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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant /x/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
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/X/ Preliminary Proxy Statement / / Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
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BANK OF LOS ANGELES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
KAREN B. SITEMAN, Vice President & General Counsel
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/ / $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), or 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2)
or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
/X/ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
PRELIMINARY COPY INTENDED RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 30, 1995
BKLA BANCORP
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 20, 1995
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF BKLA BANCORP
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to its Bylaws and the call of its
Board of Directors, the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") of BKLA
Bancorp (the "Company") will be held at 9601 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills,
California 90210, on September 20, 1995, at 5:30 P.M., for the following
purposes, all as set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
1. ELIMINATION OF HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE. To approve the merger
(the "Merger") of the Company with and into its wholly owned subsidiary, Bank
of Los Angeles (the "Bank"), in accordance with the terms of a Plan of
Reorganization and Merger Agreement, dated as of July 11, 1995 (the "Merger
Agreement"), with the Bank as the surviving entity (the "Resultant Bank")
pursuant to which each outstanding share of the Company's Common Stock, no par
value ("Company Common Stock") will be converted into .20 share of the
Resultant Bank's Common Stock, no par value ("Resultant Bank Common Stock").
The purpose of the proposed Merger is to eliminate the current holding company
structure. See "Approval of Merger."
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. To elect five (5) persons to the Board
of Directors to serve until the 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until
their successors are elected and have qualified. The following persons are the
Board of Directors' nominees:
Maurice J. Burford
Sherman Andelson
Arlen Andelson
Mary Anne Chalker
James Reimann
3. OTHER BUSINESS. To transact such other business as may properly
come before the Meeting and any and all adjournments thereof.
In the event the Merger is approved at the Meeting and is consummated,
the corporate existence of the Company will terminate, and those persons who
are elected as directors of the Company at the Meeting will continue to serve
as directors of the Bank.
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Only those shareholders of record at the close of business on July 27,
1995 shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL SHAREHOLDERS VOTE. WE URGE YOU TO SIGN AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT
YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. IF YOU DO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU
MAY THEN WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON. IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE
PROVIDING OF ADEQUATE ACCOMMODATIONS, PLEASE INDICATE ON THE PROXY WHETHER OR
NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BEVERLY A. DYCK
Corporate Secretary
Dated: August 30, 1995
_________________________
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PRELIMINARY COPY INTENDED RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 30, 1995
BKLA BANCORP
8901 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90069
(310) 550-8900
_____________
PROXY STATEMENT/OFFERING CIRCULAR
_____________
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 20, 1995
_____________
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is being furnished in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of BKLA Bancorp (the
"Company"), for use at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") to be
held on September 20, 1995 at 5:30 P.M., and at any and all adjournments
thereof. It is expected that this Proxy Statement/Offering Circular and
enclosed form of Proxy will be mailed to shareholders on or about July 31, 1995.
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED
The matters to be considered and voted upon at the Meeting are:
1. ELIMINATION OF HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE. To approve the merger
(the "Merger") of the Company with and into its wholly owned subsidiary, Bank
of Los Angeles (the "Bank"), in accordance with the terms of a Plan of
Reorganization and Merger Agreement, dated as of July 11, 1995 (the "Merger
Agreement"), with the Bank as the surviving entity (the "Resultant Bank")
pursuant to which each outstanding share of the Company's Common Stock, no par
value ("Company Common Stock") will be converted into .20 share of the
Resultant Bank's Common Stock, no par value ("Resultant Bank Common Stock").
The purpose of the proposed Merger is to eliminate the current holding company
structure. See "Approval of Merger."
The Company's major stockholder, Investors Banking Corporation ("IBC"),
which owns 79.0% of the outstanding Common Stock, may unilaterally approve this
Merger and elect all of the directors. IBC had indicated they will vote in
favor of the Merger. Shareholders unaffiliated with IBC are being solicited
due to the fact that the Company has not received unanimous written consent
from its shareholders approving the Merger which is the alternate method of
approving the Merger with respect to the changes in rights and benefits of
shareholders unaffiliated with IBC, as a result of the Merger. See
"Comparison of Shareholders Rights."
