As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 19, 2023
File No.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 1-A
REGULATION A OFFERING CIRCULAR
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC |
(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter) |
Florida |
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
103 Century 21 Drive Suite 100-008 Jacksonville, Florida 32216 |
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, |
including area code of issuer’s principal executive office) |
Mr. Mark T. Ocepek Managing Member 103 Century 21 Drive Suite 100-008 Jacksonville, Florida 32216 |
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, |
including area code, of agent for service) |
6798 | 26-1538865 | |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
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PART II – INFORMATION REQUIRED IN OFFERING CIRCULAR
An Offering Circular pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A relating to these Securities has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). Information contained in this Preliminary Offering Circular is subject to completion or amendment. These Securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted before the Offering Statement filed with the Commission is Qualified. This Preliminary Offering Circular shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor may there be any sales of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under the laws of any such state. We shall elect to satisfy our obligation to deliver a Final Offering Circular by sending you a notice within two business days after the completion of our sale to you that contains the URL where the Final Offering Circular, or the Offering Statement in which such Final Offering Circular was filed may be obtained.
OFFERING CIRCULAR FOR
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC
A Florida Limited Liability Company
TERMS OF OFFERING |
SECURITIES OFFERED: 800,000 Equity Membership Units (Hereinafter referred to as the “Common Shares”) |
PRICE PER SHARE: $93.75 USD |
MAXIMUM OFFERING PROCEEDS TO ISSUER: $75,000,000 USD |
MINIMUM OFFERING: 5,000 Shares |
MINIMUM OFFERING PROCEEDS TO ISSUER: $468,750 USD |
The Offering Period Will Commence upon this Offering Circular being Qualified by the SEC |
Anabasis Real Estate Investment Trust, LLC. (the “Company”, “Issuer,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a Florida Limited Liability Company, formed on October 5, 2018. The Company is managed by its executive officers (each an “Officer” and collectively, the “Officers”). As further detailed in this Offering Circular (the “Offering Circular”), the Company is currently re-organizing as a Real Estate Investment Trust. The Company currently owns and operates a portfolio of eight (8) single family / multifamily properties and one (1) mortgage not of a 120 Unit Storage Facility in the state of Florida, with a combined market value of approximately $4,954,900.
The Offering Period will commence upon this Offering Circular being Qualified by the SEC. The Company is offering by means of this Offering Circular up to 800,000 Common Shares on a “best-efforts” and ongoing basis to investors who meet the Investor Suitability standards as set forth herein. The Company anticipates the Common Shares will be sold primarily by the Company and its Officers. The Company and its Officers may also offer and sell Shares through the services of an independent broker-dealer who is a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
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The proceeds of this Offering will not be placed into an escrow account. The Company will not accept subscription payments associated with subscription agreements until the Company has raised at least $468,750. At the time the minimum threshold is met, the Company will accept subscription payments, Common Shares of the Company will be issued, and investors will become Shareholders of the Company. If the Company does not meet the minimum threshold within 12-months after commencing this Offering, the Company will cancel this Offering and release all investors from their investment commitments.
The minimum number of Common Shares that will be sold to any investor is ONE (1) Common Shares for a total investment of NINTEY-THREE DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS ($93.75 USD). Investors cannot purchase fractional Common Shares. Investors whose purchase of Common Shares is accepted shall be referred to herein individually as a “Shareholder” or collectively as the “Shareholders”.
The Common Shares will not be initially listed for trading on a stock exchange or other trading market. Investing in the Company’s Common Shares is speculative and involves substantial risk. You should purchase the Company’s Common Shares only if you can afford a complete loss of your investment. See “Risk Factors” to read more about the significant risks you should consider before buying the Company’s Common Shares.
This Offering is being conducted on a “best-efforts” basis, which means that the Company will use commercially reasonable best-efforts in an attempt to sell the Common Shares. The Company’s Officers will not receive any commission or any other remuneration for these sales. In offering the Common Shares on behalf of the Company, the Company’s Officers will rely on the safe harbor from broker-dealer registration set forth in Rule 3a4-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Company is an “emerging growth company” under applicable United States Securities and Exchange Commission rules and will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. This Offering Circular follows the disclosure format of Part I of Form S-1 pursuant to the general instructions of Part II(a)(1)(ii) of Form 1-A.
THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (“SEC”) DOES NOT PASS UPON THE MERITS OR GIVE ITS APPROVAL OF ANY SECURITIES OFFERED OR THE TERMS OF THE OFFERING, NOR DOES IT PASS UPON THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY OFFERING CIRCULAR OR OTHER SOLICITATION MATERIALS. THESE SECURITIES ARE OFFERED PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION WITH THE COMMISSION; HOWEVER, THE COMMISSION HAS NOT MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION THAT THE SECURITIES OFFERED ARE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION.
GENERALLY, NO SALE MAY BE MADE TO INVESTORS IF THE AGGREGATE PURCHASE PRICE BY INVESTORS EXCEEDS SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($75,000,000.00 USD) ANNUALLY, PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF RULE 251 OF REGULATION A TIER II SET FORTH UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”).
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THAT INFORMATION AND THOSE REPRESENTATIONS SPECIFICALLY CONTAINED IN THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR; ANY OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON. ANY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF THE COMMON SHARES WHO RECEIVES ANY OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD CONTACT THE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY TO DETERMINE THE ACCURACY OF SUCH INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATIONS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR NOR ANY SALES HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY OR IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN SINCE THE DATE OF THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR SET FORTH ABOVE.
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD NOT REGARD THE CONTENTS OF THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR OR ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMPANY AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR CAREFUL AND INDEPENDENT TAX AND FINANCIAL PLANNING. EACH POTENTIAL INVESTOR IS ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT WITH HIS, HER OR ITS OWN INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANT AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS WITH RESPECT TO THE LEGAL AND TAX ASPECTS OF THIS INVESTMENT AND WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO HIS, HER OR ITS OWN TAX SITUATION, PRIOR TO SUBSCRIBING FOR THE COMMON SHARES. THE PURCHASE OF THE COMMON SHARES BY AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, KEOGH PLAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN INVOLVES SPECIAL TAX RISKS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS THAT SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.
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THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE COMPANY. THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR CONTAINS SUMMARIES OF DOCUMENTS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR, BUT ALL SUCH SUMMARIES ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY REFERENCES TO THE ACTUAL DOCUMENTS. COPIES OF DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR, BUT NOT INCLUDED AS AN EXHIBIT, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS UPON REQUEST. RULE 251(D)(3)(I)(F) PERMITS REGULATION A OFFERINGS TO CONDUCT ONGOING CONTINUOUS OFFERINGS OF SECURITIES FOR MORE THAN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE QUALIFICATION DATE IF: (1) THE OFFERING WILL COMMENCE WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS AFTER THE QUALIFICATION DATE; (2) THE OFFERING WILL BE MADE ON AN CONTINUOUS AND ONGOING BASIS FOR A PERIOD THAT MAY BE IN EXCESS OF THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE INITIAL QUALIFICATION DATE; (3) THE OFFERING WILL BE IN AN AMOUNT THAT, AT THE TIME THE OFFERING CIRCULAR IS QUALIFIED, IS REASONABLY EXPECTED TO BE OFFERED AND SOLD WITHIN TWO (2) YEARS FROM THE INITIAL QUALIFICATION DATE AND FILED BY THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO RULE 251(D)(3)(I)(F) WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION COVERING THE REMAINING SECURITIES OFFERED UNDER THE PREVIOUS OFFERING; THEN THE SECURITIES MAY CONTINUE TO BE OFFERED AND SOLD UNTIL THE EARLIER OF THE QUALIFICATION DATE OF THE NEW OFFERING CIRCULAR OR ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) CALENDAR DAYS AFTER THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE INITIAL QUALIFICATION DATE OF THE PRIOR OFFERING CIRCULAR.
THE COMPANY MAY CHOOSE IN THE FUTURE TO OFFER THE COMMON SHARES DESCRIBED HEREIN ON A CONTINUOUS AND ONGOING BASIS PURSUANT TO RULE 251(D)(3)(I)(F). PURSUANT TO RULE 251(D)(3)(I)(F), THE COMPANY INTENDS TO COMMENCE THE OFFERING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INITIAL QUALIFICATION DATE.
The use of projections or forecasts in this Offering is prohibited. No one is permitted to make any oral or written predictions about the cash benefits or tax consequences you will receive from your investment in the Company’s Common Shares.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR
Please carefully read the information in this Offering Circular and any supplements to this Offering Circular, which the Company refers to collectively as the Offering Circular. You should rely only on the information contained in this Offering Circular. The Company has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. This Offering Circular may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. You should not assume that the information contained in this Offering Circular is accurate as of any date later than the date hereof or such other dates as are stated herein or as of the respective dates of any documents or other information incorporated herein by reference.
This Offering Circular is part of an offering statement that the Company has filed with the SEC. Periodically, as the Company makes material investments or has other material developments, the Company will provide an Offering Circular supplement that may add, update or change information contained in this Offering Circular. Any statement that the Company makes in this Offering Circular will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by the Company in a subsequent Offering Circular supplement. The offering statement the Company filed with the SEC includes exhibits that provide more detailed descriptions of the matters discussed in this Offering Circular. You should read this Offering Circular and the related exhibits filed with the SEC and any Offering Circular supplement, together with additional information contained in the Company’s annual reports, semi-annual reports and other reports and information statements that the Company will file periodically with the SEC.
The offering statement and all supplements and reports that the Company has filed or will file in the future can be read at the SEC website, www.sec.gov, or on our website, https://anabasisreit.com. The contents of the Company’s website (other than this Offering Circular and the appendices and exhibits thereto) are not incorporated by reference in or otherwise a part of this Offering Circular.
The Company’s Management and those selling the Common Shares on the Company’s behalf in this Offering will be permitted to make a determination that the purchasers of the Company’s Common Shares in this Offering are to “Qualified Purchasers” in reliance on the information and representations provided by the purchaser regarding the purchaser’s financial situation. Before making any representation that your investment does not exceed applicable thresholds, the Company encourages you to review Rule 251(d)(2)(i)(C) of Regulation A. For general information on investing, the Company encourages you to refer to www.investor.gov.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
ITEM 2: STATE LAW EXEMPTION AND PURCHASE RESTRICTIONS: | 7 |
ITEM 3: STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: | 9 |
ITEM 4: DISTRIBUTION SPREAD: | 10 |
ITEM 5. RISK FACTORS: | 11 |
ITEM 6: COMPANY OWNERSHIP & DILUTION: | 27 |
ITEM 7. PLAN FOR DISTRIBUTION: | 30 |
ITEM 8. USE OF INVESTMENT PROCEEDS BY COMPANY: | 33 |
ITEM 9. ABOUT THE COMPANY / ISSUER | 35 |
ITEM 10. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFERING: | 45 |
ITEM 11. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES | 47 |
ITEM 12. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 50 |
ITEM 13: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS: | 55 |
ITEM 14: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: | 57 |
ITEM 15. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SHARES | 60 |
ITEM 16. MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS | 68 |
ITEM 17. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS: | 91 |
ITEM 18. ERISA CONSIDERATIONS: | 92 |
ITEM 19. PUBLIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMPANY: | 94 |
ITEM 20. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: | 95 |
ITEM 21. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: | 96 |
AUDITED FINANCIALS | 97 |
SIGNATURES | 100 |
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ITEM 2: STATE LAW EXEMPTION AND PURCHASE RESTRICTIONS:
The Company’s Common Shares will be exempt from State Law “Blue Sky” review, subject to meeting certain state filing requirements and complying with certain anti-fraud provisions, to the extent that the Company’s Common Shares offered hereby are offered and sold only to “Qualified Purchasers”.
Qualified Purchasers include:
1. | Accredited Investors as defined under Rule 501(a) of Regulation D; and |
2. | All other investors so long as their investment in the Company’s Common Shares does not represent more than ten percent (10%) of the greater of their annual income or net worth (for natural persons), or 10% of the greater of annual revenue or net assets at fiscal year-end (for non-natural persons). |
However, the Company’s Common Shares will be offered and sold only to those investors that are within the latter category (i.e., investors whose investment in the Company’s Common Shares does not represent more than ten percent (10%) of the applicable amount), regardless of an investor’s status as an “accredited investor”. Accordingly, the Company and its management, reserves the right to reject any investor’s subscription in whole or in part for any reason, including if the Company’s Management, in their sole and absolute and absolute discretion, determine that such investor is not a “Qualified Purchaser” for purposes of Regulation A.
To determine whether a potential investor is an “Accredited Investor” for purpose of satisfying one of the tests in the “Qualified Purchaser” definition, the investor must be a natural person who has:
1. | An individual net worth, or joint net worth with the person’s spouse, that exceeds $1,000,000. USD at the time of the purchase, excluding the value of the primary residence of such person; or |
2. | Earned income exceeding $200,000 USD in each of the two most recent years, or joint income with a spouse exceeding $300,000 USD for those years and a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year. |
3. | If not a natural person, one of the following: |
a. | An employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) (a) if the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) thereof, which is (i) a bank; (ii) a savings and loan association, (iii) an insurance company or (iv) a registered investment advisor, or (b) if the employee benefit plan has total assets in excess of $5 Million USD, or (c) if the employee benefit plan is a self-directed plan, with investment decisions made solely by persons that are accredited investors; |
b. | A trust, with total assets in excess of $5 Million USD, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities of the company being offered, whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person as described in Rule 506(b)(2)(ii) of Regulation D of the Securities Act; |
c. | A bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity, a savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity; |
d. | A broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; |
e. | An insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act; |
f. | An investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) or registered pursuant to the laws of a state; any investment adviser relying on the exemption from registering with the SEC under section 203(l) or (m) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”); |
g. | A business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act; |
h. | A Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; |
i. | Any rural Business Investment Company as defined in section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act; |
j. | A private business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Advisers Act; |
pg. 7 |
k. | A corporation, a Massachusetts or similar business trust, partnership, limited liability company or an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities of the issuer being offering, with total assets in excess of $5 Million USD; |
l. | A plan established or maintained by a state or its political subdivisions or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, if such plan has total asses in excess of $5 Million USD; |
m. | Any entity not formed for the specific purposes of acquiring the securities offered, owning investments in excess of $5 Million USD; |
n. | Any natural person holding in good standing one or more professional certifications or designations or credentials from an accredited educational institution that the SEC has designated as qualifying an individual for accredited investor status; |
o. | Any natural person who is a “knowledgeable employee,” as defined in rule 3c-5(a)(4) under the Investment Company Act, of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold where the issuer would be an investment company, as defined in section 3 of such act, but for the exclusion provided by either section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7) of such act; |
p. | Any “family office,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act (i) with assets under management of $5 Million USD, (ii) not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, and (iii) whose prospective investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment; |
q. | Any “family client,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act, of a family office that qualifies as an accredited investor pursuant to subsection (xvi) above, whose prospective investment in the issuer is directed by such family office; |
r. | Any director or executive officer of the company; or |
s. | An entity in which all the equity owners are accredited investors. |
For purposes of determining whether a potential investor is a “Qualified Purchaser”, annual income and net worth should be calculated as provided in the “Accredited Investor” definition under Rule 501 of Regulation D. In particular, net worth in all cases should be calculated excluding the value of an investor’s home, home furnishings and automobiles.
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ITEM 3: STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:
There are a number of statements in this Offering Circular which addresses activities, events or developments which the Company’s Management expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses the Company’s Management made in light of its perception of historical trends, current business and economic conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company’s Management believes are reasonable or appropriate. There can be no assurance that the actual results or developments the Company’s Management anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company’s business or operations. ANY ESTIMATES OF LIKELY CASH FLOW ARE JUST THAT – ESTIMATES. CASH FLOW, IF ACHIEVED, MAY BE ERRATIC.
Potential investors can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipates,” ‘believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future,” and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to the risks and uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control and are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating these forward-looking statements each investor should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in this Offering Circular.
Factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to:
· | Any of the risk factors identified above; |
· | The Company’s ability to effectively deploy the proceeds raised in this Offering; |
· | The Company’s ability to attract investors to purchase its Common Shares; |
· | Changes in economic conditions in the United States; |
· | Expected rates of return provided to investors; |
· | The ability of the Company’s Management / Officers to manage the Company’s Operations; |
· | The quality and performance of the receivables; |
· | Legislative and/or Regulatory changes impacting the Company’s business and/or the Company’s assets (including SEC guidance related to Regulation A or the JOBS Act); |
· | The Company’s compliance with applicable Local, State and/or Federal Laws. |
Any of the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements could be inaccurate. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included in this Offering Circular. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Offering Circular and the risk that actual results will differ materially from the expectations expressed in this Offering Circular will increase with the passage of time. Except as otherwise required by the Federal Securities Laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this Offering Circular, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this Offering Circular, including, without limitations, the risks described under “Risk Factors,” the inclusion of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, the Company’s Management, or any other person that the objectives and plans set forth in this Offering Circular will be achieved.
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ITEM 4: DISTRIBUTION SPREAD:
Number of Common Shares Offered |
Offering Price ($ USD) |
Selling Commissions ($ USD) |
Proceeds to the Company ($ USD) | |
Per Share | ------- | $93.75 | $0.00 | $93.75 |
Total Minimum | 5,000 | $468,750 | $0.00 | $468,750 |
Total Maximum | 800,000 | $75,000,000 | $0.00 | $75,000,000 |
1) | The price per Common Share shown above was determined by the Management of the Company. |
2) | The Common Shares will be offered and sold directly by the Company and its Management / Officers. No commissions for selling the Common Shares will be paid to the Company or its Management / Officers. |
3) | The Company will be reimbursed for organization, offering, accounting and legal costs in connection with this offering, which are expected to be approximately five percent (5.0%) of the total capital raised. |
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ITEM 5. RISK FACTORS:
THE PURCHASE OF THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES IS SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT ACCURATELY THE RESULTS TO AN INVESTOR OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES BECAUSE OF THE GENERAL UNCERTAINTIES THE COMPANY IS LIKELY TO FACE.
THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THESE STATEMENTS ARE ONLY PREDICTIONS AND ARE NOT GUARANTEES. ACTUAL EVENTS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE TYPICALLY IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF TERMS SUCH AS “MAY,” “WILL,” “SHOULD,” “EXPECT,” “COULD,” “INTEND,” “ANTICIPATE,” “PLAN,” “ESTIMATE,” “BELIEVE,” “POTENTIAL,” OR THE NEGATIVE OF SUCH TERMS OR OTHER COMPARABLE TERMINOLOGY. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDED HEREIN ARE BASED UPON THE COMPANY’S CURRENT EXPECTATIONS, PLANS, ESTIMATES, ASSUMPTIONS AND BELIEFS THAT INVOLVE NUMEROUS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY BELIEVES THAT THE EXPECTATIONS REFLECTED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON REASONABLE ASSUMPTIONS, THE COMPANY’S ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE RESULTS DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MIGHT CAUSE SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE RISK FACTORS DISCUSSED BELOW. ANY ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS COULD BE INACCURATE. PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON SHARES ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN.
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING RISKS, AND SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN LEGAL, TAX AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS WITH RESPECT THERETO. YOU ARE URGED TO READ THIS ENTIRE OFFERING CIRCULAR AND ANY OFFERING CIRCULAR SUPPLEMENTS BEFORE INVESTING IN THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES.
The Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic May Have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition
In March of 2020, the World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The Company is unable to accurately predict the full impact that the pandemic will have on the Company’s results from operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows due to numerous factors that are not within the Company’s control, including the duration and severity of the outbreak, public health measures, such as business closures and stay-at-home orders, and other actions taken by governments and business in response to the pandemic, the availability of government or local funding programs, general economic disruption and uncertainty in key markets and financial market volatility, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on general macroeconomic conditions and the pace of recovery when the pandemic subsides.
The events and consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, which may cause the Company not to be able to accurately predict, recognize or control, may have a material adverse effect on its business, growth, reputation, prospects, financial condition, operating results, cash flows, and liquidity.
Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an “Emerging Growth Company” as defined in the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”). For as long as the Company is an Emerging Growth Company, the Company may take advantage of the specified exemptions from reporting and other regulatory requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to other public companies. These exemptions include:
· | An exemption from providing an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s systems of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; |
pg. 11 |
· | An exemption from compliance with any new requirements adopted by the Public Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the Company; |
· | An exemption from compliance with any other new auditing standards adopted by the PCAOB after April 5th, 2012, unless the United States Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) determines otherwise; and |
· | Reduced disclosure of executive compensation. |
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an Emerging Growth Company can use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This permits an Emerging Growth Company to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, the Company has chosen to “opt out” of such extended transition period and, as a result, the Company will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for Non-Emerging Growth Companies. The Company’s decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
The Company will cease to be an “Emerging Growth Company” upon the earliest of (i) when the Company has $1.0 Billion USD or more in annual revenues, (ii) when the Company has at least $700 Million USD in market value of the Company’s Common Shares held by non-affiliates, (iii) when the Company issues more than $1.0 Billion USD of non-convertible debt over a three-year period, or (iv) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the Company’s Initial Public Offering.
Development Stage Business
The Company was formed as “Anabasis LLC,” a Florida Limited Liability Company on October 5 of 2018 (SOS: L18000234800) / In Good Standing). The Company changed its name from “Anabasis LLC” to “Anabasis Real Estate Investment Trust, LLC” in September of 2023. Accordingly, the Company has only a limited history upon which an evaluation of its prospects and future performance can be made. The Company’s proposed operations are subject to all business risks associated with new enterprises. The likelihood of the Company’s success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications, and delays frequently encountered in connection with the expansion of a business, operation in a competitive industry, and the continued development of advertising, promotions and a corresponding customer base. There can be no assurances that the Company will operate profitably.
The Company’s Growth Strategy Will Depend upon Future Acquisitions of Single-Family and Multifamily income producing properties, and the Company may be unsuccessful in identifying and Consummating Attractive Acquisitions or Taking Advantage of Other Investment Opportunities, which would Impede the Company’s Growth and Negatively Affect the Company’s Cash Available for Distribution to Shareholders
The Company’s ability to expand through acquisitions is integral to the Company’s business strategy and requires that the Company identify and consummate suitable acquisition or investment opportunities that meet the Company’s investment criteria and are compatible with the Company’s growth strategy. The Company may not be successful in identifying and consummating acquisitions or investments in single-family & multifamily income producing properties that meet the Company’s investment criteria, which would impede the Company’s growth. In addition, general fluctuations in the market prices of securities and interest rates may affect the Company’s investment opportunities and value of the Company’s investments. The Company’s ability to acquire single-family & multifamily income producing properties on favorable terms, or at all, may be adversely affected by the following factors:
· | Competition from other real estate investors, including public and private Real Estate Investment Trusts, private equity investors and institutional investment funds, many of whom may have greater financial and operational resources and lower costs of capital than the Company has, and my be able to accept more risk than the Company can prudently manage; |
· | Competition from other potential acquirers, which could significantly increase the purchase prices for single-family & multifamily income producing properties that the Company may seek to acquire; |
pg. 12 |
· | The company may incur significant costs and divert management attention in connection with evaluating and negotiating potential acquisitions, including ones that the Company is subsequently unable to complete; |
· | Increases in interest rates and inflationary pressures on the margins of the Company’s portfolio properties may impact the Company’s investment activities; |
· | Even if the Company enters into agreements for the acquisition of properties, these agreements are subject to customary closing conditions, including the satisfactory results of the Company’s due diligence investigations; and |
· | The Company may be unable to finance the acquisition on favorable terms, or at all. |
The Company’s failure to identify and consummate attractive acquisitions or take advantage of other investment opportunities without substantial expense, delay or other operational or financial problems, would impede the Company’s growth and negatively affect the Company’s results of operations and cash available for distribution to its Shareholders.
The Company’s Real Estate Investments are, and are Expected to Continue to be, Concentrated in Single-Family & Multifamily Income Producing Properties, which Could Adversely Affect Operations Relative to a More Diversified Portfolio of Assets
The Company primarily invests in single-family & multifamily income producing properties, generally with values of between $100,000 USD and $1,500,000 USD. As of the date of this Offering Circular, 100% of the Company’s annualized base rent is derived from single-family & multifamily income producing properties. The Company is subject to risks inherent in concentrating investments in real estate, and the risks resulting from a lack of diversification may become even greater as a result of the Company’s business strategy to concentrate its investments in single-family & multifamily income producing properties. Any adverse effects that result from these risks could be more pronounced than if the Company diversified its investments outside of this type of real estate. Given the Company’s focus on this type of commercial real estate, the Company’s tenant base is limited to residential real estate renters who seek single-family and/or multifamily properties for their housing, which is primarily known as “Apartments.” Accordingly, a downturn in regional economies that affects apartment renters, could affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as the Company’s ability to make distributions to its shareholders.
The Company’s Growth May Depend on the Company’s Ability to Obtain Debt or Additional Equity Financing from Third-Party Sources. Such Financing is Outside of the Company’s Control and May Not be Available to the Company on Commercially Reasonable Terms or at All, Which Could Limit the Company’s Ability, Among Other Things, to Meet Its Capital and Operating Needs or to Make Cash Distributions to Its Shareholders as is Required for the Company to Qualify and Maintain its Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust
The Company intends to elect to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust commencing in the 2023 or 2024 calendar year. In order to qualify and maintain its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust, the Company will be required under the Federal Tax Code, among other things, to distribute at least 90% of the Company’s taxable income, determined without regard to the cash distributions paid deduction and excluding any net capital gain. In addition, the Company will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that the Company distributes less than 100% of the Company’s taxable income, including any net capital gains. Because of these distribution requirements, the Company may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing, from operating cash flow. Consequently, the Company intends to rely on third-party sources to fund its capital needs. The Company may not be able to obtain such financing on favorable terms or at all, and any additional debt the Company incurs will increase the Company’s leverage and likelihood of default. The Company’s access to third-party sources of capital depends, in part, on:
· | General market conditions; |
· | The market’s perception of the Company’s business and growth potential; |
· | The Company’s current debt levels; |
· | The Company’s current and expected future earnings; |
· | The Company’s cash flow and cash distributions; and |
· | The market price per share of the Company’s Common Shares. |
pg. 13 |
If the Company obtains capital from third-party sources, the Company may not be able to acquire single-family & multifamily income producing properties when strategic opportunities exist, meet the capital and operating needs of the Company’s existing single-family & multifamily income producing properties, satisfy any debt service obligations of the Company, or to make the cash distributions to the Company’s Common Shares Shareholders as necessary to qualify and maintain the Company’s qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust.
The Company’s Portfolio of Properties are all Located in the State of Florida
As of the date of this Offering Circular, 100% of the Company’s annualized rent base is derived from single-family & multifamily income producing properties located in the State of Florida in the United States. As a result of this geographic concentration, the Company is particularly exposed to downturns in the economies of, as well as other changes in the real estate and small business markets in the Southeast United States. Further, other changes in the single-family & multifamily income producing properties market, or changes to the economy in the Southeast United States that affect the customer base that primarily rents apartments units, could have a disproportionate effect on the Company’s overall business results. In the event of negative economic or other changes in the geographic areas in which the Company’s real estate assets are located, could have an adverse effect on the financial condition and the results of the Company’s operations, as well as the Company’s ability to make cash distribution to the Company’s Common Shares Shareholders.
General Real Estate Investment Risks May Adversely Affect Property Income and Values
Real estate investments are subject to a variety of risks. The yields available from equity investments in real estate depend on the amount of income generated and expenses incurred. If the Company’s single-family & multifamily income producing properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including any debt service and capital expenditures, cash flow and the ability to make distributions to shareholders will be adversely affected. Income from the Company’s single-family & multifamily income producing properties may be further adversely affected by, among other things, the following factors:
· | The general economic climate; |
· | Local economic conditions in which the Company’s single-family & multifamily income producing properties are located, such as oversupply of housing or a reduction in demand for rental housing; |
· | The attractiveness of the Company’s single-family & multifamily income producing properties to tenants; |
· | Competition from other available housing; and |
· | The Company’s ability to provide for adequate maintenance and insurance. |
As leases at the Company’s single-family & multifamily income producing properties expire, tenants may enter into new leases on terms that are less favorable to the Company. Income and real estate values also may be adversely affected by such factors as applicable laws (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and tax laws). Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, the Company’s ability to vary its portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions may be quite limited.
Acquisitions of Single-Family & Multifamily Income Producing Properties May Fail to Meet Expectations
The Company intends to continue to acquire single-family & multifamily income producing properties. However, there are risks that acquisitions will fail to meet our expectations. The Company’s estimates of future income, expenses and the costs of improvements or redevelopment that are necessary to allow the Company to market an acquired apartment community as originally intended may prove to be inaccurate. The Company expects to finance future acquisitions, in whole or in part, under various forms of secured or unsecured financing or through the issuance of equity ownership interests in the Company (common shares and/or preference shares). The use of equity financing, rather than debt, for future developments or acquisitions could dilute the interest of the Company’s existing shareholders.
pg. 14 |
Development and Redevelopment Activities May Be Delayed, Not Completed, and/or Not Achieve Expected Results
The Company plans to pursue development and redevelopment projects and these projects generally require various governmental and other approvals, which have no assurance of being received. The Company’s development and redevelopment activities generally entail certain risks, including the following:
· | Funds may be expended and management's time devoted to projects that may not be completed; |
· | Construction costs of a project may exceed original estimates possibly making the project economically unfeasible; |
· | projects may be delayed due to, without limitation, adverse weather conditions; |
· | occupancy rates and rents at a completed project may be less than anticipated; and |
· | expenses at completed development projects may be higher than anticipated. |
These risks may reduce the funds available for distribution to the Company’s shareholders. Further, the development and redevelopment of the Company’s single-family & multifamily income producing properties is also subject to the general risks associated with real estate investments.
The Company May Incur General Uninsured Losses
The Company will carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage and rental loss insurance for each of the Company’s single-family & multifamily income producing properties. There are, however, certain types of extraordinary losses, such as, for example, losses for terrorism or earthquake, for which the Company may not have insurance coverage. Although the Company may carry insurance for potential losses associated with its single-family & multifamily income producing properties, employees, residents, and compliance with applicable laws, it may still incur losses due to uninsured risks, deductibles, co-payments or losses in excess of applicable insurance coverage and those losses may be material. In the event of a substantial loss, insurance coverage may not be able to cover the full replacement cost of the Company’s lost investment, or the insurance carrier may become insolvent and not be able to cover the full amount of the insured losses. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might also affect the Company’s ability to replace or renovate a single-family home or a multifamily community after it has been damaged or destroyed.
Changes in Real Estate Tax and Other Laws May Adversely Affect the Company’s Results of Operations
Generally, the Company will not directly pass through costs resulting from changes in real estate tax laws to its single-family and/or multifamily community tenants. The Company also will not generally pass through increases in income, service or other taxes, to tenants under leases. These costs may adversely affect funds from operations and the ability to make distributions to Company shareholders. Similarly, compliance with changes in (i) laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on single-family & multifamily income producing properties, or the restrictions on discharges or other conditions or (ii) rent control or rent stabilization laws or other laws regulating housing may result in significant unanticipated decrease in revenue or increase in expenditures, which would adversely affect funds from operations and the ability to make distributions to Company shareholders.
The Historical Performance of the Real Estate Assets of the Company is Not Necessarily Indicative of the Company’s Future Results
The historical performance of the real estate assets of the Company that are included in this Offering Circular are not necessarily indicative of what the Company’s operation, financial position or cash flows will be in the future. It is not possible for the Company to accurately estimate all adjustments that may reflect all the significant changes that will occur in the Company’s cost structure, funding and operations as a result of the formation transactions.
pg. 15 |
The Company has No Operating History as a Real Estate Investment Trust or being a Public Reporting Company in the United States, and the Company May Not be Able to Operate Its Business Successfully as a Real Estate Investment Trust or a Public Reporting Company.
The Company intends to elect to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust for the 2023 calendar year, or the 2024 calendar year. The Company has no operating history as a Real Estate Investment Trust or being a public reporting company in the United States. The Company cannot assure you that the past experience of our senior management team will be sufficient to successfully operate the Company as a Real Estate Investment Trust or a United States public reporting company. As a United States public reporting company, the Company will be required to develop and implement control systems and procedures in order to qualify and maintain its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust, and satisfy our periodic and current reporting requirements under applicable United States Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and comply with OTC Market, NYSE or NASDAQ listing standards, and this transition could place a significant strain on the Company’s management systems, infrastructure and other resources.
The Company will be Subject to the Requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
As long as the Company remains an emerging growth company, as that term is defined in the JOBS Act, the Company will be permitted to gradually comply with certain of the on-going reporting and disclosure obligations of public reporting companies pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes- Oxley Act").
However, Company’s management will be required to deliver a report that assesses the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may require the Company’s auditors to deliver an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting in conjunction with their opinion on the Company’s audited financial statements as of December 31 subsequent to the year in which the registration statement (of which this Offering Circular forms a part) becomes effective if the Company is no longer an "emerging growth company". Substantial work on the Company’s part may be required to implement appropriate processes, document the system of internal control over key processes, assess their design, remediate any deficiencies identified and test their operation. This process may be both costly and challenging. The Company cannot give any assurances that material weaknesses will not be identified in the future in connection with the Company’s compliance with the provisions of Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The existence of any material weakness described above would preclude a conclusion by the Company’s Management and the Company’s Independent Auditors that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s management may be required to devote significant time and expense to remediate any material weaknesses that may be discovered and may not be able to remediate any material weakness in a timely manner. The existence of any material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting could also result in errors in the Company’s consolidated financial statements that could require the Company to restate its consolidated financial statements, cause the Company to fail to meet its reporting obligations and cause investors to lose confidence in the Company’s reported financial information, all of which could lead to a decline in the per share value of the Company’s Common Shares.
The Company Faces Possible Risks and Costs Associated with Severe Weather Conditions, Natural Disasters and/or Physical Effects of Climate Change
The Company’s properties are located in areas particularly susceptible to revenue loss, cost increase or damage caused by severe weather conditions or natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, high winds and floods, as well as the effects of climate change. To the extent that climate change impacts changes in weather patterns, the Company’s real estate assets could experience more frequent and severe natural disasters. Operationally, such events could cause a major power outage, leading to a disruption of the Company’s tenants’ operations or require them to incur additional cost associated with evacuation plans. Over time, any of these conditions could result in increased tenant costs or in the inability of our tenants’ to operate their business at the Company’s facilities. Such events could also have a material adverse impact on our tenants' operations and ability to meet their obligations to the Company. In the event of a loss in excess of insured limits, the Company could lose its capital invested in the affected property, as well as anticipated future revenue from that property. Any such loss could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business and our financial condition and results of operations.
pg. 16 |
Climate change may also have indirect effects on the Company’s business by increasing the cost of (or making unavailable) property insurance on terms the Company finds acceptable. To the extent that significant changes in the climate occur in areas where the Company’s properties are located, the Company may experience more frequent extreme weather events which may result in physical damage to or a decrease in demand for properties located in these areas or affected by these conditions. In addition, changes in Federal and/or State Legislation and Regulation on climate change could result in increased capital expenditures to improve the energy efficiency of the Company’s existing properties and could also require the Company to spend more on its new development properties without a corresponding increase in revenue. Should the impact of climate change be material in nature, including destruction of the Company’s properties, or occur for lengthy periods of time, the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY:
The Company’s Business is Subject to Risks Associated with Real Estate Assets and the Real Estate Industry, which Could Materially Adversely Affect the Company’s Financial Condition, Results of Operations, Cash Flow, Cash Available for Distribution, and the Company’s Ability to Service any Debt Obligation(s)
The Company’s ability to pay cash distributions to its Common Shares Shareholders depends on the Company’s ability to generate revenues in excess of expenses, scheduled principal payments on debt (if any) and capital expenditure requirements. Events and conditions generally applicable to owners and operators of real property that are beyond the Company’s control may decrease cash available for cash distributions and the value of the Company’s properties. These events include many of the risks set forth below, but is not limited to:
· | Adverse changes in financial conditions of buyers, sellers and tenants of properties; |
· | Vacancies or the Company’s inability to rent space on favorable terms, including possible market pressures to offer tenants rent abatements, tenant improvements, early termination rights or below-market renewal options, and the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-let space; |
· | Increased operating costs, including insurance premiums, utilities, real estate taxes and state and local taxes; |
· | Civil unrest, acts of war, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, including hurricanes, which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses; |
· | Geopolitical challenges and uncertainties (including wars and other forms of conflict, terrorist acts and security operations); |
· | Decreases in the underlying value of the Company’s real estate asset(s); and |
· | Changing market demographics. |
In addition, periods of economic downturn or recession, rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in rents or an increased incidence of defaults under existing leases, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for cash distribution and ability to service the Company’s debt obligations (if any).
As an Owner of Real Estate Assets, the Company Could Incur Significant Costs and Liabilities Related to Environmental Matters
Under various Federal, State and Local Laws and Regulations relating to the environment, as a current or former owner of real property, the Company may be liable for costs and damages resulting from the presence or release of hazardous or toxic substances, waste or petroleum products at, on, in, under or migrating from such property, including costs to investigate, clean up such contamination and liability for any alleged harm to human health, property or natural resources. Such laws often impose strict liability without regard to fault, including whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such contamination, and the liability may be joint and several. These liabilities could be substantial and the cost of any required investigation, remediation, removal, fines or other costs could exceed the value of the property and/or our aggregate assets. In addition, the presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination at the Company’s properties may expose the Company to third-party liability for costs of remediation and/or personal or property damage or materially adversely affect the Company’s ability to sell, lease or develop its properties or to borrow using the properties as collateral. In addition, environmental laws may create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs to address such contamination. Moreover, if contamination is discovered on the Company’s properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the manner in which property may be used or businesses may be operated, and these restrictions may require substantial expenditures.
pg. 17 |
As the owner of the buildings on the Company’s properties, the Company could face liability for the presence of hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead, or other adverse conditions, such as poor indoor air quality, in the Company’s buildings. Environmental Laws govern the presence, maintenance, and removal of hazardous materials in buildings, and if the Company does not comply with such laws, the Company could face fines for such noncompliance and could be required to abate, remove or otherwise address the hazardous material to achieve compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Also, the Company could be liable to third parties, such as occupants or employees of the buildings, for damages related to exposure to hazardous materials or adverse conditions in the Company’s buildings, and the Company could incur material expenses with respect to abatement or remediation of hazardous materials or other adverse conditions in the Company’s buildings. If the Company incurs material environmental liabilities in the future, the Company may find it difficult to sell or lease any affected properties.
The Company’s Properties May Contain or Develop Harmful Mold or Suffer from Other Air Quality Issues, which Could Lead to Liability for Adverse Health Effects and Costs of Remediation
When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources, and other biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants above certain levels can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of the Company’s properties could require the Company to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants from the affected property or increase indoor ventilation. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose the Company to liability from the tenant, employees of the tenant or others if property damage or personal injury is alleged to have occurred.
The Company’s Properties May be Subject to Impairment Charges
On a quarterly basis, the Company will assess whether there are any indicators that the value of its properties may be impaired. A property's value is considered to be impaired only if the estimated aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by the property are less than the carrying value of the property. In the Company’s estimate of cash flows, the Company will consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the Company is evaluating the potential sale of an asset or development alternatives, the undiscounted future cash flows analysis will consider the most likely course of action at the balance sheet date based on current plans, intended holding periods and available market information. The Company will be required to make subjective assessments as to whether there are impairments in the value of the Company’s properties. These assessments may be influenced by factors beyond the Company’s control, such as early vacating by a tenant or damage to properties due to earthquakes, floods, natural disasters, fire, civil unrest, terrorist acts or acts of war. These assessments may have a direct impact on the Company’s earnings because recording an impairment charge results in an immediate negative adjustment to earnings. There can be no assurance that the Company will not take impairment charges in the future related to the impairment of the Company’s properties. Any such impairment could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations in the period in which the charge is taken.
The Company May Incur Significant Costs Complying with Various Federal, State and Local Laws, Regulations and Covenants that are Applicable to the Company’s Properties
Properties are subject to various covenants and Federal, State and Local Laws and Regulatory Requirements, including permitting and licensing requirements. Local regulations, including municipal or local ordinances, zoning restrictions and restrictive covenants imposed by community developers may restrict the Company’s use of its properties and may require the Company to obtain approval from local officials or restrict the Company’s use of its properties and may require the Company to obtain approval from local officials of community standards organizations at any time with respect to the Company’s properties, including prior to developing or acquiring a property or when undertaking renovations of any of the Company’s existing properties. Among other things, these restrictions may relate to fire and safety, seismic or hazardous material abatement requirements. There can be no assurance that existing laws and/or regulatory policies will not adversely affect the Company or the timing or cost of any future development, acquisitions or renovations, or that additional regulations will not be adopted that increase such delays or result in additional costs. The Company’s growth strategy may be affected by its ability to obtain permits, licenses and zoning relief.
pg. 18 |
In addition, Federal and State Laws and Regulations, including laws such as the ADA and the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, or FHAA, impose further restrictions on the Company’s properties and operations. Under the ADA and the FHAA, all public accommodations must meet Federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Although the Company believes that all of its properties are in compliance with the requirements of the ADA and the FHAA, if one or more of the properties in the Company’s portfolio were not in compliance with the ADA, the FHAA or any other regulatory requirements, the Company could incur additional costs to bring such properties into compliance, be subject to governmental fines or the award of damages to private litigants or be unable to refinance such properties. In addition, the Company does not know whether existing requirements will change or whether future requirements will require the Company to make significant unanticipated expenditures that will adversely impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
RISKS RELATED TO THIS OFFERING AND OWNERSHP OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES:
There is No Existing Market for the Company’s Common Shares, and a Trading Market that will Provide You with Adequate Liquidity May Not Develop for the Company’s Common Shares
No public market for buying and selling of the Company’s Common Shares currently exists. The Company intends to list its Common Shares on the OTC Markets, which is a separate and distinct exchange when compared to national stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. Neither the New York Stock Exchange nor the NASDAQ has a business relationship with issuers of securities on the OTC Markets. The SEC’s order handling rules, which apply to the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ listed securities do not apply to securities quoted on the OTC Markets.
Although exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange and/or the NASDAQ have rigorous listing standards to ensure the high quality of their issuers and can delist issuers for not meeting those standards; the OTC Markets do not have these listing standards. Rather, it is the market maker who chooses to quote a security on the system, files the application, and is obligated to comply with keeping information about the issuer in its files.
Shareholders of the Company’s Common Shares may have a greater difficulty in getting orders filled than if the Company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ. Trading activity in general is not conducted as efficiently and effectively on OTC Markets as with exchange-listed securities. Also, because OTC Markets stocks are usually not followed by analysts, there may be lower trading volume than New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ listed securities.
The Company’s Revenues, Operating Results and Cash Flows may Fluctuate in Future Periods and the Company may Fail to Meet Investor Expectations, which may Cause the Value of the Company’s Common Shares to Decline
Variations in the Company’s quarterly and year-end operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly from period-to-period. If the Company’s revenues or operating results fall below the expectations of Investors or securities analysts, the value of the Company’s Common Shares could decline substantially. Specific factors that may cause fluctuations in the Company’s operating results include (but are not limited to):
· | Demand for Company’s real estate assets; |
· | Quarterly and annual results of operations that fail to meet investor and/or analyst expectations; |
· | Actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Company’s operating results due to factors related to the Company’s business; |
· | Changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; |
· | Changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts of the Company’s inability to meet those estimates; |
· | The operating and shares price performance of other comparable companies; |
· | Overall market fluctuations; and |
· | General economic conditions. |
pg. 19 |
Future Sales of the Company’s Common Shares Could Depress the Market Price of the Company’s Common Shares
Sales of a substantial number of the Company’s Common Shares in the private or public market(s) could occur at any time. If the Company’s shareholders sell, or the market perceives that the Company’s shareholders intend to sell their shares, substantial amounts of the Company’s Common Shares in the public market may cause the Company’s Common Shares Market Price to decline significantly.
Compliance with Securities Laws
The Common Shares are being offered for sale in reliance upon certain exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, applicable Florida Securities Laws, and other applicable state securities laws. If the sale of Common Shares were to fail to qualify for these exemptions, purchasers may seek rescission of their purchases of the Common Shares. If a number of purchasers were to obtain rescission, the Company would face significant financial demands, which could adversely affect the Company as a whole, as well as any non-rescinding purchasers.
Offering Price
The price of the Common Shares offered has been arbitrarily established by the Company’s Managing Member. The Offering price bears little relationship to the assets, net worth, or any other objective criteria.
Federal Income Tax Risks
THE COMPANY HAS NOT OBTAINED A LEGAL OPINION CONCERNING THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON SHARES. Prospective purchasers of the Company’s Common Shares should consult their own tax advisors as to their own tax situation prior to investment in the Common Shares. The cost of such consultation could, depending on the amount thereof, materially increase the cost of investment in the Company’s Common Shares and decrease any anticipated yield on the investment. A number of changes in the tax laws have been made and/or are under consideration, and such professional consultation is essential.
NOTICE REGARDING AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE
THIS OFFERING CIRCULAR REQUIRES THAT ALL INVESTORS ARBITRATE ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THEIR INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON SHARES. ALL INVESTORS (INCLUDING RESALES) FURTHER AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATION WILL BE BINDING AND HELD IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN THE COUNTY OF DUVAL. EACH INVESTOR ALSO AGREES TO WAIVE ANY RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL. OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY FORCE AN INVESTOR TO ACCEPT A LESS FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT FOR DISPUTES. OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY ALSO COST AN INVESTOR MORE TO ARBITRATE A SETTLEMENT OF A DISPUTE. BY AGREEING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE ARBITRATION PROVISION IN THE COMPANY’S OPERATING AGREEMENT, INVESTORS / SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO WAIVE THE COMPANY'S COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER. (See “Arbitration Provision” in Item 15 of this Offering Circular).
Further, the Company’s Operating Agreement provides to the fullest extent permitted by law that unless the Company consents in writing to arbitrate, each Shareholder: a) irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue of any Florida State Court or U.S. Federal Court sitting in Jacksonville, Florida in any action arising out of this Agreement; and b) consents to the service of process by mail. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law or affect its right to bring any action in any other court.
The forum selection provision may increase costs to bring a claim, discourage claims, or limit a Shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, or other Employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, and other Employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find the forum selection provision contained in the Company’s Operating Agreement to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Company may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions. This provision in the Company’s Operating Agreement will not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal or concurrent jurisdiction for actions brought under the federal securities laws including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933, or the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
pg. 20 |
RISKS RELATED TO STATUS AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST:
The Company’s Ownership of and Relationship with Any Future Taxable Real Estate Investment Trust Subsidiary(s) will be Limited and a Failure to Comply with the Limits would Jeopardize the Company’s Real Estate Investment Trust Status and May Result in the Application of a 100% Excise Tax
A Real Estate Investment Trust may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more Taxable Real Estate Investment Trust Subsidiaries (“TRS”). A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent Real Estate Investment Trust. Both the subsidiary and the Real Estate Investment Trust must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a TRS. A corporation (other than a Real Estate Investment Trust) of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns securities possessing more than 35% of the total voting power or total value of the outstanding securities of such corporation will automatically be treated as a TRS. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a Real Estate Investment Trust's total assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs. A domestic TRS will pay U.S. Federal, State and Local Income Tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the TRS rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent Real Estate Investment Trust to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent Real Estate Investment Trust that are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. Any domestic TRS that the Company owns or forms will pay U.S. Federal, State and Local income tax on its taxable income, and its after-tax net income will be available for distribution to the Company but is not required to be distributed to the Company unless necessary to maintain the Company’s Real Estate Investment Trust qualification.
The Company does not currently own any subsidiaries that are expected to be TRSs, nor does the Company have any plans to establish any TRSs in the future. However, in the event that the Company chooses to form a TRS, it would need to comply with the foregoing requirements.
The Company Must Distribute Earnings and Profits in Its First Taxable Year as a Real Estate Investment Trust that are Attributable to any Period Before the Company is a Real Estate Investment Trust
In order to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust, the Company must not have accumulated earnings and profits attributable to any non-Real Estate Investment Trust years. A Real Estate Investment Trust has until the close of its first taxable year in which it has non-Real Estate Investment Trust accumulated earnings and profits to distribute any such accumulated earnings and profits. Unless the "deficiency dividend" procedures apply, and the Company complies with those procedures, failure to distribute such accumulated earnings and profits would result in the Company’s disqualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust.
The Company has been, and still is, taxable as a limited liability company. As of the date of this Offering Circular / Registration Statement, the Company does not have any taxable income or accumulated earnings and profits. Prior to being qualified as a Real Estate Investment Trust, the Company intends to make a cash distribution of any accumulated earnings and profits attributable to the period starting on the date of Qualification of this Offering and the Company’s registration as a Real Estate Investment Trust with the IRS.
Qualifying as a Real Estate Investment Trust Involves Highly Technical and Complex Provisions of the United States Tax Code
Qualifying as a Real Estate Investment Trust involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the United States Tax Code for which only limited judicial and administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize the Company’s Real Estate Investment Trust qualification. The Company’s qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust will depend on the Company’s satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, shareholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. Compliance with these requirements must be carefully monitored on a continuing basis, and there can be no assurance that the Company’s personnel responsible for doing so will be able to successfully monitor the Company’s compliance. In addition, the Company’s ability to satisfy the requirements to qualify to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust may depend, in part, on the actions of third parties over which the Company has either no control or only limited influence.
pg. 21 |
The Prohibited Transactions Tax May Limit the Company’s Ability to Dispose of the Company’s Properties
A Real Estate Investment Trust’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a tax of 100%. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. The Company may be subject to the prohibited transaction tax equal to 100% of net gain upon the disposition of real property. Although a safe harbor to the characterization of the sale of real property by a Real Estate Investment Trust as a prohibited transaction is available, the Company cannot assure you that it can comply with the safe harbor or that the Company will avoid owning property that may be characterized as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Consequently, the Company may choose not to engage in certain sales of its properties or may conduct such sales through a TRS, which would be subject to Federal and State Income Taxation.
Legislative, Administrative, Regulatory or Other Actions Affecting Real Estate Investment Trusts, Including Positions Taken by the IRS, Could Have an Adverse Impact on the Company’s Investors and/or the Company
The rules dealing with U.S. Federal Income Taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process, and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Changes to the tax laws, such as the tax law informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 ("TCJA") or the PATH Act enacted on December 18, 2015, or interpretations thereof by the IRS and the Treasury, with or without retroactive application, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s investors or the Company. The Company cannot predict how changes in the tax laws might affect the Company’s investors or the Company. New legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect the Company’s ability to qualify to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust and/or the U.S. Federal Income Tax consequences to the Company’s investors and the Company of such qualification.
Real Estate Investment Trust Cash Distribution Requirements Could Adversely Affect the Company’s Liquidity and the Company’s Ability to Execute Its Business Plan
In order for the Company to qualify to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust, and assuming that certain other requirements are also satisfied, the Company generally must distribute at least 90% of its Real Estate Investment Trust Taxable Income, determined without regard to the cash distributions paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains, to the Company’s Common Shares Shareholders each year, so that U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax does not apply to earnings that the Company distributes. To the extent that the Company satisfies this cash distribution requirement and qualifies for taxation as a Real Estate Investment Trust but distributes less than 100% of its Real Estate Investment Trust taxable income, determined without regard to the cash distributions paid deduction and including any net capital gains, the Company will be subject to U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax on its undistributed net taxable income. In addition, the Company will be subject to a 4% non-deductible excise tax if the actual amount that the Company distributes to its Common Shares Shareholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. Federal Income Tax laws. The Company intends to make cash distributions to its Common Shares Shareholders to comply with the Real Estate Investment Trust requirements.
