EXHIBIT 10.35
OPERATING AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
CAT BOND INVESTORS, L.L.C.
PHOENIX HOME LIFE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND
PXRE CORPORATION
EFFECTIVE AS OF JUNE 9, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS...................................................................................1
Section 1.1. Affiliate............................................................................1
Section 1.2. Arbitration..........................................................................2
Section 1.3. Arbitration Notice...................................................................2
Section 1.4. Available Member's Interest..........................................................2
Section 1.5. Budget...............................................................................2
Section 1.6. Business Day.........................................................................2
Section 1.7. Business Plan........................................................................2
Section 1.8. Buy/Sell Offer.......................................................................2
Section 1.9. Capital Account......................................................................2
Section 1.10. Capital Contribution.................................................................2
Section 1.11. Catastrophe Bonds....................................................................2
Section 1.12. Certificate..........................................................................2
Section 1.13. Code.................................................................................2
Section 1.14. Company..............................................................................2
Section 1.15. Company Notice.......................................................................2
Section 1.16. Company Option.......................................................................3
Section 1.17. Company Option Period................................................................3
Section 1.18. Confidential Material................................................................3
Section 1.19. Designated Investment................................................................3
Section 1.20. Dispute..............................................................................3
Section 1.21. Distribution.........................................................................3
Section 1.22. Electing Member......................................................................3
Section 1.23. Exercising Member....................................................................3
Section 1.24. Fiscal Year..........................................................................3
Section 1.25. Initial Capital Contribution.........................................................3
Section 1.26. Interest.............................................................................3
Section 1.27. Interested Person....................................................................3
Section 1.28. IRS..................................................................................3
Section 1.29. LLC Act..............................................................................4
Section 1.30. Majority in Interest of the Members..................................................4
Section 1.31. Member...............................................................................4
Section 1.32. Member Option Period.................................................................4
Section 1.33. Net Profits..........................................................................4
Section 1.34. Net Losses...........................................................................4
Section 1.35. Non-selling Members..................................................................4
Section 1.36. Notice of Election...................................................................4
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Section 1.37. Notice of Offer......................................................................4
Section 1.38. Offer................................................................................4
Section 1.39. Operating Agreement..................................................................4
Section 1.40. PDPC Fees............................................................................4
Section 1.41. Percentage Interest..................................................................4
Section 1.42. Person...............................................................................4
Section 1.43. Purchase Option......................................................................4
Section 1.44. Regulation or Regulations............................................................5
Section 1.45. Regulatory Allocations...............................................................5
Section 1.46. Securities Act.......................................................................5
Section 1.47. Selling Member.......................................................................5
Section 1.48. Special Interest.....................................................................5
Section 1.49. Supermajority in Interest of the Members.............................................5
Section 1.50. TMP..................................................................................5
Section 1.51. Total Commitment.....................................................................5
Section 1.52. Transfer or Transferred..............................................................5
ARTICLE 2 THE COMPANY AND ITS BUSINESS..................................................................5
Section 2.1. Formation............................................................................5
Section 2.2. Company Name.........................................................................5
Section 2.3. Business.............................................................................6
Section 2.4. Term.................................................................................6
Section 2.5. Registered Agent and Office..........................................................6
Section 2.6. Other Offices........................................................................6
Section 2.7. Fiscal Year..........................................................................6
Section 2.8. Members..............................................................................6
ARTICLE 3 MANAGEMENT OF COMPANY BUSINESS;
POWERS OF MEMBERS.............................................................................7
Section 3.1. Management and Control...............................................................7
Section 3.2. Personal Liability...................................................................7
Section 3.3. Interested Members...................................................................7
Section 3.4. Supermajority Voting Requirements....................................................8
Section 3.5. Disposition of Designated Investments................................................9
ARTICLE 4 OFFICERS......................................................................................9
Section 4.1. Officers.............................................................................9
Section 4.2. Election, Term of Office and Resignations...........................................10
Section 4.3. Subordinate Officers, Committees and Agents.........................................10
Section 4.4. Removal of Officers and Agents......................................................10
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Section 4.5. Vacancies...........................................................................11
Section 4.6. Authority and Duties of Officers....................................................11
Section 4.7. The General Managers................................................................11
Section 4.8. The Managers........................................................................11
Section 4.9. The Secretary.......................................................................11
Section 4.10. The Treasurer.......................................................................11
Section 4.11. Salaries............................................................................11
ARTICLE 5 CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS........................................................................12
Section 5.1. Total Commitments...................................................................12
Section 5.2. Initial Capital Contributions.......................................................12
Section 5.3. Additional Capital Contributions....................................................12
Section 5.4. No Interest on Capital Contributions................................................12
Section 5.5. Return of Capital Contributions.....................................................13
Section 5.6. Additional Members..................................................................13
Section 5.7. Special Interests...................................................................13
ARTICLE 6 CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS................................................................13
Section 6.1. Capital Accounts....................................................................13
Section 6.2. General Allocations of Net Profits and Net Losses...................................14
Section 6.3. Special Allocations.................................................................15
Section 6.4. Profits and Losses from Designated Investments......................................18
ARTICLE 7 DISTRIBUTIONS TO MEMBERS.....................................................................18
Section 7.1. Distributions.......................................................................18
Section 7.2. Distributions Respecting a Special Interest.........................................18
ARTICLE 8 MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE.........................................................................19
Section 8.1. Admission of Members................................................................19
Section 8.2. Classes and Rights; Member List.....................................................19
ARTICLE 9 MEETINGS OF AND VOTING BY MEMBERS............................................................20
Section 9.1. Annual and Regular Meetings.........................................................20
Section 9.2. Special Meetings....................................................................20
Section 9.3. Waiver of Notice....................................................................20
Section 9.4. Quorum and Voting...................................................................20
Section 9.5. Action Without a Meeting............................................................20
ARTICLE 10 TRANSFER OF INTERESTS AND WITHDRAWALS OF MEMBERS.............................................21
Section 10.1. Limitations on Transfers of Memberships............................................21
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Section 10.2. Permitted Transfers.................................................................21
Section 10.3. Compliance with Additional Requirements.............................................22
Section 10.4. Reasonableness of Limitations.......................................................22
Section 10.5. No Transfer of Special Interests....................................................22
ARTICLE 11 FINANCIAL, TAX AND OTHER MATTERS.............................................................23
Section 11.1. Business Transactions of Member with the Company....................................23
Section 11.2. Liability to Third Parties..........................................................23
Section 11.3. Budget and Business Plan............................................................23
Section 11.4. Access to Information; Records......................................................24
Section 11.5. Checks..............................................................................24
Section 11.6. Contracts...........................................................................25
Section 11.7. Deposits............................................................................25
Section 11.8. Tax Matters Partner.................................................................25
Section 11.9. Tax Returns.........................................................................26
Section 11.10. Elections...........................................................................27
Section 11.11. Appointment of Accountants and Legal Counsel........................................27
Section 11.12. Notice of Regulatory Inquiries, etc.................................................27
ARTICLE 12 INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND
OTHER AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES.............................................................27
Section 12.1. Scope of Indemnification............................................................27
Section 12.2. Proceedings Initiated by Indemnified Representatives................................29
Section 12.3. Advancing Expenses..................................................................29
Section 12.4. Securing of Indemnification Obligations.............................................29
Section 12.5. Payment of Indemnification..........................................................29
Section 12.6. Contribution........................................................................30
Section 12.7. Mandatory Indemnification of Members, Officers, etc.................................30
Section 12.8. Contract Rights; Amendment or Repeal................................................30
Section 12.9. Scope of Article....................................................................30
Section 12.10. Reliance on Provisions..............................................................30
Section 12.11. Interpretation......................................................................30
ARTICLE 13 DISSOLUTION..................................................................................30
Section 13.1. Dissolution.........................................................................30
Section 13.2. Events of Bankruptcy of Member......................................................31
Section 13.3. Judicial Dissolution................................................................31
Section 13.4. Winding Up..........................................................................32
Section 13.5. Distributions Upon Dissolution and Termination......................................32
Section 13.6. Cancellation of Certificate.........................................................32
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ARTICLE 14 DISPUTE RESOLUTION...........................................................................33
Section 14.1. Arbitration.........................................................................33
Section 14.2. Buy/Sell Arrangement................................................................33
ARTICLE 15 CONFIDENTIALITY..............................................................................34
Section 15.1. Confidentiality.....................................................................34
ARTICLE 16 MISCELLANEOUS................................................................................35
Section 16.1. Further Assurances..................................................................35
Section 16.2. Amendments..........................................................................35
Section 16.3. Representations and Warranties of the Members.......................................35
Section 16.4. Jurisdiction; Service of Process....................................................36
Section 16.5. Waiver Of Jury Trial; Remedies......................................................36
Section 16.6. Notices.............................................................................37
Section 16.7. Counterparts........................................................................38
Section 16.8. Governing Law.......................................................................38
Section 16.9. Successors and Assigns..............................................................38
Section 16.10. Construction; etc...................................................................38
Section 16.11. Entire Agreement....................................................................38
Section 16.12. No Right to Partition...............................................................38
Exhibit A -- Members
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OPERATING AGREEMENT
OF
CAT BOND INVESTORS, L.L.C.
(a Delaware Limited Liability Company)
This OPERATING AGREEMENT, effective as of June 9, 1997, by and among
CAT BOND INVESTORS, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the
"Company"), PHOENIX HOME LIFE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY, a New York mutual
insurance company ("PHL") and PXRE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("PXRE"),
PHL and PXRE being the initial members of the Company and this Operating
Agreement being the "limited liability company agreement" of the Company under
the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. 'SS' 18-101 et seq., as
amended, or any successor statute (the "LLC Act").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, PHL and PXRE have agreed to organize and operate a limited
liability company to serve as a fund, and to serve as a general partner and/or
managing member of other entities organized, to hold, sell, trade and otherwise
invest in securities and other financial instruments, all in accordance with the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Operating Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Certificate of Formation of the Company (the
"Certificate") was filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware on June 9, 1997; and
WHEREAS, PHL and PXRE wish to set forth certain matters with respect to
the conduct of the affairs of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which the parties hereby acknowledge, the parties, intending to
be legally bound, agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person
directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with,
such first Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with
its correlative meanings, the terms
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"controlled" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any
Person, shall mean the right, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of securities, by contract, or otherwise.
Section 1.2. "Arbitration" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
14.1 hereof.
Section 1.3. "Arbitration Notice" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 14.1 hereof.