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2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. To elect five (5) persons to the Board
of Directors of the Company to serve until the 1996 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and until their successors are elected and have qualified. See
"Election of Directors."
3. OTHER BUSINESS. To transact such other business as may properly
come before the Meeting and any and all adjournments thereof.
__________
THE OFFERING AND SALE OF THESE SHARES HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY A
PERMIT ISSUED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF BANKS, STATE OF CALIFORNIA (THE
"SUPERINTENDENT"). THIS PERMIT IS PERMISSIVE ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A
RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT OF THE SHARES PERMITTED TO BE OFFERED OR SOLD.
THE SUPERINTENDENT HAS NOT PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/OFFERING CIRCULAR.
__________
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE
ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/OFFERING
CIRCULAR. THIS PROXY STATEMENT/OFFERING CIRCULAR DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN
OFFER TO SELL THE SECURITIES COVERED BY THIS PROXY STATEMENT/OFFERING CIRCULAR
IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE
SUCH AN OFFER. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/OFFERING CIRCULAR
NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF COMMON STOCK MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
__________
THESE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE "SEC"), THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION (THE "FDIC") OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SEC,
THE FDIC OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/OFFERING CIRCULAR ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
__________
THE SHARES BEING OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR
SAVINGS DEPOSITS AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCY. SUCH SHARES ARE BEING OFFERED PURSUANT TO
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AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933,
AS AMENDED, AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SEC
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION.
__________
THESE SHARES MAY NOT BE USED AS COLLATERAL TO SECURE A LOAN FROM
THE BANK.
__________
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BEVERLY A. DYCK
Corporate Secretary
August 30, 1995
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in
accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements, and other information
with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements, and other information can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC,
at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549,
and at the following regional offices of the SEC: Room 1228 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and 500 West Madison Street Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material may be obtained at prescribed
rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC located at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
This Proxy Statement/Offering Circular incorporates by all reports
filed by the Company including but not limited to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, which was filed with
the SEC on April 8, 1995 and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly periods ended March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, which were filed
with the SEC on May 15, 1995, and August 11, 1995, respectively, and all Form
8-K's filed during this year. This Proxy Statement/Offering Circular also
incorporates the Merger Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit A hereto.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
A Proxy for use at the Meeting is enclosed. Any shareholder who
executes and delivers such Proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before
it is exercised by filing with the Corporate Secretary of the Company an
instrument revoking it or a duly executed Proxy bearing a later date. It may
also be revoked by attending the meeting and voting thereat. Subject to such
revocation, all shares represented by a properly executed Proxy received in
time for the Meeting will be voted by the Proxy Holders in accordance with the
instructions on the Proxy. If no instruction is specified in respect to a
matter to be acted upon, the shares represented by the Proxy will be voted FOR
the election of the nominees for directors set forth herein and FOR approval of
the Merger. Abstentions will be counted solely for the purpose of determining
whether a quorum is present at the Meeting. It is not anticipated that any
matters will be presented at the Meeting other than as set forth in the
accompanying Notice of the Meeting. If, however, any other matters are
properly presented at the Meeting, the Proxy will be voted at the discretion of
the Proxy Holders.
COSTS OF SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The Company will bear the costs of this solicitation, including the
expense of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular and the material used in the solicitation of
Proxies. It is contemplated that Proxies will be solicited principally through
the mail, but directors, officers and regular employees of the Company or the
Bank may solicit Proxies personally or by telephone. Although there is no
formal agreement to do so, the
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Company may reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees
and fiduciaries for their reasonable expense in forwarding these proxy
materials to their principals.
In addition, the Company may pay for and utilize the services of
individuals or companies not regularly employed by the Company in connection
with the solicitation of proxies if the Board of Directors of the Company
determine that this is advisable.
