EXHIBIT 10.1
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
OPERATING AGREEMENT OF
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ SOURCING, LLC
DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS OF TERMS...............................................1
ARTICLE II - INTRODUCTORY MATTERS..............................................3
2.1 BUSINESS OF LLC..................................................3
2.2 LAWS GOVERNING THE AGREEMENT.....................................4
2.3 TERM.............................................................4
2.4 PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS......................................4
2.5 AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS.....................................4
2.6 REQUIRED MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS IN CALIFORNIA....................4
2.7 RECORDS SUBJECT TO INSPECTION....................................5
2.8 FOREIGN QUALIFICATION............................................5
2.9 COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.......................................5
ARTICLE III - MEMBERS, CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS, ALLOCATIONS......................5
3.1 INITIAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LLC.........................5
3.2 USE OF PROCEEDS..................................................5
3.3 INTERESTS........................................................5
3.4 STATUS OF CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS..................................6
3.5 CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.................................................6
3.6 RETURN OF CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS..................................7
3.7 NO MANAGEMENT....................................................7
ARTICLE IV - ADDITIONAL CAPTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS; NEW MEMBERS, PREEMPTIVE
RIGHTS; CREDIT LINE...............................................7
4.1 ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS.................................7
4.2 ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL MEMBERS..................................7
4.3 PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS................................................8
4.4 CREDIT LINE......................................................8
ARTICLE V -- ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS....................................8
5.1 ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES................................8
5.2 TIME OF ALLOCATION...............................................8
5.3 DISTRIBUTIONS OF CASH; AMOUNTS...................................9
5.4 LIMITATIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS.....................................9
5.5 AMOUNTS WITHHELD.................................................9
5.6 TAX ALLOCATIONS; SECTION 704(C) OF THE CODE.....................10
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ARTICLE VI - MANAGEMENT OF THE LLC, CONTROL OF THE
BUSINESS, OFFICERS...............................................10
6.1 GOVERNANCE OF THE LLC AND ELECTION OF THE MANAGER...............10
6.2 POWERS OF THE MANAGER...........................................11
6.3 CONTRACTUAL AUTHORITY...........................................11
6.4 OFFICERS........................................................12
6.5 LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY OF THE MANAGERS AND OFFICERS...........12
6.6 OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE MEMBERS AND MANAGER PERMITTED...........12
6.7 DEVOTION OF TIME................................................12
6.8 APPROVED BUDGET.................................................12
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS........................................................13
7.1 MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS.........................................13
ARTICLE VIII - TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT OF MEMBERSHIP
INTERESTS, ECONOMIC INTERESTS AND RIGHTS.......................13
8.1 TRANSFERS.......................................................13
8.2 SUBSTITUTION OF MEMBERS.........................................14
8.3 PERMITTED TRANSFERS.............................................14
8.4 ADDITIONAL TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS................................14
8.5 ENFORCEMENT OF TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS............................15
8.6 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL..........................................15
8.7 ADDITIONAL TRANSFER RIGHTS OF WRE...............................16
ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP.......................................16
9.1 CONDITIONS OF DISSOLUTION.......................................16
9.2 ORDER OF PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES UPON DISSOLUTION................17
9.3 LIMITATIONS ON PAYMENTS MADE ON DISSOLUTION.....................17
9.4 LIQUIDATION.....................................................17
9.5 TERMINATION OF COVENANTS........................................17
ARTICLE X - BOOKS AND RECORDS, FISCAL YEAR....................................17
ARTICLE XI - TAX MATTERS......................................................18
ARTICLE XII - INDEMNIFICATION.................................................18
12.1 LIABILITY OF MEMBERS............................................18
12.2 LIABILITY OF MANAGER AND OFFICERS...............................18
12.3 EXCULPATION.....................................................18
12.4 FIDUCIARY DUTY..................................................19
12.5 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE LLC......................................19
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12.6 INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURE.......................................19
12.7 EXPENSES........................................................20
ARTICLE XIII - REQUIRED ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES...............................20
13.1 REFERENCE.......................................................20
13.2 EXPENSES........................................................20
13.3 RULES AND PROCEDURES............................................21
13.4 ENFORCEMENT.....................................................21
13.5 JURISDICTION AND VENUE..........................................21
13.6 PRE-REFERENCE RELIEF............................................21
ARTICLE XIV - MISCELLANEOUS...................................................21
14.1 LAW GOVERNING...................................................21
14.2 COMPLETE AGREEMENT..............................................21
14.3 BINDING EFFECT..................................................22
14.4 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY......................................22
14.5 GENDER AND NUMBER IN NOUNS AND PRONOUNS.........................22
14.6 HEADINGS........................................................22
14.7 REFERENCES IN THIS AGREEMENT....................................22
14.8 EXHIBITS........................................................22
14.9 SEVERABILITY....................................................22
14.10 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND ACTS...................................23
14.11 NOTICES.........................................................23
14.12 AMENDMENTS......................................................23
14.13 MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS...........................................24
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OPERATING AGREEMENT OF
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ SOURCING, LLC
This Agreement, made and entered into October 1, 2006 (the "EFFECTIVE
DATE"), governs the relationship between the undersigned Members of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
Sourcing, LLC, a California limited liability company (the "LLC"), and between
the LLC and the undersigned Members, pursuant to the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Limited
Liability Act as amended from time to time (the "ACT"), and the Articles of
Organization for the LLC. In consideration of their mutual promises, covenants,
and agreements, the parties hereto do hereby promise, covenant, and agree as set
forth herein.
RECITALS
A. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, LLC, a California limited liability company ("BR")
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of People's Liberation, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("PEOPLE'S LIBERATION"), and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ Enterprises, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company ("WRE") are parties to letter agreements
which contemplate the formation of a joint venture to exploit the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇(TM) trademark (the "VENTURE"), which letter agreements are dated March 15,
2005 and entered into on or around April 27, 2005 (the "LETTER AGREEMENTS"). The
Letter Agreements contemplate, among other things, the formation of a sourcing
company, which will have rights to manufacture and sell ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇(TM) branded
apparel. This LLC is the sourcing company contemplated by the parties to the
Letter Agreements.
B. While the Letter Agreements contemplate that the Venture would
be operated by a separate operating entity (namely, "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ Apparel,
Inc."), which entity would be owned and managed 50% by BR and 50% by WRE, the
Venture's business has been operated directly by BR since inception.
C. The parties now desire, among other things, to form the
sourcing company and to enter into this Agreement to memorialize the terms set
forth in the Letter Agreements, with the exception that BR will have operational
control over the sourcing company, as provided for in this Agreement, in
consideration of the issuance by People's Liberation of shares of its Common
Stock pursuant to that certain Stock Subscription Agreement between WRE and
People's Liberation being entered into concurrently herewith.
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
When used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings set forth below:
1.1 "AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any Member, any Person,
directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with such Member. The term "control,"
as used in the immediately preceding sentence, means, with respect to a
corporation the right to exercise directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the
voting rights attributable to the controlled corporation, and, with respect to
any partnership, trust, other entity or association, the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or
policies of the controlled entity.