Under some circumstances, the Company may be able to rectify a failure to meet the cash distribution requirement for a year by paying profit share to Common Shares Shareholders in a later year, which may be included in the Company’s deduction for cash distributions paid for the earlier year (known as "deficiency dividends"). Thus, the Company may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. The Company will, however, be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
The IRS has also issued Revenue Procedure 2017-45, authorizing elective stock dividends to be made by public Real Estate Investment Trusts. Pursuant to this revenue procedure, effective for distributions declared on or after August 11, 2017, the IRS will treat the distribution of common shares pursuant to an elective stock dividend as a distribution of property under Section 301 of the Code (i.e., as a dividend to the extent of our earnings and profits), as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other requirements outlined in the revenue procedure are met. In the case of a taxable stock dividend, Common Shares Shareholders of the Company may be required to include the cash distribution as income and would be required to satisfy the potential tax liability associated with the cash distribution with cash from other sources.
pg. 22 |
From time to time, the Company may generate taxable income greater than the Company’s cash flow as a result of differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt or amortization payments. If the Company does not have other funds available in these situations, the Company could be required to borrow funds on unfavorable terms, sell assets at disadvantageous prices, distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt, or make taxable cash distributions of the Company’s Common Shares or debt securities to make distributions sufficient to enable the Company to pay out enough of its taxable income to satisfy the Real Estate Investment Trust distribution requirement and avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year. These alternatives could increase the Company’s costs or reduce the Company’s equity. Further, amounts distributed will not be available to fund investment activities. Thus, compliance with the Real Estate Investment Trust requirements may hinder the Company’s ability to grow, which could adversely affect the value of the Company’s shares. Any restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness or make certain distributions could preclude the Company from meeting the 90% distribution requirement. Decreases in Funds from Operations due to unfinanced expenditures for acquisitions of properties or increases in the number of Common Shares outstanding without commensurate increases in Funds from Operations each would adversely affect the Company’s ability to maintain cash distributions to the Company’s Common Shares Shareholders. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to make cash distributions at the anticipated distribution rate or any other rate.
Complying with Real Estate Investment Trust Requirements May Cause the Company to Forego Otherwise Attractive Acquisition Opportunities or Liquidate Otherwise Attractive Investments
To qualify to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust for U.S. Federal Income Tax purposes, the Company must ensure that, at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of the Company’s assets consist of cash, cash items, government securities and "real estate assets" (as defined in the United States Tax Code), including certain mortgage loans and securities. The remainder of the Company’s investments (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer.
Additionally, in general, no more than 5% of the value of the Company’s total assets (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 20% of the value of the Company’s total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. If the Company fails to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, the Company must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing its Real Estate Investment Trust qualification and suffer adverse tax consequences. As a result, the Company may be required to liquidate or forego otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing the Company’s income and amounts available for cash distribution to holders of its Common Shares.
In addition to the asset tests set forth above, to qualify to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust, the Company must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of the Company’s income, the amounts the Company distributes to its Common Shares Shareholders and the ownership of the Company’s Common Shares. The Company may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to the Company in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying as a Real Estate Investment Trust. Thus, compliance with the Real Estate Investment Trust requirements may hinder the Company’s ability to make certain attractive investments.
Complying with Real Estate Investment Trust Requirements May Limit the Company’s Ability to Hedge Effectively and May Cause the Company to Incur Tax Liabilities
The Real Estate Investment Trust provisions of the United States Tax Code substantially limits the Company’s ability to hedge its assets and liabilities. Income from certain potential hedging transactions that the Company may enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets or from transactions to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that satisfies the Real Estate Investment Trust gross income tests (including gain from the termination of such a transaction) does not constitute "gross income" for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests that apply to Real Estate Investment Trusts, provided that certain identification requirements are met. To the extent that the Company enters into other types of hedging transactions or fails to properly identify such transaction as a hedge, the income is likely to be treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of both of the gross income tests.
pg. 23 |
As a result of these rules, the Company may be required to limit its use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a total return swap. This could increase the cost of the Company’s hedging activities because the total return swap may be subject to tax on gains or expose the Company to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than the Company would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in the total return swap will generally not provide any tax benefit, except that such losses could theoretically be carried back or forward against past or future taxable income in the total return swap.
The Share Ownership Limited Imposed by the United States Tax Code and the Company’s Operating Agreement May Inhibit Market Activity in the Company’s Shares and Restrict the Company’s Business Combination Opportunities
In order for the Company to maintain its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust under the United States Tax Code, not more than 50% in value of the Company’s outstanding shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the United States Tax Code to include certain entities) at any time during the last half of each taxable year after our first taxable year as a Real Estate Investment Trust. The Company’s Operating Agreement, with certain exceptions, will authorize the Company’s Managing Members, or its Board of Directors, to take the actions that are necessary and desirable to preserve the Company’s qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust. Unless exempted by the Company’s Management, or the Company’s Board of Directors, no person may beneficially own more than 9.8% of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares or more than 9.8% of any outstanding class or series of the Company’s preference Shares, as determined by value. The Company’s Management, or Board of Directors, may exempt a person from the ownership limit if the Company’s Management, or Board of Directors, receives a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of tax counsel that such ownership will not jeopardize the Company’s status as a Real Estate Investment Trust or such other documents the Company’s Management, or Board of Directors, deems appropriate. These ownership limits could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in the Company’s control that might involve a premium price for the Company’s Common Shares or otherwise be in the best interest of the Company’s Common Shares Shareholders.
Even if the Company Qualifies as a Real Estate Investment Trust for Federal Income Tax Purposes, the Company May be Subject to Other Liabilities that Reduces the Company’s Cash Flow and the Company’s Ability to Make Cash Distributions to Its Common Shares Shareholders
Even if the Company qualifies as a Real Estate Investment Trust for Federal Income Tax purposes, the Company may be subject to Federal, State and Local Taxes in certain situations. For example:
· | Since the Company may not qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust with respect to 2023, the Company may pay U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax on its net income in 2023. |
· | Income and gain from a "foreclosure property" are subject to special rules. Generally, income and gain from foreclosure property is subject to corporate income tax at the highest applicable rate. |
· | If the Company sells an asset that it would hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, the Company’s gain would be subject to the 100% "prohibited transaction" tax. |
· | If the Company fails to meet the gross income requirements but the failure is not due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, the Company will be required to pay a 100% tax equal to the product of the amount by which the non-qualifying income caused the Company to fail the gross income test and a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. |
· | If the Company fails to meet a certain gross asset test and cannot cure the violation with 30 days of quarter end, but the failure is not due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, the Company will be required to pay a tax of the greater of (i) $50,000 or (ii) the product of the value of the excess assets that caused the violation and the highest applicable corporate tax rate. |
· | If the Company fails to meet any Real Estate Investment Trust requirement other than the income or asset requirements and the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, the Company will be required to pay a $50,000 penalty per violation. |
pg. 24 |
RISKS RELATED TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:
The Company’s Managing Members and Member of the Company’s Board of Directors
The Company’s Managing Member and Members of the Company’s Board of Directors are subject to various conflicts of interest. The Company’s discusses these conflicts below and conclude this section with a discussion of the corporate governance measures that the Company has adopted to mitigate some of the risks posed by these conflicts.
Allocation of the Company’s Managing Member and the Company’s Members of the Board of Directors Time
The Company relies on the Company’s Managing Member and/or members of the Company’s Board of Directors to act on behalf of the Company’s best interests, which includes the day-to-day operation of the Company’s business. As a result of the Managing Member’s and/or the members of the Company’s Board of Directors interest(s) in other businesses, their obligation(s) to these other businesses (some of which may be real estate related, but not considered a competitor to that of the Company), the Company’s Managing Member and/or a member of the Company’s Board of Directors may face conflicts of interest in allocating their time to the Company depending on the business activities for which they are involved. However, the Company believes that the Company’s Managing Member and the members of the Company’s Board of Directors (once seated) will have sufficient time to fulfill their responsibilities to the Company.
Receipt of Fees and Other Compensation by the Company’s Managing Member and/or Members of the Company’s Board of Directors
The Company’s Managing Member and/or the Company’s Board of Directors will receive fees from the Company, which fees may not be negotiated at arm’s length. These fees could influence the Company’s Managing Member and/or member of the Company’s Board of Directors’ advice to the Company. Among other matters, these compensation arrangements could affect the Company’s Managing Member’s and/or a member of the Company’s Board of Directors judgment with respect to:
· | The continuation, renewal and/or enforcement of provisions of the Company’s Operating Agreement; |
· | The initiation, continuation, renewal and/or enforcement of any service agreement; |
· | Whether and/or when the Company pursues public offerings of equity by the Company, which will likely entitle the Company’s Managing Member and/or members of the Company’s Board of Directors to increased asset management fees and other fees; |
· | Whether and/or when the Company seeks to list is Common and/or Preferred Shares on a stock exchange or other trading market; |
· | Whether and/r when the Company seeks approval to internalize its management, which may entail acquiring assets (such as office space, furnishings, and technology costs) and the addition of key real estate professionals as salaried members of the Company performing professional services for the Company; |
· | Whether and/or when the Company seeks to sell the Company or its assets; and |
· | Whether and/or when the Company seeks to merge or consolidate its assets with other companies, including companies that may be affiliated with the Company’s Managing Member and/or a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. |
The Company’s Policy Relating to Conflict of Interest
In addition to the provisions in the Company’s Operating Agreement, the Company has adopted the following policies prohibiting the Company from entering into certain types of transactions with the Company’s Managing Member or any member of the Company’s Board of Directors to reduce the potential for conflicts of interest in transactions with the Managing Member or any member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
pg. 25 |
After the acquisition of the initial portfolio of properties as identified in this Offering Circular, the Company may not engage in the following types of transactions unless such transaction is approved by a majority vote of Shareholders of the Company holding voting rights in the Company, minus any votes of the Managing Member and the Company’s Board of Directors.
· | Sell or lease any investments to the Company’s Managing Member or any member of the Company’s Board of Directors unless approved by a majority vote of Shareholders of the Company holding voting rights in the Company, minus any votes of the Managing Member and the Company’s Board of Directors; |
· | Acquire or lease any investments from the Company’s Managing Member of any member of the Company’s Board of Directors unless approved by a majority vote of Shareholders of the Company holding voting rights in the Company, minus any votes of the Managing Member and the Company’s Board of Directors; |
· | Invest in or make mortgage loans in which the transaction with the Company’s Managing Member or any member of the Company’s Board of Directors, including any mortgage loans that are subordinate to any mortgage or equity interest of the Company’s Managing Member or any member of the Company’s Board of Directors. |
By investing in this Offering, a Shareholder concludes that all initial portfolio acquisitions, and the terms of those acquisitions, are fair and reasonable to the Shareholder.
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pg. 26 |
ITEM 6: COMPANY OWNERSHIP & DILUTION:
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC. is a Florida Limited Liability Company and was formed on October 5 of 2018. The Company currently has 20,000 Common Shares Issued and Outstanding, and current ownership of those Common Shares are detailed below. Upon the Completion of this Offering 1,000,000 Common Shares will be Issued and Outstanding.
Name and Address of Record Owner | Prior to Offering: | After Completion of Offering |
MARK T. OCEPEK 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202 (i)(ii)
|
8,493 Common Shares (42.47% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
84,930 Common Shares (8.49% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
BRYCE OCEPEK 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202 (i)(iii)
|
8,492 Common Shares (42.46% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
84,920 Common Shares (8.49% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
JAMES A. STUBER 205 WORTH AVENUE SUITE 201 PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33480 (iv)
|
500 Common Shares (2.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
5,000 Common Shares (0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
PIERRE LAPORTE 2398 SADLER ROAD FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA 32034 (*)(v)
|
120 Common Shares (0.6% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,200 Common Shares (0.12% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
LEE FRANKHOUSER 12008 SOUTH SHORE BLVD SUITE 208 WELLINGTON, FLORIDA 33414 (*)(vi)
|
100 Common Shares (0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,000 Common Shares (0.1% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
GENE D. LIPSCHER 1025 WEST INDIANTOWN ROAD SUITE 106 JUPITER, FLORIDA 33458 (*)(vii)
|
100 Common Shares (0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,000 Common Shares (0.1% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
SYNDICATE LEGAL & FINANCIAL, LLC 355 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA 90071 (*)
|
1,000 Common Shares (5.0% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
10,000 Common Shares (1.0% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
BRYLEN ERICKSEN 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
(0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,000 Common Shares (0.1% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
pg. 27 |
ERNEST JENKINS, JR. 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
75 Common Shares (0.375% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
750 Common Shares (0.075% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
HALEY DEVOL 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
10 Common Shares (0.05% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
100 Common Shares (0.01% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
REIDAR HUBBARD 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
10 Common Shares (0.05% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
100 Common Shares (0.01% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
JAMES A. STUBER, AS TRUSTEE 205 WORTH AVENUE SUITE 201 PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33480 (viii)
|
1,000 Common Shares (5.00% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
10,000 Common Shares (1.00% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
NEW COMMON SHARES SHAREHOLDERS
|
0 Common Shares (0.0% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
800,000 Common Shares (80.0% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
(i) The Company has entered into a non-dilution agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Non-Dilution Agreement”) whereby the Company has agreed that the Common Shares of Mark T. Ocepek, Bryce K. Ocepek, Syndicate Legal & Financial, LLC, James A. Stuber, Pierre LaPorte, Lee Frankenhouser, Gene D. Lipscher, Brylen Ericksen, Ernest Jenkins, Jr., Haley Devol, Reidar Hubbard, and James A. Stuber as Trustee (hereinafter the “Non-Dilutive Shareholders” shall not be subject to dilution in any manner without the express written consent of any such Non-Dilutive Shareholder. During such period that any Non-Dilutive Shareholder owns Common Shares in the Company, the Company shall take no action, directly or indirectly, to dilute or attempt to dilute the Common Shares issued to, and held by, such Non-Dilutive Shareholder. If, with the express written consent of all the Non-Dilutive Shareholders, additional shares of the Company’s Common Shares are issued, then the same number of free trading Common Shares, if applicable at time of issue, shall be issued to the Non-Dilutive Shareholders to maintain each Non-Dilutive Shareholder’s pro rata percentage prior to additional issuance of such Common Shares of the Company. The Non-Dilution Agreement does not survive any resale or transfer of the Common Shares from any Non-Dilutive Shareholder, and no shareholder who acquires Common Shares from a Non-Dilutive Shareholder will have any benefits of the Non-Dilution Agreement.
(ii) Mark T. Ocepek is the Managing Member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(iii) Bryce Ocepek is the President and Member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(iv) James A. Stuber is the In-House Legal Counsel and Member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(v) Pierre Laporte is the Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(vi) Lee Frankhouser is an Independent Member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
(vii) Gene D. Lipscher is an Independent Member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
(viii) James A. Stuber is holding in trust 1,000 Common Shares for issuance pursuant to compensation awards as the Managing Member and/or Board of Directors of the Company may direct from time-to-time.
pg. 28 |
Future Dilution
For the business purposes, from time-to-time the Company may issue additional Common Shares, which may result in dilution of existing Common Shares. Dilution is a reduction in the percentage of Common Shares caused by the issuance of Common Shares. Dilution can also occur when holders of options (such as broker dealer options) or holders of other optionable securities exercise their options. When the number of Common Shares outstanding increases, each existing Common Shares Shareholder will own a smaller, or diluted, percentage of the company, making each Common Share less valuable. Dilution may also reduce the value of existing Common Shares by reducing the Common Share’s earnings per Common Share. There is no guarantee that dilution of the Common Shares of the Company will not occur in the future.
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pg. 29 |
ITEM 7. PLAN FOR DISTRIBUTION:
The Offering Period will commence upon this Offering Circular being Qualified by the SEC. The Company is offering up to $75,000,000 USD of its Common Shares pursuant to this Offering Circular. The Company anticipates that the Common Shares will be sold by the Company and its Management / Officers. The Company’s Management / Officers who will be offering the Common Shares are not deemed to be brokers under Rule 3a4-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with the provisions of Rule 3a4-1(a), Officers who sell Shares of the Company’s Common Shares will not be compensated by commission, will not be associated with any broker or dealer, and will limit their activities so that, among other things, they do not engage in oral solicitations of, and comply with certain specified limitations when responding to inquiries from potential Qualified Purchasers.
The proceeds of this Offering will not be placed into an escrow account. The Company will not accept subscription payments associated with subscription agreements until the Company has raised at least $468,750. At the time the minimum threshold is met, the Company will accept subscription payments, Common Shares of the Company will be issued, and investors will become Shareholders of the Company. If the Company does not meet the minimum threshold within 12-months after commencing this Offering, the Company will cancel this Offering and release all investors from their investment commitments.
The minimum number of Common Shares that will be sold to any investor is ONE (1) Common Shares for a total investment of NINETY-THREE DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS ($93.75 USD). Investors cannot purchase fractional Common Shares. Investors whose purchase of Common Shares is accepted shall be referred to herein individually as a “Shareholder” or collectively as the “Shareholders”.
The Offering will terminate upon the earlier of (i) such time as all of the Common Shares have been sold pursuant to this Offering Circular; (ii) the date that is twelve (12) months from the date that this Offering is qualified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission unless extended by the Company for an additional ninety (90) days, in the sole discretion of the Management of the Company, without notice to or consent from investors; or (iii) the date at which the Offering is earlier terminated by the Company in the sole discretion of the Management of the Company, which may occur at any time. The Company reserves the right to terminate the Offering at any time and for any reason, without notice to or consent from any purchaser of the Common Shares in this Offering.
Once the SEC qualifies this Offering, the Company will be permitted to generally solicit investors nationwide by use of various advertising mediums, such as print, radio, television, and the Internet.
This Offering Circular will be furnished to prospective investors upon their request via electronic PDF format and will be available for viewing and download 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Company’s website, as well as on the United States Securities & Exchange Commission’s website at www.SEC.gov.
In order to subscribe to purchase the Company’s Common Shares, a prospective investor must electronically complete, sign and deliver to the Company an executed Subscription Agreement (see “Exhibit A” of this Offering Circular), and wire funds for the Subscription Amount in accordance with the instructions provided therein.
An investor will become a Shareholder, including for tax purposes, and the Company’s Common Shares will be issued, as of the date of settlement. Settlement will not occur until an investor’s funds have cleared and the Company accepts the investor as a Shareholder.
The Company reserves the right to reject any investor’s subscription in whole or in part for any reason, including if the Company determines in the sole and absolute discretion of its Management, that such investor is not a “Qualified Purchaser” for the purposes of Section 18(b)(4)(D)(ii) of the Securities Act. If the Offering terminates or if any prospective investor’s subscription is rejected, all funds received from such investors will be returned without interest or deduction.
The Company’s Common Shares will be exempt from State Law “Blue Sky” review, subject to meeting certain state filing requirements and complying with certain anti-fraud provisions, to the extent that the Company’s Common Shares offered hereby are offered and sold only to “Qualified Purchasers”.
pg. 30 |
Qualified Purchasers include:
1. | Accredited Investors as defined under Rule 501(a) of Regulation D; and |
2. | All other investors so long as their investment in the Company’s Common Shares does not represent more than ten percent (10%) of the greater of their annual income or net worth (for natural persons), or 10% of the greater of annual revenue or net assets at fiscal year-end (for non-natural persons). |
However, the Company’s Common Shares will be offered and sold only to those investors that are within the latter category (i.e., investors whose investment in the Company’s Common Shares does not represent more than ten percent (10%) of the applicable amount), regardless of an investor’s status as an “accredited investor”. Accordingly, the Company and its management, reserves the right to reject any investor’s subscription in whole or in part for any reason, including if the Company’s Management, in their sole and absolute and absolute discretion that such investor is not a “Qualified Purchaser” for purposes of Regulation A.
To determine whether a potential investor is an “Accredited Investor” for purpose of satisfying one of the tests in the “Qualified Purchaser” definition, the investor must be a natural person who has:
1. | An individual net worth, or joint net worth with the person’s spouse, that exceeds $1,000,000. USD at the time of the purchase, excluding the value of the primary residence of such person; or |
2. | Earned income exceeding $200,000 USD in each of the two most recent years, or joint income with a spouse exceeding $300,000 USD for those years and a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year. |
3. | If not a natural person, one of the following: |
a. | An employee benefit plan within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) (a) if the investment decision is made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) thereof, which is (i) a bank; (ii) a savings and loan association, (iii) an insurance company or (iv) a registered investment advisor, or (b) if the employee benefit plan has total assets in excess of $5 Million USD, or (c) if the employee benefit plan is a self-directed plan, with investment decisions made solely by persons that are accredited investors; |
b. | A trust, with total assets in excess of $5 Million USD, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities of the company being offered, whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person as described in Rule 506(b)(2)(ii) of Regulation D of the Securities Act; |
c. | A bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity, a savings and loan association or other institution as defined in section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities Act, whether acting in its individual or fiduciary capacity; |
d. | A broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; |
e. | An insurance company as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act; |
f. | An investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) or registered pursuant to the laws of a state; any investment adviser relying on the exemption from registering with the SEC under section 203(l) or (m) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”); |
g. | A business development company as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act; |
h. | A Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration under section 301(c) or (d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; |
i. | Any rural Business Investment Company as defined in section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act; |
j. | A private business development company as defined in section 202(a)(22) of the Advisers Act; |
k. | A corporation, a Massachusetts or similar business trust, partnership, limited liability company or an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities of the issuer being offering, with total assets in excess of $5 Million USD; |
pg. 31 |
l. | A plan established or maintained by a state or its political subdivisions or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees, if such plan has total asses in excess of $5 Million USD; |
m. | Any entity not formed for the specific purposes of acquiring the securities offered, owning investments in excess of $5 Million USD; |
n. | Any natural person holding in good standing one or more professional certifications or designations or credentials from an accredited educational institution that the SEC has designated as qualifying an individual for accredited investor status; |
o. | Any natural person who is a “knowledgeable employee,” as defined in rule 3c-5(a)(4) under the Investment Company Act, of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold where the issuer would be an investment company, as defined in section 3 of such act, but for the exclusion provided by either section 3(c)(1) or section 3(c)(7) of such act; |
p. | Any “family office,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act (i) with assets under management of $5 Million USD, (ii) not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, and (iii) whose prospective investment is directed by a person who has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such family office is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment; |
q. | Any “family client,” as defined in rule 202(a)(11)(G)-1 under the Advisers Act, of a family office that qualifies as an accredited investor pursuant to subsection (xvi) above, whose prospective investment in the issuer is directed by such family office; |
r. | Any director or executive officer of the company; or |
s. | An entity in which all the equity owners are accredited investors. |
For purposes of determining whether a potential investor is a “Qualified Purchaser”, annual income and net worth should be calculated as provided in the “Accredited Investor” definition under Rule 501 of Regulation D. In particular, net worth in all cases should be calculated excluding the value of an investor’s home, home furnishings and automobiles.
Advertising, Sales & Promotional Materials: In addition to this Offering Circular, the Company plans to market the Company’s Common Shares both online and offline. The Company’s online marketing may take the form of contacting potential investors through electronic media and posting this Offering Circular on an online platform. At this time the Company has no engagements or agreement for the posting of its Offering Circular, and should the Company enter into such an agreement, the Company will immediately amend this Offering Circular to disclose those details. Currently, the Company does not expect to use additional advertising, sales and other promotional materials in connection with this Offering. This Offering is made only by means of this Offering Circular and prospective investors must read and rely on the information provided in this Offering Circular in connection with their decision to invest in the Company’s Common Shares.
Supplements and Post-Qualification Amendments to this Offering Circular: In compliance with Rule 253(e) of Regulation A, the Company shall revise this Offering Circular during the course of the Offering whenever information herein has become false or misleading in light of existing circumstances, material developments have occurred or there has been an fundamental change in the information initially presented. Such updates will not only correct such misleading information but shall also provide updated financial statements and shall be filed as an Exhibit to the Offering Circular and be requalified under Rule 252.
pg. 32 |
ITEM 8. USE OF INVESTMENT PROCEEDS BY COMPANY:
The following two tables set forth certain information concerning the estimated use of investment proceeds of the Offering. Many of the amounts set forth in the two tables below both represent the best estimate of the Company since they cannot be precisely calculated at this time.
Table 1 of 2:
A. | Sale of the Company’s Common Shares: |
Category | Maximum Proceeds |
Percentage of Total Proceeds |
Minimum Proceeds |
Percentage of Proceeds |
Proceeds from Sale of Common Shares
|
$75,000,000 | 100% | $468,750 |
100% |
B. | Offering Expenses |
Category | Maximum Proceeds |
Percentage of Total Proceeds |
Minimum Proceeds |
Percentage of Proceeds |
Offering Expenses
|
$0.00 | 0.00% | $0.00 | 0.00% |
1. | The price per Common Share shown above was determined by the Management of the Company. |
2. | The Common Shares will be offered and sold directly by the Company and its Management / Officers. No commissions for selling the Common Shares will be paid to the Company or its Management / Officers. |
3. | The Company will be reimbursed for organization, offering, accounting and legal costs in connection with this offering, which are expected to be approximately five percent (5.0%) of the total capital raised. |
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pg. 33 |
Table 2 of 2:
SUMMARY USE OF INVESTMENT PROCEEDS:
| |
$175,000
|
Estimated Costs Associated with Offering (includes Capital Markets Advisory, Financial Audit, Legal Counsel, Transfer Agent, Formation, etc.).
|
$74,825,000 |
Real Estate Investment Activities, which includes (but may not be limited to): debt service of the current portfolio of properties, the retirement of any debts secured to any of the properties, the acquisition of any new properties, the development or redevelopment of any new or existing properties, the due diligence of any potential new properties, and general operating costs of the Company (see note below in regard to operating costs).
|
$75,000,000
|
TOTAL |
NOTE: The Company expects to pay its Managing Member and its Board of Directors for their services in connection with managing the Company’s daily affairs as detailed in Item 12 of this Offering Circular. The Company expects that no less than 97% of all investor proceeds will be used for the purposes of acquiring single-family & multifamily income producing properties, and the management of those real estate assets, while no greater than 3% of all investor proceeds will go towards operational costs of the Company.
The Company may not be able to promptly invest the net proceeds of this Offering in single-family & multifamily income producing properties. In the interim, the Company may invest in short-term, highly liquid, or other authorized investments, subject to the requirements for qualification as a REIT. Such short-term investments may not earn as the Company may expect to earn on its real estate-related investments.
The Management of the Company has significant flexibility and broad discretion in applying the net proceeds received in this Offering. These are the best estimates of the Company’s financial requirements and plans for fiscal years 2024 through 2025. The Company may reallocate the estimated use of proceeds among the various categories or for other uses if the Company’s Management deems such reallocation to be appropriate. The Company cannot assure you that the capital budget will be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s operational needs, or that the Company will have sufficient capital to fund its business.
pg. 34 |
ITEM 9. ABOUT THE COMPANY / ISSUER
The Company is a self-managed and self-administered company that specializes in the acquisition, ownership, leasing, and management of single-family and multifamily income producing properties. The Company currently owns and operates a portfolio of seven (7) single-family, (2) multifamily properties and one mortgage note secured to (1) 120 Unit Storage Facility in the state of Florida, with a combined market value of approximately $4,950,900, and consist of the following:
1. 6858 Champlain Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32208:
PROPERTY TYPE | Single Family Dwelling |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $100,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $71,000 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $161,000 |
ESTIMATED VALUE | $206,300 |
CURRENT DEBT (to be paid from Offering Proceeds) | $120,250 |
TOTAL EQUITY | $86,050 |
LOT SIZE | 8,651 |
HOME SQF | 1,088 |
BEDROOMS | 3 |
BATHROOMS | 2 |
YEAR BUILT | 1960 |
PROPERTY TAXES | $2,665.60 (annually) |
MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS | $1,565.00 ($18,780 annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE | $1,505 ($18,060 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
LEASE STATUS | Leased |
LEASE START DATE | January 15th, 2023 |
LEASE END-DATE | January 14th, 2024 |
Additional Details: 6858 Champlain Rd is a newly acquired 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,088 square foot single family rental home that was acquired at a very favorable price point of $100,000! The 1960 built home had great bones but needed a full rehab including all systems, electrical, plumbing and interior cosmetics. Located in a solid rental neighborhood in Northwest Jacksonville, just a few blocks from the Trout River.
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pg. 35 |
2. 4300 Lexington Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32210:
PROPERTY TYPE | Single Family Dwelling |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $195,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $113,500 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $308,500 |
ESTIMATED VALUE | $360,000 |
CURRENT DEBT | $0 |
TOTAL EQUITY | $360,000 |
LOT SIZE | 7,387 |
HOME SQF | 1,339 |
BEDROOMS | 2 |
BATHROOMS | 1 |
YEAR BUILT | 1929 |
PROPERTY TAXES | $3,943 (annually) |
MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS | $1,895.00 ($22,740 annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE | $1,400 ($16,800 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
LEASE STATUS | Leased |
LEASE START DATE | August 1st, 2023 |
LEASE END-DATE | Month-to-Month |
4300 Lexington Avenue was a neglected 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 1,399 square foot single family that was acquired at a low entry price point of $195,000. The 1920’s built home had great concrete block bones but needed a full rehab. Everything in the property was original from when it was built! The property is located in the high-value neighborhood of Avondale in Jacksonville, just a few blocks from the Avondale historic district.
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pg. 36 |
3. 1950 Paine Avenue, Unit B7, Jacksonville, Florida 32211:
PROPERTY TYPE | Condominium |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $87,500 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $8,500 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $95,500 |
ESTIMATED VALUE | $138,600 |
CURRENT DEBT | $0.00 |
TOTAL EQUITY | $138,600 |
LOT SIZE | N/A |
HOME SQF | 1,039 |
BEDROOMS | 3 |
BATHROOMS | 2 |
YEAR BUILT | 1973 |
PROPERTY TAXES | $1,028 (annually) |
MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS | $1,475 ($17,700 annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE | $763.33 ($9,159.96 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
LEASE STATUS | Leased |
LEASE START DATE | June 1, 2023 |
LEASE END-DATE | May 31, 2024 |
1950 Paine Ave, Unit B7 was a neglected 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,039 square foot single family condominium that was acquired at a very favorable price point of $87,500! The condo had great bones but needed an A/C system replacement as well as repairing fixtures to get it rent ready. The property is located in the family friendly neighborhood of Arlington in Jacksonville, just a few blocks from Jacksonville University.
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pg. 37 |
4. 1034 Beckner Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32218:
PROPERTY TYPE | Single Family Dwelling |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $116,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $45,000 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $161,000 |
ESTIMATED VALUE | $200,000.00 |
CURRENT DEBT | $0.00 |
TOTAL EQUITY | $200,000 |
LOT SIZE | 8,400 Sqf. |
HOME SQF | 1,198 |
BEDROOMS | 4 |
BATHROOMS | 1.5 |
YEAR BUILT | 1961 |
PROPERTY TAXES | $1,255.06 (annually) |
MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS | $1,600 ($19,200 annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE | $1,259.08 ($15,108.96 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
LEASE STATUS | Not Leased / For Lease |
LEASE START DATE | N/A |
LEASE END-DATE | N/A |
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pg. 38 |
5. 135 East 17th Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32206:
PROPERTY TYPE | Multifamily Dwelling |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $438,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $115,000 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $553,000 |
ESTIMATED VALUE (Projected) | $700,000 |
CURRENT DEBT (to be paid from Offering Proceeds) | $450,000 (Credit Line / Subject to Change) |
TOTAL EQUITY | $250,000 |
NUMBER OF UNITS | 6 |
LOT SIZE | 5,000 Sqf. |
PROPERTY / DWELLING SQF | 3,161 Sqf. |
BEDROOMS | 6 |
BATHROOMS | 6 |
YEAR BUILT | 1909 & 1940 (Two Buildings) |
PROPERTY TAXES | $1,741.20 (annually) |
CURRENT MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS | $3,675 ($44,100) |
PROJECTED MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS | $5,930 ($71,160 annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE * Projected based on stabilized asset refinance at current market interest rates * | $4,000 ($48,000 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
LEASE STATUS | Partially Leased |
LEASE START DATE | Multiple Units – Leases Pending |
LEASE END-DATE | Multiple Units – Leases Pending |
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pg. 39 |
6. 6910 Cartier Circle, Jacksonville, Florida 32208:
PROPERTY TYPE | Single Family Dwelling |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $130,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $80,000 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $210,000 |
ESTIMATED VALUE | $260,000 |
CURRENT DEBT (to be paid from Offering Proceeds) | $204,000 |
TOTAL EQUITY | $56,000 |
LOT SIZE | 7,875 Sqf. |
HOME SQF | $1,860 Sqf. |
BEDROOMS | 3 |
BATHROOMS | 2.5 |
YEAR BUILT | 1959 |
PROPERTY TAXES | $2,063.40 (annually) |
MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS (Projected) | $2,000 ($24,000 annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE (Projected) | $1,561.97 ($18,743.64 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
LEASE STATUS | Not Leased (under construction) |
LEASE START DATE | N/A |
LEASE END-DATE | N/A |
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pg. 40 |
7. 1268 Orton Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32205:
PROPERTY TYPE | Single-Family Dwelling |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $90,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $55,000 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $145,000 |
ESTIMATED VALUE | $190,000 |
CURRENT DEBT (to be paid from Offering Proceeds) | $128,500 |
TOTAL EQUITY | $61,500 |
LOT SIZE | 7,500 Sqf. |
HOME SQF | $1,066 |
BEDROOMS | 3 |
BATHROOMS | 1 |
YEAR BUILT | 1954 |
PROPERTY TAXES | $2,077.70 (annually) |
MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS (projected) | $1,450 ($17,400 annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE (projected) | $1,052.53 ($12,630.30 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
LEASE STATUS | Construction Completed 9/13/2023; Listed for Rent on Market 9/14/2023 |
LEASE START DATE | N/A |
LEASE END-DATE | N/A |
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pg. 41 |
8. 2424 Hibiscus Drive, Edgewater, Florida 32141 (Mortgage Note Held by Company):
PROPERTY TYPE | Self-Storage Facility |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $650,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $130,000 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $780,000 |
SALE PRICE (07/08/2022) | $1,025,000 |
ESTIMATED VALUE (Per Internal Valuation) | $1,300,000 |
CURRENT DEBT HELD BY ANABASIS, LLC | $700,000 |
BORROWER: Edgewater Self Storage, LLC | |
** See Audited Financial Statements for more details. |
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pg. 42 |
9. 218-228 North Oleander Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32218:
PROPERTY TYPE | Multifamily Dwelling |
ACQUISITION PRICE: | $1,350,000 |
IMPROVEMENTS COSTS | $475,000 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT | $2,040,000 |
ESTIMATED VALUE (Per Appraisal) | $2,200,000 |
CURRENT DEBT | $2,040,000 |
TOTAL EQUITY | $160,000 |
LOT SIZE | 18,750 Sqf. |
RENTABLE SQF (three buildings) | 7,532 Sqf. |
NUMBER OF UNITS | 17 |
YEAR BUILT (three buildings) | 1945, 1945 & 1948 |
PROPERTY TAXES | $12,734.19 (annually) |
MONTHLY GROSS RENTAL PROCEEDS (fully leased) | $20,400 ($244,800) annually) |
MONTHLY NET OPERATING REVENUE (fully leased) | $13,954.67 ($167,456 annually) |
NAME ON TITLE | Anabasis, LLC |
NUMBER OF UNITS LEASED | 11 |
NUMBER OF UNITS AVAILABLE | 6 |
The Company expects to use the funds secured through this Offering to retire the debts secured to its current portfolio of properties and invest the remaining in a diversified portfolio of single-family & multifamily properties (value of $100,000 to $1.5 Million each) and pay operating expenses. The Company expects to pay its Managing Member and its Board of Directors for their services in connection with managing the Company’s daily affairs as detailed in Item 12 of this Offering Circular. The Company expects that no less than 97% of all investor proceeds will be used for the purposes of acquiring single-family and multifamily income producing properties, and the management of those real estate assets, while no greater than 3% of all investor proceeds will go towards operational costs of the Company.
The Company may not be able to promptly invest the net proceeds of this Offering in single-family and multifamily income producing properties. In the interim, the Company may invest in short-term, highly liquid, or other authorized investments, subject to the requirements for qualification as a REIT. Such short-term investments may not earn as the Company may expect to earn on its real estate-related investments.
The Company will generate substantially all of its revenue by leasing its properties to tenants under traditional residential lease agreements, under which the Company pays the costs of real estate taxes, insurance and other operating costs of the property and capital expenditures. Each property will be managed by a qualified operator with an experienced management team. The Company will be entitled to monthly rent paid by tenants and the Company will not receive any income or bear any expenses from the operation of such properties. The Company intends to elect to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust for Federal Income Tax Purposes commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2024.
Prospective investors should bear in mind that targeted performance for each acquisition is not a guarantee, projection, forecast or prediction and is not necessarily indicative of future results. These performance targets are as of the date hereof and may change in the future. The performance targets are based on the assumption that economic, market and other conditions will not deteriorate and, in some cases, will improve. These performance targets are also based on estimates and assumptions about performance believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, but actual realized returns of the Company’s investments will depend on, among other factors, the ability to consummate attractive investments, future operating results, the value of the assets and market conditions at the time of disposition, any related transaction costs and the timing and manner of sale, all of which may differ from the assumptions and circumstances on which targeted returns are based. The Company believes the performance targets are reasonable, but prospective investors should keep in mind that this investment involves a high degree of risk, and they should purchase the Common Shares only if they can afford a complete loss of their investment.
pg. 43 |
Investment Company Act Considerations:
The Company intends to conduct its real estate investment operations so that the Company, nor any of its current and/or future subsidiaries, is required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer that is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer that is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding forty percent (40%) of the value of the issuer’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. Government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis, which the Company refers to as the “Forty Percent Test.” Excluded from the term “securities,” among other things, are U.S. Government securities and securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exemption from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act.
The Company anticipates that it will hold real estate and real estate-related assets (i) directly, (ii) through wholly-owned subsidiaries, (iii) through majority-owned joint venture subsidiaries, and (iv) to a lesser extent, through minority-owned joint venture subsidiaries.
The Company will monitor its compliance with the Forty Percent Test and the holdings of its subsidiaries to ensure that each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with an applicable exemption or exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. The securities issued by any wholly-owned or majority owned subsidiary that the Company forms and that is excluded from the definition of “Investment Company” based on Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act, together with any other investment securities the Company may own, may not have a value in excess of forty percent (40%) of the value of the Company’s total assets on an unconsolidated basis.
In addition, the Company believes that it, nor any of its current and/or future subsidiaries, will be considered investment companies under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because the Company, and the Company’s current and/or future subsidiaries, will not engage primarily, or hold themselves out as being, engaged in non-investment company businesses related to real estate. Consequently, the Company, and none of its current and/or future subsidiaries, expect to be able to conduct operations such that none will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
The determination of whether an entity is a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company is made by the management of the Company. The Investment Company Act defines a majority-owned subsidiary of a person as a company fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of which are owned by such person, or by another company which is a majority-owned subsidiary of such person. The Investment Company Act further defines voting securities as any security presently entitling the owner or holder thereof to vote for the election of directors of a company. The Company will treat companies in which it may own at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities as majority-owned securities. The Company shall also treat subsidiaries of which it, or its wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiary is the manager (in a manager-managed entity) or managing member (in a member-managed entity) or in which the Company’s agreement, or the agreement of the Company’s wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiary is required for all major decisions affecting the subsidiaries (referred to hereinafter as “Controlled Subsidiaries”), as majority-owned subsidiaries even though none of the interests issued by such Controlled Subsidiaries meets the definition of voting securities under the Investment Company Act. The Company believes that the interests issued by the Controlled Subsidiaries are the functional equivalent of voting securities. The determination of whether an entity is a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company will be made by the management of the Company.
The Company’s loss of these exclusions from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act could require the Company to restructure its operations, sell certain assets or abstain from the purchase of certain assets, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
pg. 44 |
ITEM 10. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFERING:
The following information is only a brief summary of, and is qualified in its entirety by, the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Offering Circular.
Securities Offered: |
Up to 800,000 Shares of the Company’s Common Shares on a “best efforts” basis to Qualified Purchasers who meet the Investor Suitability Standards as set forth in this Offering Circular. |
Offering Price Per Share: |
$93.75 USD per Share of the Company’s Common Shares. |
Shares Outstanding Before this Offering: |
As of the date of this Offering Circular, the following Shares of the Company’s Capital Shares are issued and outstanding:
· 20,000 - Common Shares; · 1,000 - Preferred Shares; · 0 - Options for Common Shares in the Amount of: $0.00 · 0 - Share Warrants for up to 0 Shares of Common Shares |
Minimum Number of Shares to be Sold in this Offering: |
The minimum number of Shares of the Company’s Common Shares to be sold in this Offering before the Company can have access to the Investment Proceeds is 5,000 Shares ($420,000 USD). |
Shares After this |
1,000,000 Shares of the Company’s Common Shares will be Issued and Outstanding at the conclusion of this Offering. |
Regulation A Tier: |
Tier II |
Manner of Offering: |
See Item 6, “Plan for Distribution” of this Offering Circular. |
Investor Suitability Standards: |
Accredited Investors pursuant to Rule 501 and non-accredited investors. Pursuant to Rule 251(d)(2)(C), non-accredited investors who are natural persons may only invest the greater of 10% of their annual income or net worth. Non-natural non-accredited persons may invest up to 10% of the greater of their net assets or revenues for the most recently completed fiscal year. |
Termination of this Offering: |
This Offering will terminate upon the earlier of (i) such time as all of the Company’s Common Shares have been sold pursuant to this Offering Circular, (ii) the date that is twelve (12) months from the date that this Offering is Qualified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, unless extended by the Company for an additional ninety (90) days, in the sole discretion of the Management of the Company, without notice to or consent from investors; or (iii) the date at which the Offering is earlier terminated by the Company’s Management in their sole discretion, which may occur at any time. The Company reserves the right to terminate the Offering at any time and for any reason, without notice of our consent to any purchaser of the Company’s Common Shares in this Offering. |
pg. 45 |
Company Information: |
The Company’s Principal Executive Offices are located at: 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100-008, Jacksonville, Florida 32216; the Company’s Phone Number is (904) 583-9354; the Company’s Corporate Website is located at https://anabasisreit.com. No information on the Company’s Website is part of this Offering Circular. |
Commissions for Selling Shares: |
Shares of the Company’s Common Shares will be offered and sold directly by the Company and its Officers / Managers. No commissions for selling Shares of the Company’s Common Shares will be paid to the Company or its Officers / Managers. The Company’s Common Shares may also be sold by a SEC registered Broker-Dealer and a member of FINRA, pursuant to the “Broker-Dealer Agreement”. Under the Broker-Dealer Agreement, the Company may agree to pay the following: (i) an engagement fee of a To-Be-Determined amount; (ii) a commission of five percent (5%) of the capital raise; and (iii) shares warrants to purchase an amount of Common Shares of the Company equal to the amount of commission paid to the broker / dealer in connection with this capital raise. |
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pg. 46 |
ITEM 11. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
A. | The Company’s day-to-day operations are managed by the Company’s Officers. |
MR. MARK T. OCEPEK | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & MANAGING MEMBER (INSIDER) |
Mr. Mark Ocepek is the Company’s Chairman of the Board & Management Member. Mark started his investment career in 1996 with OmniAmerica Towers as a Tower Investment Analyst and Project Manager. After the company was sold to American Tower in 1999, Mark developed Riverside Investment Partners, L.P., a diversified investment fund with a special focus on land development, commercial real estate, industrial real estate, and single-family homes. Following the investment completion of the Riverside Investment Fund, Mr. Ocepek developed Anabasis, LLC, focusing the Company’s investment in multifamily, single family and self-storage real estate properties.
Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Finance from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida and also a Master of Science Degree from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
MR. BRYCE K. OCEPEK | PRESIDENT & MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (INSIDER) |
Bryce Ocepek is an accomplished real estate investment professional and brings strategic planning, financial experience and vision to the management team. Bryce has extensive experience in commercial real estate and directs all investment activities for the Investment Manager including the procurement of acquisitions, project financing, and underwriting. He also assists in property management, dispositions and risk management activities. His ability to seek out and acquire distressed multifamily, commercial, and various other investment properties combined with his expertise of the marketplace have been instrumental in the success of Anabasis Capital.
Prior to co-founding Anabasis Capital, Bryce worked for Berkshire Hathaway, Pineywoods Realty, EquityPro and started Anabasis Realty, LLC where he has brokered the sale of a combined $25+ million dollars of investment real estate including multifamily, mobile home parks, self storage facilities, and much more. Bryce has extensive experience as an astute investor and project manager and has continually provided exceptional returns on each and every investment he has partnered on.
Bryce is a graduate of Florida State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with an emphasis in real estate. He is a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, and managing broker for Anabasis Realty, LLC.
MR. JAMES A. STUBER, ESQ. | LEGAL COUNSEL & BOARD OF DIRECTORS (INSIDER) |
James Stuber is responsible for the administrative, financial, and legal aspects of the Company. A longtime member of the Florida Bar and the District of Columbia Bar, he has extensive experience in business organization and operation, real estate transactions, and private equity fund administration, including the formation and operation of Riverside Investment Partners, L.P. and Shoot GTR. Prior to founding his own practice, Jim was an associate attorney at the Washington, DC law firm of Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells) and served as legislative director for Florida Congressman Paul Rogers.
Mr. Stuber holds his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science Degree in Political Science from Columbia University, and his Law Degree from the Georgetown University Law Center.
MR. PIERRE LAPORTE, CPA | SECRETARY, TREASURER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS (INSIDER) |
Mr. Pierre Laporte is the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company. Mr. Laporte is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the Company. Mr. Laporte began his career at the Monsanto Corporation in 1990 as a financial manager, spending many years growing the corporation. Currently, Mr. Laporte is the owner of Courson & Stam, a public accounting firm providing accounting, tax, auditing and business development.
pg. 47 |
Mr. Laporte received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting from the Fisher School of Accounting at the University of Florida in 1989 and his Master of Science Degree in Accounting from the Fisher School in 1990. Mr. Laporte is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Mr. Laporte also received his MBA in 2000 from the London School of Business and completed the Business Leadership Program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
MR. ERNEST JENKINS, JR. | PROJECT MANAGER |
Ernest Jenkins Jr. is a licensed real estate agent and investment real estate professional who brings a high level of business discernment, professionalism and investment knowledge to the management team. Ernest has extensive experience in residential investment real estate and project management and is a go-to resource for the Company’s acquisitions, dispositions, project management strategies and financing.
Prior to joining the Company, Ernest worked for EquityPro where he brokered the sale of $5 million+ of investment real estate. Ernest cultivates strong professional relationships in the Jacksonville off-market real estate sector with his knowledge, transparency and value-driven mindset. Ernest attended North Carolina Central University where he majored in Mass Communications.
MR. BRYLEN ERICKSEN | REAL ESTATE MANAGER |
Brylen Ericksen is a seasoned real estate agent and investment professional who brings strategic planning and vision to the project management team. His ability to seek out and acquire distressed properties and bring them to their maximized potential has played a crucial role in the success of the Company.
Prior to joining the Company, Brylen worked for a traditional real estate team where he brokered the sale of a combined $5 million dollars. Brylen also is an experienced, astute investor and project manager and has continually provided exceptional returns on each and every investment on which he has partnered. Brylen graduated from Tallahassee Community College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration.
Significant Employees. All personnel of the Company detailed above are each considered a "Significant Employee" of the Company. The Company would be materially adversely affected if it were to lose the services of any Company Employee named above as each has provided significant leadership and direction to the Company.
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification of Officers, Managers & Directors. The Company’s Articles limit the liability of directors to the maximum extent permitted by Florida Law and state that a Company Director shall not be personally liable to the Company or its Shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
The Company’s Operating Agreement provides that the Company will indemnify the Company’s Directors, Managers, Officers, Employees and other Agents to the fullest extent permitted by Law. The Company believes that indemnification under its Articles and Operating Agreement covers at least negligence and gross negligence on the part of the indemnified parties. The Company’s Operating Agreement also permit the Company to secure insurance on behalf of any Officer, Manager, Director, Employee or other Agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in connection with their services to the Company, regardless of whether the Company’s Articles and Operating Agreement permit such indemnification.
The Company intends to enter into separate indemnification agreements with its Directors, Managers, and Officers, in addition to the indemnification provided for in the Company’s Articles and Operating Agreement. These agreements, among other things, will provide that the Company will indemnify its Directors, Managers, and Officers for certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by a Director, Manager, or Officer in any action or proceeding arising out of such person’s services as one of the Company’s Directors, Managers, or Officers, or rendering services at the Company’s request, to any of its subsidiaries (not existing or to be formed in the future) or any other company or enterprise. The Company believes that these provisions and agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as Directors, Managers and/or Officers.
Legal Proceeding / Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings. There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, any criminal proceedings and any judgments, injunctions, orders, or decrees material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any director, executive officer, or control person of the Company during the past ten years.
pg. 48 |
From time-to-time, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings. The results of such legal proceedings and claims cannot be predicted with certainty and, regardless of the outcome, legal proceedings could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business plan, due to the costs associated with legal defense and settlement costs, diversion of resources, and other factors. As of the date of this Offering Circular, the Company is not subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to the Company’s knowledge, are any material legal proceedings pending or threatened against the Company.
Shares Option Plan: None
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pg. 49 |
ITEM 12. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Compensation of the Company’s Board of Directors Members and Officers / Managers is as follows:
Name
|
Position in which
|
Annual Cash |
Other |
Total Annual |
Mr. Mark T. Ocepek (Insider)
|
Founder, Managing Member & Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors
|
Equal to 0.5% of the assets under management (paid at a rate of .25% each quarter).
See #6 Below
|
None |
See Note #6 below, plus any income from Profit Distributions to holders of Common Shares |
Mr. Bryce Ocepek (Insider)
|
President & Board of Directors
|
Equal to 0.5% of the assets under management (paid at a rate of .25% each quarter).
