Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-SB
GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Four Peaks Group, Inc.
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 77-0432962
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
44489 Town Center Way, #D415, Palm
Desert, CA 92260 (Address of principal
executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (760) 342-8040
Securities to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which
to be so registered each class is to be registered
None None
Securities to br registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value
(Title of class)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Number and Caption Page
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business......................................... 3
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operations...... 3
Item 3. Description of Property......................................... 9
Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.. 9
Item 5. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons;... 10
Item 6. Executive Compensation.......................................... 11
Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................. 11
Item 8. Description of Securities....................................... 12
PART II
Item 1. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant's Common Equity
and Other Shareholder Matters................................... 12
Item 2. Legal Proceedings............................................... 12
Item 3. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants................... 12
Item 4. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities......................... 12
Item 5. Indemnification of Directors and Officers....................... 12
Part F/S Financial Statements............................................ 13
PART III
Item 1. Index to Exhibits............................................... 24
Item 2. Description of Exhibits......................................... 24
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PART I
Item 1. Description of Business.
The Company has not engaged in any operations other than organizational matters.
Four Peaks Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company") was incorporated on
June 28, 1996, and was formed specifically to be a "clean public shell" and for
the purpose of either merging with or acquiring an operating company with
operating history and assets.
The primary activity of the Company will involve seeking merger or acquisition
candidates with whom it can either merge or acquire. The Company has not
selected any company for acquisition or merger and does not intend to limit
potential acquisition candidates to any particular field or industry, but does
retain the right to limit acquisition or merger candidates, if it so chooses, to
a particular field or industry. The Company's plans are in the conceptual stage
only.
The executive offices of the Company are located at 44489 Town Center Way,
#D415, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Its telephone number is (760) 342-8040.
Item 2. Management's discussion and analysis or plan of Operations.
Plan of Operation - General
The Company was organized for the purpose of creating a corporate vehicle to
seek, investigate and, if such investigation warrants, acquire an interest in
one or more business opportunities presented to it by persons or firms who or
which desire to seek perceived advantages of a publicly held corporation. At
this time, the Company has no plan, proposal, agreement, understanding or
arrangement to acquire or merge with any specific business or company, and the
Company has not identified any specific business or company for investigation
and evaluation. No member of Management or promoter of the Company has had any
material discussions with any other company with respect to any acquisition of
that company. Of the 2,000,000 outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock,
400,000 shares are currently freely tradable under the Rule 144 exemption
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. See Item 8 "Description of
Securities." The Company will not restrict its search to any specific business,
industry or geographical location, and the Company may participate in a business
venture of virtually any kind or nature. The discussion of the proposed business
under this caption and throughout is purposefully general and is not meant to be
restrictive of the Company's virtually unlimited discretion to search for and
enter into potential business opportunities.
The Company intends to obtain funds in one or more private placements to finance
the operation of any acquired business. Persons purchasing securities in these
placements and other
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shareholders will likely not have the opportunity to participate in the decision
relating to any acquisition. The Company's proposed business is sometimes
referred to as a "blind pool" because any investors will entrust their
investment monies to the Company's management before they have a chance to
analyze any ultimate use to which their money may be put. Consequently, the
Company's potential success is heavily dependent on the Company's management,
which will have virtually unlimited discretion in searching for and entering
into a business opportunity. None of the officers and directors of the Company
has had any experience in the proposed business of the Company. There can be no
assurance that the Company has had any experience in the proposed business of
the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise
any funds in private placement. In any private placement, management may
purchase shares on the same terms as offered in the private placement. (See
"Item 5, Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons").
Management anticipates that it will only participate in one potential business
venture. This lack of diversification should be considered a substantial risk in
investing in the Company because it will not permit the Company to offset
potential losses from one venture against gains from another.
The Company may seek a business opportunity with a firm that only recently
commenced operations, or a developing company in need of additional funds for
expansion into new products or markets, or an established company seeking a
public vehicle. In some instances, a business opportunity may involve the
acquisition or merger with a corporation which does not need substantial
additional cash but which desires to establish a public trading market for its
common stock. The Company may purchase assets and establish wholly owned
subsidiaries in various business or purchase existing businesses as
subsidiaries. The Company anticipates that the selection of a business
opportunity in which to participate will be complex and extremely risky. Because
of general economic conditions, rapid technological advances being made in some
industries, and shortages of available capital, management believes that there
are numerous firms seeking the benefits of a publicly traded corporation. Such
perceived benefits of a publicly traded corporation may include facilitating or
improving the terms on which additional equity financing may be sought,
providing liquidity for the principals of a business, creating a means for
providing incentive stock options or similar benefits to key employees,
providing liquidity (subject to restrictions of applicable statues) for all
shareholders, and other factors. Potentially available business opportunities
may occur in many different industries and at various stages of development, all
of which will make the task of comparative investigation and analysis of such
business opportunities extremely difficult and complex. As is customary in the
industry, the Company may pay a finder's fee for locating an acquisition
prospect. If any such fee is paid, it will be approved by the Company's Board of
Directors and will be in accordance with the industry standards. Such fees are
customarily between 1% and 5% of the size of the transaction, based upon a
sliding scale of the amount involved. Such fees are typically in the range of 5%
on a $1,000,000 transaction ratably down to 1% in a $4,000,000 transaction.
Management had adopted a policy that such a finder's fee or real estate
brokerage fee could, in certain circumstances, be paid to any employee, officer,
director or 5% shareholder of the Company, if such person plays a material role
in bringing a transaction to the Company. As part of any
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transaction, the acquired company may require that Management or other
stockholders of the Company sell all or a portion of their shares to the
acquired company, or to the principals of the acquired company. It is
anticipated that the sales price of such shares will be lower than the current
market price or anticipated market price of the Company's Common Stock at such a
time. The Company's funds are not expected to be used for purposes of any stock
purchase from insiders. The Company shareholders will not be provided the
opportunity to approve or consent to such sale. The opportunity to sell all or a
portion of their shares in connection with an acquisition may influence
management's decision to enter into a specific transaction. However, management
believes that since the anticipated sales price will potentially be less than
market value, that the potential of a stock sale will be a material factor in
their decision to enter a specific transaction.
The above description of potential sales of management stock is not based upon
any corporate bylaw, shareholder or board resolution, or contract or agreement.
No other payments of cash or property are expected to be received by Management
in connection with any acquisition. The Company has not formulated any policy
regarding the use of consultants or outside advisors, but does not anticipate
that it will use the services of such persons.
The Company has, and will continue to have, insufficient capital with which to
provide the owners of business opportunities with any significant cash or other
assets. However, management believes the Company will offer owners of business
opportunities the opportunity to acquire a controlling ownership interest in a
public company at substantially less cost than is required to conduct an initial
public offering. The owners of the business opportunities will, however, incur
significant post-merger or acquisition registration costs in the event they wish
to register a portion of their shares for subsequent sale. The Company will also
incur significant legal and accounting costs in connection with the acquisition
of a business opportunity including the costs of preparing post-effective
amendments, Forms 8-K, agreements and related reports and documents. However,
the officers and directors of the Company have not conducted market research and
are not aware of statistical data which would support the perceived benefits of
a merger or acquisition transaction for the owners of a business opportunity.
The Company does not intend to make any loans to any prospective merger or
acquisition candidates or unaffiliated third parties.
Sources of Opportunities
The Company anticipates that business opportunities for possible acquisition
will be referred by various sources, including its officers and directors,
professional advisers, securities broker-dealers, venture capitalists, members
of the financial community, and others who may present unsolicited proposals.
The Company will seek a potential business opportunity from all known sources,
but will rely principally on personal contacts of its officers and directors as
well as indirect associations between them and other business and professional
people. It is not presently anticipated that the Company will engage
professional firms specializing in business acquisitions or reorganizations.
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The officers and directors of the Company are currently employed in other
positions and will devote only a portion of their time (not more than a couple
hours per week) to the business affairs of the Company, until such time as an
acquisition has been determined to be highly favorable, at which time they
expect to spend full time in investigating and closing any acquisition. In
addition, in the face of competing demands for their time, the officers and
directors may grant priority to their full-time positions rather than to the
Company.
Evaluation of Opportunities
The analysis of new business opportunities will be undertaken by or under the
supervision of the officers and directors of the Company. Management intends to
concentrate on identifying prospective business opportunities that may be
brought to its attention through present associations with management.
