AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
VININGS INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, L.P.
June 11, 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1
DEFINED TERMS........................................................1
ARTICLE 2
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS..............................................11
Section 2.1 Formation.........................................11
Section 2.2 Name..............................................11
Section 2.3 Registered Office and Agent; Principal Office.....12
Section 2.4 Power of Attorney.................................12
Section 2.5 Term..............................................13
ARTICLE 3
PURPOSE.............................................................13
Section 3.1 Purpose and Business..............................13
Section 3.2 Powers............................................14
ARTICLE 4
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS...............................................14
Section 4.1 Capital Contributions of the Partners.............14
Section 4.2 Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests.....15
Section 4.3 Contribution of Proceeds of Issuance of REIT
Shares............................................16
ARTICLE 5
DISTRIBUTIONS.......................................................16
Section 5.1 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions.16
Section 5.2 Amounts Withheld..................................17
Section 5.3 Distributions Upon Liquidation....................17
ARTICLE 6
ALLOCATIONS.........................................................17
Section 6.1 Allocations For Capital Account Purposes..........17
ARTICLE 7
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF BUSINESS...............................18
Section 7.1 Management........................................18
Section 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership................22
Section 7.3 Restrictions on General Partner Authority.........22
Section 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner and the
Company...........................................22
Section 7.5 Outside Activities of the General Partner.........23
Section 7.6 Contracts with Affiliates.........................23
Section 7.7 Indemnification...................................24
Section 7.8 Liability of the General Partner..................26
Section 7.9 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner......26
Section 7.10 Title to Partnership Assets.......................27
Section 7.11 Reliance by Third Parties.........................27
ARTICLE 8
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LIMITED PARTNERS..........................28
Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability...........................28
Section 8.2 Management of Business............................28
Section 8.3 Outside Activities of Limited Partners............28
Section 8.4 Return of Capital.................................29
Section 8.5 Rights of Limited Partners Relating to the
Partnership.......................................29
Section 8.6 Redemption Right..................................30
ARTICLE 9
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS..............................31
Section 9.1 Records and Accounting............................31
Section 9.2 Fiscal Year.......................................32
Section 9.3 Reports...........................................32
ARTICLE 10
TAX MATTERS.........................................................32
Section 10.1 Preparation of Tax Returns........................32
Section 10.2 Tax Elections.....................................33
Section 10.3 Tax Matters Partner...............................33
Section 10.4 Organizational Expenses...........................35
Section 10.5 Withholding.......................................35
ARTICLE 11
TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS...........................................36
Section 11.1 Transfer..........................................36
Section 11.2 Transfer of the Company's General Partner
Interest and Limited Partner Interest.............36
Section 11.3 Limited Partners' Rights to Transfer..............36
Section 11.4 Substituted Limited Partners......................37
Section 11.5 Assignees.........................................38
Section 11.6 General Provisions................................38
ARTICLE 12
ADMISSION OF PARTNERS...............................................39
Section 12.1 Admission of Successor General Partner............39
Section 12.2 Admission of Additional Limited Partners..........39
Section 12.3 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of
Limited Partnership...............................40
ARTICLE 13
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION............................40
Section 13.1 Dissolution.......................................40
Section 13.2 Winding Up........................................41
Section 13.3 Compliance with Timing Requirements of
Regulations.......................................43
Section 13.4 Deemed Distribution and Recontribution............43
Section 13.5 Rights of Limited Partners........................44
Section 13.6 Notice of Dissolution.............................44
Section 13.7 Termination of Partnership and Cancellation
of Certificate of Limited Partnership.............44
Section 13.8 Reasonable Time for Winding-Up....................44
Section 13.9 Waiver of Partition...............................44
ARTICLE 14
AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS........................45
Section 14.1 Amendments........................................45
Section 14.2 Meetings of the Partners..........................46
ARTICLE 15
GENERAL PROVISIONS..................................................47
Section 15.1 Addresses and Notice..............................47
Section 15.2 Titles and Captions...............................47
Section 15.3 Pronouns and Plurals..............................48
Section 15.4 Further Action....................................48
Section 15.5 Binding Effect....................................48
Section 15.6 Creditors.........................................48
Section 15.7 Waiver............................................48
Section 15.8 Counterparts......................................48
Section 15.9 Applicable Law....................................48
Section 15.10 Invalidity of Provisions.................49
Section 15.11 Entire Agreement.........................49
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A - Partners Contributions and Partnership Interests
Exhibit B - Capital Account Maintenance
Exhibit C - Special Allocation Rules
Exhibit D - Notice of Redemption
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
VININGS INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, L.P.
THIS AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF VININGS INVESTMENT (this
"Agreement"), dated as of June 11, 1996, is entered into by and among Vinings
Investment Properties Trust (the "Company") and the Persons (as defined below)
whose names are set forth on Exhibit A as attached hereto (as it may be amended
from time to time).
WHEREAS, the Company and the Persons whose names are set forth on
Exhibit A, as attached hereto, will make certain capital contributions to the
Partnership;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein
contained, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, and do hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINED TERMS
The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise
clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.
"Act" means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, as it
may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
"Additional Limited Partner" means a Person admitted to the Partnership
as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and who is shown as such on
the books and records of the Partnership.
"Adjusted Capital Account" means the Capital Account maintained for
each Partner as of the end of each Partnership taxable year (i) increased by any
amounts which such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of
this Agreement or is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the
penultimate sentences of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5);
and (ii) decreased by the items described in Regulations Sections
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6).
The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended to comply with
the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be
interpreted consistently therewith.
"Adjusted Capital Account Deficit" means, with respect to any Partner,
the deficit balance, if any, in such Partner's Adjusted Capital Account as of
the end of the relevant Partnership taxable year.
"Adjusted Property" means any property, the Carrying Value of which has
been adjusted pursuant to Exhibit B hereof. Once an Adjusted Property is deemed
distributed by, and recontributed to, the Partnership for federal income tax
purposes upon a termination thereof pursuant to Section 708 of the Code, such
property shall thereafter constitute a Contributed Property until the Carrying
Value of such property is further adjusted pursuant to Exhibit B hereof.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any Person directly
or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such
Person; (ii) any Person owning or controlling ten percent (10%) or more of the
outstanding voting interests of such Person; (iii) any Person of which such
Person owns or controls ten percent (10%) or more of the voting interests; or
(iv) any officer, director, general partner or trustee of such Person or of any
Person referred to in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) above.
"Agreed Value" means (i) in the case of any Contributed Property as of
the time of its contribution to the Partnership, the 704(c) Value of such
property, reduced by any liabilities either assumed by the Partnership upon such
contribution or to which such property is subject when contributed, and (ii) in
the case of any property distributed to a Partner by the Partnership, the
Partnership's Carrying Value of such property at the time such property is
distributed, reduced by any indebtedness either assumed by such Partner upon
such distribution or to which such property is subject at the time of
distribution as determined under Section 752 of the Code and the Regulations
thereunder. The aggregate Agreed Value of the Contributed Property contributed
or deemed contributed by each Partner as of the date hereof is as set forth in
Exhibit A.
"Agreement" means this Agreement of Limited Partnership, as it may be
amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
"Assignee" means a Person to whom one or more Partnership Units have
been transferred in a manner permitted under this Agreement, but who has not
become a Substituted Limited Partner, and who has the rights set forth in
Section 11.5.
"Available Cash" means, with respect to any period for which such
calculation is being made, (i) the sum of:
(a) the Partnership's Net Income or Net Loss (as the case may
be) for such period (without regard to adjustments resulting from
allocations described in Sections 1.A through 1.E of Exhibit C);
(b) Depreciation and all other noncash charges deducted in
determining Net Income or Net Loss for such period;
(c) the amount of any reduction in the reserves of the
Partnership referred to in clause (ii)(f) below (including, without
limitation, reductions resulting because the General Partner determines
such amounts are no longer necessary);
(d) the excess of proceeds from the sale, exchange,
disposition, or refinancing of Partnership property for such period
over the gain recognized from such sale, exchange, disposition, or
refinancing during such period (excluding Terminating Capital
Transactions); and
(e) all other cash received by the Partnership for such period
that was not included in determining Net Income or Net Loss for such
period;
(ii) less the sum of:
(a) all principal debt payments made by the Partnership
during such period;
(b) capital expenditures made by the Partnership during
such period;
(c) investments made by the Partnership during such
period in any entity (including loans made thereto) to the
extent that such investments are not otherwise described in
clause (ii)(a) or (ii)(b);
(d) all other expenditures and payments not deducted in
determining Net Income or Net Loss for such period;
(e) any amount included in determining Net Income or
Net Loss for such period that was not received by the
Partnership during such period;
(f) the amount of any increase in reserves during such
period which the General Partner determines to be necessary
or appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion; and
(g) the amount of any working capital accounts and
other cash or similar balances which the General Partner
determines to be necessary or appropriate, in its sole and
absolute discretion.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Available Cash shall not include any
cash received or reductions in reserves, or take into account any disbursements
made or reserves established, after commencement of the dissolution and
liquidation of the Partnership.
"Book-Tax Disparities" means, with respect to any item of Contributed
Property or Adjusted Property, as of the date of any determination, the
difference between the Carrying Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted
Property and the adjusted basis thereof for federal income tax purposes as of
such date. A Partner's share of the Partnership's Book-Tax Disparities in all of
its Contributed Property and Adjusted Property will be reflected by the
difference between such Partner's Capital Account balance as maintained pursuant
to Exhibit B and the hypothetical balance of such Partner's Capital Account
computed as if it had been maintained strictly in accordance with federal income
tax accounting principles.
"Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law
to close.
"Capital Account" means the Capital Account maintained for a Partner
pursuant to Exhibit B hereof.
"Capital Contribution" means, with respect to any Partner, any cash, cash
equivalents or the Agreed Value of Contributed Property which such Partner
contributes or is deemed to contribute to the Partnership pursuant to Section
4.1, 4.2, or 4.3 hereof.
"Carrying Value" means (i) with respect to a Contributed Property or
Adjusted Property, the 704(c) Value of such property, reduced (but not below
zero) by all Depreciation with respect to such Property charged to the Partners'
Capital Accounts following the contribution of or adjustment with respect to
such Property; and (ii) with respect to any other Partnership property, the
adjusted basis of such property for federal income tax purposes, all as of the
time of determination. The Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from
time to time in accordance with Exhibit B hereof, and to reflect changes,
additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions and
acquisitions of Partnership properties, as deemed appropriate by the General
Partner.
"Cash Amount" means an amount of cash per Partnership Unit equal to the
Value on the Valuation Date of the REIT Shares Amount.
"Certificate" means the Certificate of Limited Partnership relating to the
Partnership to be filed simultaneously herewith in the office of the Delaware
Secretary of State, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms
hereof and the Act.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect
from time to time, as interpreted by the applicable regulations thereunder. Any
reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Code shall be deemed
to include a reference to any corresponding provision of future law.
"Consent" means the consent or approval of a proposed action by a Partner
given in accordance with Section 14.2 hereof.
"Contributed Property" means each property or other asset, in such form as
may be permitted by the Act (but excluding cash), contributed or deemed
contributed to the Partnership (including deemed contributions to the
Partnership on termination and reconstitution thereof pursuant to Section 708 of
the Code). Once the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted
pursuant to Exhibit B hereof, such property shall no longer constitute a
Contributed Property for purposes of Exhibit B hereof, but shall be deemed an
Adjusted Property for such purposes.
"Conversion Factor" means 1.0, provided that in the event that the Company
(i) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding REIT Shares in REIT Shares or
makes a distribution to all holders of its outstanding REIT Shares in REIT
Shares; (ii) subdivides its outstanding REIT Shares; or (iii) combines its
outstanding REIT Shares into a smaller number of REIT Shares, the Conversion
Factor shall be adjusted by multiplying the Conversion Factor by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the number of REIT Shares issued and outstanding on
the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination
assuming for such purpose that such dividend, distribution, subdivision or
combination has occurred as of such time, and the denominator of which shall be
the actual number of REIT Shares (determined without the above assumption)
issued and outstanding on the record date for such dividend, distribution,
subdivision or combination. Any adjustment to the Conversion Factor shall become
effective immediately after the effective date of such event retroactive to the
record date, if any, for such event.
"Declaration of Trust" means the Second Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust, dated as of February 6, 1985, as amended, of Vinings Investment
Properties Trust.
"Depreciation" means, for each taxable year, an amount equal to the federal
income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction
allowable with respect to an asset for such year, except that if the Carrying
Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax
purposes at the beginning of such year or other period, Depreciation shall be an
amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Carrying Value as the
federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction
for such year bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, however,
that if the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost
recovery deduction for such year is zero, Depreciation shall be determined with
reference to such beginning Carrying Value using any reasonable method selected
by the General Partner.