See #7 Below
|
None |
See Note #7 below, plus any income from Profit Distributions to holders of Common Shares |
Mr. James A. Struber, Esq. (Insider) |
Board of Directors & Legal Counsel · Corporate Governance Committee Chair |
Employees of the Company are not compensated for Board of Directors Positions |
None
|
Employees of the Company are not compensated for Board of Directors Positions
|
Mr. Piere LaPorte (Insider) |
Board of Directors, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer · Audit Committee Chair
|
Employees of the Company are not compensated for Board of Directors Positions |
None |
Employees of the Company are not compensated for Board of Directors Positions
|
Mr. Gene D. Lipscher (Independent) |
Board of Directors · Governance Committee Chair |
$1,500 Quarterly (Compensation for monthly Board Meeting)
|
None
|
$1,500 Quarterly (Compensation for monthly Board Meeting)
|
Mr. Lee Frankhouser (Independent)
|
Board of Directors · Compensation Committee Chair
|
$1,500 Quarterly (Compensation for monthly Board Meeting)
|
None |
$1,500 Quarterly (Compensation for monthly Board Meeting)
|
Board Member #7 TBD
|
Board of Directors
|
$1,500 Quarterly (Compensation for monthly Board Meeting)
|
None |
$1,500 Quarterly (Compensation for monthly Board Meeting)
|
pg. 50 |
(1) | The compensation of Mr. Mark T. Ocepek & Mr. Bryce Ocepek will be as stated until the Company is qualified as a Real Estate Investment Trust, and the Company begins commencement of the Capital Markets Listings, at which time it will be re-evaluated by the Company’s Board of Directors. |
(2) | Key Man Insurance: The Company does not at this time have “Key Man Insurance” on any Board Member, Director, Manager, or Officer of the Company. |
(3) | The Company has not adopted any compensation policies with respect to, among other things, setting base salaries, awarding bonuses or making future grants of equity awards to the Company’s Management Team. The Company expects that its Compensation Committee will review the current compensation of the Company’s Executive Officer(s) in conjunction with the establishment of Compensation Policies and Objectives for Executive Compensation. The Company anticipates that the Compensation Committee will design a compensation program that rewards, among other things, the Company’s operating results, favorable shareholder returns, and individual contributions to the Company’s success. The Company expects compensation incentives designed to further these goals will take the form of annual cash compensation and longer-term equity awards. |
(4) | As compensation for serving on the Company’s Board of Directors, each of the Company’s Directors will receive quarterly fees of $1,500, or $6,000 per year. Board of Directors Members who are also officers or employees of the Company will not receive any additional compensation for being a Member of the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, the Company will reimburse the Company’s Board of Directors for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the Company’s Board of Directors and/or Committee meetings. |
(5) | The Company’s Board of Directors may change the compensation of the Company’s Independent Board of Directors at its discretion. |
(6) | Mr. Mark T. Ocepek’s compensation calculation for fiscal year 2023 and 2024 shall be based on “Assets Under Management,” which the Company defines as “the amount of paid in cash capital by investors / shareholders.” If the Assets Under Management of the Company were $100 Million Dollars at the end of either fiscal year quarter, Mr. Mark T. Ocepek would receive a cash payment from the Company in the amount of $125,000 (which is 1/8 of 1%) for that quarter. Starting with the first fiscal year quarter of 2025, Mr. Mark T. Ocepek’s compensation calculation shall be based on “Market Capitalization,” which the company defines as “the value of the Company’s Common Shares that are traded on any, and all, stock market(s), calculated by multiplying the total number of Common Shares issued on any, and all, stock market(s) by the average Common Shares sales price over all days in that fiscal year’s quarter.” For example, if the Company has 1,000,000 Common Shares issued on any, and all, stock market(s) (including the OTC Market), and the daily average price for that particular fiscal year quarter was $100 per Common Share, Mr. Mark T. Ocepek’s quarterly compensation would be 1,000,000 X $100 = $100,000,000 X 0.125% = $125,000. |
(7) | Mr. Bryce Ocepek’s compensation calculation for fiscal year 2023 and 2024 shall be based on “Assets Under Management,” which the Company defines as “the amount of paid in cash capital by investors / shareholders.” If the Assets Under Management of the Company were $100 Million Dollars at the end of either fiscal year quarter, Mr. Bryce Ocepek would receive a cash payment from the Company in the amount of $125,000 (which is 1/8 of 1%) for that quarter. Starting with the first fiscal year quarter of 2025, Mr. Bryce Ocepek’s compensation calculation shall be based on “Market Capitalization,” which the company defines as “the value of the Company’s Common Shares that are traded on any, and all, stock market(s), calculated by multiplying the total number of Common Shares issued on any, and all, stock market(s) by the average Common Shares sales price over all days in that fiscal year’s quarter.” For example, if the Company has 1,000,000 Common Shares issued on any, and all, stock market(s) (including the OTC Market), and the daily average price for that particular fiscal year quarter was $100 per Common Share, Mr. Bryce Ocepek’s quarterly compensation would be 1,000,000 X $100 = $100,000,000 X 0.125% = $125,000. |
Corporate Governance
The Company has structured its corporate governance in a manner it believes closely aligns the Company’s interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. The principal features of the Company’s corporate governance structure include the following:
· | A Board of Directors will not be classified, so that each of the Company’s Directors will be elected annually; |
· | Of the seven persons who will serve on the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company’s Board of Directors will be comprised of three Directors that will satisfy the listing standards for Independence as defined under Rule l0A-3 of the Exchange Act; |
· | At least one of the Company’s Directors will qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; and |
· | The Company believes that the Company will comply with the listing standards for all major stock exchanges in the United States, including having Company Board Committees comprised solely of Independent Directors; |
Upon the listing of the Company’s shares on a Major U.S. Stock Exchange, the Company’s directors (current and future) will stay informed about the Company’s business by attending meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors and its Committees and through supplemental reports and communications. The Company’s independent directors will meet regularly in executive sessions without the presence of the Company’s corporate officers or non-independent directors.
pg. 51 |
MR. GENE D. LIPSCHER, ESQ. | BOARD OF DIRECTORS (INDEPENDENT) |
Mr. Lipscher is an independent Board Member of the Company. Mr. Lipscher is an attorney in his own private practice. Mr. Lipscher was admitted to the Bar in 1991, Florida; 1992, New Jersey and the U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey; 1995, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida; 1998, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit; 2002, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida. Mr. Lipscher is Florida Bar Board Certified in Business Litigation, 2007 (active).
Mr. Lipscher is a 1986 graduate of Drew University in Madison, NJ with a Bachelor of Arts, and a 1991 graduate, J.D., cum laude of the University of Miami Law School, Coral Gables, FL.
MR. LEE FRANKHOUSER | BOARD OF DIRECTORS (INDEPENDENT) |
Mr. Frankhouser is an experienced banking executive with broad-based expertise in retail banking, wealth management, business development, estate planning, lending, financial reporting and audits. Mr. Frankhouser has established capabilities in business development, finance, marketing, recruiting, and training/development.
Mr. Frankhouser began his banking career in 1981 at National City Bank as an audit officer. Mr. Frankhouser is currently Executive Vice President and one of the founding executives of Evermore Bank in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Evermore is a Florida state-chartered bank that opened for business in December 2022. Mr. Frankhouser is responsible for establishing new branch offices in Palm Beach and Broward counties. He is also responsible for generating new loans and deposits to meet or exceed budget expectations.
Mr. Frankhouser graduated from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Mr. Frankhouser also received his CBA in 1992 from University of Virginia and an MBA from Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania in 2002.
Role of the Board in Risk Oversight
One of the key functions of the Company’s Board of Directors will be the oversight of the Company’s risk management process. The Company’s Board of Directors will administer this oversight function directly, with support from its three standing committees, the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, each of which shall address risks specific to their respective areas of oversight as described below.
Board Committees
The Company’s Board of Directors shall establish three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a Compensation Committee. The principal functions of each committee are described below. The Company intends to comply with the listing requirements and other rules and regulations initially of the OTC Market’s OTCQX and then the NASDAQ or New York Stock Exchange. Each of the Company’s Committees will be comprised exclusively of independent directors. Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors will from time to time establish other committees to facilitate the management of the Company.
Audit Committee
The Company shall have an Audit Committee that will initially be comprised of three Independent Directors. The Company’s Board of Directors shall adopt an Audit Committee Charter, which shall detail the principal functions of the Company’s Audit Committee, including oversight related to:
· | The Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes; |
· | The Company’s integrity of its consolidated financial statements and financial reporting process; |
· | The Company’s systems of disclosure controls and procedures, and internal controls over financial reporting; |
pg. 52 |
· | The Company’s compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements; |
· | The Company’s evaluation of the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm; |
· | The Company’s performance of its internal audit function; and |
· | The Company’s overall risk profile. |
The Company’s Audit Committee will also responsible for engaging an independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the plans and results of the audit engagement, approving professional services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, including all audit and non-audit services, reviewing the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, considering the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviewing the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. The Company’s Audit Committee shall also prepare the Audit Committee report required by SEC regulations to be included the Company’s annual proxy statement.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Company shall have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that will be initially comprised of three independent directors. The Company’s Board of Directors shall adopt a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter, which shall detail the principal functions of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, including:
· | Identifying and recommending to the Company’s Board of Directors qualified candidates for election as Company directors and recommending nominees for election as Company Directors at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders; |
· | Develop and recommend to the Company’s Board of Directors Corporate Governance Guidelines and implementing and monitoring such guidelines; |
· | Review and make recommendations on matters involving the general operation of the Company’s Board of Directors, including Board of Directors size and composition, and committee composition and structure; |
· | Recommending to the Company’s Board of Directors nominees for each committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; |
· | Annually facilitating the assessment of the Company’s Board of Directors' performance as a whole and of the individual directors, as required by applicable law, regulations and OTCQX & NASDAQ corporate governance listing standards; and |
· | Overseeing the Company’s Board of Directors' evaluation of management. |
In identifying and recommending nominees for Company directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may consider diversity of relevant experience, expertise and background.
Compensation Committee
The Company shall have a Compensation Committee that will initially be comprised of three independent directors. The Company’s Board of Directors shall adopt a Compensation Committee Charter, which shall detail the principal functions of the Company’s Compensation Committee, including:
· | Reviewing and approving on the Company’s annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the Company’s Managing Member’s compensation, |
· | Evaluating the Company’s Managing Member’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration of the Company’s Managing Member based on such evaluation; |
· | Reviewing and approving the compensation of all of the Company’s other officers; |
· | Reviewing the Company’s executive compensation policies and plans; |
· | Implementing and administering the Company’s incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans (if any); |
· | Assisting the Company’s Management in complying with the Company’s proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements; |
· | Producing a report on executive compensation to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement; and |
· | Reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for the Company’s directors. |
pg. 53 |
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company’s Board of Directors shall establish a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that shall apply to the Company’s officers, directors and employees. Among other matters, The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and ethics shall be designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
· | Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
· | Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the Company’s SEC reports and other public communications; |
· | Compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; |
· | Prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to appropriate persons identified in the Code; and |
· | Accountability for adherence to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. |
Any waiver of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the Company’s executive officers or directors must be approved by a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors, and any such waiver shall be promptly disclosed as required by Law, OTCQX or NASDAQ regulations.
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pg. 54 |
ITEM 13: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS:
As of the date of this Offering Circular, the following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s Capital Shares by:
· | Each person, or group of affiliated persons, known to the Company to beneficially own 5% or more of the Company’s Common Shares; |
· | Each of the Company’s named Managers or Officers; |
· | Each of the Company’s Directors and Director Nominees; and |
· | All of the Company’s current Officers, Directors and Director nominees as a group. |
The information presented below regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s voting securities has been presented in accordance with the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is not necessarily indicative of ownership for any other purpose. Under the rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of the security or the power to dispose or direct the disposition of the security. A person is deemed to own beneficially any security as to which such person has the right to acquire sole or shared voting or investment power within sixty (60) days through the conversion or exercise of any convertible security, warrant, option, or other right. More than one (1) person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities. The percentage of beneficial ownership by any person as of a particular date is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person, which includes the number of shares as to which such person has the right to acquire voting or investment power within sixty (60) days, by the sum of the number of shares outstanding as of such date. Consequently, the denominator used for calculating such percentage may be different for each beneficial owner. Except as otherwise indicated below and under applicable community property law, the Company believes that the beneficial owners of the Company’s Common Shares listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the Shares shown.
Name and Address of Record Owner | Prior to Offering: | After Completion of Offering |
MARK T. OCEPEK 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202 (i)(ii)
|
8,493 Common Shares (42.47% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
84,930 Common Shares (8.49% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
BRYCE OCEPEK 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202 (i)(iii)
|
8,492 Common Shares (42.46% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
84,920 Common Shares (8.49% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
JAMES A. STUBER 205 WORTH AVENUE SUITE 201 PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33480 (iv)
|
500 Common Shares (2.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
5,000 Common Shares (0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
PIERRE LAPORTE 2398 SADLER ROAD FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA 32034 (*)(v)
|
120 Common Shares (0.6% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,200 Common Shares (0.12% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
LEE FRANKHOUSER 12008 SOUTH SHORE BLVD SUITE 208 WELLINGTON, FLORIDA 33414 (*)(vi)
|
100 Common Shares (0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,000 Common Shares (0.1% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
GENE D. LIPSCHER 1025 WEST INDIANTOWN ROAD SUITE 106 JUPITER, FLORIDA 33458 (*)(vii)
|
100 Common Shares (0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,000 Common Shares (0.1% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
pg. 55 |
SYNDICATE LEGAL & FINANCIAL, LLC 355 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA 90071 (*)
|
1,000 Common Shares (5.0% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
10,000 Common Shares (1.0% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
BRYLEN ERICKSEN 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
(0.5% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
1,000 Common Shares (0.1% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
ERNEST JENKINS, JR. 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
75 Common Shares (0.375% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
750 Common Shares (0.075% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
HALEY DEVOL 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
10 Common Shares (0.05% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
100 Common Shares (0.01% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
REIDAR HUBBARD 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE SUITE 100-008 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216
|
10 Common Shares (0.05% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
100 Common Shares (0.01% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
JAMES A. STUBER, AS TRUSTEE 205 WORTH AVENUE SUITE 201 PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33480 (viii)
|
1,000 Common Shares (5.00% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
10,000 Common Shares (1.00% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
NEW COMMON SHARES SHAREHOLDERS
|
0 Common Shares (0.0% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
800,000 Common Shares (80.0% of the Issued & Outstanding) |
(i) The Company has entered into a non-dilution agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Non-Dilution Agreement”) whereby the Company has agreed that the Common Shares of Mark T. Ocepek, Bryce K. Ocepek, Syndicate Legal & Financial, LLC, James A. Stuber, Pierre LaPorte, Lee Frankenhouser, Gene D. Lipscher, Brylen Ericksen, Ernest Jenkins, Jr., Haley Devol, Reidar Hubbard, and James A. Stuber as Trustee (hereinafter the “Non-Dilutive Shareholders” shall not be subject to dilution in any manner without the express written consent of any such Non-Dilutive Shareholder. During such period that any Non-Dilutive Shareholder owns Common Shares in the Company, the Company shall take no action, directly or indirectly, to dilute or attempt to dilute the Common Shares issued to, and held by, such Non-Dilutive Shareholder. If, with the express written consent of all the Non-Dilutive Shareholders, additional shares of the Company’s Common Shares are issued, then the same number of free trading Common Shares, if applicable at time of issue, shall be issued to the Non-Dilutive Shareholders to maintain each Non-Dilutive Shareholder’s pro rata percentage prior to additional issuance of such Common Shares of the Company. The Non-Dilution Agreement does not survive any resale or transfer of the Common Shares from any Non-Dilutive Shareholder, and no shareholder who acquires Common Shares from a Non-Dilutive Shareholder will have any benefits of the Non-Dilution Agreement.
(ii) Mark T. Ocepek is the Managing Member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(iii) Bryce Ocepek is the President and Member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(iv) James A. Stuber is the In-House Legal Counsel and Member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(v) Pierre Laporte is the Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(vi) Lee Frankhouser is an Independent Member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
(vii) Gene D. Lipscher is an Independent Member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
(viii) James A. Stuber is holding in trust 1,000 Common Shares for issuance pursuant to compensation awards as the Managing Member and/or Board of Directors of the Company may direct from time-to-time.
pg. 56 |
ITEM 14: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
The Management’s Discussion and Analysis may contain forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and should consider carefully the statements made in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Offering Circular that identify important factors that could cause actual outcomes to differ from those expressed or implied in the Company’s forward-looking statements, and that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.
The Management’s Discussion and Analysis may contain forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and should consider carefully the statements made in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Offering Circular that identify important factors that could cause actual outcomes to differ from those expressed or implied in the Company’s forward-looking statements, and that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition. The Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read together with the financial statements and notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Offering Circular. Cautionary Statement: The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes.
Cautionary Statement:
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes attached to this Offering Circular.
The Company’s results may differ materially from those anticipated in the following discussion, as a result of a variety of risks and uncertainties, including those described under Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements included herein.
Emerging Growth Company:
Upon the completion of this Offering, the Company may elect to become a “Public Reporting Company” under the Exchange Act. The Company will qualify as an “Emerging Growth Company” under the Jumpstart Our Businesses Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As a result, the Company will be permitted to, and intends to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. For so long as the Company can remain an Emerging Growth Company, the Company will not be required to:
· | Have an auditor report on its internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. |
· | Comply with the requirements that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (i.e., an auditor discussion and analysis). |
· | Only two (2) years of audited financial statements in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements with corresponding reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure. |
· | Reduced disclosure about the Company’s executive compensation arrangements. |
· | Not having to obtain non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements. |
· | Exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
The Company may take advantage of these exemptions for up to five (5) years or such earlier time that the Company is no longer an Emerging Growth Company. The Company would cease to be an Emerging Growth Company if it were to have more than $1.07 Billion USD in annual revenue, the Company has more than $700 Million USD in market value of its shares held by non-affiliates, or the Company issues more than $1 Billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. The Company may choose to take advantage of some, but not all of these reduced burdens. The Company has taken advantage of these reduced reporting burdens herein, and the information that the Company provides may be different than what you might get from other public companies in which you hold shares.
pg. 57 |
Revenues:
The Company has limited revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021; and December 31 2022; and up to July 31, 2023. The Company does not anticipate achieving significant revenues until the Company is fully funded and the commercial operations detailed in this Offering Circular have commenced.
Operating Expenses:
Operating expenses for 2023 are $186,629 USD to date.
Net Losses / Net Gain:
The Company incurred a net loss / net gain of $0.00 USD for fiscal year 2021, a net gain of $217,576 USD for fiscal year 2022, and a net loss of $34,668 USD through July 31, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources:
As of July 31, 2023, the Company had total current assets of approximately $107,600 USD and current liabilities of approximately $35,681 USD, resulting in a working capital of approximately $71,919 USD.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements:
As of July 31, 2023, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies:
A “Critical Accounting Policy” is one which is both important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results, and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
The Company’s accounting policies are discussed in detail in the footnotes to the Company’s Financial Statements included in this Offering Circular, however, the Company considers its Critical Accounting Policies to be those related to revenue recognition, calculation of revenue share expense, shares-based compensation, capitalization and related amortization of intangible assets, and impairment of assets.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:
The Company does not expect the adoption of recently issued accounting pronouncements to have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flow.
pg. 58 |
Going Concern:
The Company’s current financial condition and the uncertainty surrounding the Company’s ability to consummate this Offering raises substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. As shown in the accompanying financial statements, the Company has sustained losses from operations since inception and does not have a predictable revenue stream. The Company’s financial statements are prepared on the basis that the Company is a going concern. The going concern assumption contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty related to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
pg. 59 |
ITEM 15. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SHARES
General:
The Company is offering up to 800,000 Common Shares through this Offering.
The following description summarizes the most important terms of the Company’s capital shares. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Formation, and Operating Agreement, copies of which have been filed as Exhibits to this Registration Statement, of which this Offering Circular is a part. For a complete description of the Company’s capital shares, you should refer to the Articles of Formation and Operating Agreement, and the applicable provisions of Florida Law.
The Company is authorized to issue up to FIVE MILLION (5,000,000) shares of capital shares, of which (i) 4,000,000 shares are Common Shares without a par value; and (ii) 1,000,000 shares are Preference Shares (“Preference Shares”) without a par value. No Preference Shares are being issued through this Offering and no Preference Shares are issued and outstanding.
The Common Shares:
· | As of the date of this Offering Circular, 20,000 Shares of the Company’s Common Shares are issued and outstanding. |
· | Voting: Holders of the Company’s Common Shares have one vote per Common Share. There is no cumulative voting. |
· | Distribution Policy: The Company intends to elect and qualify to be treated as a REIT commencing with the 2024 calendar year (the Company does not yet meet the requirements of being classified as a REIT). Upon meeting the requirements to be classified as a REIT, the Company expects to pay distributions to its shareholders starting in 2024, and thereafter in an amount that is sufficient to comply with the distribution requirements applicable to REITs. |
U.S. Federal Income Tax Law requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its net taxable income, excluding net capital gains, and that it pays tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income, including net capital gains. In addition, a REIT is required to pay a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which the distributions that it makes in a calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of its ordinary income, 95% of its capital gain net income and 100% of its undistributed income from prior years. For more information, please see "Material Federal Income Tax Considerations."
To satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT and generally not be subject to U.S. Federal Income and Excise Tax, commencing in 2024, the Company generally intends to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of its Common Shares, beginning at such time as the management of the Company determines that the Company has sufficient cash flow to do so, over time in an amount equal to the Company’s taxable income. Although the Company anticipates making quarterly distributions to its shareholders over time, the Company’s management has the sole discretion to determine the timing, form (including cash and the Company’s Common Shares at the election of each of the Company’s shareholders) and amount of any distributions to the Company’s Shareholders.
Although not currently anticipated, in the event that the Company’s management determines to make distributions in excess of the income or cash flow generated from the Company’s portfolio of assets, the Company may make such distributions from the proceeds of future offerings of equity or debt securities or other forms of debt financing or the sale of assets.
If the Company elects to pay a taxable shares distribution, the Company’s shareholders would be sent a form that would allow each shareholder to elect to receive its proportionate share of such distribution in all cash or in all shares and the distribution will be made in accordance with such elections, provided that if the shareholders’ elections, in the aggregate, would result in the payment of cash in excess of the maximum amount of cash to be distributed, then cash payments to shareholders who elected to receive cash will be prorated and the excess of each such shareholder’s entitlement in the distribution, less such prorated cash payment, would be paid to such shareholder in shares of the Company’s Common Shares. In order to pay distributions in the form of Common Shares, the Company may need to register the shares to be issued under the Securities Act, unless an exemption from the registration requirements is available. The Company no current plans to file a registration statement for this purpose, although the management of the Company may elect to do so in the future.
pg. 60 |
During 2024, the Company may also need to distribute any accumulated earnings and profits that the Company may have as of January 1, 2025, because newly qualified REITs are required to distribute any non-REIT earning and profits during their first taxable year as a REIT.
To the extent that in respect of any calendar year, cash available for distribution is less than the Company’s taxable income, the Company could be required to fund distributions from working capital, sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable shares distribution or distribution of debt securities. See "Material Federal Income Tax Considerations-Distribution Requirements."
The Company’s charter allows the Company to issue preference shares that could have a preference over the Company’s Common Shares with respect to distributions. The Company currently has no intentions to issue any preference shares, but if the Company does, the distribution preference on the preference shares could limit the Company’s ability to make distributions to the holders of the Company’s Common Shares.
Distributions made by the Company will be authorized and determined by the Management of the Company in its sole discretion out of funds legally available therefor and will be dependent upon a number of factors, including restrictions under applicable law and other factors described in this Offering Circular. The Company cannot assure you that the Company’s distributions will be made or sustained or that the Company’s Management will not change its distribution policy in the future. Any distributions that the Company pays in the future will depend upon the Company’s actual results of operations, economic conditions, debt service requirements, capital expenditures and other factors that could differ materially from the Company’s current expectations. The Company’s actual results of operations will be affected by a number of factors, including the Company’s revenues, operating expenses, interest expenses and unanticipated expenditures.
The Company expects its cash flow from operations will be sufficient to make all required payments on its indebtedness, if any, and to make any required principal distributions to shareholders in order to qualify and maintain its status as a REIT.
For more information regarding risk factors that could materially adversely affect the Company’s actual results of operations, see "Risk Factors."
· | Liquidation: In the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Company’s Common Shares are entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to Shareholders after (i) the payment of all debts and other liabilities of the Company; and (ii) the liquidation preference payable to the holders of any preferred (or preference) shares. |
· | Transferability: In order for the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code, shares of the Company must be owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the Company’s outstanding shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made). To qualify as a REIT, the Company must satisfy other requirements as well. See "Item 16: MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS" |
To assist the Company in qualifying as a REIT, the Company’s Operating Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, contains restrictions on the number and value of the Company’s Common Shares and the number and value of Shares of the Company that a person may own. The Company’s Operating Agreement provides that generally no person may own or be deemed to own by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Code, either more than 9.8% in value or in number of our common shares, whichever is more restrictive, or more than 9.8% in value or in number of the Company’s shares, whichever is more restrictive. Accordingly, no person may own, or be deemed to own, more than 9.8% in value or in number of the Company’s shares, whichever is more restrictive. The Company refers to these limits collectively as the "ownership limit." An individual or entity that becomes subject to the ownership limit or any of the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of the shares of the Company described below is referred to as a "Prohibited Shareholder" if, had the violating transfer or other event been effective, the individual or entity would have been a beneficial owner or, if appropriate, a record owner of shares.
pg. 61 |
The applicable constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause the Company’s shares owned actually or constructively by a group of individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% by value or number of the Company’s Common Shares (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, the Company’s shares by an individual or entity), could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of the ownership limit.
The Company’s Managing Member and/or the Company’s Board of Directors may, in his/its sole discretion, subject to such conditions as it may determine and the receipt of certain representations and undertakings, prospectively or retroactively, waive the ownership limit or establish a different limit on ownership, or excepted holder limit, for a particular shareholder if the shareholder's ownership in excess of the ownership limit would not result in the Company being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise would result in the Company failing to
qualify as a REIT. As a condition of its waiver or grant of excepted holder limit, the Company’s Managing Member and/or the Company’s Board of Directors may, but is not required to, require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to the Company’s Managing Member and/or the Company’s Board of Directors in order to determine or ensure the Company's qualification as a REIT. In addition, the Company’s Managing Member and/or Board of Directors will reject any investor's subscription in whole or in part if it determines that such subscription would violate such ownership limits.
In connection with granting a waiver of the ownership limit, creating an excepted holder limit or at any other time, the Company’s Managing Member and/or Board of Directors may from time to time increase or decrease the ownership limit for all other individuals and entities unless, after giving effect to such increase, five or fewer individuals could beneficially or constructively own in the aggregate, more than 49.9% in value of the shares then outstanding of the Company or the Company would otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT. Prior to the modification of the ownership limit, the Company’s Managing Member and/or the Company’s Board of Directors may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements as he/it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure the Company’s qualification as a REIT. A reduced ownership limit will not apply to any person or entity whose percentage ownership of the Company’s Common Shares or Shares of the Company, as applicable, is in excess of such decreased ownership limit until such time as such individual's or entity's percentage ownership of the Company’s Common Shares or Shares of the Company, as applicable, equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of the Company’s Common Shares or Shares of the Company, as applicable, in excess of such percentage ownership of the Company’s Common Shares or Shares of the Company will be in violation of the ownership limit.
The Company’s Operating Agreement further prohibits: (1) any person from beneficially or constructively owning, applying certain attribution rules of the Code, shares of the Company that would result in the Company being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT; and (2) any person from transferring the Company’s Shares if such transfer would result in the Company’s Shares being owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution).
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of the Company’s Shares that will or may violate the ownership limit or any of the other foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s shares, or who would have owned the Company’s Shares transferred to a trust as described below, must immediately give the Company written notice of the event, or in the case of an attempted or proposed transaction, must give at least 15 days' prior written notice to the Company and provide the Company with such other information as the Company may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on the Company’s qualification as a REIT. The foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s shares will not apply if the Company’s Managing Member and/or the Company’s Board of Directors determines that it is no longer in the Company’s best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT or that compliance with the restrictions and limitations on ownership and transfer of the Company’s shares as described above is no longer required in order for the Company to qualify as a REIT.
pg. 62 |
If any transfer of the Company’s Shares would result in the Company’s Shares being beneficially owned by fewer than one hundred (l00) persons, such transfer will be null and void and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such Shares. In addition, if any purported transfer of the Company’s Shares or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limit or an excepted holder limit established by the Company’s Managing Member and/or the Company’s Board of Directors, or in the Company being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then that number of shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would cause the Company to violate such restrictions will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by the Company and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the violating transfer or other event that results in a transfer to the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the prohibited owner, prior to the Company’s discovery that the Company’s Shares had been automatically transferred to a trust as described above, must be repaid to the trustee upon demand for distribution to the beneficiary by the trust. If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable ownership limit or the Company being "closely held"
under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then the Company’s Operating Agreement provides that the transfer of the Company’s Shares will be null and void.
Shares of the Company transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to the Company, or a designee of the Company, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the prohibited owner for the Company’s Shares and (2) the last reported market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date that the Company accepted, or the Company’s designee accepts, such offer. The Company may reduce the amount payable by the amount of any dividend or other distribution that the Company has paid to the prohibited owner before the Company discovered that the Company’s Shares had been automatically transferred to the trust and that are then owed to by the trustee as described above, and the Company may pay the amount of any such reduction to the trustee for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. The Company has the right to accept such offer(s) until the trustee has sold the Company’s Shares held in the trust as discussed below. Upon a sale to the Company, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the Company’s Shares sold terminates, the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the prohibited owner and any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such shares will be paid to the charitable beneficiary.
If the Company does not buy the Shares, the trustee must, as soon as practicable after receiving notice from the Company of the transfer of the Shares to the trust, sell the Shares to a person or entity designated by the trustee who could own the Shares without violating the ownership limit or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of Shares of the Company. After the sale of the Shares, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the Company’s Shares transferred to the trust will terminate and the trustee must distribute to the Prohibited Shareholder an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the Prohibited Shareholder for the Shares and (2) the sales proceeds received by the trust for the Shares. The trustee may reduce the amount payable to the Prohibited Shareholder by the amount of any dividend or other distribution that the Company paid to the Prohibited Shareholder before the Company discovered that the Shares had been automatically transferred to the trust and that are then owed to the trustee as described above. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the Prohibited Shareholder will be immediately paid to the beneficiary of the trust, together with any dividends or other distributions thereon. In addition, if, prior to discovery by the Company that the Company’s Shares have been transferred to a trust, such Shares are sold by a Prohibited Shareholder, then such Shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and to the extent that the Prohibited Shareholder received an amount for or in respect of such Shares that exceeds the amount that such Prohibited Shareholder was entitled to receive, such excess amount will be paid to the
trustee upon demand. The Prohibited Shareholder has no rights in the Shares held by the trustee.
pg. 63 |
The trustee will be designated by the Company’s Managing Member and/or Board of Directors and will be unaffiliated with the Company and with any Prohibited Shareholder. Prior to the sale of any Shares by the trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the beneficiary of the trust, all dividends and other distributions paid by the Company with respect to the Shares held in trust and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to the Shares held in trust. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the beneficiary of the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid prior to the Company’s discovery that the Company’s Shares have been transferred to the trust will be paid by the recipient to the trustee upon demand.
Subject to Florida Law, effective as of the date of the Company’s Shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority, at the trustee’s sole discretion:
1. | To rescind as void any vote cast by a Prohibited Shareholder prior to the Company’s discovery that the Shares have been transferred to the trust; and |
2. | To recase the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the benefit of the beneficiary of the trust. |
In addition, if the Company’s Managing Member and/or Board of Directors determines in good faith that a proposed transfer or other event would violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of the Company’s shares, the Company’s Managing Member and/or Board of Directors may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing the Company to redeem its shares, refusing to give effect to the transfer on the Company’s books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.
Every owner of 5% or more (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) of the Company’s Shares, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, must give the Company written notice, stating the Shareholder's name and address, the number of Shares of each class of the Company that the Shareholder beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the Company’s Shares are held. Each such owner must provide to the Company in writing such additional information as the Company may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the shareholder's beneficial ownership on the Company’s qualification as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limit. In addition, each Shareholder must provide to the Company in writing such information as the Company may request in good faith in order to determine the Company’s qualification as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.
Any certificates representing Company Shares will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.
These restrictions on ownership and transfer could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for the Common Shares or otherwise be in the best interest of the holders of the Common Shares.
The Preference Shares:
· | As of the date of this Offering Circular, 1,200 Shares of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares are issued and outstanding. |
· | Voting: Holders of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have ten year “hyper voting rights” as defined below: |
o | Fiscal year 2023 & 2024: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have fifty (50) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2025: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have forty-five (45) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2026: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have forty (40) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2027: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have thirty-five (35) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2028: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have thirty (30) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
pg. 64 |
o | Fiscal year 2029: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have twenty-five (25) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2030: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have twenty (20) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2031: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have fifteen (15) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2032: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have ten (10) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2033: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have five (5) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2035: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares shall be repurchased by the Company for their face value of $0.001 per share. |
· | Holders of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares |
Name
|
Prior to Offering
|
After Offering |
Mark T. Ocepek Managing Member & Chairman of the Board |
200 Series A Preference Shares (16.7% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (14.3% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
Bryce Ocepek President & Member of the Board of Directors |
200 Series A Preference Shares (16.7% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (14.3% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
James A. Struber, Esq. Board of Directors |
200 Series A Preference Shares (16.7% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (14.3% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
Pierre LaPorte Board of Directors
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (16.7% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (14.3% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
Lee Frankhouser Board of Directors
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (16.7% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (14.3% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
Gene D. Lipscher Board of Directors
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (16.7% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (14.3% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
TBD Independent Board Member to be Named
|
200 Series A Preference Shares (14.3% of the Issued & Outstanding)
|
pg. 65 |
Warrants:
· | None issued or outstanding as of the date of this Offering Circular. |
· | The Company may issue a warrant, or warrants, to a SEC registered broker-dealer and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) to purchase an amount of Common Shares of the Company equal to the amount of commission paid to the broker / dealer in connection with the capital raise described in this Offering Circular. |
Transfer Agent and Registrar:
· | As of the date of this Offering Circular, the Company has not engaged a transfer agent, and does not intend to engage a transfer agent until such time as the Company is required to do so in order to satisfy the conditional exemption contained in Rule 12g5-1(a)(7) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. |
Arbitration Provision:
· | Under the Arbitration Provision contained in the Company’s Operating Agreement, either party may, at its sole election, require that the sole and exclusive forum and remedy for resolution of a claim be final and binding arbitration. The Company has not determined whether it will exercise its right to demand arbitration but reserves the right to make that determination on a case-by-case basis as claims arise. In this regard, the Arbitration Provision is similar to a binding arbitration provision as the Company is likely to invoke the Arbitration Provision to the fullest extent permissible. The Arbitration Provision applies to claims under the U.S. Federal Securities Laws and to all claims that are related to the Company, including with respect to this offering, the Company’s holdings, the Company’s Common Shares, the Company’s ongoing operations, and the Company’s management of its Shareholders, among other matters. |
Any arbitration brought pursuant to the Arbitration Provision must be conducted in the State of Florida, in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. The term "Claim" as used in the Arbitration Provision is very broad and includes any past, present, or future claim, dispute, or controversy involving a Shareholder (or persons claiming through or connected with a Shareholder), on the one hand, and the Company (or persons claiming through or connected with the Company), on the other hand, relating to or arising out of a Shareholder investment in the Company, and/or the activities or relationships that involve, lead to, or result from any of the foregoing, including (except an individual Claim that a Shareholder may bring in Small Claims Court or an equivalent court, if any, so long as the Claim is pending only in that court) the validity or enforceability of the Arbitration Provision, any part thereof, or the entire Subscription Agreement associated with this Offering. Claims are subject to arbitration regardless of whether they arise from contract; tort (intentional or otherwise); a constitution, statute, common law, or principles of equity; or
otherwise. Claims include (without limitation) matters arising as initial claims, counter-claims, cross-claims, third-party claims, or otherwise. The scope of the Arbitration Provision is to be given the broadest possible interpretation that will permit it to be enforceable. The Company believes that the Arbitration Provision is enforceable under Federal Law, the Laws of the State of Florida, or under any other applicable laws or regulations. However, the issue of enforceability is not free from doubt and to the extent that one or more of the provisions in the Company’s Subscription Agreement for Common Shares, or the Company’s Operating Agreement with respect to the Arbitration Provision or otherwise requiring are Shareholder to waive certain rights were to be found by a court to be unenforceable, the Company would abide by such decision.
Before purchasing any Company Shares, a potential investor must acknowledge, understand, and agree that: (1) arbitration is final and binding on the parties; (2) the parties are waiving their right to seek remedies in court, including the right to jury trial; (3) pre-arbitration discovery is generally more limited than and potentially different in form and scope from court proceedings; (4) the Arbitration Award is not required to include factual findings or legal reasoning and any party's right to appeal or to seek modification of a ruling by the arbitrators is strictly limited; and (5) the panel of arbitrators may include a minority of persons engaged in the securities industry. The Arbitration Provision limits the rights of an investor to many legal remedies and rights otherwise available.
BY AGREEING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE ARBITRATION PROVISION IN THE COMPANY’S OPERATING AGREEMENT, INVESTORS / SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO WAIVE THE COMPANY'S COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER.
pg. 66 |
Further, the Company’s Operating Agreement provides to the fullest extent permitted by law that unless the Company consents in writing to arbitrate, each Shareholder: a) irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue of any Florida State Court or U.S. Federal Court sitting in Jacksonville, Florida in any action arising out of this Agreement; and b) consents to the service of process by mail. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law or affect its right to bring any action in any other court.
The forum selection provision may increase costs to bring a claim, discourage claims, or limit a Shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, or other Employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, and other Employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find the forum selection provision contained in the Company’s Operating Agreement to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Company may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions. This provision in the Company’s Operating Agreement will not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal or concurrent jurisdiction for actions brought under the federal securities laws including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933, or the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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pg. 67 |
ITEM 16. MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
This section summarizes the material Federal Tax Consideration that you, as a shareholder, may consider relevant. Because this section is a summary, it does not address all aspects of taxation that may be relevant to particular shareholders in light of their personal investment or tax circumstances, or to certain types of shareholders that are subject to special treatment under the Federal Income Tax Laws, as such:
· | Insurance Companies; |
· | Tax-Exempt Organizations (except to the limited extent discussed in “—Taxation of Tax-Exempt Shareholders” below); |
· | Financial Institutions or Broker-Dealers; |
· | Non-U.S. Individuals and Foreign Corporations (except to the limited extent discussed in “—Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders” below); |
· | U.S. Expatriates; |
· | Persons who Mark-to-Market our Shares; |
· | Subchapter S Corporations; |
· | U.S. Shareholders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the United States Dollar; |
· | Regulated Investment Companies and REITs; |
· | Trusts and Estates; |
· | Holders who receive the Company’s Shares through the Exercise of Employee Stock Options or otherwise as Compensation; |
· | Persons Holding the Company’s Shares as part of a “Straddle,” “Hedge,” “Conversion Transaction,” “Synthetic Security” or other Integrated Investment; |
· | Persons subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax Provisions of the Code; and |
· | Persons Holding the Company’s Shares through a Partnership or similar Pass-Through Entity. |
This summary assumes that shareholders hold the Company’s Shares as capital assets for Federal Income Tax purposes, which generally means property held for investment.
The statements in this section are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, tax advice. The statements in this section are based on the Code, current, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, the legislative history of the Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS, and court decisions. The reference to IRS interpretations and practices includes the IRS practices and policies endorsed in private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the taxpayer that receives the ruling. In each case, these sources are relied upon as they exist on the date of this summary. Future legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations and court decisions could change current law or adversely affect existing interpretations of current law on which the information in this section is based. Any such change could apply retroactively. The Company has not received any rulings from the IRS concerning its qualification as a REIT. Accordingly, even if there is no change in the applicable law, no assurance can be provided that the statements made in the following discussion, which do not bind the IRS or the courts, will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if so challenged.
THE COMPANY URGES YOU TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF OUR SHARES AND OF THE COMPANY’S ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REIT. SPECIFICALLY, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, SALE AND ELECTION, AND REGARDING POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
Taxation of the Company
The Company intends to elect to be taxed as a REIT for Federal Income Tax purposes for the 2023 or 2024 calendar year. The Company believes that, commencing in the Fall of 2023, or during the calendar year of 2024, the Company will be properly organized as a Real Estate Investment Trust, and the Company will operate in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code, and the Company intends to continue to operate in such a manner, but no assurances can be given that the Company will operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. This section discusses the laws governing the Federal Income Tax Treatment of a REIT and its Shareholders. These laws are highly technical and complex. This summary sets forth only the material aspects of such provisions and is qualified in its entirety by the express language of applicable Code provisions, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof. This section is not a substitute for careful tax planning. The Company, and its Management, urges you, as a prospective investor, to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences to you of a purchase of shares, ownership and sale of the shares and the Company’s election to be taxed as a REIT.
pg. 68 |
As long as the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to Federal Corporate Income Tax on its taxable ordinary income that it distributes to its shareholders, because the REIT provisions of the Code generally allow a REIT to deduct distributions paid to its shareholders. This substantially eliminates the Federal "Double Taxation" on Earnings (taxation at both the corporate level and shareholder level) that usually results from an investment in a corporation. However, even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company will be subject to Federal Tax in the following circumstances:
· | The Company will pay Federal Corporate Income Tax on a taxable income, including undistributed net capital gain, that it does not distribute to shareholders during, or within a specified time period after, the calendar year in which the income is earned. |
· | The Company will pay tax at the highest corporate rate on: |
o | Net income from the sale of other disposition of property acquired through foreclosure (“foreclosure property”) that the Company holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, and |
o | Other non-qualifying income form foreclosure property. |
· | The Company will pay 100% tax on net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, sales or other dispositions of property other than foreclosure property held primarily for the sale to customers in the ordinary course of business). |
· | If the Company fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% Gross Income Test or the 95% Gross Income Test, as described below under “—Gross Income Tests” and nonetheless continue to qualify as a REIT because the Company meets other requirements, the Company will pay a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by which the Company fails the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, in either case, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect the Company’s profitability. |
· | If the Company fails to distribute during a calendar year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT Ordinary Income for the year, (ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for the year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income required to be distributed from earlier periods, the Company will pay a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amount the Company actually distributes. |
· | The Company may elect to retain and pay income tax on its net long-term capital gain. In that case, a shareholder would be taxed on his/her/its proportionate share of the undistributed long-term capital gain (to the extent that the Company made a timely designation of such gain to the shareholders) and would receive a credit or refund for his/her/its proportionate share of the tax the Company paid. |
· | If the Company has built-in gain assets at the time of the effectiveness of our REIT election and makes an election to be taxed immediately or recognize gain on the disposition of such asset during the 5-year period following the effectiveness of the Company’s REIT election or if the Company acquires any asset from a C corporation (i.e., a corporation generally subject to corporate-level tax) in a carryover-basis transaction and the Company subsequently recognizes gain on the disposition of the asset during the 5-year period beginning on the date on which the Company acquired the asset, then all or a portion of the gain may be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate, pursuant to guidelines issued by the IRS. |
pg. 69 |
· | If the Company will be subject to a 100% excise tax on transactions with any Taxable REIT Subsidiaries that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis, including services provided by a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. |
· | If the Company fails any of the asset tests, other than a de minimis failure of the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test or 10% value test, as described below under “—Asset Tests,” as long as the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Company files a description of each asset that caused such failure with the IRS, and the Company disposes of the assets causing the failure or otherwise complies with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the Company identifies such failure, the Company will pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest Federal Income Tax Rate then applicable to U.S. corporations on the net income from the non-qualifying assets during the period in which the Company failed to satisfy the asset tests. |
· | If the Company fails to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and the asset tests, and such failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Company will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. |
· | The Company may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if the Company fails to meet record-keeping requirements intended to monitor the Company’s compliance with rules relating to the composition of a REIT’s shareholders, as described below in “—Recordkeeping Requirements.” |
· | The earnings of any of the Company’s lower-tier entities that are subchapter C corporations, including any Taxable REIT Subsidiaries that the Company may form in the future, will be subject to Federal Corporate Income Tax. |
In addition, notwithstanding the Company’s qualification as a REIT, the Company may have to pay certain state and local income taxes because not all states and localities treat REITs in the same manner that they are treated for Federal Income Tax purposes. Moreover, as further described below, any Taxable REIT Subsidiary that the Company may form in the future will be subject to Federal, State and Local Corporate Income Tax on their taxable income.
Requirements for Qualification
A REIT is a corporation, limited liability company, trust, or association that meets certain requirements. In order for the Company to qualify, and continue to qualify, as a REIT, the REIT must meet, generally on a continuing basis, satisfy each of the following requirements:
1. | It is managed by one or more trustees or directors. |
2. | Its beneficial ownership is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest. |
3. | It would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Section 856 through 859 of the Code. |
4. | It is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to special provisions of the Federal Income Tax Laws. |
5. | It has at least 100 persons that are each beneficial owners of the share or ownership certificates. |
6. | Not more than 50% in value of its outstanding shares or ownership certificates is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, which the Code defines to include certain entities, during the last half of any taxable year. |
7. | It elects to be a REIT, or has made such election for a previous taxable year, and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to elect and maintain REIT status. |
8. | It meets certain other qualification tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distribution to shareholders. |
9. | It uses a calendar year for Federal Income Tax purposes and complies with the recordkeeping requirements of the Federal Income Tax Laws. |
10. | It satisfies certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets. |
pg. 70 |
Upon reaching the one hundred (100) shareholder number as required in the above, the Company will meet all of the requirements to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust.
Qualified REIT Subsidiaries
A corporation that is a “Qualified REIT Subsidiary” is not treated as a corporation separate from its parent REIT. All assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit for a “Qualified REIT Subsidiary” are treated as assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of the REIT. A “Qualified REIT Subsidiary” is a corporation, other than a Taxable REIT Subsidiary, all of the stock of which is owned by the REIT. Thus, in applying the requirements described herein, any “Qualified REIT Subsidiary” that the Company owns will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of such subsidiary will be treated as the Company’s assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit.
Other Disregarded Entities and Partnerships
An unincorporated domestic entity, such as a limited liability company, that has a single owner for federal income tax purposes generally is not treated as an entity separate from its owner for Federal Income Tax purposes. An unincorporated domestic entity with two or more owners generally is treated as a partnership for Federal Income Tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership that has other partners, the REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. The Company’s proportionate share for purposes of the 10% value test (see "-Asset Tests") is based on the Company’s proportionate interest in the equity interests and certain debt securities issued by the partnership. For all of the other asset and income tests, the Company’s proportionate share is based on the Company’s proportionate interest in the capital interests in the partnership. The Company’s proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, and items of income of any partnership, joint venture, or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for Federal Income Tax purposes in which the Company acquires an equity interest, directly or indirectly, will be treated as the Company’s assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements.
The Company may from time-to-time be a limited partner or non-managing member in some of its partnerships and limited liability companies. If a partnership or limited liability company in which the Company may own an interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize the Company’s status as a REIT or require the Company to pay tax, the Company may be forced to dispose of its interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action that could cause the Company to fail a gross income or asset test, and that the Company would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of its interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, the Company could fail to qualify as a REIT unless the Company was entitled to relief, as described below.
In addition, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership, Qualified REIT Subsidiary or other disregarded entity shall retail the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of satisfying the gross income tests and asset tests set forth in the Code.
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries
A REIT may own up to 100% of the shares of one or more Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. A Taxable REIT Subsidiaries is a fully taxable corporation that may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent REIT. The subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. A corporation (other than a REIT) of which a Taxable REIT Subsidiary directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the outstanding securities will automatically be treated as a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. The separate existence of a Taxable REIT Subsidiary or other taxable corporation, unlike a "qualified REIT subsidiary" or other disregarded entity, as discussed above, is not ignored for U.S. Federal Income Tax purposes. Accordingly, a Taxable REIT Subsidiary is generally subject to corporate income tax on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow generated by such entity. The Company is not treated as holding the assets of a Taxable REIT Subsidiary or as receiving any income that the Taxable REIT Subsidiary earns. Rather, the stock issued by a Taxable REIT Subsidiary to the Company is an asset in the Company’s hands, and the Company treats the distributions paid to the Company from such Taxable REIT Subsidiary, if any, as dividend income to the extent of the Taxable REIT Subsidiary’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. This treatment may affect the Company’s compliance with the gross income and asset tests. Because the Company does not include the assets and income of Taxable REIT Subsidiary in determining the Company’s compliance with the REIT requirements, the Company may use such entities to undertake indirectly activities that the REIT rules might otherwise preclude the Company from doing directly or through pass-through subsidiaries. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT's assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.
pg. 71 |
A Taxable REIT Subsidiary pays income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the Taxable REIT Subsidiary rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a Taxable REIT Subsidiary to its parent REIT to assure that the Taxable REIT Subsidiary is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. In addition, overall limitations on the deductibility of net interest expense by businesses could apply to a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. Further, the rules impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a Taxable REIT Subsidiary and its parent REIT or the REIT's tenants that are not conducted on an arm's-length basis.
Rent that the Company receive from a Taxable REIT Subsidiary (if any) will qualify as "rents from real property" as long as (1) at least 90% of the leased space in the property is leased to persons other than Taxable REIT Subsidiaries and related-party tenants, and (2) the amount paid by the Taxable REIT Subsidiary to rent space at the property is substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants of the property for comparable space, as described in further detail below under "-Gross Income Tests - Rents from Real Property." If the Company leases space to a Taxable REIT Subsidiary in the future, the Company will seek to comply with these requirements. The Company may elect to treat entities as Taxable REIT Subsidiaries in the future.
Currently, the Company does not have any subsidiaries that it intends to treat as a Taxable REIT Subsidiary and currently has no plans to establish a Taxable REIT Subsidiary in the future.
Gross Income Tests
The Company must satisfy two gross income tests annually to qualify and maintain its qualification as a REIT. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of defined types of income that the Company derives, directly or indirectly, from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property or qualified temporary investment income. Qualifying income for purposes of that 75% gross income test generally includes:
· | Rents from real property; |
· | Interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property, or on interests in real property, other than on nonqualified publicly-offered REIT debt instruments; |
· | Dividends or other distributions, on, and gain from the sale of, shares in other REITs; |
· | Gain from the sale of real estate assets; |
· | Income and gain derived from foreclosure property; |
· | Amounts (other than amounts the determination of which depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person) received or accrued as consideration for entering into agreements (i) to make loans secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property or (ii) to purchase or lease real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property); and |
· | Income derived from the temporary investment of new capital that is attributable to the issuance of the Company’s shares or a public offering of the Company’s debt with a maturity of at least five years and that the Company receives during the one-year period beginning on the date on which the Company received such new capital. |
Generally, gross income from dispositions of real property held primarily for sale in the ordinary course of business is excluded from
the 75% income test.
Although a debt instrument issued by a "publicly offered REIT" (i.e., a REIT that is required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act) is treated as a "real estate asset" for the asset tests, neither the gain from the sale of such debt instruments nor interest on such debt instruments is treated as qualifying income for the 75% gross income test unless the debt instrument is secured by real property or an interest in real property.
pg. 72 |
Second, in general, at least 95% of our gross income for each taxable year must consist of income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 7 5% gross income test, other types of interest and dividends, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or any combination of these. Gross income from the Company’s sale of property that it holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business is excluded from both the numerator and the denominator in both gross income tests. In addition, income and gain from "hedging transactions" that the Company may enter into to hedge indebtedness incurred or to be incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets and that are clearly and timely identified as such will be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. In addition, certain foreign currency gains will be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests. See"- Foreign Currency Gain."
Finally, gross income attributable to cancellation of indebtedness income will be excluded from both the numerator and denominator for purposes of both of the gross income tests. The following paragraphs discuss the specific application of the gross income tests to the Company.
Rents from Real Property. Rent that the Company receives from its real property will qualify as “rents from real property will qualify as “rents from real property,” which is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, only if the following conditions are met:
· | First, the rent must not be based, in whole or in party, on the income or profits of any persons; however, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely by reason of being on a fixed percentage or percentages of gross receipts or sales if such amount is in conformity with normal business practice and not used as a means to base rent on income or profits. |
· | Second, rents received from a tenant will not qualify as “rents from real property” if the Company or a direct or indirect owner of 10% or more of the REIT directly or constructively owns 10% or more of the tenant except that rents received from a Taxable REIT Subsidiary under certain circumstances qualify as rents from real property even if the REIT owns more than a 10% interest in the subsidiary. |
· | Third, if the rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property is 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease, then the rent attributable to personal property will qualify as rents from real property. However, if the 15% threshold is exceeded, the rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as rents from real property. |
· | Fourth, The Company generally must not operate or manage its real property or furnish or render services to its tenants, other than through an "independent contractor" who is adequately compensated and from whom the Company does not derive revenue. Furthermore, the Company may own up to 100% of the stock of a Taxable REIT Subsidiary which may provide customary and noncustomary services to the Company’s tenants without tainting the Company’s rental income for the related properties. However, the Company need not provide services through an "independent contractor" or a Taxable REIT Subsidiary, but instead may provide services directly to the Company’s tenants, if the services are ''usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not considered to be provided for the tenants' convenience. In addition, the Company may provide a minimal amount of "noncustomary" services to the tenants of a property, other than through an independent contractor or a Taxable REIT Subsidiary as long as the Company’s income from the services (valued at not less than 150% of the Company’s direct cost of performing such services) does not exceed 1 % of the Company’s income from the related property. |
As described above, in order for the rent that the Company receives to constitute “rents from real property,” several other requirements must be satisfied. First, rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. Percentage rent, however, will qualify as “rents from real property” if it is based on percentages of receipts or sales and the percentages:
· | Are fixed at the time the leases are entered into; |
pg. 73 |
· | Are not renegotiated during the term of the leases in a manner that has the effect of basing rent on income or profits; and |
· | Conform with normal business practice. |
Second, if the Company owns, actually or constructively, 10% or more (measured by voting power or fair market value) of the stock of a corporate lessee, or 10% or more of the assets or net profits of any non-corporate lessee (each a "related party tenant"), other than a Taxable REIT Subsidiary, any income the Company receives from the lessee will be non-qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. The constructive ownership rules generally provide that, if 10% or more in value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for any person, the Company is considered as owning the shares owned, directly or indirectly, by or for such person. The Company’s charter prohibits transfers of the Company’s shares that would cause the Company to own actually or constructively, 10% or more of the ownership interests in any non-Taxable REIT Subsidiary lessee. Based on the foregoing, the Company should not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of any lessee other than a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. However, because the constructive ownership rules are broad and it is not possible to monitor continually direct and indirect transfers of the Company’s shares, no absolute assurance can be given that such transfers or other events of which the Company has no knowledge will not cause the Company to own constructively 10% or more of a lessee (or a subtenant, in which case only rent attributable to the subtenant is disqualified) other than a Taxable REIT Subsidiary at some future date. At the present time, only the Company’s Managing Member, Mr. Mark T. Ocepek, owns more than 9.8% of the Company’s shares. The Company believes that the current leases of current tenants associated with the Company, as detailed in this Offering Circular, will not be treated as related party tenants for purposes of the REIT qualification requirements.