Section 1.4. "Available Member's Interest" has the meaning ascribed
thereto in Section 10.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.5. "Budget" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
11.3(c) hereof.
Section 1.6. "Business Day" means any day excluding Saturday, Sunday,
and any day that is a legal holiday under the laws of the United States of
America or the State of Delaware, or is a day on which banking institutions
located in such State are authorized or required by law or other governmental
action to close.
Section 1.7. "Business Plan" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 11.3(c) hereof.
Section 1.8. "Buy/Sell Offer" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 14.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.9. "Capital Account" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 6.1(a) hereof.
Section 1.10. "Capital Contribution" means the amount of cash
contributed by a Member to the Company, including the amount of the Company's
liabilities that are assumed by the Member (other than liabilities secured by
property distributed to the Member by the Company or to which such property is
subject and other than increases in the Member's share of the Company's
liabilities), and the fair market value of any other property contributed by the
Member to the Company (net of liabilities secured by the property or to which
the property is subject).
Section 1.11. "Catastrophe Bonds" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.4(b) hereof.
Section 1.12. "Certificate" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the
Recitals hereof.
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Section 1.13. "Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Section 1.14. "Company" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the heading
of this Operating Agreement.
Section 1.15. "Company Notice" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.2(b) hereof.
Section 1.16. "Company Option" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.2(b) hereof.
Section 1.17. "Company Option Period" has the meaning ascribed thereto
in Section 10.2(b) hereof.
Section 1.18. "Confidential Material" has the meaning ascribed thereto
in Section 15.1 hereof.
Section 1.19. "Designated Investment" has the meaning ascribed thereto
in Section 5.7 hereof.
Section 1.20. "Dispute" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
14.1 hereof.
Section 1.21. "Distribution" means the amount of cash distributed by
the Company to a Member, including the amount of such Member's liabilities that
are assumed by the Company (other than liabilities secured by property
contributed to the Company by the Member or to which such property is subject
and other than decreases in such Member's share of Company liabilities), and the
fair market value of other property distributed by the Company to the Member
(net of liabilities secured by the property or to which the property is
subject).
Section 1.22. "Electing Member" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 14.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.23. "Exercising Member" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 14.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.24. "Fiscal Year" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
2.7 hereof.
Section 1.25. "Initial Capital Contribution" means, with respect to
each member, the amount of cash and any other property to be contributed by such
Member to the Company upon the execution of this Operating Agreement, as set
forth opposite such Member's name under the heading "Initial Capital
Contribution" on Exhibit A hereto.
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Section 1.26. "Interest" means, with respect to each Member, its
ownership interest in the Company, excluding any Special Interest of such
Member.
Section 1.27. "Interested Person" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 3.3(a) hereof.
Section 1.28. "IRS" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.8(c)
hereof.
Section 1.29. "LLC Act" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the heading
of this Operating Agreement.
Section 1.30. "Majority in Interest of the Members" means Members whose
Percentage Interests represent more than 50% of the Percentage Interests of all
Members.
Section 1.31. "Member" means each Person identified as such on the
signature pages to this Operating Agreement (i.e., initially PHL and PXRE) and
any Person who subsequently is admitted as a Member of the Company.
Section 1.32. "Member Option Period" has the meaning ascribed thereto
in Section 10.2(c) hereof.
Section 1.33. "Net Profits" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
6.2(b) hereof.
Section 1.34. "Net Losses" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
6.2(b) hereof.
Section 1.35. "Non-selling Members" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.36. "Notice of Election" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 14.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.37. "Notice of Offer" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.38. "Offer" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
10.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.39. "Operating Agreement" means this Operating Agreement,
including all exhibits and schedules hereto, each as may be amended from time to
time.
Section 1.40. "PDPC Fees" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
6.3(g) hereof.
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Section 1.41. "Percentage Interest" means, with respect to each Member,
the percentage set forth under the heading "Percentage Interest" on Exhibit A
hereto, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Section 1.42. "Person" means and includes any individual, corporation,
partnership, association, limited liability company, trust, estate, or other
entity.
Section 1.43. "Purchase Option" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.2(c) hereof.
Section 1.44. "Regulation" or "Regulations" means one or more of the
Treasury Regulations, including any temporary regulations, from time to time
promulgated under the Code.
Section 1.45. "Regulatory Allocations" has the meaning ascribed thereto
in Section 6.3(g) hereof.
Section 1.46. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
Section 1.47. "Selling Member" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 10.2(a) hereof.
Section 1.48. "Special Interest" has the meaning ascribed thereto in
Section 5.7 hereof.
Section 1.49. "Supermajority in Interest of the Members" means Members
whose Percentage Interests represent more than 75% of the Percentage Interests
of all Members.
Section 1.50. "TMP" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.8
hereof.
Section 1.51. "Total Commitment" means, with respect to each Member,
the amount set forth opposite such Member's name under the heading "Total
Commitment" on Exhibit A hereto, as such exhibit may be amended from time to
time.
Section 1.52. "Transfer" or "Transferred" means, with respect to an
Interest, a sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, or other
disposition of any nature of such Interest or any beneficial interest therein.
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ARTICLE 2
THE COMPANY AND ITS BUSINESS
Section 2.1. Formation. The Members have formed the Company pursuant to
the provisions of the LLC Act and this Operating Agreement.
Section 2.2. Company Name. The name of the Company shall be Cat Bond
Investors, L.L.C. All properties of the Company shall be held, all contracts
shall be made, all instruments and documents shall be executed, and all acts of
the Company shall be done in the name of Cat Bond Investors, L.L.C. The Company
shall have the full and exclusive ownership of and right to use the Company
name. At no time during the existence of the Company, as between the Members and
for the purpose of determining the Capital Account of any Member, shall any
value be placed upon the Company's name, the right to its use, or to any
goodwill attached thereto.
Section 2.3. Business. The purpose of the Company is (i) to serve as a
fund to hold, sell, trade and otherwise invest in securities and other financial
instruments of any name and nature which exist now or are hereafter created and
rights and options relating thereto, (ii) to serve as the general partner of one
or more limited partnerships, and/or as the managing member of one or more
limited liability companies, organized to hold, sell, trade and otherwise invest
in securities and other financial instruments of any name and nature which exist
now or are hereafter created and rights and options related thereto, and (iii)
subject to the terms of this Operating Agreement, to carry on such other lawful
business, purpose, or activity (with the exception of transacting the business
of insurance as defined in 'SS' 102 and 'SS' 103 of Title 18 of the Delaware
Code, or banking as defined in 'SS'126 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code) as the
Members may from time to time determine. Subject to the terms of this Operating
Agreement, the Company shall possess and may exercise all the powers and
privileges granted by the LLC Act or by any other law, together with any powers
incidental thereto, so far as such powers and privileges are necessary or
convenient to the conduct, promotion, or attainment of the business, purposes,
or activities of the Company. The Company shall apply for, obtain and maintain
in effect such licenses and authorizations as may be required for the conduct of
its business.
Section 2.4. Term. The Company commenced on the date of the filing of
its Certificate with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware. The Company shall continue until terminated as hereinafter provided in
Article 13.
Section 2.5. Registered Agent and Office. The registered agent for
service of process and the registered office of the Company in the State of
Delaware shall be The Corporation Trust Company, 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000, until otherwise established by an amendment to the Certificate
filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware in the manner provided by law.
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Section 2.6. Other Offices. The Company may also have offices at such
other places within or without the State of Delaware as the Members may from
time to time appoint or the business of the Company may require.
Section 2.7. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year ("Fiscal Year") of the
Company shall be the calendar year.
Section 2.8. Members. The name, present mailing address and facsimile
number, taxpayer identification number, Total Commitment, Initial Capital
Contribution, and Percentage Interest of each Member are set forth on Exhibit A
hereto.
ARTICLE 3
MANAGEMENT OF COMPANY BUSINESS; POWERS OF MEMBERS
Section 3.1. Management and Control. The Members shall have full and
complete charge of all affairs of the Company, and management and control of the
operations of the Company shall be vested exclusively in the Members, who shall
have the power, on behalf of and in the name of the Company, to carry out any
and all of the purposes of the Company and to perform all acts and enter into
and perform all contracts and other undertakings which the Members may deem
necessary or advisable in furtherance thereof or incidental thereto. Any Member
may at any time and from time to time designate one or more Persons to represent
and act on behalf of such Member at any meeting of the Members and in any other
matters relating to the Company, its business and affairs. Members shall have
access to the Company's premises, properties, books, records, employees, agents,
business contacts, and banking records, including without limitation, records
maintained by the Company's banks.
Section 3.2. Personal Liability. A Member shall not be personally
liable, as such, for monetary damages, including, without limitation, any
judgment, amount paid in settlement, penalty, punitive damages, or expense of
any nature (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements),
for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, unless (i) the Member
has breached or failed to perform the duties of his position under the LLC Act,
the Certificate, or this Operating Agreement; and (ii) the breach or failure to
perform constitutes self-dealing, willful misconduct, or recklessness. The
provisions of the preceding sentence shall not apply to the responsibility or
liability of a Member pursuant to any criminal statute.
Section 3.3. Interested Members.
(a) Subject to Section 3.4, a contract or transaction
between the Company and one or more of its Members or officers or between the
Company and another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise in which one or more
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of its Members or officers are members, shareholders, directors, or officers or
have a financial or other interest (any such Member or officer being an
"Interested Person"), shall not be void or voidable solely for that reason, or
solely because such Interested Person is present at or participates in the
meeting of the Members that authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely
because its votes are counted for that purpose, if (i) the material facts as to
its relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed
or are known to the Members entitled to vote thereon and the contract or
transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of those Members; or
(ii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Company as of the time it is
authorized, approved, or ratified by the Members.
(b) Interested Persons may be counted in determining the
presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Members which authorizes a contract or
transaction as specified in subsection (a) above.
Section 3.4. Supermajority Voting Requirements. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Operating Agreement, no Member and no officer
shall, unless approved by a Supermajority in Interest of the Members, undertake
on behalf of the Company any of the following:
(a) Approving the Budget and Business Plan or any material
modification thereof, including incurring any obligations or making any
expenditures not provided for in the Budget or the Business Plan in
excess of $10,000 in any one case or $100,000 in the aggregate in any
Fiscal Year.
(b) Investing the Company's funds in, or liquidating the
Company's holdings of, securities and other financial instruments the
returns on which are determined, in whole or in part, by insured losses
from catastrophic events (collectively, "Catastrophe Bonds").