In analyzing prospective business opportunities, management will consider such
matters as the available technical, financial and managerial resources; working
capital and other financial requirements; history of operation, if any;
prospects for the future; present and expected competition; the quality and
experience of management services which may be available and the depth of that
management; the potential for further research, development or exploration;
specific risk factors not now foreseeable but which then may be anticipated to
impact the proposed activities of the Company; the potential for growth or
expansion; the potential for profit; the perceived public recognition or
acceptance of products, services or trades; name identification; and other
relevant factors. Officers and directors of each Company will meet personally
with management and key personnel of the firm sponsoring the business
opportunity as part of their investigation. To the extent possible, the Company
intends to utilize written reports and personal investigation to evaluate the
above factors. The Company will not acquire or merge with any company for which
audited financial statements cannot be obtained.
It may be anticipated that any opportunity in which the Company participates
will present certain risks. Many of these risks cannot be adequately identified
prior to selection of the specific opportunity, and the Company's shareholders
must, therefore, depend on the ability of management to identify and evaluate
such risk. In the case of some of the opportunities available to the Company, it
may be anticipated that the promoters thereof have been unable to develop a
going concern or that such business is in its development stage in that it has
not generated significant revenues from its principal business activities prior
to the Company's participation. There is a risk, even after the Company's
participation in the activity and the related expenditure of the Company's
funds, that the combined enterprises will still be unable to become a going
concern or advance beyond the development stage. Many of the opportunities may
involve new and untested products, processes, or market strategies that may not
succeed. The Company and, therefore, its shareholders will assume such risks.
The Company will not restrict its search for any specific kind of business, but
may acquire a venture which is in its preliminary or development stage, which is
already in operation, or in essentially any stage of its corporate life. It is
currently impossible to predict the status of any
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business in which the Company may become engaged, in that such business may need
additional capital, may merely desire to have its shares publicly traded, or may
seek other perceived advantages which the Company may offer.
Acquisition of Opportunities
In implementing a structure for a particular business acquisition, the Company
may become a party to a merger, consolidation, reorganization, joint venture,
franchise or licensing agreement with another corporation or entity. It may also
purchase stock or assets of an existing business. On the consummation of a
transaction, it is possible that the present management and shareholders of the
Company will not be in control of the Company. In addition, a majority or all of
the Company's officers and directors may, as part of the terms of the
acquisition transaction, resign and be replaced by new officers and directors
without a vote of the Company's shareholders.
It is anticipated that any securities issued in any such reorganization would be
issued in reliance on exemptions from registration under applicable Federal and
state securities laws. In some circumstances, however, as a negotiated element
of this transaction, the Company may agree to register such securities either at
the time the transaction is consummated, under certain conditions or at
specified time thereafter. The issuance of substantial additional securities and
their potential sale into any trading market in the Company's Common Stock may
have a depressive effect on such market. While the actual terms of a transaction
to which the Company may be a party cannot be predicted, it may be expected that
the parties to the business transaction will find it desirable to avoid the
creation of a taxable event and thereby structure the acquisition in a so called
"tax free" reorganization under Sections 368(a)(1) or 351 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In order to obtain tax-free
treatment under the Code, it may be necessary for the owners of the acquired
business to own 80% or more of the voting stock of the surviving entity. In such
event, the shareholders of the Company, including past and current investors,
would retain less than 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of the surviving
entity, which could result in significant dilution in the equity of such
shareholders.
As part of the Company's investigation, officers and directors of the Company
will meet personally with management and key personnel, may visit and inspect
material facilities, obtain independent analysis or verification of certain
information provided, check reference of management and key personnel, and take
other reasonable investigative measures, to the extent of the Company's limited
financial resources and management expertise. The manner in which each Company
participates in an opportunity will depend on the nature of the opportunity, the
respective needs and desires of the Company and other parties, the management of
the opportunity, and the relative negotiating strength of the Company and such
other management.
With respect to any mergers or acquisitions, negotiations with target company
management will be expected to focus on the percentage of the Company which
target company shareholders would acquire in exchange for their shareholdings in
the target company. Depending upon, among other things, the target company's
assets and liabilities, the Company's shareholders will
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in all likelihood hold a lesser percentage ownership interest in the Company
following any merger or acquisition. The percentage ownership may be subject to
significant reduction in the event that the Company acquires a target company
with substantial assets. Any merger or acquisition effected by the Company can
be expected to have a significant dilutive effect on the percentage of shares
held by the Company's then shareholders, including past and current investors.
The Company will not have sufficient funds (unless it is able to raise funds in
a private placement) to undertake any significant development, marketing and
manufacturing of any products which may be acquired. Accordingly, following the
acquisition of any such product, the Company will, in all likelihood, be
required to either seek debt or equity financing or obtain funding from third
parties, in exchange for which the Company would probably be required to give up
a substantial portion of its interest in any acquired product. There is no
assurance that the Company will be able either to obtain additional financing or
interest third parties in providing funding for the further development,
marketing and manufacturing of any products acquired.
It is anticipated that the investigation of specific business opportunities and
the negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure
documents and other instruments will require substantial management time and
attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys and others. If a
decision were made not to participate in a specific business opportunity the
costs therefore incurred in the related investigation would not be recoverable.
Furthermore, even if an agreement is reached for the participation in a specific
business opportunity, the failure to consummate that transaction may result in
the loss of the Company of the related costs incurred.
Management believes that the Company may be able to benefit from the use of
"leverage" in the acquisition of a business opportunity. Leveraging a
transaction involves the acquisition of a business through incurring significant
indebtedness for a large percentage of the purchase price for that business.
Through a leveraged transaction, the Company would be required to use less of
its available funds for acquiring the business opportunity and, therefore, could
commit those funds to the operations of the business opportunity, to acquisition
of other business opportunities or to other activities. The borrowing involved
in a leveraged transaction will ordinarily be secured by the assets of the
business opportunity to be acquired. If the business opportunity acquired is not
able to generate sufficient revenues to make payments on the debt incurred by
the Company to acquire that business opportunity, the lender would be able to
exercise the remedies provided by law or by contract. These leveraging
techniques, while reducing the amount of funds that the Company must commit to
acquiring a business opportunity, may correspondingly increase the risk of loss
to the Company. No assurance can be given as to the terms or the availability of
financing for any acquisition by the Company. During periods when interest rates
are relatively high, the benefits of leveraging are not as great as during
periods of lower interest rates because the investment in the business
opportunity held on a leveraged basis will only be profitable if it generates
sufficient revenues to cover the related debt and other costs of the financing.
Lenders from which the Company may obtain funds for purposes of a leveraged
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buy-out may impose restrictions on the future borrowing, distribution, and
operating policies of the Company. It is not possible at this time to predict
the restrictions, if any, which lenders may impose or the impact thereof on the
Company.
Competition
The Company is an insignificant participant among firms which engage in business
combinations with, or financing of, development stage enterprises. There are
many established management and financial consulting companies and venture
capital firms which have significantly greater financial and personnel
resources, technical expertise and experience than the Company. In view of the
Company's limited financial resources and management availability, the Company
will continue to be at a significant competitors.
Regulation and Taxation
The Investment Company Act of 1940 defines an "investment company" as an issuer
that is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily in the business of
investing, reinvesting or trading of securities. While the Company does not
intend to engage in such activities, the Company could become subject to
regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in the event the Company
obtains or continues to hold a minority interest in a number of development
stage enterprises. The Company could be expected to incur significant
registration and compliance costs if required to register under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Accordingly, management will continue to review the
Company's activities from time to time with a view toward reducing the
likelihood that the Company could be classified as an "investment company."
The Company intends to structure a merger or acquisition in such a manner as to
minimize Federal and state tax consequences to the Company and to any target
company.
Employees
The Company's only employees at the present time is its sole officer and
director, who will devote as much time as the Board of Directors determine is
necessary to carry out the affairs of the Company. (See "Item 5, Directors,
Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons").
Item 3. Description of Property.
The company has a working agreement with the Company president to use 600 square
feet of office space, telephones and secretarial services supplied on a gratis
basis.
Item 4. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
The following table sets forth information relating to the beneficial ownership
of Company common stock by those persons beneficially holding more than 5% of
the Company capital stock,
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by the Company's directors and executive officers, and by all of the Company's
directors and executive officers as a group, as of October 20, 1999.