The Company may own up to 100% of the shares of one or more Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. Under an exception to the related-party tenant rule described in the preceding paragraph, rent that the Company receives from a Taxable REIT Subsidiary will qualify as "rents from real property" as long as (i) at least 90% of the leased space in the property is leased to persons other than Taxable REIT Subsidiaries and related-party tenants, and (ii) the amount paid by the Taxable REIT Subsidiary to rent space at the property is substantially comparable to rents paid by other tenants of the property for comparable space. The "substantially comparable" requirement must be satisfied when the lease is entered into, when it is extended, and when the lease is modified, if the modification increases the rent paid by the Taxable REIT Subsidiary. If the requirement that at least 90% of the leased space in the related property is rented to unrelated tenants is met when a lease is entered into, extended, or modified, such requirement will continue to be met as long as there is no increase in the space leased to any Taxable REIT Subsidiary or related party tenant. Any increased rent attributable to a modification of a lease with a Taxable REIT Subsidiary in which the Company owns directly or indirectly more than 50% of the voting power or value of the stock (a "controlled Taxable REIT Subsidiary") will not be treated as "rents from real property." If in the future the Company receives rent from a Taxable REIT Subsidiaries, the Company will seek to comply with this exception.
Third, the rent attributable to the personal property leased in connection with the lease of a property must not be greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. The rent attributable to the personal property contained in a property is the amount that bears the same ratio to total rent for the taxable year as the average of the fair market values of the personal property at the beginning and at the end of the taxable year bears to the average of the aggregate fair market values of both the real and personal property contained in the property at the beginning and at the end of such taxable year (the "personal property ratio"). With respect to each of the leases that are part of the properties detailed in this Offering Circular, the Company believes either that the personal property ratio is less than 15% or that any rent attributable to excess personal property, when taken together with all of our other non-qualifying income, will not jeopardize the Company’s ability to qualify as a REIT. There can be no assurance, however, that the IRS would not challenge the Company’s calculation of a personal property ratio, or that a court would not uphold such assertion. If such a challenge were successfully asserted, the Company could fail to satisfy the 75% or 95% gross income test and thus potentially lose its REIT status.
Fourth, except as described below, the Company cannot furnish or render noncustomary services to the tenants of its properties, or manage or operate its properties, other than through an independent contractor who is adequately compensated and from whom the Company does not derive or receive any income. However, the Company need not provide services through an "independent contractor," but instead may provide services directly to the Company’s tenants, if the services are "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not considered to be provided for the tenants' convenience. In addition, the Company may provide a minimal amount of "noncustomary" services to the tenants of a property, other than through an independent contractor, as long as the Company’s income from the services (valued at not less than 150% of the Company’s direct cost for performing such services) does not exceed 1% of the Company’s income from the related property. Finally, the Company may own up to 100% of the shares of one or more Taxable REIT Subsidiaries, which may provide noncustomary services to our tenants without tainting the Company’s rents from the related properties. The Company believes that it will not perform any services other than customary ones for its lessees, other than services that are provided through independent contractors or Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.
pg. 74 |
If a portion of the rent that the Company receives from a property does not qualify as "rents from real property" because the rent attributable to personal property exceeds 15% of the total rent for a taxable year, the portion of the rent that is attributable to personal property will not be qualifying income for purposes of either the 75% or 95% gross income test. Thus, if such rent attributable to personal property, plus any other income that is non-qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, during a taxable year exceeds 5% of our gross income during the year, the Company would lose its REIT qualification. If, however, the rent from a particular property does not qualify as "rents from real property" because either (i) the rent is considered based on the income or profits of the related lessee, (ii) the lessee either is a related party tenant or fails to qualify for the exceptions to the related party tenant rule for qualifying Taxable REIT Subsidiaries or (iii) the Company furnishes noncustomary services to the tenants of the property, or manage or operate the property, other than through a qualifying independent contractor or a Taxable REIT Subsidiary, none of the rent from that property would qualify as "rents from real property." In that case, the Company might lose its REIT qualification because the Company would be unable to satisfy either the 75% or 95% gross income test. In addition to the rent, the lessees are required to pay certain additional charges. The Company believes that its leases will be structured in a manner that will enable the Company to continue to satisfy the REIT gross income tests.
Interest. The term "interest" generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of such amount depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, interest generally includes the following:
· | An amount that is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales; and |
· | An amount that is based on the income or profits of a debtor, as long as the debtor derives substantially all of its income from the real property securing the debt from leasing substantially all of its interest in the property, and only to the extent that the amounts received by the debtor would be qualifying "rents from real property" if received directly by a REIT. |
Interest on debt secured by a mortgage on real property or on interests in real property, including, for this purpose, discount points, prepayment penalties, loan assumption fees, and late payment charges that are not compensation for services, generally is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. However, if a loan is secured by real property and other property and the highest principal amount of a loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan as of the date the REIT agreed to originate or acquire the loan or on the date the REIT modifies the loan (if the modification is treated as "significant" for Federal Income Tax purposes), a portion of the interest income from such loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. The portion of the interest income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test will be equal to the portion of the principal amount of the loan that is not secured by real property - that is, the amount by which the loan exceeds the value of the real estate that is security for the loan. For purposes of this paragraph, however, the Company does not need to redetermine the fair market value of the real property securing a loan in connection with a loan modification that is occasioned by a borrower default or made at a time when the Company reasonably believes that the modification to the loan will substantially reduce a significant risk of default on the original loan. In addition, in the case of a loan that is secured by both real property and personal property, if the fair market value of such personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all such property securing the loan, then the personal property securing the loan will be treated as real property for purposes of determining whether the interest on such loan is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test.
If a loan contains a provision that entitles a REIT to a percentage of the borrower's gain upon the sale of the real property securing the loan or a percentage of the appreciation in the property's value as of a specific date, income attributable to that loan provision will be treated as gain from the sale of the property securing the loan, which generally is qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests assuming the loan is held for investment.
The Company may modify the terms of any mortgage loans it holds. Under the Code, if the terms of a loan are modified in a manner constituting a "significant modification," such modification triggers a deemed exchange of the original loan for the modified loan. IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-51 provides a safe harbor pursuant to which the Company will not be required to redetermine the fair market value of the real property securing a loan for purposes of the gross income and asset tests in connection with a loan modification that is (i) occasioned by a borrower default or (ii) made at a time when the Company reasonably believes that the modification to the loan will substantially reduce a significant risk of default on the original loan. To the extent the Company significantly modifies loans in a manner that does not qualify for that safe harbor, the Company will be required to redetermine the value of the real property securing the loan at the time it was significantly modified, which could result in a portion of the interest income on the loan being treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. In determining the value of the real property securing such a loan, the Company generally will not obtain third party appraisals but rather will rely on internal valuations.
pg. 75 |
The Company expects that the interest, original issue discount, and market discount income that it receives from any mortgage related assets generally will be qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests.
Dividends. The Company’s share of any dividends received from any corporation (including any TRS, but excluding any REIT) in which it may own an equity interest will qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. The Company's share of any dividends received from any other REIT in which the Company owns an equity interest, if any, will be qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests.
Fee Income. The Company may receive various fees. Fee income generally will not be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Any fees earned by a Taxable REIT Subsidiary are not included for purposes of the gross income tests. The Company does not expect such amounts, if any, to be significant.
Prohibited Transactions. A REIT will incur a 100% tax on the net income (including foreign currency gain) derived from any sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that the REIT holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. Any gain that the Company realizes on the sale of property held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers, in the ordinary course of business, will generally be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. The Company’s gain would include any gain realized by a "Qualified REIT Subsidiary" and the Company’s share of any gain realized by any of the partnerships or limited liability companies in which the Company owns an interest. This prohibited transaction income may also adversely affect the Company’s ability to satisfy the 75% gross income test and the 95% gross income test for qualification as a REIT. The Company believes that none of its assets will be held primarily for sale to customers and that a sale of any of the Company’s assets would not be in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. Whether a REIT holds an asset "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. A safe harbor to the characterization of the sale of property by a REIT as a prohibited transaction and the 100% prohibited transaction tax is available if the following requirements are met:
· | The REIT has held the property for not less than two years; |
· | The aggregate expenditures made by the REIT, or any partner of the REIT, during the two-year period preceding the date of the sale that are includable in the basis of the property do not exceed 30% of the selling price of the property; |
· | Either (i) during the year in question, the REIT did not make more than seven sales of property other than foreclosure property or sales to which Section 1031 or 1033 of the Code applies, (ii) the aggregate adjusted bases of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 10% of the aggregate bases of all of the assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year, (iii) the aggregate fair market value of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 10% of the aggregate fair market value of all of the assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year, (iv) (a) the aggregate adjusted bases of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 20% of the aggregate adjusted bases of all property of the REIT at the beginning of the year and (b) the 3-year average percentage of properties sold by the REIT compared to all the REIT's properties (measured by adjusted bases) taking into account the current and two prior years did not exceed 10%, or (v) (a) the aggregate fair market value of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 20% of the aggregate fair market value of all property of the REIT at the beginning of the year and (b) the 3-year average percentage of properties sold by the REIT compared to all the REIT's properties (measured by fair market value) taking into account the current and two prior years did not exceed 10%; |
· | In the case of property not acquired through foreclosure or lease termination, the REIT has held the property for at least two years for the production of rental income; and |
· | If the REIT has made more than seven sales of non-foreclosure property during the taxable year, substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures with respect to the property were made through an independent contractor from whom the REIT derives no income or a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. |
pg. 76 |
The Company will attempt to comply with the terms of the safe-harbor provisions in the Federal Income Tax Laws prescribing when an asset sale will not be characterized as a prohibited transaction. The Company cannot assure you, however, that the Company can comply with the safe-harbor provisions or that the Company will avoid owning property that may be characterized as property that it holds "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business." The 100% tax will not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a Taxable REIT Subsidiary or other taxable corporation, although such income will be taxed to the corporation at regular corporate income tax rates.
Foreclosure Property. The Company will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from foreclosure property, which includes certain foreign currency gains and related deductions, other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, less expenses directly connected with the production of that income. However, gross income from foreclosure property will qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Foreclosure property is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:
· | That is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid on such property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced such property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default or default was imminent on a lease of such property or on indebtedness that such property secured; |
· | For which the related loan was acquired by the REIT at a time when the default was not imminent or anticipated; and |
· | For which the REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property. |
A REIT will not be considered to have foreclosed on a property where the REIT takes control of the property as a mortgagee-in-possession and cannot receive any profit or sustain any loss except as a creditor of the mortgagor. Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property, or longer if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. However, this grace period terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:
· | On which a lease is entered into for the property that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, or any amount is received or accrued, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a lease entered into on or after such day that will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 7 5% gross income test; |
· | On which any construction takes place on the property, other than completion of a building or any other improvement, where more than 10% of the construction was completed before default became imminent; or |
· | Which is more than 90 days after the day on which the REIT acquired the property and the property is used in a trade or business which is conducted by the REIT, other than through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself does not derive or receive any income, or a Taxable REIT Subsidiary. |
The Company may have the option to foreclose on mortgage loans when a borrower is in default. The foregoing rules could affect a decision by the Company to foreclose on a particular mortgage loan and could affect whether the Company chooses to foreclose with regard to a particular mortgage loan.
Hedging Transactions. From time to time, the Company may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of its assets or liabilities. The Company’s hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase such items, and futures and forward contracts. Income and gain from "hedging transactions" will be excluded from gross income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests provided the Company satisfy the identification requirements discussed below. A "hedging transaction" means (i) any transaction entered into in the normal course of the Company’s trade or business primarily to manage the risk of interest rate, price changes, or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate assets, (ii) any transaction entered into primarily to manage the risk of currency fluctuations
with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income test (or any property which generates such income or gain), or (iii) any transaction entered into to "offset" a transaction described in (i) or (ii) if a portion of the hedged indebtedness is extinguished or the related property is disposed of. The Company is required to clearly identify any such hedging transaction before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into and to satisfy other identification requirements. The Company intends to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize the Company’s qualification as a REIT.
pg. 77 |
Foreign Currency Gain. Certain foreign currency gains will be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests. "Real estate foreign exchange gain" will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Real estate foreign exchange gain generally includes foreign currency gain attributable to any item of income or gain that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, foreign currency gain attributable to the acquisition or ownership of (or becoming or being the obligor under) obligations secured by mortgages on real property or an interest in real property and certain foreign currency gain attributable to certain "qualified business units" of a REIT that would satisfy the 75% gross income test and 75% asset test on a standalone basis. "Passive foreign exchange gain" will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. Passive foreign exchange gain generally includes real estate foreign exchange gain as described above, and also includes foreign currency gain attributable to any item of income or gain that is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test and foreign currency gain attributable to the acquisition or ownership of (or becoming or being the obligor under) obligations. These exclusions for real estate foreign exchange gain and passive foreign exchange gain do not apply to foreign currency gain derived from dealing, or engaging in substantial and regular trading, in securities. Such gain is treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
Phantom income. Due to the nature of the assets in which the Company may invest, the Company may be required to recognize taxable income from certain assets in advance of its receipt of cash flow from or proceeds from disposition of such assets and may be required to report taxable income that exceeds the economic income ultimately realized on such assets.
The Company may originate loans with original issue discount. In general, the Company will be required to accrue original issue discount based on the constant yield to maturity of the loan, and to treat it as taxable income in accordance with applicable Federal Income Tax rules even though such yield may exceed cash payments, if any, received on such loan.
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Company generally will be required to take certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This rule may require the accrual of income with respect to any loans the Company may acquire earlier than would be the case under the general tax rules.
In addition, in the event that any loan is delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular loan are not made when due, the Company may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income.
Finally, the Company may be required under the terms of indebtedness that it incurs to use cash received from interest payments to make principal payments on that indebtedness, with the effect of recognizing income but not having a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to the Company’s shareholders.
As a result of each of these potential timing differences between income recognition or expense deduction and cash receipts or disbursements, there is a significant risk that the Company may have taxable income in excess of cash available for distribution. In that event, the Company may need to borrow funds or take other action to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements for the taxable year in which this "phantom income" is recognized.
Failure to Satisfy Gross Income Tests. If the Company fails to satisfy one or both of the gross income tests for any taxable year, the Company nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for that year if the Company qualifies for relief under certain provisions of the Federal Income Tax Laws. Those relief provisions are available if:
· | Our failure to meet those tests is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect; and |
· | Following such failure for any taxable year, the Company files a schedule of the sources of its income in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury any incorrect information on the schedule is not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. |
The Company cannot predict, however, whether in all circumstances it would qualify for the relief provisions. In addition, as discussed above in Taxation of Our Company, even if the relief provisions apply, the Company would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test multiplied, in either case, by a fraction intended to reflect the Company’s profitability.
Asset Tests
To qualify as a REIT, the Company also must satisfy the following asset tests at the end of each quarter of each taxable year relating to the nature and diversification of the Company’s assets:
pg. 78 |
First, at least 75% of the value of the Company’s total assets must consist of:
· | Cash or cash items, including certain receivables and, in certain circumstances, foreign currencies; |
· | U.S. government securities; |
· | Interests in real property, including leaseholds and options to acquire real property and leaseholds, and personal property to the extent such personal property is leased in connection with real property and rents attributable to such personal property are treated as "rents from real property"; |
· | Interests in mortgage loans secured by real property; |
· | Stock in other REITs and debt instruments issued by "publicly offered REITs"; and |
· | Investments in stock or debt instruments during the one-year period following our receipt of new capital that the Company raises through equity offerings or public offerings of debt with at least a five-year term. |
Second, of the Company’s investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of the Company’s interest in any one issuer's securities (other than a Taxable REIT Subsidiaries) may not exceed 5% of the value of the Company’s total assets, or the 5% asset test.
Third, of the Company’s investments not included in the 75% asset class, the Company may not own more than 10% of the voting power of any one issuer's outstanding securities or 10% of the value of any one issuer's outstanding securities, or the 10% vote test or 10% value test, respectively.
Fourth, no more than 20% of the value of the Company’s total assets may consist of the securities of one or more Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.
Fifth, no more than 25% of the value of the Company’s total assets may consist of the securities of Taxable REIT Subsidiaries and other non-Taxable REIT Subsidiaries taxable subsidiaries and other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test, or the 25% securities test.
Sixth, no more than 25% of the value of the Company’s total assets may consist of debt instruments issued by "publicly offered REITs" to the extent such debt instruments are not secured by real property or interests in real property.
For purposes of the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test and the 10% value test, the term "securities" does not include shares in another REIT, debt of "publicly offered REITs," equity or debt securities of a Qualified REIT Subsidiary or Taxable REIT Subsidiary, mortgage loans that constitute real estate assets, or equity interests in a partnership. The term "securities," however, generally includes debt securities issued by a partnership or another REIT (other than a "publicly offered REIT"), except that for purposes of the 10% value test, the term "securities" does not include:
· | "Straight debt" securities, which is defined as a written unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in money if (i) the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into equity, and (ii) the interest rate and interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the borrower's discretion, or similar factors. "Straight debt" securities do not include any securities issued by a partnership or a corporation in which we or any controlled Taxable REIT Subsidiary (i.e., a Taxable REIT Subsidiaries in which the Company owns directly or indirectly more than 50% of the voting power or value of the stock) hold non-"straight debt" securities that have an aggregate value of more than 1 % of the issuer's outstanding securities. However, "straight debt" securities include debt subject to the following contingencies: |
o | A contingency relating to the time of payment of interest or principal, as long as either (i) there is no change to the effective yield of the debt obligation, other than a change to the annual yield that does not exceed the greater of 0.25% or 5% of the annual yield, or (ii) neither the aggregate issue price nor the aggregate face amount of the issuer's debt obligations held by us exceeds $1 million and no more than 12 months of unaccrued interest on the debt obligations can be required to be prepaid; and |
o | A contingency relating to the time or amount of payment upon a default or prepayment of a debt obligation, as long as the contingency is consistent with customary commercial practice; |
o | Any loan to an individual or an estate; |
o | Any "section 467 rental agreement," other than an agreement with a related party tenant; |
o | Any obligation to pay "rents from real property"; |
o | Certain securities issued by governmental entities; |
o | Any security issued by a REIT; |
pg. 79 |
o | Any debt instrument issued by an entity treated as a partnership for Federal Income Tax purposes in which the Company is a partner to the extent of the Company’s proportionate interest in the equity and debt securities of the partnership; and |
o | Any debt instrument issued by an entity treated as a partnership for Federal Income Tax purposes not described in the preceding bullet points if at least 75% of the partnership's gross income, excluding income from prohibited transactions, is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test described above in "--Gross Income Tests." |
For purposes of the 10% value test, the Company’s proportionate share of the assets of a partnership is its proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, without regard to the securities described in the last two bullet points above.
In general, under the applicable Treasury regulations, if a loan is secured by real property and other property and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan as of: (1) the date the Company agreed to acquire or originate the loan; or (2) in the event of a significant modification, the date the Company modified the loan, then a portion of the interest income from such a loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. Although the law is not entirely clear, a portion of the loan will also likely be a non-qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test. The non-qualifying portion of such a loan would be subject to, among other requirements, the 10% vote or value test. IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-51 provides a safe harbor under which the IRS has stated that it will not challenge a REIT's treatment of a loan as being, in part, a qualifying real estate asset in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the fair market value of the loan on the relevant quarterly REIT asset testing date or (2) the greater of (a) the fair market value of the real property securing the loan on the relevant quarterly REIT testing date or (b) the fair market value of the real property securing the loan on the date the REIT committed to originate or acquire the loan. Should the Company invest in any mortgage loans, it will be in a manner that will enable the Company to continue to satisfy the asset and gross income test requirements.
The Company will monitor the status of its assets for purposes of the various asset tests and will manage the Company’s portfolio in order to comply at all times with such tests. However, there is no assurance that the Company will not inadvertently fail to comply with such tests. If the Company fails to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter, the Company will not lose its REIT qualification if:
· | The Company satisfied the asset tests at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and |
· | The discrepancy between the value of the Company’s assets and the asset test requirements arose from changes in the market values of its assets and was not wholly or partly caused by the acquisition of one or more non-qualifying assets. |
If the Company did not satisfy the condition described in the second item, above, the Company still could avoid disqualification by eliminating any discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which it arose.
If the Company violates the 5% asset test, the 10% vote test or the 10% value test described above, the Company will not lose its REIT qualification if (i) the failure is de minimis (up to the lesser of 1% of the Company’s assets or $10 million) and (ii) the Company disposes of assets causing the failure or otherwise complies with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the Company identifies such failure. If the Company fails any of the asset tests (other than de minimis failures described in the preceding sentence), as long as the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Company will not lose its REIT qualification if the Company (i) disposes of assets causing the failure or otherwise complies with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the Company identifies the failure, (ii) files a description of each asset causing the failure with the IRS and (iii) pays a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest corporate tax rate applicable to the net income from the assets causing the failure during the period in which the Company failed to satisfy the asset tests.
The Company believes that investments will comply with the foregoing asset tests, and that the Company intends to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis.
The Company believes that the assets that the Company currently hold(s), if any, and that the Company will acquire in the future, will allow the Company to satisfy the foregoing asset test requirements. However, the Company does will not typically obtain independent appraisals to support the Company’s conclusions as to the value of its assets and may not obtain independent appraisals to support the Company’s conclusions as to the value of the real estate collateral for any senior loan that the Company may hold. Moreover, the values of some assets may not be susceptible to a precise determination. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that the Company’s ownership of certain assets violates one or more of the asset tests applicable to REITs.
pg. 80 |
Distribution Requirements
Each taxable year, the Company must distribute profit distributions, other than capital gain distributions and deemed distributions of retained capital gain, to our shareholders in an aggregate amount at least equal to:
· | The sum of: |
o | 90% of the Company’s "REIT taxable income," computed without regard to the distributions paid deduction and the Company’s net capital gain or loss, and |
o | 90% of the Company’s after-tax net income, if any, from foreclosure property, minus the excess of the sum of specified items of non-cash income (including original issue discount on any loans) over 5% of the Company’s REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the distributions paid deduction and the Company’s net capital gain. |
The Company must make such distributions in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if either (i) the Company declares the distribution before the Company timely files its federal income tax return for the year and pay the distribution on or before the first regular distributions payment date after such declaration or (ii) the Company declares the distribution in October, November or December of the taxable year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified day in any such month, and the Company actually pays the distribution before the end of January of the following year. The distributions under clause (i) are taxable to the shareholders in the year in which paid, and the distributions in clause (ii) are treated as paid on December 31st of the prior taxable year. In both instances, these distributions relate to the Company’s prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.
Further, if the Company was not a "publicly offered REIT," for the Company’s distributions to be counted as satisfying the annual distribution requirement for REITs and to provide the Company with the distributions paid deduction, such distributions must not be "preferential distributions." A distribution is not a preferential distribution if that distribution is (i) pro rata among all outstanding shares within a particular class of shares and (ii) in accordance with the preferences among different classes of shares as set forth in the Company’s charter.
The Company will pay Federal Income Tax on taxable income, including net capital gain, that the Company does not distribute to shareholders. Furthermore, if the Company fails to distribute during a calendar year, or by the end of January following the calendar year in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last nine months of the calendar year, at least the sum of:
· | 85% of the Company’s REIT ordinary income for such year, |
· | 95% of the Company’s REIT capital gain income for such year, and |
· | any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. |
The Company will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts the Company actually distributes during such year.
The Company may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain the Company receives in a taxable year. If the Company so elects, the Company will be treated as having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax described above. The Company intends to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax.
It is possible that, from time to time, the Company may experience timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses and the inclusion of that income and deduction of such expenses in arriving at the Company’s REIT taxable income. For example, the Company may not deduct recognized capital losses from its "REIT taxable income." Further, it is possible that, from time to time, the Company may be allocated a share of net capital gain attributable to the sale of depreciated property that exceeds the Company’s allocable share of cash attributable to that sale. As a result of the foregoing, the Company may have less cash than is necessary to distribute taxable income sufficient to avoid corporate income tax and the excise tax imposed on certain undistributed income or even to meet the 90% distribution requirement. In such a situation, the Company may need to borrow funds or, if possible, pay taxable dividends of its capital stock shares or debt securities.
pg. 81 |
If the Company lists on a National Securities Exchange, the Company may satisfy the REIT annual distribution requirements by making taxable distributions of its stock shares or debt securities. The IRS has issued a revenue procedure authorizing publicly offered REITs to treat certain distributions that are paid partly in cash and partly in stock (shares) as dividends (distributions) that would satisfy the REIT annual distribution requirement and qualify for the dividends (distributions) paid deduction for Federal Income Tax purposes. The Company currently does not intend to pay taxable dividends payable in cash and stock (shares).
Under certain circumstances, the Company may be able to correct a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying deficiency distributions to is shareholders in a later year. The Company may include such deficiency distributions in its deduction for distributions paid for the earlier year. Although the Company may be able to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency distributions, the Company will be required to pay interest and penalties to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction the Company takes for deficiency distributions for an earlier year.
The Company is required to file an annual Federal Income Tax return, which, like other corporate returns, is subject to examination by the IRS. Because the tax laws require the Company to make many judgments regarding the proper treatment of a transaction or an item of income or deduction, it is possible that the IRS will challenge positions we take in computing the Company’s REIT taxable income and the Company’s distributions. Issues could arise, for example, with respect to the determination of the basis of the assets contributed to the Company in connection with formation transactions, the allocation of the purchase price of properties between depreciable or amortizable assets and non-depreciable or nonamortizable assets such as land and the current deductibility of fees paid to the Company’s advisor(s) and its affiliates, if any. If the IRS were to successfully challenge the Company’s characterization of a transaction or determination of the Company’s REIT taxable income, the Company could be found to have failed to satisfy a requirement for qualification as a REIT. If, as a result of a challenge, the Company is determined to have failed to satisfy the distribution requirements for a taxable year, the Company would be disqualified as a REIT unless the Company was permitted to pay a deficiency distribution to the Company’s shareholders and pay penalties and interest thereon to the IRS, as provided by the Code. A deficiency distribution cannot be used to satisfy the distribution requirement however, if the failure to meet the requirement is not due to a later adjustment to the Company’s income by the IRS.
Recordkeeping Requirements
To avoid a monetary penalty, the Company must request on an annual basis information from the Company’s shareholders designed to disclose the actual ownership of our outstanding shares. The Company intends to comply with these requirements.
Failure to Qualify
If the Company fails to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and the asset tests, the Company could avoid disqualification if the Company’s failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect and the Company pays a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. In addition, there are relief provisions for a failure of the gross income tests and asset tests, as described in "-Gross Income Tests" and "Asset Tests."
If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and no relief provision applies, the Company would be subject to Federal Income Tax on the Company’s taxable income at regular corporate rates. In calculating the Company’s taxable income in a year in which the Company fails to qualify as a REIT, the Company would not be able to deduct amounts paid out to shareholders. In fact, the Company would not be required to distribute any amounts to shareholders in that year. In such event, to the extent of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, distributions to shareholders generally would be taxable as ordinary income. Subject to certain limitations of the Federal Income Tax Laws, corporate shareholders may be eligible for the distributions received deduction and shareholders taxed at individual rates may be eligible for the reduced Federal Income Tax rate of up to 20% on such distributions. Unless the Company qualified for relief under specific statutory provisions, if its REIT status is terminated, for any reason, the Company also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which the Company ceased to qualify as a REIT. The Company cannot predict whether in all circumstances the Company would qualify for such statutory relief.
pg. 82 |
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Shareholder" means a beneficial owner of the Company’s Common Shares that for Federal Income Tax purposes is:
· | A citizen or resident of the United States; |
· | A corporation (including an entity treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any of its states or the District of Columbia; |
· | An estate whose income is subject to federal income taxation regardless of its source; |
· | Any trust if (i) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person; or |
· | A person or entity otherwise subject to federal income taxation on a net income basis. |
If a partnership, entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for Federal Income Tax purposes holds the Company’s Common Shares, the Federal Income Tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding the Company Common Shares, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Company’s Common Equity by the partnership.
For the taxable years that the Company qualifies as a REIT, a taxable U.S. shareholder must generally take into account as ordinary income distributions made out of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits that we do not designate as capital gain distributions or retained long term capital gain. The Company’s distributions will not qualify for the distributions (dividends) received deduction generally available to corporations for the taxable years that the Company qualifies as a REIT.
Individuals, trusts and estates may deduct up to 20% of certain pass-through income, including ordinary REIT distributions that are not "capital gain distributions" or "qualified distribution income," subject to certain limitations (the "pass-through deduction"). For taxable years before January 1, 2026, the maximum tax rate for U.S. shareholders taxed at individual rates is 37%. For taxpayers qualifying for the full passthrough deduction, the effective maximum tax rate on ordinary REIT dividends for taxable years before January 1, 2026, would be 29.6%. In addition, individuals, trusts and estates whose income exceeds certain thresholds are also subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax on dividends received from the Company.
Distributions paid to a U.S. shareholder in 2023 and later years generally will not qualify for the 20% tax rate for "Qualified Dividend Income.". Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by domestic C corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations to U.S. stockholders that are taxed at individual rates. Because, beginning in 2023, the Company will not be subject to Federal Income Tax on the portion of the Company’s REIT taxable income distributed to its shareholders, and the Company’s distributions generally will not be eligible for the 20% rate on qualified dividend (distribution) income. As a result, the Company’s ordinary REIT distributions generally will be taxed at a higher tax rate as described above. However, the 20% tax rate for qualified dividend income will apply to the Company’s ordinary REIT distributions (i) attributable to distributions received by the Company from non-REIT corporations during the taxable year, such as a Taxable REIT Subsidiaries, and (ii) to the extent attributable to income upon which the Company has paid corporate income tax (e.g., to the extent that the Company distributes less than 100% of its taxable income).
A U.S. shareholder generally will take into account as long-term capital gain any distributions that the Company designates as capital gain distributions without regard to the period for which the U.S. shareholder has held Common Shares. The Company generally will designate its capital gain distributions as either 20% or 25% rate distributions. See"- Capital Gains and Losses." A corporate U.S. shareholder, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain distributions as ordinary income.
We may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain that the Company receives in a taxable year. In that case, to the extent that the Company designate such amount in a timely notice to such shareholder, a U.S. shareholder would be taxed on its proportionate share of the Company’s undistributed long-term capital gain. The U.S. shareholder would receive a credit for its proportionate share of the tax the Company has paid. The U.S. shareholder would increase the basis in its shares by the amount of its proportionate share of the Company’s undistributed long-term capital gain, minus its share of the tax the Company paid.
pg. 83 |
A U.S. shareholder will not incur tax on a distribution in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits if the distribution does not exceed the adjusted basis of the U.S. shareholder in the shares of the Company’s Common Shares on which the distribution was paid. Instead, the distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of such share. A U.S. shareholder will recognize a distribution in excess of both the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits and the U.S. shareholder's adjusted basis in his / her / its share(s) as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less, assuming the shares are a capital asset in the hands of the U.S. shareholder. In addition, beginning in 2023, if we declare a distribution in October, November, or December of any year that is payable to a U.S. shareholder of record on a specified date in any such month, such distribution shall be treated as both paid by the Company and received by the U.S. shareholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the Company actually pays the distribution during January of the following calendar year.
U.S. shareholders may not include in their individual income tax returns any of the Company’s net operating losses or capital losses. Instead, these losses are generally carried over by the Company for potential offset against the Company’s future income. Taxable distributions from the Company and gain from the disposition of the Company’s Common Shares will not be treated as passive activity income and, therefore, U.S. shareholders generally will not be able to apply any "passive activity losses," such as losses from certain types of limited partnerships in which the U.S. shareholder is a limited partner, against such income. In addition, taxable distributions from the Company and gain from the disposition of the Company’s Common Shares generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitations.
Taxation of U.S. Stockholders on the Disposition of Capital Stock
A U.S. shareholder who is not a dealer in securities must generally treat any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of the Company’s Common Shares as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. shareholder has held the Company’s Common Shares for more than one year and otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, a U.S. shareholder will realize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the sum of the fair market value of any property and the amount of cash received in such disposition and the U.S. shareholder's adjusted tax basis. A shareholder's adjusted tax basis generally will equal the U.S. shareholder's acquisition cost, increased by the excess of net capital gains deemed distributed to the U.S. shareholder (discussed above) less tax deemed paid on such gains and reduced by any returns of capital. However, a U.S. shareholder must treat any loss upon a sale or exchange of the Company’s Common Shares held by such shareholder for six months or less as a long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain distributions and any other actual or deemed distributions from the Company that such U.S. shareholder treats as long-term capital gain. All or a portion of any loss that a U.S. shareholder realizes upon a taxable disposition of shares of the Company’s Common Shares may be disallowed if the U.S. shareholder purchases other shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. Also, the IRS is authorized to issue Treasury Regulations that would subject a portion of the capital gain a U.S. shareholder recognizes from selling his/her/its shares or from a capital gain distribution to a tax at a 25% rate, to the extent the capital gain is attributable to depreciation previously deducted.
If a U.S. shareholder has shares of the Company’s Common Shares redeemed by the Company, the U.S. shareholder will be treated as if the U.S. shareholder sold the redeemed shares if all of the U.S. shareholders’ shares of the Company’s Common Shares are redeemed or if the redemption is not essentially equivalent to a dividend within the meaning of Section 302(b)(l) of the Code or substantially disproportionate within the meaning of Section 302(b)(2) of the Code. If a redemption distribution is not treated as a sale of the redeemed shares, it will be treated as a dividend distribution, and will not be entitled to return of capital treatment as in the case of a sale or exchange transaction. U.S. shareholders should consult with their tax advisors regarding the taxation of any particular redemption of the Company’s Common Shares.
Capital Gains and Losses
A taxpayer generally must hold a capital asset for more than one year for gain or loss derived from its sale or exchange to be treated as long term capital gain or loss. For taxable years before January 1, 2026, the highest marginal individual income tax rate currently is 37%. The maximum tax rate on long term capital gain applicable to taxpayers taxed at individual rates is 20% for sales and exchanges of assets held for more than one year. In addition, certain net capital gains attributable to depreciable real property held for more than 12 months are subject to a 25% maximum Federal Income Tax rate to the extent of previously claimed real property depreciation. The maximum tax rate on long-term capital gain from the sale or exchange of "Section 1250 property," or depreciable real property, is 25%, which applies to the lesser of the total amount of the gain or the accumulated depreciation on the Section 1250 property. In addition, individuals, trusts and estates whose income exceeds certain thresholds are also subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax on gain from the sale of the Company’s Common Shares.
pg. 84 |
With respect to distributions that the Company designates as capital gain distributions and any retained capital gain that the Company deems to distribute, the Company generally may designate whether such a distribution is taxable to U.S. shareholders taxed at individual rates currently at a 20% or 25% rate. Thus, the tax rate differential between capital gain and ordinary income for those taxpayers may be significant. In addition, the characterization of income as capital gain or ordinary income may affect the deductibility of capital losses. A non-corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses not offset by capital gains against its ordinary income only up to a maximum annual amount of $3,000. A noncorporate taxpayer may carry forward unused capital losses indefinitely. A corporate taxpayer must pay tax on its net capital gain at ordinary corporate rates. A corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses only to the extent of capital gains, with unused losses being carried back three years and forward five years.
FATCA Withholding
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on distributions paid to certain U.S. shareholders who own the Company Common Shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied. The Company will not pay any additional amounts in respect of any amounts withheld.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders
Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit-sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from Federal Income Taxation. However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"}. Although many investments in real estate generate UBTI, the IRS has issued a ruling that dividend distributions from a REIT to an exempt employee pension trust do not constitute UBTI. Based on that ruling, amounts that the Company distributes to tax-exempt shareholders generally should not constitute UBTI. However, if a tax-exempt shareholder were to finance (or be deemed to finance) its acquisition of the Company Common Shares with debt, portion of the income that it receives from the Company would constitute UBTI pursuant to the "debt-financed property" rules. Moreover, social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal services plans that are exempt from taxation under special provisions of the Federal Income Tax Laws are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions that they receive from the Company as UBTI. Finally, in certain circumstances, a qualified employee pension or profit-sharing trust that owns more than 10% of the Company’s Common Shares must treat a percentage of the distributions that it receives from the Company as UBTI. Such percentage is equal to the gross income the Company derives from an unrelated trade or business, determined as if the Company were a pension trust, divided by the Company’s total gross income for the year in which the Company pays the distributions. That rule applies to a pension trust holding more than 10% of the Company’s Common Shares only if:
· | The percentage of the Company’s distributions that the tax-exempt trust must treat as UBTI is at least 5%; |
· | The Company qualifies as a REIT by reason of the modification of the rule requiring that no more than 50% of the Company’s Common Shares be owned by five or fewer individuals that allows the beneficiaries of the pension trust to be treated as holding the Company’s Common Shares in proportion to their actuarial interests in the pension trust; and either: (i) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of our capital stock; or (ii) a group of pension trusts individually holding more than 10% of the value of the Company’s Common Shares collectively owns more than 50% of the value of the Company’s Common Shares. |
pg. 85 |
TAXATION OF NON-U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
The term "non-U.S. shareholder" means a beneficial owner of the Company’s Common Shares that is not a U.S. shareholder, a partnership (or entity treated as a partnership for Federal Income Tax purposes) or a tax-exempt shareholder. The rules governing Federal Income Taxation of non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships, and other foreign shareholders are highly complex. This section is only a summary of such rules. The Company urge non-U.S. shareholders to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of Federal, State, and Local Income Tax Laws on the purchase, ownership and sale of the Company’s Common Shares, including any reporting requirements.
Distributions
A non-U.S. shareholder that receives a distribution that is not attributable to gain from the Company’s Equity Shares or exchange of a "United States real property interest" ("USRPI"), as defined below, and that the Company does not designate as a capital gain dividend or retained capital gain will recognize ordinary income to the extent that the Company pays such distribution out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits. A withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution ordinarily will apply to such distribution unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates the tax. However, if a distribution is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. stockholder generally will be subject to federal income tax on the distribution at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. shareholders are taxed with respect to such distribution, and a non-U.S. shareholder that is a corporation also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax with respect to that distribution. The Company plans to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any such distribution paid to a non-U.S. shareholder unless either:
· | A lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. shareholder files an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, evidencing eligibility for that reduced rate with the Company; |
· | The non-U.S. shareholder files an IRS Form W-8ECI with the Company claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income; or |
· | The distribution is treated as attributable to a sale of a USRPI under FIRPTA (discussed below). |
A non-U.S. shareholder will not incur tax on a distribution in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits if the excess portion of such distribution does not exceed the adjusted basis of the non-U.S. shareholder in the Company’s Common Shares on which the distribution was paid. Instead, the excess portion of such distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of such share. A non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to tax on a distribution that exceeds both the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits and the adjusted basis of the Company’s Common Shares, if the non-U.S. shareholder otherwise would be subject to tax on gain from the sale or disposition of the Company’s Common Shares, as described below. The Company may be required to withhold 15% of any distribution that exceeds the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Consequently, although the Company intends to withhold at a rate of 30% on the entire amount of any distribution, to the extent that the Company does not do so, the Company may withhold at a rate of 15% on any portion of a distribution not subject to withholding at a rate of 30%. Because the Company generally cannot determine at the time the Company makes a distribution whether the distribution will exceed the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, the Company normally will withhold tax on the entire amount of any distribution at the same rate as the Company would withhold on a distribution. However, a non-U.S. shareholder may claim a refund of amounts that the Company withholds if the Company later determines that a distribution in fact exceeded the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.
For any year in which the Company qualifies as a REIT, a non-U.S. shareholder may incur tax on distributions that are attributable to gain from the Company’s sale or exchange of a USRPI under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA"). A USRPI includes certain interests in real property and stock in corporations at least 50% of whose assets consist of interests in real property. Under FIRPTA, subject to the exceptions discussed below, a non-U.S. shareholder is taxed on distributions attributable to gain from sales of USRP is as if such gain were effectively connected with a U.S. business of the non-U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. shareholder thus would be taxed on such a distribution at the normal capital gains rates applicable to U.S. shareholders, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of a nonresident alien individual. A non-U.S. corporate shareholder not entitled to treaty relief or exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such a distribution.
pg. 86 |
Capital gain distributions to the holders of Company’s Common Shares that are attributable to the Company’s sale of real property will be treated as ordinary distributions rather than as gain from the sale of a USRPI, as long as (i) (a) such class of the Company’s shares is treated as being "regularly traded" on an established securities market in the United States, and (b) the non-U.S. shareholder did not own more than 10% of such class of the Company’s shares at any time during the one-year period preceding the distribution or (ii) the non-U.S. shareholder was treated as a "qualified shareholder" or "qualified foreign pension fund," as discussed below. As a result, non-U.S. shareholders generally will be subject to withholding tax on such capital gain distributions in the same manner as they are subject to withholding tax on ordinary distributions. The Company anticipates that its Common Shares will be listed and regularly traded on a national securities exchange following the Company’s qualification as a REIT. If the Company’s Common Shares are not regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States or the non-U.S. shareholder owned more than 10% of Company’s Common Shares at any time during the one-year period preceding the distribution, capital gain distributions that are attributable to the Company’s sale of real property would be subject to tax under FIRPTA, as described in the preceding paragraph. In such case, the Company must withhold 21% of any distribution that the Company could designate as a capital gain distribution. A non-U.S. shareholder may receive a credit against its tax liability for the amount the Company withholds. Moreover, if a non-U.S. shareholder disposes of shares of the Company’s Common Shares during the 30-day period preceding a distribution payment, and such non-U.S. shareholder (or a person related to such non-U.S. shareholder) acquires or enters into a contract or option to acquire the Company’s Common Shares within 61 days of the first day of the 30-day period described above, and any portion of such distribution payment would, but for the disposition, be treated as a USRPI capital gain to such non-U.S. shareholder, then such non-U.S. shareholder shall be treated as having USRPI capital gain in an amount that, but for the disposition, would have been treated as USRPI capital gain.
Although the law is not clear on the matter, it appears that amounts the Company designates as retained capital gains in respect of the Company’s Common Shares held by U.S. shareholders generally should be treated with respect to non-U.S. shareholders in the same manner as actual distributions by the Company of capital gain distributions. Under this approach, a non-U.S. shareholder would be able to offset as a credit against its Federal Income Tax liability resulting from its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Company on such retained capital gains, and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent of the non-U.S. shareholder's proportionate share of such tax paid by the Company exceeds its actual Federal Income Tax liability, provided that the non-U.S. shareholder furnishes required information to the IRS on a timely basis.
Dispositions
Non-U.S. shareholders could incur tax under FIRPTA with respect to gain realized upon a disposition of the Company’s Common Shares if the Company is a United States real property holding company during a specified testing period. If at least 50% of a REIT's assets are USRP is, then the REIT will be a United States real property holding company. The Company anticipates that its will be a United States real property holding company based on the Company’s investment strategy. However, despite the Company’s status as a United States real property holding company, a non-U.S. shareholder generally would not incur tax under FIRPTA on gain from the sale of the Company’s Common Shares if the Company is a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity." A domestically controlled qualified investment entity includes a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of its shares are held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. shareholders. The Company cannot assure you that this test will be met. If the Company’s Common Shares is regularly traded on an established securities market, an additional exception to the tax under FIRPTA will be available with respect to the Company’s Common Shares, even if the Company does not qualify as a domestically controlled qualified investment entity at the time the non-U.S. shareholder sells his/her/its Common Shares of the Company. Under that exception, the gain from such a sale by such a non-U.S. shareholder will not be subject to tax under FIRPTA if:
· | The Company’s Common Shares are treated as being regularly traded under applicable Treasury regulations on an established securities market; and |
· | The non-U.S. shareholder owned, actually or constructively, 10% or less of the Company’s Common Shares at all times during a specified testing period. |
As noted above, the Company anticipates its Common Shares will be regularly traded on an established securities market following its qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust.
pg. 87 |
If the gain on the sale of the Company’s Common Shares were taxed under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. shareholder would be taxed on that gain in the same manner as U.S. shareholders, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. Furthermore, a non-U.S. shareholder generally will incur tax on gain not subject to FIRPTA if:
· | The gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder's U.S. trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. shareholders with respect to such gain; or |
· | The non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, in which case the non-U.S. shareholder will incur a 30% tax on his or her capital gains (5% during any period we are treated as a C corporation, in the event of a conversion). |
Qualified Shareholders
Subject to the exception discussed below, any distribution to a "qualified shareholder" who holds REIT shares directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to Federal Income Taxation under FIRPTA and thus will not be subject to the special withholding rules under FIRPTA. While a "qualified shareholder" will not be subject to FIRPTA withholding on REIT distributions, the portion of REIT distributions attributable to certain investors in a "qualified shareholder" (i.e., non-U.S. persons who hold interests in the "qualified shareholder" (other than interests solely as a creditor), and directly or indirectly hold more than 10% of the shares of such REIT (whether or not by reason of the investor's ownership in the "qualified shareholder") may be subject to FIRPTA withholding. REIT distributions received by a "qualified shareholder" that are exempt from FIRPTA withholding may still be subject to regular U.S. withholding tax.
In addition, a sale of the Company’s Common Shares by a "qualified stockholder" who holds such shares directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) generally will not be subject to Federal Income Taxation under FIRPTA. As with distributions, the portion of amounts realized attributable to certain investors in a "qualified shareholder" (i.e., non-U.S. persons who hold interests in the "qualified shareholder" (other than interests solely as a creditor), and directly or indirectly hold more than 10% of the shares of such REIT (whether or not by reason of the investor's ownership in the "qualified shareholder")) may be subject to Federal Income Taxation and FIRPTA withholding on a sale of our shares.
A "qualified shareholder" is a foreign person that (i) either is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty which includes an exchange of information program and whose principal class of interests is listed and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges (as defined in such comprehensive income tax treaty), or is a foreign partnership that is created or organized under foreign law as a limited partnership in a jurisdiction that has an agreement for the exchange of information with respect to taxes with the United States and has a class of limited partnership units representing greater than 50% of the value of all the partnership units that is regularly traded on NYSE or Nasdaq markets, (ii) is a qualified collective investment vehicle (defined below), and (iii) maintains records on the identity of each person who, at any time during the foreign person's taxable year, is the direct owner of 5% or more of the class of interests or units (as applicable) described in (i), above.
A qualified collective investment vehicle is a foreign person that (i) would be eligible for a reduced rate of withholding under the comprehensive income tax treaty described above, even if such entity holds more than 10% of the stock of such REIT, (ii) is publicly traded, is treated as a partnership under the Code, is a withholding foreign partnership, and would be treated as a "United States real property holding corporation" if it were a domestic corporation, or (iii) is designated as such by the Secretary of the Treasury and is either (a) fiscally transparent within the meaning of Section 894 of the Code, or (b) required to include dividends in its gross income, but is entitled to a deduction for distributions to its investors.
Qualified Foreign Pension Funds
Any distribution to a "qualified foreign pension fund" (or an entity all of the interests of which are held by a "qualified foreign pension fund") who holds REIT shares directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to Federal Income Taxation under FIRPTA and thus will not be subject to the special withholding rules under FIRPTA. REIT distributions received by a "qualified foreign pension fund" that are exempt from FIRPTA withholding may still be subject to regular U.S. withholding tax. In addition, a sale of the Company’s Common Shares by a "qualified foreign pension fund" that holds such shares directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to Federal Income Taxation under FIRPTA.
pg. 88 |
A qualified foreign pension fund is any trust, corporation, or other organization or arrangement (i) which is created or organized under the law of a country other than the United States, (ii) which is established to provide retirement or pension benefits to participants or beneficiaries that are current or former employees (or persons designated by such employees) of one or more employers in consideration for services rendered, (iii) which does not have a single participant or beneficiary with a right to more than 5% of its assets or income, (iv) which is subject to government regulation and provides annual information reporting about its beneficiaries to the relevant tax authorities in the country in which it is established or operates, and (v) with respect to which, under the laws of the country in which it is established or operates, (a) contributions to such organization or arrangement that would otherwise be subject to tax under such laws are deductible or excluded from the gross income of such entity or taxed at a reduced rate, or (b) taxation of any investment income of such organization or arrangement is deferred or such income is taxed at a reduced rate.
FATCA Withholding
Under FATCA, a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on distributions paid on the Company’s Common Shares received by certain non-U.S. shareholders if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied. If payment of withholding taxes is required, non-U.S. shareholders that are otherwise eligible for an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. withholding taxes with respect of such distributions and proceeds will be required to seek a refund from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction. The Company will not pay any additional amounts in respect of any amounts withheld.
Information Reporting Requirements and Withholding
The Company will report to our shareholders and to the IRS the amount of distributions the Company pays during each calendar year, and the amount of tax the Company withholds, if any. Under the backup withholding rules, a shareholder may be subject to backup withholding, at a rate of 24%, with respect to distributions unless the shareholder:
· | Is a corporation or qualifies for certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact; or |
· | Provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. |
A shareholder who does not provide the Company with its correct taxpayer identification number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the shareholder's income tax liability. In addition, the Company may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any shareholders who fail to certify their non-foreign status to the Company.
Backup withholding will generally not apply to payments of distributions made by the Company or the Company’s paying agents, in their capacities as such, to a non U.S. shareholder provided that the non-U.S. shareholder furnishes to the Company or the Company’s paying agent the required certification as to its non-U.S. status, such as providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either the Company or the Company’s paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person that is not an exempt recipient. Payments of the proceeds from a disposition or a redemption effected outside the U.S. by a non-U.S. shareholder made by or through a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding.
However, information reporting (but not backup withholding) generally will apply to such a payment if the broker has certain connections with the U.S. unless the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. shareholder and specified conditions are met or an exemption is otherwise established. Payment of the proceeds from a disposition by a non-U.S. shareholder of the Company’s Common Shares made by or through the U.S. office of a broker is generally subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the non-U.S. shareholder certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person and satisfies certain other requirements, or otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the shareholder’s Federal Income Tax liability if certain required information is furnished to the IRS. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding application of backup withholding to them and the availability of, and procedure for obtaining an exemption from, backup withholding.
pg. 89 |
LEGISLATIVE OR OTHER ACTIONS AFFECTING REITS
The present Federal Income Tax Treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial, or administrative action at any time. The REIT rules are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department which may result in statutory changes as well as revisions to regulations and interpretations. The TCJA significantly changed the Federal Income Tax Laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their shareholders.
