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Exhibit 10.19
INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS, L.L.C.
OPERATING AGREEMENT
THIS OPERATING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the
19th day of June, 2000, by and among the parties identified on the signature
pages hereto.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
WHEREAS, Innovation Technology Partners, L.L.C. was formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware on June 8, 2000;
WHEREAS, the parties hereto caused the formation of the Company and
wish to confirm the admission, which for all purposes shall be deemed effective
as of June 19, 2000, of the parties identified on Schedule A as members of the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the parties,
intending legally to be bound, agree as follows:
SECTION I
DEFINED TERMS
The following capitalized terms shall have the meanings specified in
this Section I. Other terms are defined in the text of this Agreement and,
throughout this Agreement, those terms shall have the meanings respectively
ascribed to them.
"Act" means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del.
Code ss. 18-101 ET SEQ. as amended from to time.
"Adjusted Capital Account Deficit" means, with respect to any Unit
Holder, the deficit balance, if any, in the Unit Holder's Capital Account as of
the end of the applicable taxable year, after giving effect to the following
adjustments:
(i) the deficit shall be decreased by the amounts which the
Unit Holder is obligated to restore under Section 4.4.2, or is deemed obligated
to restore under Regulation Section 1.704-2(g)(2) and (i)(5); and
(ii) the deficit shall be increased by the terms described in
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6).
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"Adjusted Capital Contribution" means, as of any day, a Unit Holder's
total Capital Contributions less all amounts actually distributed to the Unit
Holder under Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 7.2. hereof. The amount of any such
distribution shall be decreased by the amount of Company liabilities assumed by
the Unit Holder or secured by any Company property distributed to the Unit
Holder. If any Interest is transferred in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, the transferee succeeds to the Adjusted Capital Contributions of the
transferor to the extent the Adjusted Capital Contributions relate to the
Interest transferred.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person (i) each Person that,
directly or indirectly, owns or controls, whether beneficially, or as a trustee,
guardian or other fiduciary, 50% or more of the voting interests of such Person,
(ii) each Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with
each Person or any Affiliate of such Person, (iii) each of such Person's
officers, directors, managers, joint venturers, members and partners, or (iv)
such Person's spouse, children, siblings and parents. For the purpose of this
definition, "control" of a Person shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of its management or
policies, whether through the ownership of voting interests, by contract or
otherwise.
"Agreement" means this Operating Agreement, as amended from time to
time.
"Board of Managers" means the Board of Managers of the Company as
established pursuant to Section 5.1 of this Agreement.
"Capital Account" means the account to be maintained by the Company for
each Unit Holder in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) a Unit Holder's Capital Account is credited with the Unit
Holder's Capital Contributions, the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by
the Unit Holder (or which are secured by Company property distributed to the
Unit Holder), the Unit Holder's allocable share of Profits and any item of
income or gain specifically allocated to the Unit Holder under the provisions of
Section IV; and
(ii) a Unit Holder's Capital Account is debited with the
amount of money and the fair market value of any Company property distributed to
the Unit Holder, the amount of any liabilities of the Unit Holder assumed by the
Company (or which are secured by property contributed by the Unit Holder to the
Company), the Unit Holder's allocable share of Losses and any item of expense or
loss specially allocated to the Unit Holder under the provisions of Section IV.
If any interest is transferred under this Agreement, the transferee
succeeds to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent the Capital
Account is attributable to the transferred interest. It is intended that the
Capital Accounts of all Unit Holders be maintained in compliance with the
provisions of Regulation Section 1.704-1(b), and all provisions of this
Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are to be interpreted
and applied in a manner consistent with that Regulation.
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"Capital Contribution" means the total amount of cash and the fair
market value of any other assets contributed (or deemed contributed under
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d)) to the Company by a Unit Holder, net of
liabilities assumed or to which the assets are subject.
"Capital Proceeds" means the gross receipts received by the Company
from a Capital Transaction.
"Capital Transaction" means any transaction not in the ordinary course
of business which results in the Company's receipt of cash or other
consideration other than Capital Contributions, including, without limitation,
proceeds of sales or exchanges or other dispositions of property not in the
ordinary course of business, financings, refinancings, condemnations, and
insurance proceeds for the destruction of assets used in the trade or business
of the Company; provided, however, that the sale or other transfer of a security
of or an interest in an entity that was acquired in the ordinary course of the
Company's business shall not be considered a Capital Transaction.
"Cash Flow" means all cash funds derived from operations of the Company
(including interest received on reserves), less cash funds to pay current
operating expenses and to pay or establish reasonable reserves for future
expenses, debt payments, capital improvements, contingencies, and replacements
as determined by the Board of Managers. Cash Flow does not include Capital
Proceeds but is increased by the reduction of any reserve previously
established. Cash Flow is not reduced by noncash charges, including without
limitation, depreciation and amortization.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any
corresponding provision of any succeeding law.
"Company" means, the limited liability company formed in accordance
with this Agreement.
"Xxxxxxx Members" means WHTP, L.L.C. and Xxxxxxx Xxxx.
"Interest" means a Member's share of the Profits and Losses of, and the
right to receive distributions from, the Company.
"Involuntary Withdrawal" means, with respect to any Member, the
occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) the Member makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors;
(ii) the Member files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy;
(iii) the Member is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or there is
entered against the Member an order for relief in any bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding;
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(iv) the Member files a petition seeking for the Member any
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation,
dissolution, or similar relief under any statute, law or regulation;
(v) the Member files an answer or other pleading admitting or
failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the
Member in any proceeding described in Subsections (i) through (iv);
(vi) the Member seeks, consents to, or acquiesces in the
appointment of a trustee for, receiver for, or liquidation of the Member or of
all or any substantial portion of the Member's properties;
(vii) any proceeding instituted against the Member seeking
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation,
dissolution, or similar relief under any statute, law, or regulation, continues
for one hundred twenty (120) days after the commencement thereof or the
appointment of a trustee, receiver, or liquidator for the Member or all or any
substantial part of the Member's properties without the Member's agreement or
acquiescence, which appointment is not vacated or stayed for ninety (90) days
or, if the appointment is stayed for ninety (90) days, after the expiration of
the stay during which period the appointment is not vacated;
(viii) if the Member is an individual, the Member's death
(unless the resulting transferee is a Permitted Transferee) or adjudication by a
court of competent jurisdiction that the Member is incompetent to manage the
Member's person or property;
(ix) if the Member is acting as a Member by virtue of being a
trustee of a trust, the termination of the trust;
(x) if the Member is a partnership or limited liability
company, the dissolution and commencement of winding up of the partnership or
limited liability company;
(xi) if the Member is a corporation, the dissolution of the
corporation or the revocation of its certificate of incorporation; or
(xii) if the Member is an estate, the distribution by the
fiduciary of the estate's entire interest in the limited liability company.
"Member" means each Person signing this Agreement and any Person who
subsequently is admitted as a Member of the Company and agrees to be bound by
the terms of this Agreement.
"Membership Rights" means all of the rights of a Member in the Company,
including a Member's (i) Interest, (ii) right to inspect the Company's books and
records; and (iii) right to participate in the management of and vote on matters
relating to the Company, to the extent such rights exist.
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"Minimum Gain" has the meaning set forth in Regulation Section
1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d). Minimum Gain shall be computed separately for each
Unit Holder in a manner consistent with the Regulations under Code Section
704(b).
"Negative Capital Account" means a Capital Account with a balance of
less than zero.
"Net Capital Proceeds" means the net cash proceeds received by the
Company from a Capital Transaction, less any portion thereof used to establish
reserves for Company expenses, obligations, and contingencies as determined by
the Board of Managers. Net Capital Proceeds shall include all principal and
interest payments on any debt obligation received by the Company in any Capital
Transaction.
"Nonrecourse Deductions" has the meaning set forth in Regulation
Section 1.704-2(b)(1). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions for a taxable year
of the Company equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Minimum Gain
during that taxable year, reduced, but not below zero, by the aggregate
distributions made during such year of the proceeds of a Nonrecourse Liability
that are allocable to an increase in Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with
Regulation Section 1.704-2(c).
"Nonrecourse Liability" means any liability of the Company with respect
to which no Unit Holder or person or entity related to an Unit Holder has
personal liability determined in accordance with Code Section 752 and the
Regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Percentage" means, the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the
numerator of which is the total number of Units held by the Unit Holder and the
denominator of which is the total number of Units issued and outstanding.