Percentage of
Name of Number of outstanding
Stockholder Shares Owned Common Shares
Shirley Bethurum 1,600,000 80%
All officers and
directors as a
group 1,600,000 80%
The address of Ms. Bethurum is care of the Company.
Item 5. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons.
Directors and Executive Officers.
The members of the Board of Directors of the Company serve until the next annual
meeting of stockholders, or until their successors have been elected. The
officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Information as to the
director and executive officer of the Company is as follows.
Shirley Bethurum, 71, has been Sole Director, President and Secretary of the
Company since her appointment on September 9, 1999. Ms. Bethurum has been a
principal of several start-up companies. Her experience and skills include
office management, manufacturing design and equipment purchase, purchase and
supply management, direct sales and advertising implementation, warehouse
management and fulfillment, new product introduction and start-up and financial
management. Since 1978, Ms. Bethurum has been the general manager of Bethurum
Research and Development, a pharmaceutical and laboratory company which
develops, manufactures, markets and sells several environmentally-safe and
FDA-registered products including Easy-Ivy (TM), Beach-Aid (TM),
Inter-Fear-On-Magic (TM) and Bushwhacker (TM). Additionally Ms. Bethurum serves
as an officer and director of other for profit corporations. Some of which
maintain a public trading status including shell, Inc., Clarion Internet, Sierra
Pacific Gypsum.
Conflicts of Interest
Certain conflicts of interest now exist and will continue to exist between the
Company and its officers and directors due to the fact that each has other
business interests to which he devotes his primary attention. Each officer and
director may continue to do so notwithstanding the fact that management time
should be devoted to the business of the Company.
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Certain conflicts of interest may exist between the Company and its management,
and conflicts may develop in the future. The Company has not established
policies or procedures for the resolution of current or potential conflicts of
interests between the Company, its officers and directors or affiliated
entities. There can be no assurance that management will resolve all conflicts
of interest in favor of the Company, and failure by management to conduct the
Company's business in the Company's best interest may result in liability to the
management. The officers and directors are accountable to the Company as
fiduciaries, which means that they are required to exercise good faith and
integrity in handling the Company's affairs. Shareholders who believe that the
Company has been harmed by failure of an officer or director to appropriately
resolve any conflict of interest may, subject to applicable rule of civil
procedure, be able to bring a class action or derivative suit to enforce their
rights and the Company's rights.
The Company has no arrangement, understanding or intention to enter into any
transaction for participating in any business opportunity with any officer,
director, or principal shareholder or with any firm or business organization
with which such persons are affiliated, whether by reason of stock ownership,
position as an officer or director, or otherwise.
Item 6. Executive Compensation.
No compensation is paid or anticipated to be paid by the Company. It is possible
that upon an acquisition some compensation may be paid to management. On
acquisition of a business opportunity, current management may resign and be
replaced by persons associated with the business opportunity acquired,
particularly if the Company participates in a business opportunity by effecting
a reorganization, merger or consolidation. If any member of current management
remains after effecting a business opportunity acquisition, that member's time
commitment will likely be adjusted based on the nature and method of the
acquisition and location of the business which cannot be predicted. Compensation
of management will be determined by the new board of directors, and shareholders
of the Company will not have the opportunity to vote on or approve such
compensation.
Directors currently receive no compensation for their duties as directors.
Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
In connection with organizing the Company, on June 28, 1996, persons consisting
of its officers, directors, and other individuals were issued a total of 5,000
shares of Common Stock at a value of $1.00 per share. On February 28, 1999, the
outstanding shares were forward split 200 to 1 and the par value was changed to
$.001, resulting in a total of 1,000,000 shares outstanding. On October 30, 1999
the shares were again forward split 2 to 1, resulting in a total of 2,000,000
shares outstanding. Under Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933,
Ms Bethurum may be deemed to be a promoter of the Company. No other persons are
known to Management that would be deemed to be promoters.
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Item 8. Description of Securities.
Each shareholder of Common Stock, either in person or by proxy, may cast one
vote per share of Common Stock held on all matters to be voted on. The presence,
in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total number of
shares entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
Assuming that a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares of the Company present in person or represented by proxy is required. The
Company's articles do not provide for cumulative voting or preemptive rights.
There are no outstanding options or warrants of any kind for the Company's
stock.
PART II
Item 1. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant's Common Equity and
Other Stockholder Matters.
The Company's Common Stock is not currently traded. The Company has made
application to trade its stock on the NQB Pink Sheets, and has filed, through
Alexis Capital the 15c2-11 Disclosure Statement. The application is currently
pending.
No dividends have been declared on the Company's stock. Nor does the Company
foresee any dividends being declared in the near future.
Item 2. Legal Proceedings.
Not Applicable.
Item 3. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants.
Not Applicable.
Item 4. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
There have been no sales of the Company's securities. As noted above, in
connection with organizing the Company, on June 28, 1996, persons consisting of
its officers, directors, and other individuals were issued a total of 5,000
shares of Common Stock at a value of $1.00 per share. On February 26, 1999,
those outstanding shares were forward split 200 to 1 and the par value was
changed to $.001, resulting in a total of 1,000,000 shares outstanding. On
October 30, 1999 the shares were again forward split 2 to 1, resulting in
2,000,000 shares outstanding.
Item 5. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Under the Nevada Business Associations Act (the "Business Association Act")
Title 7, Chapter 78, directors of the Company will be liable to the Company or
its shareholders for (a) the amount
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of a financial benefit received by the director to which the director is not
entitled; (b) an intentional infliction of harm on the Company or its
shareholders; (c) certain unlawful distributions to shareholders; and (d) an
intentional violation of criminal law. These provisions do not limit or
eliminate the rights of the Company or any shareholder to seek non-monetary
relief such as an injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a
director's duty of care.
The Company's By-laws require the Company to indemnify and advance expenses to
any person who incurs liability or expense by reason of such person acting as a
director of the Corporation, to the fullest extent allowed by the Business
Association Act. This indemnification is mandatory with respect to directors in
all circumstances in which indemnification is permitted by the Business
Association Act, subject to the requirements of the Business Association Act. In
addition, the Company may, in its sole discretion, indemnify and advance
expenses, to the fullest extent allowed by the Business Association Act, to any
person who incurs liability or expense by reason of such person acting as an
officer, employee or agent of the Company, except where indemnification is
mandatory pursuant to the Business Association Act, in which case the Company is
required to indemnify to the fullest extent required by the Business Association
Act.
PART F/S
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Company required to be included in Part F/S are
set forth below.
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CONTENTS
Page
Independent Auditor's Report..............................................F - 1
Balance Sheets
November 30, 1999 (Unaudited)
December 31, 1998 and 1997..............................................F - 2
Statements of Operations for the
Eleven Months Ended November 30, 1999 (Unaudited) and
Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997..................................F - 3
Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the
Eleven Months Ended November 30, 1999 (Unaudited) and
Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997..................................F - 4
Statements of Cash Flows for the
Eleven Months Ended November 30, 1999 (Unaudited) and
Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997..................................F - 5
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................F - 6
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Michael A. Segelstein
Certified Public Accountant
144-12 76th Avenue
Flushing, N.Y. 11367
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
Board of Directors May 29, 1999
Four Peaks Group, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada
I have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Four Peaks Group, Inc. (a
development stage company) as of December 31,1998 and 1997, and the related
statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the two years
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on my audit.
I conducted an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
I believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for my opinion.
In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Four Peaks Group, Inc. (a
development stage company) as at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for the two years ended December 31, 1998 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the company
will continue as a going concern. As discussed in note #5 to the financial
statements, the company has no established source of income. This raises
substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's
plan in regard to these matters is also described in note #5. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result form the outcome of
this uncertainty.