Additional technical corrections or other amendments to the TCJA or administrative guidance interpreting the TCJA may be forthcoming at any time. The Company cannot predict the long-term effect of the TCJA or any future law changes on REITs and their shareholders. Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the effect of potential changes to the Federal Tax Laws on an investment in the Company’s Common Shares.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
The Company and its shareholders are subject to state or local taxation in various state or local jurisdictions, including those in which it or they transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment of the Company and its shareholders may not conform to the Federal Income Tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective shareholders of the Company should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws on an investment in the Company.
A portion of the Company's income may be earned through the Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. The Taxable REIT Subsidiaries are subject to Federal and State Income Tax at the normal applicable corporate rates. In addition, a Taxable REIT Subsidiary will be limited in its ability to deduct interest payments made directly or indirectly to the Company in excess of a certain amount.
To the extent that the Company and any future Taxable REIT Subsidiaries are required to pay Federal, State or Local Taxes, the Company will have less cash available for distribution to shareholders.
STATEMENT OF STOCK OWNERSHIP
The Company is required to demand annual written statements from the record holders of designated percentages of the Company’s Common Shares disclosing the actual owners of the shares. Any record shareholder who, upon the Company’s request, does not provide the Company with required information concerning actual ownership of the Company’s Common Shares is required to include specified information relating to his / her / its shares in his / her / its Federal Income Tax Return. The Company also must maintain, within the Internal Revenue District in which the Company is required to file, the Company’s Federal Income Tax Return, permanent records showing the information that the Company received about the actual ownership of the Company’s Common Shares and a list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with the Company’s demand.
Tax Shelter Reporting. Under recently promulgated Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Company’s Common Shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder may be required to file a disclosure statement with the IRS on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempt from this reporting requirement, but shareholders of a REIT currently are not excepted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
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pg. 90 |
ITEM 17. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS:
Restrictions imposed by the USA PATRIOT ACT and Related Acts.
In accordance with the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, or the “USA PATRIOT ACT”, the securities offered hereby may not be offered, sold, transferred or delivered, directly or indirectly, to any “unacceptable investor” which means anyone who is:
· | A “designated national”, “specially designated national”, “specially designated terrorist”, “specially designated global terrorist”, “foreign terrorist organization”, or “blocked person” within the definitions provided under the Foreign Assets Control Regulations of the United States, or U.S. Treasury Department; |
· | Acting on behalf of, or an entity owned or controlled by, any government against whom the U.S. maintains economic sanctions or embargoes under the Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department; |
· | Within the scope of Executive Order 13224 – Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism, effective September 24th, 2001; |
· | A person or entity subject to additional restrictions imposed by any of the following statutes or regulations and executive orders issued thereunder: the Trading with Enemy Act, the National Emergencies Act, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the United Nations Participation Act, the International Security and Development Cooperation Act, the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1994, the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996, the Cuban Democracy Act, the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act and the Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Appropriations Act or any other Law of similar import to any non-U.S. country, as each such act or law has been or may be amended, adjusted, modified or reviewed from time-to-time; or |
· | Designated or blocked, associated or involved in terrorism, or subject to restrictions under laws, regulations, or executive orders as may apply in the future similar to any of those described above. |
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pg. 91 |
ITEM 18. ERISA CONSIDERATIONS:
An investment in the Company by an employee benefit plan is subject to additional considerations. This is because investments by employee benefit plans are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction provisions and to restrictions imposed by Code Section 4975. The term “Employee Benefit Plan” includes without limitation Qualified Pension, Profit-Sharing and Shares Bonus Plans, Keogh Plans, Simplified Employee Pension Plans and Tax Deferred Annuities or IRAs established or maintained by an employer or employee organization. Among other things, consideration should be given to:
· | Whether the investment is prudent under Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA; |
· | Whether in making the investment, the investing plan will satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 404(a)(1)(C) of ERISA; and |
· | Whether the investment will result in recognition of unrelated business taxable income by the plan and, if so, the potential after-tax investment returns. |
ERISA is a broad statutory framework that governs most U.S. retirement and other U.S. employee benefit plans. ERISA and the rules and regulations of the Department of Labor (“DOL”), under ERISA contain provisions that should be considered by fiduciaries of employee benefit plans subject to the provisions of Title I of ERISA, or ERISA Plans, and their legal advisors. The person having investment discretion concerning assets of an employee benefit plan is generally referred to as a “fiduciary”. Such person should determine whether an investment in the Company is authorized by the applicable governing plan instrument wand whether it is a proper investment for the plan.
ERISA Section 406 and Code Section 4975 prohibit employee benefit plans from engaging in specified transactions involving “plan assets” with parties that are “parties in interest” under ERISA or “disqualified persons” under the Code with respect to the plan.
In addition to considering whether the purchase of securities is a prohibited transaction, a fiduciary of an employee benefit plan should consider whether the plan will, by investing in the Company, be deemed to own an undivided interest in the Company’s assets, with the result that the Company’s operations would be subject to the regulatory restrictions of ERISA, including its prohibited transaction rules, as well as the prohibited rules of the Code.
The Department of Labor Regulations provide guidance concerning whether assets of an entity in which employee benefit plans acquire equity interests would be deemed “plan assets” under certain circumstances. Under these regulations, an entity’s assets would not be considered to be “plan assets” if, among other things:
1. | Equity interests acquired by employee benefit plans are publicly offered securities – for example, the equity interests are widely held by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and each other, freely transferrable and registered under some provision of the Federal Securities Laws; |
2. | The entity is an “operating company” – for example, it is primarily engaged in the production or sale of a product or service other than the investment of capital either directly or through a majority-owned subsidiary or subsidiaries; or there is no significant investment by benefit plan investors, which is defined to mean that less than 25% of the value of each class of equity interest is held by the employee benefit plans referenced to above. |
The Company does not intend to limit investment by benefit plan investors in the Company because the Company does believe that it does quality as an ‘operating company’. If the Department of Labor were ever to take the position that the Company is not an operating company and that the Company has significant investment by benefit plans, then the Company may become subject to the regulatory restrictions of ERISA which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and the value of its Common Shares.
Plan fiduciaries contemplating a purchase of securities offered hereunder are highly encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel regarding the consequences under ERISA and the Code in light of the serious penalties imposed on persons who engage in prohibited transactions or other violations.
pg. 92 |
ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS ON BEHALF OF PLANS IS IN NO RESPECT A REPRESENTATION BY THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR ANY OTHER PARTY RELATED TO THE COMPANY THAT THIS INVESTMENT MEETS THE RELEVANT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS REGARDING INVESTMENTS BY ANY PARTICULAR PLAN OR THAT AN INVESTMENT WITH THE COMPANY IS APPROPRIATE FOR ANY PARTICULAR TYPE OF PLAN. THE PERSON WITH INVESTMENT DISCRETION SHOULD CONSULT THEIR ATTORNEY AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS AS TO THE APPROPRIATENESS OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY BASED ON CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTICUAL PLAN.
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pg. 93 |
ITEM 19. PUBLIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMPANY:
The Company will furnish the following reports, statements, and tax information to each shareholder.
Reporting Requirements under Tier II of Regulation A. Following this Tier II, Regulation A Offering, the Company will be required to comply with certain ongoing disclosure requirements under Rule 257 of Regulation A. The Company will be required to file: (i) an annual report with the SEC on Form 1-K; (ii) a semi-annual report with the SEC on Form 1-SA; (iii) current reports with the SEC on Form 1-U; and (iv) a notice under cover of Form 1-Z. The necessity to file current reports will be triggered by certain corporate events, similar to the ongoing reporting obligation faced by issuers under the Exchange Act, however the requirement to file a Form 1-U is expected to be triggered by significantly fewer corporate events than that of the Form 8-K. Parts I & II of Form 1-Z will be filed by the Company when it decides to, and is no longer obligated to file and provide annual reports pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A.
Annual Reports. As soon as practicable, but in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year, ending OCTOBER 31, the Company will cause to be mailed or made available, by any reasonable means, to each Shareholder as of the date selected by the Company, an annual report containing financial statements of the Company for such fiscal year, presented in accordance with GAAP, including a balance sheet and statements of operations, company equity and cash flows, with such statements having been audited by an accountant selected by the Company. The Company shall be deemed to have made a report available to each Shareholder as required if it has either (i) filed such report with the SEC via its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (the “EDGAR System”) and such report is publicly available on such system or (ii) made such report available on any website maintained by the Company and available for viewing by the Shareholders.
Tax Information. On or before JANUARY 31st of the year immediately following the Company’s fiscal year, which is currently DECEMBER 1st through NOVEMBER 30th, the Company will send to each Shareholder such tax information as shall be reasonably required for Federal and State Income Tax reporting purposes.
Shares Certificates. The Company does not anticipate issuing Shares Certificates representing the Common Shares purchased in this Offering to new Shareholders. However, the Company is permitted to issue shares certificates and may do so at the request of the investor and/or a Stock Transfer Agent. The number of Common Shares held by each Shareholder will be maintained by the Company, or the Company’s Stock Transfer Agent, in the Company’s register.
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pg. 94 |
ITEM 20. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:
Subscription Procedures
Investors seeking to purchase Shares of the Company’s Common Shares who satisfy the “Qualified Purchaser” standards should proceed as follows:
1. | Read this entire Offering Circular (including all Exhibits hereto) and any supplements accompanying this Offering Circular. |
2. | Electronically complete and execute a copy of the Subscription Agreement. A complete copy of the Subscription Agreement, including instructions for completing it, is included in this Offering Circular as Exhibit A. |
By executing the Subscription Agreement and paying the total purchase price for the Company’s Common Shares subscribed for, each investor agrees to accept the terms of the Subscription Agreement and attests that the investor meets the minimum standards of a “Qualified Purchaser.” And for non-accredited investors that such subscription for Common Shares of the Company does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the greater of such investor’s annual income or net worth (for natural persons), or ten percent (10%) of the greater of annual revenue or net assets at fiscal year-end (for non-natural persons). Subscriptions will be binding upon investors but will be effective only upon the Company’s acceptance and the Company reserves the right to reject any subscription in whole or in part.
Right to Reject Subscriptions. After the Company receives your complete, executed Subscription Agreement and the funds required under the Subscription Agreement have been received, the Company has the right to review and accept your subscription in whole or in part, for any reason or for no reason. The Company will return all monies from rejected subscriptions immediately to you, generally without interest and without deduction.
Acceptance of Subscriptions. Upon the Company’s acceptance of a Subscription Agreement, the Company will countersign the Subscription Agreement and issue the Shares at closing. Once you submit the Subscription Agreement, and it is accepted, you may not revoke or change your subscription, or request your subscription funds returned. All accepted Subscription Agreements are irrevocable.
Minimum Purchase Requirements. You must purchase at least ten (10) Common Shares at a price of $100.00 USD per Common Share. The Company reserves the right to revise the minimum purchase requirements in the future.
Buying Common Shares Directly from the Company: The Common Shares offered in this Offering Circular can be purchased directly from the Company, and once the Company’s Common Shares are listed on the OTC Market (www.OTCMarkets.com), the Common Shares will also be available through select FINRA Broker Dealers (contact Investor Relations for a list of FINRA Broker Dealers).
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pg. 95 |
ITEM 21. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Company has filed with the SEC an Offering Statement under the Securities Act on Form 1-A regarding this Offering. This Offering Circular, which is part of the Offering Statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the Offering Statement and the exhibits related thereto filed with the SEC, reference to which is hereby made. Upon Qualification of the Offering Statement, the Company will be subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Exchange Act that are applicable to Tier 2 companies whose securities are registered pursuant to Regulation A, and accordingly, the Company will file annual reports, semi-annual reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy the Offering Statement, the related exhibits and the reports and other information the Company has filed, and will file in the future, at the SEC’s public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. You can also request copies of those documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information regarding the operations of the public reference rooms. The SEC also maintains a website at www.SEC.gov that contains reports, information statements and other information regarding issuers that file with the SEC.
You may also request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing, emailing or telephoning the Company at:
Mr. Mark T. Ocepek
Chairman & Managing Member
103 Century 21 Drive
Suite 100-008
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
Email: mark@anabasisreit.com
Phone: (904) 583-9354
Within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Company will electronically provide to all Shareholders of record an annual report. The annual report will contain statements and certain other financial narrative information that the Company is required to provide to its Shareholders. The Company does not intend to send paper copies out of its reports unless requested in writing by a Shareholder.
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pg. 96 |
Anabasis, LLC Audited Financial Statements & Independent Auditor’s Report For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
pg. 97 |
Anabasis, LLC
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditor’s Report | F-1 to F-2 |
Balance Sheet | F-3 |
Statement of Operations | F-4 |
Statement of Changes in Member’s Equity (Deficit) | F-5 |
Statement of Cash Flows | F-6 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | F-7 to F-14 |
pg. 98 |
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Members
of Anabasis, LLC
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Anabasis, LLC (“the Company”, “ANB”) as of December 31, 2022, and the related statements of operations, changes in member’s equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
F-1 |
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Integritat Audit, Accounting & Advisory, LLC (PCAOB ID 6624)
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023
Boca Raton, Florida
October 16, 2023
F-2 |
Anabasis, LLC
Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2022
ASSETS | ||||
Current assets | ||||
Cash & cash equivalent | $ | 33,430 | ||
Accounts receivable | 3,208 | |||
Investment property - held for sale | 499,443 | |||
Total current assets | $ | 536,081 | ||
Non-current assets | ||||
Note receivable | $ | 700,000 | ||
Total non-current assets | $ | 700,000 | ||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 1,236,081 | ||
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||
Current liabilities | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 7,049 | ||
Due to related party | 5,125 | |||
Accrued interest | 11,942 | |||
Total current liabilities | $ | 24,116 | ||
Non-current liabilities | ||||
Line of credit, related party | $ | 995,791 | ||
Total non-current liabilities | $ | 995,791 | ||
Total liabilities | $ | 1,019,907 | ||
Member's equity (deficit) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | $ | 100 | ||
Member's contribution | 197 | |||
Accumulated earnings | 215,877 | |||
Total member's equity (deficit) | $ | 216,174 | ||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) | $ | 1,236,081 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3 |
Anabasis, LLC
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Revenue | ||||
Property sale | $ | 1,407,066 | ||
Interest income | 13,368 | |||
Other income | 45,340 | |||
Total revenue | $ | 1,465,774 | ||
Cost of sales | $ | 1,071,626 | ||
Total cost of sales | $ | 1,071,626 | ||
Gross profit | $ | 394,148 | ||
Operating expenses | ||||
Commission | $ | 45,319 | ||
Advertising and Marketing | 29,603 | |||
Bank Charges | 1,308 | |||
Professional fees | 6,846 | |||
Insurance expense | 2,293 | |||
General administrative | 78,979 | |||
Total operating expenses | $ | 164,348 | ||
Other income/(expenses) | ||||
Interest expense | $ | (13,362 | ) | |
Total other income | $ | (13,362 | ) | |
Net Inome (Losses) | $ | 216,438 | ||
Basic and dilutive net income (loss) per member's equity common share unit | $ | 2,164 | ||
Weighted average number of member's equity common share units issued and outstanding - Basic and dilutive. | 100 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4 |
Statement of Changes in Member's Equity (Deficit)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Number
of Member's Equity Common Share Units (No Par Value) | Member's
Contribution | Additional
Paid- in Capital | Accumulated
Earnings (Deficit) | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 100 | $ | - | $ | 100 | $ | (561 | ) | $ | (461 | ) | |||||||||
Member's contribution | - | 197 | - | - | 197 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss/income | - | - | - | 216,438 | 216,438 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | 100 | $ | 197 | $ | 100 | $ | 215,877 | $ | 216,174 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5 |
Anabasis, LLC
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities | ||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 216,438 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: | $ | - | ||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||
Decrease (increase) in assets: | ||||
Note receivable | $ | (700,000 | ) | |
Accounts receivable | (3,208 | ) | ||
Investment property-held for sale | 149,582 | |||
Increase (decrease) in liabilities: | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 7,049 | |||
Line of credit | 313,136 | |||
Due to related parties | 5,125 | |||
Accrued interest | 11,381 | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | (497 | ) | |
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities | $ | - | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $ | - | ||
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities | ||||
Member's contribution | $ | 197 | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | 197 | ||
Net change in cash | $ | (300 | ) | |
Cash at beginning of period | 33,730 | |||
Cash at end of period | $ | 33,430 | ||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||
Cash paid for interest | $ | 1,981 | ||
Cash paid for taxes | $ | - | ||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6 |
Anabasis, LLC
Notes to the Financial Statements
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Anabasis LLC, a Florida limited liability company was founded on October 5, 2018. The Company is a real estate investment fund that specializes in private equity investments, multi-family, single-family, self-storage, and commercial real estate. As a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), the Company buys properties available in the open source and off market capabilities, purchases underperforming assets at a discount, brings them to fully operational and stabilized assets, and generates revenue by selling the properties at a higher price.
The Company intends to file an initial offering statement (“the offering”) on Form 1-A with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to raise up to $75 million in capital at an initial price of $93.75 per share.
The head office of the Company is located at 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100-008, Jacksonville, Florida 32216.
The Company’s fiscal year-end is December 31st.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America or (“U.S. GAAP”) as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), the Accounting Standards Update(“ASU”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and are expressed in US Dollars. Significant accounting policies applicable to the Company are summarized as follows:
Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of reporting within the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all cash on hand, cash accounts not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties, and all highly liquid securities purchased with a maturity of 90 days or less to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company had $33,430 on account with a financial institution on December 31, 2022.
Property
In accordance with ASC 360 “Property, Plant & Equipment”, property held for use should be accounted for at cost less accumulated depreciation, and property held for sale should be accounted for at cost and are not depreciated. Any property, plant or equipment held should be regularly assessed for impairment and are subject to non-reversable impairment losses. The Company invests in properties, and it holds them for sale. Therefore, no depreciation expense was incurred during 2022 for properties held.
F-7 |
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable represent amounts owed from customers for services provided or properties sold. Accounts receivable consist of note receivable interest for loans issued by the Company to customers that acquire its properties which are held for sale and is reported at its net realizable value. From management’s best estimate there is no allowance for doubtful accounts on December 31, 2022. Management individually reviews all delinquent accounts receivable balances and based on an assessment of current creditworthiness, estimates the portion, if any, of the balance that will not be collected. Management considers a number of factors, including the age of the receivables, which is often less than 60 days, current economic conditions and other information management obtains regarding the financial condition of customers. The policy for determining the past due status is based on the contractual payment terms of each customer. Once collection efforts by the Company are exhausted, the determination for directly writing off uncollectible receivables is made. Note receivable and the related interest are secured by the properties purchased. Amounts deemed as potentially uncollectable are allocated an allowance for doubtful accounts which reduces the accounts receivable balance to its net realizable value and results in a bad debt expense. Amounts determined as uncollectible are written down by reducing the accounts receivable balance directly and incurring a bad debt expense.
Related Party Disclosures
Under ASC 850 “Related Party Transactions” an entity or person is considered to be a “related party” if it has control, significant influence or is a key member of management personnel. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. The Company in accordance with the standard ASC 850 presents disclosures about related party transactions and outstanding balances with related parties, see Note 14.
Fair value of financial instruments
In accordance with ASC 820 ‘Fair Value Measurement” the Company categorizes financial instruments in a 'fair value hierarchy'. The hierarchy categorizes the inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to (unadjusted) quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The following are the three categories related to the fair value measurement of such assets or liabilities:
· | Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date, it holds a position in a single asset or liability and the asset or liability is traded in an active market. |
· | Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means ('market-corroborated inputs'). |
· | Level 3 inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability. An entity develops unobservable inputs using the best information available in the circumstances, which might include the entity's own data, taking into account all information about market participant assumptions that is reasonably available. |
F-8 |
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis on December 31, 2022.
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level3) | ||||||||||
Note receivable | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 700,000 | ||||||
Line of credit | - | - | 995,791 | |||||||||
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,695,791 |
Income taxes
The Company, with its equity member’s consent, has elected to be taxed as a "Partnership" under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and comparable state income tax law. As a Partnership, the Company is generally not subject to corporate income taxes and the Company's net income, or loss is reported on the individual tax return of the stockholder of the Company. Therefore, no provision or liability for income taxes is reflected in the financial statements. The Company has not been audited by the Internal Revenue Service, and accordingly the business tax returns since 2012 are open to examination. Management has evaluated its tax positions and has concluded that the Company had taken no uncertain tax positions that could require adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements to comply with provisions set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) section 740, Income Taxes.
Member’s equity interest
In accordance with ASC 505 “Equity” the Company considers an equity instrument to be any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all its liabilities. The Company’s member’s equity interest is classified as equity instruments. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of member’s equity interest is recognized in equity as a reduction of contributed capital. Capital is reported on the balance sheet and statement of changes in member’s equity (deficit).
The Company computes earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share” which requires presentation of both basic and diluted EPS on the face of the statement of operations by the entities that (1) have common stock that trades in a public market or (2) file with a regulatory agency for the sale of common stock in a public market. ANB is in the process of filing Regulation A Offering circular with the SEC to raise capital from the issuance of its member’s equity interest which was divided into units referred to as common share units.
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all diluted potential common shares outstanding during the period. In computing diluted EPS, the average share price for the period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of warrants or stock options. Diluted EPS excludes all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
F-9 |
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue under ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The core principle of the new revenue standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following five steps are applied to achieve that core principle:
Step 1: Identify the contract with the customer.
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 5: Recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer. The consideration promised in a contract with a customer may include fixed amounts, variable amounts, or both.
When determining the transaction price, the Company also considers the effects of all of the following:
· | Variable consideration |
· | Constraining estimates of variable consideration |
· | The existence of a significant financing component in the contract |
· | Noncash consideration |
· | Consideration payable to a customer |
The Company generates revenues from the sale of investment properties which are held for sale. Revenue is recognized under ASC 360-20-40-5 by using full accrual method when until all of the following criteria are met:
· | A sale is consummated. |
· | The buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property. |
· | The seller’s receivable is not subject to future subordination. |
· | The seller has transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership in a transaction that is in substance a sale and does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the property. |
Recently issued accounting standards
Under Section 107 of the JOBS Act, we are permitted to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This permits the Company to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have difference effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B). By electing to extend the transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that adopt accounting standard updates upon the public business entity effective dates.
F-10 |
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The standard also requires additional disclosures related to significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit
losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. Operating lease receivables are excluded from the scope of this guidance. The amended guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning January 1, 2023. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Accounting standards promulgated by the FASB are subject to change. Changes in such standards may have an impact on the Company’s future consolidated financial statements.
The Company periodically reviews new accounting standards that are issued. Although some of these accounting standards may be applicable to the Company, the Company has not identified any new standards that it believes merit further discussion, and the Company expects that none would have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statement.
NOTE 3. CONCENTRATION AND CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments, which potentially subject ANB to credit risk, consist principally of cash. Cash deposits are maintained with a financial institution in the USA that is credit worthy. The Company maintains all cash with a bank insured up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. On December 31, 2022, no cash balances were held in excess of federally insured limits.
On December 31, 2022, two buyers individually made up 10% or more of total revenue, their balances amounted to $1,192,685. One buyer made up 100% of total accounts receivable, the balance amounted to $3,208. There is one unrelated party making up 100% of note receivable balance which amounted to $700,000. Credit card debt made up 100% of accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the amount of $7,049. One related party made up 100% of the line of credit, the balance amounted to $995,791. One related party made up 100% of total due to related party, the balance amounted to $5,125. One related party made up 100% of accrued interest in the amount of $11,942.
NOTE 4. NOTE RECEIVABLE
On July 28, 2022, the Company entered into a note agreement to loan $700,000 to Edgewater Self Storage, LLC, the buyer of the property sold. The note bears interest at a rate of 5.5% per annum and is due on August 31, 2024. On December 31, 2022, the principal of the note receivable is $700,000. The interest accrued on December 31, 2022 is $3,208. Interest income earned during 2022 is $13,362.
NOTE 5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
On December 31, 2022, the Company accrued $3,208 interest for the note agreement entered during 2022 which represents all balance of accounts receivable. See Note 4 for details.
F-11 |
NOTE 6. INVESTMENT PROPERTY
On May 12, 2022, an apartment was purchased by the Company for $90,016 and held for sale. The Company made improvements to the property amounting to $15,386 during the year ended December 31, 2022.
On June 22, 2022, the Company made a payment in the amount of $194,494 to acquire an apartment to be held for sale. During 2022, $37,567 of improvements were made to the property acquired.
On August 30, 2022, the Company purchased an apartment which cost $100,170 and held it for sale. The Company made improvements to the property which totaled $61,810.
NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES
The Company is currently organized as a Partnership for Federal and State income tax purposes. The company does not have any income tax obligations and makes no allowances in the 2022 financial statements for Federal or State income tax liabilities. The Company’s net income flows through the partner’s individual tax return.
NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company may be a defendant in pending or threatened legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business. Management is not aware of any pending, threatened or asserted claims. Also, see Note 9, Note 10, Note 11 for additional disclosure on commitments and contingencies.
NOTE 9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & ACCRUED LIABILITIES
The Company holds credit cards issued by commercial banks permitting short-term credit. On December 31, 2022, the Company accrued credit card debt in the amount of $7,049 which represented the full balance of accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
NOTE 10. LINE OF CREDIT
On December 6, 2021, the Company was granted a revolving line of credit (“LOC”) by its founder. The LOC permits it to obtain funding for operations up to $1,800,000 until December 6, 2024. Full payment of any balance owed is due by June 6, 2025. No monthly payments are required. The LOC bears interest at a rate of 1.26% per annum. The principal of the loan was $995,791 on December 31, 2022. The interest accrued was $11,942 on December 31, 2022.
NOTE 11. DUE TO RELATED PARTIES
During 2022 a third-party advanced funds to the Company for a related party. The Company accounts for these funds in the amount of $5,125 as Due to Related Party on December 31, 2022.
NOTE 12. MEMBER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
On October 5, 2018, the Company issued 100 common shares to the founder of the Company, in exchange for $100 cash for the formation of the Company.
During 2022, the founder of the Company contributed $197 cash to sustain the Company’s business operations.
The Company divided its member equity interests into 1,000,000 common share units, of which 800,000 common share units would be used to raise capital through the SEC Regulation A Offering Circular.
There are 100 common share units issued and outstanding on December 31, 2022.
F-12 |
NOTE 13. ACCRUED INTEREST
On December 31, 2022, the Company accrued $11,942 interest payable which resulted from a line of credit agreement entered in 2021. See Note 10 for details.
NOTE 14. RELATED PARTIES
See Note 10 for line of credit issued by the Company’s founder.
See Note 11 for due to related party debt owed to Anabasis Realty, LLC.
See Note 12 for capital contributions made by the Company’s founder.
See Note 12 for the common shares issued to the Company’s founder.
NOTE 15. REVENUE
Revenues from property sales during the year ended December 31, 2022, represent 95% or more of the total revenue. Selling property is the principal revenue stream of the Company and no customer is recurring.
Interest income is a regular revenue stream and is less frequent than property sale because not all customers that acquire property use the Company’s financing services.
Other income is fees generated from customers for the various services performed to execute a property sale such as loan organization fees, processing fees, and assignment fees.
NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated the financial statements for subsequent events through October 16, 2023, the date these financial statements were available to be issued.
In the Fourth Quarter of 2023 the Company is in process to finalize a Regulation A Filing to raise $75 million through offering 800,000 common share units.
In the Fourth Quarter of 2023, the Company plans to issue $15,000,000 in Convertible Series B Preferred share units with a 6% annual interest rate.
On April 21, 2023, the Company entered into a loan agreement with an unrelated party to borrow $120,250 for the purchase of an investment property.
On May 15, 2023, the Company entered into a loan agreement with an unrelated party to borrow $168,000 to acquire an investment property.
On May 16, 2023, the Company entered into a loan agreement with an unrelated party to borrow $127,800 for the acquisition of an investment property.
On July 14, 2023, the Company entered into a loan agreement with an unrelated party to borrow $2,040,000 for the purchase of an investment property.
On September 18, 2023, the Company changed its name to Anabasis Real Estate Investment Trust LLC.
F-13 |
NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
The financial statements do not include any adjustment that may result from these conditions. Management is not aware of any other events that have occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date that would require adjustment to, or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
F-14 |
PART III—EXHIBITS
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit Number |
Description |
1A-2B | OPERATING AGREEMENT |
1A-4 | SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT |
1A-12 | OPINION OF COUNSEL |
1A-15 | REIT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT |
1A-16 | RESOLUTION FOR PREFERENCE SHARES |
* | Filed herewith. |
pg. 99 |
SIGNATURES
The Issuer has duly caused this Offering Circular to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST:
By: Mr. Mark Ocepek
By: | /s/ Mark Ocepek | |
Name: | Mr. Mark Ocepek | |
Title: | Managing Member & Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
Date: | October 19, 2023 |
---
By: Mr. Bryce Ocepek
By: | /s/ Bryce Ocepek | |
Name: | Mr. Bryce Ocepek | |
Title: | President & Member of the Board of Directors | |
Date: | October 19, 2023 |
---
By: Mr. James A. Stuber, Esq.
By: | /s/ James A. Struber, Esq. | |
Name: | Mr. James A. Stuber, Esq. | |
Title: | Legal Counsel & Member of the Board of Directors | |
Date: | October 19, 2023 |
---
By: Mr. Pierre La Porte, CPA
By: | /s/ Pierre La Porte | |
Name: | Mr. Pierre La Porte, CPA | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Member of the Board of Directors | |
Date: | October 19, 2023 |
pg. 100 |
By: Mr. Gene D. Lipscher, Esq.
By: | /s/ Gene D. Lipscher, Esq. | |
Name: | Mr. Gene D. Lipscher, Esq. | |
Title: | Member of the Board of Directors | |
Date: | October 19, 2023 |
---
By: Mr. Lee Frankhouser
By: | /s/ Lee Frankhouser | |
Name: | Mr. Lee Frankhouser | |
Title: | Member of the Board of Directors | |
Date: | October 19, 2023 |
pg. 101
Exhibit 1A-2B
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC
OPERATING AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 1 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS: | 3 |
ARTICLE II: ORGANIZATION: | 7 |
ARTICLE III: SHAREHOLDERS & SHARES: | 11 |
ARTICLE IV: DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS: | 19 |
ARTICLE V: MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS: | 21 |
ARTICLE VI: BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS: | 37 |
ARTICLE VII: TAX MATTERS: | 38 |
ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION, TERMINATION AND LIQUIDATION: | 38 |
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT: | 41 |
ARTICLE X: MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR CONVERSION: | 45 |
ARTICLE XI: SHAREHOLDERS’ VOTING POWERS AND MEETING: | 48 |
ARTICLE XII: GENERAL PROVISIONS: | 50 |
ARTICLE XIII: RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES: | 55 |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 2 |
This OPERATING AGREEMENT of ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC (hereinafter referred to as the “COMPANY”) is dated as of September xx, 2023. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in Section 1.1 and Section 13.1.
WHEREAS, the COMPANY was formed under the Florida Act as ANABASIS, LLC and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida on October 5, 2018 (hereinafter referred to as the “ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION”). The COMPANY then changed its name to ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC in September of 2023.
WHEREAS, the MANAGING MEMBER has authorized and approved this OPERATING AGREEMENT on the terms set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the OPERATING AGREEMENT of the COMPANY is hereby stated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS:
Section 1.1. Definitions. Certain terms used in ARTICLE XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT are defined in that Article. In addition, the following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
AFFILIATE: means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Person in question. As used herein, the term "Control" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION: means the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION of the COMPANY filed with the Florida Secretary of State of the State of Florida as referenced in Section 2.9, as such ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION may be amended, supplemented or restated from time-to-time.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: the COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall be the governing body of the COMPANY, elected by a simple majority of the COMPANY’S voting shareholders, and re-elected to 24-month terms.
BUSINESS DAY: means Monday through Friday of each week, except that a legal holiday recognized as such by the Government of the United States of America, or the District of Columbia, shall not be regarded as a Business Day.
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION: means with respect to any Shareholder of the COMPANY, the amount of cash and the initial gross fair market value (as determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS in good faith discretion) of any other property contributed or deemed contributed to the capital of the COMPANY by or on behalf of such Shareholder, reduced by the amount of any liability assumed by the COMPANY relating to such property and any liability to which such property is subject.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 3 |
CERTIFICATE: means a certificate in such form as may be adopted by the MANAGING MEMBER and/or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and issued by the COMPANY, evidencing ownership of one or more Shares.
CODE: means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of any successor law.
COMMISSION: means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
COMMON SHARES: means any Shares of the COMPANY (the COMPANY’S “Equity Membership Shares”) that are not Preference Shares.
COMPANY: means ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company, and any successors thereto.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: means: (i) any matter that the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS believes may involve a conflict of interest that is not otherwise addressed by the COMPANY’S conflicts of interest policy; or any transaction that is deemed to be a Principal Transaction.
EXCHANGE ACT: means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES: has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.4(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
FBCA: means the Florida Business Corporation Act, 2023 Florida Statutes, Title XXXVI, Chapter 607, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
FLORIDA ACT: means the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act, 2023 Florida Statutes, Title XXXVI, Chapter 605, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY: means any court, administrative agency, regulatory body, commission or other governmental authority, board, bureau or instrumentality, domestic or foreign and any subdivision thereof.
INDEMNIFIED PERSON: means: (i) any person who is or was an officer of the COMPANY, if any; (b) the MANAGING MEMBER or any member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, together with the COMPANY’S Officers, Directors, and/or Managers; (c) any person who is or was serving at the request of the COMPANY as an Officer, Director, Manager, Partner, Tax Matters Partner, Fiduciary or Trustee of another person (including any Subsidiary), provided that a person shall not be an INDEMNIFIED PERSON by reason of providing, on a fee-for-services basis, trustee, fiduciary or custodial services; and (d) any person the MANAGING MEMBER, or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, designates as an INDEMNIFIED PERSON for purposes of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 4 |
INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE: means an independent representative appointed by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS to review and approve certain transactions involving a CONFLICT OF INTEREST in order to protect the interests of the COMPANY and its shareholders.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT: means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
LIQUIDATOR: means one or more Persons selected by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS to perform the functions described in Section 8.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT as liquidating trustee of the COMPANY, as applicable, within the meaning of the FLORIDA ACT.
MANAGING MEMBER: means Mr. Mark T. Ocepek. The MANAGING MEMBER shall control all functions and operations of the COMPANY until the time that a BOARD OF DIRECTORS is established.
MARKET PRICE: means, with respect to the COMMON SHARES on a particular date, $93.75 per Common Share until the First “NAV Reporting Date.” Thereafter, the Market Price will be adjusted every semi-annual period, or such other period as determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS in his/its sole discretion, but no less than frequently than semi-annually, and as of January 1st and July 1st of each year (or as soon as commercially reasonably and announced by the COMPANY thereafter), with equal the greater of: (i) $93.75 per Common Share; or (ii) the sum of the Company’s Net Asset Value, or NAV, divided by the number of the COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES issued and outstanding as of the end of the prior semi-annual period, as determined in accordance with Section 5.12 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and disclosed by the COMPANY in either a pricing supplement filed by the COMPANY with the COMMISSION or on the COMPANY’S website (“NAV per Common Share”).
NAV: has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.12 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
OFFERING: has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.1(b) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
OFFERING DOCUMENT: means, with respect to any class or series of Shares, the prospectus, offering circular, offering memorandum, private placement memorandum or other offering document related to the initial offering of such Shares, approved by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, including any Offering Statement.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 5 |
OFFERING STATEMENT: means the offering statement on Form 1-A (File No. _________) filed by the COMPANY with the COMMISSION on ____________, pursuant to which the COMPANY is qualified for sale a maximum of $75,000,000 of its COMMON SHARES under Regulation A of the Securities Act, as such offering statement may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or such other offering statements that the COMPANY may qualify or register under the Securities Act from time to time.
OPERATING AGREEMENT: has the meaning set forth in the recital of this Agreement.
OPINION OF COUNSEL: means a written opinion of counsel (who may be regular counsel to the COMPANY or any of its AFFILIATES) acceptable to the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
OUTSTANDING: means, with respect to Shares, all Shares that are issued by the COMPANY and reflected as Outstanding on the COMPANY'S books and records as of the date of determination and, for purposes of Article XIII, that are treated as outstanding for U.S. Federal Income Tax purposes.
PREFERENCE SHARES: means a class of Shares of the COMPANY that entitles the Record Holders thereof to a preference or priority over the Record Holders of any other class of Shares of the COMPANY in: (i) the right to a greater number of votes per share than holders of the COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES; (ii) the right to share profits or losses or items thereof; (iii) the right to share in distributions; or (iv) rights upon termination or liquidation of the COMPANY (including in connection with the dissolution or liquidation of the COMPANY). PREFERENCE SHARES shall not include COMMON SHARES.
RECORD DATE: means the date established by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in his/its discretion, for determining: (i) the identity of the Record Holders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of Shareholders of the COMPANY or entitled to exercise rights in respect of any lawful action of Shareholders of the COMPANY; or (ii) the identity of Record Holders entitled to receive any report or distribution or to participate in any offer.
RECORD HOLDER: means with respect to any Shares of the COMPANY, the person or entity in whose name such Shares are registered on the books of the COMPANY (or on the books of any Transfer Agent, if applicable) as of the opening of business on a particular Business Day.
REDEMPTION PLAN: has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT
REIT: means a real estate investment trust within the meaning of Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.
ROLL-UP TRANSACTION: has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.6(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
SECURITIES ACT: means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 6 |
SHAREHOLDER: means any person that is the owner of any COMMON SHARES as provided in this Agreement.
SUBSIDIARY: means, with respect to any Person, entity or the COMPANY, as of any date of determination, any other Person or entity as to which such Person or entity, or the Company, owns or otherwise controls, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting shares or other similar interests or a sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such entity.
TRANSFER: means, with respect to a Share, a transaction by which the RECORD HOLDER of a Share assigns such Share to another Person or entity who is or becomes a Shareholder, and includes a sale, assignment, gift, exchange or any other disposition by law or otherwise, including any transfer upon foreclosure of any pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or mortgage; provided, however, that, solely for purposes of Article XIII, the term "TRANSFER" shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
TENDERED SHARES: has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.9 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
TRANSFER AGENT: means, with respect to any class of Shares, such bank, trust company or other Person or entity (including the COMPANY or one of its AFFILIATES) as shall be appointed from time to time by the COMPANY to act as registrar and TRANSFER AGENT for such class of Shares; provided that if no TRANSFER AGENT is specifically designated for such class of Shares, the COMPANY shall act in such capacity.
U.S. GAAP: means United States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
Section 1.2 Construction. Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any pronoun used in this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa; (b) references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement; and (c) the term "include" or "includes" means includes, without limitation, and "including" means including, without limitation.
ARTICLE II: ORGANIZATION:
Section 2.1 Formation: The COMPANY has been formed as a limited liability company pursuant to the provisions of the FLORIDA ACT.
Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Shareholders and the administration, dissolution and termination of the COMPANY shall be governed by the FLORIDA ACT. All Shares shall constitute personal property of the owner thereof for all purposes and a Shareholder has no interest in specific COMPANY property.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 7 |
Section 2.2 Name. The name of the COMPANY shall be “ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC”. The words "Limited Liability Company", "LLC", or similar words or letters shall be included in the COMPANY'S name where necessary for the purpose of complying with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires. The business of the COMPANY may be conducted under any other name or names, as determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The MANAGING MEMBER, or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, may change the name of the COMPANY at any time, and from time to time, and shall notify the Shareholders of such change in the next regular communication to the Shareholders.
Section 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices. Unless and until changed by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, the address of the registered office of the COMPANY in the State of Florida is: 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE, SUITE 100-008, County of DUVAL, City of JACKSONVILLE, State of FLORIDA 32216, and the name of its registered agent at such address is MR. MARK OCEPEK. The principal office of the Company shall be located at 103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE, SUITE 100-008, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32216 or such other place as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may from time to time designate by notice to the Shareholders. The COMPANY may maintain offices at such other place or places within or outside the State of Florida as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines to be necessary or appropriate.
Section 2.4 Purpose. The purpose of the COMPANY shall be to: (a) promote, conduct or engage in, directly or indirectly, any business, purpose or activity that lawfully may be conducted by a limited liability company organized pursuant to the FLORIDA ACT; (b) acquire, hold and dispose of interests in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other entity and, in connection therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred upon the COMPANY with respect to its interests therein; and (c) conduct any and all activities related or incidental to the foregoing purposes.
Section 2.5 Qualification in Other Jurisdictions. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may cause the COMPANY to be qualified or registered in any jurisdiction in which the COMPANY transacts business and shall be authorized to execute, deliver and file any certificates and documents necessary to effect such qualification or registration.
Section 2.6 Powers. The COMPANY shall be empowered to do any and all acts and things necessary and appropriate for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes described in Section 2.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
Section 2.7 Power of Attorney. Each Shareholder hereby constitutes and appoints the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS and, if a LIQUIDATOR shall have been selected pursuant to Section 8.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the LIQUIDATOR (and any successor to the LIQUIDATOR by merger, transfer, assignment, election or otherwise) and each of their authorized officers and attorneys-in-fact, as the case may be, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his name, place and stead, to:
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(a) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices:
(i) all certificates, documents and other instruments (including this Agreement and the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION and all amendments or restatements hereof or thereof) that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) determines to be necessary or appropriate to form, qualify or continue the existence or qualification of the COMPANY as a limited liability company in the State of Florida and in all other jurisdictions in which the COMPANY may conduct business or own property;
(ii) all certificates, documents and other instruments that the MANAGING MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS or the LIQUIDATOR determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect, in accordance with its terms, any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this OPERATING AGREEMENT;
(iii) all certificates, documents and other instruments (including conveyances and a certificate of cancellation) that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect the dissolution, liquidation and/or termination of the COMPANY pursuant to the terms of this OPERATING AGREEMENT;
(iv) all certificates, documents and other instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal, removal or substitution of any Shareholder pursuant to, or in connection with other events described in, Section 10.6 or Article III, Article IV or Article VIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; (v) all certificates, documents and other instruments relating to the determination of the rights, preferences and privileges of any class of Shares issued pursuant to Section 3.2; and
(vi) all certificates, documents and other instruments (including agreements and a certificate of merger) relating to a merger, consolidation or conversion of the COMPANY pursuant to Article X of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
(b) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates, documents and other instruments that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) determines to be necessary or appropriate to:
(i) make, evidence, give, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action that is made or given by the shareholders hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; or
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(ii) effectuate the terms or intent of this OPERATING AGREEMENT,
provided, that when required by Section 9.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or any other provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT that establishes a percentage of the Shareholders or of the Shareholders of any class or series, if any, required to take any action, the MANAGING MEMBER of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) may exercise the power of attorney made in this Section 2.7(b) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. only after the necessary vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action of the Shareholders or of the Shareholders of such class or series, as applicable.
Nothing contained in this Section 2.7 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be construed as authorizing the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) to amend, change or modify this OPERATING AGREEMENT except in accordance with Article IX of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or as may be otherwise expressly provided for in this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
The foregoing power of attorney is hereby declared to be irrevocable and a power coupled with an interest, and it shall survive and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, not be affected by the subsequent death, incompetency, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy or termination of any Shareholder and the transfer of all or any portion of such Shareholder's Shares and shall extend to such Shareholder's heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives. Each such Shareholder hereby agrees to be bound by any representation made by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) acting in good faith pursuant to such power of attorney; and each such Shareholder, to the maximum extent permitted by law, hereby waives any and all defenses that may be available to contest, negate or disaffirm the action of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) taken in good faith under such power of attorney in accordance with this Section 2.7 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT Each Shareholder shall execute and deliver to the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) within 15-days after receipt of the request therefor, such further designation, powers of attorney and other instruments as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (or the LIQUIDATOR) determines to be necessary or appropriate to effectuate this Agreement and the purposes of the COMPANY.
Section 2.8 Term. The term of the COMPANY commenced on the day on which the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida pursuant to the provisions of the FLORIDA ACT. The term of the COMPANY shall be perpetual, unless and until it is dissolved or terminated in accordance with the provisions of Article VIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. The existence of the COMPANY as a separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION as provided in the FLORIDA ACT.
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Section 2.9 ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION. The ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida as required by the FLORIDA ACT, such filing being hereby confirmed, ratified and approved in all respects. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other certificates or documents that it determines to be necessary or appropriate for
the formation, continuation, qualification and operation of a limited liability company in the State of Florida or any other state in which the COMPANY may elect to do business or own property. To the extent that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines such action to be necessary or appropriate, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall direct the appropriate officers to file amendments to and restatements of the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION and do all things to maintain the COMPANY as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Florida or of any other state in which the COMPANY may elect to do business or own property, and any such officer so directed shall be an "authorized person" of the COMPANY within the meaning of the FLORIDA ACT for purposes of filing any such certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida. The COMPANY shall not be required, before or after filing, to deliver or mail a copy of the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION, any qualification document or any amendment thereto to any Shareholder.
ARTICLE III: SHAREHOLDERS & SHARES:
Section 3.1 Shareholders and Shares Generally.
(a) | A person or entity shall be bound by the terms of this OPERATING AGREEMENT if such Person or entity purchases or otherwise lawfully acquires any Share and becomes the RECORD HOLDER of such Share in accordance with the provisions of Article III, Article IV and Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. A Person or entity may become a RECORD HOLDER without the consent or approval of any of the Shareholders. A person or entity may not become a Shareholder without acquiring a Share. |
(b) | The name and mailing address of each Shareholder shall be listed on the books and records of the COMPANY maintained for such purpose by the COMPANY (or the TRANSFER AGENT, if any). The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall update the books and records of the COMPANY from time to time as necessary to reflect accurately the information therein (or shall cause the TRANSFER AGENT to do so, as applicable). |
(c) | Except as otherwise provided in the FLORIDA ACT, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the COMPANY, and the Shareholders shall not be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the COMPANY solely by reason of being a Shareholder. |
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(d) | Unless otherwise provided herein (including, without limitation, in connection with any redemption or repurchase pursuant to Article IV of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or enforcement of the TRANSFER and ownership restrictions contained in Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT), Shareholders may not be expelled from or removed as Shareholders of the COMPANY. Except in connection with any Redemption Plan established pursuant to Section 4.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, Shareholders shall not have any right to resign from the Company; provided, that when a transferee of a Shareholder’s Shares becomes a RECORD HOLDER of such Shares, such transferring Shareholder shall cease to be a Shareholder of the COMPANY with respect to the Shares so transferred. |
(e) | Except to the extent expressly provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT (including any SHARE DESIGNATION): |
i. | No Shareholder shall be entitled to the withdrawal or return of his/her/its Capital Contribution, except to the extent, if any, that distributions made pursuant to this OPERATING AGREEMENT or upon dissolution or termination of the COMPANY may be considered as such by law and then only to the extent provided for in this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
ii. | No Shareholder holding any class or series, if any, of any Shares of the COMPANY shall have priority over any other Shareholder holding the same class or series of Shares either as to the return of Capital Contributions or as to distributions; |
iii. | No interest shall be paid by the COMPANY on Capital Contributions; and |
iv. | No Shareholder, in his/her/its capacity as such, shall participate in the operation or management of the business of the COMPANY, transact any business in the COMPANY'S name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the COMPANY by reason of being a Shareholder. |
(f) | Except as may be otherwise agreed between the COMPANY, on the one hand, and a Shareholder, on the other hand, any Shareholder shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in business activities in addition to those relating to theCOMPANY, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the COMPANY. Neither the COMPANY nor any of the other Shareholders shall have any rights by virtue of this OPERATING AGREEMENT in any such business interests or activities of any Shareholder. |
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Section 3.2 Authorization to Issue Shares.
(a) | The COMPANY may issue Shares, and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Shares, for any COMPANY purpose at any time, and from time to time, to such Persons or entities for such consideration (which may be cash, property, services or any other lawful consideration) or for no consideration and on such terms and conditions as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall determine, all without the approval of any Shareholders, notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.1 or Section 9.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the share price for each Common Share being offered pursuant to any OFFERING STATEMENT shall equal the Market Price. Each Share shall have the rights and be governed by the provisions set forth in this OPERATING AGREEMENT and, with respect to additional Shares of the COMPANY that may be issued by the COMPANY in one or more classes or series, with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be junior to, equivalent to, or senior or superior to, any existing classes or series of Shares of the COMPANY), as shall be fixed by the MANAGING MEMBER of BOARD OF DIRECTORS and reflected in a written action or actions approved by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in compliance with Section 5.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (each, a "SHARE DESIGNATION"). Except to the extent expressly provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT (including any Share Designation), no Shares shall entitle any SHAREHOLDER to any preemptive, preferential or similar rights with respect to the issuance of Shares. |
(b) | A SHARE DESIGNATION (or any resolution of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS amending any SHARE DESIGNATION) shall be effective when a duly executed original of the same is delivered to the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS for inclusion among the permanent records of the COMPANY, and shall be annexed to, and constitute part of, this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable SHARE DESIGNATION, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may at any time increase or decrease the number of Shares of any class or series, but not below the number of Shares of such class or series then Outstanding. |
(c) | Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Share Designation, if any, the COMPANY is authorized to issue an unlimited number of COMMON SHARES and an unlimited number of Preference Shares. All Shares issued pursuant to, and in accordance with the requirements of, this Article III of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be validly issued Shares in the COMPANY, except to the extent otherwise provided in the FLORIDA ACT or this OPERATING AGREEMENT (including any SHARE DESIGNATION). |
(d) | The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may, without the consent or approval of any Shareholders, amend this OPERATING AGREEMENT and make any filings under the FLORIDA ACT or otherwise to the extent the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines is necessary or desirable in order to effectuate any issuance of Shares pursuant to this Article III of the OPERATING AGREEMENT, including, without limitation, an amendment of Section 3 .2(c) of the OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
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(e) | As of the date of this OPERATING AGREEMENT the COMPANY has issued 8,494 Common Shares to its MANAGING MEMBER & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Mr. Mark T. Ocepek; and 8,492 Common Shares to its President and Member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Mr. Bryce Ocepek, and 3,015 Common Shares to other members of the management group. The Company has issued 200 Preference Shares to its MANAGING MEMBER & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Mr. Mark T. Ocepek; 200 Preference Shares to its President and Member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Mr. Bryce Ocepek; and 200 Preference Shares to its BOARD OF DIRECTORS Member Mr. James Stuber; and 200 Preference Shares to its BOARD OF DIRECTORS Member Mr. Pierre LaPorte, and 200 Preference Shares to its BOARD OF DIRECTORS Member Mr. Eugene Lipscher, Esq., and 200 Preference Shares to its BOARD OF DIRECTORS Member Lee Frankhouser. The COMPANY expects to issue an additional 200 Preference Shares to a seventh BOARD OF DIRECTORS Member to be named. The COMPANY expects to issue 800,000 Common Shares pursuant to a Regulation A+ Offering. |
Section 3.3 Certificates.
