the Shareholder’s representations set forth in this Operating Agreement. Each Shareholder
acknowledges that no representations of any kind concerning the future intent or ability to offer
or sell the Shares in a public offering or otherwise have been made to the Shareholder by the
Company or any other person or entity. The Shareholder understands that the Company makes no
covenant, representation or warranty with respect to the registration of securities under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or its dissemination to the public of any current
financial or other information concerning the Company. Accordingly, the Shareholder acknowledges
that there is no
28
assurance that there will ever by any public market for the Shares, and that the Shareholder may
not be able to publicly offer or sell any thereof.
Each Shareholder represents and warrants that the Shareholder is able to bear the economic
risk of losing Shareholder’s entire investment in the Company, which investment is not
disproportionate to Shareholder’s net worth, and that the Shareholder has adequate means of
providing for Shareholder’s current needs and personal contingencies without regard to the
investment in the Company. The Shareholder acknowledges that an investment in the Company involves
a high degree of risk. The Shareholder acknowledges that Shareholder and Shareholder’s advisors
have had an opportunity to ask questions of and to receive answers from the officers of the Company
and to obtain additional information in writing to the extent that the Company possesses such
information or could acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense: (i) relative to the Company
and the Shares; and (ii) necessary to verify the accuracy of any information, documents, books and
records furnished. Each Shareholder represents, warrants and covenants to the Transferor and the
Company that the Shareholder is a resident of the state shown on Schedule 1 hereto and will
be the sole party in interest as to the Shares acquired hereunder and is acquiring the Shares for
the Shareholder’s own account, for investment only, and not with a view toward the resale or
distribution thereof.
Each Shareholder agrees that the Shareholder will not attempt to pledge, transfer, convey or
otherwise dispose of the Shares except in a transaction that is the subject of either (i) an
effective registration statement under the 1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws, or
(ii) an opinion of counsel, which opinion of counsel shall be satisfactory to the Company, to the
effect that such registration is not required. The Company may rely on such an opinion of
Shareholder’s counsel in making such determination. Each Shareholder consents to the placement of
legends on any certificates or documents representing any of the Shares stating that the Shares
have not been registered under the 1933 Act or any applicable state securities laws and setting
forth or referring to the restrictions on transferability and sale thereof. Each Shareholder is
aware that the Company will make a notation in its appropriate records, and notify its transfer
agent, with respect to the restrictions on the transferability of the Shares.
Each Shareholder represents that the Shareholder has consulted with the Shareholder’s
attorneys, financial advisors and other regarding all financial, securities and tax aspects of the
proposed investment in the Company and that such advisors have reviewed this Operating Agreement
and all documents relating to this Operating Agreement on Shareholder’s behalf. Shareholder and
the Shareholder’s advisors have sufficient knowledge and experience in business and financial
matters to evaluate the Company, to evaluate the risks and merits of an investment in the Company,
to make an informed investment decision with respect to investment in the Company, and to protect
the investors’ interest in connection with the investor’s acquisition of shares in the Company
without the need for additional informed which would be required to be included in a complete
registration statement effective under the 1993 Act.
Section 17.22 Partnership Not Intended for Non-Tax Purposes. The Shareholders have formed the
Company under the Act, and expressly disavow any intention to form a partnership under Georgia’s
Uniform Partnership Act, Georgia’s Uniform Limited Partnership Act or the Partnership Act or laws
of any other state. The Shareholders do not intend to be partners one to another or partners as to
any third party. To the extent any Shareholder, by word or action, represents to another person
that any other Shareholder is a partner or that the Company is a partnership, the Shareholder
29
making such wrongful representation shall be liable to any other Shareholder who incurs
personal liability by reason of such wrongful representation.
30
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have set their hands and seals effective as of January 1,
2002.
SIGNATURE PAGE TO OPERATING AGREEMENT
FOR NEWINVOICE, L.L.C.
FOR NEWINVOICE, L.L.C.
Fidelity National Foreclosure Services, Inc. |
||||
By: | /s/ | |||
Signature | ||||
/s/ | ||||
Name (printed) | ||||
/s/ | ||||
Social Security or Federal Tax Identification Number | ||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
||||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||||
Signature | ||||
###-##-#### | ||||
Social Security or Federal Tax Identification Number | ||||
31
Schedule 1
To
Operating Agreement
of
Newlnvoice, L.L.C.