1.2 "AGREEMENT" means this Operating Agreement among the Members
regulating the affairs of the LLC and the conduct of its business, as originally
executed and as amended from time to time, and shall refer to this Agreement as
a whole, unless the context otherwise requires.
1.3 "APPLICABLE SALES" means the total wholesale price, less trade
discounts, returns, allowances, packing costs, damages, insurance,
transportation costs, customs duties and sales, use, import, export and excise
taxes, and uncollectable accounts receivable, of all merchandise sold by the LLC
bearing the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇(TM) brand.
1.4 "ARTICLES" means the Articles of Organization for the LLC
which were filed with the Secretary of State of California on August 30, 2006,
as File No. 200624310012, together with all amendments thereto or restatements
thereof and shall mean the Articles as a whole unless the context otherwise
requires.
1.5 "BR" means ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, LLC, a California limited liability
company.
1.6 "CAPITAL ACCOUNT" means, with respect to any Member, the
account maintained for such Member in accordance with the provisions of SECTION
3.5 hereof.
1.7 "CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION" means, with respect to any Member, the
aggregate amount of money and the fair market value (as determined in good faith
by the Manager) of any property, tangible or intangible (other than money)
contributed to the LLC pursuant to ARTICLE III hereof with respect to the
Membership Interest of such Member.
1.8 "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
from time to time, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or any
corresponding provisions of any succeeding federal statute.
1.9 "COVERED PERSON" means any Member, any Manager, any partners,
employees, representatives or agents of any Member or Manager, and any officer,
employee, partner, representative or agent of the LLC.
1.10 "ECONOMIC INTEREST" means a Person's right to share in the
Profits, Losses, and similar items of, and to receive distributions from, the
LLC, but does not include any other rights of a Member including, without
limitation, the right to vote or to participate in the management of the LLC,
or, except as specifically provided in this Agreement or required under the Act,
any right to information concerning the business and affairs of the LLC.
1.11 "LLC" means ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ Sourcing, LLC.
1.12 "LLC PROPERTY" means property of the LLC, including, without
limitation, all real, personal, tangible or intangible property or any interests
in such property.
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1.13 "MANAGER" means ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, or such other Person elected
Manager of the LLC elected pursuant to ARTICLE VI.
1.14 "MEMBER" means each Person who has been admitted to the LLC as
a Member in accordance with the Articles and this Agreement (other than any
Person who has transferred its entire Membership Interest in accordance with
this Agreement).
1.15 "MEMBERSHIP INTEREST" means the entire ownership interest of a
Member in the LLC at any particular time, including, collectively, his Economic
Interest, any and all rights to vote and otherwise participate in the LLC's
affairs, and the rights to any and all benefits to which a Member may be
entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with the obligations of such
Member to comply with all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement. A
Membership Interest constitutes personal property.
1.16 "PERCENTAGE INTEREST" means, with respect to a Member, the
percentage amount set forth beside such Member's name in the right-hand column
of the table set forth in EXHIBIT A hereto.
1.17 "PERSON" means an individual, general partnership, limited
partnership, other limited liability company, corporation, trust, estate, real
estate investment trust and any other entity.
1.18 "WRE" means ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ Enterprises, LLC, a Delaware imited
liability company.
1.19 "PROFITS AND LOSSES" means the profits and losses of the LLC,
determined in accordance with the accounting method followed by the LLC for
federal income tax purposes, including, without limitation, each item of LLC
income, gain, loss, deduction, tax preference and credit, all as such terms or
words are used in the Code.
1.20 "TRANSFER" shall mean, with respect to any interest in the
LLC, (i) a sale, conveyance, exchange, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, gift,
bequest, hypothecation or other transfer or disposition by any other means,
whether for value or no value, direct or indirect, and whether voluntary or
involuntary (including, without limitation, by operation of law), or an
agreement to do any of the foregoing, or (ii) any sale or other voluntary
transfer, including by means of a merger or consolidation, or a series of
related sales or voluntary transfers, aggregating more than 50% of the voting or
equity interests of a Member.
ARTICLE II - INTRODUCTORY MATTERS
2.1 BUSINESS OF LLC.
The LLC shall be authorized to engage in any lawful act or activity for
which a limited liability company may be organized under the Act. Initially, the
purpose of the LLC shall be to design, source, market, distribute and sell
apparel under the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇(TM) brand pursuant to a license from the owner of
such trademark.
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2.2 LAWS GOVERNING THE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement is subject to, and governed by, the mandatory provisions
of the Act and the Articles. In the event of a direct conflict between the
provisions of this Agreement and the mandatory provisions of the Act or the
provisions of the Articles, such provisions of the Act or the Articles, as the
case may be, shall be controlling.
2.3 TERM.
The term of the LLC began upon the due filing of the Articles and shall
continue until such date as the LLC is terminated as provided herein.
2.4 PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS.
The principal place of business of the LLC shall be at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, or at such other place as
the Manager shall from time to time determine.
2.5 AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS.
The agent for service of process for the LLC in California shall be
National Registered Agents, Inc., or such other service firm or person as the
Manager shall from time to time determine. The LLC shall cause the agent for
service of process to provide each Member with a copy of any complaint served on
the LLC.
2.6 REQUIRED MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS IN CALIFORNIA.
The LLC shall continuously maintain an office in the State of
California which may, but need not be, its principal executive office, and at
which it shall keep:
(a) A current list in alphabetical order of the full name
and last known business address of each Member, and
each holder of an Economic Interest, together with
their respective Capital Contribution and Percentage
Interest;
(b) A copy of the filed Articles, together with any
powers of attorney pursuant to which the Articles or
any amendments thereto were executed;
(c) Copies of the LLC's federal, state and local income
tax returns or information returns and reports, if
any, for the six most recent taxable years or such
short period as the LLC has been in existence;
(d) A copy of this Agreement, together with any powers of
attorney pursuant to which this Agreement or any
amendments thereto were executed;
(e) Copies of financial statements of the LLC for the six
most recent taxable years or such short period as the
LLC has been in existence; and
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(f) The books and records of the LLC as they relate to
its internal affairs as more particularly described
in SECTION 10.1 herein for at least the current and
past four taxable years or such short period as the
LLC has been in existence.
2.7 RECORDS SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.
Records kept pursuant to SECTION 2.6 are subject to inspection at the
reasonable request of any Member (but not any assignee thereof who does not
become a substitute Member, except such an assignee that has been approved by
the Members) and its duly authorized representative during normal business
hours. Copies of the records referenced in SECTION 2.6 shall also be provided at
the reasonable request and expense of any Member (but not any assignee thereof
who does not become a substitute Member, except such an assignee that has been
approved by the Members).
2.8 FOREIGN QUALIFICATION.
The officers shall cause the LLC to be qualified or registered under
assumed or fictitious name statutes or similar laws in any other jurisdiction in
which such qualification or registration is necessary or required to conduct the
LLC's business, except where the failure to do so would not have a material
adverse effect on the LLC. The officers or other authorized representative shall
execute, deliver and file any certificates (and any amendments and/or
restatements thereof) necessary for the LLC to qualify to do business in a
jurisdiction in which the LLC may wish to conduct business, except where the
failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the LLC.