/s/ Michael A. Segelstein
Certified Public Accountant
F - 1
<PAGE>
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
November 30, December 31,
------------ --------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
Assets: ................................. $ -- $ -- $ --
======= ======= =======
Liabilities - Accounts Payable .......... $ -- $ -- $ --
------- ------- -------
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Par value $.001
Authorized 100,000,000 shares,
Issued 2,000,000 shares at
November 30, 1999
and December 31, 1998 and 1997 ...... 2,000 2,000 2,000
Paid-In Capital ....................... 3,000 3,000 3,000
Deficit Accumulated During the
Development Stage ................... (5,000) (5,000) (5,000)
------- ------- -------
Total Stockholders' Equity ......... -- -- --
------- ------- -------
Total Liabilities and
Stockholders' Equity ............. $ -- $ -- $ --
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 2
<PAGE>
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited) Cumulative
For the since
Eleven inception
Months
ended For the year ended of
November 30, December 31, development
---------------- --------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 stage
---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues: .................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Expenses: .................... -- -- -- 5,000
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Net Loss ................ $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (5,000)
=============== =============== =============== ===============
Basic & Diluted loss per share $ -- $ -- $ --
=============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 3
<PAGE>
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Deficit
Accumulated
During
Common Stock Paid-In Development
Shares Par Value Capital Stage
----------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
June 28, 1996 (inception)
Issuance of Stock for Services and
payment of Accounts payable 5,000 $ 5,000 $ - $ -
Net Loss - - - (5,000)
----------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------------
Balance at December 31, 1996
As originally reported 5,000 5,000 - (5,000)
Retroactive adjustment for 200 to 1
Stock split February 26, 1999 995,000 (4,000) 4,000
Retroactive adjustment for 2 to 1
Stock split October 30, 1999 1,000,000 1,000 (1,000) -
----------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------------
Restated balance January 1, 1997 2,000,000 2,000 3,000 (5,000)
Net Loss - - - -
----------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997 2,000,000 2,000 3,000 (5,000)
Net Loss - - - -
----------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 2,000,000 2,000 3,000 (5,000)
Net Loss - - - -
----------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------------
Balance at November
30, 1999 (Unaudited) 2,000,000 $ 2,000 $ 3,000 $ (5,000)
================= ================ ============== ===================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 4
<PAGE>
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited)
For the Cumulative
Eleven Since
Months Inception
ended For the years ended of
November December 31, Development
30,
------------- -----------------------------
1999 1998 1997 Stage
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES:
Net Loss .............................. $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (5,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net Cash Used in operating activities -- -- -- (5,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by
investing activities ................ -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of Common Stock .............. -- -- -- 5,000
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net Cash Provided by
Financing Activities ................ -- -- -- 5,000
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net (Decrease) Increase in
Cash and Cash Equivalents ........... -- -- -- --
Cash and Cash Equivalents
at Beginning of Period .............. -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents
at End of Period .................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
============= ============= ============= =============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Franchise and income taxes $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
None
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 5
<PAGE>
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
(References to November 30, 1999 are Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This summary of accounting policies for Four Peaks Group, Inc. is
presented to assist in understanding the Company's financial statements. The
accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles and have
been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial statements.
Organization and Basis of Presentation
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on
June 28, 1996. Since June 28, 1999, the Company is in the development stage, and
has not commenced planned principal operations.
Nature of Business
The company has no products or services as of November 30, 1999. The
Company was organized as a vehicle to seek merger or acquisition candidates. The
Company intends to acquire interests in various business opportunities, which in
the opinion of management will provide a profit to the Company
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers
all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents to the extent the funds are not being held for
investment purposes.
Pervasiveness of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles required 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 financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F - 6
<PAGE>
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
(References to October 31, 1999 are Unaudited)
(Continued)
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(Continued)
Loss per Share
The reconciliations of the numerators and denominators of the basic
loss per share computations are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Per-Share
Income Shares Amount
(Numerator) (Denominator)
For the Eleven Months ended November 30,
1999
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic Loss per Share
Loss to common shareholders $ -- 2,000,000 $ --
=============== =============== ===============
For the year ended December 31, 1998
Basic Loss per Share
Loss to common shareholders $ -- 2,000,000 $ --
=============== =============== ===============
For the year ended December 31, 1997
Basic Loss per Share
Loss to common shareholders $ -- 2,000,000 $ --
=============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>
The effect of outstanding common stock equivalents would be
anti-dilutive for November 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 and 1997 and are thus
not considered.
NOTE 2 - INCOME TAXES
As of November 30, 1999, the Company had a net operating loss
carryforward for income tax reporting purposes of approximately $5,000 that may
be offset against future taxable income through 2011. Current tax laws limit the
amount of loss available to be offset against future taxable income when a
substantial change in ownership occurs. Therefore, the amount available to
offset future taxable income may be limited. No tax benefit has been reported in
the financial statements, because the Company believes there is a 50% or greater
chance the carryforwards will expire unused.
F - 7
<PAGE>
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
(References to October 31, 1999 are Unaudited)
(Continued)
NOTE 2 - INCOME TAXES (Continued)
Accordingly, the potential tax benefits of the loss carryforwards are offset by
a valuation allowance of the same amount.
NOTE 3 - DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY
The Company has not begun principal operations and as is common with
a development stage company, the Company has had recurring losses during its
development stage.
NOTE 4 - COMMITMENTS
As of November 30, 1999 all activities of the Company have been
conducted by corporate officers from either their homes or business offices.
Currently, there are no outstanding debts owed by the company for the use of
these facilities and there are no commitments for future use of the facilities.
NOTE 5 - GOING CONCERN
The Company's financial statements are prepared using generally
accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern which contemplates
the realization of assets and the liquidation of liabilities in the normal
course of business. The Company has not established revenues sufficient to cover
its operating costs and allow it to continue as a going concern. It is the
intent of the Company to seek a merger with an existing operating company. Until
that time the stockholders/officers and /or directors have committed to
advancing the operating costs of the Company interest free.
NOTE 6 - STOCK SPLIT
On May 6, 1999 the Board of Directors authorized 1,000 to 1 stock
split, changed the authorized number of shares to 100,000,000 shares and the par
value to $.001 for the Company's common stock. As a result of the split, 999,000
shares were issued. All references in the accompanying financial statements to
the number of common shares and per-share amounts for 1998 and 1997 have been
restated to reflect the stock split.
F - 8
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 1. Index to Exhibits.
Exhibit 1. Articles of Incorporation.
Exhibit 2. Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.
Exhibit 3. Bylaws.
In accordance with Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: December 16, 1999
By: /s/
Shirley A. Bethurum,
President
Exhibit 1. Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
STATE OF NEVADA
Secretary of State
Filed June 28, 1996
Name of Corporation: Four Peaks Group, Inc..
Resident Agent: Nevada First Bancorp. 1800 East Sahara Avenue Suite 104, Las
Vegas, NV 89104.
Number of Shares the corporation is authorized to issue: 25,000 par value $1.00
Governing Board shall be styled as Directors. The First Board of Directors shall
consist of 1 member, Chad Holtz, 1800 E. Sahara Avenue Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV
89104.
Signature of Incorporators: The names and address of each incorporator signing
the articles:
/s/ Chad Holtz,
1800 E. Sahara Avenue Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV 89104.
Exhibit 2. Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
(After Issuance of Stock)
Filed February 26, 1999
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
Name of Corporation
I, the undersigned, James E. Pitochelli, President and Secretary of Four
Peaks Group, Inc., does hereby certify:
That the Board of Directors of said corporation at a meeting duly
convened, held on the 19th day of February, 1999, adopted a Resolution to amend
the original Articles of incorporation as follows;
RESOLVED: That the number of shares of the corporation authorized and entitled
to vote on an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation is 1,000,000;
RESOLVED: That the authorized stock of the Company be and is hereby amended as
follows:
100,000,000 shares of Common Stock with a par value of $.001
per share.
RESOLVED: That the said change(s) and amendments have been consented to and
approved by a majority vote of the stockholders holding at least a
majority of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote
thereon.
/s/ James E. Pitochelli, President
/s/ James E. Pitochelli, Secretary
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
OF
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
FOUR PEAKS GROUP, INC.
The undersigned, being the President and the Secretary of Four Peaks Group, Inc.
a Nevada Corporation, hereby certify that by majority vote of the Board of
Directors and Shareholders at a meeting held on October 15, 1999, it was voted
and adopted a resolution to amend the original Articles of Incorporation as
follows:
The undersigned further certify that ARTICLE FOUR of the original Articles of
Incorporation filed on the 28th day of June 1996 herein is amended to include as
follows:
"The Corporation declare a 2 shares for 1 share forward stock split to be
effective October 30, 1999."
The undersigned hereby certify that they have on this day October 15, 1999
executed this Certificate Amending that original Articles of Incorporation
heretofore filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada.
/s/ Shirley A. Bethurum, President
/s/ Shirley A. Bethurum, Secretary
Exhibit 3. Bylaws.
BYLAWS
OF
FOUR PEAKS, INC.
(A NEVADA CORPORATION)
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. Registered Office. The registered offices of the corporation
in the State of Nevada shall be in the City of Las Vegas, State of Nevada.