"Permitted Transferee" shall mean a spouse, child, grandchild or
sibling of a Unit Holder or a trust formed for estate planning purposes by a
Unit Holder.
"Person" means and includes any individual, corporation, partnership,
association, limited liability company, trust, estate or other entity.
"Positive Capital Account" means a Capital Account with a balance
greater than zero.
"Profits" and "Losses" means, for each taxable year of the Company (or
other period for which Profits or Losses must be computed) the Company's taxable
income or loss determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a), with the
following adjustments:
(i) all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit
required to be stated separately under Code Section 703(a)(1) are included in
computing taxable income or loss; and
(ii) any tax-exempt income of the Company, not otherwise taken
into account in computing Profits or Losses, is included in computing taxable
income or loss, and
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(iii) any expenditures of the Company described in Code
Section 705(a)(2)(B) (or treated as such under Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i)) and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits
or Losses, are subtracted from taxable income or loss; and
(iv) gain or loss resulting from any taxable disposition of
Company property is computed by reference to the adjusted book value of the
property disposed of determined in accordance with Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d) through (h), notwithstanding the fact that the adjusted
book value differs from the adjusted basis of the property for federal income
tax purposes; and
(v) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization or cost recovery
deductions allowable in computing taxable income or loss, there is taken into
account the depreciation computed based upon the adjusted book value of the
asset; and
(vi) notwithstanding any other provision of this definition,
any items which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof are not
taken into account in computing Profits or Losses.
"Promissory Note" means the Promissory Note issued by the Company to
Xxxxxx, Inc., a copy of which is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit C.
"Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement
annexed hereto as Exhibit D.
"Regulations" means the income tax regulations, including any temporary
regulations, from time to time promulgated under the Code.
"Representative" means each then current Board of Managers
representative.
"Secretary of State" means the Office of the Delaware Secretary of
State.
"Transfer" means, when used as a noun, any sale, assignment,
attachment, pledge, hypothecation, grant of a security interest in or other
relinquishment and, when used as a verb, means, to sell, assign, pledge,
hypothecate, encumber or otherwise relinquish.
"Unit" shall mean a unit of Interest which shall entitle the holder
thereof to a share of the Profits and Losses and a right to receive
distributions from the Company.
"Unit Holder" means any Person who holds a Unit, whether as a Member or
an unadmitted assignee of a Member.
"Unit Holder Minimum Gain" means an amount, with respect to each Unit
Holder Nonrecourse Liability, equal to the Minimum Gain that would result if
such Unit Holder Nonrecourse Liability were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability,
determined in accordance with the provisions of Regulation Section
1.704-2(i)(3).
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"Unit Holder Nonrecourse Deduction" means for any fiscal year, the net
increase during the year in Unit Holder Minimum Gain attributable to the Unit
Holder Nonrecourse Liability reduced, but not below zero, by proceeds of the
liability (i) distributed during the year to the Unit Holder bearing the
economic risk of loss for the liability and (ii) that are both attributable to
the liability and allocable to an increase in the Unit Holder Minimum Gain.
"Unit Holder Nonrecourse Liability" means any Company liability to the
extent the liability is nonrecourse (under Code Section 1001), and an Unit
Holder or person or entity related to an Unit Holder (under Regulation Section
1.752-4(b)) bears the economic risk of loss, determined in accordance with
Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
"Warrant" means the Warrants to acquire additional Interests to be
issued to certain employees of the Company in the form annexed hereto as
Exhibit E.
SECTION II
FORMATION AND NAME; OFFICE; PURPOSE; TERM
2.1. ORGANIZATION. The Company has been organized as a limited
liability company pursuant to the Act and the provisions of this Agreement. The
Certificate of Formation, in the form attached as Exhibit B, has been executed
and filed for record with the Secretary of State.
2.2. NAME OF THE COMPANY. The name of the Company shall be "Innovation
Technology Partners, L.L.C.". The Company may do business under that name and
under any other name or names the Board of Directors selects. If the Company
does business under a name other than that set forth in its certificate of
formation, then the Company shall file a certificate or registration of
alternate name as required by the Act.
2.3. PURPOSE. The Company is organized primarily to provide management
and consulting services to businesses, and secondarily, in connection with the
provision of such services, to acquire interests in such businesses and to hold,
manage and dispose of such interests, and for such other lawful purposes for
which limited liability companies may be formed under the Act, and to do any and
all things necessary, convenient, or incidental to that purpose; provided,
however, that the Company shall take no action the direct result of which, if it
had 100 or more security holders, would cause it to be an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated thereunder by
the Securities and Exchange Commission (without taking into account any
exclusion provided by Rule 3a2 of such rules).
2.4. TERM. The Company commenced its existence upon the filing of the
Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State and shall continue its
existence in perpetuity unless its existence is terminated earlier pursuant to
Section VII of this Agreement.
2.5. REGISTERED OFFICE. The registered office of the Company in the
State of Delaware shall be located at 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
00000, or at any other place
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within the State of Delaware which the Board of Managers selects, or at such
other location as the registered agent shall determine in compliance with the
Act.
2.6. REGISTERED AGENT. The name and address of the Company's registered
agent in the State of Delaware shall be The Corporation Trust Company, 0000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000.
2.7. MEMBERS. The name, present mailing address, taxpayer
identification number, and Percentage of each Member is set forth on Exhibit A.
SECTION III
MEMBERS; CAPITAL; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
3.1. INITIAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS. Upon the execution and delivery of
this Agreement (i) Xxxxxx, Inc. shall make a cash contribution of $1,500,000,
(ii) Xxxxxxx Xxxx shall make a cash contribution of $167,000 and property
(including furniture, equipment, software and assignment of contracts) having
the Agreed Value as identified on Exhibit A hereto and (iii) WHTP, L.L.C. shall
make a contribution of $333,000 in cash and property (including furniture,
equipment, software and assignments of contracts) having the Agreed Value as
identified on Exhibit A hereto. Exhibit A hereto also identifies the initial
Percentage of each Member. Xxxxxxx Xxxx and WHTP, L.L.C. represent that all
assets contributed to the Company by them will be free and clear of all liens,
charges and encumbrances upon such contribution.
3.2. ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION. No Member shall be required to
contribute any additional capital to the Company, and no Member shall have any
personal liability for any obligation of the Company, including, but not limited
to, any obligations to restore negative Capital Accounts.
3.3. NO INTEREST ON CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS. Unit Holders shall not be
paid interest on their Capital Contributions.
3.4. RETURN OF CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS. Except as otherwise provided in
this Agreement, no Unit Holder shall have the right to receive the return of any
Capital Contribution or any Capital Account balance.
3.5. FORM OF DISTRIBUTION. If an Unit Holder is entitled to receive a
return of a Capital Contribution or any other distribution, the Company, at the
discretion of the Board of Directors, may distribute cash, notes, property or a
combination thereof to the Unit Holder.
3.6. CAPITAL ACCOUNTS. A separate Capital Account shall be maintained
for each Unit Holder, in accordance with Code Section 704(b) and Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b).
3.7. CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS. Capital Accounts will be adjusted to reflect
the fair market value of the existing Unit Holders' Capital Accounts upon (i)
the issuance of additional Units or interests in the Company, (ii) the making of
any additional Capital Contributions by an Unit Holder, (iii) the distribution
to an Unit Holder by the Company of Property other than money
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unless all Unit Holders receive an individual interest in the distributed
property in accordance with their interest in the Company or (iv) the
termination of the Company for federal income tax purposes.
SECTION IV
PROFIT, LOSS, AND DISTRIBUTIONS
4.1. DISTRIBUTION OF CASH FLOW. Cash Flow shall be distributed to the
Unit Holders, at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Managers shall
determine in proportion to their respective Percentages. Without limiting the
generality of the preceding sentence, if and to the extent that the Company is
earning income which will result in a Unit Holder that is a Member being subject
to income tax for income not distributed by the Company but deemed to have been
received by the Unit Holder for federal or state tax purposes, a minimum
distribution shall be made to the Unit Holders in such amount and at such time
(but in no event later than seventy-five (75) days after the end of the
Company's taxable year) as shall be sufficient to enable each Unit Holder to
meet the income tax liability arising or incurred as a result of participation
in the Company. Any such distribution shall be made to the Unit Holders in
proportion to their respective Percentages.