2.9 COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
The operations of the LLC commenced as of the Effective Date.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERS, CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS, ALLOCATIONS
3.1 INITIAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LLC.
The Members have made the initial Capital Contributions to the LLC as
set forth in EXHIBIT A hereto, in exchange for Membership Interests having a
Percentage Interest shown on EXHIBIT A.
3.2 USE OF PROCEEDS.
The proceeds of the Capital Contributions shall be used for working
capital and otherwise for the operation of the LLC's business.
3.3 INTERESTS.
In the event of dissolution of the LLC, no Member shall have an
interest in specific LLC Property.
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3.4 STATUS OF CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
3.4.1 Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, a
Member's Capital Contributions may be returned, in whole or in part, at any time
upon the request of such Member, only with the unanimous approval of all of the
Members. In no way limiting any other provision of this Agreement, this SECTION
3.4.1 shall not prohibit distributions otherwise authorized by this Agreement
notwithstanding that such distributions may result in returns of Capital
Contributions.
3.4.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, no return of a
Member's Capital Contribution shall be made hereunder if such distribution would
violate applicable law.
3.4.3 No Member shall receive any interest, salary or
drawing with respect to its Capital Contribution or its Capital Account or for
services rendered to or on behalf of the LLC or otherwise in its capacity as a
Member or otherwise, except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement.
3.4.4 The Members shall be liable only to make those
Capital Contributions as set forth in SECTION 3.1 hereof. After such Capital
Contributions have been fully made pursuant to SECTIONS 3.1 hereof, no Member
shall be required to make any additional capital contributions at any time to
the LLC.
3.5 CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.
3.5.1 An individual Capital Account shall be established
and maintained for each Member. The original Capital Account established for any
Member who acquires a Membership Interest by virtue of an assignment or transfer
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be a pro-rata part of the
Capital Account of the assignor represented by such percentage of the Membership
Interest as is assigned to such assignee, and, for purposes of this Agreement,
such Member shall be deemed to have made a proportionate amount of the Capital
Contributions made by the assignor of such Membership Interest (or made by any
of such assignor's predecessors in interest).
3.5.2 The Capital Account of each Member shall be
maintained in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) to such Member's Capital Account, there
shall be credited the amount of any cash,
and the fair market value (as determined in
good faith by the Manager) of any other
property contributed by such Member to the
capital of the LLC, such Member's allocated
share of Profits and the amount of any LLC
liabilities that are expressly assumed by
such Member or that are secured by any LLC
Property distributed to such Member;
(b) to such Member's Capital Account, there
shall be debited the amount of cash and the
fair market value (as determined in good
faith by the Manager) of any LLC Property
distributed to such Member pursuant to any
provision of this Agreement, such Member's
allocated share of Losses and the amount of
any liabilities of such Member that are
assumed by the LLC or that are secured by
any property contributed by such Member to
the LLC;
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(c) from time to time as they deem appropriate,
the Manager may make such modification to
the manner in which the Capital Accounts are
computed to comply with Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b) provided that such
modification is not likely to have a
material effect on the amounts distributable
to any Member pursuant to this Agreement;
and
(d) the foregoing provisions and the other
provisions of this Agreement relating to the
maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended
to comply with Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b), and shall be interpreted and
applied in a manner consistent with such
Regulation.
3.6 RETURN OF CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
The Manager and Members shall not be personally liable for the return
of the Capital Contributions of any Member, or any portion thereof, it being
expressly understood that any such return shall be made solely from LLC
Property, nor shall the Manager or Members be required to pay to the LLC or any
Member any deficit in any Member's Capital Account upon dissolution or
otherwise.
3.7 NO MANAGEMENT.
A Member shall not be an agent of the LLC, nor can a Member bind, nor
execute any instrument on behalf of, the LLC. A Member shall not participate in
the management of the business or affairs of the LLC and, except as provided in
this Agreement, shall not have any voting, consent or approval rights.
ARTICLE IV - ADDITIONAL CAPTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
NEW MEMBERS, PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS; CREDIT LINE
4.1 ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
No Member shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to
the LLC. The Members may make additional Capital Contributions to the LLC only
with the unanimous approval of all of the Members.
4.2 ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.
Additional Members may be admitted to the LLC from time to time only
with the unanimous approval of all of the Members, such additional Members to be
issued Membership Interests in one or more classes or series, and upon such
terms and conditions, and for such consideration, as shall be determined
unanimously by the Members. Except as otherwise provided hereunder, upon any
such admission of any additional Members to the LLC, the Manager shall have the
authority to adopt such amendments to this Agreement, and to execute and deliver
such additional instruments and documents, as shall be necessary or appropriate
in order to evidence or reflect the issuance of the same.
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4.3 PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.
Each Member shall have the right, in the event the LLC proposes to
issue any Membership Interests, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
for Membership Interests, to any Person, to purchase an amount up to their pro
rata portion of such Membership Interests and/or securities, as the case may be
(such pro rata portions to be based upon each Member's Percentage Interests), on
the same terms and conditions to be offered to such Person. Notwithstanding the
forgoing, this SECTION 4.3 shall not apply to (i) any issuance of Membership
Interests (and/or options to acquire the same) to any service provider in
consideration for services rendered for or on behalf of the LLC, or (ii) any
issuance of Membership Interests which are issued for consideration other than
cash pursuant to a merger, consolidation, acquisition or similar business
combination approved by the Manager.
4.4 CREDIT LINE.
BR shall make a revolving loan to the LLC in the amount of up
to One Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,800,000) (the "CREDIT LINE").
The Credit Line shall be available to the LLC until December 31, 2007. The
Credit Line shall be a revolving loan, pursuant to which the LLC may borrow,
repay, and borrow again amounts up to the maximum amount available under the
Credit Line. BR shall be entitled to receive simple interest at the rate of 5%
per annum on any amounts advanced to the LLC under the Credit Line. Interest
shall be due and payable quarterly on the last day of March, June, September and
December. The Credit Line shall terminate and all principal and accrued but
unpaid interest shall be due and payable on December 31, 2007. All amounts
advanced by People's Liberation and its Affiliates to BR and assigned by BR to
the LLC as provided on EXHIBIT A shall be considered advances made by BR to the
LLC under the Credit Line and reduce the available balance under the Credit
Line.
ARTICLE V -- ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
5.1 ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES.
5.1.1 Except as otherwise provided in this SECTION 5.1, the
Profits and Losses of the LLC shall be allocated for each fiscal year (or any
proportion thereof) to the Members in accordance with their Percentage
Interests.
5.1.2 Notwithstanding SECTION 5.1.1 to the contrary, WRE
shall be entitled to a minimum allocation of Profits of the LLC, if any, for
each fiscal year in an amount equal to six percent (6%) of Applicable Sales for
such period or, if greater, the actual amount of Profits for such period.
5.2 TIME OF ALLOCATION.
All allocations of Profits and Losses made pursuant to SECTION 5.1
shall be made as of the last day of each fiscal year of the LLC; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if during any fiscal year of the LLC or any portion thereof there
is for any reason a change in any Member's Percentage Interest in the LLC, the
Profits and Losses for such year shall be allocated among the Members based upon
the number of days during such period that such Member was the owner of such
interest or in such other manner as the Manager deems appropriate in accordance
with the requirements of the Code and of Treasury Regulations issued pursuant
thereto.