(c) Incurring any indebtedness for borrowed money from any
source, including any Member, or guaranteeing or securing any
obligations of another Person except indebtedness and guarantees in the
ordinary course of the Company's business (including, but not limited
to, margin arrangements).
(d) Lending or advancing any funds or other assets of the
Company other than in connection with investment transactions.
(e) Mortgaging or pledging or otherwise encumbering any
assets or rights of the Company, except encumbrances in the ordinary
course of the Company's business (including, without limitation, in
connection with margin arrangements).
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(f) Initiating, compromising, settling, or confessing of
judgment with respect to any arbitral or legal proceedings in each
instance involving more than $10,000 in dispute.
(g) Making any Distributions of cash or other property from
the Company to the Members (other than Distributions in respect of
Special Interests).
(h) Taking any action with respect to any acquisition of all
or substantially all of the stock, properties or assets of another
Person, any merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or
similar transaction involving the Company, or any sale, lease, exchange
or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or
assets of the Company.
(i) Engaging in transactions or entering into agreements
with one or more Members or any Affiliate thereof or in which one or
more Members or any of their respective Affiliates has a material
economic interest.
(j) Altering the Company's Fiscal Year.
(k) Admitting additional Members to the Company or
permitting any Member to acquire a Special Interest.
(l) Exercising the Company Option.
(m) Initiating or participating as intervenor in proceedings
contemplated by Section 12.2 hereof.
(n) Amending this Operating Agreement.
(o) Taking any action that would cause the Company to be
classified as an "investment company" within the meaning of the U.S.
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or to be classified as a
"commodity pool" under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, or the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(p) Engaging in the issuance and distribution of any
promotional or presentational materials or press releases regarding the
activities of the Company.
(q) Organizing, or causing to be organized, any limited
partnership of which the Company will serve as a general partner or any
limited liability company of which the Company will serve as the
managing member.
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Section 3.5. Disposition of Designated Investments. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Operating Agreement, the Company may not sell,
transfer or otherwise dispose of a Designated Investment without the consent of
the Member holding the Special Interest relating to such Designated Investment.
ARTICLE 4
OFFICERS
Section 4.1. Officers.
(a) Without limiting the provisions of Article 3, the
following officers of the Company may be elected by the Members: one or more
General Managers, one or more Managers, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Officers
may, but need not be, Members (or representatives of Members) of the Company.
Any number of offices except those of General Manager and Secretary may be held
by the same Person.
(b) The Company may secure the fidelity of any or all of its
officers by bond or otherwise.
(c) An officer of the Company shall not be personally
liable, as such, to the Company or its Members for monetary damages, including,
without limitation, any judgment, amount paid in settlement, penalty, punitive
damages, or expense of any nature (including, without limitation, attorneys'
fees and disbursements) for any action taken, or any failure to take any action,
unless the officer has breached or failed to perform the duties of his office
under the Certificate, this Operating Agreement, or the applicable provisions of
law and the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful
misconduct, or recklessness. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply
to the responsibility or liability of an officer pursuant to any criminal
statute.
Section 4.2. Election, Term of Office and Resignations.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the Members, the officers
of the Company, except those elected by delegated authority pursuant to Section
4.3, shall be elected by the Members at the annual meeting of the Members and,
unless otherwise determined by the Members, shall be elected to hold office
until the next annual meeting of the Members. Each officer shall hold office for
the term for which he is elected and until a successor has been selected and
qualified or until his earlier death, incapacity, resignation, or removal.
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(b) Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice
to the Company. The resignation shall be effective upon receipt thereof by the
Company or at such subsequent time as may be specified in the notice of
resignation.
Section 4.3. Subordinate Officers, Committees and Agents. The Members
may from time to time elect such other officers and appoint such committees,
employees, or other agents as the business of the Company may require
(including, without limitation, one or more Assistant Secretaries or Assistant
Treasurers), each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such
authority, and perform such duties as are provided in this Operating Agreement,
or as the Members may from time to time determine. The Members may delegate to
any officer or committee the power to elect subordinate officers and to retain
or appoint employees or other agents, or committees thereof, and to prescribe
the authority and duties of such subordinate officers, committees, employees, or
other agents.
Section 4.4. Removal of Officers and Agents. Any officer or agent of
the Company may be removed by the Members with or without cause. The removal
shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of any Person so
removed. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself
create contract rights.
Section 4.5. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death,
incapacity, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause, may be
filled by the Members.
Section 4.6. Authority and Duties of Officers. The officers of the
Company shall have such authority, and shall exercise such powers and perform
such duties as may be specified in this Operating Agreement.
Section 4.7. The General Managers. The General Managers shall be the
co-chief executive officers of the Company, each having general supervision over
the business and operations of the Company, subject however to the control of
the Members. Each General Manager shall have authority to sign, execute, and
acknowledge, in the name of the Company, deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or
other instruments, authorized by the Members, except in cases where the signing
and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Members or by this
Operating Agreement to some other officer or agent of the Company; and, in
general, each General Manager shall perform all duties incident to the office of
General Manager and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by
the Members.
Section 4.8. The Managers. The Managers shall perform the duties of the
General Managers in the absence of the General Managers and such other duties as
may from time to time be assigned to them by the Members or any General Manager.
Section 4.9. The Secretary. The Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
shall attend all meetings of the Members and shall record all the votes of the
Members and the minutes of the
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meetings of the Members in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; shall
see that notices are given and that records and reports are properly kept and
filed by the Company as required by law; and, in general, shall perform all
duties incident to the office of Secretary, and such other duties as may from
time to time be assigned by the Members or any General Manager.
Section 4.10. The Treasurer. The Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer
shall have or provide for the custody of the funds or other property of the
Company; shall collect and receive or provide for the collection and receipt of
moneys earned by or in any manner due to or received by the Company; shall
deposit all funds in his custody as Treasurer in such banks or other places of
deposit as the Members may from time to time designate; shall, whenever so
required by the Members, render an account showing all transactions as
Treasurer, and the financial condition of the Company; and, in general, shall
discharge such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Members
or any General Manager.
Section 4.11. Salaries. The salaries, if any, of the officers elected
by the Members shall be fixed from time to time by the Members or by such
officer as may be designated by resolution of the Members. The salaries or other
compensation of any other officers, employees and other agents shall be fixed
from time to time by the officer or committee to which the power to elect such
officers or to retain or appoint such employees or other agents has been
delegated pursuant to Section 4.3. No officer shall be prevented from receiving
such salary or other compensation by reason of the fact that the officer is also
a Member (or a representative of a Member) of the Company.
ARTICLE 5
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Section 5.1. Total Commitments. The Total Commitment of each Member is
set forth under the heading "Total Commitment" on Exhibit A hereto. The Total
Commitments of all Members shall aggregate $20 million. A Member's Total
Commitment represents the maximum amount of Capital Contributions that such
Member may be directed to make pursuant to this Operating Agreement; provided,
however, that any Capital Contribution made in connection with the acquisition
of a Special Interest by a Member pursuant to Section 5.7 hereof shall not be
counted against such Member's Total Commitment.
Section 5.2. Initial Capital Contributions. Upon the execution of this
Operating Agreement, the Members shall contribute to the Company cash and
securities in the amounts respectively set forth under the heading "Initial
Capital Contribution" on Exhibit A hereto. The Members agree that the
contributed securities described on Exhibit A as "USAA Bond" have a fair market
value equal to their principal amount.
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Section 5.3. Additional Capital Contributions. Upon at least three (3)
business days' written notice from the Company, each Member will make a Capital
Contribution to the Company (by making payment to an account designated from
time to time by the Company) in an amount equal to the product of (x) the
aggregate amount of the Capital Contributions being requested at such time and
(y) such Member's Percentage Interest; provided, that no Member shall be
required to make any such Capital Contribution if, after giving effect thereto,
the total of all Capital Contributions by such Member (excluding any Capital
Contributions made in connection with the acquisition of a Special Interest)
would exceed its Total Commitment. The Company may direct Members to make
additional Capital Contributions to the Company in connection with proposed
investments in Cat Bonds or other securities, to pay any expenses incurred by
the Company or otherwise as deemed necessary or appropriate by the officers of
the Company, subject to the provisions of Section 3.4 hereof.
Section 5.4. No Interest on Capital Contributions. The Members shall
not be paid interest on their Capital Contributions.
Section 5.5. Return of Capital Contributions. Except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Operating Agreement, (i) no Member shall have the
right to demand the return of all or any part of any Capital Contribution until
the Company has been liquidated and terminated, and then only to the extent
provided in Article 13 hereof and (ii) no Member shall have the right to demand
or receive property other than cash in return for its Capital Contributions or
to have priority over another Member, either as to the return of Capital
Contributions or as to Net Profits, Net Losses, or Distributions, or as to
compensation by way of income.
Section 5.6. Additional Members. Upon the affirmative vote of a
Supermajority in Interest of the Members, the Company may accept capital
subscriptions from other Persons and admit such other Persons as Members
hereunder with an agreed upon Percentage Interest, subject to Section 8.1(b)
hereof.
Section 5.7. Special Interests. From time to time, subject to Section
3.4 hereof, a Member may acquire an additional membership interest in the
Company without voting rights and with only such other rights as hereinafter
described (a "Special Interest"). In the event that, in connection with a
proposed investment by the Company in a specified Catastrophe Bond, the Company
believes that it will be able to acquire a greater amount of such Catastrophe
Bond than it has initially determined to acquire, a Member may request, subject
to receipt of the approval required by Section 3.4 hereof, that it be issued a
Special Interest and, in connection therewith, that the Company acquire an
additional amount of such Catastrophe Bond (a "Designated Investment"). In
connection with the acquisition of a Special Interest, the acquiring Member
shall be required (i) to make a Capital Contribution in an amount equal to the
purchase price of the Designated Investment and (ii) to pay a fee to the Company
equal to (x) the purchase price of the Designated Investment multiplied by (y)
.0075. Such fee shall be allocated to each of the Members in accordance with
their Percentage Interests.
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ARTICLE 6
CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS
Section 6.1. Capital Accounts.