Section 2. Other Offices. The corporation shall also have and maintain
an office or principal place of business at such place as may be fixed by the
Board of Directors, and may also have offices at such other places, both within
and without the State of Nevada as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine or the business of the corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
CORPORATE SEAL
Section 3. Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall consist of a die
bearing the name of the corporation and the inscription, "Corporate
Seal-Nevada." Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be
impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
ARTICLE III
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
Section 4. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the
corporation shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of
Nevada, as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors, or, if
not so designated, then at the office of the corporation required to be
maintained pursuant to Section 2 hereof.
Section 5. Annual Meeting.
(a.) The annual meeting of the stockholders of the corporation, for the
purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may lawfully
come before it, shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated
from time to time by the Board of Directors.
(b.) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall
be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be
properly brought before an annual
<PAGE>
meeting, business must be: (A) specified in the notice of meeting (or any
supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (B)
otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the
Board of Directors, or (C) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a
stockholder. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a
stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to
the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
corporation not later than the close of business on the sixtieth (60th) day nor
earlier than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to the
first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting; provided, however,
that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the
date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than thirty (30) days from
the date contemplated at the time of the previous year's proxy statement, notice
by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not earlier than the close
of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and not
later than the close of business on the later of the sixtieth (60th) day prior
to such annual meeting or, in the event public announcement of the date of such
annual meeting is first made by the corporation fewer than seventy (70) days
prior to the date of such annual meeting, the close of business on the tenth
(10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such
meeting is first made by the corporation. A stockholder's notice to the
Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring
before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be
brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business
at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the
corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class
and number of shares of the corporation which are beneficially owned by the
stockholder, (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such business and
(v) any other information that is required to be provided by the stockholder
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "1934 Act"), in his capacity as a proponent to a stockholder proposal.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to include information with respect to a
stockholder proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy for a
stockholder's meeting, stockholders must provide notice as required by the
regulations promulgated under the 1934 Act. Notwithstanding anything in these
Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at any annual meeting
except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this paragraph (b). The
chairman of the annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and
declare at the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting
and in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (b), and, if he should
so determine, he shall so declare at the meeting that any such business not
properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
(c.) Only persons who are confirmed in accordance with the procedures
set forth in this paragraph (c) shall be eligible for election as directors.
Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the corporation
may be made at a meeting of stockholders by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors or by any stockholder of the corporation entitled to vote in the
election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set
forth in this paragraph (c). Such nominations, other than those made by or at
the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely notice
in writing to the Secretary of the corporation in accordance with the provisions
of paragraph (b) of this Section 5. Such stockholder's notice shall
<PAGE>
set forth (i) as to each person, if any, whom the stockholder proposes to
nominate for election or re-election as a director: (A) the name, age, business
address and residence address of such person, (B) the principal occupation or
employment of such person, (c) the class and number of shares of the corporation
which are beneficially owned by such person, (D) a description of all
arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any
other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the
nominations are to be made by the stockholder, and (E) any other information
relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of
proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the 1934 Act (including without limitation such
person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement, if any, as a
nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (ii) as to such
stockholder giving notice, the information required to be provided pursuant to
paragraph (b) of this Section 5. At the request of the Board of Directors, any
person nominated by a stockholder for election as a director shall furnish to
the Secretary of the corporation that information required to be set forth in
the stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee. No person
shall be eligible for election as a director of the corporation unless nominated
in accordance with the procedures set forth in this paragraph (c). The chairman
of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the meeting
that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by
these Bylaws, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare at the meeting,
and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
(d.) For purposes of this Section 5, "public announcement" shall mean
disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated
Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the
corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13,
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Section 6. Special Meetings.
(a.) Special meetings of the stockholders of the corporation may be
called, for any purpose or purposes, by (i) the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, or (iii) the Board of Directors
pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized
directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized
directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of
Directors for adoption), and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at
such time as the Board of Directors, shall determine.
(b.) If a special meeting is called by any person or persons other than the
Board of Directors, the request shall be in writing, specifying the general
nature of the business proposed to be transacted, and shall be delivered
personally or sent by registered mail or by telegraphic or other facsimile
transmission to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive
Officer, or the Secretary of the corporation. No business may be transacted at
such special meeting otherwise than specified in such notice. The Board of
Directors shall determine the time and place of such special meeting, which
shall be held not less than thirty-five (35) nor more than one hundred twenty
(120) days after the date of the receipt of the request. Upon determination of
the
<PAGE>
time and place of the meeting, the officer receiving the request shall cause
notice to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7 of these Bylaws. If the notice is not given within sixty
(60) days after the receipt of the request, the person or persons requesting the
meeting may set the time and place of the meeting and give the notice. Nothing
contained in this paragraph (b) shall be construed as limiting, fixing, or
affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the Board
of Directors may be held.
Section 7. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law or
the Articles of Incorporation, written notice of each meeting of stockholders
shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the
date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, such
notice to specify the place, date and hour and purpose or purposes of the
meeting. Notice of the time, place and purpose of any meeting of stockholders
may be waived in writing, signed by the person entitled to notice thereof,
either before or after such meeting, and will be waived by any stockholder by
his attendance thereat in person or by proxy, except when the stockholder
attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the
meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened. Any stockholder so waiving notice of such meeting shall be
bound by the proceedings of any such meeting in all respects as if due notice
thereof had been given.
Section 8. Quorum. At all meetings of stockholders, except where
otherwise provided by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these
Bylaws, the presence, in person or by proxy duly authorized, of the holder or
holders of not less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of stock
entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In
the absence of a quorum, any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned, from time
to time, either by the chairman of the meeting or by vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares represented thereat, but no other business shall be
transacted at such meeting. The stockholders present at a duly called or
convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, may continue to transact
business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
stockholders to leave less than a quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law,
the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, all action taken by the holders
of a majority of the votes cast, excluding abstentions, at any meeting at which
a quorum is present shall be valid and binding upon the corporation; provided,
however, that directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the
shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to
vote on the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes
or series is required, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by the
Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a majority of the outstanding shares
of such class or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy,
shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on
that matter and, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by the
Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the majority
(plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of the votes cast,
including abstentions, by the holders of shares of such class or classes or
series shall be the act of such class or classes or series.
Section 9. Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of
stockholders, whether annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time
either by the chairman of the
<PAGE>
meeting or by the vote of a majority of the shares casting votes, excluding
abstentions. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need
not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are
announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned
meeting, the corporation may transact any business which might have been
transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty
(30) days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the
adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each
stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 10. Voting Rights. For the purpose of determining those
stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, except as
otherwise provided by law, only persons in whose names shares stand on the stock
records of the corporation on the record date, as provided in Section 12 of
these Bylaws, shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Every
person entitled to vote shall have the right to do so either in person or by an
agent or agents authorized by a proxy granted in accordance with Nevada law. An
agent so appointed need not be a stockholder. No proxy shall be voted after
three (3) years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer
period.
Section 11. Joint Owners of Stock. If shares or other securities having
voting power stand of record in the names of two (2) or more persons, whether
fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants
by the entirety, or otherwise, or if two (2) or more persons have the same
fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary is given
written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or
order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided,
their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect: (a) if only
one (1) votes, his act binds all; (b) if more than one (1) votes, the act of the
majority so voting binds all; (c) if more than one (1) votes, but the vote is
evenly split on any particular matter, each faction may vote the securities in
question proportionally, or may apply to the Nevada Court of Chancery for relief
as provided in the General Corporation Law of Nevada, Section 217(b). If the
instrument filed with the Secretary shows that any such tenancy is held in
unequal interests, a majority or even-split for the purpose of subsection (c)
shall be a majority or even-split in interest.
Section 12. List of Stockholders. The Secretary shall prepare and make,
at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of
the stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical
order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares
registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the
examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during
ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the
meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held,
which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not
specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall be
produced and kept at the time and place of meeting during the whole time thereof
and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
Section 13. Action Without Meeting. No action shall be taken by the
stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders called in
accordance with these Bylaws, or by the
<PAGE>
written consent of all stockholders.
Section 14. Organization.