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5.3 DISTRIBUTIONS OF CASH; AMOUNTS.
5.3.1 All distributions of cash made by the LLC shall be
made to the Members as follows: (i) first, in proportion to the allocations of
Profit to the Members pursuant to SECTION 5.1 until the total distributions
received by the Members, pursuant to this clause (i) of SECTION 5.3, from the
date of formation of the LLC equals the aggregate Profit allocated to the
Members pursuant to SECTION 5.1 from the date of formation of the LLC; and (ii)
thereafter, in accordance with the Members' respective Percentage Interests.
5.3.2 The LLC shall distribute in cash to the Members in
accordance with SECTION 5.3.1 such amounts of cash as are necessary to enable
the Members (or their constituents, as the case may be, to whom the LLC's
Profits and Losses are ultimately allocated) to make timely quarterly payments
of estimated tax and payments of the balance of federal, state and local income
taxes, as the case may be, on or before the earliest original due date of their
income tax returns, on the passed-through income of each fiscal year, based on
the aggregate of the highest applicable marginal federal, state and local income
tax rates, as the case may be, applicable to such fiscal year.
5.3.3 After distributions are made pursuant to SECTION
5.3.2 hereof, distributions of cash shall be made at such times and in such
amounts as determined by the Manager; provided, however, that such distributions
to the Members shall be made in accordance with SECTION 5.3.1. From and after
December 31, 2006, the Manager shall endeavor to distribute cash on a quarterly
basis, on the 45th day following the end of the applicable quarter, in an amount
equal to at least 75% of the Profit of the LLC for such quarter. The Manager,
however, shall have the absolute discretion to determine the amount of cash to
be withheld from distribution as a reserve for contingencies, working capital
and other anticipated obligations of the LLC.
5.4 LIMITATIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS.
Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the LLC
shall not make a distribution to any Member on account of its Membership
Interest if (i) such distribution would violate the Act or other applicable law
or any restrictions in any of the LLC's loan agreements, or (ii) at the time of
such proposed distribution, the LLC is indebted to BR for any advances that are
made under the Credit Line.
5.5 AMOUNTS WITHHELD.
All amounts of federal, state and local income taxes, personal property
taxes, unincorporated business taxes or other taxes withheld from, or required
to be paid with respect to, any distribution or amount distributable to a
Member, because of that Member's status or otherwise, shall be treated as
amounts distributed to such Member for all purposes under this Agreement.
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5.6 TAX ALLOCATIONS; SECTION 704(C) OF THE CODE.
5.6.1 The income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses of
the LLC shall be allocated, for federal, state and local income tax purposes,
among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains,
losses, deductions and expenses among the Members for computing their Capital
Accounts, except that if any such allocation is not permitted by the Code or
other applicable law, the LLC's subsequent income, gains, losses, deductions and
expenses shall be allocated among the Members so as to reflect as nearly as
possible the allocation set forth herein in computing their Capital Accounts.
5.6.2 In accordance with Section 704(c) of the Code and the
Treasury Regulations thereunder, income, gain, loss, deduction and expense with
respect to any property contributed to the capital of the LLC shall, solely for
income tax purposes, be allocated among the Members so as to take account of any
variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the LLC for federal
income tax purposes and its fair market value at the time of contribution.
5.6.3 Any elections or other decisions relating to such
allocations shall be made by the Manager in any manner that reasonably reflects
the purpose and intent of this Agreement.
5.6.4 The Manager may elect to adjust the basis of LLC
Property for federal income tax purposes in accordance with Section 744 of the
Code, in the event of a distribution of LLC Property as described in Section 734
of the Code or a transfer of a Membership Interest described in Section 743 of
the Code. In the event that any Member requests to make any such election, the
Manager may require the Member so benefited thereby to pay the additional annual
accounting costs incurred as a result of making such election.
ARTICLE VI - MANAGEMENT OF THE LLC,
CONTROL OF THE BUSINESS, OFFICERS
6.1 GOVERNANCE OF THE LLC AND ELECTION OF THE MANAGER.
6.1.1 GOVERNANCE OF THE LLC BY THE MANAGER. All powers of
the LLC shall be exercised under the authority of, and the business and affairs
of the LLC shall be under the direction of, the Manager, unless otherwise
provided in the Act, the Articles, or this Agreement. A Member shall not
participate in the day-to-day operation of the business affairs of the LLC. A
Manager need not be a Member.
6.1.2 ELECTION OF THE MANAGERS BY THE MEMBERS; TERM. The
initial Manager of the LLC shall be ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇. The Manager shall serve until
the earliest of (i) the appointment of a different Manager by BR, or (ii) the
date upon which such Manager resigns, dies or becomes disabled and unable to
serve, whereupon BR shall be entitled to elect a successor. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ for any reason ceases to serve as Manager of the LLC
at any time prior to December 31, 2008, then the appointment of a successor or
different Manager at any time prior to December 31, 2008 shall either (a)
require BR to appoint as Manager the Chief Executive Officer of People's
Liberation (or any successor thereto), or (b) require the unanimous approval of
all of the Members, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if BR does not appoint as successor or different Manager the Chief
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Executive Officer of People's Liberation (or any successor thereto) and the
Members cannot unanimously agree on appointment of a successor or different
Manager, then such appointment shall be made by WRE. A Manager may resign at any
time upon written notice to the LLC.
6.1.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. WRE acknowledges and agrees that,
notwithstanding the parties' relative Percentage Interests in the LLC, and
subject to the explicit terms of this Agreement, including SECTION 6.2 hereof,
BR shall have the exclusive right to appoint the Manager of the LLC and thus,
indirectly through the appointment of such Manager, to manage and control the
LLC and its operations. Any amendment to this ARTICLE VI shall, in addition to
the other approvals set forth herein, require the approval BR.
6.2 POWERS OF THE MANAGER.
6.2.1 POWERS GENERALLY. The Manager shall have all
necessary powers of direction and control to carry out, through the officers,
the purposes, business, and objectives of the LLC, including, but not limited
to, the right to direct the officers of the LLC to enter into and carry out
contracts of all kinds; to employ employees, agents, consultants and advisors on
behalf of the LLC; to lend or borrow money and to issue evidences of
indebtedness; to bring and defend actions in law or at equity; and to buy, own,
manage, sell, lease, mortgage, pledge or otherwise acquire or dispose of the LLC
property. The Manager may, on behalf of the LLC, enter into contracts with
Affiliates; provided, however, such contracts are on the same terms and
conditions that would be available from an independent responsible third party
that is willing to perform the requested service.
6.2.2 POWERS REQUIRING APPROVAL OF ALL OF THE MEMBERS.
Notwithstanding SECTION 6.2.1 to the contrary, and in addition to any other
provisions in the Act, the Articles or this Agreement that require approval of
the Members, the Manager shall not have the authority to, and shall not, take or
fail to take any of the following actions or transactions by or involving the
LLC, including entering into of any contract or agreement to do any of the
following actions, or causing any material modification, amendment, enforcement,
waiver, extension or renewal thereof, without first obtaining unanimous approval
of the Members, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by any Member:
(a) incurring expenses which would cause the LLC
to exceed total budgeted expenses for any
fiscal year, as set forth in an Approved
Budget, by the greater of (i) twenty percent
(20%) of total budgeted expenses for such
fiscal year, or (ii) $1,000,000; or
(b) engaging in any business other than
designing, sourcing, marketing, distributing
and selling apparel under the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇(TM) brand.