(a) A separate capital account (each a "Capital Account")
shall be established and maintained for each Member in all respects in
accordance with Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder. It is
intended that the Capital Accounts of all Members shall be maintained in
compliance with the provisions of Regulation Section 1.704-1(b), and all
provisions of this Operating Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital
Accounts shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with that
Regulation. Without limiting the foregoing, (i) the initial balance of the
Capital Account for each Member shall be the amount of the Member's Initial
Capital Contribution to the Company; and (ii) the balance of the Capital Account
for each Member shall from time to time be increased or decreased, as the case
may be, for additional Capital Contributions and for allocations and
Distributions to such Member in accordance with the provisions of this Operating
Agreement. If any Interest in the Company is Transferred pursuant to the terms
of this Operating Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account
of the transferor to the extent the Capital Account is attributable to the
Transferred Interest.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Article or as may
be required by law, no Member shall have any obligation to the Company or to
another Member to restore any negative balance in his Capital Account.
Section 6.2. General Allocations of Net Profits and Net Losses.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.3, Net Profits
and Net Losses (and items thereof) shall be allocated to the Members in
proportion to their respective Percentage Interests.
(b) "Net Profits" or "Net Losses" of the Company shall mean,
for each Fiscal Year, the Company's taxable income or loss, excluding profits
and losses relating to Designated Investments, determined on the accrual basis
of accounting in accordance with Code Section 703(a), with the following
adjustments:
(i) all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or
credit required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section
703(a)(1) shall be included in computing taxable income or loss;
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(ii) any tax-exempt income of the Company, not
otherwise taken into account in computing Net Profits or Net Losses,
shall be included in computing taxable income or loss;
(iii) any expenditures of the Company described in
Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) (or treated as such pursuant to Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i)) and not otherwise taken into account in
computing Net Profits or Net Losses, shall be subtracted from taxable
income or loss;
(iv) gain or loss resulting from any taxable
disposition of Company property shall be computed by reference to the
adjusted book value of the property disposed of, notwithstanding the
fact that the adjusted book value differs from the adjusted basis of
the property for federal income tax purposes;
(v) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization, or
cost recovery deductions allowable in computing taxable income or loss,
there shall be taken into account the depreciation computed based upon
the adjusted book value of the asset;
(vi) in the event the book value of any property is
adjusted pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), the
amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain or loss
(as the case may be) from the disposition of such property for purposes
of computing Net Profits or Net Losses;
(vii) in the event that any property of the Company
is distributed in kind, the unrealized income, gain, loss and deduction
inherent in such property on the date of distribution (and not
previously reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Members) shall be
taken into account as gain or loss (as the case may be) from the
disposition of such property for purposes of computing Net Profits or
Net Losses, in accordance with Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(e);
(viii) any nonrecourse deductions, within the
meaning of Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(1), shall be included in such
taxable income or loss; and
(ix) notwithstanding any other provision of this
definition, any items which are specially allocated pursuant to Section
6.3 hereof shall not be taken into account in computing Net Profits or
Net Losses.
Section 6.3. Special Allocations.
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. Subject to the exceptions set
forth in Regulation Section 1.704-2(f), if, during any taxable year, there is a
net decrease in Minimum Gain, each Member, prior to any other allocation
pursuant to this Section 6.3, shall be specially
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allocated items of income and gain for such taxable year (and, if necessary, for
subsequent taxable years) in an amount equal to that Member's share of the net
decrease in Minimum Gain, computed in accordance with Regulation Section
1.704-2(g). For this purpose, "Minimum Gain" has the meaning set forth in
Regulation Section 1.704-2(d). Minimum Gain shall be computed separately for
each Member in a manner consistent with the Regulations under Code Section
704(b). Allocations pursuant to this Section 6.3(a) shall be made in accordance
with Regulation Section 1.704-2(f). It is the intent of the parties hereto that
any allocation pursuant to this paragraph (a) shall constitute a "minimum gain
chargeback" under Regulation Section 1.704-2(f), and this paragraph (a) shall
be interpreted consistently therewith.
(b) Member Loan Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain Chargeback.
Subject to the exceptions set forth in Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if
there is a net decrease in Member Loan Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during a
Fiscal Year attributable to a Member Loan Nonrecourse Debt, each Member with a
share of Member Loan Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Member
Loan Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Regulation Section
1.704-2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of income and gain for such
Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent fiscal years) in an amount equal
to such Member's share of the net decrease in Member Loan Nonrecourse Debt
Minimum Gain for such Fiscal Year attributable to such Member Loan Nonrecourse
Debt (which share of such net decrease shall be determined under Regulation
Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(g)(2)). "Member Loan Nonrecourse Debt Minimum
Gain" means an amount of gain characterized as "partner nonrecourse debt minimum
gain" with respect to the Company under Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(2) and
1.704-2(i)(3). "Member Loan Nonrecourse Debt" means liabilities of the Company
that are treated as "partner nonrecourse debt" under Regulation Section 1.704-
2(b)(4). It is intended that this paragraph (b) shall constitute a "chargeback
of partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain" as provided by Regulation Section
1.704-2(i)(4), and this paragraph (b) shall be interpreted consistently
therewith.
(c) Member Loan Nonrecourse Deductions. Any Member Loan
Nonrecourse Deduction for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated to the
Member who bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the loan to which
such Member Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable, in accordance with
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(1). For this purpose, "Member Loan Nonrecourse
Deductions" means the deductions, losses, and nondeductible expenditures
described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code that are characterized as "partner
nonrecourse deductions" under Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(1) and
1.704-2(i)(2). "Economic Risk of Loss" has the meaning provided in Regulation
Sections 1.704-2(b)(4) and 1.752-2.
(d) Qualified Income Offset. In the event that a Member
unexpectedly receives any adjustment, allocation or distribution described in
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Company income
and gain (consisting of a pro rata portion of each item of Company income,
including gross income, and gain for such year) shall be
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specially allocated to such Member in the manner required by Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) to eliminate, to the extent required by such Regulation,
such Member's Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as quickly as possible. This
paragraph (d) is intended to comply with, and shall be interpreted consistently
with, the "qualified income offset" provisions of the Regulations promulgated
under Code Section 704(b). For this purpose, "Adjusted Capital Account Deficit"
means, with respect to any Member, the deficit balance, if any, in the Member's
Capital Account as of the end of the relevant Fiscal Year, after giving effect
to the following adjustments: (i) the deficit shall be decreased by the amount
which the Member is obligated to restore or is deemed obligated to restore
pursuant to Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)
(as modified by Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5)); and (ii)
the deficit shall be increased by the items described in Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6).
(e) Tax Allocations with Respect to Book Property.
(i) Except as provided below, income, gain, loss,
and deduction as computed for tax purposes shall be allocated to the Members in
the same manner as the corresponding items as computed for book purposes were
allocated to the Members. Any elections or other decisions relating to
allocations pursuant to this paragraph (e) shall be made by the TMP in any
manner that reasonably reflects the purpose and intent of this Operating
Agreement. Allocations pursuant to this paragraph (e) are solely for federal,
state, and local income tax purposes and shall not affect, or in any way be
taken into account in computing, any Member's Capital Account.
(ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) above, items
of income, gain, loss, and deduction as computed for tax purposes with respect
to property that is properly reflected on the books of the Company at a book
value that differs from the adjusted tax basis of such property, within the
meaning of Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g)(1) ("Book Property"), shall,
solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the Members so as to take account of
any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for
federal income tax purposes and its book value, and otherwise in accordance with
the manner in which the corresponding items as computed for book purposes are
allocated, all in accordance with Code Sections 704(b) and 704(c) and applicable
Regulations.
(f) Certain Reallocations. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Operating Agreement, if the allocation of any item of
income, gain, loss, deduction, or expenditure pursuant to Section 6.2(a), (A)
does not have substantial economic effect under Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)
and (B) is not in accordance with the Members' Interests in the Company within
the meaning of Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(3), then such item shall be
reallocated in such manner as (1) either to have substantial economic effect or
to be in accordance with the Members' Interests in the Company, and (2) to
result as nearly as possible in the respective balances of the Capital Accounts
that would have been obtained if such item had
- 17 -
instead been allocated under the provisions of Section 6.2(a) without giving
effect to the provisions of this paragraph (f).
(g) Investment Management Expenses. Any fees payable to
Phoenix Investment Counsel Inc. or any Affiliate thereof for investment
management services provided to the Company (other than reimbursement for
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing such services) shall be allocated
only to PHL (the "PDPC Fees").
(h) Order of Application, Etc. In the event that allocations
are required for any Fiscal Year under more than one of Sections 6.2 and 6.3,
allocations shall be made first under Section 6.3, and then under Section 6.2.
If any amount is allocated pursuant to the regulatory allocations required by
Section 6.3(a), (b), (c), (d) or (f), (the "Regulatory Allocations"), then,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.2, but subject to the
Regulatory Allocations, Net Profits and Net Losses (and items thereof) shall
thereafter first be allocated in such manner and to such extent as may be
necessary so that, after such allocation, the respective balances in the Capital
Accounts will equal the balances that would have obtained if the amount
allocated pursuant to the Regulatory Allocations, and the amount allocated
pursuant to this paragraph, had instead been allocated under Section 6.2 without
giving effect to the Regulatory Allocations or to this paragraph.
(i) Tax Credits. Any available tax credits shall be
allocated to the Members in proportion to the Members' Capital Contributions,
except as may be otherwise required by Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).
Section 6.4. Profits and Losses from Designated Investments. Any
profits or losses derived from a Designated Investment during a Fiscal Year
shall be allocated only to the Member to whom the Special Interest respecting
such Designated Investment was issued, and shall not be treated as part of the
"Net Profits" or "Net Losses" of the Company allocable pursuant to Section
6.2(a) hereof.
ARTICLE 7
DISTRIBUTIONS TO MEMBERS
Section 7.1. Distributions. Except as otherwise provided in Article 13
hereof, all Distributions of cash or other property from the Company to the
Members, excluding any Distribution arising in respect of a Special Interest
(whether in cash or of a Designated Investment), shall be made to the Members
pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests at such time
or times, and in such amounts, as a Supermajority in Interest of the Members
deem appropriate (but in no event less than once each year unless at least a
Supermajority in Interest of the Members shall so elect), and subject to (i) any
reserve which a
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Supermajority in Interest of the Members in their discretion may retain and (ii)
in the case of PHL, reduction by an amount equal to the excess of (A) the
aggregate of PDPC Fees over (B) prior reductions in distributions to PHL on
account of PDPC Fees.
Section 7.2. Distributions Respecting a Special Interest. Promptly
following the receipt by the Company of any interest, dividends or other cash
distributions arising in respect of a Designated Investment, including the
proceeds from a sale thereof, the Company shall distribute such amounts
received, in cash, to the Member holding the Special Interest relating to such
Designated Investment. At the written request of a Member holding a Special
Interest, the Company shall distribute in kind, to such Member, the whole or any
part of the Designated Investment to which such Member's Special Interest
relates.