"General Partner" means the Company, in its capacity as the general partner
of the Partnership, or its successors as general partner of the Partnership.
"General Partner Interest" means a Partnership Interest held by the General
Partner, in its capacity as general partner. A General Partner Interest may be
expressed as a number of Partnership Units.
"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service, which administers the internal
revenue laws of the United States.
"Immediate Family" means, with respect to any natural Person, such natural
Person's spouse and such natural Person's natural or adoptive parents,
descendants, nephews, nieces, brothers, and sisters.
"Incapacity" or "Incapacitated" means, (i) as to any individual Partner,
death, total physical disability or entry by a court of competent jurisdiction
adjudicating him incompetent to manage his Person or his estate; (ii) as to any
corporation which is a Partner, the filing of a certificate of dissolution, or
its equivalent, for the corporation or the revocation of its charter; (iii) as
to any partnership which is a Partner, the dissolution and commencement of
winding up of the partnership; (iv) as to any estate which is a Partner, the
distribution by the fiduciary of the estate's entire interest in the
Partnership; (v) as to any trustee of a trust which is a Partner, the
termination of the trust (but not the substitution of a new trustee); or (vi) as
to any Partner, the bankruptcy of such Partner. For purposes of this definition,
bankruptcy of a Partner shall be deemed to have occurred when (a) the Partner
commences a voluntary proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other
relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
effect; (b) the Partner is adjudged as bankrupt or insolvent, or a final and
nonappealable order for relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law
now or hereafter in effect has been entered against the Partner; (c) the Partner
executes and delivers a general assignment for the benefit of the Partner's
creditors; (d) the Partner files an answer or other pleading admitting or
failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the
Partner in any proceeding of the nature described in clause (b) above; (e) the
Partner seeks, consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee,
receiver or liquidator for the Partner or for all or any substantial part of the
Partner's properties; (f) any proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or
other relief of or against such Partner under any bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law now or hereafter in effect has not been dismissed within one
hundred twenty (120) days after the commencement thereof; (g) the appointment
without the Partner's consent or acquiescence of a trustee, receiver or
liquidator has not been vacated or stayed within ninety (90) days of such
appointment; or (h) an appointment referred to in clause (g) which has been
stayed is not vacated within ninety (90) days after the expiration of any such
stay.
"Indemnitee" means (i) any Person made a party to a proceeding by reason of
(A) his status as the General Partner, or as a director, trustee or officer of
the Partnership or the General Partner, or (B) his or its liabilities, pursuant
to a loan guarantee or otherwise, for any indebtedness of the Partnership or any
Subsidiary of the Partnership (including, without limitation, any indebtedness
which the Partnership or any Subsidiary of the Partnership has assumed or taken
assets subject to); and (ii) such other Persons (including Affiliates of the
General Partner or the Partnership) as the General Partner may designate from
time to time (whether before or after the event giving rise to potential
liability), in its sole and absolute discretion.
"Limited Partner" means the Company and any other Person named as a Limited
Partner in Exhibit A attached hereto, as such Exhibit may be amended from time
to time, or any Substituted Limited Partner or Additional Limited Partner, in
such Person's capacity as a Limited Partner of the Partnership.
"Limited Partner Interest" means a Partnership Interest of a Limited
Partner in the Partnership representing a fractional part of the Partnership
Interests of all Partners and includes any and all benefits to which the holder
of such a Partnership Interest may be entitled, as provided in this Agreement,
together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and
provisions of this Agreement. A Limited Partner Interest may be expressed as a
number of Partnership Units.
"Liquidating Event" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.
"Liquidator" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.2.
"Net Income" means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the
Partnership's items of income and gain for such taxable period over the
Partnership's items of loss and deduction for such taxable period. The items
included in the calculation of Net Income shall be determined in accordance with
federal income tax accounting principles, subject to the specific adjustments
provided for in Exhibit B.
"Net Loss" means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the
Partnership's items of loss and deduction for such taxable period over the
Partnership's items of income and gain for such taxable period. The items
included in the calculation of Net Loss shall be determined in accordance with
federal income tax accounting principles, subject to the specific adjustments
provided for in Exhibit B.
"Nonrecourse Built-in Gain" means, with respect to any Contributed
Properties or Adjusted Properties that are subject to a mortgage or negative
pledge securing a Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that
would be allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 2.B of Exhibit C if such
properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in full satisfaction of
such liabilities and for no other consideration.
"Nonrecourse Deductions" has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section
1.704-2(b)(1), and the amount of Nonrecourse Deductions for a Partnership
taxable year shall be determined in accordance with the rules of Regulations
Section 1.704-2(c).
"Nonrecourse Liability" has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section
1.752-1(a)(2).
"Notice of Redemption" means the Notice of Redemption substantially in the
form of Exhibit D to this Agreement.
"Partner" means a General Partner or a Limited Partner, and "Partners"
means the General Partner and the Limited Partners collectively.
"Partner Minimum Gain" means an amount, with respect to each Partner
Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if
such Partner Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability,
determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
"Partner Nonrecourse Debt" has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section
1.704-2(b)(4).
"Partner Nonrecourse Deductions" has the meaning set forth in Regulations
Section 1.704-2(i)(2), and the amount of Partner Nonrecourse Deductions with
respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt for a Partnership taxable year shall be
determined in accordance with the rules of Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
"Partnership" means the limited partnership formed under the Act and
pursuant to this Agreement, as it may be amended and restated, and any successor
thereto.
"Partnership Interest" means an ownership interest in the Partnership
representing a Capital Contribution by either a Limited Partner or the General
Partner and includes any and all benefits to which the holder of such a
Partnership Interest may be entitled as provided in this Agreement, together
with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of
this Agreement. A Partnership Interest may be expressed as a number of
Partnership Units.
"Partnership Minimum Gain" has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section
1.704-2(b)(2), and the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain, as well as any net
increase or decrease in a Partnership Minimum Gain, for a Partnership taxable
year shall be determined in accordance with the rules of Regulations Section
1.704-2(d).
"Partnership Record Date" means the record date established by the General
Partner for the distribution of Available Cash pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof,
which record date shall be the same as the record date established by the
Company for a distribution to its shareholders of some of all of its portion of
such distribution.
"Partnership Unit" means a fractional, undivided share of the Partnership
Interests of all Partners issued pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. The
number of Partnership Units outstanding and the Percentage Interest in the
Partnership represented by such Units are set forth in Exhibit A attached
hereto, as such Exhibit may be amended from time to time. The ownership of
Partnership Units shall be evidenced by such form of certificate for units as
the General Partner adopts from time to time unless the General Partner
determines that the Partnership Units shall be uncertificated securities.
"Partnership Year" means the fiscal year of the Partnership, which shall be
the calendar year.
"Percentage Interest" means, as to a Partner, its interest in the
Partnership as determined by dividing the Partnership Units owned by such
Partner by the total number of Partnership Units then outstanding and as
specified in Exhibit A attached hereto, as such Exhibit may be amended from time
to time.
"Person" means an individual or a corporation, partnership, trust,
unincorporated organization, association or other entity.
"Recapture Income" means any gain recognized by the Partnership upon the
disposition of any property or asset of the Partnership, which gain is
characterized as ordinary income because it represents the recapture of
deductions previously taken with respect to such property or asset.
"Redeeming Partner" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6 hereof.
"Redemption Right" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.6 hereof.
"Regulations" means the Income Tax Regulations promulgated under the Code,
as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding
provisions of succeeding regulations).
"REIT" means a real estate investment trust under Section 856 of the Code.
"REIT Share" shall mean a share of beneficial interest of the Company,
without par value.
"REIT Shares Amount" shall mean a number of REIT Shares equal to the
product of the number of Partnership Units offered for redemption by a Redeeming
Partner, multiplied by the Conversion Factor, provided that in the event the
Company issues to all holders of REIT Shares rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities entitling the shareholders to subscribe
for or purchase REIT Shares, or any other securities or property (collectively,
the "rights"), then the REIT Shares Amount shall also include such rights that a
holder of that number of REIT Shares would be entitled to receive.
"Residual Gain" or "Residual Loss" means any item of gain or loss, as the
case may be, of the Partnership recognized for federal income tax purposes
resulting from a sale, exchange or other disposition of Contributed Property or
Adjusted Property, to the extent such item of gain or loss is not allocated
pursuant to Section 2.B.1(a) or 2.B.2(a) of Exhibit C to eliminate Book-Tax
Disparities.
"704(c) Value" of any Contributed Property means the fair market value of
such property or other consideration at the time of contribution, as determined
by the General Partner using such reasonable method of valuation as it may
adopt; provided, however, that the 704(c) Value of any property deemed
contributed to the Partnership for federal income tax purposes upon termination
and reconstitution thereof pursuant to Section 708 of the Code shall be
determined in accordance with Exhibit B hereof. Subject to Exhibit B hereof, the
General Partner shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, use such method as
it deems reasonable and appropriate to allocate the aggregate of the 704(c)
Values of Contributed Properties in a single or integrated transaction among the
separate properties on a basis proportional to their respective fair market
values.
"Specified Redemption Date" means the tenth (10th) Business Day after
receipt by the Company of a Notice of Redemption; provided that no Specified
Redemption Date shall occur before one (1) year from the date of this Agreement,
provided further that if the Company combines its outstanding REIT Shares, no
Specified Redemption Date shall occur after the record date of such combination
of REIT Shares and prior to the effective date of such combination.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation,
partnership or other entity of which a majority of (i) the voting power of the
voting equity securities; or (ii) the outstanding equity interests, is owed,
directly or indirectly, by such Person.
"Substituted Limited Partner" means a Person who is admitted as a Limited
Partner to the Partnership pursuant to Section 11.4.
"Terminating Capital Transaction" means any sale or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership or a related series of
transactions that, taken together, result in the sale or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership.
"Unrealized Gain" attributable to any item of Partnership property means,
as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (i) the fair market
value of such property (as determined under Exhibit B hereof) as of such date;
over (ii) the Carrying Value of such property (prior to any adjustment to be
made pursuant to Exhibit B hereof) as of such date.
"Unrealized Loss" attributable to any item of Partnership property means,
as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (i) the Carrying Value
of such property (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Exhibit B
hereof) as of such date; over (ii) the fair market value of such property (as
determined under Exhibit B hereof) as of such date.
"Valuation Date" means the date of receipt by the General Partner of a
Notice of Redemption or, if such date is not a Business Day, the first Business
Day thereafter.
"Value" means, with respect to a REIT Share, the average of the daily
market price for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
Valuation Date. The market price for each such trading day shall be: (i) if the
REIT Shares are listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the
NASDAQ-National Market System, the closing price on such day, or if no such sale
takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such
day; (ii) if the REIT Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any
securities exchange or the NASDAQ-National Market System, the last reported sale
price on such day or, if no sale takes place on such day, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation
source designated by the General Partner; or (iii) if the REIT Shares are not
listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange or the NASDAQ-National
Market System and no such last reported sale price or closing bid and asked
prices are available, the average of the reported high bid and low asked prices
on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the
General Partner, or if there shall be no bid and asked prices on such day, the
average of the high bid and low asked prices, as so reported, on the most recent
day (not more than ten (10) days prior to the date in question) for which prices
have been so reported; provided that if there are no bid and asked prices
reported during the ten (10) days prior to the date in question, the Value of
the REIT Shares shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith
on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its
reasonable judgment, appropriate. In the event the REIT Shares Amount includes
rights that a holder of REIT Shares would be entitled to receive, then the Value
of such rights shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith
on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its
reasonable judgment, appropriate.
ARTICLE 2
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
Section 2.1 Formation
----------- ---------
The Partners hereby form a limited partnership under and pursuant to
the Act. Except as expressly provided herein to the contrary, the rights and
obligations of the Partners and the administration and termination of the
Partnership shall be governed by the Act. The Partnership Interest of each
Partner shall be personal property for all purposes.
Section 2.2 Name
----------- ----
The name of the Partnership shall be Vinings Investment Properties,
L.P. The Partnership's business may be conducted under any other name or names
deemed advisable by the General Partner, including the name of the General
Partner or any Affiliate thereof. The words "Limited Partnership," "L.P.,"
"Ltd." or similar words or letters shall be included in the Partnership's name
where necessary for the purposes of complying with the laws of any jurisdiction
that so requires. The General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion may
change the name of the Partnership at any time and from time to time and shall
notify the Limited Partners of such change in the next regular communication to
the Limited Partners.