6.3 CONTRACTUAL AUTHORITY.
Only the Manager or those officers of the LLC and/or any other
individuals associated with the LLC who have been given authority by the Manager
to do so may execute on behalf of the LLC any note, mortgage, evidence of
indebtedness, contract, certificate, statement, conveyance, or other instrument
in writing, or any assignment or endorsement thereof. Any person dealing with
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the LLC or the Manager may rely upon a certificate signed by the Manager as to
(a) the identity of the Manager or any other Member of the LLC, (b) the persons
who are authorized to execute and deliver any instrument or document for or on
behalf of the LLC or (c) any act or failure to act by the LLC or as to any other
matter whatsoever involving the LLC or any Member.
6.4 OFFICERS.
The Manager may appoint a chief executive officer, a president, a
secretary, a chief financial officer, and such other officers of the LLC as
appropriate, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority
and perform such duties as the Manager determines.
6.5 LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY OF THE MANAGERS AND OFFICERS.
The Manager and officers shall not be liable to the LLC or Members for
any loss or damage resulting from any mistake of fact or judgment or any act or
failure to act unless the mistake, act or failure to act results directly from
fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Manager and officers shall be
indemnified pursuant to ARTICLE XII hereof.
6.6 OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE MEMBERS AND MANAGER PERMITTED.
The Members and the Manager and their respective Affiliates may engage
or invest, independently or with others, in any business activity of any type or
description, including without limitation those that might be the same as or
similar to the LLC's business and that might be in direct or indirect
competition with the LLC. Neither the Members nor the Manager shall be obligated
to present any investment opportunity or prospective economic advantage to the
LLC, even if the opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the LLC,
could be taken by the LLC. The Members and the Manager shall have the right to
hold any investment opportunity or prospective economic advantage for their own
account or to recommend such opportunity to Persons other than the LLC. Neither
the LLC nor any other Member or Manager, as the case may be, shall have any
right in or to such other venture or activities or opportunities or to the
income or proceeds derived therefrom. Each Member and Manager acknowledges that
the other Members and Manger and their respective Affiliates own and/or manage
other businesses, including businesses that may compete with the LLC and for the
Members' and/or the Manager's time. Each Member and each Manager hereby waives
any and all rights and claims which he may otherwise have against the other
Members and/or Manager, as the case may be, and their respective Affiliates as a
result of any of such activities.
6.7 DEVOTION OF TIME.
The Manager is not obligated to devote all of his time or business
efforts to the affairs of the LLC. The Manager shall devote whatever time,
effort, and skill as he deems appropriate for the operation of the LLC.
6.8 APPROVED BUDGET.
On or before December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2006,
the Manager shall prepare a proposed operating budget for the following fiscal
year and each of the four quarters in such fiscal year, which such operating
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budget shall include such items as determined by the Manager from time to time
which reflect the actual and proposed operations of the LLC. Each such operating
budget shall include a projected income statement, a projected statement of cash
flows and a projected balance sheet for the following fiscal year and for each
of the four quarters in such fiscal year, and shall identify costs allocated to
the LLC and to be paid to a Member for overhead, personnel, and other shared
resources, which allocation shall be directly proportional to the portion of
such shared resources actually used by the LLC during the applicable period.
Each such operating budget shall be unanimously approved by the Members on or
before the first day of the applicable fiscal year (each, an "APPROVED BUDGET").
The Members shall use good faith efforts to resolve any differences regarding
any item in a proposed operating budget to ensure that any such differences have
been resolved prior to the first business day of the next fiscal year; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if the Members cannot reach unanimity prior to the first day of
the applicable fiscal year, then the Approved Budget which was last approved by
the Members in accordance with this SECTION 6.8 shall apply to the then-current
fiscal year until a new operating budget is approved. The Manager shall use good
faith efforts to update the projected quarterly amounts in the Approved Budget
on a quarterly basis at least ten (10) days in advance of the commencement of
the applicable quarter, to the extent necessary based on changes occurring
during the course of the fiscal year. Any updates to the budget submitted to and
approved by the Members during the course of any fiscal year shall be
incorporated into and shall constitute the Approved Budget for the remainder of
the fiscal year.
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
7.1 MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS.
7.1.1 The Members are not required to hold meetings.
Decisions may be reached through one or more informal consultations followed by
agreement among the Members, provided that all Members are consulted (although
all Members need not be present during a particular consultation), or by a
written consent signed by the Members. In the event that the Members desire to
hold a meeting, formal notice of the meeting shall not be required.
7.1.2 Members may participate in the meeting through the
use of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment, provided that
all Members participating in the meeting can hear one another.
7.1.3 The Members shall keep or cause to be kept with the
books and records of the LLC full and accurate minutes of all meetings, notices
of meetings, when given, and all written consent in lieu of meetings.
ARTICLE VIII - TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS,
ECONOMIC INTERESTS AND RIGHTS
8.1 TRANSFERS.
Except for Permitted Transfers (as defined below), no Member may
Transfer (directly or indirectly) all or any portion of such Member's Membership
Interests (or any beneficial interests therein) to any other Person except with
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the unanimous agreement of all of the other Members, which agreement may be
given or withheld as any such other Member may determine in its sole discretion.
Any purported Transfer which is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be
null and void and of no effect. After the consummation of any Transfer of any
part of a Member's Membership Interests, the Membership Interests so Transferred
shall continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and
any further Transfers shall be required to comply with all of the terms and
provisions of this Agreement.
8.2 SUBSTITUTION OF MEMBERS.
A transferee of any Membership Interests properly transferred hereunder
shall have the right to become a substitute Member only if such transferee
executes an instrument satisfactory to the Manager accepting and adopting the
terms and provisions of this Agreement, and such transferee pays any reasonable
expenses in connection with his, her or its admission as a substitute Member (as
requested by the Manager). The admission of a substitute Member shall not result
in the release of the Member who assigned the membership interest in the LLC
from any liability that such Member may have to the LLC unless the substitute
Member expressly agrees in writing to assume such liability.
8.3 PERMITTED TRANSFERS.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "PERMITTED TRANSFER" shall
mean a transfer by a Member of all or any portion of such Member's Membership
Interests in the LLC (i) (A) to a trust for the benefit of the transferor and/or
his or her family members, provided that such trust is, during the transferor's
lifetime, controlled by the transferor, or (B) as an estate planning transfer to
an entity over which the transferor retains voting control, (ii) to an Affiliate
of such Member, (iii) in the case of any transfer by a permitted transferee
described in (i) or (ii), above, back to the original transferor Member thereof,
or (iv) from and after December 31, 2008, in a bona fide sale to an unrelated
third party who the Manager reasonably determines is not engaged in a business
which is substantially similar to and directly or indirectly competitive with
the business of the LLC (the "THIRD PARTY SALE"). Notwithstanding the foregoing,
in no event shall a putative Transfer constitute a "Permitted Transfer" unless
and to the extent that (i) the other Members are notified of the material terms
concerning such transfer prior thereto (including, but not limited to, the
would-be transferee and the consideration to be received therefor) and (ii) the
would-be transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the provisions of all
agreements applicable to the Membership Interests to be transferred (including,
without limitation, a joinder to this Agreement).