(a) | Upon the issuance of Shares by the COMPANY to any Person or entity, the COMPANY may, but shall not be obligated to, issue one or more Certificates in the name of such person or entity evidencing the number of such Shares being so issued. Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the COMPANY by the MANAGING MEMBER or a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. No Certificate representing Shares shall be valid for any purpose until it has been countersigned by the TRANSFER AGENT, if any. Any or all of the signatures required on the Certificate may be by facsimile or other electronic communication. If the MANAGING MEMBER, member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS or TRANSFER AGENT who shall have signed or whose facsimile or other electronic signature shall have been placed upon any such Certificate shall have ceased to be the MANAGING MEMBER, member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS or TRANSFER AGENT before such Certificate is issued by the COMPANY, such Certificate may nevertheless be issued by the COMPANY with the same effect as if such Person were the MANAGING MEMBER, member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS or TRANSFER AGENT at the date of issue. Certificates for each class of Shares shall be consecutively numbered and shall be entered on the books and records of the COMPANY as they are issued and shall exhibit the holder's name and number and type of Shares. |
(b) | If any mutilated Certificate is surrendered to the TRANSFER AGENT, if any, or to the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS on behalf of the COMPANY shall execute, and the TRANSFER AGENT, if any, shall countersign and deliver in exchange therefor, a new Certificate evidencing the same number and class or series of Shares as the Certificate so surrendered. The MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS on behalf of the COMPANY shall execute, and the TRANSFER AGENT shall countersign and deliver, a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued if the RECORD HOLDER of the Certificate: |
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1) | makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the COMPANY, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen; |
2) | requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the COMPANY has notice that any of the Shares represented by the Certificate have been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim; |
3) | if requested by the COMPANY, delivers to the COMPANY a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the COMPANY, with surety or sureties and with fixed or open penalty as the COMPANY may direct to indemnify the COMPANY and the TRANSFER AGENT against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate; and |
4) | satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the COMPANY. If a Shareholder fails to notify the COMPANY within a reasonable time after he/she/it has notice of the loss, destruction or theft of a Certificate, and a transfer of the Shares represented by the Certificate is registered before the COMPANY or the TRANSFER AGENT receives such notification, the Shareholder shall be precluded from making any claim against the COMPANY or the TRANSFER AGENT for such transfer or for a new Certificate. |
As a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section, the COMPANY may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the TRANSFER AGENT) reasonably connected therewith.
Section 3.4 Record Holders. The COMPANY shall be entitled to recognize the RECORD HOLDER as the owner of a Share and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such Share on the part of any other Person or entity, regardless of whether the COMPANY shall have actual or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation or guideline. Without limiting the foregoing, when a Person or entity (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing) is acting as nominee, agent or in some other representative capacity for another Person or entity in acquiring and/or holding Shares, as between the COMPANY on the one hand, and such other persons or entities on the other, such representative person or entity shall be the RECORD HOLDER of such Shares.
Section 3.5 Registration and Transfer of Shares. Subject to the restrictions on transfer and ownership limitations contained below and in Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT:
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a) | The COMPANY shall keep or cause to be kept on behalf of the COMPANY a register that will provide for the registration and transfer of Shares. Unless otherwise provided in any SHARE DESIGNATION, a TRANSFER AGENT may, in the discretion of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS or as otherwise required by the EXCHANGE ACT, be appointed registrar and TRANSFER AGENT for the purpose of registering COMMON SHARES and transfers of such COMMON SHARES as herein provided. Upon surrender of a Certificate for registration of transfer of any Shares evidenced by a Certificate, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall execute and deliver, and in the case of COMMON SHARES, the TRANSFER AGENT, if any, shall countersign and deliver, in the name of the holder or the designated transferee or transferees, as required pursuant to the RECORD HOLDER'S instructions, one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate number and type of Shares as were evidenced by the Certificate so surrendered; provided, that a transferor shall provide the address, facsimile number and email address for each such transferee as contemplated by Section 12.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
b) | The COMPANY shall not recognize any transfer of Shares until the Certificates evidencing such Shares, if any, are surrendered for registration of transfer. No charge shall be imposed by the COMPANY for such transfer; provided, that as a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate, the COMPANY may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed with respect thereto. |
c) | In the event that the Shares are not evidenced by a Certificate, the COMPANY shall not recognize any transfer of shares until it has received written documentation that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in his/its sole discretion, determines is sufficient to evidence the transfer of such Shares. |
d) | By acceptance of the transfer of any Share, each transferee of a Share (including any nominee holder or an agent or representative acquiring such Shares for the account of another Person or entity): |
1) | shall be a Shareholder of the COMPANY with respect to the Shares so transferred to such transferee when any such transfer or admission is reflected in the books and records of the COMPANY; |
2) | shall be deemed to agree to be bound by the terms of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
3) | shall become the RECORD HOLDER of the Shares so transferred; |
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4) | grants powers of attorney to the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS and any LIQUIDATOR of the COMPANY, as specified herein; and |
5) | makes the consents and waivers contained in this OPERATING AGREEMENT. The transfer of any Shares and the admission of any new Shareholders shall not constitute an amendment to this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
Section 3.6 Splits and Combinations
a) | Subject to Section 3.2 and Article IV of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, and unless otherwise provided in any SHARE DESIGNATION, the COMPANY may make a pro rata distribution of Shares of any class or series of Shares to all RECORD HOLDERS of such class or series of Shares, or may effect a subdivision or combination of Shares of any class or series of Shares, in each case, on an equal per-Share basis and so long as, after any such event, any amounts calculated on a per-Share basis or stated as a number of Shares are proportionately adjusted. |
b) | Whenever such a distribution, subdivision or combination of Shares is declared, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall select a Record Date as of which the distribution, subdivision or combination shall be effective and shall send notice thereof at least 20 days prior to such RECORD DATE to each RECORD HOLDER as of a date not less than 10 days prior to the date of such notice. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS also may cause a firm of independent public accountants selected by it to calculate the number of Shares to be held by each RECORD HOLDER after giving effect to such distribution, subdivision or combination. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall be entitled to rely on any certificate provided by such firm as conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such calculation. |
c) | Promptly following any such distribution, subdivision or combination, the COMPANY may issue Certificates to the RECORD HOLDERS of Shares as of the applicable RECORD DATE representing the new number of Shares held by such RECORD HOLDERS, or the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may adopt such other procedures as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect such changes. If any such combination results in a smaller total number of Shares Outstanding, the COMPANY shall require, as a condition to the delivery to a RECORD HOLDER of such new Certificate, the surrender of any Certificate held by such RECORD HOLDER immediately prior to such RECORD DATE. |
Section 3.7 ERISA. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS intends to limit the equity participation by "benefit plan investors" (as defined in Section 3(42) of ERISA) in the COMPANY so that it is less than twenty-five percent (25%) of each class of equity interest in the Company.
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Section 3.8 Agreements. The rights of all Shareholders and the terms of all Shares are subject to the provisions of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (including any SHARE DESIGNATION).
Section 3.9 Tender Offers. If any Shareholder of the COMPANY makes a tender offer, including, without limitation, a "mini-tender" offer, such Shareholder must comply with all of the provisions set forth in Regulation 14D of the EXCHANGE ACT, including, without limitation, disclosure and notice requirements, which would be applicable if the tender offer was for more than 5% of the outstanding securities of the COMPANY, provided, however, that such documents are not required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any such Shareholder must provide notice to the COMPANY at least 10 Business Days prior to initiating any such tender offer. If any Shareholder initiates a tender offer without complying with the provisions set forth above (a "Non-Compliant Tender Offer"), the COMPANY, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to redeem such non-compliant Shareholder's Shares and any Shares acquired in such tender offer (collectively, the "TENDERED SHARES") at the lesser of (i) with respect to COMMON SHARES, the price then being paid per Common Share purchased in the COMPANY'S latest offering of COMMON SHARES at full purchase price (not discounted for commission reductions nor for reductions in sale price permitted pursuant to a distribution reinvestment plan, if any), (ii) the fair market value of the Shares as determined by an independent valuation obtained by the COMPANY or (iii) the lowest tender offer price offered in such Non-Compliant Tender Offer. The COMPANY may purchase such TENDERED SHARES upon delivery of the purchase price to the shareholder initiating such Non-Compliant Tender Offer, and, upon such delivery, the COMPANY may instruct any transfer agent to transfer such purchased Shares to the COMPANY. In addition, any Shareholder who makes a Non-Compliant Tender Offer shall be responsible for all expenses incurred by the COMPANY in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of this Section 3.9 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, including, without limitation, expenses incurred in connection with the review of all documents related to such tender offer and expenses incurred in connection with any purchase of TENDERED SHARES by the COMPANY. The COMPANY maintains the right to offset any such expenses against the dollar amount to be paid by the COMPANY for the purchase of TENDERED SHARES pursuant to this Section 3.9 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. In addition to the remedies provided herein, the COMPANY may seek injunctive relief, including, without limitation, a temporary or permanent restraining order, in connection with any Non-Compliant Tender Offer.
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ARTICLE IV: DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS:
Section 4.1 Distributions to Record Holders.
a) | Subject to the applicable provisions of the FLORIDA ACT and except as otherwise provided herein, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may, in his/its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, declare, make and pay distributions of cash or other assets of the COMPANY to the Shareholders. Subject to the terms of any Share Designation (including, without limitation, the preferential rights, if any, of holders of any other class of Shares of the COMPANY) and of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, distributions shall be paid to the holders of COMMON SHARES on an equal per-Share basis as of the RECORD DATE selected by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the COMPANY shall not be required to make a distribution to any Shareholder on account of its interest in the COMPANY if such distribution would violate the FLORIDA ACT or other applicable law. |
b) | Notwithstanding Section 4.1(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, in the event of the termination and liquidation of the COMPANY, all distributions shall be made in accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of, Section 8.3(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
c) | Each distribution in respect of any Shares of the COMPANY shall be paid by the COMPANY, directly or through its TRANSFER AGENT, if any, or through any other Person or agent, only to the RECORD HOLDER of such Shares as of the RECORD DATE set for such distribution. Such payment shall constitute full payment and satisfaction of the COMPANY'S liability in respect of such payment, regardless of any claim of any person or entity who may have an interest in such payment by reason of an assignment or otherwise. |
Section 4.2 Distributions in Kind. Subject to the terms of any SHARE DESIGNATION or to the preferential rights, if any, of holders of any other class of Shares, the COMPANY may declare and pay distributions to holders of Shares that consist of:
1) | COMMON SHARES; and/or |
2) | Other securities or assets held by the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries. |
Section 4.3 Valuations in Ind-Kind Distributions. In the case of distributions of COMMON SHARES, the value of the COMMON SHARES included in such distribution will be calculated based on the Market Price per Share at the time of the distribution payment date. In the case of distributions of other securities of the COMPANY, the value of such securities included in such distribution will be determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in good faith.
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Section 4.4 Redemption in Connection with ERISA. Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, upon demand by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, the COMPANY shall redeem any or all of the Shares held by any Plan Member if either the Plan Member or the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall obtain an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that it is more likely than not that all or any portion of the assets of the COMPANY constitute "plan assets" of the Plan Member for the purposes of the applicable Plan Governing Law to substantially the same extent as if owned directly by the Plan Member. Such partial or whole redemption shall be effective ninety (90) days after the delivery of such Opinion of Counsel, unless the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have selected an earlier effective date. Each Plan Member shall only be redeemed by the COMPANY pursuant to this Section 4.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT to the extent necessary in order to avoid the assets of the COMPANY constituting assets of the Plan Member for the purposes of the applicable Plan Governing Law and the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall cause any such redemption to be made among all Plan Members with respect to which the basis for redemption is applicable in a manner determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in his/its sole discretion. The redemption price for any Shares redeemed pursuant to this Section 4.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT will be the Market Price per Share.
Section 4.5 Personal Conduct Repurchase Right.
a) | In the event that a Shareholder fails to conform its personal conduct to common and accepted standards of good citizenship or conducts himself/herself/itself in a way that reflects poorly upon the Company, as determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in his/its sole, but good faith, discretion, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may elect, at his/its sole discretion, to cause the COMPANY to repurchase all, but not less than all, of the Shares held by such Shareholder. |
b) | In the event that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS elects to cause the COMPANY to repurchase any Shares pursuant to this Section 4.5 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT, the COMPANY shall, within fifteen (15) business days of the MANAGING MEMBER’S or BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ election, send written notice to the applicable Shareholder stating that the COMPANY is exercising its right to repurchase such Shares pursuant to Section 4.5 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
c) | In connection with any repurchase by the COMPANY of COMMON SHARES pursuant to this Section 4.5 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT, the purchase price paid to the applicable Shareholder shall be equal to the Market Price per Share. Any purchase price paid pursuant to this Section 4.5 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be delivered to the applicable Shareholder within 15 business days after the notice specified in Section 4.5(b) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT above is delivered to such Shareholder. Any COMMON SHARES repurchased pursuant to this Section 4.5 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT will cease to accrue distributions or have voting rights and will not be treated as outstanding, and the applicable Shareholder will cease to be a Shareholder of the COMPANY, as of the date that the purchase price is delivered to the applicable Shareholder. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 20 |
Section 4.6 Redemption Plan. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may, in his/its sole discretion and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, cause the COMPANY to establish a redemption plan (a "REDEMPTION PLAN"), pursuant to which a Shareholder may request that the COMPANY redeem all or any portion of their Shares, subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the REDEMPTION PLAN. In his/its sole discretion and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may set the terms, conditions and restrictions of any REDEMPTION PLAN and may amend, suspend, or terminate any such REDEMPTION PLAN at any time for any reason. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may also, in his/its sole discretion and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, decline any particular redemption request made pursuant to a REDEMPTION PLAN if the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS believes such action is necessary to preserve the COMPANY'S status as a REIT.
Section 4.7 Payment of Taxes. If any person or entity exchanging a certificate representing COMMON SHARES wants the COMPANY to issue a certificate in a different name than the registered name on the old certificate, or if any person wants the COMPANY to change the name of the RECORD HOLDER for a Share or Shares, that person or entity must pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of the certificate in another name, or by reason of the change to the COMPANY register, or establish, to the satisfaction of the COMPANY or its agent, that the tax has been paid or is not applicable.
Section 4.8 Absence of Certain Other Rights. Other than pursuant to Section 4.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or to the terms of any SHARE DESIGNATION, holders of COMMON SHARES shall have no conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights, no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of the COMPANY and no preferential rights to distributions.
ARTICLE V: MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS:
Section 5.1 Power of Attorney. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the power to direct the management, operation and policies of the Company shall be vested in the MANAGING MEMBER until the time that a BOARD OF DIRECTORS is established. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have the power to delegate any or all of its rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the COMPANY to such officers, employees, AFFILIATES, agents and representatives of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS or the COMPANY as it may deem appropriate. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS and its officers and directors shall constitute "managers" within the meaning of the FLORIDA ACT. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT, no Shareholder, by virtue of its status as such, shall have any management power over the business and affairs of the COMPANY or actual or apparent authority to enter into, execute or deliver contracts on behalf of, or to otherwise bind, the COMPANY. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the authority and functions of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS with respect to the management of the business of the COMPANY, on the one hand, and its officers and agents, on the other hand, shall be identical to the authority and functions of the board of directors and officers of a corporation organized under the FBCA. In addition to the powers that now or hereafter can be granted to the MANAGING MEMBER under the FLORIDA ACT and to all other powers granted under any other provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the MANAGING MEMBER shall have full power and authority to do, and to direct its officers and agents to do all things and on such terms as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the COMPANY, to exercise all powers set forth in Section 2.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and to effectuate the purposes set forth in Section 2.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT until the time that a BOARD OF DIRECTORS is established, at which time these duties and responsibilities will rest solely with the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Without in any way limiting the foregoing, the MANAGING MEMBER, and eventually the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, shall, either directly or by engaging its officers, AFFILIATES, agents or third parties, perform the following duties:
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 21 |
a) | Acquisition Services. The MANAGING MEMBER until the establishment of a BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and then the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, shall: |
1. | approve and oversee the COMPANY'S overall investment strategy, which will consist of elements such as investment selection criteria, diversification strategies and asset disposition strategies; |
2. | serve as the COMPANY'S investment and financial manager with respect to originating, investing in and managing a diversified portfolio of small commercial real estate investments and real estate-related assets; |
3. | adopt and periodically review the COMPANY’S investment guidelines; |
4. | structure the terms and conditions of the COMPANY'S acquisitions, sales and joint ventures; |
5. | enter into leases and service contracts for the properties and other investments; |
6. | approve and oversee the Company's debt financing strategies (if any); |
7. | approve joint ventures, limited partnerships and other such relationships with third parties; |
8. | approve any potential liquidity transaction; |
9. | obtain market research and economic and statistical data in connection with the COMPANY'S investments and investment objectives and policies; |
10. | oversee and conduct due diligence processes related to prospective investments; |
11. | prepare reports regarding prospective investments that include recommendations and supporting documentation necessary for the COMPANY’S investment committee to evaluate the proposed investments; and |
12. | negotiate and execute approved investments and other transactions. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 22 |
b) | Offering Services. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall manage and supervise: |
1. | the development of any offering of Shares that is qualified or registered with the COMMISSION (an "Offering"), including the COMPANY'S initial Offering pursuant to Regulation A+, including the determination of the specific terms of the securities to be offered by the COMPANY, preparation of all offering and related documents, and obtaining all required regulatory approvals of such documents; |
2. | the preparation and approval of all marketing materials to be used by the COMPANY or others relating to an Offering; |
3. | the negotiation and coordination of the receipt, collection, processing, and acceptance of subscription agreements, commissions, and other administrative support functions; |
4. | the creation and implementation of various technology and electronic communications related to an Offering; and |
5. | all other services related to an Offering. |
c) | Asset Management Services. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall: |
1. | investigate, select, and, on behalf of the COMPANY, engage and conduct business with such persons as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS deems necessary to the proper performance of his/its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to consultants, accountants, lenders, technical managers, attorneys, corporate fiduciaries, escrow agents, depositaries, custodians, agents for collection, insurers, insurance agents, developers, construction companies and any and all persons acting in any other capacity deemed by the MANAGING MEMBER of BOARD OF DIRECTORS necessary or desirable for the performance of any of the foregoing services; |
2. | monitor applicable markets and obtain reports (which may be prepared by the MANAGING MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS or the COMPANY’S AFFILIATES) where appropriate, concerning the value of the investments of the COMPANY; |
3. | monitor and evaluate the performance of the investments of the COMPANY, provide daily management services to the COMPANY and perform and supervise the various management and operational functions related to the COMPANY'S investments; |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 23 |
4. | formulate and oversee the implementation of strategies for the administration, promotion, management, operation, maintenance, improvement, financing and refinancing, marketing, leasing and disposition of investments on an overall portfolio basis; and |
5. | coordinate and manage relationships between the COMPANY and any joint venture partners. |
d) | Accounting and Other Administrative Services. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall: |
1. | manage and perform the various administrative functions necessary for the day-to-day operations of the COMPANY; |
2. | provide or arrange for administrative services, legal services, office space, office furnishings, personnel and other overhead items necessary and incidental to the COMPANY'S business and operations; |
3. | provide financial and operational planning services and portfolio management functions; |
4. | maintain accounting data and any other information concerning the activities of the COMPANY as shall be required to prepare and file all periodic financial reports and returns required to be filed with the COMMISSION and any other regulatory agency, including annual financial statements; |
5. | maintain all appropriate books and records of the COMPANY; |
6. | oversee tax and compliance services and risk management services and coordinate with appropriate third parties, including independent accountants and other consultants, on related tax matters; |
7. | make, change, and revoke such tax elections on behalf of the COMPANY as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS deems appropriate, including, without limitation: |
i. | making an election be treated as a REIT or to revoke such status; and |
ii. | making an election to be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 24 |
8. | supervise the performance of such ministerial and administrative functions as may be necessary in connection with the daily operations of the COMPANY; |
9. | provide the COMPANY with all necessary cash management services; |
10. | manage and coordinate with the TRANSFER AGENT (if any) the process of making distributions and payments to Shareholders; |
11. | evaluate and obtain adequate insurance coverage based upon risk management determinations; |
12. | provide timely updates related to the overall regulatory environment affecting the COMPANY, as well as managing compliance with regulatory matters; |
13. | evaluate the corporate governance structure of the COMPANY and appropriate policies and procedures related thereto; and |
14. | oversee all reporting, record keeping, internal controls and similar matters in a manner to allow the COMPANY to comply with applicable law. |
e) | Shareholder Services. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall: |
1. | determine the COMPANY'S distribution policy and authorize distributions from time to time; |
2. | approve amounts available for redemptions of the COMMON SHARES; |
3. | manage communications with Shareholders, including answering phone calls, preparing and sending written and electronic reports and other communications; and |
4. | establish technology infrastructure to assist in providing Shareholder support and services. |
f) | Financing Services. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
1. | identify and evaluate potential financing and refinancing sources, engaging a third-party broker if necessary; |
2. | negotiate terms of, arrange and execute financing agreements; |
3. | manage relationships between the COMPANY and its lenders, if any; and |
4. | monitor and oversee the service of the COMPANY'S debt facilities and other financings, if any. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 25 |
g) | Disposition Services. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall: |
1. | evaluate and approve potential asset dispositions, sales, or liquidity transactions; and |
2. | structure and negotiate the terms and conditions of transactions pursuant to which the assets of the COMPANY may be sold. |
Section 5.2 Term and Removal of the MANAGING MEMBER of a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS
a) | The MANAGING MEMBER will serve as manager of the COMPANY until the date that a BOARD OF DIRECTORS is formed. |
b) | Each member of the COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have terms of five (5) years. |
c) | The MANAGING MEMBER or any member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS may be removed by the COMPANY or may choose to withdraw under certain circumstances. In the event of the removal or withdrawal of the MANAGING MEMBER or a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, the exiting MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS will cooperate with the COMPANY and take all reasonable steps to assist the COMPANY in making an orderly transition of the management function. |
d) | The MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS may assign his/its rights under this OPERATING AGREEMENT in its entirety or delegate certain of his/its duties under this OPERATING AGREEMENT to any of the COMPANY’S AFFILIATES without the approval of the Shareholders so long as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS remains liable for any such AFFILIATE'S performance. |
e) | The Shareholders shall have the power to remove the MANAGING MEMBER or any member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS for "cause" upon the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of two-thirds (2/3) of the then issued and Outstanding COMMON SHARES. If the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS is removed for "cause" pursuant to this Section 5.2(e) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the Shareholders shall have the power to elect a replacement MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS upon the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of a majority of the then issued and Outstanding COMMON SHARES. For purposes of this Section 5.2(e)., "cause" is defined as: |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 26 |
i. | the MANAGING MEMBER’S or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS continued breach of any material provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT following a period of 30 days after written notice thereof (or 45 days after written notice of such breach if the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, under certain circumstances, has taken steps to cure such breach within 30 days of the written notice); |
ii. | the commencement of any proceeding relating to the bankruptcy or insolvency of the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, including an order for relief in an involuntary bankruptcy case or the MANAGING MEMBER of member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS authorizing or filing a voluntary bankruptcy petition; |
iii. | the MANAGING MEMBER of member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS committing fraud against the COMPANY, misappropriating or embezzling its funds, or acting, or failing to act, in a manner constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of its duties under this OPERATING AGREEMENT; provided, however, that if any of these actions is caused by an employee, personnel and/or officer of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or one of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS AFFILIATES takes all necessary and appropriate action against such person and cures the damage caused by such actions within 30 days of the MANAGING MEMBER’S or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS actual knowledge of its commission or omission, then the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS may not be removed; or |
iv. | the dissolution of the MANAGING MEMBER of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. |
f) | Unsatisfactory financial performance of the COMPANY does not constitute “cause under this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 27 |
Section 5.3 Determination by the Managing Member or the Board of Directors. Except as may otherwise be required by law, the determination as to any of the following matters, made in good faith by or pursuant to the direction of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS consistent with this OPERATING AGREEMENT, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the COMPANY and every holder of Shares: the amount of the net income of the COMPANY for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of distributions or redemption of Shares; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, annual or other cash flow, funds from operations, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges shall have been created shall have been paid or discharged); any interpretation of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any class or series of Shares; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value of any asset owned or held by the COMPANY or of any Shares; the number of Shares of any class or series of the COMPANY; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the COMPANY; the evaluation of any competing interests among the COMPANY and its AFFILIATES and the resolution of any such conflicts of interests; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the COMPANY or required or permitted by applicable law, this OPERATING AGREEMENT or otherwise to be determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Section 5.4 Exculpation, Indemnification, Advances and Insurance.
a) | Subject to other applicable provisions of this Article V of the OPERATING AGREEMENT, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) shall not be liable to the COMPANY, any Subsidiary of the COMPANY, any officer of the COMPANY or a Subsidiary, or any Shareholder of any equity interest in any Subsidiary of the COMPANY, for any acts or omissions by any of the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) arising from the exercise of their rights or performance of their duties and obligations in connection with the COMPANY, this OPERATING AGREEMENT or any investment made or held by the COMPANY, including with respect to any acts or omissions made while serving at the request of the COMPANY as an officer, director, member, partner, tax matters partner, fiduciary or trustee of another person, or entity, or any employee benefit plan. The INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) shall be indemnified by the COMPANY to the fullest extent permitted by law, against all expenses and liabilities (including judgments, fines, penalties, interest, amounts paid in settlement with the approval of the COMPANY and counsel fees and disbursements on a solicitor and client basis) (collectively, "Expenses and Liabilities") arising from the performance of any of their duties or obligations in connection with their service to the COMPANY or this OPERATING AGREEMENT, or any investment made or held by the COMPANY, including in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other action, suit or proceeding to which any such person, or entity, may hereafter be made party by reason of being or having been a MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the COMPANY under Florida law, a director or officer of the COMPANY or any Subsidiary of the COMPANY or the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or an officer, director, member, partner, tax matters partner, fiduciary or trustee of another person or any employee benefit plan at the request of the COMPANY. Without limitation, the foregoing indemnity shall extend to any liability of any INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S), pursuant to a loan guaranty or otherwise, for any indebtedness of the COMPANY or any Subsidiary of the COMPANY (including any indebtedness which the COMPANY or any Subsidiary of the COMPANY has assumed or taken subject to), and the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (and its officers) are hereby authorized and empowered, on behalf of the COMPANY, to enter into one or more indemnity agreements consistent with the provisions of this Section 5.4 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT in favor of any INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) having or potentially having liability for any such indebtedness. It is the intention of this Section 5.4(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT that the COMPANY indemnify each INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 28 |
b) | The provisions of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, to the extent they restrict the duties and liabilities of an INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) otherwise existing at law or in equity, including Section 5.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, are agreed by each Shareholder to modify such duties and liabilities of the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) to the extent permitted by law. |
c) | Any indemnification under this Section 5.4 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the COMPANY unless the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines in the specific case that indemnification of the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) is not proper in the circumstances because such person has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 5.4(a). Such determination shall be made in good faith by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS. To the extent, however, that an INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) in connection therewith, notwithstanding an earlier determination by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS that the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) had not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 5.4(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
d) | Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 5.4(c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) may apply to the Court of NEW CASTLE of the State of Florida or any other court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Florida for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Section 5.4(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. The basis of such indemnification by a court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) is proper in the circumstances because such INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 5.4(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 5.4(c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct. Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5.4(d) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be given to the COMPANY promptly upon the filing of such application. If successful, in whole or in part, the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 29 |
e) | To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the COMPANY in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) is not entitled to be indemnified by the COMPANY as authorized in Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
f) | The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under this OPERATING AGREEMENT, or any other agreement, determination of the MANAGING MEMBER, the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, a vote of the Shareholders or otherwise, and shall continue as to an INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) who has ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns and administrators of the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) unless otherwise provided in a written agreement with such INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) or in the writing pursuant to which such INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) is indemnified, it being the policy of the COMPANY that indemnification of the persons specified in Section 5.4(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. The provisions of Section 5.4 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 5.4(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT but whom the COMPANY has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the FLORIDA ACT. |
g) | The COMPANY may, but shall not be obligated to, purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any Person(s) entitled to indemnification under Section 5.4 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT against any liability asserted against such Person(s) and incurred by such person(s) in any capacity to which they are entitled to indemnification hereunder, or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the COMPANY would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person(s) against such liability under the provisions of Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 30 |
h) | The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of any person entitled to indemnification under Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
i) | The COMPANY may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the COMPANY and to the employees and agents of any COMPANY Subsidiary or AFFILIATE similar to those conferred in Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT to INDEMNIFIED PERSONS. |
j) | If Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, or any portion of Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be invalidated on any ground by a court of competent jurisdiction the COMPANY shall nevertheless indemnify each INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) as to expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal or administrative, including a grand jury proceeding or action or suit brought by or in the right of the COMPANY, to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT that shall not have been invalidated. |
k) | Each of the INDEMNIFIED PERSONS may, in the performance of his, her or its duties, consult with legal counsel and accountants, and any act or omission by such person (or entity) on behalf of the COMPANY in furtherance of the interests of the COMPANY in good faith in reliance upon, and in accordance with, the advice of such legal counsel or accountants will be full justification for any such act or omission, and such Person (or entity) will be fully protected for such acts and omissions; provided that such legal counsel or accountants were selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the COMPANY. |
l) | INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT because the INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
m) | Any liabilities which an INDEMNIFIED PERSON incurs as a result of acting on behalf of the COMPANY (whether as a fiduciary or otherwise) in connection with the operation, administration or maintenance of an employee benefit plan or any related trust or funding mechanism (whether such liabilities are in the form of excise taxes assessed by the Internal Revenue Service, penalties assessed by the Department of Labor, restitutions to such a plan or trust or other funding mechanism or to a participant or beneficiary of such plan, trust or other funding mechanism, or otherwise) shall be treated as liabilities indemnifiable under Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, to the maximum extent permitted by law. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 31 |
n) | The directors and officers of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall, in the performance of his / her / its duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the COMPANY and on such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the COMPANY by any of the officers or employees of the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER, the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or by any other person as to matters the director or officer of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS reasonably believes are within such other person's professional or expert competence. |
o) | Any amendment, modification or repeal of Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the liability of or other rights of any INDEMNIFIED PERSON(S) under Section 5.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted and provided such person became an INDEMNIFIED PERSON hereunder prior to such amendment, modification or repeal. |
Section 5.5 Duties of the Managing Member, the Board of Directors, and their Officers and/or Directors
a) | Except as otherwise expressly provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT or as required by the FLORIDA ACT: |
1) | the duties and obligations owed to the COMPANY by the MANAGING MEMBER and the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and their officers and directors shall be the same as the duties and obligations owed to a corporation organized under FBCA by its officers and directors, respectively; and |
2) | the duties and obligations owed to the Shareholders by the MANAGING MEMBER and the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and their officers and directors shall be the same as the duties and obligations owed to the stockholders of a corporation under the FBCA by its officers and directors, respectively. |
b) | The MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have the right to exercise any of the powers granted to it by this OPERATING AGREEMENT and perform any of the duties imposed upon him/it thereunder either directly or by or through his/its duly authorized officers, and the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence on the part of any such officer duly appointed or duly authorized by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS in good faith. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 32 |
Section 5.6 Standards of Conduct and Modification of Duties of the Managing Member or the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or under any applicable law, including, without limitation, the FLORIDA ACT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in exercising his/its rights hereunder in his/its capacity as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the COMPANY, shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as he/it desires, including his/its own interests, and shall have no duty or obligation (fiduciary or otherwise) to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the COMPANY or any Shareholders, and shall not be subject to any other or different standards imposed by this OPERATING AGREEMENT, any other agreement contemplated hereby, under the FLORIDA ACT or under any other applicable law or in equity. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall not have any duty (including any fiduciary duty) to the COMPANY, the Shareholders or any other person, including any fiduciary duty associated with self-dealing or corporate opportunities, all of which are hereby expressly waived; provided that Section 5.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall not in any way reduce or otherwise limit the specific obligations of the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS expressly provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT or in any other agreement with the COMPANY and such other obligations, if any, as are required by applicable laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in Section 5.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or elsewhere in this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall constitute a waiver by any Shareholder of any of his/her/its legal rights under applicable U.S. Federal Securities Laws or any other laws whose applicability is not permitted to be contractually waived.
Section 5.7 Outside Activities. It shall be deemed not to be a breach of any duty (including any fiduciary duty) or any other obligation of any type whatsoever of the MANAGING MEMBER or any member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or their officers and directors or AFFILIATES (other than any express obligation contained in any agreement to which such person and the COMPANY or any Subsidiary of the COMPANY are parties) to engage in outside business interests and activities in preference to or to the exclusion of the COMPANY or in direct competition with the COMPANY; provided the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or such officer, director or AFFILIATE of the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS does not engage in such business or activity as a result of or using confidential information provided by or on behalf of the COMPANY to the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS Member, or such officer, director or AFFILIATE of the MANAGING MEMBER of BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Neither the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, nor any officer and/or director of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have any obligation hereunder or as a result of any duty expressed or implied by law to present business opportunities to the COMPANY that may become available to AFFILIATES of the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or their officers and directors.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 33 |
Section 5.8 Reliance by Third Parties. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this OPERATING AGREEMENT, any Person dealing with the COMPANY shall be entitled to assume that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and any officer authorized by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS to act on behalf of and in the name of the COMPANY has full power and authority to encumber, sell or otherwise use in any manner any and all assets of the COMPANY and to enter into any authorized contracts on behalf of the COMPANY, and such person shall be entitled to deal with the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or any officer as if it were the COMPANY'S sole party in interest, both legally and beneficially. Each Shareholder hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all defenses or other remedies that may be available against such person (or entity) to contest, negate or disaffirm any action of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or any officer in connection with any such dealing. In no event shall any person (or entity) dealing with the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or any of their officers or representatives, be obligated to ascertain that the terms of this OPERATING AGREEMENT have been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience of any act or action of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or any of their officers or its representatives. Each and every certificate, document or other instrument executed on behalf of the COMPANY by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or any of their officers or representatives shall be conclusive evidence in favor of any and every person (or entity) relying thereon or claiming thereunder that (a) at the time of the execution and delivery of such certificate, document or instrument, this OPERATING AGREEMENT was in full force and effect, (b) the person executing and delivering such certificate, document or instrument was duly authorized and empowered to do so for and on behalf of the COMPANY and (c) such certificate, document or instrument was duly executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and is binding upon the COMPANY.
Section 5.9 Certain Conflicts of Interest. Except as may be provided herein or as otherwise addressed by the COMPANY'S conflicts of interest policies, the COMPANY may not engage in any transaction involving a conflict of interest without first submitting such transaction to the Independent Representative for approval to determine whether such transaction is fair and reasonable to the COMPANY and the Shareholders; provided, however, that the COMPANY may not purchase investments from its AFFILIATES without a determination by the Independent Representative that such transaction is fair and reasonable to the COMPANY and at a price to the COMPANY that is not materially greater than the cost of the asset to its AFFILIATE, as applicable. The resolution of any conflict of interest approved by the Independent Representative shall be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to the COMPANY and the Shareholders and not a breach of any duty hereunder at law, in equity or otherwise. Notwithstanding the above, to the extent required by applicable law, any transaction involving certain Conflicts of interest shall be subject to review and approval by the Independent Representative.
Section 5.10 Fees Payable to the Managing Member and/or the Members of the Board of Directors, and the Company’s Affiliates. The MANAGING MEMBER and MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or their AFFILIATES shall be entitled to receive the fees set forth in Section 5.10 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or their AFFILIATES, in their sole discretion may defer or waive any fee payable to it under this OPERATING AGREEMENT. All or any portion of any deferred fees will be deferred without interest and paid when the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 34 |
a) | Asset Management Fee. Asset management fee payable quarterly in arrears equal to an annualized rate of 1.00%, which, beginning on the First NAV Reporting Date, will be based on the Company's NAV, as calculated pursuant to Section 5.12 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, at the end of each prior semi-annual period (or such other period as determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in their sole discretion, but no less frequently than annually), and which cannot exceed an annualized rate of 1.00%. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may, in his/its sole discretion, waive its asset management fee, in whole or in part. The MANAGING MEMBER of BOARD OF DIRECTORS will forfeit any portion of the asset management fee that he/it waives. The amount of the asset management fee may vary from time to time, and the COMPANY will publicly report any changes in the asset management fee. |
b) | Construction and Development Fees. A construction oversight and development management fee of 5.0% of the total development costs, excluding property; however, the COMPANY does not intend to charge such development management fee unless it is net of the fee being charged by the developer of the project. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may, in his/its sole discretion, waive the development management fee, in whole or in part. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS will forfeit any portion of the development management fee that is waived. |
Section 5.11 Reimbursement of Expenses. following: The COMPANY shall pay or reimburse the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and their AFFILIATES for the following:
a) | Formation Expenses. All third-party charges and out-of-pocket costs and expenses (collectively, "Formation Expenses") incurred by the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and their AFFILIATES, in connection with the formation of the COMPANY, the offering of shares, and the admission of investors in the COMPANY, including, without limitation, travel, legal, accounting, filing, advertising and all other expenses incurred in connection with the offer and sale of interests in the COMPANY. Reimbursement shall be made, without interest, to the MANAGING MEMBER beginning on the date of the Initial Offering for Formation Expenses incurred both before and after that date. Reimbursement payments will be made in monthly installments, but the aggregate monthly amount reimbursed shall not exceed 0.50% of the aggregate gross proceeds from an Offering. If the sum of the total unreimbursed amount of such Formation Expenses, plus new costs incurred since the last reimbursement payment, exceeds the reimbursement limit described above for the applicable monthly installment, the excess will be eligible for reimbursement in subsequent months (subject to the 0.50% limit), calculated on an accumulated basis, until the MANAGING MEMBER has been reimbursed in full. |
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b) | Operating Expenses. All third-party charges and out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the MANAGING MEMBER, any member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or their AFFILIATE that are related to the operations of the COMPANY, including, without limitation, those related to: |
1) | forming and operating Subsidiaries; |
2) | the investigation of investment opportunities, whether or not consummated, and whether incurred before or after the formation of the COMPANY; |
3) | the acquisition, ownership, management, financing, or sale of investments; |
4) | meetings with or reporting to Shareholders; |
5) | accounting, auditing, research, consulting, tax return preparation, financial reporting, and legal services, risk management services and insurance, including without limitation to protect the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and/or their AFFILIATES, and Shareholders in connection with the performance of activities related to COMPANY; |
6) | the COMPANY'S indemnification of the Indemnified Parties pursuant to this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
7) | litigation; |
8) | borrowings of the COMPANY; |
9) | liquidating the COMPANY; |
10) | any taxes, fees or other governmental charges levied against the COMPANY and all expenses incurred in connection with any tax audit, investigation, settlement or review of the COMPANY; |
11) | travel costs associated with investigating and evaluating investment opportunities (whether or not consummated) or making, monitoring, managing or disposing of investments; and |
12) | the costs of any third parties retained to provide services to COMPANY. |
The COMPANY shall not be required to pay, and the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall not be entitled to reimbursement for ordinary and usual office overhead expenses of the MANAGING MEMBER or member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or any of their of their AFFILIATES (including rent, etc.).
Section 5.12 Semi-Annual Determination of Net Asset Value (NAV): At the end of each semi-annual period, or such other period as determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in their sole discretion, but no less frequently than annually, beginning on the First NAV Reporting Date, the COMPANY’S accountants (in-house or third-party) and asset management team will calculate the COMPANY'S NAV per share using a process that reflects:
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 36 |
a) | The estimated values of each of commercial real estate assets and investments, as determined by such asset management team, including related liabilities, based upon: |
1) | market capitalization rates, comparable sales information, interest rates, net operating income; |
2) | with respect to debt, default rates, discount rates and loss severity rates; |
3) | for properties that have development or value add plans, progress along such development or value add plan; and |
4) | in certain instances reports of the underlying real estate provided by an independent valuation expert; |
b) | the price of liquid assets for which third party market quotes are available; |
c) | accruals of periodic distributions; and |
d) | estimated accruals of operating revenues and expenses. For joint venture or direct equity investments, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall primarily rely on the discounted cash flow method. The Market Price per Share for a given semi-annual period shall be determined by dividing the COMPANY'S NAV at the end of such period by the number of COMMON SHARES Outstanding as of the end of such period, prior to giving effect to any share purchases or redemptions to be effected for such period. |
The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may, in their sole discretion, retain an independent valuation expert to provide annual valuations of the commercial real estate assets and investments, including related liabilities, to be set forth in individual appraisal reports of the underlying real estate, and to update such reports if the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in their sole discretion, determines that a material event has occurred that may materially affect the value of the COMPANY'S commercial real estate assets and investments, including related liabilities.
ARTICLE VI: BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS:
Section 6.1 Records and Accounting. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal office of the COMPANY appropriate books and records with respect to the business of the COMPANY, including all books and records necessary to provide to the Shareholders any information required to be provided pursuant to this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Any books and records maintained by or on behalf of the COMPANY in the regular course of its business, including the record of the Shareholders, books of account and records of COMPANY proceedings, may be kept on, or be in the form of, computer disks, hard drives, punch cards, magnetic tape, photographs, micrographics or any other information storage device; provided, that the books and records so maintained are convertible into clearly legible written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the COMPANY shall be maintained, for tax and financial reporting purposes, on an accrual basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 37 |
6.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the COMPANY for tax and financial reporting purposes shall be a calendar year ending October 31.
Section 6.3 Reports. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall cause the Company to prepare an annual report and deliver it to Shareholders within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year. Such requirement may be satisfied by the COMPANY through any annual reports otherwise required to be publicly filed by the COMPANY pursuant to applicable securities laws.
Section 6.4 Waiver of Section 18-305 Rights. Shareholders hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, their rights to request to review and obtain information relating to and maintained by the COMPANY, including, but not limited to, names and contact information of Shareholders, and any other information deemed to be confidential by the COMPANY in its sole discretion. In addition, Shareholders shall not seek to compel the COMPANY to produce any information described in the preceding sentence or pursuant to any statutory scheme or provision.
ARTICLE VII: TAX MATTERS:
Section 7.1 Qualifying and Maintaining Qualification as a REIT. From the effective date of the COMPANY'S election to qualify as a REIT until the Restriction Termination Date (as defined in Article XIII) of the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS and their officers shall take such action from time to time as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines is necessary or appropriate in order to maintain the COMPANY'S qualification as a REIT; provided, however, if the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the COMPANY to continue to be qualified as a REIT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may authorize the COMPANY to revoke or otherwise terminate its REIT election pursuant to Section 856(g) of the CODE. It is intended that the COMPANY will elect to be treated as a corporation that will elect to be taxed as a REIT prior to the Initial Date (as defined in Article XIII) of the COMPANY until the Restriction Termination Date of the COMPANY.
ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION, TERMINATION AND LIQUIDATION:
Section 8.1 Dissolution and Termination. The Company shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
a) | an election to dissolve the COMPANY by the MANAGING MEMBER (or, if the MANAGING MEMBER has been removed for "cause" pursuant to Section 5.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, an election to dissolve the COMPANY by an affirmative vote of the Shareholders of not less than a majority of the COMMON SHARES then Outstanding entitled to vote thereon) or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS; |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 38 |
b) | the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets and properties of the COMPANY; |
c) | the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the COMPANY pursuant to the provisions of the FLORIDA ACT; |
d) | at any time that there are no Shareholders of the COMPANY, unless the business of the COMPANY is continued in accordance with the FLORIDA ACT; or |
e) | The occurrence of any other event resulting in dissolution in accordance with the FLORIDA ACT. |
Section 8.2 Liquidator. Upon dissolution of the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS or such other person as authorized under Section 605.0709 of the FLORIDA ACT shall select one or more persons, or entities, to act as LIQUIDATOR.
a) | In the case of a dissolution of the COMPANY: |
1) | the LIQUIDATOR (if other than the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS) shall be entitled to receive such compensation for its services as may be separately approved by the affirmative vote of the Shareholders of not less than a majority of the COMMON SHARES then Outstanding entitled to vote on such liquidation; |
2) | the LIQUIDATOR (if other than the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS) shall agree not to resign at any time without 15 days' prior notice and may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by notice of removal separately approved by the affirmative vote of the Shareholders of not less than a majority of the COMMON SHARES then Outstanding entitled to vote on such liquidation; |
3) | upon dissolution, death, incapacity, removal or resignation of the LIQUIDATOR, a successor and substitute LIQUIDATOR (who shall have and succeed to all rights, powers and duties of the original LIQUIDATOR) shall within 30 days thereafter be separately approved by the affirmative vote of the Shareholders of not less than a majority of the COMMON SHARES then Outstanding entitled to vote on such liquidation. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 39 |
The right to approve a successor or substitute LIQUIDATOR in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to refer also to any such successor or substitute LIQUIDATOR approved in the manner herein provided. Except as expressly provided in Article VIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the LIQUIDATOR approved in the manner provided herein shall have and may exercise, without further authorization or consent of any of the parties hereto, all of the powers conferred upon the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and their officers under the terms of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (but subject to all of the applicable limitations, contractual and otherwise, upon the exercise of such powers) necessary or appropriate to carry out the duties and functions of the LIQUIDATOR hereunder for and during the period of time required to complete the winding up and liquidation of the COMPANY as provided for herein. In the case of a termination of the COMPANY, other than in connection with a dissolution of the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall act as LIQUIDATOR.
Section 8.3 Liquidation of the Company. In connection with the liquidation of the COMPANY, the LIQUIDATOR shall proceed to dispose of the COMPANY'S assets, discharge its liabilities, and otherwise wind up its affairs in such manner and over such period as determined by the LIQUIDATOR, subject to the FLORIDA ACT, the terms of any SHARE DESIGNATION (if any) and the following:
a) | Subject to Section 8.3(c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the assets may be disposed of by public or private sale or by distribution in kind to one or more Shareholders on such terms as the LIQUIDATOR and such Shareholder or Shareholders may agree. If any property is distributed in kind, the Shareholder receiving the property shall be deemed for purposes of Section 8.3(c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT to have received cash equal to its fair market value; and contemporaneously therewith, appropriate cash distributions must be made to the other Shareholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this OPERATING AGREEMENT and subject to Section 8.3(c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the Shareholders understand and acknowledge that a Shareholder may be compelled to accept a distribution of any asset in kind from the COMPANY despite the fact that the percentage of the asset distributed to such Shareholder exceeds the percentage of that asset which is equal to the percentage in which such Shareholder shares in distributions from the COMPANY. The LIQUIDATOR may defer liquidation or distribution of the COMPANY'S assets for a reasonable time if it determines that an immediate sale or distribution of all or some of the assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Shareholders. The LIQUIDATOR may distribute the COMPANY'S assets, in whole or in part, in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Shareholders. |
b) | Liabilities of the COMPANY include amounts owed to the LIQUIDATOR as compensation for serving in such capacity (subject to the terms of Section 8.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT) and amounts to Shareholders otherwise than in respect of their distribution rights under Article IV of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. With respect to any liability that is contingent, conditional or unmatured or is otherwise not yet due and payable, the LIQUIDATOR shall either settle such claim for such amount as it thinks appropriate or establish a reserve of cash or other assets to provide for its payment. When paid, any unused portion of the reserve shall be applied to other liabilities or distributed as additional liquidation proceeds. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 40 |
c) | Subject to the terms of any SHARE DESIGNATION (including, without limitation, the preferential rights, if any, of Shareholders of any other class of Shares of the COMPANY), all property and all cash in excess of that required to discharge liabilities as provided in Section 8.3(12) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be distributed to the Shareholders of the COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY on an equal per-Share basis. |
Section 8.4 Cancelation of ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION. Upon the completion of the distribution of COMPANY cash and property in connection the dissolution of the COMPANY, the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION and all qualifications of the COMPANY as a foreign limited liability company in jurisdictions other than the State of Florida shall be canceled and such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the COMPANY shall be taken.
Section 8.5 Return of Contribution. Neither the MANAGING MEMBER or any member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, nor any of their officers, directors or AFFILIATES, shall be personally liable for, or have any obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the COMPANY to enable it to effectuate, the return of the Capital Contributions of the Shareholders, or any portion thereof, it being expressly understood that any such return shall be made solely from COMPANY assets.
Section 8.6 Waiver of Partition. To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Shareholder hereby waives any right to partition of the COMPANY property.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT:
Section 9.1 General. Except as provided in Section 9.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, Section 9.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, or in any SHARE DESIGNATION, if any, this OPERATING AGREEMENT may be amended from time to time by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in his/its sole discretion; provided, however, that such amendment shall also require the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of a majority of the then issued and Outstanding COMMON SHARES if such amendment:
a) | affects the Shareholders disproportionately; or |
b) | materially and adversely affects the rights of the Shareholders. |
If the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS desires to amend any provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT in a manner that would require the vote or consent of Shareholders, then it shall first adopt a resolution setting forth the amendment proposed, declaring its advisability, and then:
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 41 |
a) | call a special meeting of the Shareholders entitled to vote in respect thereof for the consideration of such amendment; or |
b) | seek the written consent of the Shareholders in accordance with Section 11.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
Amendments to this OPERATING AGREEMENT may be proposed only by or with the consent of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Such special meeting shall be called and held upon notice in accordance with Article XI of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. The notice shall set forth such amendment in full or a brief summary of the changes to be effected thereby, as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall deem advisable. At the meeting, a vote of Shareholders entitled to vote thereon shall be taken for and against the proposed amendment. A proposed amendment shall be effective upon its approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority-in-interest of the COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY then Outstanding, voting together as a single class, unless a greater percentage is required under this Agreement or by Florida law.