Section 2.3 Registered Office and Agent; Principal Office
----------- ---------------------------------------------
The address of the registered office of the Partnership in the State of
Delaware and the name and address of the registered agent for service of process
on the Partnership in the State of Delaware is The Corporation Trust Company,
Corporation Trust Center, 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000. The
principal office of the Partnership shall be 0000 Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx X-000,
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, or such other place as the General Partner may from time to
time designate by notice to the Limited Partners. The Partnership may maintain
offices at such other place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as
the General Partner deems advisable.
Section 2.4 Power of Attorney
----------- -----------------
A. Each Limited Partner and each Assignee hereby constitutes and
appoints the General Partner, any Liquidator, and authorized officers and
attorneys-in-fact of each, and each of those acting singly, in each case with
full power of substitution, as its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact,
with full power and authority in its name, place and stead to:
(1) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the
appropriate public offices (a) all certificates, documents and other
instruments (including, without limitation, this Agreement and the
Certificate and all amendments or restatement thereof) that the General
Partner or the Liquidator deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify
or continue the existence or qualification of the Partnership as a limited
partnership (or a partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited
liability) in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which
the Partnership may or plans to conduct business or own property; (b) all
instruments that the General Partner deems appropriate or necessary to
reflect any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this
Agreement in accordance with its terms; (c) all conveyances and other
instruments or documents that the General Partner or the Liquidator deems
appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution and liquidation of the
Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including, without
limitation, a certificate of cancellation; (d) all instruments relating to
the admission, withdrawal, removal or substitution of any Partner pursuant
to, or other events described in, Article 11, 12 or 13 hereof or the
Capital Contribution of any Partner; and (e) all certificates, documents
and other instruments relating to the determination of the rights,
preferences and privileges of Partnership Interest; and
(2) execute, swear to, seal, acknowledge and file all ballots,
consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments
appropriate or necessary, in the sole and absolute discretion of the
General Partner or any Liquidator, to make, evidence, give, confirm or
ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made
or given by the Partners hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this
agreement or appropriate or necessary, in the sole discretion of the
General Partner or any Liquidator, to effectuate the terms or intent of
this Agreement.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as authorizing the General
Partner or any Liquidator to amend this Agreement except in accordance with
Article 14 hereof or as may be otherwise expressly provided for in this
Agreement.
B. The foregoing power of attorney is hereby declared to be irrevocable
and a power coupled with an interest, in recognition of the fact that each of
the Partners will be relying upon the power of the General Partner and any
Liquidator to act as contemplated by this agreement in any filing or other
action by it on behalf of the Partnership, and it shall survive and not be
affected by the subsequent Incapacity of any Limited Partner or Assignee and the
transfer of all or any portion of such Limited Partner's or Assignee's
Partnership Units and shall extend to such Limited Partner's or Assignee's
heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives. Each such Limited
Partner or Assignee hereby agrees to be bound by any representation made by the
General Partner or any Liquidator, acting in good faith pursuant to such power
of attorney, and each such Limited Partner or Assignee hereby waives any and all
defenses which may be available to contest, negate or disaffirm the action of
the General Partner or any Liquidator, taken in good faith under such power of
attorney. Each Limited Partner or Assignee shall execute and deliver to the
General Partner or the Liquidator, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the
General Partner's or Liquidator's request therefor, such further designation,
powers of attorney and other instruments as the General Partner or the
Liquidator, as the case may be, deems necessary to effectuate this Agreement and
the purposes of the Partnership.
Section 2.5 Term
----------- ----
The term of the Partnership shall commence on the date hereof and shall
continue until December 31, 2095, unless, the Partnership is dissolved sooner
pursuant to the provisions of Article 13 or as otherwise provided by law.
ARTICLE 3
PURPOSE
Section 3.1 Purpose and Business
----------- --------------------
The purpose and nature of the business to be conducted by the Partnership
is (i) to conduct any business that may be lawfully conducted by a limited
partnership organized pursuant to the Act; provided, however, that such business
shall be limited to and conducted in such a manner as to permit the Company at
all times to be classified as a REIT, unless the Company ceases to qualify as a
REIT for reasons other than the conduct of the business of the Partnership; (ii)
to enter into any partnership, joint venture or other similar arrangement to
engage in any of the foregoing or to own interests in any entity engaged in any
of the foregoing; and (iii) to do anything necessary or incidental to the
foregoing. In connection with the foregoing, and without limiting the Company's
right, in its sole discretion, to cease qualifying as a REIT, the Partners
acknowledge the Company's current status as a REIT inures to the benefit of all
of the Partners and not solely the General Partner.
Section 3.2 Powers
----------- ------
The Partnership is empowered to do any and all acts and things
necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental to or convenient for the
furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes and business described herein and
for the protection and benefit of the Partnership; provided, however, that the
Partnership shall not take, or refrain from taking, any action which, in the
judgment of the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, (i) could
adversely affect the ability of the Company to continue to qualify as a REIT;
(ii) could subject the Company to any additional taxes under Section 857 or
Section 4981 of the Code; or (iii) could violate any law or regulation of any
governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company or its
securities, unless such action (or inaction) shall have been specifically
consented to by the General Partner in writing.
ARTICLE 4
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.1 Capital Contributions of the Partners
----------- -------------------------------------
At the time of the execution of this agreement, the Partners shall make the
Capital Contributions set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement. To the extent
the Partnership acquires any property by the merger of any other Person into the
Partnership, Persons who receive Partnership Interests in exchange for their
interests in the Person merging into the Partnership shall become Partners and
shall be deemed to have made Capital Contributions as provided in the applicable
merger agreement and as set forth in Exhibit A, as amended to reflect such
deemed Capital Contributions. The Partners shall own Partnership Units in the
amounts set forth for such Partner in Exhibit A and shall have a Percentage
Interest in the Partnership as set forth in Exhibit A, which Percentage Interest
shall be adjusted in Exhibit A from time to time by the General Partner to the
extent necessary to reflect accurately redemptions, additional Capital
Contributions, the issuance of additional Partnership Units (pursuant to any
merger or otherwise), or similar events having an effect on any Partner's
Percentage Interest. The number of Partnership Units held by the General
Partner, in its capacity as general partner, (equal to one percent (1%) of all
outstanding Partnership Units from time to time)shall be deemed to be the
General Partner Interest. Except as provided in Sections 4.2 and 10.5, the
Partners shall have no obligation to make any additional Capital Contributions
or loans to the Partnership.
Section 4.2 Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests
----------- ---------------------------------------------
A. The General Partner is hereby authorized to cause the Partnership
from time to time to issue to the Partners (including the General Partner) or
other Persons additional Partnership Units or other Partnership Interests in one
or more classes, or one or more series of any of such classes, with such
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special
rights, powers and duties, including rights, powers and duties senior to Limited
Partner Interests, all as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole
and absolute discretion subject to Delaware law, including, without limitation,
(i) the allocations of items of Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction and
credit to each such class or series of Partnership Interests; (ii) the right of
each such class or series of Partnership Interests to share in Partnership
distributions; and (iii) the rights of each such class or series of Partnership
Interests upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; provided that no
such additional Partnership Units or other Partnership Interests shall be issued
to the Company, as the General Partner or a Limited Partner, unless either
(a)(1) the additional Partnership Interests are issued in connection with an
issuance of REIT Shares or other shares by the Company, which shares have
designations, preferences and other rights such that the economic interests
attributable to such shares are substantially similar to the designations,
preferences and other rights of the additional Partnership Interests issued to
the Company in accordance with this Section 4.2.A, and (2) the Company shall
make a Capital Contribution to the Partnership in an amount equal to the
proceeds raised in connection with such issuance, or (b) the additional
Partnership Interests are issued to all Partners in proportion to their
respective Percentage Interests. In addition, the Company may acquire Units from
other Partners pursuant to this Agreement.
B. From and after the date hereof, the Company shall not issue any
additional REIT Shares (other than REIT Shares issued pursuant to Section 8.6),
or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities
containing the right to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares (collectively "New
Securities") other than to all holders of REIT Shares unless (i) the General
Partner shall cause the Partnership to issue to the Company, Partnership
Interests or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities
of the Partnership having designations, preferences and other rights, all such
that the economic interests are substantially similar to those of the New
Securities; and (ii) the Company contributes to the Partnership the proceeds
from the issuance of such New Securities and from the exercise of rights
contained in such New Securities. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company is
expressly authorized to issue New Securities for less than fair market value,
and the General Partner is expressly authorized to cause the Partnership to
issue to the Company corresponding Partnership Interests, so long as (x) the
General Partner concludes in good faith that such issuance is in the interests
of the Company and the Partnership (for example, and not by way of limitation,
the issuance of REIT Shares and corresponding Units pursuant to an employee
stock purchase plan providing for employee purchases of REIT Shares at a
discount from fair market value or employee stock options that have an exercise
price that is less than the fair market value of the REIT Shares, either at the
time of issuance or at the time of exercise); and (y) the Company contributes
all proceeds from such issuance and exercise to the Partnership.
Section 4.3 Contribution of Proceeds of Issuance of REIT Shares
----------- ---------------------------------------------------
In connection with any issuance of REIT Shares or New Securities
pursuant to Section 4.2, the Company shall contribute to the Partnership any
proceeds (or a portion thereof) raised in connection with such issuance;
provided that if the proceeds actually received by the Company are less than the
gross proceeds of such issuance as a result of any underwriter's discount or
other expenses paid or incurred in connection with such issuance, then the
Company shall be deemed to have made a Capital Contribution to the Partnership
in the amount equal to the sum of the net proceeds of such issuance plus the
amount of such underwriter's discount and other expenses paid by the Company
(which discount and expense shall be treated as an expense for the benefit of
the Partnership for purposes of Section 7.4). In the case of employee purchases
of New Securities at a discount from fair market value, the amount of such
discount representing compensation to the employee, as determined by the General
Partner, shall be treated as an expense of the issuance of such New Securities.
ARTICLE 5
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 5.1 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions
----------- -------------------------------------------------
The General Partner shall distribute at least quarterly an amount equal
to 100% of Available Cash generated by the Partnership during such quarter or
shorter period to the Partners who are Partners on the Partnership Record Date
with respect to such quarter or shorter period in accordance with their
respective Percentage Interests on such Partnership Record Date; provided that
in no event may a Partner receive a distribution of Available Cash with respect
to a Partnership Unit if such Partner is entitled to receive a distribution out
of such Available Cash with respect to a REIT Share for which such Partnership
Unit has been exchanged and such distribution shall be made to the Company. The
General Partner shall take such reasonable efforts, as determined by it in its
sole and absolute discretion and consistent with the Company's qualification as
a REIT, to distribute Available Cash to the Limited Partners so as to preclude
any such distribution or portion thereof from being treated as part of a sale of
property to the Partnership by a Limited Partner under Section 707 of the Code
or the Regulations thereunder; provided that the General Partner and the
Partnership shall not have liability to a Limited Partner under any
circumstances as a result of any distribution to a Limited Partner being so
treated.
Section 5.2 Amounts Withheld
----------- ----------------
All amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any provisions of any
state or local tax law and Section 10.5 hereof with respect to any allocation,
payment or distribution to the Partners or Assignees shall be treated as amounts
distributed to the Partners or Assignees pursuant to Section 5.1 for all
purposes under this Agreement.
Section 5.3 Distributions Upon Liquidation
----------- ------------------------------
Proceeds from a Terminating Capital Transaction and any other cash
received or reductions in reserves made after commencement of the liquidation of
the Partnership shall be distributed to the Partners in accordance with Section
13.2
ARTICLE 6
ALLOCATIONS
Section 6.1 Allocations For Capital Account Purposes
----------- ----------------------------------------
For purposes of maintaining the Capital Accounts and in determining the
rights of the Partners among themselves, the Partnership's items of income,
gain, loss and deduction (computed in accordance with Exhibit B hereof) shall be
allocated among the Partners in each taxable year (or portion thereof) as
provided herein below.
A. Net Income shall be allocated (i) first, to the General Partner to
the extent that Net Losses previously allocated to the General Partner pursuant
to the last sentence of Section 6.1.B exceed Net Income previously allocated to
the General Partner pursuant to this clause (i) of Section 6.1.A; and (ii)
thereafter, Net Income shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with
their respective Percentage Interests.
B. After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section
1 of Exhibit C attached hereto, Net Losses shall be allocated to the Partners in
accordance with their respective Percentage Interests; provided that Net Losses
shall not be allocated to any Limited Partner pursuant to this Section 6.1.B to
the extent that such allocation would cause such Limited Partner to have an
Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of such taxable year (or increase
any existing Adjusted Capital Account Deficit). All Net Losses in excess of the
limitations set forth in this Section 6.1.B shall be allocated to the General
Partner.