To
Operating Agreement
of
Newlnvoice, L.L.C.
a Georgia limited liability company
Shareholder’s Name and Address |
Shares Owned | Capital Contribution | ||
Fidelity National Foreclosure Services, Inc. |
80 | 55 Shares Acquired from Xxxxxx, | ||
Xxxxxxxxx & Prior, LLC for | ||||
$2,504,500. | ||||
125 Shares issued by the Company | ||||
in consideration for the | ||||
contribution by Fidelity to the | ||||
Company of all of FNFS’s rights | ||||
acquired from Appsoft | ||||
Technologies, Inc. and Xxxx | ||||
Codilis under the Agreement for | ||||
development, Marketing and | ||||
revenue Sharing of Electronic | ||||
Invoicing Program, dated 1999, as | ||||
amended | ||||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
20 | Client contacts, intellectual | ||
capital, design and refining of | ||||
software functionality, | ||||
negotiations with and management | ||||
of relationship with Appsoft | ||||
Technologies, Inc., beta test | ||||
partners (servicers) and Alltel. | ||||
The conversion from debt to | ||||
equity of all monies owed the | ||||
Company to Xxxxxxx, if any, that | ||||
arose prior to the date of this | ||||
Operating Agreement. |
For purposes of this Agreement, the shareholders above agree that the value of their capital
contributions is in the same ratio as their ownership of stock, that is, 80% to 20%.
32
Table of Contents
Page | ||||
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
ARTICLE 2 FORMATION OF COMPANY |
4 | |||
Section 2.1 Formation |
4 | |||
Section 2.2 Name |
4 | |||
Section 2.3 Principal Place of Business |
4 | |||
Section 2.4 Registered Office and Registered Agent |
4 | |||
Section 2.5 Term |
4 | |||
ARTICLE 3 BUSINESS OF COMPANY |
5 | |||
ARTICLE 4 NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF SHAREHOLDERS |
5 | |||
ARTICLE 5 RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MANAGERS |
5 | |||
Section 5.1 Management |
5 | |||
Section 5.2 Number, Tenure, and Qualifications |
5 | |||
Section 5.3 Manner of Action, Quorum |
5 | |||
Section 5.4 Vacancies |
6 | |||
Section 5.5 Meetings |
6 | |||
Section 5.6 Action in Lieu of Meeting |
6 | |||
Section 5.7 Removal |
6 | |||
Section 5.8 Certain Powers of the Board of Managers |
6 | |||
Section 5.9 Liability for Certain Acts |
8 | |||
Section 5.10 Indemnity of the Managers, Employees, and Other Agents |
8 | |||
Section 5.11 Resignation |
8 | |||
Section 5.12 Officer’s and Manager’s Compensation |
8 | |||
ARTICLE 6 OFFICERS |
8 | |||
Section 6.1 General Provisions |
8 | |||
Section 6.2 CEO |
9 | |||
Section 6.3 President |
9 | |||
Section 6.4 Vice Presidents |
9 | |||
Section 6.5 Secretary |
9 | |||
Section 6.6 Treasurer |
9 | |||
Section 6.7 Assistant Secretaries and Treasurers |
9 | |||
Section 6.8 General Counsel |
9 | |||
ARTICLE 7 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF SHAREHOLDERS |
10 | |||
Section 7.1 Limitation on Liability |
10 | |||
Section 7.2 No Liability for Company Obligations |
10 | |||
Section 7.3 List of Shareholders |
10 | |||
Section 7.4 Priority and Return of Capital |
10 | |||
Section 7.5 Purchase Upon Death |
10 | |||
Section 7.6 Failure to Deliver Shares to the Company |
10 | |||
Section 7.7 Company’s Inability to Purchase |
11 |
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Page | ||||
Section 7.8 Status of Shares Purchased by Company |
11 | |||
Section 7.9 Preemptive Rights to Purchase New Securities |
11 | |||
ARTICLE 8 MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS |
12 | |||
Section 8.1 Annual Meeting |
12 | |||
Section 8.2 Special Meetings |
12 | |||
Section 8.3 Place of Meetings |
12 | |||
Section 8.4 Notice of Meetings |
12 | |||
Section 8.5 Meeting of all Shareholders |
13 | |||
Section 8.6 Record Date |
13 | |||
Section 8.7 Quorum |
13 | |||
Section 8.8 Manner of Acting |
13 | |||
Section 8.9 Actions Requiring Shareholder Approval |