(a.) At every meeting of stockholders, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or, if a Chairman has not been appointed or is absent, the President,
or, if the President is absent, a chairman of the meeting chosen by a majority
in interest of the stockholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy,
shall act as chairman. The Secretary, or, in his absence, an Assistant Secretary
directed to do so by the President, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
(b.) The Board of Directors of the corporation shall be entitled to make
such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it
shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and
regulations of the Board of Directors, if any, the chairman of the meeting shall
have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures
and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are necessary,
appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including,
without limitation, establishing an agenda or order of business for the meeting,
rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of
those present, limitations on participation in such meeting to stockholders of
record of the corporation and their duly authorized and constituted proxies and
such other persons as the chairman shall permit, restrictions on entry to the
meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof, limitations on the
time allotted to questions or comments by participants and regulation of the
opening and closing of the polls for balloting on matters which are to be voted
on by ballot. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or
the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to
be held in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure.
ARTICLE IV
DIRECTORS
Section 15. Number and Qualification. The authorized number of directors
of the corporation shall be not less than one (1) nor more than twelve (12) as
fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided that
no decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent
directors. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the Articles
of Incorporation. If for any cause, the directors shall not have been elected at
an annual meeting, they may be elected as soon thereafter as convenient at a
special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose in the manner
provided in these Bylaws.
Section 16. Powers. The powers of the corporation shall be exercised,
its business conducted and its property controlled by the Board of Directors,
except as may be otherwise provided by statute or by the Articles of
Incorporation.
Section 17. Election and Term of Office of Directors. Members of the
Board of Directors shall hold office for the terms specified in the Articles of
Incorporation, as it may be
<PAGE>
amended from time to time, and until their successors have been elected as
provided in the Articles of Incorporation.
Section 18. Vacancies. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of
Incorporation, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death,
resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created
directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, shall
unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies
or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholder vote, be filled
only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even
though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors. Any director elected in
accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of
the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and
until such director's successor shall have been elected and qualified. A vacancy
in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to exist under this Bylaw in the case
of the death, removal or resignation of any director.
Section 19. Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by
delivering his written resignation to the Secretary, such resignation to specify
whether it will be effective at a particular time, upon receipt by the Secretary
or at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. If no such specification is made,
it shall be deemed effective at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. When one
or more directors shall resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a
future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who
have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote
thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become
effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired
portion of the term of the director whose place shall be vacated and until his
successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 20. Removal. Subject to the Articles of Incorporation, any
director may be removed by:
(a.) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Corporation then entitled to vote, with or without
cause; or
(b.) the affirmative and unanimous vote of a majority of the directors
of the Corporation, with the exception of the vote of the directors to be
removed, with or without cause.
Section 21. Meetings.
(a.) Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall
be held immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders and at the place
where such meeting is held. No notice of an annual meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be necessary and such meeting shall be held for the purpose of
electing officers and transacting such other business as may lawfully come
before it.
(b.) Regular Meetings. Except as hereinafter otherwise provided, regular
meetings of the
<PAGE>
Board of Directors shall be held in the office of the corporation required to be
maintained pursuant to Section 2 hereof. Unless otherwise restricted by the
Articles of Incorporation, regular meetings of the Board of Directors may also
be held at any place within or without the state of Nevada which has been
designated by resolution of the Board of Directors or the written consent of all
directors.
(c.) Special Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Articles of
Incorporation, special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any
time and place within or without the State of Nevada whenever called by the
Chairman of the Board, the President or any two of the directors.
(d.) Telephone Meetings. Any member of the Board of Directors, or of any
committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone
or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating
in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means
shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
(e.) Notice of Meetings. Notice of the time and place of all special
meetings of the Board of Directors shall be orally or in writing, by telephone,
facsimile, telegraph or telex, during normal business hours, at least
twenty-four (24) hours before the date and time of the meeting, or sent in
writing to each director by first class mail, charges prepaid, at least three
(3) days before the date of the meeting. Notice of any meeting may be waived in
writing at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any
director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends the meeting for
the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the
transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened.
(f.) Waiver of Notice. The transaction of all business at any meeting of
the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, however called or noticed, or
wherever held, shall be as valid as though had at a meeting duly held after
regular call and notice, if a quorum be present and if, either before or after
the meeting, each of the directors not present shall sign a written waiver of
notice. All such waivers shall be filed with the corporate records or made a
part of the minutes of the meeting.
Section 22. Quorum and Voting.
(a.) Unless the Articles of Incorporation requires a greater number and
except with respect to indemnification questions arising under Section 43
hereof, for which a quorum shall be one-third of the exact number of directors
fixed from time to time in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, a
quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the exact number
of directors fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance
with the Articles of Incorporation provided, however, at any meeting whether a
quorum be present or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn
from time to time until the time fixed for the next regular meeting of the Board
of Directors, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.
<PAGE>
(b.) At each meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is
present, all questions and business shall be determined by the affirmative vote
of a majority of the directors present, unless a different vote be required by
law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
Section 23. Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the
Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to
be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof
may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or
committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and such writing or
writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or
committee.
Section 24. Fees and Compensation. Directors shall be entitled to such
compensation for their services as may be approved by the Board of Directors,
including, if so approved, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a fixed sum
and expenses of attendance, if any, for attendance at each regular or special
meeting of the Board of Directors and at any meeting of a committee of the Board
of Directors. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any
director from serving the corporation in any other capacity as an officer,
agent, employee, or otherwise and receiving compensation therefor.
Section 25. Committees.
(a.) Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may by resolution
passed by a majority of the whole Board of Directors appoint an Executive
Committee to consist of one (1) or more members of the Board of Directors. The
Executive Committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the
resolution of the Board of Directors shall have and may exercise all the powers
and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
affairs of the corporation, including without limitation the power or authority
to declare a dividend, to authorize the issuance of stock and to adopt a
certificate of ownership and merger, and may authorize the seal of the
corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such
committee shall have the power or authority in reference to amending the
Articles of Incorporation (except that a committee may, to the extent authorized
in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of shares of stock
adopted by the Board of Directors fix the designations and any of the
preferences or rights of such shares relating to dividends, redemption,
dissolution, any distribution of assets of the corporation or the conversion
into, or the exchange of such shares for, shares of any other class or classes
or any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the
corporation or fix the number of shares of any series of stock or authorize the
increase or decrease of the shares of any series), adopting an agreement of
merger or consolidation, recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or
exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation's property and assets,
recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the corporation or a
revocation of a dissolution, or amending the bylaws of the corporation.
(b.) Other Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed
by a majority of the whole Board of Directors, from time to time appoint such
other committees as may be
<PAGE>
permitted by law. Such other committees appointed by the Board of Directors
shall consist of one (1) or more members of the Board of Directors and shall
have such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the resolution
or resolutions creating such committees, but in no event shall such committee
have the powers denied to the Executive Committee in these Bylaws.
(c.) Term. Each member of a committee of the Board of Directors shall
serve a term on the committee coexistent with such member's term on the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of subsections (a)
or (b) of this Bylaw may at any time increase or decrease the number of members
of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. The membership of a
committee member shall terminate on the date of his death or voluntary
resignation from the committee or from the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member
and the Board of Directors may fill any committee vacancy created by death,
resignation, removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. The
Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of
any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting
of the committee, and, in addition, in the absence or disqualification of any
member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and
not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may
unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the
meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
(d.) Meetings. Unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide,
regular meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee appointed
pursuant to this Section 25 shall be held at such times and places as are
determined by the Board of Directors, or by any such committee, and when notice
thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of
such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such
committee may be held at any place which has been determined from time to time
by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such
committee, upon written notice to the members of such committee of the time and
place of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of
written notice to members of the Board of Directors of the time and place of
special meetings of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting of any
committee may be waived in writing at any time before or after the meeting and
will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director
attends such special meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting
is not lawfully called or convened. A majority of the authorized number of
members of any such committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, and the act of a majority of those present at any meeting at which a
quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.
Section 26. Organization. At every meeting of the directors, the
Chairman of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairman has not been appointed or
is absent, the President, or if the President is absent, the most senior Vice
President, or, in the absence of any such officer, a chairman of the meeting
chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall preside over the meeting.
The Secretary, or in his absence, an Assistant Secretary directed to do so by
the
<PAGE>
President, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 27. Officers Designated. The officers of the corporation shall
include, if and when designated by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, one or more Vice
Presidents, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, the
Controller, all of whom shall be elected at the annual organizational meeting of
the Board of Direction. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more
Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Controllers and such
other officers and agents with such powers and duties as it shall deem
necessary. The Board of Directors may assign such additional titles to one or
more of the officers as it shall deem appropriate. Any one person may hold any
number of offices of the corporation at any one time unless specifically
prohibited therefrom by law. The salaries and other compensation of the officers
of the corporation shall be fixed by or in the manner designated by the Board of
Directors.