4.2. DISTRIBUTION OF CAPITAL PROCEEDS. Net Capital Proceeds shall be
distributed and applied by the Company in the following order and priority:
4.2.1. to the payment of debts and liabilities of the Company
then due and outstanding (including all debts due to any Unit Holder); then
4.2.2. the balance shall be distributed as follows:
4.2.2.1. to the Unit Holders in proportion to their
Adjusted Capital Contributions, until their remaining Adjusted Capital
Contributions have been paid in full;
4.2.2.2. the balance, to the Unit Holders in
accordance with their respective Percentages.
4.3. ALLOCATION OF PROFITS AND LOSSES.
4.3.1. PROFITS. After giving effect to the special allocations
set forth in Section 4.4., Profits shall be allocated to the Unit Holders as
follows:
4.3.1.1. first, profits from Capital Transactions
will be allocated to those Unit Holders with Negative Capital Accounts in
proportion to the ratio of their Negative Capital Account balances until no Unit
Holder has a Negative Capital Account Balance;
4.3.1.2. second, profits from Capital Transactions to
those Unit Holders whose Adjusted Capital Contributions are in excess of their
Capital Accounts in accordance with the ratio of these excesses until all
excesses have been eliminated to cause each Unit Holder's Capital Account
balance to be in proportion to the Unit Holder's then respective Percentage;
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4.3.1.3. third, all other profits among the Unit
Holders in proportion to their then respective Percentages.
4.3.2. LOSSES. After giving effect to the special allocations
set forth in Section 4.4, Losses shall be allocated to the Unit Holders as
follows:
4.3.2.1. first, to each Unit Holder with a Positive
Capital Account balance in proportion to each such Unit Holder's Positive
Capital Account balance until no Unit Holder has a Positive Capital Account
balance;
4.3.2.2. second, among the Unit Holders in proportion
to their respective Percentages.
4.3.3. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. If there is insufficient profit
or loss to allocate to the Unit Holders pursuant to any subsection of 4.3.1 or
4.3.2 to cause every Unit Holder's Capital Account balance to equal the entire
Capital Account balance described in such subsection with respect to such Unit
Holder, the Profit or Loss available to be allocated among the Unit Holders
pursuant to said subsection shall be allocated in proportion to the amounts
thereof that would have been allocated to each Unit Holder pursuant to such
subsection if there had been sufficient amounts thereof to fully satisfy the
requirements of such subsection with respect to every Unit Holder.
4.4. REGULATORY ALLOCATIONS.
4.4.1. MINIMUM GAIN CHARGEBACK. Except as set forth in
Regulation Section 1.704-2(f), if, during any taxable year, there is a net
decrease in Minimum Gain, each Unit Holder, prior to any other allocation under
this Section 4.4., shall be specially allocated items of gross income and gain
for such taxable year (and, if necessary, subsequent taxable years) in an amount
equal to that Unit Holder's share of the net decrease of Minimum Gain, computed
in accordance with Regulation Section 1.704-2(g). Allocations of gross income
and gain under this Section 4.4.1 shall be made first from gain recognized from
the disposition of Company assets subject to Nonrecourse Liabilities, to the
extent of the Minimum Gain attributable to those assets, and thereafter, from a
pro-rata portion of the Company's other items of income and gain for the taxable
year. It is the intent of the parties that any allocation under this Section
4.4.1 shall constitute a "minimum gain chargeback" under Regulation Section
1.704-2(f).
4.4.2. UNIT HOLDER MINIMUM GAIN CHARGEBACK. Except as
otherwise provided in Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if, during any taxable
year, there is a net decrease in Unit Holder Minimum Gain attributable to an
Unit Holder Nonrecourse Liability during any taxable year, each Unit Holder who
has a share of the Unit Holder Minimum Gain attributable to such Unit Holder
Nonrecourse Liability shall be specially allocated items of gross income and
gain for such taxable year (and, if necessary, subsequent taxable years) in an
amount equal to that Unit Holder's share of the net decrease in the Unit Holder
Minimum Gain. This allocation shall be made after the allocation under Section
4.4.1, and prior to any other allocation under this Section 4.4. Allocations of
gross income and gain under this Section 4.4.2 shall be made first from gain
recognized from the disposition of the Company assets subject to Unit Holder
Nonrecourse
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Liabilities to the extent of Unit Holder Minimum Gain attributable to those
assets, and thereafter, from a pro-rata portion of the Company's other items of
income and gain for the taxable year. It is the intent of the parties that any
allocation under this Section 4.4.2 shall constitute a "minimum gain chargeback"
under Regulation Section 1.704-2(i).
4.4.3. QUALIFIED INCOME OFFSET. If any Unit Holder
unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described
in Regulation Section 1.704-1 (b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5),
or Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of gross income and gain shall be
specially allocated to each such Unit Holder in an amount and manner sufficient
to eliminate, to the extent required by the Regulations, the Adjusted Capital
Account Deficit of such Unit Holder as quickly as possible. An allocation under
this Section 4.4.3 shall be made only if and to the extent that such Unit Holder
would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations
provided for under this Section 4.4 have been tentatively made as if this
Section 4.4.3 were not in the Agreement.
4.4.4. NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS. Nonrecourse Deductions for a
taxable year or other period shall be specifically allocated among the Unit
Holders in accordance with their respective Percentages.
4.4.5. UNIT HOLDER NONRECOURSE DEDUCTIONS. Any Unit Holder
Nonrecourse Deduction for any taxable year or other period shall be specially
allocated to the Unit Holder who bears the risk of loss with respect to the Unit
Holder Nonrecourse Liability to which the Unit Holder Nonrecourse Deduction is
attributable, as determined in accordance with Regulation Section 1.704-2(b).
4.4.6. CODE SECTION 754 ADJUSTMENT. To the extent an
adjustment to the tax basis of any Company asset under Code Section 734(b) or
Code Section 743(b) is required, under Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m),
to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of the
adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the
adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment
decreases basis), and the gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Unit
Holders in a manner consistent with the manner in which their Capital Accounts
are required to be adjusted under that Section of the Regulations.
4.4.7. CONTRIBUTED PROPERTY AND BOOK-UPS. In accordance with
Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations thereunder, as well as Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d)(3), income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect
to any property contributed (or deemed contributed) to the Company shall, solely
for tax purposes, be allocated among the Unit Holders so as to take account of
any variation between the adjusted basis of the property to the Company for
federal income tax purposes and its fair market value at the date of
contribution (or deemed contribution). If the adjusted book value of any Company
asset is adjusted as provided herein, subsequent allocations of income, gain,
loss, and deduction with respect to the asset shall take account of any
variation between the adjusted basis of the asset for federal income tax
purposes and its adjusted book value in the manner required under Code Section
704(c) and the Regulations thereunder. Allocations under this Section 4.4.7 are
solely for the purpose of
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federal, state, and local taxes, and shall not be taken into account in
determining any Unit Holder's Capital Account and allocable share of Profits and
Losses.
4.4.8. WITHHOLDING. All amounts required to be withheld under
Code Section 1446 or any other provision of federal, state or local law shall be
treated as amounts actually distributed to the affected Unit Holders for all
purposes under this Agreement.
4.5. LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION.
4.5.1. If the Company is liquidated, the assets of the Company
shall be distributed in accordance with Section 7.2.
4.5.2. No Unit Holder shall be obligated to restore a Negative
Capital Account.
4.6. GENERAL.
4.6.1. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the
timing and amount of all distributions shall be determined by the Board of
Managers.
4.6.2. If any assets of the Company are distributed in kind to
the Unit Holders, those assets shall be valued at their fair market value, and
any Unit Holder entitled to any interest in those assets shall receive that
interest as a tenant-in-common with all other Unit Holders so entitled. Unless
the Board of Managers otherwise agrees, the fair market value of the assets
shall be determined by an independent appraiser who shall be selected by the
Board of Managers. The Profit or Loss for each unsold asset shall be determined
as if the asset had been sold at its fair market value, and the Profit or Loss
shall be allocated as provided in Section 4.3 and shall be properly credited or
charged to the Capital Accounts of the Unit Holders prior to the distribution of
the assets.