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS
There were issued and outstanding 5,983,325 shares of Company Common
Stock on July 27, 1995, (the "Record Date"), which has been set as the record
date for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Meeting. The Company's Articles of Incorporation also authorize
the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock of which no shares
are presently outstanding.
Each holder of Company Common stock will be entitled to one vote, in
person or by proxy, for each share of Company Common Stock standing in his name
on the books of the Company as of the record date for the Meeting on any matter
submitted to the vote of the shareholders, except that in connection with the
election of directors, the shares are entitled to be voted cumulatively if a
shareholder present at the Meeting has given notice at the Meeting prior to the
voting of his intention to vote his shares cumulatively. If any shareholder
has given such notice, all shareholders may cumulate their votes for candidates
in nomination. Cumulative voting entitles a shareholder to give one nominee as
many votes as is equal to the number of directors to be elected, multiplied by
the number of shares owned by such shareholder, or to distribute his votes on
the same principle between two or more nominees as he sees fit.
In the election of directors, the five (5) candidates receiving the
highest number of votes will be elected. If cumulative voting is declared at
the Meeting, votes represented by Proxies delivered pursuant to this Proxy
Statement may be cumulated at the discretion of the Proxy Holders, in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.
If you hold your Company Common Stock in "street name" and you fail to
instruct your broker or nominee as to how to vote your Company Common Stock,
your broker or nominee MAY NOT vote your Company Common Stock with respect to
the Merger. Any broker or nominee without authority to act as your proxy
cannot vote on your behalf nor can any such votes be counted for quorum
purposes.
Approval of the Merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock.
An affirmative vote by IBC of its shares would be sufficient to approve
this transaction. IBC has indicated that it plans to vote in the affirmative
for the Merger.
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SUMMARY OF PROPOSED MERGER
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SHAREHOLDER Shareholders are being asked to approve the Merger Agreement under
ACTION which the Company will merge into the Bank. Pursuant to the Merger, each
outstanding share of Company Common Stock will be converted into .20 share
of Resultant Bank Common Stock. Those shareholders who own less than 5 shares
will no longer be shareholders. See "Approval of Merger -- General."
BACKGROUND The Board of Directors of the Company believes that the Merger is in
AND REASONS the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The dissolution
FOR THE MERGER of the holding company structure will eliminate certain expenses of the Company,
approximately $20,000, which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, are no longer
warranted by the original objectives of the Bank in forming the Company as a holding
company in 1983. The Merger also will alleviate future difficulty for the Company in
meeting such expenses. See "Approval of Merger -- Comparison of Shareholder Rights".
In addition, the Merger will have the effect of reducing the number of regulatory bodies
that have supervisory authority over the Bank and the Company. Currently, the Federal
Reserve Board, the FDIC, the California State Banking Department and the SEC have
regulatory authority over the Bank and the Company. After the Merger, only the
California State Banking Department and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will
remain as regulators of the Bank. The Merger also will simplify regulatory and financial
reporting and administrative matters as well as reduce overall costs in the future. See
"Approval of Merger -- Background and Reasons for the Merger."
REQUIRED The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Company's
SHAREHOLDER outstanding Common Stock as of the Record Date is required to approve
VOTE the Merger.
RIGHTS OF Pursuant to California law, the holders of the Company's Common
DISSENTING Stock do not have dissenters' rights in connection with the Merger.
SHAREHOLDERS See "Approval of Merger -- General."