ARTICLE 8
MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE
Section 8.1. Admission of Members.
(a) A Person acquiring an Interest in the Company in
connection with its formation shall be admitted as a Member of the Company upon
the later to occur of the formation of the Company or the time when the
admission of the Person is reflected in the records of the Company.
(b) After the formation of the Company, a Person acquiring
an Interest in the Company from the Company (other than a Special Interest)
shall be admitted as a Member of the Company upon the consent of a Supermajority
in Interest of the Members and when the admission of the Person is reflected in
the records of the Company. Any such newly-admitted Member shall sign and
deliver to the Company a counterpart of the signature page of this Operating
Agreement thereby acknowledging and agreeing to the terms and conditions of this
Operating Agreement; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, all
provisions of the Certificate and this Operating Agreement shall be deemed
accepted and shall apply in all respects to any such newly-admitted Member
whether or not such counterpart signature page is so signed and delivered.
(c) A Member shall have no interest in specific Company
property.
Section 8.2. Classes and Rights; Member List.
(a) The Company shall have only one class of general
memberships. The voting, profit and loss, distribution, and other rights of
Members will be based on their respective Percentage Interests and such rights
shall be the same, except as expressly provided for in this
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Operating Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall also have
special membership interests which may only by held by Members. The holder of
the Special Interest relating to a Designated Investment shall, in addition to
its rights as a Member hereunder, have those rights specifically provided for
herein relating to the profits and losses from, and distributions of or in
respect of, Designated Investments. No Member, other than the holder of the
Special Interest relating to a Designated Investment, shall have any profit and
loss, distribution, or other rights with respect to such Designated Investment.
(b) The Company shall maintain a listing of all Members and
their respective Percentage Interests and Special Interests.
ARTICLE 9
MEETINGS OF AND VOTING BY MEMBERS
Section 9.1. Annual and Regular Meetings. The annual meeting of the
Members for choosing officers and transacting other proper business shall be
held on the 1st day of May of each year or at such other time as shall be
selected by the Members. The Members from time to time may provide by resolution
for the holding of regular meetings and fix their time and place within or
outside the State of Delaware. Notice of such annual and regular meetings need
not be in writing, provided that written notice of any change in the time or
place of such meetings shall be sent promptly, in the manner provided in Section
9.2 for notice of special meetings, to each Member not present at the meeting at
which such change was made. Members may participate in any meeting of Members by
means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of
which all Persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same
time, and participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at
such meeting.
Section 9.2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Members may be
held at any time or place and for any purpose when called by any General Manager
or by any Member. Notice of special meetings, stating the time and place, shall
be (a) mailed to each Member at his residence or regular place of business at
least three days before the day on which a special meeting is to be held or (b)
delivered to him personally or transmitted to him by facsimile, telegraph, cable
or other communication leaving a visual record at least one day before the
meeting.
Section 9.3. Waiver of Notice. No notice of any meeting need be given
to any Member who is present at the meeting or who waives notice of such meeting
in writing (which waiver shall be filed with the records of such meeting),
whether before or after the time of the meeting.
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Section 9.4. Quorum and Voting. At all meetings of the Members, the
presence of at least a Supermajority in Interest of the Members shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, a Majority
in Interest of the Members present may adjourn the meeting, from time to time,
until a quorum shall be present. The action of a Majority in Interest of the
Members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of
the Members, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such
action by law or by this Operating Agreement.
Section 9.5. Action Without a Meeting. In lieu of holding a meeting,
Members may vote or otherwise take action by a written instrument indicating the
consent of a Supermajority in Interest of the Members.
ARTICLE 10
TRANSFER OF INTERESTS AND WITHDRAWALS OF MEMBERS
Section 10.1. Limitations on Transfers of Memberships. Except as
otherwise provided in this Article 10, no Member may Transfer all or any portion
of such Member's Interest.
Section 10.2. Permitted Transfers.
(a) No transfer may be effected unless it is the subject of
a bona fide written offer to purchase for cash a part or all of a Member's
Interest (an "Offer") delivered to such Member (a "Selling Member") by one or
more potential transferees (including, without limitation, any other Member). If
a Selling Member desires to accept such Offer, such Selling Member shall provide
written notice (the "Notice of Offer"), which shall be irrevocable for a period
of sixty (60) days after delivery thereof, of the portion of such Member's
Interest proposed to be transferred (the "Available Member's Interest") and the
terms of the proposed Transfer of the Available Member's Interest to the Company
and all other Members (the "Non-selling Members"). The Selling Member shall also
provide to the Company and the Non-selling Members evidence that the proposed
transferee(s) intends, and is financially able, to consummate such transaction
on the terms set forth in the Notice of Offer.
(b) The Company shall have the irrevocable option, but not
the obligation (the "Company Option"), to redeem the Available Member's Interest
on the terms set forth in the Notice of Offer. If the Company elects to exercise
the Company Option, it shall do so by giving written notice hereof (the "Company
Notice") to the Selling Member and all of the Non-selling Members within thirty
(30) days following the date of the Notice of Offer (the "Company Option
Period"). Failure by the Company to give a Company Notice within the Company
Option Period shall be deemed to constitute an election by the Company not to
exercise the Company Option.
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If the Company exercises the Company Option, the Company shall then have the
obligation to redeem the Available Member's Interest on the terms set forth in
the Notice of Offer on a date specified by the Company, which date shall be
within sixty (60) days following the date of the Notice of Offer.
(c) If the Company does not exercise the Company Option to
redeem the Available Member's Interest, each of the Non-selling Members shall
have the irrevocable option, but not the obligation (the "Purchase Option"), to
purchase any or all of the Available Member's Interest on the terms set forth in
the Notice of Offer. Any Non-selling Member that elects to exercise the Purchase
Option shall do so by giving written notice thereof to the Selling Member, all
of the other Non-selling Members and the Company, within thirty (30) days
following the expiration of the Company Option Period (the "Member Option
Period"), that such Non-selling Member elects to exercise the Purchase Option.
If the aggregate amount of Available Member's Interest elected to be purchased
by all electing Non-selling Members exceeds the Available Member's Interest,
then the Available Member's Interest shall be allocated on a pro rata basis
among such electing Non-selling Members based on the Interests owned by each
such electing Non-selling Member and the total Interests owned by all electing
Non-selling Members and taking into account the amount of Available Member's
Interest each such Non-selling Member wishes to purchase. If the Non-Selling
Members exercise the Purchase Option, the closing of the purchase of the
Available Member's Interest shall be held at the corporate office of the Company
at a time mutually agreed by the parties no later than ninety (90) days
following the date of the Notice of Offer.
(d) If, upon the expiration of the Member Option Period, all
of the Available Member's Interest has not been elected to be purchased, then
all rights of the Non-selling Members with respect to the Purchase Option shall
be deemed to have been extinguished and the Selling Member may effect the
Transfer of its Interest pursuant to the Offer; provided, however, that the
conditions specified in Section 10.3 hereof are satisfied.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Section 10, each of PHL and PXRE may, solely upon compliance with Section
10.3 hereof, transfer any of its Interest to any Affiliate.
Section 10.3. Compliance with Additional Requirements. No Transfer
shall occur unless the following conditions are satisfied: (a) the Transfer will
not require registration of the Interest under any federal or state securities
laws; (b) the transferee delivers to the Company a written instrument agreeing
to be bound by the terms of this Article 10; (c) the Transfer will not result in
the termination of the Company pursuant to Code Section 708 or in the Company
becoming a publicly-traded partnership for federal income tax purposes; (d) the
Transfer will not result in the Company being subject to the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended; and (e) the transferor or the transferee delivers the
following information to the Company: (x) the transferee's taxpayer
identification number and (y) the transferee's initial tax basis in the
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Transferred Interests. Upon compliance with all of the conditions of this
Article 10, a Person to whom an Interest in the Company has been Transferred
shall become a Member.
Section 10.4. Reasonableness of Limitations. Each Member hereby
acknowledges the reasonableness of the prohibitions contained in this Article in
view of the purposes of the Company and the relationship of the Members. The
Transfer of any Interest in the Company in violation of the prohibitions
contained in this Article shall be deemed invalid, null and void, and of no
force or effect. Any Person to whom an Interest in the Company is attempted to
be Transferred in violation of this Article shall not be entitled to vote on
matters coming before the Members, participate in the management of the Company,
act as an agent of the Company, receive Distributions from the Company, or have
any other rights in or with respect to any such Interest.
Section 10.5. No Transfer of Special Interests. No Member may, under
any circumstances, transfer a Special Interest. In the event that a Member
holding a Special Interest intends to Transfer its Interest pursuant to this
Article 10, the Designated Investment(s) relating to such Member's Special
Interest(s) shall be distributed in kind to such Member, and such Member's
Capital Account shall be adjusted to reflect such distribution, prior to the
Transfer of such Member's Interest.
ARTICLE 11
FINANCIAL, TAX AND OTHER MATTERS
Section 11.1. Business Transactions of Member with the Company. Subject
to Section 3.4, a Member may lend money to; borrow money from; act as a surety,
guarantor, or endorser for; guarantee or assume one or more specific obligations
of; provide collateral for; and transact other business with the Company; and,
subject to other applicable law, have the same rights and obligations with
respect to any such matter as a Person who is not a Member.
Section 11.2. Liability to Third Parties. Except as otherwise provided
by the LLC Act, the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the Company, whether
arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations,
and liabilities of the Company, as such, and no Member of the Company shall be
obligated personally for any such debt, obligation, or liability of the Company
solely by reason of being a Member of the Company.
Section 11.3. Budget and Business Plan.
(a) At least 45 days prior to the beginning of each Fiscal
Year of the Company, a General Manager shall cause to be prepared and submitted
to the Members a preliminary operating and capital budget and a business plan
with respect to such Fiscal Year,
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and prior to the beginning of such Fiscal Year the Members shall agree upon a
final operating and capital budget and business plan for the Company for such
Fiscal Year.
(b) No later than 135 days after the beginning of each
Fiscal Year of the Company, a General Manager shall cause to be prepared and
submitted to the Members any proposed amendments or adjustments to the budgets
and the business plan for the second half of such Fiscal Year, and no later than
180 days after the beginning of such Fiscal Year the Members shall approve or
reject any such amendments or adjustments.