13 | |||
Section 8.10 Proxies |
14 | |||
Section 8.11 Action by Shareholders Without a Meeting |
14 | |||
Section 8.12 Waiver of Notice |
14 | |||
Section 8.13 Meeting by Telephone; Action by Consent |
14 | |||
ARTICLE 9 AUTHORIZED CAPITAL, CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS, AND LOANS |
14 | |||
Section 9.1 Authorized Number of Shares |
14 | |||
Section 9.2 Share Certificates |
15 | |||
Section 9.3 Transfer of Shares |
15 | |||
Section 9.4 Capital Contributions |
15 | |||
Section 9.5 Additional Contributions |
15 | |||
Section 9.6 Withdrawal or Reduction of Contributions to Capital |
15 | |||
ARTICLE 10 DISTRIBUTIONS |
15 | |||
Section 10.1 Other Distributions |
15 | |||
Section 10.2 Minimum Distributions |
16 | |||
Section 10.3 Limitation Upon Distributions |
16 | |||
Section 10.4 Interest On and Return of Capital Contributions |
16 | |||
Section 10.5 Loans to Company |
16 | |||
Section 10.6 Prepayment of Distributions to Xxxxxxx |
16 | |||
ARTICLE 11 ALLOCATIONS |
17 | |||
Section 11.1 Net Profits |
17 | |||
Section 11.2 Net Losses |
17 | |||
Section 11.3 Alternative Allocations |
17 | |||
ARTICLE 12 BOOKS AND RECORDS |
18 | |||
Section 12.1 Accounting Period |
18 | |||
Section 12.2 Records, Audits and Reports |
18 | |||
Section 12.3 Tax Returns |
19 | |||
Section 12.4 Financial Statements, Reports, Etc. |
19 | |||
Section 12.5 Board of Managers Meetings |
19 |
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Page | ||||
Section 12.6 Compliance with Laws |
19 | |||
Section 12.7 Keeping of Records and Books of Account |
19 | |||
ARTICLE 13 TRANSFERABILITY |
20 | |||
Section 13.1 Transfer Restricted |
20 | |||
Section 13.2 Termination of Non-Economic Interest of a Person who is not a
Shareholder |
20 | |||
Section 13.3 Successors to Economic Rights |
20 | |||
ARTICLE 14 ADMISSION OF NEW SHAREHOLDERS |
20 | |||
ARTICLE 15 DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION |
21 | |||
Section 15.1 Dissolution |
21 | |||
Section 15.2 Effect of Dissolution |
22 | |||
Section 15.3 Winding Up, Liquidation and Distribution of Assets |
22 | |||
Section 15.4 Certificate of Termination |
23 | |||
Section 15.5 Return of Contribution Nonrecourse to Other Shareholders |
23 | |||
ARTICLE 16 OPTION TO PURCHASE UNITS OF XXXXXXX |
23 | |||
Section 16.1 Option to Purchase |
23 | |||
Section 16.2 Exercise of Option |
23 | |||
Section 16.3 Notice of Exercise of Option |
23 | |||
Section 16.4 Purchase Price for Xxxxx |
00 | |||
Xxxxxxx 00.0 Binding Effect |
24 | |||
Section 16.6 Payment of Purchase Price |
24 | |||
Section 16.7 Agreement to Transfer |
25 | |||
ARTICLE 17 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
25 | |||
Section 17.1 Application of Georgia Law |
25 | |||
Section 17.2 No Action for Partition |
25 | |||
Section 17.3 Execution of Additional Instruments |
25 | |||
Section 17.4 Construction |
25 | |||
Section 17.5 Headings |
25 | |||
Section 17.6 Waivers |
25 | |||
Section 17.7 Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
25 | |||
Section 17.8 Severability |
25 | |||
Section 17.9 Heirs, Successors and Assigns |
26 | |||
Section 17.10 Creditors |
26 | |||
Section 17.11 Counterparts |
26 | |||
Section 17.12 Federal Income Tax Elections; Tax Matters Partner |
26 | |||
Section 17.13 Certification of Non-Foreign Status |
26 | |||
Section 17.14 Notices |
26 | |||
Section 17.15 Amendments |
27 | |||
Section 17.16 Banking |
27 | |||
Section 17.17 Arbitration |
27 |
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Page | ||||
Section 17.18 Determination of Matters Not Provided For In This Operating
Agreement |
27 | |||
Section 17.19 Further Assurances |
28 | |||
Section 17.20 Legends |
28 | |||
Section 17.21 Investment Representations |
28 | |||
Section 17.22 Partnership Not Intended for Non-Tax Purposes |
29 |
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