4.6.3. All Profits and Losses shall be allocated and all
distributions shall be made to the Persons shown on the records of the Company
to have been Unit Holders as of the last day of the taxable year for which the
allocation or distribution is to be made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless
the Company's taxable year is otherwise separated into two or more short years,
if there is a Transfer or an Involuntary Withdrawal during the taxable year, the
Profits and Losses shall be allocated between the original Unit Holder and the
successor on the basis of the number of days each was an Unit Holder during the
taxable year.
4.6.4. The Board of Managers is hereby authorized, upon the
advice of the Company's tax counsel, to amend this Section IV to comply with the
Code and the Regulations promulgated under Code Section 704(b); provided,
however, that no amendment shall materially affect distributions to an Unit
Holder without the Unit Holder's prior written consent.
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SECTION V
MANAGEMENT; RIGHTS, POWERS, AND DUTIES
5.1. MANAGEMENT.
5.1.1. BOARD OF MANAGERS. Subject to the Act or this
Agreement, the powers of the Company shall be exercised by or under the
authority of, and the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by,
the Board of Managers who shall be responsible for the management and operations
of the Company and shall have all powers necessary to manage and control the
Company, to conduct its business, and to implement any decision of the Members
adopted pursuant to this Agreement. The initial Board of Managers shall consist
of seven (7) Representatives, two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the Huttner
Members (the "Initial Xxxxxxx Designees") and two (2) of whom shall be appointed
by Xxxxxx, Inc. (the "Initial Xxxxxx Designeess"). After the designation of the
Initial Xxxxxxx Designees and the Initial Xxxxxx Designees, the remaining
Representatives shall be appointed as follows:
(a) Xxxxxx, Inc. shall designate two (2)
additional Representatives (the "Second
Xxxxxx Designees"); provided, however, that
neither of the Second Xxxxxx Designees shall
become a Representative unless the choice of
the designee is approved by the Initial
Xxxxxxx Representatives (which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld);
(b) The Xxxxxxx Members shall designate one
additional Representative (the "Second
Xxxxxxx Designee"); provided, however, that
the Second Xxxxxxx Designee shall not become
a Representative unless the choice of the
designee is approved by the Initial Xxxxxx
Designees (which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld).
The number of Representatives constituting the Board of Managers may be
increased or decreased from time to time by unanimous approval of the Members.
Representatives shall be elected by the Members as provided in this Section
5.1.1. and Section 5.2.1, and each Representative so elected shall hold office
until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier
death resignation, or removal. Any Representative may resign at any time upon
notice to the Company or may be removed with or without cause, by the Member(s)
having appointed such Representative in accordance with this Section V. A
Representative need not be an employee of a Member or a resident of the State of
Delaware. Subject to the powers of removal and replacement set forth above in
this Section 5.1, the Huttner Members hereby appoint Xxxxxxx Xxxx and Xxxxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx as their initial Representatives and Xxxxxx Inc. hereby appoints
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx as its initial Representatives.
Xxxxxx, Inc. shall designate the Second Xxxxxx Designees, and the Huttner
Members shall designate the Second Xxxxxxx Designees, by July 15, 2000, and the
appointment of such additional Representatives shall occur simultaneously after
the requisite approvals are obtained pursuant to this Section 5.1.1.
5.1.2. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES. After such time Xxxxxx,
Inc. holds less than 51% of the Percentages then held by Members, the
Representatives shall be elected by the Members pursuant to Section 5.2.1.
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5.1.3. VACANCIES. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of
Directors for any cause shall be filled by the Member(s) that appointed the
Representative whose absence has created the vacancy; provided, however, that
(a) for so long as Xxxxxx, Inc. owns 51% of the outstanding Units, the selection
of any individual to replace a Second Xxxxxx Designee or a Second Xxxxxxx
Designee (or any individual who is replacing a successor to a Second Xxxxxx
Designee or a Second Xxxxxxx Designee) must be approved by the Xxxxxxx Members,
in the case of a designation by Xxxxxx, Inc., and Xxxxxx, Inc. in the case of a
designation by the Huttner Members (which approval shall not, in either case, by
unreasonably withheld) and (b) any vacancy caused by the absence of a
Representative who has been elected by a vote of Members pursuant to Section 5.2
shall be filled by a vote of the Members pursuant to Section 5.2.1
5.1.4. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of
Managers may be held at such places within or without the State of Delaware (but
within the contiguous United States) and at such times as the Board of Managers
may from time to time determine, and if so determined, notices thereof need not
be given.
5.1.5. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of
Managers may be held at any time, whenever called by the Board of Managers or
requested by at least two Representatives, at such place or places within or
without the State of Delaware (but within the contiguous United States) as may
be stated in the notice of the meeting. Notice of the time and place of a
special meeting must be given by the Board of Managers at least 10 days before
the special meeting. The attendance of a Representative at any meeting shall
constitutes a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Representative
attends a meeting for the sole purpose of objecting to the transaction of any
business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the
business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of the
Board of Managers need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such
meeting.
5.1.6. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE. Unless otherwise
restricted by this Agreement or the Act, Representatives may participate in a
meeting of the Board of Managers by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this
Section 5.1.5. shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
5.1.7. QUORUM; VOTE REQUIRED FOR ACTION. Except as may be
otherwise specifically provided by law or this Agreement, at all meetings of the
Board of Managers the presence of a majority of the Representatives constituting
the entire Board of Managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business; provided, however, that for so long as Xxxxxx, Inc. owns 51% or more
of the outstanding Units, no quorum shall exist unless at least two
Representatives appointed by Xxxxxx, Inc. are present and two Representatives
appointed by the Huttner Members are present. The vote of a majority of the
Representatives who are present at any meeting of the Board of Managers at which
there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Managers. If a quorum shall
not be present at any meeting of the Board of Managers, the Representatives
present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other
than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
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5.1.8. SECRETARY OF MEETINGS. The Board of Directors may
appoint any person to act as secretary of a Board of Managers meeting.
5.1.9. ACTIONS OF THE BOARD BY CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING.
Unless otherwise restricted by this Agreement or the Act, any action required or
permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Managers may be taken
without a meeting if all of the Representatives consent thereto in writing, and
the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board
of Managers.
5.1.10. NO REPRESENTATIVE COMPENSATION. The Representatives
shall not receive compensation for their services hereunder unless approved by
the Board of Managers.
5.1.11. OFFICERS.
5.1.11.1. The Board of Managers may, from time to
time, employ or retain Persons as may be necessary or appropriate for the
conduct of the Company's business (subject to the supervision and control of the
Board of Managers who may be designated as officers of the Company. Any number
of offices may be held by the same person. In its discretion, the Board of
Managers may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem
advisable. Officers need not be residents of the State of Delaware or Members.
Any officers so designated shall have such authority and perform such duties as
the Board of Managers may, from time to time, delegate to them by written
resolution of the Board of Managers. The Board of Managers may assign titles to
particular officers. Each officer shall hold office until he or she shall resign
or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. The salaries or
other compensation, if any, of the officers of the Company shall be fixed from
time to time by the Board of Managers.
5.1.11.2. Any officer may resign as such at any time.
Such resignation shall be made in writing and shall take effect at the time
specified therein, or if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by the
Board of Managers. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to
make it effective, unless expressly so provided in the resignation. Any officer
may be removed as such, either with or without cause at any time by the Board of
Managers. Designation of an officer shall not of itself create any contractual
rights or employment rights.
5.1.11.3. The officers, in the performance of their
duties as such, shall owe to the Company duties of loyalty and due care of the
type owed by the officers of a corporation to such corporation and its
shareholders under the laws of the State of Delaware.
5.1.11.4. The Board of Managers hereby appoints the
following officers:
(a) Managing Members - Xxxxx X. Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxxx Xxxx. Subject only to
the authority of the Board of Managers, the
Managing Members shall have general charge
and supervision over, and responsibility
for, the business and affairs of the
Company. Unless otherwise directed by the
Board of Managers, all other officers shall
be subject to the authority and supervision
of the Managing Members. The Managing
Members may enter into and execute in the
name of the Company contracts or other
instruments in the regular course of
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business or contracts or other instruments
not in the regular course of business which
are authorized, either generally or
specifically, by the Board of Managers. The
Managing Members shall have the power and
duties of management usually vested in the
office of president of a business
corporation.
(b) Managing Directors. The Managing Directors
shall have such powers and perform such
duties as may be prescribed by the Board or
the Managing Members. The Managing Directors
may also be designated as Executive Managing
Directors or Senior Managing Directors, as
the Board of Managers may from time to time
prescribe.