C. For purposes of Regulations Section 1.752-3(a), the Partners agree
that Nonrecourse Liabilities of the Partnership in excess of the sum of (i) the
amount of Partnership Minimum Gain; and (ii) the total amount of Nonrecourse
Built-in Gain shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance with their
respective Percentage Interests.
D. Any gain allocated to the Partners upon the sale or other taxable
disposition of any Partnership asset shall, to the extent possible, after taking
into account other required allocations of gain pursuant to Exhibit C, be
characterized as Recapture Income in the same proportions and to the same extent
as such Partners have been allocated any deductions directly or indirectly
giving rise to the treatment of such gains as Recapture Income.
ARTICLE 7
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF BUSINESS
Section 7.1 Management
----------- ----------
A. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all
management powers over the business and affairs the Partnership are and shall be
exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no Limited Partner shall have any
right to participate in or exercise control or management power over the
business and affairs of the Partnership. The General Partner may not be removed
by the Limited Partners with or without cause. In addition to the powers now or
hereafter granted a general partner of a limited partnership under applicable
law or which are granted to the General Partner under any other provision of
this Agreement, the General Partner, subject to Section 7.3 hereof, shall have
full power and authority to do all things deemed necessary or desirable by it to
conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise all powers set forth in
Section 3.2 hereof and to effectuate the purposes set forth in Section 3.1
hereof, including, without limitation:
(1) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money
(including, without limitation, making prepayments on loans and borrowing
money to permit the Partnership to make distributions to its Partners in
such amounts as will permit the Company (so long as the Company qualifies
as a REIT) to avoid the payment of any federal income tax (including, for
this purpose, any excise tax pursuant to Section 4981 of the Code) and to
make distributions to its shareholders in amounts sufficient to permit the
Company to maintain REIT status), the assumption or guarantee of, or other
contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of
evidence of indebtedness (including the securing of the same by deed,
mortgage, deed of trust or other lien or encumbrance on the Partnership's
assets) and the incurring of any obligations it deems necessary for the
conduct of the activities of the Partnership;
(2) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of
periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies having
jurisdiction over the business or assets of the Partnership;
(3) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance,
hypothecation or exchange of any assets of the Partnership (including the
exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege, or subscription
right or other right available in connection with any assets at any time
held by the Partnership) or the merger or other combination of the
Partnership with or into another entity (all of the foregoing subject to
any prior approval only to the extent required by Section 7.3 hereof);
(4) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including, without
limitation, cash on hand) for any purpose consistent with the terms of this
Agreement and on any terms it sees fit, including, without limitation, the
financing of the conduct of the operations of the Company, the Partnership
or any of the Partnership's Subsidiaries, the lending of funds to other
Persons (including, without limitation, the Subsidiaries of the Partnership
and/or the Company) and the repayment of obligations of the Partnership and
its Subsidiaries and any other Person in which it has an equity investment,
and the making of capital contributions to its Subsidiaries;
(5) the management, operation, leasing, landscaping, repair,
alteration, demolition or improvement of any real property or improvements
owed by the Partnership or any Subsidiary of the Partnership;
(6) the negotiation, execution, and performance of any contracts,
conveyances or other instruments that the General Partner considers useful
or necessary to the conduct of the Partnership's operations or the
implementation of the General Partner's powers under this Agreement,
including contracting with contractors, developers, consultants,
accountants, legal counsel, other professional advisors and other agents
and the payment of their expenses and compensation out of the Partnership's
assets;
(7) the distribution of Partnership cash or other Partnership assets
in accordance with this Agreement;
(8) holding, managing, investing and reinvesting cash and other assets
of the Partnership;
(9) the collection and receipt of revenues and income of the
Partnership;
(10) the establishment of one or more divisions of the Partnership,
the selection and dismissal of employees of the Partnership (including,
without limitation, employees having titles such as "president," "vice
president," "secretary" and "treasurer" of the Partnership), and agents,
outside attorneys, accountants, consultants and contractors of the
Partnership, and the determination of their compensation and other terms of
employment or hiring;
(11) the maintenance of such insurance for the benefit of the
Partnership and the Partners as it deems necessary or appropriate;
(12) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and the
contribution of property to, any further limited or general partnerships,
joint ventures or other relationships that it deems desirable (including,
without limitation, the acquisition of interests in, and the contributions
of property to, its Subsidiaries and any other Person in which it has an
equity investment from time to time);
(13) the control of any matters affecting the rights and obligations
of the Partnership, including the settlement, compromise, submission to
arbitration or any other form of dispute resolution, or abandonment of, any
claim, cause of action, liability, debt or damages, due or owing to or from
the Partnership, the commencement or defense of suits, legal proceedings,
administrative proceedings, arbitration or other forms of dispute
resolution, and the representation of the Partnership in all suits or legal
proceedings, administrative proceedings, arbitrations or other forms of
dispute resolution, the incurring of legal expense, and the indemnification
of any Person against liabilities and contingencies to the extent permitted
by law;
(14) the undertaking of any action in connection with the
Partnership's direct or indirect investment in its Subsidiaries or any
other Person (including, without limitation, the contribution or loan of
funds by the Partnership to such Persons);
(15) the determination of the fair market value of any Partnership
property distributed in kind using such reasonable method of valuation as
the General Partner may adopt;
(16) the exercise, directly or indirectly, through any
attorney-in-fact acting under a general or limited power of attorney, of
any right, including the right to vote, appurtenant to any asset or
investment held by the Partnership;
(17) the exercise of any of the powers of the General Partner
enumerated in this Agreement on behalf of or in connection with any
Subsidiary of the Partnership or any other Person in which the Partnership
has a direct or indirect interest, or jointly with any such Subsidiary or
other Person;
(18) the exercise of any of the powers of the General Partner
enumerated in this Agreement on behalf of any Person in which the
Partnership does not have an interest pursuant to contractual or other
arrangements with such Person;
(19) the making, execution and delivery of any and all deeds, leases,
notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, conveyances,
contracts, guarantees, warranties, indemnities, waivers, releases or legal
instruments or agreements in writing necessary or appropriate, in the
judgment of the General Partner, for the accomplishment of any of the
powers of the General Partner enumerated in this Agreement; and
(20) the issuance of additional Partnership Units, as appropriate, in
connection with Capital Contributions by Additional Limited Partners and
additional Capital Contributions by Partners pursuant to Article 4 hereof.
B. Each of the Limited Partners agrees that the General Partner is
authorized to execute, deliver and perform the above-mentioned agreements and
transactions on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or
vote of the Partners, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement
(except as provided in Section 7.3), the Act or any applicable law, rule or
regulation, to the fullest extent permitted under the Act or other applicable
law, rule or regulation. The execution, delivery or performance by the General
Partner or the Partnership of any agreement authorized or permitted under this
Agreement shall not constitute a breach by the General Partner of any duty that
the General Partner may owe the Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other
Persons under this Agreement or of any duty stated or implied by law or equity.
C. At all times from and after the date hereof, the General Partner may
cause the Partnership to establish and maintain at any and all times working
capital accounts and other cash or similar balances in such amounts as the
General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems appropriate and
reasonable from time to time.
D. In exercising its authority under this Agreement, the General Partner
may, but shall be under no obligation to, take into account the tax consequences
to any Partner of any action taken by it. The General Partner and the
Partnership shall not have liability to a Limited Partner under any
circumstances as a result of an income tax liability incurred by such Limited
Partner as a result of an action (or inaction) by the General Partner taken
pursuant to its authority under this Agreement and in accordance with the terms
of Section 7.3.
Section 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership
----------- ----------------------------------
The General Partner shall file, simultaneously herewith, the Certificate
with the Secretary of State of Delaware as required by the Act. The General
Partner shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other
certificates or documents as may be reasonable and necessary or appropriate for
the formation, continuation, qualification and operation of a limited
partnership (or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited
liability) in the State of Delaware and any other state, or the District of
Columbia, in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. To
the extent that such action is determined by the General Partner to be
reasonable and necessary or appropriate, the General Partner shall file
amendments to and restatements of the Certificate and do all of the things to
maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the
limited partners have limited liability) under the laws of the State of Delaware
and each other state, or the District of Columbia, in which the Partnership may
elect to do business or own property. Subject to the terms of Section 8.5.A(4)
hereof, the General Partner shall not be required, before or after filing, to
deliver or mail a copy of the Certificate or any amendment thereto to any
Limited Partner.
Section 7.3 Restrictions on General Partner Authority
----------- -----------------------------------------
A. The General Partner may not take any action in contravention of an
express prohibition or limitation of this Agreement without the written Consent
of Limited Partners holding a majority of the Percentage Interests of the
Limited Partners (including Limited Partner Interests held by the Company), or
such other percentage of the Limited Partners as may be specifically provided
for under a provision of this Agreement.
B. Except as provided in Article 13 hereof, the General Partner may not
cause the Partnership to engage in a Terminating Capital Transaction (including
by way of merger, consolidation or other combination with any other Person),
without the Consent of Limited Partners holding 85% or more of the Percentage
Interests of the Limited Partners (including Limited Partnership Interests held
by the Company).
Section 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner and the Company
----------------------------------------------------------------
A. Except as provided in this Section 7.4 and elsewhere in this Agreement
(including the provisions of Articles 5 and 6 regarding distributions, payments,
and allocations to which it may be entitled), the General Partner shall not be
compensated for its services as general partner of the Partnership.
B. The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such
other basis as it may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, for all
expenses that it incurs relating to the ownership and operation of, or for the
benefit of, the Partnership; provided that the amount of any such reimbursement
shall be reduced by any interest earned by the General Partner with respect to
bank accounts or other instruments or accounts held by it on behalf of the
Partnership, and provided further than the General Partner shall not be
reimbursed for any (i) directors fees, (ii) income tax liabilities or (iii)
filing or similar fees in connection with maintaining the General Partner's
continued corporate existence that are incurred by the General Partner, but the
Partners acknowledge that all other expenses of the General Partner are deemed
to be for the benefit of the Partnership. Such reimbursement shall be in
addition to any reimbursement made as a result of indemnification pursuant to
Section 7.7 hereof.
C. In the event that the Company shall elect to purchase from its
shareholders REIT Shares for the purpose of delivering such REIT Shares to
satisfy an obligation under any dividend reinvestment program adopted by the
Company, any employee stock purchase plan adopted by the Company, or any similar
obligation or arrangement undertaken by the Company in the future, the purchase
price paid by the Company for such REIT Shares and any other expenses incurred
by the Company in connection with such purchase shall be considered expenses of
the Partnership and shall be reimbursed to the Company, subject to the condition
that: (i) if such REIT Shares subsequently are sold by the Company, the Company
shall pay to the Partnership any proceeds received by the Company for such REIT
Shares (which sales proceeds shall include the amount of dividends reinvested
under any dividend reinvestment or similar program provided that a transfer of
REIT Shares for Units pursuant to Section 8.6 would not be considered a sale for
such purposes); and (ii) if such REIT Shares are not retransferred by the
Company within 30 days after the purchase thereof, the Company, as General
Partner, shall cause the Partnership to cancel a number of Partnership Units
held by the Company, as a Limited Partner, equal to the product obtained by
multiplying the Conversion Factor by the number of such REIT Shares (in which
case such reimbursement shall be treated as a distribution in redemption of
Units held by the Company).
Section 7.5 Outside Activities of the General Partner
----------- -----------------------------------------
The General Partner shall not directly or indirectly enter into or conduct
any business other than in connection with the ownership, acquisition and
disposition of Partnership Interests and the management of the business of the
Partnership, and such activities as are incidental thereto. The General Partner
and any Affiliates of the General Partner may acquire Limited Partner Interests
and shall be entitled to exercise all rights of a Limited Partner relating to
such Limited Partner Interests.
Section 7.6 Contracts with Affiliates
----------- -------------------------
A. The Partnership may lend or contribute funds or other assets to its
Subsidiaries or other Persons in which it has an equity investment and such
Persons may borrow funds from the Partnership, on terms and conditions
established in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner. The
foregoing authority shall not create any right or benefit in favor of any
Subsidiary or any other Person.
B. Except as provided in Section 7.5, the Partnership may transfer assets
to joint ventures, other partnerships, corporations or other business entities
in which it is or thereby becomes a participant upon such terms and subject to
such conditions consistent with this Agreement and applicable law as the General
Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, believes are advisable.
C. Except as expressly permitted by this Agreement, neither the General
Partner nor any of its Affiliates shall sell, transfer or convey any property
to, or purchase any property from, the Partnership, directly or indirectly,
except pursuant to transactions that are determined by the General Partner in
good faith to be fair and reasonable.