Section 9.2 Super-Majority Amendments. Notwithstanding Section 9.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, any alteration or amendment to this Section 9.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or Section 5.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT that:
a) | affects the Shareholders disproportionately; or |
b) | materially and adversely affects the rights of the Shareholders, will require the affirmative vote or consent of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, and the holders of Outstanding COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY representing at least two-thirds of the total votes that may be cast by all such Outstanding COMMON SHARES, voting together as a single class. |
Section 9.3 Amendments to be Adopted Solely by the Managing Member or the Board of Directors. Without in any way limiting Section 9.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, without the approval of any Shareholder, may amend any provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect the following (and any such amendment shall not be deemed to either affect the Shareholders disproportionately or materially and adversely affect the rights of the Shareholders):
a) | a change in the name of the COMPANY, the location of the principal place of business of the COMPANY, the registered agent of the COMPANY or the registered office of the COMPANY; |
b) | the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Shareholders in accordance with this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 42 |
c) | a change that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines to be necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue the qualification of the COMPANY as a limited liability company under the laws of any state or to ensure that the COMPANY will continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
d) | a change that, in the sole discretion of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, determines: |
1) | does not adversely affect the Shareholders (including adversely affecting the holders of any particular class or series of Shares as compared to other holders of other classes or series of Shares, if any classes or series are established) in any material respect; |
2) | to be necessary or appropriate to satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any Federal or State Agency or Judicial Authority or contained in any Federal or State Statute (including the FLORIDA ACT); |
3) | to be necessary, desirable or appropriate to facilitate the trading of the Shares or comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which Shares may be listed for trading, compliance with any of which the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS deems to be in the best interests of the COMPANY and the Shareholders; |
4) | to be necessary or appropriate in connection with action taken by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS pursuant to Section 3.8 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; or |
5) | is required to effect the intent expressed in any Offering Document or the intent of the provisions of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or is otherwise contemplated by this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
e) | a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the COMPANY and any other changes that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the COMPANY; |
f) | an amendment that the MANAGING MEMBER determines, based on the advice of counsel, to be necessary or appropriate to prevent the COMPANY, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or their officers, trustees or agents from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or "plan asset" regulations adopted under ERISA, regardless of whether such are substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed by the United States Department of Labor; |
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g) | an amendment that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the issuance of any additional COMMON SHARES, the authorization, establishment, creation or issuance of any class or series of Shares (including, without limitation, any class or series of Preferred / Preference Shares issued in connection with the Company's qualification as a REIT for U.S. Federal Income Tax purposes) and the admission of Additional Shareholders; |
h) | an amendment that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect and account for the formation by the COMPANY of, or investment by the COMPANY in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity, in connection with the conduct by the COMPANY of activities permitted by the terms of Section 2.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
i) | an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a Merger Agreement approved in accordance with Section 10.3 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
j) | a merger, conversion or conveyance pursuant to Section 10.3(d) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
k) | a Roll-Up Transaction pursuant to Section 10.6 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (unless Shareholder approval is required in such situation by law or regulations); and |
l) | any other amendments substantially similar to the foregoing or any other amendment expressly permitted in this OPERATING AGREEMENT to be made by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS acting alone; |
Section 9.4 Certain Amendment Requirements.
a) | Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9 .1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and Section 9 .3 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, no provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT that establishes a percentage of Outstanding Shares required to take any action shall be amended, altered, changed, repealed or rescinded in any respect that would have the effect of reducing such voting percentage unless such amendment is approved by the affirmative vote of holders of Outstanding Shares whose aggregate Outstanding Shares constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced. |
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b) | Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and Section 9.3 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, but subject to Section 9.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, no amendment to this OPERATING AGREEMENT may: |
1) | enlarge the obligations of any Shareholder without his/her/its consent, unless such shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of an amendment approved pursuant to Section 9.3(c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
2) | change to Section 8.1(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; |
3) | change the term of the COMPANY; or, |
4) | except as set forth in Section 8.1(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, give any person the right to dissolve the COMPANY. |
ARTICLE X: MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR CONVERSION:
Section 10.1 Authority. The COMPANY may merge or consolidate with one or more limited liability companies or "other business entities" as defined in the FLORIDA ACT, or convert into any such entity, whether such entity is formed under the laws of the State of Florida or any other state of the United States of America, pursuant to a written agreement of merger or consolidation ("Merger Agreement") or a written plan of conversion ("Plan of Conversion"), as the case may be, in accordance with Article X of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
Section 10.2 Procedure for Merger, Consolidation or Conversion. A merger, consolidation or conversion of the COMPANY pursuant to Article X of this OPERATING AGREEMENT requires the prior approval of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
a) | If the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall determine to consent to the merger or consolidation, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall approve the Merger Agreement, which shall set forth: |
1) | the names and jurisdictions of formation or organization of each of the business entities proposing to merge or consolidate; |
2) | the name and jurisdiction of formation or organization of the business entity that is to survive the proposed merger or consolidation (the "Surviving Business Entity"); |
3) | the terms and conditions of the proposed merger or consolidation; |
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4) | the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the rights or securities of, or interests in, each constituent business entity for, or into, cash, property, rights, or securities of or interests in, the Surviving Business Entity; and if any rights or securities of, or interests in, any constituent business entity are not to be exchanged or converted solely for, or into, cash, property, rights, or securities of or interests in, the Surviving Business Entity, the cash, property, rights, or securities of or interests in, any limited liability company or other business entity which the holders of such rights, securities or interests are to receive, if any; |
5) | a statement of any changes in the constituent documents or the adoption of new constituent documents (the ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION or limited liability company agreement, articles or certificate of incorporation, articles of trust, declaration of trust, certificate or agreement of limited partnership or other similar charter or governing document) of the Surviving Business Entity to be effected by such merger or consolidation; |
6) | the effective time of the merger or consolidation, which may be the date of the filing of the certificate of merger or consolidation pursuant to Section 10.4 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or a later date specified in or determinable in accordance with the Merger Agreement (provided, that if the effective time of the merger or consolidation is to be later than the date of the filing of the certificate of merger or consolidation, the effective time shall be fixed no later than the time of the filing of the certificate of merger or consolidation or the time stated therein); and |
7) | such other provisions with respect to the proposed merger or consolidation that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines to be necessary or appropriate. |
b) | If the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall determine to consent to the conversion, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may approve and adopt a Plan of Conversion containing such terms and conditions that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines to be necessary or appropriate. |
c) | The Shareholders hereby acknowledge and agree that they shall have no right or opportunity to approve a merger, consolidation, conversion, sale of substantially all assets or other significant transaction involving the COMPANY authorized and approved by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, unless required by applicable laws or regulations. |
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Section 10.3 No Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal. Shareholders are not entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal in the event of a merger, consolidation or conversion pursuant to Article X of the OPERATING AGREEMENT, a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of all the COMPANY or the COMPANY'S Subsidiaries, or any other similar transaction or event.
Section 10.4 Certificate of Merger or Conversion. Upon the required approval by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS of a Merger Agreement or a Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, a certificate of merger or certificate of conversion, as applicable, shall be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida in conformity with the requirements of the FLORIDA ACT.
Section 10.5 Effect of Merger. At the effective time of the certificate of merger:
a) | all of the rights, privileges and powers of each of the business entities that has merged or consolidated, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to any of those business entities shall be vested in the Surviving Business Entity and after the merger or consolidation shall be the property of the Surviving Business Entity and all other things and causes of action belonging to each of those business entities, shall be vested in the Surviving Business Entity to the extent they were of each constituent business entity. |
b) | the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in any of those constituent business entities shall not revert and is not in any way impaired because of the merger or consolidation; |
c) | all rights of creditors and all liens on or security interests in property of any of those constituent business entities shall be preserved unimpaired; and |
d) | all debts, liabilities and duties of those constituent business entities shall attach to the Surviving Business Entity and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if the debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it. |
Section 10.6 Roll-up Transaction or Public Listing. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may at any time in its discretion cause the COMPANY to:
a) | enter into a transaction or series of related transactions designed to cause all or a portion of the COMPANY'S assets and properties to be sold, transferred or contributed to, or convert the COMPANY into, one or more alternative vehicles, through consolidation(s), merger(s) or other similar transaction(s) with other companies, some of which may be managed by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, or their Affiliates (a "Roll-Up Transaction"); or |
b) | list the COMPANY'S Shares (or securities issued in connection with any Roll-Up Transaction vehicle) on a national securities exchange. |
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In connection with a Roll-Up Transaction, Shareholders may receive from the Roll-Up Transaction vehicle cash, stock, securities or other interests or assets of such vehicle, on such terms as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS deems fair and reasonable; provided, however, that the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall be required to obtain approval of Shareholders holding a majority of the Outstanding COMMON SHARES if required by applicable laws or regulations. Any cash, stock, securities or other interests or assets received by the COMPANY in a Roll-Up Transaction may be distributed to the Shareholders in liquidation of their interests in the COMPANY.
ARTICLE XI: SHAREHOLDERS’ VOTING POWERS AND MEETING:
Section 11.1 Voting. COMMON SHARES shall entitle the RECORD HOLDERS thereof to one vote per Share on any and all matters submitted to the consent or approval of Shareholders generally. Except as otherwise provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT or as otherwise required by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the COMMON SHARES then Outstanding shall be required for all such other matters as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in his/its sole discretion, determines shall require the approval of the holders of the Outstanding COMMON SHARES.
Section 11.2 Voting Powers. The holders of Outstanding Shares shall have the power to vote only with respect to such matters, if any, as may be required by this OPERATING AGREEMENT or the requirements of applicable regulatory agencies, if any. Outstanding Shares may be voted in person or by proxy. A proxy with respect to Outstanding Shares, held in the name of two or more persons (or entities), shall be valid if executed by any one of them unless at or prior to exercise of the proxy the COMPANY receives a specific written notice to the contrary from any one of them. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Shareholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger.
Section 11.3 Meetings. No annual or regular meeting of Shareholders is required. Special meetings of Shareholders may be called by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS from time to time for the purpose of taking action upon any matter requiring the vote or authority of the Shareholders as herein provided or upon any other matter deemed by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS to be necessary or desirable. Written notice of any meeting of Shareholders shall be given or caused to be given by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in any form and at any time before the meeting as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS deems appropriate. Any Shareholder may prospectively or retroactively waive the receipt of notice of a meeting.
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Section 11.4 Record Dates. For the purpose of determining the Shareholders who are entitled to vote or act at any meeting or any adjournment thereof, or who are entitled to participate in any distribution, or for the purpose of any other action, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may from time to time close the transfer books for such period, not exceeding thirty (30) days (except at or in connection with the dissolution of the COMPANY), as the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may determine; or without closing the transfer books the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may fix a date and time not more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of any meeting of Shareholders or other action as the date and time of record for the determination of Shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof or to be treated as Shareholders of record for purposes of such other action, and any Shareholder who was a Shareholder at the date and time so fixed shall be entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof or to be treated as a Shareholder of record for purposes of such other action, even though he / she / it has since that date and time disposed of his / her / its Shares, and no Shareholder becoming such after that date and time shall be so entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof or to be treated as a Shareholder of record for purposes of such other action.
Section 11.5 Quorum and Required Vote. The holders of a majority of the Shares entitled to vote on any matter shall be a quorum for the transaction of business at a Shareholders' meeting, but twenty-five percent (25%) shall be sufficient for adjournments. Any adjourned session or sessions may be held, within a reasonable time after the date set for the original meeting without the necessity of further notice. A majority of the Shares entitled to vote on any matter voted at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall decide any matters presented at the meeting, except when a different vote is required or permitted by any express provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
Section 11.6 Action by Written Consent. Any action taken by Shareholders may be taken without a meeting of Shareholders entitled to cast a sufficient number of votes to approve the matter as required by statute or this OPERATING AGREEMENT, as the case may be consent to the action in writing. Such written consents shall be filed with the records of the meetings of Shareholders. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Shareholders and shall bind all Shareholders and their successors or assigns.
Section 11.7 Classes and Series. The references in Article XI of this OPERATING AGREEMENT to meetings, quorum, voting and actions by written consent (and any related matters) of Shareholders shall be understood to apply separately to individual classes or series of Shareholders where the context requires.
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ARTICLE XII: GENERAL PROVISIONS:
Section 12.1 Addresses and Notices. Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy materials required or permitted to be given or made to a Shareholder under this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be in writing and shall be deemed given or made when delivered in person or when sent by first class United States mail, electronic mail or by other means of written communication to the Shareholder at the address described below. Any notice, payment or report to be given or made to a Shareholder hereunder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given or made, and the obligation to give such notice or report or to make such payment shall be deemed conclusively to have been fully satisfied, upon sending of such notice, payment or report to the RECORD HOLDER of such Shares at his / her / its address (including email address) as shown on the records of the COMPANY (or the TRANSFER AGENT, if any), regardless of any claim of any Person, or entity, which may have an interest in such Shares by reason of any assignment or otherwise. An affidavit or certificate of making of any notice, payment or report in accordance with the provisions of this Section 12.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT executed by the COMPANY, the TRANSFER AGENT (if any) or the mailing organization shall be prima facie evidence of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report. If any notice, payment or report addressed to a RECORD HOLDER at the address of such RECORD HOLDER appearing on the books and records of the COMPANY (or the TRANSFER AGENT, if any) is returned by the United States Postal Service marked to indicate that the United States Postal Service is unable to deliver it, or is returned by the email server with a message indicating that the email server is unable to deliver the email, such notice, payment or report and any subsequent notices, payments and reports shall be deemed to have been duly given or made without further mailing or emailing (until such time as such RECORD HOLDER or another Person or entity notifies the COMPANY (or the TRANSFER AGENT, if any) of a change in his / her / its address (including email address)) if they are available for the Shareholder at the principal office of the COMPANY for a period of one year from the date of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report to the other Shareholders. Any notice to the COMPANY shall be deemed given if received by the MANAGING MEMBER or the BOARD OF DIRECTORS at the principal office of the COMPANY designated pursuant to Section 2.3 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or at the Company's principal email address for Member communications, Mark@Anabasisreit.com. The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS and his/its officers may rely and shall be protected in relying on any notice or other document from a Shareholder or other person if believed by it to be genuine.
Section 12.2 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
Section 12.3 Binding Effect. This OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 12.4 Integration. This OPERATING AGREEMENT constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
Section 12.5 Creditors. None of the provisions of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the COMPANY.
Section 12.6 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
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Section 12.7 Counterparts. This OPERATING AGREEMENT may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute an agreement binding on all the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this OPERATING AGREEMENT immediately upon affixing its signature hereto or, in the case of a person, or entity, acquiring a Share, upon the execution of the subscription documents of such Share, and the acceptance of such subscription by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Section 12.8 Applicable Law. This OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Florida without regard to principles of conflict of laws. Each Shareholder:
a) | irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue of any Florida State Court or U.S. Federal Court sitting in Jacksonville, Florida in any action arising out of this Agreement; and |
b) | consents to the service of process by mail. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law or affect its right to bring any action in any other court. |
Section 12.9 Invalidity of Provisions. If any provision of this OPERATING AGREEMENT is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected thereby.
Section 12.10 Consent of Shareholders. Each Shareholder hereby expressly consents and agrees that, whenever in this OPERATING AGREEMENT it is specified that an action may be taken upon the affirmative vote or consent of less than all of the Shareholders, such action may be so taken upon the concurrence of less than all of the Shareholders and each Shareholder shall be bound by the results of such action.
Section 12.11 Facsimile and Electronic Signatures. The use of facsimile or other electronic signatures affixed in the name and on behalf of the TRANSFER AGENT, if any, on certificates or other documents (if uncertificated) representing Shares is expressly permitted by this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
Section 12.12 Assignment. This OPERATING AGREEMENT may not be assigned within the meaning of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, by either the COMPANY or the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS without the prior written consent of the other party. The COMPANY acknowledges and agrees that transactions that do not result in a change of actual control or management of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall not be considered an assignment pursuant to Rule 202(a)(1)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and/or relevant State Law.
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Section 12.13 Arbitration.
a) | Any party to this OPERATING AGREEMENT may, at its sole election, require that the sole and exclusive forum and remedy for resolution of a Claim be final and binding arbitration pursuant to this Section 12.13 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (this "Arbitration Provision"). The arbitration shall be conducted in the State of Florida, in the Jacksonville metro area. As used in this Arbitration Provision, "Claim" (or in the plural, "Claims") shall include any past, present, or future claim, dispute, or controversy involving a Shareholder (or persons, or entities, claiming through or connected with a Shareholder), on the one hand, and the COMPANY (or persons, or entities, claiming through or connected with the COMPANY), on the other hand, relating to or arising out of the subscription agreement, any COMMON SHARES, and/or the activities or relationships that involve, lead to, or result from any of the foregoing, including (except to the extent provided otherwise in the last sentence of sub-section (e) below) the validity or enforceability of this Arbitration Provision, any part thereof, or the entire OPERATING AGREEMENT. Claims are subject to arbitration regardless of whether they arise from contract; tort (intentional or otherwise); a constitution, statute, common law, or principles of equity; or otherwise. Claims include (without limitation) matters arising as initial claims, counter-claims, cross-claims, third-party claims, or otherwise. This Arbitration Provision applies to claims under the US Federal Securities Laws and to all claims that that are related to the COMPANY, including with respect to this offering, the COMPANY'S holdings (including the holdings of any Subsidiary), the COMMON SHARES, the COMPANY'S ongoing operations and the management of the COMPANY'S investments, among other matters. The scope of this Arbitration Provision is to be given the broadest possible interpretation that is enforceable. |
b) | The party initiating arbitration shall do so with the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA") or JAMS. The arbitration shall be conducted according to, and the location of the arbitration shall be determined in accordance with, the rules and policies of the administrator selected, except to the extent the rules conflict with this Arbitration Provision or any countervailing law. In the case of a conflict between the rules and policies of the administrator and this Arbitration Provision, this Arbitration Provision shall control, subject to countervailing law, unless all parties to the arbitration consent to have the rules and policies of the administrator apply. |
c) | If the COMPANY elects arbitration, the COMPANY shall pay all the administrator's filing costs and administrative fees (other than hearing fees). If a Shareholder elects arbitration, filing costs and administrative fees (other than hearing fees) shall be paid in accordance with the rules of the administrator selected, or in accordance with countervailing law if contrary to the administrator's rules. The COMPANY shall pay the administrator's hearing fees for one full day of arbitration hearings. Fees for hearings that exceed one day will be paid by the party requesting the hearing, unless the administrator's rules or applicable law require otherwise, or a Shareholder requests that the COMPANY pay them and the COMPANY agrees to do so. Each party shall bear the expense of its own attorney's fees, except as otherwise provided by law. If a statute gives a Shareholder the right to recover any of these fees, these statutory rights shall apply in the arbitration notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein. |
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d) | Within 30 days of a final award by the arbitrator, a party may appeal the award for reconsideration by a three-arbitrator panel selected according to the rules of the arbitrator administrator. In the event of such an appeal, an opposing party may cross-appeal within 30 days after notice of the appeal. The panel will reconsider de novo all aspects of the initial award that are appealed. Costs and conduct of any appeal shall be governed by this Arbitration Provision and the administrator's rules, in the same way as the initial arbitration proceeding. Any award by the individual arbitrator that is not subject to appeal, and any panel award on appeal, shall be final and binding, except for any appeal right under the Federal Arbitration Act (the "FAA"), and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. |
e) | The COMPANY agrees not to invoke the right to arbitrate an individual Claim that a Shareholder may bring in Small Claims Court or an equivalent court, if any, so long as the Claim is pending only in that court. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS OPERATING AGREEMENT, NO ARBITRATION SHALL PROCEED ON A CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE BASIS (INCLUDING AS PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON BEHALF OF OTHERS), EVEN IF THE CLAIM OR CLAIMS THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE ARBITRATION HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ASSERTED (OR COULD HAVE BEEN ASSERTED) IN A COURT AS CLASS REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE ACTIONS IN A COURT. |
f) | Unless otherwise provided in this OPERATING AGREEMENT or consented to in writing by all parties to the arbitration, no party to the arbitration may join, consolidate, or otherwise bring claims for or on behalf of two or more individuals or unrelated corporate entities in the same arbitration unless those persons are parties to a single transaction. Unless consented to in writing by all parties to the arbitration, an award in arbitration shall determine the rights and obligations of the named parties only, and only with respect to the claims in arbitration, and shall not: |
1) | determine the rights, obligations, or interests of anyone other than a named party, or resolve any Claim of anyone other than a named party; or |
2) | make an award for the benefit of, or against, anyone other than a named party. No administrator or arbitrator shall have the power or authority to waive, modify, or fail to enforce this sub-section (f), and any attempt to do so, whether by rule, policy, arbitration decision or otherwise, shall be invalid and unenforceable. Any challenge to the validity of this sub-section (f) shall be determined exclusively by a court and not by the administrator or any arbitrator. |
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g) | This Arbitration Provision is made pursuant to a transaction involving interstate commerce and shall be governed by and enforceable under the FAA. The arbitrator will apply substantive law consistent with the FAA and applicable statutes of limitations. The arbitrator may award damages or other types of relief permitted by applicable substantive law, subject to the limitations set forth in this Arbitration Provision. The arbitrator will not be bound by judicial rules of procedure and evidence that would apply in a court. The arbitrator shall take steps to reasonably protect confidential information. |
h) | This Arbitration Provision shall survive: |
1) | suspension, termination, revocation, closure, or amendments to this OPERATING AGREEMENT and the relationship of the parties; |
2) | the bankruptcy or insolvency of any party hereto or other party; and |
3) | any transfer of any Common Share to any other party. |
If any portion of this Arbitration Provision other than sub-section (e) is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions of this Arbitration Provision shall nevertheless remain valid and in force. If arbitration is brought on a class, representative, or collective basis, and the limitations on such proceedings in sub-section (e) are finally adjudicated pursuant to the last sentence of sub-section (e) to be unenforceable, then no arbitration shall be had. In no event shall any invalidation be deemed to authorize an arbitrator to determine claims or make awards beyond those authorized in this Arbitration Provision.
Section 12.14 Waiver of Court & Jury Rights. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO LITIGATE CLAIMS THROUGH A COURT BEFORE A JUDGE, BUT WILL NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT IF ANY PARTY ELECTS ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION. THE PARTIES HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO LITIGATE SUCH CLAIMS IN A COURT UPON ELECTION OF ARBITRATION BY ANY PARTY. THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION RELATING TO THIS OPERATING AGREEMENT, THE COMMON SHARES, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATED THERETO.
Section 12.15 Limitation on Damages. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE TO A SHAREHOLDER FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE FOREGOING SHALL BE INTERPRETED AND HAVE EFFECT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, RULE OR REGULATION.
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ARTICLE XIII: RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES:
Section 13.1 Definitions. For the purpose of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Aggregate Ownership Limit" shall mean not more than 9.8 percent (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate of the Outstanding Shares, or such other percentage determined by the Manager in accordance with Section 13.9 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
"Beneficial Ownership" shall mean ownership of Shares by a person or entity, whether the interest in the Shares is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Sections 856(h)(l) and/or 544 of the CODE, as modified by Sections 856(h)(l)(B) and 856(h)(3) of the CODE, provided, however, that in determining the number of Shares Beneficially Owned by a Person or entity, no Share shall be counted more than once. Whenever a Person or entity Beneficially Owns Shares that are not actually outstanding (e.g., shares issuable upon the exercise of an option or the conversion of a convertible security) ("Option Shares"), then, whenever this OPERATING AGREEMENT requires a determination of the percentage of Outstanding Shares Beneficially Owned by such person or entity, the Option Shares Beneficially Owned by such person or entity shall also be deemed to be Outstanding. The terms "Beneficial Owner", "Beneficially Owns" and "Beneficially Owned" shall have the correlative meanings.
"Common Share Ownership Limit" shall mean not more than 9.8 percent (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate of the Outstanding COMMON SHARES, or such other percentage determined by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in accordance with Section 13.9 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT.
"Constructive Ownership" shall mean ownership of Shares by a person or entity, whether the interest in the Shares is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 318(a) of the CODE, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the CODE. The terms "Constructive Owner", "Constructively Owns" and "Constructively Owned" shall have the correlative meanings.
"Excepted Holder" shall mean a person or entity for whom an Excepted Holder Limit is created by this OPERATING AGREEMENT or by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS pursuant to Section 13.8 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
"Excepted Holder Limit" shall mean, provided that the affected Excepted Holder agrees to comply with any requirements established by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS pursuant to Section 13.8 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 13.8 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the percentage limit established by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS pursuant to Section 13.8 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
"Initial Date" shall mean the date of the closing of the Initial Offering of the COMPANY.
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"Initial Offering" shall mean the first issuance and sale for cash of COMMON SHARES of the COMPANY to any person or entity other than an AFFILIATE of the COMPANY pursuant to:
a) | a public offering registered under the Securities Act; or |
b) | a private offering or offering qualified, as applicable, in accordance with Rule 144A, Regulation A, Regulation D or Regulation S of the Securities Act. |
"Non-Transfer Event" shall mean any event or other changes in circumstances other than a purported Transfer, including, without limitation, any change in the value of any Shares.
"One Hundred Shareholders Date" means the first day on which Shares are beneficially owned by 100 or more Persons within the meaning of Section 856(a)(5) of the Code.
"Ownership Limits" means the Aggregate Share Ownership Limit and the Common Share Ownership Limit.
"Person" shall mean, solely for the purposes of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Sections 401(a) or 501(c)(l 7) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the CODE, association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509( a) of the CODE, joint stock company or other entity and also includes a group as that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and a group to which an Excepted Holder Limit applies.
"Prohibited Owner" shall mean with respect to any purported Transfer or Non-Transfer Event, any person or entity which, but for the provisions of Section 13.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, would Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares and, if appropriate in the context, shall also mean any person or entity which would have been the RECORD HOLDER of the Shares that the Prohibited Owner would have so owned.
"Restriction Termination Date" means the first day after the Initial Date on which the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines in accordance with Section 7.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT that it is no longer in the best interests of the COMPANY to continue to qualify as a REIT or that compliance with any of the restriction and limitations on Beneficial Ownership, Constructive Ownership and Transfers of Shares set forth in Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT is no longer required in order for the COMPANY to qualify as a REIT.
"Transfer" shall mean any issuance, sale, transfer, gift, assignment, devise or other disposition, as well as any other event that causes any person or entity to acquire or change its Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares or the right to vote or receive distributions on Shares, or any agreement to take any such actions or cause any such events, including:
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a) | the granting or exercise of any option (or any disposition of any option) or entering into any agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition of Shares (or of Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares); |
b) | any disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or any interest in Shares or any exercise of any such conversion or exchange right; and |
c) | Transfers of interests in other entities that result in changes in Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares; |
in each case, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether owned of record, Constructively Owned or Beneficially Owned and whether by operation of law or otherwise. The terms "Transferring" and "Transferred" shall have the correlative meanings.
"Trust" shall mean any trust provided for in Section 13.11 (a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
"Trustee" shall mean the person or entity that is unaffiliated with the COMPANY or any Prohibited Owner, that is a "United States person" within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the CODE and is appointed by the COMPANY to serve as trustee of the Trust.
Section 13.2 Ownership Limitations. The provisions of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be applicable as if the COMPANY was a REIT, even if the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS has not elected to have the COMPANY qualify as a REIT, and shall remain in full force and effect until prior to the Restriction Termination Date:
a) | Basic Restrictions. |
1) | No Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Aggregate Ownership Limit; |
2) | No Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own COMMON SHARES in excess of the Common Share Ownership Limit; and |
3) | No Excepted Holder shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder. |
4) | No Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares would result in the COMPANY being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the CODE (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year , unless otherwise allowed under Section 13.8(e) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT); and |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 57 |
5) | No Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares would result in the COMPANY otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT (including, but not limited to, Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership that; |
i. | would result in the COMPANY owning (actually or constructively) an interest in a tenant that is described in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the CODE; or |
ii. | would cause any income of the COMPANY that would otherwise qualify as "rents from real property" for purposes of Section 856(d) of the CODE to fail to qualify as such (including, but not limited to, as a result of causing any entity that the COMPANY intends to treat as an "eligible independent contractor" within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9)(A) of the CODE to fail to qualify as such), in either case causing the COMPANY to fail to satisfy any of the gross income requirements of Section 856(c) of the CODE). |
6) | During the period commencing on the One Hundred Shareholders Date, any Transfer of Shares that, if effective, would result in the Shares being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 Persons (determined under the principles of Section 856(a)(5) of the CODE) shall be void ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Shares. |
b) | Transfer in Trust. If any Transfer of Shares or Non-Transfer Event occurs which, if effective, would result in any Person Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning Shares in violation of Section 13.2(a)(1-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
1) | then that number of Shares the Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of which otherwise would cause such Person to violate Section 13.2(1-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (rounded up to the nearest whole share) shall be automatically transferred to a Trust for the benefit of a TBD charitable beneficiary, effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of such Transfer or Non-Transfer Event, and such Person (or, if different, the direct or beneficial owner of such Shares) shall acquire no rights in such Shares (and shall be divested of its rights in such Shares); or |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 58 |
2) | if the transfer to the Trust described in clause (1) of this sentence would not be effective for any reason to prevent the violation of Section 13.2(1-5), then the Transfer of that number of Shares that otherwise would cause any Person to violate Section 13.2(1-5) shall be void ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Shares. |
Section 13.3 Remedies for Breach. If the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall at any time determine in good faith that a Transfer or Non-Transfer Event has taken place that results in a violation of Section 13.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or that a Person intends to acquire or has attempted to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of any Shares in violation of Section 13.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (whether or not such violation is intended), the MANAGING MEMBER of BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such Transfer or Non-Transfer Event or otherwise prevent such violation, including, without limitation, causing the COMPANY to redeem shares, refusing to give effect to such Transfer or Non-Transfer Event on the books of the COMPANY or instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer or Non-Transfer Event; provided, however, that any Transfer or attempted Transfer or other event in violation of Section 13.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT (or Non-Transfer Event that results in a violation of Section 13.2 of the OPERATING AGREEMENT) shall automatically result in the transfer to the Trust described above, and, where applicable, such Transfer (or Non-Transfer Event) shall be void ab initio as provided above irrespective of any action (or non-action) by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Nothing herein shall limit the ability of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS to grant a waiver as may be permitted under Section 13.8 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
Section 13.4 Notice of Restricted Transfer. Any Person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares that will or may violate Section 13.2(1-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or any Person who would have owned Shares that resulted in a transfer to the Trust pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.2(b) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall immediately give written notice to the COMPANY of such event or, in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least 15 days prior written notice, and shall provide to the COMPANY such other information as the COMPANY may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Transfer or Non-Transfer Event on the COMPANY'S qualification as a REIT.
Section 13.5 Owners Required to Provide Information. From the Initial Date and prior to the Restriction Termination Date:
a) | every owner of five percent or more (or such lower percentage as required by the CODE or the U.S. Treasury Department regulations promulgated thereunder) of the Outstanding Shares, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, shall give written notice to the COMPANY stating the name and address of such owner, the number of Shares of each class and series Beneficially Owned and a description of the manner in which such Shares are held. Each such owner shall promptly provide to the COMPANY in writing such additional information as the COMPANY may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Beneficial Ownership on the COMPANY'S qualification as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the Ownership Limits; and |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 59 |
b) | each Person who is a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of Shares and each Person (including the Shareholder of record) who is holding Shares for a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner shall promptly provide to the COMPANY in writing such information as the COMPANY may request, in good faith, in order to determine the COMPANY'S qualification as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance. |
Section 13.6 Remedies Not Limited. Subject to Section 7.1 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, nothing contained in Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall limit the authority of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS to take such other action as he/it deems necessary or advisable to protect the COMPANY and the interests of the Shareholders in preserving the COMPANY'S qualification as a REIT.
Section 13.7 Ambiguity. In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any of the provisions of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have the power to determine the application of the provisions of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT with respect to any situation based on the facts known to it. In the event Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT requires an action by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS and this OPERATING AGREEMENT fails to provide specific guidance with respect to such action, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have the power to determine the action to be taken so long as such action is not contrary to the provisions of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Absent a decision to the contrary by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS (which the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may make in his/its sole and absolute discretion), if a Person would have (but for the remedies set forth in Section 13.3 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT) acquired or retained Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares in violation of Section 13.2 of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, such remedies (as applicable) shall apply first to the Shares which, but for such remedies, would have been Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned (but not actually owned) by such Person, pro rata among the Persons who actually own such Shares based upon the relative number of the Shares held by each such Person.
Section 13.8 Exceptions.
a) | Subject to Section 13.2(a)(4-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, in his/its sole discretion, may exempt (prospectively or retroactively) a Person from the Aggregate Ownership Limit and/or the Common Share Ownership Limit, as the case may be, and may establish or increase an Excepted Holder Limit for such Person if the Manager determines, based on such representations and undertakings as it may require, that: |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 60 |
1) | subject to Section 13.8(e) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, such exemption will not cause the Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Shares of the COMPANY of any individual (as defined in Section 542(a)(2) of the CODE as modified by Section 856(h)(3) of the CODE) to violate Section 13.2(a)(4-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT; and |
2) | such Person does not and will not Constructively own an interest in a tenant (or a tenant of any entity owned or controlled by the COMPANY) that would cause the COMPANY to own, actually or constructively, more than a 9.9% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the CODE) in such tenant (for this purpose, a tenant from whom the COMPANY (or an entity owned or controlled by the COMPANY) derives (and is expected to continue to derive) a sufficiently small amount of revenue such that, in the opinion of the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, rent from such tenant would not adversely affect the COMPANY'S ability to qualify as a REIT shall not be treated as a tenant of the COMPANY). |
b) | Prior to granting any exception pursuant to Section 13.8(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may require a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or an Opinion of Counsel, in either case in form and substance satisfactory to the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in his/its sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure the COMPANY'S qualification as a REIT. Notwithstanding the receipt of any ruling or opinion, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may impose such conditions or restrictions as it deems appropriate in connection with granting such exception or waiver or creating any Excepted Holder Limit. |
c) | Subject to Section 13.2(a)(4-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, an underwriter which participates in a public offering or a private placement of Shares (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) in excess of the Aggregate Ownership Limit, the Common Share Ownership Limit, or both such limits, but only to the extent necessary to facilitate such public offering or private placement. |
d) | The MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may only reduce Excepted Holder Limit for an Excepted Holder: |
1) | with the written consent of such Excepted Holder at any time, or |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 61 |
2) | pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements and undertakings entered into with such Excepted Holder in connection with the establishment of the Excepted Holder Limit for that Excepted Holder. No Excepted Holder Limit shall be reduced to a percentage that is less than the Common Share Ownership Limit or Aggregate Ownership Limit, as applicable. |
e) | Subject to Section 13.2(a)(4-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the Manager, in its sole discretion, may exempt an Excepted Holder from the limitations in Section 13.2(a)(ii)(4-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and Section 13.2(a)(1-3) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT on Beneficial Ownership and/or Constructive Ownership of Shares that would result in the COMPANY being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the CODE (determined without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year), but only during the first taxable year of the COMPANY for which the COMPANY elects to be a REIT under Section 856(c) of the CODE and/or during the first half of the COMPANY'S second taxable year for which the COMPANY elects to be treated as a REIT under Section 856(c) of the CODE and only to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership and/or Constructive Ownership for such periods does not result in the COMPANY failing to qualify as a REIT. |
Section 13.9 Increase or Decrease in Aggregate Ownership and Common Share Ownership Limits.
a) | Subject to Section 13.2(a)(4-5) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may from time to time increase or decrease the Common Share Ownership Limit and the Aggregate Ownership Limit; provided, however, that any decreased Common Share Ownership Limit and/or Aggregate Ownership Limit will not be effective for any Person whose percentage ownership in COMMON SHARES or Shares is in excess of such decreased Common Share Ownership Limit and/or Aggregate Ownership Limit until such time as such Person's percentage of COMMON SHARES or Shares equals or falls below the decreased Common Share Ownership Limit and/or Aggregate Ownership Limit, but any further acquisition of COMMON SHARES or Shares in excess of such percentage ownership of COMMON SHARES or Shares will be in violation of the Common Share Ownership Limit and/or Aggregate Ownership Limit; and provided further, that any increased or decreased Common Share Ownership Limit and/or Aggregate Ownership Limit would not allow five or fewer Persons to Beneficially Own more than 49.9% in value of the Outstanding Shares. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 62 |
b) | Prior to increasing or decreasing the Common Share Ownership Limit or the Aggregate Ownership Limit pursuant to Section 13.9(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements, in any case in form and substance satisfactory to the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in his/its sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure the COMPANY'S qualification as a REIT. |
Section 13.10 Legend. Each certificate for Shares, if certificated, or any written statement of information in lieu of a certificate delivered to a holder of uncertificated Shares shall bear substantially the following legend:
"The shares represented by this certificate are subject to restrictions on Beneficial Ownership and Constructive Ownership and Transfer for the purpose, among others, of the COMPANY'S maintenance of its qualification as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"). Subject to certain further restrictions and except as expressly provided in the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC (the “COMPANY”), as may be amended from time to time (the "OPERATING AGREEMENT"), (i) no Person may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own COMMON SHARES in excess of 9.8 percent (in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the Outstanding COMMON SHARES, unless such Person is exempt from such limitation or is an Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit shall be applicable); (ii) no Person may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of 9.8 percent (in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the Outstanding Shares, unless such Person is exempt from such limitation or is an Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit shall be applicable); (iii) no Person may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares that would result in the COMPANY being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the CODE (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year), or otherwise cause the COMPANY to fail to qualify as a REIT; and (iv) any Transfer of Shares that, if effective, would result in the Shares being beneficially owned by less than 100 Persons (as determined under the principles of Section 856(a)(5) of the CODE) shall be void ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Shares.
Any Person who Beneficially Owns or Constructively Owns or attempts too Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares which causes or will cause a Person to Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess or in violation of the above limitations must immediately notify the COMPANY and Transfer Agent (if any) or, in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least 15 days prior written notice. If any of the restrictions on transfer or ownership as set forth in (i) through (iii) above are violated, the Shares in excess or in violation of the above limitations will be automatically transferred to a Trustee of a Trust for the benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries. In addition, the COMPANY may redeem Shares upon the terms and conditions specified by the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS in their sole discretion if the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS determines that ownership or a Transfer or other event may violate the restrictions described above. Furthermore, upon the occurrence of certain events, attempted Transfers in violation of the restrictions described in (i) through (iii) above may be void ab initio. All capitalized terms in this legend have the meanings defined in the OPERATING AGREEMENT, a copy of which, including the
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 63 |
restrictions on transfer and ownership, will be furnished to each holder of Shares on request and without charge. Requests for such a copy may be directed to the MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS at the Company's principal office."
Instead of the foregoing legend, the certificate or written statement of information delivered in lieu of a certificate, if any, may state that the Company will furnish a full statement about certain restrictions on transferability to a Shareholder on request and without charge.
Section. 13.11 Transfer of Shares in Trust.
a) | Ownership in Trust. Upon any purported Transfer or other event described in Section 13.2(b) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. that would result in a transfer of Shares to a Trust, such Shares shall be deemed to have been transferred to the Trustee as trustee of a Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries. Such transfer to the Trustee shall be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the purported Transfer or other event that results in the transfer to the Trust pursuant to Section 13.2(b) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. The Trustee shall be appointed by the COMPANY and shall be a person unaffiliated with the COMPANY and any Prohibited Owner. Each Charitable Beneficiary shall be designated by the Company as provided in Section 13.11(f) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. |
b) | Status of Shares Held by the Trustee. Shares held by the Trustee shall be issued and Outstanding Shares. The Prohibited Owner shall have no rights in the shares held by the Trustee. The Prohibited Owner shall not benefit economically from ownership of any Shares held in trust by the Trustee, shall have no rights to distributions and shall not possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the Shares held in the Trust. |
c) | Distribution and Voting Rights. The Trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to distributions with respect to Shares held in the Trust, which rights shall be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary. Any distribution paid prior to the discovery by the COMPANY that the Shares have been transferred to the Trustee shall be paid by the recipient of such distribution to the Trustee upon demand and any distribution authorized but unpaid shall be paid when due to the Trustee. Any distribution so paid to the Trustee shall be held in trust for the charitable beneficiary. The Prohibited Owner shall have no voting rights with respect to Shares held in the Trust and, subject to Florida Law, effective as of the date that the Shares have been transferred to the Trust, the Trustee shall have the authority (at the Trustee's sole discretion): |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 64 |
1) | to rescind as void any vote cast by a Prohibited Owner prior to the discovery by the COMPANY that the Shares have been transferred to the Trustee; and |
2) | to recast such vote in accordance with the desires of the Trustee acting for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary; |
provided, however, that if the COMPANY has already taken irreversible limited liability company action, then the Trustee shall not have the authority to rescind and recast such vote. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, until the COMPANY has received notification that Shares have been transferred into a Trust, the COMPANY shall be entitled to rely on its share transfer and other Shareholder records for purposes of preparing lists of Shareholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and authority of proxies and otherwise conducting votes of Shareholders.
1) | Sale of Shares by Trustee. Within 20 days of receiving notice from the COMPANY that Shares have been transferred to the Trust, the Trustee of the Trust shall sell the Shares held in the Trust to a person, designated by the Trustee, whose ownership of the Shares will not violate the ownership limitations set forth in Section 13.2(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Upon such sale, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the Shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner and to the charitable beneficiary as provided in this Section 13.1l(d) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. The Prohibited Owner shall receive the lesser of: |
i. | the price paid by the Prohibited Owner for the Shares or, if the event causing the Shares to be held in the Trust did not involve a purchase of such Shares at Market Price, the Market Price of the Shares on the day of the event causing the Shares to be held in the Trust; and |
ii. | the price per Share received by the Trustee (net of any commissions and other expenses of sale) from the sale or other disposition of the Shares held in the Trust. |
The Trustee may reduce the amount payable to the Prohibited Owner by the amount of distributions which have been paid to the Prohibited Owner and are owed by the Prohibited Owner to the Trustee pursuant to Section 13.11(c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the Prohibited Owner shall be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary. If, prior to the discovery by the COMPANY that Shares have been transferred to the Trustee, such Shares are sold by a Prohibited Owner, then:
1. | such Shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Trust; and |
2. | to the extent that the Prohibited Owner received an amount for such Shares that exceeds the amount that such Prohibited Owner was entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 13.11(d) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT, such excess shall be paid to the Trustee upon demand. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 65 |
e) | Purchase Right in Shares Transferred to the Trustee. Shares transferred to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been offered for sale to the COMPANY, or its designee, at a price per Share equal to the lesser of: |
i. | the price per Share in the transaction that resulted in such Transfer to the Trust (or, if the event that resulted in the Transfer to the Trust did not involve a purchase of such Shares at Market Price, the Market Price of such Shares on the day of the event that resulted in the Transfer of such Shares to the Trust); and |
ii. | the Market Price on the date the COMPANY, or its designee, accepts such offer. |
The COMPANY may reduce the amount payable to the Trustee by the amount of distributions which has been paid to the Prohibited Owner and are owed by the Prohibited Owner to the Trustee pursuant to Section 13.11 (c) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT and may pay the amount of such reduction to the Trustee for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. The COMPANY shall have the right to accept such offer until the Trustee has sold the Shares held in the Trust pursuant to Section 13.1l(d) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT. Upon such a sale to the COMPANY, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the Shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner.
f) | Designation of Charitable Beneficiaries. By written notice to the Trustee, the COMPANY shall designate one or more nonprofit organizations to be the charitable beneficiary of the interest in the Trust such that the Shares held in the Trust would not violate the restrictions set forth in Section 13.2(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT in the hands of such charitable beneficiary. Neither the failure of the COMPANY to make such designation nor the failure of the COMPANY to appoint the Trustee before its automatic transfer provided for in Section 13.2(a) of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall make such transfer ineffective, provided that the COMPANY thereafter makes such designation and appointment. The designation of a nonprofit organization as a charitable beneficiary shall not entitle such nonprofit organization to serve in such capacity and the COMPANY may, in its sole discretion, designate a different nonprofit organization as the Charitable Beneficiary at any time and for any or no reason. Any determination by the COMPANY with respect to the application of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be binding on each charitable beneficiary. |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 66 |
Section 13.12 Enforcement. The COMPANY is authorized specifically to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, to enforce the provisions of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT.
Section 13.13 Non-Waiver. If any provision of Article XIII of this OPERATING AGREEMENT or any application of any such provision is determined to be invalid by any Federal or State Court having jurisdiction over the issues, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected and other applications of such provisions shall be affected only to the extent necessary to comply with the determination of such court.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this OPERATING AGREEMENT has been executed as of the date first written above.
MANAGING MEMBER | ||
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Mark T. Ocepek | |
Mr. | Mark T. Ocepek | |
Managing Member & Member of the Board of Directors |
EXHIBIT 1A-2B - page. 67
Exhibit 1A-4
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT FOR
QUALIFIED PURCHASERS
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 1 |
THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement' or this "Subscription") is made and entered into as of ____________________________, by and between the undersigned (hereinafter referred to as "SHAREHOLDER") and ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as "COMPANY"), with reference to the facts set forth below.
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the SHAREHOLDER wishes to irrevocably subscribe for and purchase (subject to acceptance of such subscription by the COMPANY) certain Equity Membership Units (the "Common Shares"), as set forth in Section 1 of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and on the signature page hereto, offered pursuant to the most recent Offering Circular of the COMPANY (the "Offering Circular") qualified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "SEC').
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to implement the foregoing and in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
NOTICE REGARDING AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE
ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO ARBITRATE ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THEIR INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY. ALL SHAREHOLDERS FURTHER AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATION WILL BE BINDING AND HELD IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN THE JACKSONVILLE METROPOLITAN AREA. EACH SHAREHOLDER ALSO AGREES TO WAIVE ANY RIGHTS TO AWRY TRIAL, OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY FORCE A SHAREHOLDER TO ACCEPT A LESS FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT FOR DISPUTES. OUT OF STATE ARBITRATION MAY ALSO COST A SHAREHOLDER MORE TO ARBITRATE A SETTLEMENT OF A DISPUTE.
THESE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROVISIONS APPLY IN ANY LITIGATION RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES OR THE COMPANY, INCLUDING CLAIMS UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS.
BY AGREEING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE ARBITRATION PROVISION CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO WAIVE THE COMPANY’S COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER.
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 2 |
NOTICE REGARDING WAIVER OF SECTION 18-305 RIGHTS
BY AGREEING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE WAIVER PROVISIONS, SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO WAIVE THE COMPANY’S COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER.
1. | SUBSCRIPTION FOR AND PURCHASE OF THE COMMON SHARES. |
a. | Subject to the express terms and conditions of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the SHAREHOLDER hereby irrevocably subscribes for and agrees to purchase the Equity Membership Units (hereinafter referred to as the “Common Shares”) of the Company (the "Purchase") in the amount of the purchase price (the "Purchase Price") set forth on the signature page to this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. |
b. | Unless subscribing pursuant to a plan established by the COMPANY’S MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS, the SHAREHOLDER must initially purchase at least $93.75 worth of Common Shares in this offering, unless subscribing pursuant to a plan established by the COMPANY’S MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS. There are no minimum subscription requirements when subscribing pursuant to a plan established by the COMPANY’S MANAGING MEMBER or BOARD OF DIRECTORS or on additional purchases once the SHAREHOLDER has purchased the requisite minimum of $93.75 worth of Common Shares. |
c. | The offering of Common Shares is described in the Offering Circular, that is available through the online website platform www.anabasisreit.com (the "Site"), which is owned and operated by the COMPANY, as well as on the SEC's EDGAR website. Please read this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the Offering Circular, and the COMPANY’S Operating Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “OPERATING AGREEMENT”). While they are subject to change, as described below, the COMPANY advises you to print and retain a copy of these documents for your records. By signing electronically below, you agree to the following terms together with the Terms and Conditions and the Terms of Use, consent to the COMPANY’S Privacy Policy, and agree to transact business with the COMPANY and to receive communications relating to the Common Shares electronically. |
d. | The COMPANY has the right to reject this Subscription in whole or in part for any reason. The purchasing SHAREHOLDER may not cancel, terminate or revoke this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, which, in the case of an individual, shall survive his/her death or disability and shall be binding upon the SHAREHOLDER, his/her heirs, trustees, beneficiaries, executors, personal or legal administrators or representatives, successors, transferees and assigns. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 3 |
e. | Once the SHAREHOLDER makes an investment commitment to purchase Common Shares, it is irrevocable until the Common Shares are issued, the Purchase is rejected by the COMPANY, or the COMPANY otherwise determines not to consummate the transaction. |
f. | The undersigned has received and read a copy of the COMPANY’S OPERATING AGREEMENT and agrees that his/her/its execution of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT constitutes its consent to such OPERATING AGREEMENT, and, that upon acceptance of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT by the COMPANY, the undersigned will become a SHAREHOLDER of the COMPANY as a holder of Common Shares. When this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT is countersigned by the COMPANY, the OPERATING AGREEMENT shall be binding upon the undersigned as of the settlement date. |
g. | The undersigned has carefully reviewed the arbitration notice as detailed above in this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, Section 13 of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT titled “Arbitration,” and the arbitration risk factor disclosures of the Offering Circular. The undersigned hereby acknowledges, understands, and agrees that: (a) arbitration is final and binding on the parties; (b) the parties are waiving their right to seek remedies in court, including the right to jury trial; (c) pre-arbitration discovery is generally more limited than and potentially different in form and scope from court proceedings; (d) the Arbitration Award is not required to include factual findings or legal reasoning and any party's right to appeal or to seek modification of a ruling by the arbitrators is strictly limited; and (e) the panel of arbitrators may include a minority of persons engaged in the securities industry. Such arbitration provision limits the rights of an investor to some legal remedies and rights otherwise available. |
2. | PURCHASE OF THE COMMON SHARES. |
a. | The purchasing SHAREHOLDER understands that the Purchase Price is payable with the execution and submission of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, and accordingly, is submitting herewith to the COMPANY the Purchase Price as agreed to by the COMPANY. |
b. | If the COMPANY returns the Purchase Price to the individual or entity trying to purchase the Common Shares, the COMPANY will not pay any interest to that party. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 4 |
c. | If this completed SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT is accepted by the COMPANY, the purchasing SHAREHOLDER agrees to comply fully with the terms of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the Common Shares and all other applicable documents or instruments of the COMPANY, including the OPERATING AGREEMENT. The SHAREHOLDER further agrees to execute any other necessary documents or instruments in connection with this Subscription and the SHAREHOLDER’S purchase of the Common Shares. |
d. | In the event that this Subscription is rejected in full, or the offering is terminated, payment made by the purchasing party to the COMPANY for the Common Shares shall be refunded to the purchasing party without interest and without deduction, and all of the obligations of the purchasing party hereunder shall terminate. To the extent that this purchase of the Common Shares is rejected in part, the COMPANY shall refund to the purchasing party any payment made by the purchasing party to the COMPANY with respect to the rejected portion of this purchase of Common Shares without interest and without deduction, and all of the obligations of the purchase of Common Shares hereunder shall remain in full force and effect except for those obligations with respect to the rejected portion of this Subscription, which shall terminate. |
e. | To the extent that the funds are not ultimately received by the COMPANY or are subsequently withdrawn by the party purchasing the Common Shares, whether due to an ACH chargeback or otherwise, the SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT will be considered terminated, and the party purchasing the Common Shares shall not be entitled to any shares subscribed for or dividends that may have accrued. |
f. | The proceeds of this Offering will not be placed into an escrow account. The Company will not accept subscription payments associated with subscription agreements until the Company has raised at least $468,750 for the acquisition of the Company’s first commercial real estate asset. At the time the minimum threshold is met, the Company will accept subscription payments, Common Shares of the Company will be issued, and investors will become Shareholders of the Company. If the Company does not meet the minimum threshold within 12-months after commencing this Offering, the Company will cancel this Offering and release all investors from their investment commitments. |
3. | INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDER. The SHAREHOLDER represents and warrants to the COMPANY the following: |
a. | The information that the SHAREHOLDER has furnished herein, including (without limitation) the information furnished by the SHAREHOLDER to the COMPANY, regarding whether the SHAREHOLDER qualifies as (i) an "accredited investor" as that term is defined in Rule 501 under Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act') and/or (ii) a "qualified purchaser" as that term is defined in Regulation A promulgated under the Act, is correct and complete as of the date of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and will be correct and complete on the date, if any, that the COMPANY accepts this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. Further, the SHAREHOLDER shall immediately notify the COMPANY of any change in any statement made herein prior to the SHAREHOLDER’S receipt of the COMPANY’S acceptance of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, including, without limitation, SHAREHOLDER’S status as an "accredited investor" and/or "qualified purchaser". The representations and warranties made by the SHAREHOLDER may be fully relied upon by the COMAPANY and by any investigating party relying on them. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 5 |
b. | The SHAREHOLDER, if an entity, is, and shall at all times while it holds Common Shares remain, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state or other jurisdiction of the United States of America of its incorporation or organization, having full power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as conducted. The SHAREHOLDER, if a natural person, is eighteen (18) years of age or older, competent to enter into a contractual obligation, and a citizen or resident of the United States of America. The principal place of business or principal residence of the SHAREHOLDER is as shown on the signature page of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. |
c. | The SHAREHOLDER has the requisite power and authority to deliver this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, perform his, her or its obligations set forth herein, and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The SHAREHOLDER has duly executed and delivered this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and has obtained the necessary authorization to execute and deliver this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and to perform his, her or its obligations herein and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, assuming the due execution and delivery hereof by the COMPANY, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the SHAREHOLDER enforceable against the SHAREHOLDER in accordance with its terms. |
d. | At no time has it been expressly or implicitly represented, guaranteed or warranted to the SHAREHOLDER by the COMPANY or any other person that: |
i. | A percentage of profit and/or amount or type of gain or other consideration will be realized as a result of this investment; or |
ii. | The past performance or experience on the part of the COMPANY and/or its officers or directors does not in any way indicate the predictable or probable results of the ownership of the Common Shares or the overall venture detailed in the Offering Circular. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 6 |
e. | The SHAREHOLDER has received this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the Offering Circular and the OPERATING AGREEMENT. The SHAREHOLDER and/or the SHAREHOLDER’S advisors, who are not affiliated with and not compensated directly or indirectly by the COMPANY or an affiliate thereof, have such knowledge and experience in business and financial matters as will enable them to utilize the information which they have received in connection with the COMPANY and its business to evaluate the merits and risks of an investment, to make an informed investment decision and to protect SHAREHOLDER’S own interests in connection with the Purchase. |
f. | The SHAREHOLDER understands that the Common Shares being purchased are a speculative investment which involves a substantial degree of risk of loss of the SHAREHOLER’S entire investment in the Common Shares, and the SHAREHOLER understands and is fully cognizant of the risk factors related to the purchase of the Common Shares. The SHAREHOLDER has read, reviewed and understood the risk factors set forth in the Offering Circular. |
g. | The SHAREHOLDER understands that any forecasts or predictions as to the COMPANY’S performance are based on estimates, assumptions and forecasts that the COMPANY believes to be reasonable but that may prove to be materially incorrect, and no assurance is given that actual results will correspond with the results contemplated by the various forecasts. |
h. | The SHAREHOLDER is able to bear the economic risk of this investment and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, is able to hold this investment for an indefinite period of time. The SHAREHOLDER has adequate means to provide for the SHAREHOLDER’S current needs and personal contingencies and has a sufficient net worth to sustain the loss of the SHAREHOLDER’S entire investment in the COMPANY. |
i. | The amount of Common Shares being purchased by the SHAREHOLDER does not exceed 10% of the greater of the SHAREHOLDER’S annual income or net worth (for natural persons), or 10% of the greater of the SHAREHOLDER’S annual revenue or net assets at fiscal year-end (for non-natural persons). |
j. | The SHAREHOLDER has had an opportunity to ask questions of the COMPANY or anyone acting on his/her/its behalf and to receive answers concerning the terms of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and the Common Shares, as well as about the COMPANY and its business generally, and to obtain any additional information that the COMPANY possesses or can acquire without unreasonable effort or expense, that is necessary to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. Further, all such questions have been answered to the full satisfaction of the SHAREHOLDER. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 7 |
k. | The SHAREHOLDER agrees to provide any additional documentation the COMPANY may reasonably request, including documentation as may be required by the COMPANY to form a reasonable basis that the SHAREHOLDER qualifies as an "accredited investor" as that term is defined in Rule 501 under Regulation D promulgated under the Act, or otherwise as a "qualified purchaser" as that term is defined in Regulation A promulgated under the Act, or as may be required by the securities administrators or regulators of any state, to confirm that the SHAREHOLDER meets any applicable minimum financial suitability standards and has satisfied any applicable maximum investment limits. |
l. | The SHAREHOLDER understands that no State or Federal authority has scrutinized this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT or the Common Shares offered pursuant hereto, has made any finding or determination relating to the fairness for investment of the Common Shares, or has recommended or endorsed the Common Shares, and that the Common Shares have not been registered or qualified under the Act or any state securities laws, in reliance upon exemptions from registration thereunder. |
m. | The SHAREHOLDER understands that the COMPANY has not been registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In addition, the SHAREHOLDER understands that the COMPANY is not registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act'). |
n. | The SHAREHOLDER is subscribing for and purchasing the Common Shares without being furnished any offering literature, other than the Offering Circular, the OPERATING AGREEMENT and this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, and such other related documents, agreements or instruments as may be attached to the foregoing documents as exhibits or supplements thereto, or as the SHAREHOLDER has otherwise requested from the COMPANY in writing, and without receiving any representations or warranties from the COMPANY or its agents and representatives other than the representations and warranties contained in said documents, and is making this investment decision solely in reliance upon the information contained in said documents and upon any investigation made by the SHAREHOLDER or SHAREHOLDER’S advisors. |
o. | The SHAREHOLDER’S true and correct full legal name, address of residence (or, if an entity, principal place of business), phone number, electronic mail address, United States taxpayer identification number, if any, and other contact information are accurately provided on signature page hereto. The SHAREHOLDER is currently a bona fide resident of the state or jurisdiction set forth in the current address provided to the COMPANY. The SHAREHOLDER has no present intention of becoming a resident of any other state or jurisdiction. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 8 |
p. | The SHAREHOLDER is subscribing for and purchasing the Common Shares solely for the SHAREHOLDER’S own account, for investment purposes only, and not with a view toward or in connection with resale, distribution (other than to its shareholders or members, if any), subdivision or fractionalization thereof. The SHAREHOLDER has no agreement or other arrangement, formal or informal, with any person or entity to sell, transfer or pledge any part of the Common Shares, or which would guarantee the SHAREHOLDER any profit, or insure against any loss with respect to the Common Shares, and the SHAREHOLDER has no plans to enter into any such agreement or arrangement. |
q. | The SHAREHOLDER represents and warrants that the execution and delivery of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby and the performance of the obligations thereunder and hereunder will not conflict with or result in any violation of or default under any provision of any other agreement or instrument to which the SHAREHOLDER is a party or any license, permit, franchise, judgment, order, writ or decree, or any statute, rule or regulation, applicable to the SHAREHOLDER. The SHAREHOLDER confirms that the consummation of the transactions envisioned herein, including, but not limited to, the SHAREHOLDER’S Purchase, will not violate any foreign law and that such transactions are lawful in the SHAREHOLDER’S country of citizenship and residence. |
r. | The COMPANY’S intent is to comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local Laws designed to combat money laundering and similar illegal activities, including the provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the "PATRIOT Act'). |
For purposes of this Section 3(r) of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the following terms shall have the meanings described below:
"Close Associate of a Senior Foreign Political Figure" shall mean a person who is widely and publicly known internationally to maintain an unusually close relationship with the Senior Foreign Political Figure, and includes a person who is in a position to conduct substantial domestic and international financial transactions on behalf of the Senior Foreign Political Figure;
"Foreign Shell Bank" shall mean a Foreign Bank without a presence in any country;
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 9 |
"Foreign Bank" shall mean an organization that (i) is organized under the laws of a foreign country, (ii) engages in the business of banking, (iii) is recognized as a bank by the bank supervisory or monetary authority of the country of its organization or principal banking operations, (iv) receives deposits to a substantial extent in the regular course of its business, and (v) has the power to accept demand deposits, but does not include the U.S. branches or agencies of a foreign bank;
"Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction" shall mean any foreign country that has been designated as noncooperative with international anti-money laundering principles or procedures by an intergovernmental group or organization, such as the Financial Task Force on Money Laundering, of which the U.S. is a member and with which designation the U.S. representative to the group or organization continues to concur;
"Prohibited Investor" shall mean a person or entity whose name appears on (i) the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control; (ii) other lists of prohibited persons and entities as may be mandated by applicable law or regulation; or (iii) such other lists of prohibited persons and entities as may be provided to the COMPANY in connection therewith;
"Related Person" shall mean, with respect to any entity, any interest holder, director, senior officer, trustee, beneficiary or grantor of such entity; provided that in the case of an entity that is a publicly traded company or a tax qualified pension or retirement plan in which at least 100 employees participate that is maintained by an employer that is organized in the U.S. or is a U.S. government entity, the term "Related Person" shall exclude any interest holder holding less than 5% of any class of securities of such publicly traded company and beneficiaries of such plan;
"Senior Foreign Political Figure" shall mean a senior official in the executive, legislative, administrative, military or judicial branches of a foreign government (whether elected or not), a senior official of a major foreign political party, or a senior executive of a foreign government-owned corporation. In addition, a Senior Foreign Political Figure includes any corporation, business or other entity that has been formed by, or for the benefit of, a Senior Foreign Political Figure.