(c) Upon approval by a Supermajority in Interest of the
Members, each such proposed operating and capital budget shall together become
the "Budget" and each such proposed business plan shall become the "Business
Plan" for such Fiscal Year, subject to any amendments or adjustments thereto so
approved by the Members. The initial Budget and Business Plan covering the
period from the date hereof through December 31, 1997 shall be approved by a
Supermajority in Interest of the Members at the Organizational Meeting of the
Members or as promptly thereafter as possible.
Section 11.4. Access to Information; Records.
(a) Subject to Section 15.1 hereof, each Member of the
Company shall have the right, at the sole expense of such Member, to inspect and
examine at the principal office of the Company during regular business hours and
to obtain from the Company from time to time upon reasonable demand for any
purpose reasonably related to the Member's interest as a Member of the Company:
(i) true and full information regarding the status of the
business and financial condition of the Company;
(ii) promptly after becoming available, a copy of the
federal, state, and local income tax returns for each year of the
Company;
(iii) a current list of the name and last known business,
residence, or mailing address of each Member;
(iv) a copy of this Operating Agreement, the Certificate and
all amendments thereto, together with executed copies of any written
powers of attorney pursuant to which this Operating Agreement and the
Certificate and all amendments thereto have been executed;
(v) true and full information regarding the amount of cash
and a description and statement of the agreed value of any other
property or services contributed by each
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Member and which each Member has agreed to contribute in the future,
and the date on which each became a Member; and
(vi) other information regarding the affairs of the Company
as is just and reasonable.
(b) The Company may maintain its records in other than a
written form if such form is capable of conversion into written form within a
reasonable time.
(c) Any demand by a Member under this Section shall be in
writing and shall state the purpose of such demand.
Section 11.5. Checks. All checks, notes, bills of exchange, or other
similar orders in writing shall be signed by such one or more officers or
employees of the Company as the Members may from time to time designate.
Section 11.6. Contracts.
(a) The Members may authorize any officer or agent to enter
into any contract or to execute or deliver any instrument on behalf of the
Company, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
(b) Any note, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness, contract
or other document, or any assignment or endorsement thereof, executed or entered
into between the Company and any other Person, when signed by a General Manager
or a Manager of the Company, or such one or more other officers or agents as the
Members may from time to time designate, shall be held to have been properly
executed for and in behalf of the Company, without prejudice to the rights of
the Company against any such Person who shall have executed the instrument in
excess of his actual authority.
Section 11.7. Deposits. All funds of the Company shall be deposited
from time to time to the credit of the Company in such banks, trust companies,
or other depositories as the Members may approve or designate, and all such
funds shall be withdrawn only upon checks signed, or instructions (including,
without limitation, wire transfer instructions) given, by such one or more
officers or employees of the Company as the Members shall from time to time
designate.
Section 11.8. Tax Matters Partner.
(a) The Tax Matters Partner ("TMP"), as that term is defined
in Section 6231(a)(7) or any successor provision of the Code, for the Company
shall be PXRE or
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such other Person as may be designated from time to time by a Majority in
Interest of the Members.
(b) The TMP shall have the right to resign by giving thirty
(30) days' written notice to each Member. Upon the resignation, death, legal
incompetency, or bankruptcy of the person serving as the TMP, a successor to
serve in such capacity shall be designated by vote of a Majority in Interest of
the Members.
(c) The TMP shall employ experienced tax counsel to
represent the Company in connection with any audit or investigation of the
Company by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), and in connection with all
subsequent administrative and judicial proceedings arising out of such audit.
The fees and expenses of such counsel shall be a Company expense and shall be
paid by the Company. Such counsel shall be responsible for representing the
Company; it shall be the responsibility of each Member, at their own expense, to
employ tax counsel to represent their respective separate interests.
(d) The TMP shall keep the Members informed of all
administrative and judicial proceedings as required by Section 6223(g) of the
Code and shall furnish to each Member a copy of each notice or other
communication concerning the Company sent directly to the TMP or the Company by
the IRS; and each Member shall furnish to the TMP a copy of each notice or other
communication concerning the Company sent directly to such Member. All expenses
incurred by the TMP in serving in such capacity shall be a Company expense and
shall be paid by the Company.
(e) The TMP, in its capacity as such, shall not do any of
the following unless such action has been approved by the prior vote of a
Majority in Interest of the Members:
(i) enter into a settlement agreement with the IRS
which purports to bind Members other than the TMP;
(ii) file a petition as contemplated in Section
6226(a) or Section 6228 of the Code;
(iii) intervene in any action as contemplated in
Section 6226(b) of the Code;
(iv) file any request contemplated in Section
6227(c) of the Code; or
(v) enter into an agreement extending the period of
limitation as contemplated in Section 6229(b)(1)(B) of the
Code.
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(f) The relationship of the TMP to the Members is that of a
fiduciary, and the TMP has a fiduciary obligation to perform its duties as TMP
in such manner as will serve the best interests of both the Company and the
Members.
(g) The Company shall indemnify the TMP (including the
officers and directors of a corporate TMP) against judgments, fines, amounts
paid in settlement, and expenses (including attorney fees) reasonably incurred
in any civil, criminal, or investigative proceeding in which they are involved
or threatened to be involved by reason of being the TMP, provided that the TMP
acted in good faith, within what it reasonably believed to be the scope of its
authority, and for a purpose which it reasonably believed to be in the best
interests of the Company and the Members. The TMP shall not be indemnified under
this provision against any liability to the Company or the Members to which it
otherwise would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of its
office. The indemnification provided hereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of
any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any applicable
statute, agreement, vote of Members, or otherwise.
Section 11.9. Tax Returns. The TMP shall, at the expense of the
Company, prepare or cause to be prepared, and shall file with applicable
governmental authorities, such tax returns as are necessary to comply with
applicable laws before the expiration of any deadline for filing or extension
thereof. Copies of all such tax returns shall be provided to the Members prior
to filing for review and the approval thereof by a Supermajority in Interest of
the Members. In addition, the TMP shall, at the expense of the Company, prepare
or cause to be prepared and shall distribute to each of the Members a report
showing all necessary tax reporting information of the Company required by the
Members for preparation of their income tax returns, including Distributions to
the Members and allocations to the Members of the Company's taxable income,
gains, losses, deductions, credits and items of tax preference.
Section 11.10. Elections. All elections, consents, or revocations of
elections and consents required or permitted to be made by the Company under the
Code or any state or local taxing statute shall be made on behalf of the Company
by the Members in such a manner as a Supermajority in Interest of the Members
shall, in its sole discretion, determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
Member shall take any action inconsistent with characterizing the Company as a
partnership for U.S. federal, state and local tax purposes and the Company and
each Member (including the TMP) shall make any elections necessary for the
Company to be so classified for U.S. federal, state and local tax purposes. All
determinations made on behalf of the Company by the Members with respect to the
treatment of any item or its allocation for federal, state or local tax purposes
shall be binding upon all of the Members unless the determination is
inconsistent with any express provision of this Operating Agreement.
Section 11.11. Appointment of Accountants and Legal Counsel. For so
long as PHL and PXRE are the sole Members of the Company, (i) PHL will have the
right to appoint the
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independent public accountants of the Company and (ii) PXRE will have the right
to appoint the outside legal counsel of the Company. The initial independent
public accountants of the Company shall be Price Waterhouse LLP. The initial
legal counsel of the Company shall be Xxxxxx, Xxxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP.
Section 11.12. Notice of Regulatory Inquiries, etc. Except as may be
specified from time to time by the Members, the Company shall promptly notify
each of the Members upon receipt by the Company of any notice, inquiry, order,
or other communication from regulatory authorities, and shall provide copies of
any such notice, inquiry, order, or communication to each Member upon request.
ARTICLE 12
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND
OTHER AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES
Section 12.1. Scope of Indemnification.
(a) The Company shall indemnify an indemnified
representative against any liability incurred in connection with any proceeding
in which the indemnified representative may be involved as a party or otherwise
by reason of the fact that such Person is or was serving in an indemnified
capacity, including, without limitation, liabilities resulting from any actual
or alleged breach or neglect of duty, error, misstatement, or misleading
statement, negligence, gross negligence, or act giving rise to strict or
products liability, except:
(i) where such indemnification is expressly prohibited by
applicable law;
(ii) where the conduct of the indemnified representative has
been finally determined:
(1) to constitute willful misconduct or
recklessness sufficient in the circumstances to bar
indemnification against liabilities arising from the
conduct; or
(2) to be based upon or attributable to the receipt
by the indemnified representative from the Company of a
personal benefit to which the indemnified representative is
not legally entitled; or
(3) to the extent such indemnification has been
finally determined in a final adjudication to be unlawful.
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(b) If an indemnified representative is entitled to
indemnification in respect of a portion, but not all, of any liabilities to
which such Person may be subject, the Company shall indemnify such indemnified
representative to the maximum extent for such portion of the liabilities.
(c) The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order,
settlement, or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent
shall not of itself create a presumption that the indemnified representative is
not entitled to indemnification.
(d) For purposes of this Article:
(i) "indemnified capacity" means any and all past, present,
and future service by an indemnified representative in one or more
capacities as a Member, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or,
at the request of the Company, as a member, manager, director, officer,
employee, agent, fiduciary, or trustee of another limited liability
company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
benefit plan, or other entity or enterprise;
(ii) "indemnified representative" means any and all Members,
representatives of Members and officers of the Company and any other
Person designated as an indemnified representative by the Members of
the Company (which may, but need not, include any Person serving at the
request of the Company, as a member, manager, director, officer,
employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of another limited liability
company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
benefit plan or other entity or enterprise);
(iii) "liability" means any damage, judgment, amount paid in
settlement, fine, penalty, punitive damages, excise tax assessed with
respect to an employee benefit plan, or cost or expense of any nature
(including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements); and
(iv) "proceeding" means any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit, appeal or other proceeding of any nature, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, whether formal or informal,
and whether brought by or in the right of the Company, a class of its
Members or security holders or otherwise.
Section 12.2. Proceedings Initiated by Indemnified Representatives.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, the Company shall not
indemnify under this Article an indemnified representative for any liability
incurred in a proceeding initiated (which shall not be deemed to include
counterclaims or affirmative defenses) or participated in as an intervenor by
the Person seeking indemnification unless such initiation of or participation in
the proceeding is authorized, either before or after its commencement, by the
affirmative vote of a Supermajority
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in Interest of the Members. This Section does not apply to reimbursement of
expenses incurred in successfully prosecuting or defending the rights of an
indemnified representative granted by or pursuant to this Article.