(c) Treasurer - Xxxxx X. Xxxx. The Treasurer
shall have charge of the funds of the
Company. The Treasurer shall keep full and
accurate accounts of all receipts and
disbursements of the Company in books
belonging to the Company and shall deposit
all monies and other valuable effects in the
name and to the credit of the Company in
such depositories as may be designated by
the Board of Managers. The Treasurer shall
disburse the funds of the Company as may be
ordered by the Board of Managers, and shall
render to the Board of Managers, whenever
they may require it, an account of all his
transactions as Treasurer and an account of
the business and financial position of the
Company.
(d) Secretary - Xxxxxx Xxxxxx. The Secretary
shall, at the request of the Board of
Managers, attend all meetings of the Board
and all meetings of the committees thereof
and record all the proceedings of the
meetings in a book or books to be kept for
that purpose or shall ensure that his or her
designee attends each such meeting to act in
such capacity. Under the supervision of the
Board of Managers, the Secretary shall give,
or cause to be given, all notices required
to be given by this Agreement or by law. The
Secretary shall also have such other powers
and perform such other duties as the Board
of Managers or the President may, from time
to time, prescribe.
(e) Assistant Secretary - Xxxxxxx Xxxx. The
Assistant Secretary shall perform such
duties as the Board of Managers shall
require of such Assistant Secretary. The
Assistant Secretary shall, during the
absence or incapacity of the Secretary,
assume and perform all functions and duties
which the Secretary might lawfully do if
present and not under any incapacity.
5.1.12. INSURANCE. The Company shall maintain such general
property and liability insurance as is determined by the Board of Managers,
consistent with industry practice.
5.2. MEETINGS OF AND VOTING BY MEMBERS.
5.2.1. After such time as Xxxxxx, Inc. no longer owns 51% of
the outstanding Units, an annual meeting of Members shall be held each year on a
date selected by the Board of Managers to elect the Representatives.
Representatives shall be elected by Members by a plurality vote (based upon
Units voted by Members); provided, however, that (i) for so long as
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Xxxxxx, Inc. owns less than 51% but more than 30% of the outstanding Units, it
shall have the right to nominate two individuals as Representatives, (ii) for so
long as Xxxxxx, Inc. owns 20% or more of the outstanding Units but less than 30%
of the outstanding Units, it shall have the right to nominate one individual as
a Representative; and (iii) all of the Members hereby agree to vote the Units
owned by them in favor of such nominees as Representatives. Annual meetings of
Members shall be held at the Company's principal place of business or at any
other place designated by the Board of Managers.
5.2.2. A special meeting of the Members may be called at any
time by any Managing Member, the Board of Managers or by those Members holding
at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the outstanding Units then held by
Members. Special meetings of Members shall be held at the Company's principal
place of business or at any other place designated by the Board of Managers.
5.2.3. Not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days
before each annual or special meeting, the Board of Managers shall give written
notice of the meeting to each Member entitled to vote at the meeting. The notice
shall state the time, place, and purpose of the meeting. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions, each Member who is entitled to notice waives notice if
before or after the meeting the Member signs a waiver of the Notice which is
filed with the records of Members meetings, or is present at the meeting in
person or by proxy. Unless this Agreement provides otherwise, at a meeting of
Members, the presence in person or by proxy of Members holding not less than
fifty-one percent (51%) of the outstanding Units then held by Members
constitutes a quorum. A Member may vote either in person or by written proxy
signed by the Member or by his duly authorized attorney in fact.
5.2.4. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
wherever this Agreement or the Act requires the approval of the Members, the
affirmative vote of members holding fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the
outstanding Units then held by Members shall be required to approve the matter.
5.2.5. In lieu of holding a meeting, the Members may vote or
otherwise take action by a written instrument indicating the consent of Members
holding at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the outstanding Units then held by
Members.
5.3. PERSONAL SERVICES.
5.3.1. No Member shall be required to perform services for the
Company solely by virtue of being a Member. Unless approved by the Board of
Managers or as otherwise set forth in an agreement between the Company and the
Member, no Member shall perform services for the Company or be entitled to
compensation for services performed for the Company.
5.4. DUTIES OF PARTIES.
5.4.1. The Board of Managers shall devote such time to the
business and affairs of the Company as is necessary to carry out the duties of
the Board of Managers set forth in this Agreement.
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5.4.2. Each Member understands and acknowledges that the
conduct of the Company's business may involve business dealings and undertakings
with Members and their Affiliates. In any of those cases, those dealings and
undertakings shall be at arm's length and on commercially reasonable terms.
5.5. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION.
5.5.1. Each Person who at any time shall be, or shall have
been, a Representative or officer of the Company, or any Person who, while a
Member, Representative, officer, employee or agent of the Company, is or was
serving at the request of the Company as a member, manager, director, officer,
partner, employee or agent of another entity, shall be indemnified by the
Company as and to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of Delaware law
or any successor statutory provisions, as from time to time amended. The
foregoing right of indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other
rights to which one to be indemnified may be entitled as a matter of law or
under this Agreement, any other agreement, by determination of the Board of
Managers, both as to any action in an official capacity and as to action in
another capacity while holding such office. Any repeal of this Section 5.5.1
shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any right of
indemnification existing at the time of such repeal or modification or
thereafter arising as a result of acts or omissions prior to the time of such
repeal or modification or thereafter arising as a result of acts or omissions
prior to the time of such repeal or modification. Notwithstanding the foregoing
or any provision herein to the contrary, no indemnification shall be provided,
and the indemnification rights contained in the provisions of this Section 5.5
shall not apply, with respect to any conduct or action by any person that
constitutes insubordination, misconduct, dereliction or duty, a violation or law
or Company policies, breach or fiduciary duty, or acts against the Company's
interests.
5.5.2. Without limiting the provisions or Section 5.5.1,
subject to Section 5.5.4, the Company shall indemnify any Person who was or is a
party or is threatened to made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason
of the fact that he is or was a Representative, officer, employee or agent of
the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a member,
manager, director, officer, partner, employee or agent of another entity,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of an
action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a
plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable
cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
5.5.3. Without limiting the provisions of Section 5.5.1,
subject to Section 5.5.4, the Company shall indemnify any Person who was or is a
party, or is threatened to be made a party
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to any threatened, pending or complete action or suit by or in the right of the
Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or
was a Representative or an officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the
request of the Company as a member, manager, director, officer, partner,
employee or agent of another entity against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim,
issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to
the Company unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or
suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication
of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such Person is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court
shall deem proper.
5.5.4. Any indemnification under this Section 5.5 (unless
ordered by a court) shall be made by the Company as permitted by Delaware law or
as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification is
proper in the circumstances because it is permitted under Delaware law or the
applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 5.5.2 or Section 5.5.3, as
the case may be, have been met.
5.6. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. Each Xxxxxxx
Member shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to, bring all investment or
business opportunities to the Company of which any of the foregoing become aware
and which they believe are within the scope and investment objectives of the
Company or are otherwise competitive with the business of the Company; provided,
however, that no such opportunity need be brought to the Company if it (a) would
cause Xxxxxx, Inc. or the Company to be an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 or (b) involves an aggregate of $50,000 or less.
5.7. RIGHT OF FIRST PURCHASE. If the Board of Managers determines to
raise additional capital through the sale of additional Units or interests in
the Company, it shall first offer each of Xxxxxx, Inc. and the Xxxxxxx Members
the opportunity to provide all of such financing on the terms set forth in the
offer (the "Financing Offer") on a pro rata basis based on the number of Units
then held. Any such Financing Offer may be accepted all or in part by Xxxxxx,
Inc. and the Xxxxxxx Members. If any such Member does not accept in full a
Financing Offer, then the other Members receiving the Financing Offer shall have
the right to acquire the unsubscribed Units or interests; provided, however, if
any of the Members who do not accept the Financing Offer are Huttner Members,
the other Huttner Members shall have the right to acquire the unsubscribed Units
interests (on a pro rata basis on the number of Units then held by each Huttner
Member wishing to acquire the unsubscribed interests) before that right is
granted to Xxxxxx, Inc. Any such right of oversubscription must be exercised
within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of notice of the right to oversubscribe.