D. The General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the
approval of the Limited Partners, may propose and adopt, on behalf of the
Partnership, employee benefit plans, stock option plans, and similar plans
funded by the Partnership for the benefit of employees of the General Partner,
the Partnership, Subsidiaries of the Partnership or any Affiliate of any of them
in respect of services performed, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of the
Partnership, the General Partner, or any Subsidiaries of the Partnership.
E. The General Partner is expressly authorized to enter into, in the name
and on behalf of the Partnership, a right of first opportunity arrangement and
other conflict avoidance agreements with various Affiliates of the Partnership
and the General Partner, on such terms as the General Partner, in its sole and
absolute discretion, believes are advisable.
Section 7.7 Indemnification
----------- ---------------
A. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, the Partnership shall
indemnify each Indemnitee from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including, without limitation,
attorneys fees and other legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines,
settlements, and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands,
actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
that relate to the operations of the Partnership or the Company as set forth in
this Agreement, in which such Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be
involved, as a party or otherwise. Without limitation, the foregoing indemnity
shall extend to any liability of any Indemnitee, pursuant to a loan guaranty or
otherwise for any indebtedness of the Partnership or any Subsidiary of the
Partnership (including without limitation, any indebtedness which the
Partnership or any Subsidiary of the Partnership has assumed or taken subject
to), and the General Partner is hereby authorized and empowered, on behalf of
the Partnership, to enter into one or more indemnity agreements consistent with
the provisions of this Section 7.7 in favor of any Indemnitee having or
potentially having liability for any such indebtedness. Any indemnification
pursuant to this Section 7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the
Partnership, and neither the General Partner nor any Limited Partner shall have
any obligation to contribute to the capital of the Partnership, or otherwise
provide funds, to enable the Partnership to fund its obligations under this
Section 7.7.
B. Reasonable expenses incurred by an Indemnitee who is a party to a
proceeding shall be paid or reimbursed by the Partnership in advance of the
final disposition of the proceeding.
C. The indemnification provided by this Section 7.7 shall be in addition to
any other rights to which an Indemnitee or any other Person may be entitled
under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the Partners, as a matter of law or
otherwise, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in
such capacity unless otherwise provided in a written agreement pursuant to which
such Indemnities are indemnified.
D. The Partnership may, but shall not be obligated to, purchase and
maintain insurance, on behalf of the Indemnities and such other Persons as the
General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted
against or expenses that may be incurred by such Person in connection with the
Partnership's activities, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the
power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of
this Agreement.
E. For purposes of this Section 7.7, the Partnership shall be deemed to
have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan
whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes
duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or
beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect
to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute fines
within the meaning of Section 7.7; and actions taken or omitted by the
Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of its
duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the interest of the
participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose
which is not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership.
F. In no event may an Indemnitee subject any of the Partners to personal
liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this
Agreement.
G. An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part
under this Section 7.7 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction
with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was
otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
H. The provisions of this Section 7.7 are for the benefit of the
Indemnities, their heirs, successors, assigns and administrators and shall not
be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons. Any
amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.7 or any provision hereof
shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the Partnership's
liability to any Indemnitee under this Section 7.7, as in effect immediately
prior to such amendment, modification, or repeal with respect to claims arising
from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such
amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or
be asserted.
Section 7.8 Liability of the General Partner
----------- --------------------------------
A. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement,
the General Partner and its officers and directors shall not be liable for
monetary damages to the Partnership, any Partners or any Assignees for losses
sustained or liabilities incurred as a result of errors in judgment or of any
act or omission if the General Partner acted in good faith.
B. The Limited Partners expressly acknowledge that the General Partner is
acting on behalf of the Partnership and the shareholders of the Company
collectively, that the General Partner is under no obligation to consider the
separate interests of the Limited Partners (except as otherwise provided herein)
in deciding whether to cause the Partnership to take (or decline to take) any
actions, and that the General Partner shall not be liable for monetary damages
for losses sustained, liabilities incurred, or benefits not derived by Limited
Partners in connection with such decisions, provided that the General Partner
has acted in good faith.
C. Subject to its obligations and duties as General Partner set forth in
Section 7.1.A hereof, the General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted
to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder
either directly or by or through its agents. The General Partner shall not be
responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent
appointed by the General Partner in good faith.
D. Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.8 or any
provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the
limitations on the General Partner's and its officers' and directors' liability
to the Partnership and the Limited Partners under this Section 7.8 as in effect
immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to
claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior
to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may
arise or be asserted.
Section 7.9 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner
----------- --------------------------------------------
A. The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in acting, or
refraining from acting, upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other
paper or document believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been
signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
B. The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants,
appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers, architects, engineers,
environmental consultants and other consultants and advisers selected by it, and
any act taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon the opinion of such
Persons as to matters which such General Partner reasonably believes to be
within such Person's professional or expert competence shall be conclusively
presumed to have been done or omitted in good faith and in accordance with such
opinion.
C. The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of any of its
powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any of its duly authorized
officers and duly appointed attorneys-in-fact. Each such attorney shall, to the
extent provided by the General Partner in the power of attorney, have full power
and authority to do and perform all and every act and duty which is permitted or
required to be done by the General Partner hereunder.
D. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or the Act, any
action of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or any decision of
the General Partner to refrain from acting on behalf of the Partnership,
undertaken in the good faith belief that such action or omission is necessary or
advisable in order (i) to protect the ability of the Company to continue to
qualify as a REIT; or (ii) to avoid the Company incurring any taxes under
Section 857 or Section 4981 of the Code, is expressly authorized under this
Agreement and is deemed approved by all of the Limited Partners.
Section 7.10 Title to Partnership Assets
------------ ---------------------------
Title to Partnership assets, whether real, personal or mixed and whether
tangible or intangible, shall be deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an
entity, and no Partner, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership
interest in such Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all
of the Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the
General Partner or one or more nominees, as the General Partner may determine,
including Affiliates of the General Partner. The General Partner hereby declares
and warrants that any Partnership assets for which legal title is held in the
name of the General Partner or any nominee or Affiliate of the General Partner
shall be held by the General Partner for the use and benefit of the Partnership
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that the
General Partner shall use its best efforts to cause beneficial and record title
to such assets to be vested in the Partnership as soon as reasonably
practicable. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of the
Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal
title to such Partnership assets is held.
Section 7.11 Reliance by Third Parties
------------ -------------------------
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Person
dealing with the Partnership shall be entitled to assume that the General
Partner has full power and authority, without consent or approval of any other
Partner or Person, to encumber, sell or otherwise use in any manner any and all
assets of the Partnership and to enter into any contracts on behalf of the
Partnership, and take any and all actions on behalf of the Partnership and such
Person shall be entitled to deal with the General Partner as if the General
Partner were the Partnership's sole party in interest, both legally and
beneficially. Each Limited Partner hereby waives any and all defenses or other
remedies which may be available against such Person to contest, negate or
disaffirm any action of the General Partner in connection with any such dealing.
In no event shall any Person dealing with the General Partner or its
representatives be obligated to ascertain that the terms of this Agreement have
been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience of any act or
action of the General Partner or its representatives. Each and every
certificate, document or other instrument executed on behalf of the Partnership
by the General Partner or its representatives shall be conclusive evidence in
favor of any and every Person relying thereon or claiming thereunder that (i) at
the time of the execution and delivery of such certificate, document or
instrument, this Agreement was in full force and effect; (ii) the Person
executing and delivering such certificate, document or instrument was duly
authorized and empowered to do so for and on behalf of the Partnership; and
(iii) such certificate, document or instrument was duly executed and delivered
in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and is binding
upon the Partnership.
ARTICLE 8
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LIMITED PARTNERS
Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability
----------- -----------------------
The Limited Partners shall have no liability under this Agreement except as
expressly provided in this Agreement, including Section 10.5 hereof, or under
the Act.
Section 8.2 Management of Business
----------- ----------------------
No Limited Partner or Assignee (other than the General Partner, any of its
Affiliates or any officer, director, employee, agent or trustee of the General
Partner, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates, in their capacity as such)
shall take part in the operation, management or control (within the meaning of
the Act) of the Partnership's business, transact any business in the
Partnership's name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the
Partnership. The transaction of any such business by the General Partner, any of
its Affiliates or any officer, director, employee, partner, agent or trustee of
the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates, in their
capacity as such, shall not affect, impair or eliminate the limitations on the
liability of the Limited Partners or Assignees under this Agreement.
Section 8.3 Outside Activities of Limited Partners
----------- --------------------------------------
Subject to any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 7.6.E hereof and
any other agreements entered into by a Limited Partner or its Affiliates with
the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries, any Limited Partner (other than the
Company) and any officer, director, employee, agent, trustee, Affiliate or
shareholder of any Limited Partner (other than the Company) shall be entitled to
and may have business interests and engage in business activities in addition to
those relating to the Partnership, including business interests and activities
that are in direct competition with the Partnership or that are enhanced by the
activities of the Partnership. Neither the Partnership nor any Partners shall
have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of any
Limited Partner or Assignee. None of the Limited Partners (other than the
Company) nor any other Person shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement
or the Partnership relationship established hereby in any business ventures of
any other Person and such Person shall have no obligation pursuant to this
Agreement to offer any interest in any such business ventures to the
Partnership, any Limited Partner or any such other Person, even if such
opportunity is of a character which, if presented to the Partnership, any
Limited Partner or such other Person, could be taken by such Person.
Section 8.4 Return of Capital
----------- -----------------
Except pursuant to the right of redemption set forth in Section 8.6, no
Limited Partner shall be entitled to the withdrawal or return of its Capital
Contribution, except to the extent of distributions made pursuant to this
Agreement or upon termination of the Partnership as provided herein. Except to
the extent provided by Exhibit C hereof or as otherwise expressly provided in
this Agreement, no Limited Partner or Assignee shall have priority over any
other Limited Partner or Assignee, either as to the return of Capital
Contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions.
Section 8.5 Rights of Limited Partners Relating to the Partnership
----------- ------------------------------------------------------
A. In addition to the other rights provided by this Agreement or by the
Act, and except as limited by Section 8.5.C hereof, each Limited Partner shall
have the right, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partner's
interest as a limited partner in the Partnership, upon written demand with a
statement of the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partner's own
expense (including such copying and administrative charges as the General
Partner may establish from time to time):
(1) to obtain a copy of the most recent annual and quarterly reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company pursuant
to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
(2) to obtain a copy of the Partnership's federal, state and local
income tax returns for each Partnership Year;
(3) to obtain a current list of the name and last known business,
residence or mailing address of each Partner;
(4) to obtain a copy of this Agreement and the Certificate and all
amendments thereto, together with executed copies of all powers of attorney
pursuant to which this Agreement, the Certificate and all amendments
thereto have been executed; and
(5) to obtain true and full information regarding the amount of cash
and a description and statement of any other property or services
contributed by each Partner and which each Partner has agreed to contribute
in the future, and the date on which each became a Partner.
B. The Partnership shall notify each Limited Partner, upon request, of the
then current Conversion Factor.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8.5, the General
Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time
as the General Partner determines in its sole and absolute discretion to be
reasonable, any information that (i) the General Partner reasonably believes to
be in the nature of trade secrets or other information, the disclosure of which
the General Partner in good faith believes is not in the best interests of the
Partnership or could damage the Partnership or its business; or (ii) the
Partnership is required by law or by agreements with an unaffiliated third party
to keep confidential.