Section 12.3. Advancing Expenses. The Company shall pay the expenses
(including attorneys' fees and disbursements) incurred in good faith by an
indemnified representative in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding
described in Section 12.1 or the initiation of or participation in which is
authorized pursuant to Section 12.2 upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of the indemnified representative to repay the amount if it is ultimately
determined that such Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company
pursuant to this Article. The financial ability of an indemnified representative
to repay an advance shall not be a prerequisite to the making of such advance.
Section 12.4. Securing of Indemnification Obligations. To further
effect, satisfy or secure the indemnification obligations provided in this
Article or otherwise, the Company may maintain insurance, obtain a letter of
credit, act as self-insurer, create a reserve, trust, escrow, cash collateral or
other fund or account, enter into indemnification agreements, pledge or grant a
security interest in any assets or properties of the Company, or use any other
mechanism or arrangement whatsoever in such amounts, at such costs, and upon
such other terms and conditions as a Supermajority in Interest of the Members
shall deem appropriate. Absent fraud, the determination of the Members with
respect to such amounts, costs, terms and conditions shall be conclusive against
all Members, security holders and officers and shall not be subject to
voidability.
Section 12.5. Payment of Indemnification. An indemnified representative
shall be entitled to indemnification within 30 days after a written request for
indemnification has been delivered to the Secretary of the Company.
Section 12.6. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this
Article or otherwise is unavailable for any reason in respect of any liability
or portion thereof, the Company shall contribute to the liabilities to which the
indemnified representative may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate
to reflect the intent of this Article or otherwise.
Section 12.7. Mandatory Indemnification of Members, Officers, etc. To
the extent that an indemnified representative of the Company has been successful
on the merits or otherwise in defense of any proceeding or in defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, such Person shall be indemnified against
expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements) actually and reasonably
incurred by such Person in connection therewith.
Section 12.8. Contract Rights; Amendment or Repeal. All rights under
this Article shall be deemed a contract between the Company and the indemnified
representative pursuant to which the Company and each indemnified representative
intend to be legally bound. Any repeal,
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amendment, or modification hereof shall be prospective only and shall not affect
any rights or obligations then existing.
Section 12.9. Scope of Article. The rights granted by this Article
shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification, contribution, or advancement of expenses may be entitled under
any statute, agreement, vote of Members, or otherwise, both as to action in an
indemnified capacity and as to action in any other capacity. The
indemnification, contribution, and advancement of expenses provided by or
granted pursuant to this Article shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to
be an indemnified representative in respect of matters arising prior to such
time, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators,
and personal representatives of such a Person.
Section 12.10. Reliance on Provisions. Each Person who shall act as an
indemnified representative of the Company shall be deemed to be doing so in
reliance upon the rights of indemnification, contribution and advancement of
expenses provided by this Article.
Section 12.11. Interpretation. The provisions of this Article are
intended to constitute terms of a limited liability company agreement authorized
by 'SS' 18-108 of the LLC Act.
ARTICLE 13
DISSOLUTION
Section 13.1. Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved and its
affairs wound up upon the first to occur of the following:
(a) the written consent of a Supermajority in Interest of
the Members;
(b) the bankruptcy, insolvency, dissolution, withdrawal,
resignation, or expulsion of a Member or the occurrence of any other
event which terminates the continued Interest of a Member in the
Company; or
(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under 'SS'
18-802 of the LLC Act.
Section 13.2. Events of Bankruptcy of Member. For purposes of this
Operating Agreement, a Member shall be considered bankrupt upon the occurrence
of either of the following events:
(a) Such Member takes any of the following actions:
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(i) makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors;
(ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy;
(iii) is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or has
entered against the Member an order for relief, in any
bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding;
(iv) files a petition or answer seeking for the
Member any reorganization, arrangement, composition,
readjustment, liquidation, dissolution, or similar relief
under any statute, law, or regulation;
(v) files an answer or other pleading admitting or
failing to contest the material allegations of a petition
filed against the Member in any proceeding of this nature;
or
(vi) seeks, consents to, or acquiesces in the
appointment of a trustee, receiver, or liquidator of the
Member or of all or any substantial part of the properties
of the Member.
(b) 120 days after the commencement of any proceeding
against the Member seeking reorganization, arrangement, composition,
readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any
statute, law or regulation, if the proceeding has not been dismissed,
or if within 90 days after the appointment without the consent or
acquiescence of the Member, of a trustee, receiver or liquidator of the
Member or of all or any substantial part of the properties of the
Member, the appointment is not vacated or stayed, or within 90 days
after the expiration of any such stay, the appointment is not vacated.
Section 13.3. Judicial Dissolution. On application by or for a Member,
the Delaware Court of Chancery may decree dissolution of the Company whenever it
is not reasonably practicable to carry on the Company's business in conformity
with this Operating Agreement.
Section 13.4. Winding Up.
(a) The Members or a Person approved by a Supermajority in
Interest of the Members, as appropriate, may wind up the affairs of the Company;
but the Court of Chancery, upon cause shown, may wind up the affairs of the
Company upon application of any Member, or the legal representative or assignee
of a Member, and in connection therewith, may appoint a liquidating trustee.
(b) Upon dissolution of the Company and until the filing of
a certificate of cancellation as provided in Section 13.6, and subject to the
requirements of Section 13.5, the
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Persons winding up the affairs of the Company may, in the name of, and for and
on behalf of, the Company, prosecute and defend suits, whether civil, criminal
or administrative, gradually settle and close the business of the Company,
dispose of and convey the property of the Company, discharge the liabilities of
the Company, and distribute to the Members any remaining assets of the Company,
all without affecting the liability of Members and without imposing liability on
a liquidating trustee.
Section 13.5. Distributions Upon Dissolution and Termination.
(a) After all liabilities and obligations of the Company,
including all expenses of liquidation, shall have been paid or provided for
(whether by such reserve as the Persons winding up the affairs of the Company
shall deem appropriate or otherwise), and all items of gain, loss, deduction,
and credit shall have been allocated in accordance with Article 6, any proceeds
from the liquidation of the Company shall be distributed to those Members with
positive Capital Account balances (in proportion to such Capital Account
balances) within the period as may be required pursuant to Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2) or any successor provision, subject to the following
sentence. Any Designated Investment, and the proceeds thereof, shall be
distributed only to the Member holding the Special Interest relating thereto.
(b) If upon termination and liquidation of the Company, the
Persons winding up the Company determine that (i) an immediate sale of part or
all of the assets of the Company would cause undue loss to the Members, and (ii)
the assets of the Company would be readily susceptible to division for
distribution in kind to the Members, then to that extent the assets of the
Company may be distributed to the Members in kind; provided, that any Designated
Investment shall be distributed in kind only upon the request of, and to, the
Member holding the Special Interest relating thereto. For such purposes, the
assets of the Company shall be deemed sold at fair market value at the time of
distribution.
Section 13.6. Cancellation of Certificate. The Certificate shall be
canceled (and a certificate of cancellation filed with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware in accordance with 'SS' 18-203 of the LLC Act) upon the
dissolution and the completion of winding up of the Company, or if at any other
time there are less than two Members, or if the Company fails to appoint a
successor registered agent as provided in 'SS' 18-104(d) of the LLC Act, or if
the Company is not the surviving or resulting entity in a merger or
consolidation.
ARTICLE 14
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 14.1. Arbitration. In the event that a dispute on any matter
arises between the Members, between or among the Company and one or more
Members, or, in connection with any
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aspect of this Operating Agreement, the duties or responsibilities of the
Members or their performance hereunder or the interpretation hereof (a
"Dispute"), and such Dispute shall not have been resolved pursuant to good faith
discussions between the Members, then any Member involved in such Dispute may
elect by written notice (the "Arbitration Notice") to the Company or the other
Member(s) involved in such Dispute, as applicable, to have the Dispute subjected
to arbitration as provided in this Section 14.1 (the "Arbitration").
Notwithstanding any provision of this Operating Agreement to the contrary,
nothing in this Section 14.1 or in any other provision of this Operating
Agreement shall preclude a Member from (i) commencing and maintaining a
proceeding prior to the completion of the Arbitration if necessary to prevent
the expiration of any statute of limitations, provided, that the commencing
Member shall endeavor to have such proceeding stayed pending the completion of
the Arbitration, (ii) pursuing its rights pursuant to Article 13 with respect to
the dissolution, winding-up and liquidation of the Company, or (iii) pursuing
its rights pursuant to Section 14.2 hereof. The Arbitration shall be held in New
York, New York, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in
effect. The arbitral panel shall consist of three arbitrators appointed in
accordance with such rules. The facts and circumstances of the Dispute and all
other relevant matters shall be presented to the arbitral panel within 60 days
after the effective date of the Arbitration Notice. The arbitrators shall
consider the Dispute and issue a written decision setting forth the resolution
of the Dispute or the method for determining the resolution of the Dispute
decided upon by them. The arbitrators shall be empowered to issue one or more
interim decisions prior to the full hearing of the case, requiring a party to
the proceeding to do or to abstain from doing such acts as shall be specified in
the interim decision. Such interim decision shall be enforceable in the same
manner as the final decision, as set forth below. The Arbitration shall be
completed within six months after its commencement. The fees and expenses of the
arbitrators and the other costs of the Arbitration shall be borne by the Members
involved in the manner determined by the arbitrators. The decision of the
arbitrators pursuant to this Section 14.1 shall be final and binding upon the
Members involved and the Company and judgment thereon may be entered into any
court having jurisdiction.
Section 14.2. Buy/Sell Arrangement.
(a) At any time that PHL and PXRE are the sole Members, any
Member (the "Exercising Member") shall have the right, exercisable by written
notice to the other Member (the "Buy/Sell Offer") to offer to sell its Interest
at a cash purchase price specified in the Buy/Sell Offer. The other Member (the
"Electing Member") shall elect, by written notice (the "Notice of Election")
within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Buy/Sell Offer, either: (x) to
purchase the Exercising Member's Interest at the purchase price specified in the
Buy/Sell Offer or (y) to sell its Interest to the Exercising Member at a cash
purchase price which bears the same proportional relationship to its Interest as
the purchase price set forth in the Buy/Sell Offer bears to the Exercising
Member's Interest.
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(b) If the Electing Member elects to proceed pursuant to
clause (x) of subsection (a), the Members shall, within 30 days after receipt of
the Notice of Election, execute such documents and instruments reasonably
required to cause the purchase and sale of the Exercising Member's Interest at
the purchase price specified in the Buy/Sell Offer. The closing of such sale
shall take place as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty (30)
days thereafter. At the closing, the Exercising Member shall transfer its
Interest free and clear of any and all encumbrances.