If Xxxxxx, Inc. and the Huttner Members do not elect to purchase any of the
Units or interests pursuant to a Financing Offer, the Company shall have 120
days thereafter to sell the Units or interests at a price and upon general terms
and conditions materially no more favorable to the purchasers thereof then were
specified in the Financing Offer. If the Company has not sold such interests
within such 120 day period, the Company shall not thereafter issue or sell any
interests without first offering such Units or interests to Xxxxxx, Inc.
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and the Xxxxxxx Members in the manner provided above. The right of first
purchase granted pursuant to this Section 5.7 shall not apply to the issuance of
Units pursuant to the Warrant or pursuant to the Unit option plan contemplated
by Section 5.12.
5.8. TAG ALONG RIGHTS. In the event that (i) Unit Holders holding a
majority of the outstanding Units (hereinafter the "Majority Unit Holders")
elect to sell Units that they hold representing a Controlling Interest (as
hereinafter defined) in the Company to a third party purchaser, and (ii) the
holder(s) of the remaining minority of the outstanding Units (each a "Minority
Unit Holder" and, collectively, the "Minority Unit Holders") and the Company do
not exercise their rights to acquire such Units pursuant to Section VI of this
Agreement, then, if any of the Minority Unit Holders shall so direct in writing
to the Majority Unit Holders, the Majority Unit Holders shall, as a condition of
the transfer of the Controlling Interest to the prospective purchaser, require
that the prospective purchaser purchase from the Minority Unit Holders all of
the Units then owned by such Minority Unit Holders, on the same terms and
conditions as are applicable to the prospective purchase of the Controlling
Interest from the Majority Unit Holders. Written notice of the exercise of a
Minority Unit Holder's rights under this Section 5.8 shall be provided to the
Majority Unit Holders within ten (10) days of the expiration of the purchase
right granted to the Remaining Unit Holders pursuant to Section VI. For purposes
of this Section 5.8, a "Controlling Interest" is defined as not less than fifty
percent (50%) of the Company's outstanding Units.
5.9. LOAN TO COMPANY. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by each of the Members, Xxxxxx, Inc. and the Company shall execute and deliver
the Promissory Note.
5.10. REGISTRATION RIGHTS. Upon the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by each of the Members, the Company shall execute and deliver to
Xxxxxx, Inc. the Registration Rights Agreement.
5.11. WARRANTS. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
each of the Members, the Company shall execute and deliver to each of Xxxxxxx
Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx and Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx the Warrants in the denominations
identified on Exhibit E hereto.
5.12. EMPLOYEE PLANS. The Board of Managers may establish and carry out
pension, profit sharing, bonus, purchase, option, savings, thrift and other
retirement, incentive and benefit plans, trusts and provisions (including,
without limitation, health insurance, medical and dental reimbursement, life
insurance, accident insurance and disability insurance) for the Company, and any
Member, Representative, employee or agent of the Company, including plans,
trusts and provisions which may provide for the ownership, acquisition, holding,
or disposition of Units, interests in the Company or other securities, and may
indemnify and maintain insurance on behalf of any fiduciary of such plans,
trusts or provisions. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the Board of
Managers shall formulate and adopt an option plan pursuant to which employees of
and consultants (which may include employees of Xxxxxx, Inc.) to the Company
shall be granted options to acquire a number of Units which shall represent ten
percent (10%) of the number of Units outstanding after giving effect to the
exercise of such options and the
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Warrants. Annexed hereto as Exhibit G is a schedule setting forth the proposed
ownership of the Company after giving effect to the exercise of the options
described above and the Warrants.
5.13. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. Upon the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, the Company will enter into the employment agreements with each of
Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxxx Xxxx in the forms annexed hereto as
Exhibits F-1 through F-3.
SECTION VI
TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS AND WITHDRAWALS OF MEMBERS
6.1. TRANSFERS.
6.1.1. No Person may Transfer all or any portion of or any
interest or rights in the Person's Membership Rights, Interest or Units unless
the following conditions ("Conditions of Transfer") are satisfied:
6.1.1.1. the Transfer will not require registration
of Interests, Units or Membership Rights under any federal or state securities
laws;
6.1.1.2. the transferee delivers to the Company a
written instrument agreeing to be bound by the terms of Section VI of this
Agreement;
6.1.1.3. the Transfer will not result in the
termination of the Company pursuant to Code Section 708;
6.1.1.4. the Transfer will not result in the Company
being subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;
6.1.1.5. the transferor or the transferee delivers
the following information to the Company: (i) the transferee's taxpayer
identification number; and (ii) the transferee's initial tax basis in the
Transferred Interest; and
6.1.1.6. The transferor complies with the provisions
set forth in Section 6.1.4., except that any Transfer from Xxxxxx, Inc. to any
of its Affiliates or by a Xxxxxxx Member to a Permitted Transferee need not
comply with the provisions set forth in Section 6.1.4.
6.1.2. If the Conditions of Transfer are satisfied, then a
Member or Unit Holder may Transfer all or any portion of that Person's Units.
The Transfer of Units pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall not result, however, in
the Transfer of any of the transferor's other Membership Rights, if any, and the
transferee of the Units shall have no right to: (i) become a Member; or (ii)
exercise any Membership Rights other than those specifically pertaining to the
ownership of an Interest.
6.1.3. Each Member hereby acknowledges the reasonableness of
the prohibition contained in this Section 6.1 in view of the purposes of the
Company and the relationship of the Members. The Transfer of any Membership
Rights, Interests or Units in violation of the
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prohibition contained in this Section 6.1 shall be invalid, null and void, and
of no force or effect. Any Person to whom Membership Rights are attempted to be
transferred in violation of this Section shall not be entitled to vote on
matters coming before the Members, participate in the management of the Company,
receive distributions from the Company or have any other rights in or with
respect to the Membership Rights.
6.1.4. RIGHTS OF FIRST AND SECOND OFFER.
6.1.4.1. If a Unit Holder (a "Transferor') desires to
Transfer all or any portion of, or any interest or rights in, the Transferor's
Units (the "Transferor Units"), the Transferor shall provide each other Unit
Holder (each a "Remaining Unit Holder and, collectively, the "Remaining Unit
Holders) and the Company with written notice of such desire (the "Transfer
Notice"). The Transfer Notice shall describe the Transferor Units, identify the
proposed transferee and state the proposed purchase price. Such Transfer Notice
shall also contain the Transferor's warranty that the Transferor is acting in
good faith and that the information contained in the Transfer Notice is correct
to the best of the Transferor's knowledge. Upon receipt of the Transfer Notice,
the Remaining Unit Holders shall have the option to purchase (at the price set
forth in the Transfer Notice) all or any portion of the Transferor Units. Each
Remaining Unit Holder desiring to purchase all or any portion of the Transferor
Units shall provide the Transferor with written notice of such desire (which
notice shall set forth the portion of the Transferor Units which such Remaining
Unit Holder desires to purchase and the Percentage then held by such Remaining
Unit Holder) within ten (10) days of receipt of the Transfer Notice. Upon
expiration of such ten day period, the Transferor shall determine (pursuant to
Section 6.1.4.2. below) the number of the Transferor Units which may be
purchased by the Remaining Unit Holders electing to purchase all or a portion of
the Transferor Units (collectively the "Remaining Purchasing Unit Holders" and,
individually, a "Remaining Purchasing Unit Holder") and deliver to each
Remaining Purchasing Unit Holder written notice setting forth the number of the
Transferor Units which each such Unit Holder may purchase, the purchase price
and a closing date for such purchase.
6.1.4.2. The number of the Transferor Units which a
Remaining Purchasing Unit Holder shall be entitled to purchase shall be
determined by multiplying the number of Percentage represented, either directly
or indirectly, by the Transferor Units by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be equal to the number of Units held by the Remaining Purchasing Unit
Holder and the denominator of which shall be equal to the number of Units held
by all of the Remaining Purchasing Unit Holders. The number of Units that each
Remaining Unit Holder is entitled to purchase under this Section 6.1.4.2 shall
be referred to as its "Pro Rata Fraction."
6.1.4.3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set
forth above, if the Transferor is a Huttner Member, then the other Huttner
Members shall have the right to exercise the purchase rights provided above by
following the procedures set forth in Section 6.1.4.1 through Section 6.1.4.2 as
if the other Xxxxxxx Members were the only Remaining Unit Holders. If such other
Xxxxxxx Members do not elect to purchase all of the Transferor Units pursuant to
such procedures, the other Remaining Unit Holders shall have the rights to
purchase specified in Section 6.1.4.1 through 6.1.4.2.