Section 28. Tenure and Duties of Officers.
(a.) General. All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the
Board of Directors and until their successors shall have been duly elected and
qualified, unless sooner removed. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board
of Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors. If the office
of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the
Board of Directors.
(b.) Duties of Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the
Board of Directors, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the
stockholders and the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors
shall perform other duties commonly incident to his office and shall also
perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors
shall designate from time to time. If there is no President, then the Chairman
of the Board of Directors shall also serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the
corporation and shall have the powers and duties prescribed in paragraph (c) of
this Section 28.
(c.) Duties of President. The President shall preside at all meetings of
the stockholders and at all meetings of the Board of Directors, unless the
Chairman of the Board of Directors has been appointed and is present. Unless
some other officer has been elected Chief Executive Officer of the corporation,
the President shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and shall,
subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision,
direction and control of the business and officers of the corporation. The
President shall perform other duties commonly incident to his office and shall
also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of
Directors shall designate from time to time.
(d.) Duties of Vice Presidents. The Vice Presidents may assume and
perform the duties of
<PAGE>
the President in the absence or disability of the President or whenever the
office of President is vacant. The Vice Presidents shall perform other duties
commonly incident to their office and shall also perform such other duties and
have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall
designate from time to time.
(e.) Duties of Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the
stockholders and of the Board of Directors and shall record all acts and
proceedings thereof in the minute book of the corporation. The Secretary shall
give notice in conformity with these Bylaws of all meetings of the stockholders
and of all meetings of the Board of Directors and any committee thereof
requiring notice. The Secretary shall perform all other duties given him in
these Bylaws and other duties commonly incident to his office and shall also
perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors
shall designate from time to time. The President may direct any Assistant
Secretary to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or
disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other
duties commonly incident to his office and shall also perform such other duties
and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall
designate from time to time.
(f.) Duties of Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer
shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the corporation in a
thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs
of the corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board of
Directors or the President. The Chief Financial Officer, subject to the order of
the Board of Directors, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of
the corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform other duties commonly
incident to his office and shall also perform such other duties and have such
other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from
time to time. The President may direct the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer,
or the Controller or any Assistant Controller to assume and perform the duties
of the Chief Financial Officer in the absence or disability of the Chief
Financial Officer, and each Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and each
Controller and Assistant Controller shall perform other duties commonly incident
to his office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other
powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to
time.
Section 29. Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors may from
time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer
or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
Section 30. Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving
written notice to the Board of Directors or to the President or to the
Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person
or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified
therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later
time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such
resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall
be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the corporation under any
contract with the resigning officer.
Section 31. Removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time,
either with
<PAGE>
or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors in
office at the time, or by the unanimous written consent of the directors in
office at the time, or by any committee or superior officers upon whom such
power of removal may have been conferred by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI
EXECUTION OF CORPORATE INSTRUMENTS AND VOTING
OF SECURITIES OWNED BY THE CORPORATION
Section 32. Execution of Corporate Instrument. The Board of Directors
may, in its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer
or officers, or other person or persons, to execute on behalf of the corporation
any corporate instrument or document, or to sign on behalf of the corporation
the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into contracts on behalf of
the corporation, except where otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, and
such execution or signature shall be binding upon the corporation.
Unless otherwise specifically determined by the Board of Directors or
otherwise required by law, promissory notes, deeds of trust, mortgages and other
evidences of indebtedness of the corporation, and other corporate instruments or
documents requiring the corporate seal, and certificates of shares of stock
owned by the corporation, shall be executed, signed or endorsed by the Chairman
of the Board of Directors, or the President or any Vice President, and by the
Secretary or Treasurer or any Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer. All
other instruments and documents requiting the corporate signature, but not
requiring the corporate seal, may be executed as aforesaid or in such other
manner as may be directed by the Board of Directors.
All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositories on funds to
the credit of the corporation or in special accounts of the corporation shall be
signed by such person .or persons as the Board of Directors shall authorize so
to do.
Unless authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the
agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power
or authority to bind the corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge
its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
Section 33. Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and
other securities of other corporations owned or held by the corporation for
itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies
with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by
resolution of the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such authorization,
by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President, or any Vice President.
ARTICLE VII
<PAGE>
SHARES OF STOCK
Section 34. Form and Execution of Certificates.
Certificates for the shares of stock of the corporation shall be in such form as
is consistent with the Articles of Incorporation and applicable law. Every
holder of stock in the corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate
signed by or in the name of the corporation by the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or the President or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or
Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, certifying the
number of shares owned by him in the corporation. Any or all of the signatures
on the certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or
registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a
certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar
before such certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if
he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue. Each
certificate shall state upon the face or back thereof, in full or in summary,
all of the powers, designations, preferences, and rights, and the limitations or
restrictions of the shares authorized to be issued or shall, except as otherwise
required by law, set forth on the face or back a statement that the corporation
will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers,
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional, or other
special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications,
limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Within a
reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the
corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice
containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates
pursuant to this section or otherwise required by law or with respect to this
section a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each
stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series
thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences
and/or rights. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the rights and
obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class
and series shall be identical.
Section 35. Lost Certificates.
A new certificate or certificates shall be issued in place of any certificate or
certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost,
stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. The
corporation may require, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new
certificate or certificates, the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed
certificate or certificates, or his legal representative, to advertise the same
in such manner as it shall require or to give the corporation a surety bond in
such form and amount as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be
made against the corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have
been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Section 36. Transfers.
<PAGE>
(a.) Transfers of record of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made
only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly
authorized, and upon the surrender of a properly endorsed certificate or
certificates for a like number of shares.
(b.) The corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any
agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes of stock of
the corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the corporation
of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner not
prohibited by the General Corporation Law of Nevada.
Section 37. Fixing Record Dates.
(a.) In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders
entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any
adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date,
which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing
the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date
shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of
such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record
date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting
of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the
day on which notice is given, or if notice is waived, at the close of business
on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination
of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of
stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however,
that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
(b.) In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders
entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment
of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of
any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other
lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which
record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the
record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60)
days prior to such action. If no record date is filed, the record date for
determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business
on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating
thereto.
Section 38. Registered Stockholders. The corporation shall be entitled
to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the
owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not
be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share
or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express
or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Nevada.
ARTICLE VIII
OTHER SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION
<PAGE>
Section 39. Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and
other corporate securities of the corporation, other than stock certificates
(covered in Section 34), may be signed by the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, the President or any Vice President, or such other person as may be
authorized by the Board of Directors, and the corporate seal impressed thereon
or a facsimile of such seal imprinted thereon and attested by the signature of
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Chief Financial Officer or
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer; provided, however, that where any such
bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual
signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an
indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security
shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the
corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the
imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons
appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security,
authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an
Assistant Treasurer of the corporation or such other person as may be authorized
by the Board of Directors, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of
such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond,
debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear
thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer
before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested
shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security
nevertheless may be adopted by the corporation and issued and delivered as
though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have
been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the corporation.
ARTICLE IX
DIVIDENDS
Section 40. Declaration of Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock
of the corporation, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation,
if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors pursuant to law at any regular
or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of
the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation.
Section 41. Dividend Reserve. Before payment of any dividend, there may
be set aside out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends such
sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in their absolute
discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for
equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the
corporation, or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall think
conducive to the interests of the corporation, and the Board of Directors may
modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
ARTICLE X
FISCAL YEAR
<PAGE>
Section 42. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be
fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XI
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 43. Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Other
Officers, Employees and Other Agents.
(a.) Directors Officers. The corporation shall indemnify its directors
and officers to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Nevada General
Corporation Law; provided, however, that the corporation may modify the extent
of such indemnification by individual contracts with its directors and officers;
and, provided, further, that the corporation shall not be required to indemnify
any director or officer in connection with any proceeding (or part thereof)
initiated by such person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required
to be made by law, (ii) the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors
of the corporation, (iii) such indemnification is provided by the corporation,
in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the corporation under
the Nevada General Corporation Law or (iv) such indemnification is required to
be made under subsection (d).