(c) If the Electing Member elects to proceed pursuant to
clause (y) of subsection (a), the Members shall, within 30 days after receipt of
the Notice of Election, execute such documents and instruments reasonably
required to cause the purchase and sale of the Electing Member's Interest at a
purchase price which bears the same proportional relationship to its Interest as
the purchase price set forth in the Buy/Sell Offer bears to the Exercising
Member's Interest. The closing of such sale shall take place as soon as
practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days thereafter. At the
closing, the Electing Member shall transfer its Interest free and clear of any
and all encumbrances.
(d) In the event of a sale pursuant to this Section 14.2,
any Designated Investment(s) relating to Special Interest(s) held by the Member
not purchasing the other Member's Interest shall be distributed in kind to such
Member prior to the closing under this Section 14.2.
ARTICLE 15
CONFIDENTIALITY
Section 15.1. Confidentiality. The Company and each Member, each for
itself and for its principals, partners, officers, directors, Affiliates,
agents, employees and servants, agree that, without prior consent, it shall not
disclose to any third party or otherwise make public, any confidential
information about the nature of their relationship or the customers, products,
plans, operations, projections, results, suppliers, investments, business
activities or other business affairs of the Company or of any other Member (the
"Confidential Material"). The term "Confidential Material" does not include
information that (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than
as a result of a disclosure by the party seeking to disclose such Confidential
Material or by any of such party's principals, partners, directors, officers,
agents, employees or servants, (ii) is developed independently by the party
seeking disclosure without reference to any Confidential Material or (iii)
becomes available to the party seeking to disclose such Confidential Material on
a non-confidential basis from another source, provided that the party seeking to
disclose such Confidential Material has no reason to know that such source is
bound by an obligation of secrecy to the party whose Confidential Material is to
be disclosed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Operating Agreement
shall prevent the disclosure
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of Confidential Material if such disclosure must be made in response to the
formal request of a governmental authority or is otherwise required under any
applicable law; provided, however, that to the extent possible, the party
required to make any such disclosure of Confidential Information shall inform
the Company and the Members of such request or requirement in order that the
Company or any affected Member, as the case may be, may contest such disclosure
of Confidential Material and each party agrees to cooperate to obtain any type
of protective order or any other remedy or recourse which may be sought in this
regard (any such contest to be at the expense of the affected party).
ARTICLE 16
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 16.1. Further Assurances. Each party to this Operating
Agreement agrees promptly to execute, acknowledge, deliver, file or record such
further certificates, amendments, instruments and documents, and to do all such
other acts and things, as may be required by law, or that, in the opinion of the
Members, may be necessary or advisable to carry out the intents and purposes of
this Operating Agreement.
Section 16.2. Amendments. Except as otherwise provided in this
Operating Agreement, the terms and provisions of this Operating Agreement may be
waived, modified or amended only by written consent of a Supermajority in
Interest of the Members. Except as otherwise provided in this Operating
Agreement, no amendment, modification or waiver, however, shall: (i) enlarge the
obligations of any Member (including, without limitation any enlargement of the
Capital Contributions required of any Member) under this Operating Agreement
without the written consent of such Member; (ii) change the rights or interest
of any Member in Net Profits and Net Losses or Distributions of the Company or
its rights upon liquidation thereof without the written consent of such Member
(except such changes as may result from the admission of additional Members in
accordance with the terms hereof); (iii) alter or waive the terms of this
Section 16.2 without the consent of each Member; or (iv) change the provisions
relating to the termination of the Company without the consent of a
Supermajority in Interest of the Members.
Section 16.3. Representations and Warranties of the Members.
(a) By execution and delivery of this Operating Agreement,
each of the Members represents and warrants that (i) such Member's Interest is
intended to be and is being acquired solely for such Member's own account for
investment and with no present intention of distributing or reselling all or any
part thereof; and (ii) such Member is able and is prepared to bear the economic
risk of making the Capital Contributions contemplated hereby with respect to
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such Member's Interest and to suffer any loss up to the amount of such Member's
Capital Contribution.
(b) Each Member recognizes that (i) the Interests have not
been registered under the Securities Act, in reliance upon an exemption from
such registration, and agrees that it will not sell, offer for sale, pledge,
hypothecate or otherwise Transfer its Interest in the absence of an effective
registration statement covering such Interest under the Securities Act, unless
such sale, offer of sale, pledge, hypothecation or other Transfer is exempt from
registration for any proposed sale, (ii) the Company has no obligation and does
not expect ever to prepare any such registration statement and (iii) the
restrictions on Transfer may severely affect the liquidity of its investment.
Section 16.4. Jurisdiction; Service of Process. Each Member hereby:
(a) Irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the state
courts of the State of Delaware and to the jurisdiction of the United States
District Court for the District of Delaware for the purpose of any suit, action
or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Operating Agreement or the
subject matter hereof or in any way connected to the dealings of any Member or
the Company in connection with any of the above;
(b) Waives to the extent not prohibited by applicable law,
and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, in any
such proceeding brought in any of the above-named courts, any claim that such
Member is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of such court, that such
Member's property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that such
proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of such
proceeding is improper, or that this Operating Agreement or the subject matter
hereof may not be enforced in or by such court; and
(c) Agrees that service of process in connection with any
such proceeding may be effected by mailing same in the manner provided in
Section 16.6 hereof.
Section 16.5. Waiver Of Jury Trial; Remedies.
(a) TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW THAT
CANNOT BE WAIVED, EACH MEMBER WAIVES AND COVENANTS THAT SUCH MEMBER WILL NOT
ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT, OR OTHERWISE), ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY
JURY IN ANY FORUM IN RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE, CLAIM OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF
THIS OPERATING AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED
WITH THE DEALINGS OF ANY OTHER MEMBER OR THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OF
THE ABOVE, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING AND WHETHER IN
CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE. The Company or any
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Member may file an original counterpart or a copy of this paragraph with any
court as written evidence of the consent of the Members to the waiver of their
rights to trial by jury.
(b) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, in the
event of an actual or prospective breach or default by any party hereto, the
other parties may not have an adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, in the event
of any such actual or prospective breach or default by any party, the other
parties shall be entitled to such equitable relief, including remedies in the
nature of injunction and specific performance, as may be available to restrain
any Person from causing or participating in any such actual or prospective
breach or default. All remedies hereunder are cumulative and not exclusive, and
nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit or limit any party from pursuing any
other remedy or relief available at law or in equity for such actual or
prospective breach or default, including the recovery of damages.
Section 16.6. Notices.
(a) Any notice or demand required or permitted to be given
or made to or upon any party hereto pursuant to any of the provisions of this
Operating Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given or made for all
purposes if (i) it is in writing and delivered by hand or express courier
service against receipt, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested, or (ii) it is sent by facsimile, telegram,
telex or other electronic means and followed by a copy delivered or sent in the
manner provided in clause (i) above, to such party at the address as set forth
below, or such other address as any party hereto at any time, or from time to
time, may direct by notice given to the other parties in accordance with this
Section 16.6. The date of giving or making of any such notice or demand shall be
the earlier of the date of actual receipt, or five Business Days after such
notice or demand is sent or, if sent in accordance with clause (ii), the
Business Day next following the day such notice or demand is actually
transmitted. All notices shall be given as follows:
(i) to the Company at the principal place of business of the
Company;
(ii) to any of the Members at their respective addresses set
forth on Exhibit A hereto; and
(iii) to any Person who hereafter becomes a Member, at such
address as may be designated by him by written notice to the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16.6(a),
routine communications such as Distribution checks or financial statements of
the Company may be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid; provided, however,
that to the extent any Member timely instructs the Company in writing to make
cash Distributions by wire transfer, cash Distributions shall be made by wire
transfer as so instructed. In computing any period of time under this Operating
Agreement, the day of the act, event or default from which the designated period
of
- 38 -
time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed
shall be included, unless it is not a Business Day in which event the period
shall run until the end of the next day which is a Business Day.
Section 16.7. Counterparts. This Operating Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute one agreement.
Section 16.8. Governing Law. This Operating Agreement in all respects
shall be governed by, interpreted and construed in accordance with, and all
rights and remedies hereunder shall be governed by, the laws of the State of
Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.
Section 16.9. Successors and Assigns. This Operating Agreement shall be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors, executors,
administrators, legal representatives, heirs and permitted assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and, except as otherwise provided
herein, their respective successors, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, heirs and permitted assigns.
Section 16.10. Construction; etc. The parties hereto intend that each
provision hereof constitute a separate agreement between them. Accordingly, the
provisions hereof are severable and in the event that any provision of this
Operating Agreement shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable in any respect by a
court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions hereof shall not be
affected, but shall, subject to the discretion of such court, remain in full
force and effect, and any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed,
without further action on the part of the parties hereto, amended and limited to
the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable. In the event any
ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises under this Operating
Agreement, this Operating Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by
the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or
disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of
this Operating Agreement. All headings and captions contained in this Operating
Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed a part of this
Operating Agreement. All pronouns and all variations thereof shall be deemed to
refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity
of the Person may require.
Section 16.11. Entire Agreement. This Operating Agreement constitutes
the entire agreement of the Members with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and
understandings.
Section 16.12. No Right to Partition. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Operating Agreement, the Members, on behalf of themselves and
their shareholders, partners, interest holders, successors and assigns, if any,
hereby specifically renounce, waive and forfeit all
- 39 -
rights that any of them may have to maintain any action for partition of any
property of the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed, or caused
this Operating Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth above.
CAT BOND INVESTORS, L.L.C.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
-------------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Title: Manager
MEMBERS:
PHOENIX HOME LIFE MUTUAL
INSURANCE COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
-------------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Title: Senior Vice President
PXRE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
-------------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
- 40 -
Exhibit A to
Operating Agreement
MEMBERS:
Name, Address and
Taxpayer Identification Total Initial Capital Percentage
Numbers of Members Commitment Contribution Interest
-------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------------ ----------------
Phoenix Home Life Mutual $10 million $25,000 50%
Insurance Company
One American Row $1.5 million principal
P.O. Box 5056 amount USAA bond
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
TIN: 00-0000000
PXRE Corporation $10 million $25,000 50%
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000 $1.5 million principal
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx amount USAA bond
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
TIN: 00-0000000