Section 8.6 Redemption Right
----------- ----------------
A. Subject to Sections 8.6.B and 8.6.C hereof, on or after the date one (1)
year after _______________________, each Limited Partner (other than the
Company) shall have the right (the "Redemption Right") to require the
Partnership to redeem on a Specified Redemption Date all or a portion of the
Partnership Units held by such Limited Partner at a redemption price per Unit
equal to and in the form of the Cash Amount to be paid by the Partnership. The
Redemption Right shall be exercised pursuant to a Notice of Redemption delivered
to the Partnership (with a copy to the Company) by the Limited Partner who is
exercising the redemption right (the "Redeeming Partner"); provided, however,
that the Partnership shall not be obligated to satisfy such Redemption Right if
the Company elects to purchase the Partnership Units subject to the Notice of
Redemption pursuant to Section 8.6.B. A Limited Partner may not exercise the
Redemption Right for less than one thousand (1,000) Partnership Units or, if
such Limited Partner holds less than one thousand (1,000) Partnership Units, all
of the Partnership Units held by such Partner. The Redeeming Partner shall have
no right, with respect to any Partnership Units so redeemed, to receive any
distributions paid on or after the Specified Redemption Date. The Assignee of
any Limited Partner may exercise the rights of such Limited Partner pursuant to
this Section 8.6, and such Limited Partner shall be deemed to have assigned such
rights to such Assignee and shall be bound by the exercise of such rights by
such Assignee. In connection with any exercise of such rights by an Assignee on
behalf of a Limited Partner, the Cash Amount shall be paid by the Partnership
directly to such Assignee and not to such Limited Partner.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.6.A, a Limited Partner that
exercises the Redemption Right shall be deemed to have offered to sell the
Partnership Units described in the Notice of Redemption to the Company, and the
Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to purchase directly and
acquire such Partnership Units by paying to the Redeeming Partner either the
Cash Amount or the REIT Shares Amount, as elected by the Company (in its sole
and absolute discretion), on the Specified Redemption Date, whereupon the
Company shall acquire the Partnership Units offered for redemption by the
Redeeming Partner and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the
owner of such Partnership Units. If the Company shall elect to exercise its
right to purchase Partnership Units under this Section 8.6.B with respect to a
Notice of Redemption, it shall so notify the Redeeming Partner within five
Business Days after the receipt by it of such Notice of Redemption. Unless the
Company (in its sole and absolute discretion) shall exercise its right to
purchase Partnership Units from the Redeeming Partner pursuant to this Section
8.6.B, the Company shall not have any obligation to the Redeeming Partner or the
Partnership with respect to the Redeeming Partner's exercise of the Redemption
Right. In the event the Company shall exercise its right to purchase Partnership
Units with respect to the exercise of a Redemption Right in the manner described
in the first sentence of this Section 8.6.B, the Partnership shall have no
obligation to pay any amount to the Redeeming Partner with respect to such
Redeeming Partner's exercise of such Redemption Right, and each of the Redeeming
Partner, the Partnership, and the Company shall treat the transaction between
the Company and the Redeeming Partner, for federal income tax purposes, as a
sale of the Redeeming Partner's Partnership Units to the Company. Each Redeeming
Partner agrees to execute such documents as the Company may reasonably require
in connection with the issuance of REIT Shares upon exercise of the Redemption
Right.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.6.A and Section 8.6.B, a
Partner shall not be entitled to exercise the Redemption Right pursuant to
Section 8.6.A if the delivery of REIT Shares to such Partner on the Specified
Redemption Date by the Company pursuant to Section 8.6.B (regardless of whether
or not the Company would in fact exercise its rights under Section 8.6.B) would
be prohibited under the Declaration of Trust of the Company.
ARTICLE 9
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
Section 9.1 Records and Accounting
----------- ----------------------
The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal office
of the Partnership those records and documents required to be maintained by the
Act and other books and records deemed by the General Partner to be appropriate
with respect to the Partnership's business, including, without limitation, all
books and records necessary to provide to the Limited Partners any information,
lists and copies of documents required to be provided pursuant to Section 9.3
hereof. Any records maintained by or on behalf of the Partnership in the regular
course of its business may be kept on, or be in the form of, punch cards,
magnetic tape, photographs, micrographics or any other information storage
device, provided that the records so maintained are convertible into clearly
legible written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the
Partnership shall be maintained, for financial and tax reporting purposes, on an
accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or
such other basis as the General Partner determines to be necessary or
appropriate.
Section 9.2 Fiscal Year
----------- -----------
The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be the calendar year.
Section 9.3 Reports
----------- -------
A. As soon as practicable, but in no event later than one hundred five
(105) days after the close of each Partnership Year, the General Partner shall
cause to be mailed to each Limited Partner as of the close of the Partnership
Year, an annual report containing financial statements of the Partnership, or of
the Company if such statements are prepared solely on a consolidated basis with
the Company, for such Partnership Year, presented in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, such statements to be audited by a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants selected by the General
Partner.
B. As soon as practicable, but in no event later than one hundred five
(105) days after the close of each calendar quarter (except the last calendar
quarter of each year), the General Partner shall cause to be mailed to each
Limited Partner as of the last day of the calendar quarter, a report containing
unaudited financial statements of the Partnership, or of the Company, if such
statements are prepared solely on a consolidated basis with the Company, and
such other information as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or as
the General Partner determines to be appropriate.
ARTICLE 10
TAX MATTERS
Section 10.1 Preparation of Tax Returns
------------ --------------------------
The General Partner shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of
all returns of Partnership income, gains, deductions, losses and other items
required of the Partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and shall
use all reasonable efforts to furnish, within ninety (90) days of the close of
each taxable year, the tax information reasonably required by Limited Partners
for federal and state income tax reporting purposes.
Section 10.2 Tax Elections
------------ -------------
Except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner shall, in its sole
and absolute discretion, determine whether to make any available election
pursuant to the Code. Notwithstanding the above, in making any such tax election
the General Partner shall take into account the tax consequences to the Limited
Partners resulting from any such election. The General Partner shall make such
tax elections on behalf of the Partnership as the Limited Partners holding a
majority of the Percentage Interests of the Limited Partners (excluding Limited
Partner Interests held by the Company) request, provided that the General
Partner believes that such election is not adverse to the interests of the
General Partner, including its interest in preserving its qualification as a
REIT under the Code. The General Partner intends to elect the so-called
"traditional method" of making Section 704(c) allocations pursuant to
Regulations Section 1.704-3 with respect to property contributed as of the date
hereof. The General Partner shall have the right to seek to revoke any tax
election it makes (including, without limitation, the election under Section 754
of the Code) upon the General Partner's determination, in its sole and absolute
discretion, that such revocation is in the best interests of the Partners.
Section 10.3 Tax Matters Partner
------------ -------------------
A. The General Partner shall be the "tax matters partner" of the
Partnership for federal income tax purposes. Pursuant to Section 6230(e) of the
Code, upon receipt of notice from the IRS of the beginning of an administrative
proceeding with respect to the Partnership, the tax matters partner shall
furnish the IRS with the name, address, taxpayer identification number, and
profit interest of each of the Limited Partners and the Assignees; provided,
however, that such information is provided to the Partnership by the Limited
Partners and the Assignees.
B. The tax matters partner is authorized, but not required:
(1) to enter into any settlement with the IRS with respect to any
administrative or judicial proceedings for the adjustment of Partnership
items required to be taken into account by a Partner for income tax
purposes (such administrative proceedings being referred to as a "tax
audit" and such judicial proceedings being referred to as "judicial
review"), and in the settlement agreement the tax matters partner may
expressly state that such agreement shall bind all Partners, except that
such settlement agreement shall not bind any Partner (i) who (within the
time prescribed pursuant to the Code and Regulations) files a statement
with the IRS providing that the tax matters partner shall not have the
authority to enter into a settlement agreement on behalf of such Partner;
or (ii) who is a "notice partner" (as defined in Section 6231(a)(8) of the
Code) or a member of a "notice group" (as defined in Section 6223(b)(2) of
the Code);
(2) in the event that a notice of a final administrative adjustment at
the Partnership level of any item required to be taken into account by a
Partner for tax purposes (a "final adjustment") is mailed to the tax
matters partner, to seek judicial review of such final adjustment,
including the filing of a petition for readjustment with the Tax Court or
the filing of a complaint for refund with the United States Claims Court or
the District Court of the United States for the district in which the
Partnership's principal place of business is located;
(3) to intervene in any action brought by any other Partner for
judicial review of a final adjustment;
(4) to file a request for an administrative adjustment with the IRS
and, if any part of such request is not allowed by the IRS, to file an
appropriate pleading (petition or complaint) for judicial review with
respect to such request;
(5) to enter into an agreement with the IRS to extend the period for
assessing any tax which is attributable to any item required to be taken
account of by a Partner for tax purposes, or an item affected by such item;
and
(6) to take any other action on behalf of the Partners or the
Partnership in connection with any tax audit or judicial review proceeding
to the extent permitted by applicable law or regulations.
The taking of any action and the incurring of any expense by the tax
matters partner in connection with any such proceeding, except to the extent
required by law, is a matter in the sole and absolute discretion of the tax
matters partner and the provisions relating to indemnification of the General
Partner set forth in Section 7.7 of this Agreement shall be fully applicable to
the tax matters partner in its capacity as such.
C. The tax matters partner shall receive no compensation for its services.
All third party costs and expenses incurred by the tax matters partner in
performing its duties as such (including legal and accounting fees and expenses)
shall be borne by the Partnership. Nothing herein shall be construed to restrict
the Partnership from engaging an accounting firm to assist the tax matters
partner in discharging its duties hereunder, so long as the compensation paid by
the Partnership for such services is reasonable.
Section 10.4 Organizational Expenses
------------ -----------------------
The Partnership shall elect to deduct expenses, if any, incurred by it in
organizing the Partnership ratably over a sixty (60) month period as provided in
Section 709 of the Code.
Section 10.5 Withholding
------------ -----------
Each Limited Partner hereby authorizes the Partnership to withhold from, or
pay on behalf of or with respect to, such Limited Partner any amount of federal,
state, local, or foreign taxes that the General Partner determines that the
Partnership is required to withhold or pay with respect to any amount
distributable or allocable to such Limited Partner pursuant to this Agreement,
including, without limitation, any taxes required to be withheld or paid by the
Partnership pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445, or 1446 of the Code. Any
amount paid on behalf of or with respect to a Limited Partner shall constitute a
loan by the Partnership to such Limited Partner, which loan shall be repaid by
such Limited Partner within fifteen (15) days after notice from the General
Partner that such payment must be made unless (i) the Partnership withholds such
payment from a distribution which would otherwise be made to the Limited
Partner; or (ii) the General Partner determines, in its sole and absolute
discretion, that such payment may be satisfied out of the available funds of the
Partnership which would, but for such payment, be distributed to the Limited
Partner. Any amounts withheld pursuant to the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii)
shall be treated as having been distributed to such Limited Partner. Each
Limited Partner hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to the Partnership
a security interest in such Limited Partner's Partnership Interest to secure
such Limited Partner's obligation to pay to the Partnership any amounts required
to be paid pursuant to this Section 10.5. In the event that a Limited Partner
fails to pay any amounts owed to the Partnership pursuant to this Section 10.5
when due, the General Partner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to
make the payment to the Partnership on behalf of such defaulting Limited
Partner, and in such event shall be deemed to have loaned such amount to such
defaulting Limited Partner and shall succeed to all rights and remedies of the
Partnership as against such defaulting Limited Partner. Without limitation, in
such event the General Partner shall have the right to receive distributions
that would otherwise be distributable to such defaulting Limited Partner until
such time as such loan, together with all interest thereon, has been paid in
full, and any such distributions so received by the General Partner shall be
treated as having been distributed to the defaulting Limited Partner and
immediately paid by the defaulting Limited Partner to the General Partner in
repayment of such loan. Any amounts payable by a Limited Partner hereunder shall
bear interest at the lesser of (A) the base rate on corporate loans at large
United States money center commercial banks, as published from time to time in
the Wall Street Journal, plus four (4) percentage points, or (B) the maximum
lawful rate of interest on such obligation, such interest to accrue from the
date such amount is due (i.e., fifteen (15) days after demand) until such amount
is paid in full. Each Limited Partner shall take such actions as the Partnership
or the General Partner shall request in order to perfect or enforce the security
interest created hereunder.
ARTICLE 11
TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS
Section 11.1 Transfer
------------ --------
A. The term "transfer," when used in this Article 11 with respect to a
Partnership Unit, shall be deemed to refer to a transaction by which the General
Partner purports to assign all or any part of its General Partner Interest to
another Person or by which a Limited Partner purports to assign all or any part
of its Limited Partner Interest to another Person, and includes a sale,
assignment, gift, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, mortgage, exchange or any
other disposition by law or otherwise. The term "transfer" when used in this
Article 11 does not include any redemption of Partnership Interests by the
Partnership from a Limited Partner or any acquisition of Partnership Units from
a Limited Partner by the Company pursuant to Section 8.6.
B. No Partnership Interest shall be transferred, in whole or in part,
except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Article 11.
Any transfer or purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not made in
accordance with this Article 11 shall be null and void.
Section 11.2 Transfer of the Company's General Partner Interest and Limited
Partner Interest
----------- -------------------------------------------------------------
The Company may not transfer any of its General Partner Interest or
withdraw as General Partner, or transfer any of its Limited Partner Interest,
unless Limited Partners holding a majority of the Percentage Interests of the
Limited Partners (other than Limited Partner Interests held by the Company)
consent to such transfer or withdrawal or such transfer is to an entity which is
wholly-owned by the Company and is a Qualified REIT Subsidiary under Section
856(i) of the Code.