8.4 ADDITIONAL TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Member may, without
the prior written consent of the Manager, Transfer all or any portion of its
Membership Interests to the extent such Transfer (a) would violate any
applicable securities laws, or (b) would cause a termination of the LLC for
federal income tax purposes.
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8.5 ENFORCEMENT OF TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.
The restrictions on Transfer contained in this Agreement are an
essential element in the ownership of Membership Interests. Upon application to
any court of competent jurisdiction, the LLC and/or a Member, as the case may
be, shall be entitled to a decree against any Person violating or about to
violate such restrictions, requiring their specific performance, including those
prohibiting a Transfer of all or a portion of such Membership Interests.
8.6 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
Without limitation to any other provision contained herein (including
SECTION 8.1 above), in the event that any Member proposes to Transfer any of
such Member's Membership Interests (or any beneficial interests therein) in a
Third Party Sale, such Member first shall give written notice of his intention
to do so, via certified mail, to the LLC. The notice of intention shall
constitute an irrevocable offer by such Member to sell to the LLC (an "OFFER TO
SELL") the Offered Interests (as defined below). The Offer to Sell from such
Member ("OFFERING MEMBER") must name the proposed transferee and specify the
portion of such Membership Interests proposed to be so transferred ("OFFERED
INTERESTS"), the price, and the terms of payment and all other terms of the
proposed transaction. Any such Transfer not made in accordance with this SECTION
8.6 shall be null and void and the LLC shall not be obligated to treat the
transferee in such transaction as a Member of record or for any other purpose.
Within thirty (30) days following receipt of the Offer to Sell by the
LLC (the "LLC OPTION PERIOD"), the LLC shall have the right to purchase some or
all of the Offered Interests at the price and upon the terms and conditions set
forth in such Offer to Sell. The option may be exercised by a written election
signed by the Manager provided that such exercise complies with the provisions
of the Act, and such other pertinent governmental restrictions as are now or may
hereafter become effective. If the LLC fails to exercise its right of first
refusal as to any of the Offered Interests, the LLC shall give written notice
thereof immediately after the expiration of the LLC Option Period to the Members
(other than any Member who may be so proposing to transfer Offered Interests),
who for thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice (the "MEMBERS OPTION
PERIOD") will have the option to purchase at the price and upon the terms and
conditions set forth in such Offer to Sell, the remaining Offered Interests, pro
rata in proportion to each such Member's then Percentage Interest in the LLC
vis-a-vis each other; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that if any such Member elects not to
purchase his/its pro rata portion of such Offered Interests, then the remaining
such Members (if any) will be entitled to purchase (on the terms and conditions
described in this SECTION 8.6) his/its pro rata share of the Offered Interests
not elected to be purchased by the other Members.
In the event all of the Offered Interests are not purchased by the LLC,
or by the other Members within the Members Option Period, said Offered Interests
may be transferred at any time within sixty (60) days thereafter to the proposed
transferee in the Third Party Sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in
the relevant Offer to Sell; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any transferee of ownership
hereunder and his or her spouse, if any, first agree by execution of a copy of
this Agreement to hold such Offered Interests subject to all the provisions of
this Agreement (such transferee holding such Offered Interests subject to this
Agreement to be included in the term Member herein), and on the terms specified
therein, provided that immediately upon such transfer, the proposed transferee
executes and becomes bound by this Agreement and any amendments or revisions
hereto.
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8.7 ADDITIONAL TRANSFER RIGHTS OF WRE.
WRE shall have the following additional transfer rights:
8.7.1 If WRE proposes to transfer in any Third Party Sale
consummated within the period specified in SECTION 8.7.2 below, all, but not
less than all, of WRE's Membership Interest in the LLC, and the LLC and/or the
other Members are not purchasing WRE's Membership Interests pursuant to the
Right of First Refusal provisions of SECTION 8.6 above, then WRE may require, by
written notice, all other Members to sell, or cause to be sold, all, but not
less than all, of the Membership Interests owned by such other Members for the
same consideration (but payable entirely in cash as provided in SECTION 8.7.3
below) and otherwise on the same terms and conditions obtained by WRE in such
Third Party Sale (a "DRAG ALONG SALE").
8.7.2 WRE shall have no right to cause a Drag Along Sale
prior to December 31, 2008. From and after December 31, 2008, WRE's right to
cause a Drag Along Sale pursuant to this SECTION 8.7 may be exercised on one
occasion each calendar year, and must be consummated on or before the ninetieth
(90th) day following the earlier of (i) delivery to WRE of annual financial
statements of the LLC for the immediately preceding calendar year, and (ii)
March 31 of the present calendar year (the "DRAG ALONG PERIOD"). If WRE does not
exercise its rights to cause a Drag Along Sale, or the Drag Along Sale is not
consummated prior to expiration of the Drag Along Period, then WRE shall have no
further rights to cause a Drag Along Sale during the remainder of the applicable
calendar year.
8.7.3 For purposes of this SECTION 8.7, the other Members
who are required to sell their Membership Interests in a Drag Along Sale shall
be entitled to receive cash as consideration for their Membership Interests,
based on the fair market value of the cash, securities and other property
received by WRE for its Membership Interests in such sale.
8.7.4 WRE's rights to cause a Drag Along Sale pursuant to
this SECTION 8.7 are personal to WRE, may not be assigned (either alone or in
connection with any transfer of Membership Interests), and shall terminate upon
consummation of the first Transfer by WRE of all or any portion of its
Membership Interests in the LLC.
ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP
9.1 CONDITIONS OF DISSOLUTION.
The LLC shall be dissolved, its assets shall be disposed of, and its
affairs wound up on the first to occur of the following:
(a) a determination by Members having an aggregate
Percentage Interest greater than sixty-six and
two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) that the LLC shall be
dissolved and wound up;
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(b) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of
the LLC;
(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution by a
court of competent jurisdiction providing for the
dissolution of the LLC; or
(d) the occurrence of any other event which causes the
dissolution of the LLC by operation of law.
9.2 ORDER OF PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES UPON DISSOLUTION.
Upon dissolution, the LLC's liabilities shall be settled in the
following order, as required by the Act:
(a) to creditors other than Members, in the order of
priority as provided by law;
(b) to creditors who are Members; and
(c) to Members in accordance with, but only to the extent
of, their respective positive adjusted Capital
Account balances; and
(d) to Members PRO RATA in accordance with their
respective Percentage Interests.
9.3 LIMITATIONS ON PAYMENTS MADE ON DISSOLUTION.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, each
Member shall be entitled to look solely at the assets of the LLC for the return
of his positive adjusted Capital Account balance.
9.4 LIQUIDATION.
Upon the dissolution of the LLC, the assets of the LLC shall be
liquidated as promptly as shall be practicable.
9.5 TERMINATION OF COVENANTS.
Upon dissolution and winding up of the LLC, this Agreement, including,
without limitation, all covenants of the parties hereto contained herein, shall
terminate.