SHAREHOLDER hereby represents, covenants, and agrees that, to the best of SHAREHOLDER’S knowledge based on reasonable investigation:
1. | None of the SHAREHOLDER’S funds tendered for the Purchase Price (whether payable in cash or otherwise) shall be derived from money laundering or similar activities deemed illegal under Federal Laws and Regulations. |
2. | To the extent within the SHAREHOLDER’S control, none of the SHAREHOLDER’S funds tendered for the Purchase Price will cause the COMPANY or any of its personnel or affiliates to be in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws, including (without limitation) the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. 5311 et seq.), the United States Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 or the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001, and/or any regulations promulgated thereunder. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 10 |
3. | When requested by the COMAPNY, the SHAREHOLDER will provide any and all additional information, and the SHAREHOLDER understands and agrees that the COMAPNY may release confidential information about the SHAREHOLDER and, if applicable, any underlying beneficial owner or Related Person to U.S. Regulators and Law Enforcement authorities, deemed reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations concerning money laundering and similar activities. The Company reserves the right to request any information as is necessary to verify the identity of the SHAREHOLDER and the source of any payment to the COMPANY. In the event of delay or failure by the SHAREHOLDER to produce any information required for verification purposes, the SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT may be refused by the COMPANY. |
4. | Neither the SHAREHOLDER, nor any person or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with the SHAREHOLDER, any of the SHAREHOLDER’S beneficial owners, any person for whom the SHAREHOLDER is acting as agent or nominee in connection with this investment nor, in the case of a SHAREHOLDER which is an entity, any Related Person is: |
a. | A Prohibited Investor; |
b. | a Senior Foreign Political Figure, any member of a Senior Foreign Political Figure's "immediate family," which includes the figure's parents, siblings, spouse, children and in-laws, or any Close Associate of a Senior Foreign Political Figure, or a person or entity resident in, or organized or chartered under, the laws of a Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction; |
c. | a person or entity resident in, or organized or chartered under, the laws of a jurisdiction that has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Section 311 or 312 of the PATRIOT Act as warranting special measures due to money laundering concerns; or Bank without a physical presence in any country, but does not include a regulated affiliate; |
d. | a person or entity who gives SHAREHOLDER reason to believe that its funds originate from, or will be or have been routed through, an account maintained at a Foreign Shell Bank, an "offshore bank," or a bank organized or chartered under the laws of a Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 11 |
5. | The SHAREHOLDER hereby agrees to immediately notify the COMPANY if the SHAREHOLDER knows, or has reason to suspect, that any of the representations in this Section 3(r) of the SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT has become incorrect or if there is any change in the information affecting these representations and covenants. |
6. | The SHAREHOLDER agrees that, if at any time it is discovered that any of the foregoing anti-money laundering representations are incorrect, or if otherwise required by applicable laws or regulations, the COMPANY may undertake appropriate actions, and the SHAREHOLDER agrees to cooperate with such actions, to ensure compliance with such laws or regulations, including, but not limited to segregation and/or redemption of the SHAREHOLDER’S interest in the Common Shares. |
s. | The SHAREHOLDER represents and warrants that the SHAREHOLDER is either: |
1. | Purchasing the Common Shares with funds that constitute the assets one or more of the following: |
i. | an "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("BRISA"), that is subject to Title I of ERISA; |
ii. | an "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is not subject to either Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") (including a governmental plan, non-electing church plan or foreign plan). The Subscriber hereby represents and warrants that (a) its investment in the COMPANY: (i) does not violate and is not otherwise inconsistent with the terms of any legal document constituting or governing the employee benefit plan; (ii) has been duly authorized and approved by all necessary parties; and (iii) is in compliance with all applicable laws, and (b) neither the COMPANY nor any person who manages the assets of the COMPANY will be subject to any laws, rules or regulations applicable to such SHAREHOLDER solely as a result of the investment in the COMPANY by such SHAREHOLDER; |
iii. | a plan that is subject to Section 4975 of the Code (including an individual retirement account); |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 12 |
iv. | an entity (including, if applicable, an insurance company general account) whose underlying assets include "plan assets" of one or more "employee benefit plans" that are subject to Title I of ERISA or "plans" that are subject to Section 4975 of the Code by reason of the investment in such entity, directly or indirectly, by such employee benefit plans or plans; or |
v. | an entity that (a) is a group trust within the meaning of Revenue Ruling 81-100, a common or collective trust fund of a bank or an insurance company separate account and (b) is subject to Title I of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or both; or |
2. | Not purchasing the Common Shares with funds that constitute the assets of any of the entities or plans described in “i” through “v” directly above. |
t. | The SHAREHOLDER further represents and warrants that neither SHAREHOLDER nor any of his/her/its affiliates (a) have discretionary authority or control with respect to the assets of the COMPANY or (b) provide investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) with respect to the assets of the COMPANY. For this purpose, an "affiliate" includes any person, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the person and "control" with respect to a person other than an individual means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of such person. |
u. | The SHAREHOLDER confirms that the SHAREHOLDER has been advised to consult with the SHAREHOLDER’S independent attorney regarding legal matters concerning the COMPANY and to consult with independent tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the COMPANY’S Common Shares. The SHAREHOLDER acknowledges that SHAREHOLDER understands that any anticipated United States federal or state income tax benefits may not be available and, further, may be adversely affected through adoption of new laws or regulations or amendments to existing laws or regulations. The SHAREHOLDER acknowledges and agrees that the COMPANY is providing no warranty or assurance regarding the ultimate availability of any tax benefits to the COMPANY by reason of the Purchase. |
v. | The SHAREHOLDER hereby (i) consent to his/her/its inclusion in composite returns filed by the COMPANY on its behalf to the extent such SHAREHOLDER is eligible to participate in such composite return and such consent pursuant to this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT is effective for such purpose and (ii) agrees to cooperate with the COMPANY as reasonably necessary in connection with any such composite return filing. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 13 |
4. | OWNERSHIP LIMITATION. The SHAREHOLDER acknowledges and agrees that, pursuant to the terms of the OPERATING AGREEMENT, the SHAREHOLDER generally cannot own, or be deemed to own by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and as set forth in the OPERATING AGREEMENT, either more than 9.8% in value or in number of our Common Shares, whichever is more restrictive, or more than 9.8% in value or in number of the COMPANY’S shares, whichever is more restrictive. The OPERATING AGREEMENT will include additional restrictions on ownership, including ownership that would result in (i) the COMPANY being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, (ii) the COMPANY failing to qualify as a REIT or (iii) the COMPANY’S shares being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (as determined under Section 856(a)(5) of the Code). The SHAREHOLDER also acknowledges and agrees that, pursuant to the terms of the OPERATING AGREEMENT, the SHAREHOLDER’S ownership of the COMPANY’S Common Shares cannot cause any other person to violate the foregoing limitations on ownership. |
5. | TAX FORMS. The SHAREHOLDER will also need to complete an IRS Form W-9 or the appropriate Form W-8, which should be returned directly to the COMPANY. The SHAREHOLDER certifies that the information contained in the executed copy (or copies) of IRS Form W-9 or appropriate IRS Form W-8 (and any accompanying required documentation), as applicable, when submitted to the COMPANY will be true, correct and complete. The SHAREHOLDER shall (i) promptly inform the COMPANY of any change in such information, and (ii) furnish to the COMPANY a new properly completed and executed form, certificate or attachment, as applicable, as may be required under the Internal Revenue Service instructions to such forms, the Code or any applicable Treasury Regulations or as may be requested from time to time by the COMPANY. |
6. | NO ADVISORY RELATIONSHIP. SHAREHOLDER acknowledges and agrees that the purchase and sale of the Common Shares pursuant to this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT is an arms-length transaction between the SHAREHOLDER and the COMAPNY. In connection with the purchase and sale of the Common Shares, the COMPANY is not acting as the SHAREHOLDER’S agent or fiduciary. The COMPANY assumes no advisory or fiduciary responsibility in the SHAREHOLDER’S favor in connection with the Common Shares or the corresponding real estate investments. The COMPANY has not provided the SHAREHOLDER with any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the Common Shares, and the SHAREHOLDER has consulted his/her/its own respective legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent the SHAREHOLDER has deemed appropriate. |
7. | BANKRUPTCY. In the event that the SHAREHOLDER files or enters bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding, the SHAREHOLDER agrees to use the best efforts possible to avoid the COMPANY being named as a party or otherwise involved in the bankruptcy proceeding. Furthermore, this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT should be interpreted so as to prevent, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, any bankruptcy trustee, receiver or debtor-in-possession from asserting, requiring or seeking that (i) the SHAREHOLDER be allowed by the COMPANY to return the Common Shares to the COMPANY for a refund or (ii) the COMPANY be mandated or ordered to redeem or withdraw Common Shares held or owned by the SHAREHOLDER. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 14 |
8. | MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. |
A. | This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida (without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof). |
B. | All notices and communications to be given or otherwise made to the SHAREHOLDER shall be deemed to be sufficient if sent by electronic mail to such address as set forth for the SHAREHOLDER at the records of the COMPANY. SHAREHOLDER shall send all notices or other communications required to be given hereunder to the COMPANY via email at mark@anabasisreit.com (with a copy to be sent concurrently via prepaid certified mail to: ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC; 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100-008, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, Attention: Investor Relations. |
Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered and received on the first business day following that on which the electronic mail has been sent (assuming that there is no error in delivery). As used in this Section, "business day" shall mean any day other than a day on which banking institutions in the State of Florida are legally closed for business.
C. | This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, or the rights, obligations or interests of the SHAREHOLDER hereunder, may not be assigned, transferred or delegated without the prior written consent of the COMPANY. Any such assignment, transfer or delegation in violation of this section shall be null and void. |
D. | The parties agree to execute and deliver such further documents and information as may be reasonably required in order to effectuate the purposes of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. |
E. | Any term of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT may be amended and the observance of any term of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of each of the parties hereto. |
F. | If one or more provisions of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, rule or regulation, such provision shall be excluded from this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and the balance of the SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 15 |
G. | In the event that either party hereto commences any suit, action or other proceeding to interpret this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, or determines to enforce any right or obligation created hereby, then such party, if it prevails in such action, shall recover its reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees and expenses and costs of appeal, if any. |
H. | This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (including the exhibits and schedules attached hereto) and the documents referred to herein (including without limitation the Common Shares) constitute the entire agreement among the parties and shall constitute the sole documents setting forth terms and conditions of the SHAREHOLDER’S contractual relationship with the COMPANY with regard to the matters set forth herein. This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous communications, whether oral, written or electronic, between the COMPANY and the SHAREHOLDER. |
I. | This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT may be executed in any number of counterparts, or facsimile counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. |
J. | The titles and subtitles used in this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. The singular number or masculine gender, as used herein, shall be deemed to include the plural number and the feminine or neuter genders whenever the context so requires. |
K. | The parties acknowledge that there are no third-party beneficiaries of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, except for any affiliates of the COMPANY that may be involved in the issuance or servicing of Common Shares, which the parties expressly agree shall be third-party beneficiaries hereof. |
9. | CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC DELIVERY. The SHAREHOLDER hereby agrees that the COMPANY may deliver all notices, financial statements, valuations, reports, reviews, analyses or other materials, and any and all other documents, information and communications concerning the affairs of the COMPANY and its investments, including, without limitation, information about the investment, required or permitted to be provided to the SHAREHOLDER under the Common Share or hereunder by means e-mail or by posting on an electronic message board or by other means of electronic communication. Because the COMPANY operates principally on the Internet, the SHAREHOLDER will need to consent to transact business with the COMPANY online and electronically. As part of doing business with the COMPANY, therefore, the COMPANY also needs the SHAREHOLDER to consent to the COMPANY giving the SHAREHOLDER certain disclosures electronically, either via the COMPANY’S Website (www.anabasisreit.com) or to the email address that the SHAREHOLDER provided to the COMAPNY. By entering into this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the SHAREHOLDER consents to receive electronically all documents, communications, notices, contracts, and agreements arising from or relating in any way to the SHAREHOLDER’S or the COMPANY’S rights, obligations or services under this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (each, a "Disclosure"). The decision to do business with the COMPANY electronically is that of the SHAREHOLDER. This document informs the SHAREHOLDER of his/her/its rights concerning Disclosures. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 16 |
A. | Scope of Consent. SHAREHOLDER consents to receive Disclosures and transact business electronically, and the COMPANY’S agreement to do so, applies to any transactions to which such Disclosures relate. |
B. | Consenting to Do Business Electronically. Before the SHAREHOLDER decides to do business electronically with the COMPANY, the SHAREHOLDER should consider whether he/her/it has the required hardware and software capabilities described below. |
C. | Hardware and Software Requirements. In order to access and retain Disclosures electronically, a SHAREHOLDER must satisfy the following computer hardware and software requirements: access to the Internet; an email account and related software capable of receiving email through the Internet; a web browser which is SSL-compliant and supports secure sessions; and hardware capable of running this software. |
D. | How to Contact the Company Regarding Electronic Disclosures. A SHAREHOLDER can contact the COMPANY via email at mark@anabasreit.com. A SHAREHOLDER may also reach the COMPANY in writing at the following address: ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC; 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100-008, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, Attention: Investor Relations. SHAREHOLDER agrees to keep the COMPANY informed of any change in your email or mailing address so that the SHAREHOLDER can continue to receive all Disclosures in a timely fashion. If the SHAREHOLDER’S registered e-mail address changes, the SHAREHOLDER must notify the COMPANY of the change by sending an email to mark@anabasisreit.com. |
10. | CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF TAX DOCUMENTS. |
A. | Please read this disclosure about how the COMPANY will provide certain documents that the COMPANY is required by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") to send to each SHAREHOLDER ("Tax Documents") in connection with the SHAREHOLDER’S Common Shares. A Tax Document provides important information a SHAREHOLDER needs to complete your tax returns. Tax Documents include Form 1099. Occasionally, the COMPANY is required to send a SHAREHOLDER CORRECTED Tax Documents. Additionally, the COMPANY may include inserts with the SHAREHOLER’S Tax Documents. The COMPANY is required to send Tax Documents to a SHAREHOLER in writing, which means in paper form. When a SHAREHOLDER consents to electronic delivery of his/her/its Tax Documents, the SHAREHOLDER will be consenting to delivery of Tax Documents, including these corrected Tax Documents and inserts, electronically instead of in paper form. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 17 |
B. | Agreement to Receive Tax Documents Electronically. By executing this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the SHAREHOLDER is consenting in the affirmative that the COMPANY may send Tax Documents to the SHAREHOLDER electronically. Subsequently, if the SHAREHOLDER withdraws consent to receive Tax Documents electronically, a paper copy will be provided. A SHAREHOLDER’S consent to receive the Tax Documents electronically continues for every tax year until the SHAREHOLDER withdraws his/her/its consent. |
C. | Shareholders May Choose to Receive Paper Copies. SHAREHOLDERS may obtain a paper copy of their Tax Documents by contacting the COMPANY at mark@anabasisreit.com and request a paper copy. |
D. | Withdrawal of Consent to Receive Electronic Notices. SHAREHOLDERS can withdraw their consent before the Tax Document is furnished by mailing a letter including SHAREHOLDER name, mailing address, effective tax year, and indicating the SHAREHOLDER’S intent to withdraw consent to the electronic delivery of Tax Documents to: ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC; 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100-108, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, Attention: Investor Relations. |
If a SHAREHOLDER withdraws consent to receive Tax Documents electronically, a paper copy will be provided. A SHAREHOLDER’S consent to receive the Tax Documents electronically continues for every tax year until the SHAREHOLDER withdraws his/her/its consent.
E. | Termination of Electronic Delivery of Tax Documents. The COMPANY may terminate a SHAREHOLDER’S request for electronic delivery of Tax Documents without the SHAREHOLDER withdrawing consent in writing in the event that the COMPANY cancels the electronic delivery of Tax Documents. |
F. | Shareholders must keep an E-mail Address with the Company. SHAREHOLDERS must promptly notify the COMPANY of a change of SHAREHOLDER email address. If a SHAREHOLDER’S mailing address, email address, telephone number or other contact information changes, the SHAREHOLDER must provide updated information by contacting us at mark@anabasisreit.com. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 18 |
G. | Tax Documents Will Also be Made Available on the Company’s Website in the Future. In the future, a SHAREHOLDER will be able to access the COMPANY’S website at www.anabasisreit.com, and there a SHAREHOLDER will be able to consent in the affirmative that the SHAREHOLDER agrees to receive Tax Documents electronically on the COMPANY’S website at www.anabasisreit.com, and the SHAREHOLDER will be able to access Tax Documents from the site under the “My Account” tab. |
11. | LIMITATIONS ON DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE TO THE SHAREHOLDER FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE FOREGOING SHALL BE INTERPRETED AND HAVE EFFECT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, RULE OR REGULATION. |
12. | ARBITRATION. |
A. | Either party may, at its sole election, require that the sole and exclusive forum and remedy for resolution of a Claim be final and binding arbitration pursuant to this Section 12 of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this "Arbitration Provision"). The arbitration shall be conducted in the State of FLORIDA in the JACKSONVILLE METROPOLITAN AREA. As used in this Arbitration Provision, "Claim" shall include any past, present, or future claim, dispute, or controversy involving you (or persons claiming through or connected with you), on the one hand, and the COMPANY (or persons claiming through or connected with the COMPANY), on the other hand, relating to or arising out of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, any Common Share, and/or the activities or relationships that involve, lead to, or result from any of the foregoing, including (except to the extent provided otherwise in the last sentence of Section (E) below) the validity or enforceability of this Arbitration Provision, any part thereof, or the entire SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. Claims are subject to arbitration regardless of whether they arise from contract; tort (intentional or otherwise); a constitution, statute, common law, or principles of equity; or otherwise. Claims include (without limitation) matters arising as initial claims, counter-claims, cross-claims, third-party claims, or otherwise. This Arbitration Provision applies to claims under the U.S. Federal Securities Laws and to all claims that that are related to the COMPANY, including with respect to this offering, the COMPANY’S holdings, the common shares, the COMPANY’S ongoing operations and the management of the COMPANY’S investments, among other matters. The scope of this Arbitration Provision is to be given the broadest possible interpretation that is enforceable. |
B. | The party initiating arbitration shall do so with the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA") or JAMS. The arbitration shall be conducted according to, and the location of the arbitration shall be determined in accordance with, the rules and policies of the administrator selected, except to the extent the rules conflict with this Arbitration Provision or any countervailing law. In the case of a conflict between the rules and policies of the administrator and this Arbitration Provision, this Arbitration Provision shall control, subject to countervailing law, unless all parties to the arbitration consent to have the rules and policies of the administrator apply. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 19 |
C. | If the COMPANY elects arbitration, the COMPANY shall pay all the administrator's filing costs and administrative fees (other than hearing fees). If a SHAREHOLDER elects arbitration, filing costs and administrative fees (other than hearing fees) shall be paid in accordance with the rules of the administrator selected, or in accordance with countervailing law if contrary to the administrator's rules. The COMPANY shall pay the administrator's hearing fees for one full day of arbitration hearings. Fees for hearings that exceed one day will be paid by the party requesting the hearing, unless the administrator's rules or applicable law require otherwise, or the SHAREHOLDER requests that the COMPANY pay them and the COMPANY agrees to do so. Each party shall bear the expense of his/her/its own attorney's fees, except as otherwise provided by law. If a statute gives the SHAREHOLDER the right to recover any of these fees, these statutory rights shall apply in the arbitration notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein. |
D. | Within 30 days of a final award by the arbitrator, a party may appeal the award for reconsideration by a three-arbitrator panel selected according to the rules of the arbitrator administrator. In the event of such an appeal, an opposing party may cross-appeal within 30 days after notice of the appeal. The panel will reconsider de novo all aspects of the initial award that are appealed. Costs and conduct of any appeal shall be governed by this Arbitration Provision and the administrator's rules, in the same way as the initial arbitration proceeding. Any award by the individual arbitrator that is not subject to appeal, and any panel award on appeal, shall be final and binding, except for any appeal right under the Federal Arbitration Act (the "FAA"), and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. |
E. | The COMPANY agrees not to invoke its right to arbitrate an individual Claim that a SHAREHOLDER may bring in Small Claims Court or an equivalent court, if any, so long as the Claim is pending only in that court. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, NO ARBITRATION SHALL PROCEED ON A CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE BASIS (INCLUDING AS PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON BEHALF OF OTHERS), EVEN IF THE CLAIM OR CLAIMS THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE ARBITRATION HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ASSERTED (OR COULD HAVE BEEN ASSERTED) IN A COURT AS CLASS REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE ACTIONS IN A COURT. |
F. | Unless otherwise provided in this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT or consented to in writing by all parties to the arbitration, no party to the arbitration may join, consolidate, or otherwise bring claims for or on behalf of two or more individuals or unrelated corporate entities in the same arbitration unless those persons are parties to a single transaction. Unless consented to in writing by all parties to the arbitration, an award in arbitration shall determine the rights and obligations of the named parties only, and only with respect to the claims in arbitration, and shall not (i) determine the rights, obligations, or interests of anyone other than a named party, or resolve any Claim of anyone other than a named party, or (ii) make an award for the benefit of, or against, anyone other than a named party. No administrator or arbitrator shall have the power or authority to waive, modify, or fail to enforce this subsection (F), and any attempt to do so, whether by rule, policy, arbitration decision or otherwise, shall be invalid and unenforceable. Any challenge to the validity of this sub-section (F) shall be determined exclusively by a court and not by the administrator or any arbitrator. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 20 |
G. | This Arbitration Provision is made pursuant to a transaction involving interstate commerce and shall be governed by and enforceable under the FAA. The arbitrator will apply substantive law consistent with the FAA and applicable statutes of limitations. The arbitrator may award damages or other types of relief permitted by applicable substantive law, subject to the limitations set forth in this Arbitration Provision. The arbitrator will not be bound by judicial rules of procedure and evidence that would apply in a court. The arbitrator shall take steps to reasonably protect confidential information. |
H. | This Arbitration Provision shall survive (i) suspension, termination, revocation, closure, or amendments to this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and the relationship of the parties; (ii) the bankruptcy or insolvency of any party hereto or other party; and (iii) any transfer of any Common Share to any other party. If any portion of this Arbitration Provision other than sub-section (E) is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions of this Arbitration Provision shall nevertheless remain valid and in force. If arbitration is brought on a class, representative, or collective basis, and the limitations on such proceedings in sub-section (E) are finally adjudicated pursuant to the last sentence of sub-section (E) to be unenforceable, then no arbitration shall be had. In no event shall any invalidation be deemed to authorize an arbitrator to determine Claims or make awards beyond those authorized in this Arbitration Provision. |
I. | SHAREHOLDER also acknowledge that the requirement to arbitrate disputes contained in this Section 12 of the SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and the waiver of court and jury rights contained in Section 13 of this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT are also in the COMPANY’S OPERATING AGREEMENT and that subsequent holders of the COMPANY’S Common Shares will also be subject to such provisions. |
J. | BY AGREEING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE ARBITRATION PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO WAIVE THE COMPANY’S COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER. |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 21 |
13. | WAIVER OF COURT AND JURY RIGHTS. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO LITIGATE CLAIMS THROUGH A COURT BEFORE A JUDGE BUT WILL NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT IF ANY PARTY ELECTS ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION. THE PARTIES HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO LITIGATE SUCH CLAIMS IN A COURT UPON ELECTION OF ARBITRATION BY ANY PARTY. THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE COMMON SHARES OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATED THERETO. |
14. | WAIVER OF SECTION 18-305 RIGHTS. By executing this agreement, the SHAREHOLDER expressly and completely waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the SHAREHOLDER’S rights to request to review and obtain information relating to and maintained by the COMPANY, including, but not limited to, names and contact information of the COMPANY’S Shareholders, members, and any other information deemed to be confidential by the COMPANY in its sole discretion. In addition, by executing this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, the SHAREHOLDER expressly agrees not to seek to compel the COMPANY to produce any information described in the preceding sentence or pursuant to any statutory scheme or provision. BY AGREEING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE WAIVER PROVISIONS, SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO WAIVE THE COMPANY’S COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER. |
15. | AUTHORITY. By executing this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, SHAREHOLDER expressly acknowledge that SHAREHOLDER has reviewed this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT and the Offering Circular for this particular subscription. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the SHAREHOLDER, or his/her/its duly authorized representative(s), hereby acknowledges that he/she/it has read and understood the risk factors set forth in the Offering Circular, and has hereby executed and delivered this SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, and executed and delivered herewith the Purchase Price, as of the date set forth above.
THE SHAREHOLDER: | |
Print Name of SHAREHOLDER | |
Description of Entity (if applicable) |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 22 |
Signature of SHAREHOLDER | |
Name of Person Signing on behalf of SHAREHOLDER | |
Title (if applicable) |
Address of SHAREHOLDER: | |
Telephone: |
Email: |
Number of Common Shares Purchase: |
Purchase Price: $ |
AGREED AND ACCEPTED BY
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC
MR. MARK T. OCEPEK |
|
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & MANAGING MEMBER |
|
103 CENTURY 21 DRIVE, SUITE 100-008 |
|
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202 |
|
PHONE: (904) 583-9354 |
|
EMAIL: MARK@ANABASISREIT.COM |
EXHIBIT 1A-4 - page. 23
Exhibit 1A-12
Law Offices of
James A. Stuber
205 Worth Avenue | 175 Strafford Ave., Ste. One |
Suite 201 | Wayne, PA 19087 |
Palm Beach, FL 33480 | Tel. (610) 608-5074 |
jstuber@stuberlawoffice.com | Fax (561) 375-5016 |
October 17, 2023
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am acting securities counsel to Anabasis Real Estate Investment Trust, LLC (the “Company”), and I have reviewed the Amended Form 1-A Registration Statement (the “Offering Circular”) relating to the offering by the Company of up to 800,000 of the Company’s Equity Membership Units (referred to as the “Common Shares”), for a purchase price of $93.75 per share (the “Shares”)
This Opinion Letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 17(12) of Form 1-A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
In connection with rendering this opinion, I have examined the originals, or certified, conformed or reproduction copies, of all such records, agreements, instruments and documents as I have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed. In all such examinations, I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original or certified copies and the conformity to original or certified copies of all copies submitted to me as conformed or reproduction copies.
I have reviewed: (a) the Company’s Certificate of Formation; (b) the Company’s Operating Agreement; (c) the Offering Circular; (d) the Subscription Agreement; and (e) such other corporate documents, records, papers and certificates as I have deemed necessary for the purposes of the opinions expressed herein.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and to the other qualifications and limitations set forth herein, I am of the opinion that the Shares, when issued and delivered in the manner and/or the terms described in the Offering Circular as filed (after it is declared qualified), will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
I express no opinion with regard to the applicability or effect of the law of any jurisdiction other than, as in effect on the date of this letter, (a) the internal laws of the State of California and (b) the Federal Laws of the United States. I express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction. I assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion should the laws be changed after the effective date of the Offering Circular by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise.
I hereby consent to the filing of this Opinion as an exhibit to the Offering Circular and to the reference to my name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Offering Statement. In giving this consent, I do not hereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act.
Sincerely | |
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Exhibit 1A-15
REIT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Dated: September 1, 2023
THIS REIT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st day of September 2023, by and between ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), and Mr. MARK T. OCEPEK, an individual (the “Managing Member”).
WHEREAS, the Company intends to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and to make investments of the type permitted to be made by qualified REITs under the Code; and
WHEREAS, the Managing Member is retained and hired by the REIT for the purpose of advising the Company as to its business of acquiring, developing (when applicable) and managing commercial multifamily real estate properties, as well as providing certain management and administrative services in connection with the Company’s business affairs and the administration, operation and disposition of its assets; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the Managing Member’s management, administration and operation, the Company desires to make use of the advice and assistance of the Managing Member and the sources of information and certain facilities available to the Managing Member, and to have the Managing Member undertake the duties and responsibilities hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Managing Member has agreed to render such services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement dated September 1, 2023, by and between the Managing Member and the Company’s Board of Directors; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and the promises and mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DUTIES OF THE MANAGING MEMBER
The Managing Member shall use his best efforts to present to the Company a continuing and suitable business plan of operations consistent with the business policies and objectives of the Company, and to perform the following duties:
1.1 | Commercial Multifamily Real Estate Investments. The Managing Member shall serve as the Company’s Chief Investment Officer in connection with its primary business of purchasing, developing (when applicable), leasing, and selling commercial multifamily real estate assets; as well as the temporary investments in furtherance of the Company’s investment guidelines and policies, and recommend changes in the Company’s investment guidelines and policies, when appropriate. |
pg. 1 |
1.2 | Investment and General Management. The Managing Member shall administer the day-to-day operations of the Company, investigate and evaluate potential tenants for the lease of the Company’s commercial multifamily real estate assets; explore business opportunities available to the Company that are consistent with the Company’s objectives; investigate, select, and conduct relations with prospective real estate agents (buying, selling and leasing agents); and evaluate, negotiate and maintain relationships on the Company’s behalf with banks, commercial lenders, accountants, mortgage loan originators, brokers, participants, attorneys, appraisers, insurers, and persons acting in any other capacity relevant to the activities of the Company; and, as necessary, negotiate contracts with, retain, and supervise services performed by such parties in connection with the Company’s business. |
1.3 | Financial Administration. The Managing Member shall administer such day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting functions as are required for the proper management of the assets of the Company and prepare or cause to be prepared such reports as may be required by any governmental authority. The Managing Member shall maintain the books of account and records relating to services performed for the Company accessible for inspection by the Company, or any of its Shareholders, at any time during ordinary business hours. |
1.4 | Lawyers and Accountants. The Managing Member shall obtain for the Company, when appropriate, the services of legal and accounting firms to perform customary legal and accounting services for the Company, and the Manager shall supervise or monitor the activities of such professionals on behalf of the Company as would be performed by a prudent business owner. |
1.5 | Agent. The Managing Member shall act as agent of the Company in acquiring. leasing, selling, financing, insuring, and/or managing any of the Company’s assets. The Managing Member shall also investigate, select, and conduct relations on behalf of the Company with individuals, corporations, and entities in furtherance of the business activities of the Company. |
1.6 | Exchanges & Dealers. The Managing Member shall conduct relations on behalf of the Company with securities exchanges and/or with dealers making markets in the Company’s securities. |
1.7 | Investment of Cash. The Managing Member shall invest and reinvest any monies of the Company, and manage the Company’s short-term investments, including the acquisition and sale of money market instruments, provided such instruments are consistent with the Company’s policies and are only those instruments in which a real estate investment trust is permitted to invest under the Code from time to time. |
1.8 | Bank Accounts. The Managing Member may establish one or more bank accounts in the name of the Company, and may deposit into and disburse from such accounts, any monies on behalf of the Company, provided that no funds in any such account shall be commingled with funds of the Managing Member, and the Managing Member shall render appropriate accountings of all payments and deposits to the accountants and/or auditors of the Company. |
1.9 | Offices and Personnel. The Managing Member shall manage all office space, equipment, personnel, accounting and auditing facilities, and other facilities as required for the performance of the foregoing services and operation of the Company’s business. |
pg. 2 |
1.10 | Information to be Distributed to the Company’s Board of Directors. The Managing Member shall at all times keep the Board of Directors of the Company fully informed with regard to the investment policy of the Company, the capitalization policy of the Company, and generally the Company’s then current intentions as to the future of the Company. In particular, the Managing Member shall notify the Company’s Board of Directors members by email promptly of the Managing Member’s intention to sell or otherwise dispose of any of the Company’s investments, or to make any new investment. The Managing Member shall furnish the members of the Company’s Board of Directors a certified copy of all financial statements, a signed copy of each report prepared by independent certified public accountants, and such other information with regard to the Managing Member’s affairs as the Company’s Board of Directors may from time-to-time reasonably request. |
ARTICLE II
QUALIFICATION AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
2.1 REIT Qualification. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Managing Member shall refrain from any action which, in the Managing Member’s sole judgment made in good faith, would (1) adversely affect the status of the Company as a REIT, as defined in the Code, or (2) violate any law, rule, regulation, or statement of policy of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company or over its securities, or (3) otherwise not be permitted by the Articles of Formation or Operating Agreement of the Company.
2.2 Preservation of REIT Status. In the event that the terms of this Agreement at any time shall, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, threaten to impair the status of the Company as a REIT in a manner adverse to the interests of the shareholders of the Company or be required pursuant to any state “blue sky” laws, the Company shall propose such amendment to substitute arrangements for this Agreement, with prospective or retroactive effect, as may in its opinion be appropriate or advisable to protect and preserve the status of the Company as a REIT. If the parties cannot agree upon the proposed amendments of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after such proposals are made, this Agreement shall be terminated as of such time as counsel for the Company shall recommend for the protection of the status of the Company as a REIT and for the protection of the rights of the Company and its shareholders.
ARTICLE III
FIDELITY BOND AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES
3.1 Fidelity Bond. The Managing Member shall maintain a fidelity bond with a responsible surety company, covering the Managing Member, and any officers, employees and agents of the Company as duly appointed by the Managing Member, handling funds and records of the Company. Such bond shall inure to the benefit of the Company in respect of losses of such property from acts of such persons through theft, embezzlement, fraud, error, or otherwise.
3.2 Limitations of Liability of the Managing Member. The Managing Member will not be liable to the Company, its shareholders, or others, except by reason of acts constituting bad faith, misconduct, or gross negligence. The Company shall reimburse, indemnify, and hold the Managing Member harmless for and from any and all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges, and claims of any nature whatsoever in respect to or arising from any acts or omissions of the Managing Member undertaken in good faith and pursuant to the authority granted to the Managing Member by this Agreement. The Managing Member may consult with legal counsel, independent public accountants, or other professional advisors and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted in good faith by the Manager in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants, or advisors, provided such action is not the result of misconduct or negligence.
pg. 3 |
ARTICLE IV
COMPENSATION
4.1 Compensation. The Managing Member shall be paid and compensated for the Managing Member’s services hereunder as follows:
· | Equal to 0.5% of the assets under management (paid at a rate of .125% each quarter). |
o | Further Defined: The Managing Member’s compensation calculation for fiscal year 2023 and 2024 shall be based on “Assets Under Management,” which the Company defines as “the amount of paid in cash capital by investors / shareholders.” If the Assets Under Management of the Company were $100 Million Dollars at the end of either fiscal year quarter, The Managing Member would receive a cash payment from the Company in the amount of $125,000 (which is 1/8 of 1%) for that quarter. Starting with the first fiscal year quarter of 2025, the Managing Member’s compensation calculation shall be based on “Market Capitalization,” which the company defines as “the value of the Company’s Common Shares that are traded on any, and all, stock market(s), calculated by multiplying the total number of Common Shares issued on any, and all, stock market(s) by the average Common Shares sales price over all days in that fiscal year’s quarter.” For example, if the Company has 1,000,000 Common Shares issued on any, and all, stock market(s) (including the OTC Market), and the daily average price for that particular fiscal year quarter was $100 per Common Share, The Managing Member’s quarterly compensation would be 1,000,000 X $100 = $100,000,000 X 0.125% = $125,000. |
· | Additional Services: If the Company shall request the Managing Member to render services to the Company other than those required to be rendered by the Managing Member hereunder, such additional services, if performed, shall be compensated separately on terms to be agreed upon from time to time between the Managing Member and the Company, which terms shall not exceed either (1) the terms under which the Managing Member is then performing similar services for others, or (2) the terms under which qualified unaffiliated persons are then performing such services for comparable organizations. |
ARTICLE V
EXPENSES OF THE COMPANY
5.1 Expenses of the Company Authorized for the Managing Member. The Company shall pay all its expenses, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is specifically agreed that the following expenses of the Company shall be paid by the Company, and are not paid by the Managing Member:
a) | the cost of borrowed money, including the repayment of funds borrowed by the Company (if any), interest thereon and all other costs, fees and expenses in connection with such borrowings; |
b) | taxes on income and taxes and assessments on real property, if any, and all other taxes applicable to the Company and its investments; |
pg. 4 |
c) | employment expenses of the personnel or independent contractors employed by the Company (including the members of the Company’s Board of Directors), including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, payroll taxes, fees and the cost of employee benefit plans; |
d) | rent, telephone, utilities, office furniture, equipment and machinery (including computers, to the extent utilized), and other office expenses of the Company; |
e) | miscellaneous administrative expenses incurred in supervising and monitoring the leases, the real estate assets, and other investments of the Company, or relating to their performance; |
f) | routine accounting fees and expenses; |
g) | routine expenses directly connected with the acquisition, disposition, ownership and management of real estate interests or other property. |
h) | travel and other expenses of directors of the Company; |
i) | legal, auditing, underwriting, brokerage, listing, reporting, registration, and other fees, and printing, engraving, and other expenses and taxes incurred in connection with the issuance, distribution, transfer, trading, registration, and stock exchange listing of the Company’s securities; |
j) | fees and expenses paid to members of the Company’s Board of Directors (when established), independent advisors, consultants, managers, local property inspectors and other agents employed by or on behalf of the Company; |
k) | extraordinary, non-routine expenses directly connected with the acquisition, disposition, and ownership of real estate interests or other property (including the costs of eviction and exercise of all other remedies, insurance premiums, legal services, brokerage and sales commissions, maintenance, repair, and improvement); |
l) | insurance as required by the Members of the Company’s Board of Directors (including Directors’ liability insurance); |
m) | expenses connected with payments of dividends, or interest, or distributions in cash, or any other form made or caused to be made by the Managing Member (or the Company’s Board of Directors) to holders of securities of the Company; |
n) | all expenses connected with communications to holders of securities of the Company and the other bookkeeping and clerical work necessary in maintaining relations with holders of securities, including the cost of printing and mailing certificates for securities and proxy solicitation materials and reports to holders of the Company’s securities; |
o) | transfer agents’, registrars’, dividend / profit share reinvestment agents’, and indenture trustees’ fees and charges; and |
p) | legal, escrow and auditing fees and other professional expenses of the Company. |
ARTICLE VI
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE MANAGING MEMBER
6.1 Other Activities of the Managing Member. No provision in this Agreement shall prevent the Managing Member from engaging in other activities or businesses, or from acting as advisor to any other person or entity even though such person or entity has investment policies and objectives similar to those of the Company, and no provision shall prevent the Managing Member from receiving compensation for rendering advice to other investors and managing other investments, including investors and investments advised, sponsored, or organized by the Managing Member, and including joint ventures and partnerships in which the Company is a co-venturer or partner. The Managing Member shall not, however, disclose any confidential information of the Company to other persons or entities, unless such information is then public knowledge through no fault of the Managing Member, is properly provided to the Managing Member without restriction by a third party or is already in the Managing Member’s possession at the time of receipt by the Company. The Managing Member shall notify the Board of Directors of the Company of the Managing Member’s engagement in other activities or businesses which may result in the Managing Member having a conflict of interest with the Managing Member’s obligations hereunder.
pg. 5 |
6.2 Investment Opportunities. If the Managing Member acts as an investment manager or advisor for any person or entity other than the Company or a joint venture or partnership in which the Company is a co-venturer or partner, the Managing Member shall act on a basis which is fair and reasonable to the Company and to the shareholders of the Company in selecting from among the investment opportunities that come to the attention of the Managing Member, those investment opportunities which the Managing Member offers to the Company.
6.3 No Partnership or Joint Venture. The Company and the Managing Member are not partners or joint venturers with each other and neither the terms of this Agreement nor the fact that the Company and the Managing Member have joint interests in any one or more investments shall be construed to make them such partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on either of them.
6.4 Independent Contractor. The Managing Member may independently from time to time negotiate or contract on behalf of the Company the services of independent service providers, including, but not limited to, accountants, auditors, appraisers and title insurance companies, in connection with the Company’s acquisition, management and sale or real estate assets.
ARTICLE VII
TERM AND TERMINATION
7.1 Term and Renewal. This Agreement shall continue for one full year after the Company has been qualified as a REIT. This Agreement may be renewed by the Company’s Board of Directors for successive one-year terms, provided that each one-year renewal term is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors based upon the factors set forth in Section 7.2. If this Agreement is renewed, Notice of Nonrenewal shall be given in writing by the Company to the Managing Member not less than sixty (60) days before the expiration of the renewal term thereof. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated for any reason upon sixty (60) days’ written notice by the Company’s Board of Directors to the Managing Member upon a vote of a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors.
7.2 Renewal Determination. In determining whether to renew this Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors shall review the performance of the Managing Member to determine that the provisions of this Agreement are being carried out, and shall determine that the compensation paid to the Managing Member by the Company is reasonable based on all factors which the Company’s Board of Directors deem relevant, including, but not limited to:
a) | the size of the Management Fee in relating to the size, composition and profitability of the Company’s investments; |
b) | success of the Managing Member in generating opportunities that meet the Company’s investment objectives; |
c) | the rate charged to similar companies by REIT managers performing similar services; |
d) | additional revenues realized by the Managing Member through the Managing Member’s relationship with the Company, whether paid by the Company or by others with whom the Company does business; |
e) | the quality and extent of service furnished by the Managing Member, including frequency of problem investments and competency in dealing with distress situations; |
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f) | the performance of the Company’s investments, including both income and capital appreciation; and |
g) | the quality of the Company’s investments in relation to the investments generated by the Managing Member for the Company’s own account. |
7.3 Termination Fee. None, but may be revised by the Company’s Board of Directors if this Agreement is renewed.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Notices. Any notice, report, or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing unless some other method of giving such notice, report, or other communication is accepted by the party to whom it is given, and shall be given by being delivered at the following addresses to the parties hereto:
Mr. Mark T. Ocepek
Chairman & Managing Member
103 Century 21 Drive
Suite 100-008
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Email: mark@anabasisreit.com
Phone: (904) 583-9354
8.2 Amendments. This Agreement shall not be amended, changed, modified, terminated, or discharged in whole or in part except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties or their respective successors or assigns.
8.3 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their successors or assigns.
8.4 Government Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.
8.5 Captions. The captions included in this Agreement have been inserted for ease of reference only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction, or effect of this Agreement.
8.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and cancels any preexisting agreements with respect to such subject matter.
8.7 Separability. If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person, property or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons, properties and circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
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THE “COMPANY” | |
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC | |
A Florida Limited Liability Company | |
/s/ Mark T. Ocepek | |
Name: Jamshid Kermani | |
Title: Chairman of the Board | |
/s/ Bryce Ocepek | |
Name: Bryce Ocepek | |
Title: Board of Directors Member | |
THE “MANAGING MEMBER” | |
MR. MARK T. OCEPEK | |
an Individual | |
/s/ Mark T. Ocepek | |
Name: Mark T. Ocepek | |
Title: Managing Member |
pg. 8
Exhibit 1A.16
CERTIFIED RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST LLC ESTABLISHING AND DESIGNATING THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF SERIES A PREFERENCE SHARES
Anabasis Real Estate Investment Trust, LLC (the “Company”) hereby certifies that the following resolution was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors on September 1, 2023.
WHEREAS, the present name of the Company is ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC;
WHEREAS, the identification number assigned to the Company by the Florida Secretary of State is L18000234800; and
WHEREAS, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has concluded to designate a new series of Preference Shares, “Series A Preference Shares,” fix the number of shares of such Series A Preference Shares and determine the voting and other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon such Series A Preference Shares.
I. | DISTRIBUTIONS |
Holders of Series A Preference Shares, shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board out of funds legally available for the purpose, quarterly distributions payable in cash, commencing on the first Quarterly Distribution Payment Date after the first issuance of a share of Series A Preference Shares, in an amount per share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of $0.00.
II. | VOTING RIGHTS |
Each share of Series A Preference Shares shall entitle the holder thereof to:
o | Fiscal year 2023 & 2024: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have fifty (50) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2025: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have forty-five (45) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2026: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have forty (40) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2027: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have thirty-five (35) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
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o | Fiscal year 2028: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have thirty (30) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2029: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have twenty-five (25) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2030: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have twenty (20) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2031: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have fifteen (15) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2032: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have ten (10) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
o | Fiscal year 2033: Each of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares have five (5) votes per share for all items submitted to the Company’s Shareholders for a vote. |
III. | CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS |
The Company shall not permit any new or current shareholder of the Company to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any of the Series A Preference Shares of the Company. The Company shall not permit any holder of Series A Preference Shares of the Company to sell or transfer away any of the Series A Preference Shares to any new or current shareholder of the Company.
IV. | LIQUIDATION, DISSOLUTION OR WINDING UP |
Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, voluntary or otherwise, the Company’s Series A Preference Shares shall be deemed as having no value and be null and void.
V. | CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, ETC. |
In case the Company shall enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction the Company’s Series A Preference Shares shall be deemed as having no value and be null and void.
VI. | REDEMPTION |
The Company’s Series A Preference Shares shall only be redeemable by the Company at a price of $0.001 per Share.
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VII. | RANK |
The Company’s Series A Preference Shares shall rank, with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, junior to all series of any other class of the Company’s Shares (Common and Preference).
VIII. | AMENDMENT |
At any time any of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares are outstanding, the Articles of Formation of the Company shall not be amended in any manner which would materially alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Company’s Series A Preference Shares so as to affect them adversely without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Common Shares of the Company, voting separately as a single class.
IX. | FRACTIONAL SHARES |
The Company’s Series A Preference Shares may not be issued in fractions of a share.
IT IS SO RESOLVED:
ANABASIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, LLC | ||
A Florida Limited Liability Company | ||
/s/_ Mark T. Ocepek | ||
Name: Mark T. Ocepek | ||
Title: Chairman of the Board & Managing Member | ||
/s/_ Bryce Ocepek | ||
Name: Bryce Ocepek | ||
Title: President & Board of Directors Member |
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