Section 11.3 Limited Partners' Rights to Transfer
------------ ------------------------------------
A. Subject to the provisions of Sections 11.3.C, 11.3.D, 11.3.E, and 11.4,
a Limited Partner (other than the Company) may transfer, with or without the
consent of the General Partner, all or any portion of its Partnership Interest,
or any of such Limited Partner's economic rights as a Limited Partner.
B. If a Limited Partner is subject to Incapacity, the executor,
administrator, trustee, committee, guardian, conservator or receiver of such
Limited Partner's estate shall have all of the rights of a Limited Partner, but
not more rights than those enjoyed by other Limited Partners, for the purpose of
settling or managing the estate and such power as the Incapacitated Limited
Partner possessed to transfer all or any part of his or its interest in the
Partnership. The Incapacity of a Limited Partner, in and of itself, shall not
dissolve or terminate the Partnership.
C. The General Partner may prohibit any transfer by a Limited Partner of
its Partnership Units if, in the opinion of legal counsel to the Partnership,
such transfer would require filing of a registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933 or would otherwise violate any federal or state
securities laws or regulations applicable to the Partnership or the Partnership
Units.
D. No transfer by a Limited Partner of its Partnership Units may be made to
any Person if (i) in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, it would
result in the Partnership being treated as an association taxable as a
corporation; (ii) it is made within one year after __________________; (iii)
such transfer is effectuated through an "established securities market" or a
"secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof)" with the meaning of
Section 7704 of the Code; (iv) such transfer would cause the Partnership to
become, with respect to any employee benefit plan subject to Title I of ERISA, a
"party-in-interest" (as defined in Section 3(14) of ERISA) or a "disqualified
person" (as defined in Section 4975(c) of the Code); (v) such transfer would, in
the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, cause any portion of the
assets of the Partnership to constitute assets of any employee benefit plan
pursuant to Department of Labor Regulations Section 2510.2-101; or (vi) such
transfer would subject the Partnership to be regulated under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 or the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, each as amended.
E. No transfer of any Partnership Units may be made to a lender to the
Partnership or any Person who is related (within the meaning of Section
1.752-4(b) of the Regulations) to any lender to the Partnership whose loan
constitutes a Nonrecourse Liability, without the consent of the General Partner,
in its sole and absolute discretion; provided that as a condition to such
consent the lender will be required to enter into an arrangement with the
Partnership and the General Partner to redeem for the Cash Amount any
Partnership Units in which a security interest is held simultaneously with the
time at which such lender would be deemed to be a partner in the Partnership for
purposes of allocating liabilities to such lender under Section 752 of the Code.
Section 11.4 Substituted Limited Partners
------------ ----------------------------
A. No Limited Partner shall have the right to substitute a transferee as a
Limited Partner in his place. The General Partner shall, however, have the right
to consent to the admission of a transferee of the interest of a Limited Partner
pursuant to this Section 11.4 as a Substituted Limited Partner, which consent
may be given or withheld by the General Partner in its sole and absolute
discretion. The General Partner's failure or refusal to permit a transferee of
any such interests to become a Substituted Limited Partner shall not give rise
to any cause of action against the Partnership or any Partner.
B. A transferee who has been admitted as a Substituted Limited Partner in
accordance with this Article 11 shall have all the rights and powers and be
subject to all the restrictions and liabilities of a Limited Partner under this
Agreement.
C. Upon the admission of a Substituted Limited Partner, the General Partner
shall amend Exhibit A to reflect the name, address, number of Partnership Units,
and Percentage Interest of such Substituted Limited Partner and to eliminate or
adjust, if necessary, the name, address and interest of the predecessor of such
Substituted Limited Partner.
Section 11.5 Assignees
------------ ---------
If the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, does not
consent to the admission of any permitted transferee as a Substituted Limited
Partner, as described in Section 11.4, such transferee shall be considered an
Assignee for purposes of this Agreement. An Assignee shall be deemed to have had
assigned to it, and shall be entitled to receive distributions from the
Partnership and the share of Net Income, Net Losses, Recapture Income, and any
other items, gain, loss deduction and credit of the Partnership attributable to
the Partnership Units assigned to such transferee, but shall not be deemed to be
a holder of Partnership Units for any other purpose under this Agreement, and
shall not be entitled to vote such Partnership Units in any matter presented to
the Limited Partners for a vote (such Partnership Units being deemed to have
been voted on such matter in the same proportion as all other Partnership Units
held by Limited Partners are voted). In the event any such transferee desires to
make a further assignment of any such Partnership Units, such transferee shall
be subject to all of the provisions of this Article 11 to the same extent and in
the same manner as any Limited Partner desiring to make an assignment of
Partnership Units.
Section 11.6 General Provisions
------------ ------------------
A. No Limited Partner may withdraw from the Partnership other than as a
result of a permitted transfer of all of such Limited Partner's Partnership
Units in accordance with this Article 11 or pursuant to redemption of all of its
Partnership Units under Section 8.6.
B. Any Limited Partner who shall transfer all of its Partnership Units in a
transfer permitted pursuant to this Article 11 shall cease to be a Limited
Partner upon the admission of all Assignees of such Partnership Units as
Substitute Limited Partners. Similarly, any Limited Partner who shall transfer
all of its Partnership Units pursuant to a redemption of all of its Partnership
Units under Section 8.6 shall cease to be a Limited Partner.
C. Transfers pursuant to this Article 11 may only be made on the first day
of a fiscal quarter of the Partnership, unless the General Partner otherwise
agrees.
D. If any Partnership Interest is transferred or assigned during any
quarterly segment of the Partnership's fiscal year in compliance with the
provisions of this Article 11 or redeemed or transferred pursuant to Section 8.6
on any day other than the first day of a Partnership Year, then Net Income, Net
Losses, each item thereof and all other items attributable to such interest for
such Partnership Year shall be divided and allocated between the transferor
Partner and the transferee Partner by taking into account their varying
interests during the Partnership Year in accordance with Section 706(d) of the
Code, using the interim closing of the books method. Solely for purposes of
making such allocations, each of such items for the calendar month in which the
transfer or assignment occurs shall be allocated to the transferee Partner, and
none of such items for the calendar month in which a redemption occurs shall be
allocated to the Redeeming Partner; provided, however, that the General Partner
may adopt such other conventions relating to allocations in connection with
transfers, assignments or redemptions as it determines are necessary or
appropriate. All distributions of Available Cash attributable to such
Partnership Unit with respect to which the Partnership Record Date is before the
date of such transfer, assignment, or redemption shall be made to the transferor
Partner or the Redeeming Partner, as the case may be, and in the case of a
transfer or assignment other than a redemption, all distributions of Available
Cash thereafter attributable to such Partnership Unit shall be made to the
transferee Partner.
ARTICLE 12
ADMISSION OF PARTNERS
Section 12.1 Admission of Successor General Partner
------------ --------------------------------------
A successor to all of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 11.2
hereof who is proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall be
admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner, effective upon such
transfer. Any such transferee shall carry on the business of the Partnership
without dissolution. In each case, the admission shall be subject to the
successor General Partner executing and delivering to the Partnership an
acceptance of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and such other
documents or instruments as may be required to effect the admission. In the case
of such admission on any day other than the first day of a Partnership Year, all
items attributable to the General Partner Interest for such Partnership Year
shall be allocated between the transferring General Partner and such successor
as provided in Section 11.6.D hereof.
Section 12.2 Admission of Additional Limited Partners
------------ ----------------------------------------
A. After the admission to the Partnership of the initial Limited Partners
on the date hereof, a Person who makes a Capital Contribution to the Partnership
in accordance with this Agreement shall be admitted to the Partnership as an
Additional Limited Partner only upon furnishing to the General Partner (i)
evidence of acceptance in form satisfactory to the General Partner of all of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the power
of attorney granted in Section 2.4 hereof and (ii) such other documents or
instruments as may be required in the discretion of the General Partner in order
to effect such Person's admission as an Additional Limited Partner.
B. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 12.2, no Person
shall be admitted as an Additional Limited Partner without the consent of the
General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld in the General Partner's
sole and absolute discretion. The admission of any Person as an Additional
Limited Partner shall become effective on the date upon which the name of such
Person is recorded on the books and records of the Partnership, following the
consent of the General Partner to such admission.
C. If any Additional Limited Partner is admitted to the Partnership on any
day other than the first day of a Partnership Year, then Net Income, Net Losses,
each item thereof and all other items allocable among Partners and Assignees for
such Partnership Year shall be allocated among such Additional Limited Partner
and all other Partners and Assignees by taking into account their varying
interests during the Partnership Year in accordance with Section 706(d) of the
Code, using the interim closing of the books method. Solely for purposes of
making such allocations, each such item for the calendar month in which an
admission of any Additional Limited Partner occurs shall be allocated among all
of the Partners and Assignees, including such Additional Limited Partner;
provided, however, that the General Partner may adopt such other conventions
relating to allocations to Additional Limited Partners as it determines are
necessary or appropriate. All distributions of Available Cash with respect to
which the Partnership Record Date is before the date of such admission shall be
made solely to Partners and Assignees, other than the Additional Limited
Partner, and all distributions of Available Cash thereafter shall be made to all
of the Partners and Assignees, including such Additional Limited Partner.
Section 12.3 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate
of Limited Partnership
------------ ---------------------------------------
For the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the General Partner
shall take all steps necessary and appropriate under the Act to amend the
records of the Partnership and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practical an
amendment of this Agreement (including an amendment of Exhibit A) and, if
required by law, shall prepare and file an amendment to the Certificate and may
for this purpose exercise the power of attorney granted pursuant to Section 2.4
hereof.
ARTICLE 13
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
Section 13.1 Dissolution
------------ -----------
The Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of Substituted
Limited Partners or Additional Limited Partners or by the admission of a
successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon
the withdrawal of the General Partner, any successor General Partner shall
continue the business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall dissolve, and
its affairs shall be wound up, only upon the first to occur of any of the
following ("Liquidating Events"):
A. the expiration of its term as provided in Section 2.5 hereof;
B. an event of withdrawal of the General Partner, as defined in the
Act (other than an event of bankruptcy), unless, within ninety (90) days
after such event of withdrawal a majority in interest of the remaining
Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and
to the appointment, effective as of the date of withdrawal, of a successor
General Partner;
C. from and after the date of this Agreement through December 31,
2055, an election to dissolve the Partnership made by the General Partner
with the Consent of Partners holding 85% of the Percentage Interests of the
Limited Partners (including Limited Partner Interests held by the Company);
D. on or after January 1, 2056, an election to dissolve the
Partnership made by the General Partner, in its sole and absolute
discretion;
E. entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership
pursuant to the provisions of the Act;
F. the sale of all or substantially all of the assets and properties
of the Partnership; or
G. a final and non-appealable judgment is entered by a court of
competent jurisdiction ruling that the General Partner is bankrupt or
insolvent, or a final and non-appealable order for relief is entered by a
court with appropriate jurisdiction against the General Partner, in each
case under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or
hereafter in effect, unless prior to the entry of such order or judgment
all of the remaining Partners agree in writing to continue the business of
the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of a date prior to the
date of such order or judgment, of a substitute General Partner.
Section 13.2 Winding Up
------------ ----------
A. Upon the occurrence of a Liquidating Event, the Partnership shall
continue solely for the purposes of winding up its affairs in an orderly manner,
liquidating its assets, and satisfying the claims of its creditors and Partners.
No Partner shall take any action that is inconsistent with, or not necessary to
or appropriate for, the winding up of the Partnership's business and affairs.
The General Partner, or, in the event there is no remaining General Partner, any
Person elected by a majority in interest of the Limited Partners (the General
Partner or such other Person being referred to herein as the "Liquidator"),
shall be responsible for overseeing the winding up and dissolution of the
Partnership and shall take full account of the Partnership's liabilities and
property and the Partnership property shall be liquidated as promptly as is
consistent with obtaining the fair value thereof, and the proceeds therefrom
(which may, to the extent determined by the General Partner, include shares of
common stock in the Company) shall be applied and distributed in the following
order:
(1) First, to the payment and discharge of all of the Partnership's
debts and liabilities to creditors other than the Partners;
(2) Second, to the payment and discharge of all of the Partnership's
debts and liabilities to the General Partner;
(3) Third, to the payment and discharge of all of the Partnership's
debts and liabilities to the other Partners; and
(4) The balance, if any, to the General Partner and Limited Partners
in accordance with their Capital Accounts, after giving effect to all
contributions, distributions, and allocations for all periods.