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6.1.4.4. If the Remaining Purchasing Unit Holders
purchase less than all of the Transferor Units, the Transferor shall promptly
provide the Company with written notice of that portion of the Transferor Units
remaining available for purchase. The Company shall then have the option of
purchasing such remaining portion of the Transferor Units at the price set forth
in the Transfer Notice. To exercise its option, the Company must provide written
notice of the portion of the Transferor Units the Company desires to purchase to
the Transferor within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice from the Transferor
regarding the availability of a portion of the Transferor Units for purchase.
6.1.4.5. Any closing pursuant to this Section 6.1.4.
shall take place within thirty (30) days of delivery of the Transferor Notice.
The closing on any purchase pursuant to Section 6.1.4.3 shall take place either
contemporaneously with or as soon after the completion of any closing pursuant
to Section 6.1.4.1 as is practicable, which date shall in no event be later than
forty-five (45) days after the delivery of the Transferor Notice.
6.1.4.6. In the event that all of the Transferor
Units are not purchased either by Remaining Unit Holders or the Company, then
the Transferor shall have no obligation to sell any portion of the Transferor
Units to the remaining Unit Holders or the Company and may make a bona fide
Transfer of the Transferor Units (or any remaining portion thereof if the
Transferor elects to sell a portion of the Transferor Units to a Remaining Unit
Holder or the Company), subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions of
this Agreement, to the prospective purchaser named in the Transferor Notice,
such Transfer to be made only in strict accordance with the terms therein stated
and only for a period of ninety (90) days following the completion of any
closing pursuant to this Section 6.1.4 (the "Free Transfer Period"). The
prospective purchaser who acquires any portion of the Transferor Units pursuant
to this Section 6.1.4.5 shall hold such Transferor subject to all the terms,
conditions, and restrictions of this Agreement.
6.1.4.7. Any Transfer of any portion of the
Transferor Units made after the last day of the Free Transfer Period or without
strict compliance with the terms, provisions and conditions of Section 6.1.4 and
the other terms, provisions, and conditions of this Agreement, shall be null,
void, and of no force or effect.
6.2. VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL. No Member shall have the right or power to
effect a voluntary withdrawal from the Company.
6.3. EFFECT OF INVOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL. Immediately upon the occurrence
of an event of Involuntary Withdrawal, the successor of the withdrawn Member
shall thereupon become an Unit Holder but shall not become a Member.
6.4. OPTIONAL BUY-OUT IN EVENT OF INVOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL.
6.4.1. In the event of an Involuntary Withdrawal, the
withdrawn Member or the successor in interest to such Member (the "Withdrawn
Member") shall be deemed to offer for sale to the Company (the "Withdrawal
Offer") all of the Membership Interest and Units of the withdrawn Member (the
"Withdrawal Interest").
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6.4.2. The Withdrawal Offer shall be and remain irrevocable
for a period (the "Withdrawal Offer Period") ending at 5:00 P.M. local time at
the Company's principal office on the sixtieth (60th) day following the date the
Members elect to continue the Company. At any time during the Withdrawal Offer
Period, the Company may accept the Withdrawal Offer by notifying the Withdrawn
Member of its acceptance (the "Withdrawal Notice").
6.4.3. If the Company accepts the Withdrawal Offer, the
Withdrawal Notice shall fix a closing date (the "Withdrawal Closing Date") for
the purchase which shall be not earlier than ten (10) or later than ninety (90)
Days after the expiration of the Withdrawal Period.
6.4.4. If the Company accepts the Withdrawal Offer, the
Company shall purchase the Withdrawal Interest for the price equal to the amount
the Withdrawn Member would receive if the Company were liquidated and the amount
equal to the Appraised Value were available for distribution to the Members (the
"Withdrawal Purchase Price"). The Withdrawal Purchase Price shall be paid in
cash on the Withdrawal Closing Date.
6.4.5. If the Company fails to accept the Withdrawal Offer,
then the Withdrawn Member, upon the expiration of the Withdrawal Offer Period,
shall thereafter be treated as the unadmitted assignee of a Member.
6.5. APPRAISED VALUE.
6.5.1. The term "Appraised Value" means the appraised value of
the equity in the Company's assets as hereinafter provided. Within fifteen (15)
days after demand by either one to the other, the Company and the withdrawing
Member shall each appoint an appraiser to determine the value of the equity in
the Company's Assets. If the two appraisers agree upon the equity value in the
Company's assets, they shall jointly render a single written report stating that
value. If the two appraisers cannot agree upon the equity value of the Company's
assets, they shall each render a separate written report and shall appoint a
third appraiser, who shall appraise the Company's assets and determine the value
of the equity therein, and shall render a written report of his opinion thereon.
Each party shall pay the fees and other costs of the appraiser appointed by that
party, and the fees and other costs of the third appraiser shall be shared
equally by both parties.
6.5.2. The equity value contained in the aforesaid joint
written report or written report of the third appraiser, as the case may be,
shall be the Appraised Value, provided, however, that if the value of the equity
stated in the appraisal report of the third appraiser is more than the higher of
the first two appraisals, the higher of the first two appraisals shall govern
and provided, further, that if the value of the equity stated in the appraisal
report of the third appraiser is less than the lower of the first two
appraisals, the lower of the first two appraisals shall govern.
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SECTION VII
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION, AND TERMINATION OF THE COMPANY
7.1. EVENTS OF DISSOLUTION. The Company shall be dissolved upon the
happening of any of the following events:
7.1.1. upon the unanimous written agreement of all of the
Members;
7.1.2. the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under the
Act;
7.1.3. the unanimous consent of the Board of Managers to
dissolve the Company.
7.2. PROCEDURE FOR WINDING UP. If the Company is dissolved, the Board
of Managers shall wind up its affairs. On winding up of the Company, the assets
of the Company shall be distributed as follows:
first, to creditors, including Members who are creditors, to the extent
otherwise permitted by law, in satisfaction of liabilities of the Company, other
than liabilities for which reasonable provision has been made and liabilities of
the type referred to in the next two paragraphs;
second, those amounts deemed necessary by the Board of Managers for any
contingent liabilities or obligations of the Company will be set aside as a
reserve for contingent liabilities to be distributed at such time and in such
manner hereunder as the Board of Managers will determine it its sole discretion;
third, to Unit Holders and former Members who have received a
Withdrawal Notice pursuant to Section 6.4.2, for unpaid distributions to which
they became entitled prior to dissolution or withdrawal, as applicable;
fourth, to Interest Holders and Members, who have received Withdrawal
Notice pursuant to Section 6.4.2 but not yet received the Withdrawal Purchase
Price; and
fifth to Unit Holders in proportion to their remaining Capital Account
balances after taking into account all contributions, distributions and
allocations for all periods.
7.3. FILING OF A CERTIFICATE OF CANCELLATION. If the Company is
dissolved, one or more Members, as permitted by the Act shall promptly file a
certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State and take such other
actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.
SECTION VIII
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING, AND TAX ELECTIONS
8.1. BANK ACCOUNTS. All funds of the Company shall be deposited in a
bank account or accounts opened in the Company's name. The Board of Managers
shall determine the institution or institutions at which the accounts will be
opened and maintained, the types of accounts, and the Persons who will have
authority with respect to the accounts and the funds therein.
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8.2. BOOKS AND RECORDS.
8.2.1. The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept complete
and accurate books and records of the Company and supporting documentation of
the transactions with respect to the conduct of the Company's business. The
records shall include, but not be limited to: (i) complete and accurate
information regarding the state of the business and financial condition of the
Company; (ii) a copy of the certificate of formation and operating agreement,
all amendments to the certificate of formation and operating agreement, and all
executed copies of any written powers of attorney pursuant to which the
operating agreement, any certificate, and all amendments thereto have been
executed; (iii) a current list of the names and last known business, residence,
or mailing addresses of all Members and the dates they became Members; (iv) the
Company's federal, state, and local tax returns; (v) any Certificate of Agreed
Value; and (vi) true and full information regarding the amount of cash, and a
description and statement of the agreed value of any other property or services,
contributed by each Member and which each Member has agreed to contribute in the
future.