ARTICLE X - BOOKS AND RECORDS, FISCAL YEAR
There shall be maintained and kept at all times during the continuation
of the LLC, proper and usual books of account in accordance with generally
accepted principles of accounting consistently applied and which shall
accurately reflect the condition of the LLC and shall account for all matters
concerning the management thereof; which books shall be maintained and kept at
the principal office of the LLC or at such other place or places as the Manager
may from time to time determine. The LLC's books and records shall be maintained
on the basis selected by the Manager. The fiscal year of the LLC shall commence
January 1 and terminate on December 31 of the same calendar year.
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ARTICLE XI - TAX MATTERS
BR is hereby designated as the "Tax Matters Partner" (as such term is
defined in the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) for
purposes of federal and state income tax matters. The Tax Matters Partner shall
cause the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed
by the LLC pursuant to the Code and all other tax returns deemed by it to be
necessary and required in each jurisdiction in which the LLC does business.
ARTICLE XII - INDEMNIFICATION
12.1 LIABILITY OF MEMBERS.
Except as otherwise provided by the Act, the debts, obligations and
liabilities of the LLC, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be
the debts, obligations and liabilities solely of the LLC, and no Covered Person
shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation, or liability of the
LLC solely by reason of being a Covered Person.
12.2 LIABILITY OF MANAGER AND OFFICERS.
The Manager and the officers shall not be liable, in damages or
otherwise, to the LLC or any Member for any act or failure to act by the
Managers or the officers which act was within the scope of the authority
conferred on the Manager or the officers by this Agreement, as applicable,
unless such act or omission constituted fraud, willful misconduct or gross
negligence. The Manager and the officers shall be indemnified by the LLC against
liability for any claim, demand, tax penalty, loss, damage, liability or expense
(including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement, reasonable costs of
investigation and reasonable legal fees and expenses) resulting from any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding naming as a
defendant the Manager or any officer by reason of acts or omissions by him
within the scope of his authority as set forth in this Agreement, provided his
actions did not constitute fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence.
12.3 EXCULPATION.
12.3.1 No Covered Person shall be liable to the LLC for any
loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or
omitted by such Covered Person on behalf of the LLC, in good faith and in a
manner reasonably within the scope of authority conferred on such Covered Person
by this Agreement or otherwise, except that a Covered Person shall be liable for
any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Covered Person's
fraud, willful misconduct, breach of this Agreement or gross negligence.
12.3.2 A Covered Person shall be fully protected in
reasonably relying in good faith upon the records maintained by the LLC and upon
such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the LLC by any
Person as to matters reasonably within such other Person's professional or
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expert competence, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to
the value and amount of the assets, liabilities, Profits, Losses or
distributions or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets
from which distributions to Members might properly be paid.
12.4 FIDUCIARY DUTY.
12.4.1 To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Covered
Person has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto
to the LLC or to any other Covered Person, a Covered Person acting under this
Agreement shall not be liable to the LLC or to any other covered Person for its
good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement.
12.4.2 Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, whenever
a conflict of interest exists or arises between Covered Persons, the Covered
Person shall resolve such conflict of interest in good faith, considering in
each case (a) the relative interests of each party (including its own interests)
in such conflict, agreement, transaction or situation, (b) the benefits and
burdens relating to such interests, (c) any customary or accepted industry
practices, (d) any applicable generally accepted accounting practices or
principles, and (e) in the case of any transaction, the terms of similar
transactions among unrelated third parties. In the absence of bad faith or a
breach of this Agreement by the Covered Person, the resolution, action or terms
so made, taken or provided by the Covered Person shall not constitute a breach
of any duty or obligation of the Covered Person at law or in equity or
otherwise.
12.5 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE LLC.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a Covered Person
shall be entitled to indemnification from the LLC for any loss, damage or claim
(including reasonable legal fees) incurred by such Covered Person by reason of
any act or omission performed or omitted by such Covered Person in good faith on
behalf of the LLC and in a manner reasonably within the scope of authority
conferred on such Covered Person by this Agreement, except that no Covered
Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or
claim incurred by such Covered Person (a) by reason of fraud, willful misconduct
or gross negligence with respect to such acts or omissions or (b) in breach of
the Agreement; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any indemnity under this SECTION 12.5
hereof shall be provided out of and to the extent of LLC assets only, and no
Covered Person shall have any personal liability on account thereof.
12.6 INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURE.
Any person asserting a right to indemnification under SECTION 12.5
hereof shall so notify the Manager, in writing pursuant to the notice
requirements of SECTION 14.11 hereof. With respect to those claims governed by
SECTION 12.5 hereof, the Manager shall be entitled to control the defense or
prosecution of such claim or demand in the name of the indemnified person. The
parties hereto shall cooperate in the prosecution or defense against any claims
and shall furnish such records, information and testimony and attend such
conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials and appeals as may
reasonably be requested in connection therewith.
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12.7 EXPENSES.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses (including
legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person in defending any claim, demand, action,
suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the LLC prior to the
final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt
by the LLC of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such
amount if it shall be determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be
indemnified as authorized in SECTION 12.5 hereof.
ARTICLE XIII - REQUIRED ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES
Any dispute, claim, controversy or action (collectively "DISPUTE")
arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way relating to this Agreement
shall be resolved by a general judicial reference pursuant to California Code of
Civil Procedure Section 638, and/or other successor or applicable statute, court
rule or provision of law, in accordance with the provisions set forth below:
13.1 REFERENCE.
SUCH DISPUTE SHALL BE TRIED BY A JUDICIAL REFEREE AS JUDGE PRO TEM
UNDER AN ORDER OF GENERAL JUDICIAL REFERENCE TO TRY AND DETERMINE ALL ISSUES OF
FACT AND LAW, WHETHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE, TO BE CHOSEN BY THE PARTIES FROM A
LIST OF RETIRED CALIFORNIA SUPERIOR, APPELLATE AND SUPREME COURT JUDGES AND
JUSTICES. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY. IF THE
PARTIES ARE UNABLE TO AGREE, THEN THE RETIRED JUDGE OR JUSTICE WHO SHALL ACT AS
THE REFEREE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT IN ACCORDANCE
WITH CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 640, AND/OR OTHER SUCCESSOR OR APPLICABLE
STATUTE, COURT RULE, OR PROVISION OF LAW, WITH EACH OF THE PARTIES ENTITLED TO
ONLY ONE DISQUALIFICATION PURSUANT TO CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 170.6,
WHICH RIGHT TO DISQUALIFICATION MUST BE EXERCISED, IF AT ALL, AT THE HEARING ON
THE PETITION TO OBTAIN THE JUDICIAL REFERENCE ORDER AND/OR TO HAVE THE REFEREE
APPOINTED. THE ACTION SHALL BE CONDUCTED AND THE ISSUES DETERMINED IN COMPLIANCE
WITH ALL JUDICIAL RULES AND ALL STATUTORY AND DECISIONAL LAW OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA AS IF THE MATTER WERE FORMALLY LITIGATED IN SUPERIOR COURT AND NOT BY
WAY OF JUDICIAL REFERENCE. THE REFEREE'S DECISION WILL BE CONSIDERED AS A FINAL
AND BINDING RESOLUTION OF THE DISPUTE, WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO APPEAL AND MAY BE
ENTERED AS AN ORDER IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE UNITED STATES.