The General Partner shall not receive any additional compensation for any
services performed pursuant to this Article 13.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.2.A hereof which require
liquidation of the assets of the Partnership, but subject to the order of
priorities set forth therein, if prior to or upon dissolution of the Partnership
the Liquidator determines that an immediate sale of part or all of the
Partnership's assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the
Partners, the Liquidator may, in its sole and absolute discretion, defer for a
reasonable time the liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy
liabilities of the Partnership (including to those Partners as creditors) and/or
distribute to the Partners, in lieu of cash, as tenants in common and in
accordance with the provisions of Section 13.2.A hereof, undivided interests in
such Partnership assets as the Liquidator deems not suitable for liquidation.
Any such distributions in kind shall be made only if, in the good faith judgment
of the Liquidator, such distributions in kind are in the best interest of the
Partners, and shall be subject to such conditions relating to the disposition
and management of such properties as the Liquidator deems reasonable and
equitable and to any agreements governing the operation of such properties at
such time. The Liquidator shall determine the fair market value of any property
distributed in kind using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt.
C. In the discretion of the Liquidator, a pro rata portion of the
distributions that would otherwise be made to the General Partner and Limited
Partners pursuant to this Article 13 may be:
(1) distributed to a trust established for the benefit of the General
Partner and Limited Partners for the purposes of liquidating Partnership
assets, collecting amounts owed to the Partnership, and paying any
contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Partnership or
the General Partner arising out of or in connection with the Partnership.
The assets of any such trust shall be distributed to the General Partner
and Limited Partners from time to time, in the reasonable discretion of the
Liquidator, in the same proportions as the amount distributed to such trust
by the Partnership would otherwise have been distributed to the General
Partner and Limited Partners pursuant to this Agreement; or
(2) withheld or escrowed to provide a reasonable reserve for
Partnership liabilities (contingent or otherwise) and to reflect the
unrealized portion of any installment obligations owed to the Partnership,
provided that such withheld or escrowed amounts shall be distributed to the
General Partner and Limited Partners in the manner and order of priority
set forth in Section 13.2.A as soon as practicable.
Section 13.3 Compliance with Timing Requirements of Regulations
------------ --------------------------------------------------
In the event the Partnership is "liquidated" within the meaning of
Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), distributions shall be made pursuant
to this Article 13 to the General Partner and Limited Partners who have positive
Capital Accounts in compliance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2).
If any Partner has a deficit balance in his Capital Account (after giving effect
to all contributions, distributions and allocations for all taxable years,
including the year during which such liquidation occurs), such Partner shall
have no obligation to make any contribution to the capital of the Partnership
with respect to such deficit, and such deficit shall not be considered a debt
owed to the Partnership or to any other Person for any purpose whatsoever.
Section 13.4 Deemed Distribution and Recontribution
------------ --------------------------------------
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article 13, in the event the
Partnership is considered "liquidated" within the meaning of Regulations Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), but no Liquidating Event has occurred, the Partnership's
property shall not be liquidated, the Partnership's liabilities shall not be
paid or discharged, and the Partnership's affairs shall not be wound up.
Instead, for federal income tax purposes and for purposes of maintaining Capital
Accounts pursuant to Exhibit B hereto, the Partnership shall be deemed to have
distributed the property in kind to the General Partner and Limited Partners,
who shall be deemed to have assumed and taken such property subject to all
Partnership liabilities, all in accordance with their respective Capital
Accounts. Immediately thereafter, the General Partner and Limited Partners shall
be deemed to have recontributed the Partnership property in kind to the
Partnership, which shall be deemed to have assumed and taken such property
subject to all such liabilities.
Section 13.5 Rights of Limited Partners
------------ --------------------------
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Limited Partner shall
look solely to the assets of the Partnership for the return of its Capital
Contributions and shall have no right or power to demand or receive property
other than cash from the Partnership. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, no Limited Partner shall have priority over any other Partner as to
the return of its Capital Contributions, distributions, or allocations.
Section 13.6 Notice of Dissolution
------------ ---------------------
In the event a Liquidating Event occurs or an event occurs that would, but
for the provisions of an election or objection by one or more Partners pursuant
to Section 13.1, result in a dissolution of the Partnership, the General Partner
shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, provide written notice thereof to
each of the Partners.
Section 13.7 Termination of Partnership and Cancellation of
Certificate of Limited Partnership
------------ ----------------------------------
Upon the completion of the liquidation of the Partnership's assets, as
provided in Section 13.2 hereof, the Partnership shall be terminated, a
certificate of cancellation shall be filed, and all qualifications of the
Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in jurisdictions other than the
State of Delaware shall be cancelled and such other actions as may be necessary
to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.
Section 13.8 Reasonable Time for Winding-Up
------------ ------------------------------
A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding-up of the
business and affairs of the Partnership and the liquidation of its assets
pursuant to Section 13.2 hereof, in order to minimize any losses otherwise
attendant upon such winding-up, and the provisions of this Agreement shall
remain in effect between the Partners during the period of liquidation.
Section 13.9 Waiver of Partition
------------ -------------------
Each Partner hereby waives any right to partition of the Partnership
property.
ARTICLE 14
AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS
Section 14.1 Amendments
------------ ----------
A. Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed by the General Partner or
by any Limited Partners (other than the Company) holding twenty percent (20%) or
more of the Partnership Interests. Following such proposal, the General Partner
shall submit any proposed amendment to the Limited Partners. The General Partner
shall seek the written vote of the Partners on the proposed amendment or shall
call a meeting to vote thereon and to transact any other business that it may
deem appropriate. For purposes of obtaining a written vote, the General Partner
may require a response within a reasonable specified time, but not less than
fifteen (15) days, and failure to respond in such time period shall constitute a
vote which is consistent with the General Partner's recommendation with respect
to the proposal. Except as provided in Section 7.3.A, 7.3.B, 13.1.C, 14.1.B,
14.1.C or 14.1.D, a proposed amendment shall be adopted and be effective as an
amendment hereto if it is approved by the General Partner and it receives the
Consent of Partners holding a majority of the Percentage Interests of the
Limited Partners (including Limited Partner Interests held by the Company).
B. Notwithstanding Section 14.1.A, the General Partner shall have the
power, without the consent of the Limited Partners, to amend this Agreement as
may be required to facilitate or implement any of the following purposes:
(1) to add to the obligations of the General Partner or surrender
any right or power granted to the General Partner or any Affiliate of
the General Partner for the benefit of the Limited Partners;
(2) to reflect the admission, substitution, termination, or
withdrawal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement;
(3) to set forth the designations, rights, powers, duties, and
preferences of the holders of any additional Partnership Interests
issued pursuant to Section 4.2.A hereof;
(4) to reflect a change that is of an inconsequential nature and
does not adversely affect the Limited Partners in any material
respect, or to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision
in this Agreement not inconsistent with law or with other provisions,
or make other changes with respect to matters arising under this
Agreement that will not be inconsistent with law or with the
provisions of this Agreement; and
(5) to satisfy any requirements, conditions, or guidelines
contained in any order, directive, opinion, ruling or regulation of a
federal or state agency or contained in federal or state law.
The General Partner shall provide notice to the Limited Partners when any
action under this Section 14.1.B is taken.
C. Notwithstanding Section 14.1.A and 14.1.B hereof, this Agreement shall
not be amended without the Consent of each Partner adversely affected if such
amendment would (i) convert a Limited Partner's interest in the Partnership into
a General Partner Interest; (ii) modify the limited liability of a Limited
Partner in a manner adverse to such Limited Partner; (iii) alter rights of the
Partner to receive distributions pursuant to Article 5 or Article 13, or the
allocations specified in Article 6 (except as permitted pursuant to Section 4.2
and Section 14.1.B(3) hereof); (iv) alter or modify the Redemption Right and
REIT Shares Amount as set forth in Sections 8.6 and 11.2.B, and the related
definitions, in a manner adverse to such Partner; (v) cause the termination of
the Partnership prior to the time set forth in Sections 2.5 or 13.1; or (vi)
amend this Section 14.1.C. Further, no amendment may alter the restrictions on
the General Partner's authority set forth in Section 7.3.B without the Consent
specified in that section.
D. Notwithstanding Section 14.1.A or Section 14.1.B hereof, the General
Partner shall not amend Sections 4.2.A, 7.5, 7.6, 11.2 or 14.2 without the
Consent of Limited Partners holding a majority of the Percentage Interests of
the Limited Partners, excluding Limited Partner Interests held by the General
Partner.
Section 14.2 Meetings of the Partners
------------ ------------------------
A. Meetings of the Partners may be called by the General Partner and shall
be called upon the receipt by the General Partner of a written request by
Limited Partners (other than the Company) holding twenty percent (20%) or more
of the Partnership Interests. The request shall state the nature of the business
to be transacted. Notice of any such meeting shall be given to all Partners not
less than seven (7) days nor more than thirty (30) days prior to the date of
such meeting. Partners may vote in person or by proxy at such meeting. Whenever
the vote or Consent of the Partners is permitted or required under this
Agreement, such vote or Consent may be given at a meeting of the Partners or may
be given in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Section 14.1.A hereof.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Consent of holders
of a majority of the Percentage Interests held by Limited Partners (including
Limited Partnership Interests held by the Company) shall control.
B. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the
Partners may be taken without a meeting if a written consent setting forth the
action so taken is signed by a majority of the Percentage Interests of the
Partners (or such other percentage as is expressly required by this Agreement).
Such consent may be in one instrument or in several instruments, and shall have
the same force and effect as a vote of a majority of the Percentage Interests of
the Partners (or such other percentage as is expressly required by this
Agreement). Such consent shall be filed with the General Partner. An action so
taken shall be deemed to have been taken at a meeting held on the effective date
so certified.
C. Each Limited Partner may authorize any Person or Persons to act for him
by proxy on all matters in which a Limited Partner is entitled to participate,
including waiving notice of any meeting, or voting or participating at a
meeting. Every proxy must be signed by the Limited Partner or his
attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of eleven (11)
months from the date thereof unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Every proxy
shall be revocable at the pleasure of the Limited Partner executing it, such
revocation to be effective upon the Partnership's receipt of written notice of
such revocation from the Limited Partner executing such proxy.
D. Each meeting of the Partners shall be conducted by the General Partner
or such other Person as the General Partner may appoint pursuant to such rules
for the conduct of the meeting as the General Partner or such other Person deems
appropriate. Without limitation, meetings of Partners may be conducted in the
same manner as meetings of the shareholders of the Company and may be held at
the same time, and as part of, meetings of the shareholders of the Company.
ARTICLE 15
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 15.1 Addresses and Notice
------------ --------------------
Any notice, demand, request or report required or permitted to be given or
made to a Partner or Assignee under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall
be deemed given or made when delivered in person or when sent by first class
United States mail or by other means of written communication to the Partner or
Assignee at the address set forth in Exhibit A or such other address of which
the Partner shall notify the General Partner in writing.
Section 15.2 Titles and Captions
------------ -------------------
All article or section titles or captions in this Agreement are for
convenience only. They shall not be deemed part of this Agreement and in no way
define, limit, extend or describe the scope or intent of any provisions hereof.
Except as specifically provided otherwise, references to "Articles" and
"Sections" are to Articles and Sections of this Agreement.
Section 15.3 Pronouns and Plurals
------------ --------------------
Whenever the context may require, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall
include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular
form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa.
Section 15.4 Further Action
------------ --------------
The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all
information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or
appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 15.5 Binding Effect
------------ --------------
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal
representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 15.6 Creditors
------------ ---------
Other than as expressly set forth herein with respect to the Indemnities,
none of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, or shall
be enforceable by, any creditor of the Partnership.
Section 15.7 Waiver
------------ ------
No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any
covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any
right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any
such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 15.8 Counterparts
------------ ------------
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall
constitute one agreement binding on all of the parties hereto, notwithstanding
that all such parties are not signatories to the original or the same
counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon
affixing its signature hereto.
Section 15.9 Applicable Law
------------ --------------
This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles
of conflicts of law.
Section 15.10 Invalidity of Provisions
------------- ------------------------
If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected thereby.
Section 15.11 Entire Agreement
------------- ----------------
This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement among the
Partners with respect to the subject matter hereof and any other prior written
or oral understandings or agreements among them with respect thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.
GENERAL PARTNER:
VININGS INVESTMENT PROPERTIES TRUST
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxx
--------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxx
Title: President
LIMITED PARTNER SIGNATURE PAGE
The undersigned, desiring to become one of the within named Limited
Partners of Vinings Investment Properties, L.P., hereby becomes a party to the
Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Vinings Investment Properties, L.P.
by and among Vinings Investment Properties Trust and such Limited Partners,
dated as of June 11, 1996. The undersigned agrees that this signature page may
be attached to any counterpart of said Agreement of Limited Partnership.
Signature line for Limited Partner:
VININGS HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxx
-------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Title: Vice President
Address of Limited Partner: 0000 Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx X-000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