8.2.2. The books and records shall be maintained in accordance
with sound accounting practices and shall be available at the Company's
principal office for examination by any Member or the Member's duly authorized
representative at any and all reasonable times during normal business hours.
8.2.3. Any request for information shall be in writing, and
shall state the purpose therefor. Each Member shall reimburse the Company for
all costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the Member's
inspection and copying of the Company's books and records.
8.3. ANNUAL ACCOUNTING PERIOD; AUDITORS. The annual accounting period
of the Company shall be its taxable year. The Company's taxable year shall be
the twelve month period ending November 30 or such other twelve month period as
Xxxxxx, Inc. may designate, subject to the requirements and limitations of the
Code. The Company's independent auditors shall be selected by the Board of
Managers.
8.4. REPORTS.
8.4.1. ANNUAL REPORTS. The Company shall cause to be delivered
to each Partner, within 30 days after the end of each fiscal year, an annual
report containing a balance sheet as of the end of the Company's fiscal year and
statements of income, Member's equity and cash flows for the year then ended,
each of which shall be audited by independent certified public accountants, as
selected pursuant to Section 8.3 hereof.
8.4.2. QUARTERLY REPORTS. Within 20 days after the end of each
quarter of each fiscal year, the Company shall cause to be delivered to each
Member a quarterly report containing a balance sheet as of the end of such
quarter and a statement of income for such quarter, each of which may be
unaudited but which shall be certified by an officer of the Company as fairly
presenting the financial position of the Company at the end of such quarter and
results of operations of the Company for such quarter and as having been
prepared in accordance with the accounting methods followed by the Company for
federal income tax purposes and otherwise in
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accordance with GAAP applied on a basis substantially consistent with that of
the Company's audited financial statements (subject to normal year end
adjustments).
8.4.3. MONTHLY REPORTS. Within 20 days after the end of each
month of each fiscal year, the Company shall cause to be delivered to each
Member a monthly report containing a balance sheet as of the end of such month
and a statement of income for such month, each of which may be unaudited but
which shall be certified by an officer of the Company as fairly presenting the
financial position of the Company at the end of such month and results of
operations of the Company for such month and as having been prepared in
accordance with the accounting methods followed by the Company for federal
income tax purposes and otherwise in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis
substantially consistent with that of the Company's audited financial statements
(subject to normal year end adjustments).
8.4.4. TAX INFORMATION. Within 120 days of the end of each
fiscal year, the Company will cause to be delivered to each Member all
information necessary for the preparation of such Member's Federal income tax
returns, including a statement showing such Member's share of income, gains,
losses, deductions and credits for such year for Federal income tax purposes and
the amount of any distributions made to or for the account of such Member
pursuant to this Agreement.
8.5. TAX MATTERS PARTNER. Xxxxxxx Xxxx shall be the tax matters partner
for the Company ("Tax Matters Partner"). The Tax Matters Partner shall have all
powers and responsibilities provided in Code Section 6221, ET SEQ. The Tax
Matters Partner shall keep all Members informed of all notices from government
authorities which may come to the attention of the Tax Matters Partner. The
Company shall pay and be responsible for all reasonable third-party costs and
expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in performing those duties. A
Member shall be responsible for any costs incurred by the Member with respect to
any tax audit or tax-related administrative or judicial proceeding against any
Member, even though it relates to the Company. The Tax Matters Partner shall not
compromise any dispute with the Internal Revenue Service without the approval of
the Members.
8.6. TAX ELECTIONS. The Tax Matters Partner shall have the authority to
make all Company elections permitted under the Code that the Tax Matters Partner
deems necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, elections of
methods of depreciation and elections under Code Section 754. The decision to
make or not make an election shall be reserved to the Managing Member.
SECTION IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1. ASSURANCES. Each Member shall execute all such certificates and
other documents and shall do all such filing, recording, publishing and other
acts as the Board of Managers deems appropriate to comply with the requirements
of law for the formation and operation of the Company and to comply with any
laws, rules, and regulations relating to the acquisition, operation, or holding
of the property of the Company.
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9.2. NOTIFICATIONS. Any notice, demand, consent, election, offer,
approval, request, or other communication (collectively a "notice") required or
permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and either delivered
personally or sent by overnight courier service of national reputation, or by
certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. A
notice must be addressed to a Unit Holder at the Unit Holder's last known
address on the records of the Company. A notice to the Company must be addressed
to the Company's principal office. A notice delivered personally will be deemed
given only when acknowledged in writing by the person to whom it is delivered. A
notice that is sent by overnight courier service of national reputation will be
deemed given the day after it is accepted by such service in good order for
delivery the next day. A notice that is sent by mail will be deemed given three
(3) business days after it is mailed. Any party may designate, by notice to all
of the others, a substitute address or addressees for notices; and, thereafter,
notices to such party are to be directed to such substitute address or
addressees.
9.3. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties recognize that irreparable
injury will result from a breach of any provision of this Agreement and that
money damages will be inadequate to remedy fully the injury. Accordingly, in the
event of a breach or threatened breach of one or more of the provisions of this
Agreement, any party who may be injured (in addition to any other remedies which
may be available to that party) shall be entitled to one or more preliminary or
permanent orders (i) restraining and enjoining any act which would constitute a
breach or (ii) compelling the performance of any obligation which, if not
performed, would constitute a breach.
9.4. COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, including the exhibits and
attachments hereto, constitutes the complete and exclusive statement of the
agreement among the Members, and supersedes all prior written and oral
statements, including any prior representation, statement, condition, or
warranty. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, this Agreement may not
be amended without the written consent of all of the Members holding not less
than 80% of the outstanding Units held by Members.
9.5. APPLICABLE LAW. All questions concerning the construction,
validity, and interpretation of this Agreement and the performance of the
obligations imposed by this Agreement shall be governed by the internal law,
excluding the law of conflicts, of the State of Delaware.
9.6. HEADINGS. The headings herein are inserted as a matter of
convenience only, and do not define or limit the scope of this Agreement or the
intent of the provisions hereof.
9.7. BINDING PROVISIONS. This Agreement is binding upon, and inures to
the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective, successors and
permitted assigns.
9.8. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. Each provision of this Agreement shall
be considered severable; and if, for any reason any provision or provisions
herein are determined to be invalid and contrary to any existing or future law,
such invalidity shall not impair the operation of or otherwise affect those
portions of this Agreement which are valid.
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9.9. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE. Each Member shall, within ten (10) days
after receipt of a written request by any Member, deliver to the requesting
Member a certificate stating, to the Member's knowledge, that: (a) this
Agreement is in full force and effect; (b) this Agreement has not been modified
except by any instrument or instruments identified in the certificate; and (c)
there is no default hereunder by the requesting Member, or if there is a
default, the nature and extent thereof. If such certificate is not received
within the aforesaid ten (10) day period, the Managing Member shall cause the
execution and delivery of the certificate on behalf of the requested Member,
without qualification, pursuant to the power of attorney granted in Section 5.6.
9.10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute one and the same document. The signature of any
party to any counterpart shall be deemed a signature to, and may be appended to,
any other counterpart.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the date first set forth above.
XXXXXX, INC.
By:
-----------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Title: President
WHTP, L.L.C.
By:
-----------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
-----------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx Xxxx
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EXHIBIT A
INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS, L.L.C.
OPERATING AGREEMENT
LIST OF MEMBERS, CAPITAL, AND PERCENTAGES
Name and Address Capital Contribution Units Percentage
---------------- -------------------- ----- ----------
Xxxxxx, Inc. $1,500,000 510 51%
000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000-0000
(Taxpayer I.D. No.: 00-0000000)
Xxxxxxx Xxxx 167,000* 151.08 15.108
00 Xxxx Xxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Social Security No. ###-##-####
WHTP, L.L.C 333,000** 338.92 33.892
0000 Xxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Taxpayer I.D. to be supplied
* Also contributing assets identified on Schedule 1 hereto having an Agreed
Value of $20,405.
** Also contributing assets identified on Schedule 1 hereto having an Agreed
Value of $40809.
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EXHIBIT B
CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION
OF
INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS, L.L.C.
[See Attached]
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EXHIBIT C
PROMISSORY NOTE
[See Attached]
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EXHIBIT D
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
34
EXHIBIT E
WARRANT
35
EXHIBIT F
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
36
EXHIBIT G
OWNERSHIP AFTER EXERCISE OF OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