(b.) Employees and Other Agents. The corporation shall have power to
indemnify its employees and other agents as set forth in the Nevada General
Corporation Law.
(c.) Expense. The corporation shall advance to any person who was or is
a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer, of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director or executive officer of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the
proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by any
director or officer in connection with such proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay said mounts if it should be
determined ultimately that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under
this Bylaw or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to
paragraph (e) of this Bylaw, no advance shall be made by the corporation to an
officer of the corporation (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or
was a director of the corporation in which event this paragraph shall not apply)
in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (i) by the
Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who
were not parties to the proceeding, or (ii) if such quorum is not obtainable,
or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by
independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that the facts known to the
decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly
and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such
person did not
<PAGE>
believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
(d.) Enforcement. Without the necessity of entering into an express
contract, all rights to indemnification and advances to directors and officers
under this Bylaw shall be deemed to be contractual rights and be effective to
the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the corporation and
the director or officer. Any right to indemnification or advances granted by
this Bylaw to a director or officer shall be enforceable by or on behalf of the
person holding such right in any court of competent jurisdiction if (i) the
claim for indemnification or advances is denied, in whole or in part, or (ii) no
disposition of such claim is made within ninety (90) days of request therefor.
The claimant in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part,
shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting his claim. In
connection with any claim for indemnification, the corporation shall be entitled
to raise as a defense to any such action that the claimant has not met the
standard of conduct that make it permissible under the Nevada General
Corporation Law for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount
claimed. In connection with any claim by an officer of the corporation (except
in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that such officer is or was a director of
the corporation) for advances, the corporation shall be entitled to raise a
defense as to any such action clear and convincing evidence that such person
acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or
not opposed in the best interests of the corporation, or with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding that such person acted without reasonable cause to
believe that his conduct was lawful. Neither the failure of the corporation
(including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its
stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such
action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances
because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Nevada
General Corporation Law, nor an actual determination by the corporation
(including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its
stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct,
shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not
met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by a director or
officer to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses
hereunder, the burden of proving that the director or officer is not entitled to
be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article XI or
otherwise shall be on the corporation.
(e.) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by
this Bylaw shall not be exclusive of any other right which such person may have
or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to
action in another capacity while holding office. The corporation is specifically
authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors,
officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the
fullest extent not prohibited by the Nevada General Corporation Law.
(f.) Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this
Bylaw shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee or other agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors
and administrators of such a person.
<PAGE>
(g.) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by the Nevada General
Corporation Law, the corporation, upon approval by the Board of Directors, may
purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be
indemnified pursuant to this Bylaw.
(h.) Amendments. Any repeal or modification of this Bylaw shall only be
prospective and shall not affect the rights under this Bylaw in effect at the
time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the
cause of any proceeding against any agent of the corporation.
(i.) Saving Clause. If this Bylaw or any portion hereof shall be
invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the
corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director and officer to the full
extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this Bylaw that shall not
have been invalidated, or by any other applicable law.
(j.) Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Bylaw, the following
definitions shall apply:
(i.) The term "proceeding" shall be broadly construed and shall include, without
limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement,
arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative.
(ii.) The term "expenses" shall be broadly construed and shall include, without
limitation, court costs, attorneys' fees, witness fees, fines, amounts paid in
settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind
incurred in connection with any proceeding.
(iii.) The term the "corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting
corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a
constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate
existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its
directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or
was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director,
officer, employee or agent or another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions
of this Bylaw with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would
have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had
continued.
(iv.) References to a "director," "executive officer," "officer," "employee," or
"agent" of the corporation shall include, without limitation, situations where
such person is serving at the request of the corporation as, respectively, a
director, executive officer, officer, employee, trustee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
(v.) References to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans;
references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with
respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request
of the corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee
or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by,
<PAGE>
such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit
plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith
and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants
and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a
manner "not opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in
this Bylaw.
ARTICLE XII
NOTICES
Section 44. Notices.
(a.) Notice to Stockholders. Whenever, under any provisions of these
Bylaws, notice is required to be given to any stockholder, it shall be given in
writing, timely and duly deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid,
and addressed to his last known post office address as shown by the stock record
of the corporation or its transfer agent.
(b.) Notice to directors. Any notice required to be given to any
director may be given by the method stated in subsection (a), or by facsimile,
telex or telegram, except that such notice other than one which is delivered
personally shall be sent to such address as such director shall have filed in
writing with the Secretary, or, in the absence of such filing, to the last known
post office address of such director.
(c.) Affidavit of Mailing. An affidavit of mailing, executed by a duly
authorized and competent employee of the corporation or its transfer agent
appointed with respect to the class of stock affected, specifying the name and
address or the names and addresses of the stockholder or stockholders, or
director or directors, to whom any such notice or notices was or were given, and
the time and method of giving the same, shall in the absence of fraud, be prima
facie evidence of the facts therein contained.
(d.) Time Notices Deemed Given. All notices given by mail, as above
provided, shall be deemed to have been given as at the time of mailing, and all
notices given by facsimile, telex or telegram shall be deemed to have been given
as of the sending time recorded at time of transmission.
(e.) Methods of Notice. It shall not be necessary that the same method
of giving notice be employed in respect of all directors, but one permissible
method may be employed in respect of any one or more, and any other permissible
method or methods may be employed in respect of any other or others.
(f.) Failure to Receive Notice. The period or limitation of time within
which any stockholder may exercise any option or right, or enjoy any privilege
or benefit, or be required to act, or within which any director may exercise any
power or right, or enjoy any privilege, pursuant to any notice sent him ill the
manner above provided, shall not be affected or extended
<PAGE>
in any manner by the failure of such stockholder or such director to receive
such notice.
(g.) Notice to Person with Whom Communication Is Unlawful. Whenever
notice is required to be given, under any provision of law or of the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the corporation, to any person with whom
communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be
require and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or
agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such person. Any action or
meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to any such person with whom
communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice
had been duly given. In the event that the action taken by the corporation is
such as to require the filing of a certificate under any provision of the Nevada
General Corporation Law, the certificate shall state, if such is the fact and if
notice is required, that notice was given to all persons entitled to receive
notice except such persons with whom communication is unlawful.
(h.) Notice to Person with Undeliverable Address. Whenever notice is
required to be given, under any provision of law or the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the corporation, to any stockholder to whom (i)
notice of two consecutive annual meetings, and all notices of meetings or of the
taking of action by written consent without a meeting to such person during the
period between such two consecutive annual meetings, or (ii) all, and at least
two, payments (if sent by first class mail) of dividends or interest on
securities during a twelve-month period, have been mailed addressed to such
person at his address as shown on the records of the corporation and have been
returned undeliverable, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be
required. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to
such person shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly
given. If any such person shall deliver to the corporation a written notice
setting forth his then current address, the requirement that notice be given to
such person shall be reinstated. In the event that the action taken by the
corporation is such as to require the filing of a certificate under any
provision of the Nevada General Corporation Law, the certificate need not state
that notice was not given to persons to whom notice was not required to be given
pursuant to this paragraph.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
Section 45. Amendments.
The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, or repeal
Bylaws as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE XIV
LOANS TO OFFICERS
Section 46. Loans to Officers. The corporation may lend money to, or
guarantee any
<PAGE>
obligation of, or otherwise assist any officer or other employee of the
corporation or of its subsidiaries, including any officer or employee who is a
Director of the corporation or its subsidiaries, whenever, in the judgment of
the Board of Directors, such loan, guarantee or assistance may reasonably be
expected to benefit the corporation. The loan, guarantee or other assistance may
be with or without interest and may be unsecured, or secured in such manner as
the Board of Directors shall approve, including, without limitation, a pledge of
shares of stock of the corporation. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to
deny, limit or restrict the powers of guaranty or warranty of the corporation at
common law or under any statute.
Declared as the Revised By-laws of Four Peaks Group, Inc. as of the 28th day of
June 1996, 1999.
Signature of Officer: /s/ James E. Pitochelli
President and Secretary
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
BALANCE SHEET OF FOUR PEAKS GROUP, INC. AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 1999 AND DECEMBER 31,
1998 AND 1997 AND THE RELATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CASH FLOWS FOR THE
ELEVEN MONTHS AND THE YEARS THEN ENDED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
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