EACH PARTY AGREES TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT FOR PURPOSES
OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY SUCH ORDER.
13.2 EXPENSES.
The cost of the reference shall initially be borne pro rata by the
parties, but the prevailing party shall be entitled to obtain reimbursement for
its pro rata share of the reference cost and shall be awarded reasonable
attorney's and expert's fees and all other costs and expenses of litigation.
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13.3 RULES AND PROCEDURES.
The referee shall conduct and decide all pre-trial, trial and
post-trial procedures which may arise as if the matter were formally litigated
in the Superior Court. The judgment entered upon the decision of the referee
shall be subject to all post-trial procedures and to appeal in the same manner
as an appeal from any order or judgment in a civil action. All rules of evidence
as set forth in the Evidence Code, all rules of discovery as set forth in the
Code of Civil Procedure, other applicable California and federal statutory and
decisional law, and all rules of court shall be applicable to any proceeding
before the referee.
13.4 ENFORCEMENT.
This reference agreement may be specifically enforced by the filing of
a complaint or petition or motion seeking specific enforcement as may be
directed by applicable statute and/or rule of court.
13.5 JURISDICTION AND VENUE.
The parties agree and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue
of the Los Angeles Superior Court, and specifically recognize and acknowledge
the waiver of their right to remove any action to federal court on the basis of
diversity jurisdiction or on any other basis.
13.6 PRE-REFERENCE RELIEF.
The parties may apply to the Los Angeles Superior Court for injunctive
or other pre-judgment relief prior to the appointment of the referee, and such
application and related proceedings prior to the appointment of the referee
shall not be a waiver of the enforceability and application of this judicial
reference agreement to such Dispute or any other Dispute.
ARTICLE XIV - MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 LAW GOVERNING.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts made and to be
performed entirely therein.
14.2 COMPLETE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement and the Articles constitute the complete and exclusive
statement of agreement among Members relating to the LLC. This Agreement and the
Articles supersede all prior written and oral statements and agreements by and
among Members and no representation, statement, or condition or warranty not
contained in this Agreement or the Articles will be binding on the Members or
have any force or effect whatsoever.
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14.3 BINDING EFFECT.
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement and the Act relating to
transferability, this Agreement shall be binding and inure to the benefit of
Members, and their respective executors, administrators, heirs, successors and
permitted assigns.
14.4 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY.
This Agreement is made solely and specifically among and for the
benefit for the LLC and the parties hereto, and their respective successors and
permitted assigns subject to the express provisions hereof relating to
successors and permitted assigns, and no other Person will have any rights,
interest, or claims hereunder or be entitled to any benefits under or on account
of this Agreement as a third party beneficiary or otherwise. This Agreement is
not intended for the benefit of a creditor who is not a Member and does not
grant any rights to or confer any benefits on any Person who is not a Member,
Manager, officer, or agent of the LLC.
14.5 GENDER AND NUMBER IN NOUNS AND PRONOUNS.
Common nouns and pronouns will be deemed to refer to the masculine,
feminine, neuter, singular and plural, as the identity of the person or persons,
firm or corporation may in the context require. The singular shall include the
plural and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter, and vice
versa, as the context requires. Any reference to the Code, the Act, or statutes
or laws will include all amendments, modifications, or replacements of the
specific sections and provisions concerned.
14.6 HEADINGS.
All headings herein are inserted only for convenience and ease of
reference and are not to be considered in the construction or interpretation of
any provision of this Agreement.
14.7 REFERENCES IN THIS AGREEMENT.
Numbered or lettered articles, sections and subsections herein
contained refer to articles, sections and subsections of this Agreement unless
otherwise expressly stated.
14.8 EXHIBITS.
All Exhibits attached to this Agreement are incorporated and shall be
treated as if set forth herein.
14.9 SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable under the present or future laws effective during the term of this
Agreement, such provision will be fully severable. This Agreement will be
construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision
had never comprised a part of this Agreement; and the remaining provisions of
this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by
the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this
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Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable
provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a
provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable
provision as may be possible and be legal, valid, and enforceable.
14.10 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND ACTS.
Each Member agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and
instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or
appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions,
and conditions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
14.11 NOTICES.
In order to be effective all notices, consents, approvals, disapprovals
and other communications ("NOTICES") required or permitted by this Agreement
must be in writing and either (a) sent by telegram or telecopy (or similar
facsimile), or (b) placed in the United States mail, certified with return
receipt requested, properly addressed and with the full postage prepaid, or (c)
personally delivered, and in all cases other than telegram or telecopy (or
similar facsimile), signed. Notice shall be deemed received and effective on the
earliest of (x) the date actually received, or (y) two business days after being
mailed as aforesaid, or (z) 24 hours after being sent by telegram or telecopy
(or similar facsimile). Each Member's address, telephone number and facsimile
number for the purpose of receiving Notice is set forth on EXHIBIT A hereto. Any
Member may change its address, telephone number or facsimile number for Notice
purposes by giving Notice in the manner described in this SECTION 14.11,
provided that such change of address shall not be effective until 10 days after
notice of the change.
14.12 AMENDMENTS.
14.12.1 In addition to amendments specifically authorized
herein, any and all amendments to this Agreement may be made from time to time
only by agreement of Members having an aggregate Percentage Interest greater
than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%).
14.12.2 In addition to other amendments authorized herein,
amendments may be made to this Agreement from time to time by the Manager,
without the consent of any Member: (a) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or
supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other
provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under this Agreement that are not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Agreement; (b) to delete or add any provision of this
Agreement required to be so deleted or added by any federal or state official,
which addition or deletion is deemed by such official to be for the benefit or
protection of all of the Members; and (c) to take such actions as may be
necessary (if any) to insure that the LLC will be treated as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes.
14.12.3 In making any amendments, there shall be prepared and
filed by, or for, all of the Members or the Managers, as the case may be, such
documents and certificates as may be required under the Act and under the laws
of any other jurisdiction applicable to the LLC.
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14.13 MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS.
This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which
will be deemed an original but all of which will constitute one and the same
instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement to be
effective as of October 1, 2006.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, LLC, a
California limited liability company
By: PEOPLE'S LIBERATION, INC.
Its: Sole Member
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
----------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇,
Its: Chief Executive Officer
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ENTERPRISES, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
-------------------------------------
Name:
Its:
-------------------------------------
25
EXHIBIT A
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ SOURCING, LLC
MEMBERS' NAMES, ADDRESSES AND INTERESTS
================================ ==================================== ================ ===============
MEMBER'S MEMBER'S
CAPITAL PERCENTAGE
MEMBER'S NAME MEMBER'S ADDRESS CONTRIBUTION INTEREST
================================ ==================================== ================ ===============
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, LLC c/o People's Liberation, Inc. $* 50.0%
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ Enterprises, LLC ▇/▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇, $ 50.0%
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
& ▇▇▇▇ LLP
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 100.0%
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------
* Consists of an assignment by BR of all of the assets and liabilities of
the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇(TM) apparel business operated by BR as of the date
hereof pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of
the date hereof between the LLC and BR.