REQUIRED The Bank has applied to the Superintendent for approval of the following:
REGULATORY (i) the issuance of shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock in connection
APPROVALS with the Merger, (ii) the assumption by the Bank of all of the outstanding
Warrants of the Company to purchase Company Common Stock which were issued
to Investors Banking Corporation in connection with a recapitalization of
the Bank completed in March 1995, (iii) the assumption by the Bank of the
Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended to conform with regulations of
the Superintendent, and the conversion of outstanding stock options of the
Company into options to purchase Resultant Bank Common Stock and (iv) such
other regulatory approvals as are necessary to consummate the Merger. The
Bank has applied to the
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Federal Deposit Insurance Company ("FDIC") pursuant to the Bank Merger Act
for approval of the Merger. The Merger may not be consummated until at least
30 days after receipt of FDIC approval, except that the Merger may be consummated
not less than 15 calendar days after receipt of FDIC approval if the FDIC has not
received any adverse comment from the Attorney General of the United States relating
to competitive factors. In addition, the Company has provided certain information
regarding the Merger to the Federal Reserve Board ("FRB"). See "Approval of Merger --
Conditions to the Merger."
CAPITALIZATION Since the Bank's Common Stock which is currently held by the
AND FINANCIAL Company represents substantially all the assets of the Company, the
CONDITION; pro forma capitalization and financial condition of the Bank as of
INCORPORATION March 31, 1995 are substantially the same as the actual consolidated
OF QUARTERLY capitalization and financial condition of the Company and the Bank
REPORT ON that date. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
FORM 10-Q AND quarterly period ended March 31, 1995 and the Company's Annual
1994 ANNUAL Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994
REPORT ON (the "Annual Report"), which include financial statements prepared
FORM 10-K in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that
describe the consolidated capitalization and financial condition of
the Company, have been previously filed with the SEC and are incorporated
herein by reference. The Resultant Bank is anticipating that it will
engage in a rights offering to shareholders other than IBC in the third
quarter of 1995 pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement executed
July 28, 1994 by and between IBC and the Bank in connection with the
recapitalization of the Bank through IBC's investment with Company.
Investors Banking Corporation currently holds 79.0% of the outstanding
shares of the Company. Current shareholders of the Company may be diluted
in their percentage ownership of stock if said shareholders elect not to
participate in the rights offering. The Bank has entered into an agreement
with World Trade Bank, N.A. ("WTB") which contemplates the merger of WTB and
the Resultant Bank ("WTB Merger") in the fourth quarter of 1995 with the
Resultant Bank as a surviving bank and shareholders of WTB at the close of the
WTB Merger will receive one share of Resultant Bank Common Stock in exchange for
each share of Common Stock of WTB. WTB is a commercial bank located about one
mile from the Bank's Beverly Hills branch office. It has approximately
$47,000,000 in assets. There are three shareholders who together own
92.7% of the Common Stock of WTB. See "Approval of Merger --
Capitalization and Financial Condition."
MARKET Commencing November 1993, Company Common Stock has been traded in the over-the-counter
market on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "BKLA". Company Common Stock was
delisted from the Nasdaq National Market System ("Nasdaq NMS") in November 1993 due
to the Company's failure to meet applicable price and market value
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requirements. Company Common Stock was first included for quotation on the Nasdaq NMS
on November 21, 1989. Trading in Company Common Stock has not been extensive, and such
trades cannot be characterized as constituting an active trading market.
The Bank, which will be the surviving institution upon completion of the Merger, has
made application with the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. to list the Resultant Bank in order
to be listed on the Nasdaq NMS upon consummation of the Merger. Upon consummation of the
Merger the Resultant Bank will not meet the Nasdaq NMS requirements for inclusion for initial
listing, although the Resultant Bank will be able to meet all the requirements for continued
listing on the Nasdaq NMS. In this regard the Bank has applied for an exemption from full
compliance with the listing requirements for initial inclusion on the Nasdaq NMS. There is
no assurance that the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. will grant such an exception. If no exemption
is granted Resultant Bank Common Stock will not be listed on Nasdaq NMS although the Resultant
Bank may seek to list the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market System. There is no
assurance that the Bank will do so or if an application is made, that the Resultant Bank
Common Stock will be accepted for listing by the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. even though it
is anticipated that the Resultant Bank will meet all of the listing requirements for inclusion
on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market System. In this regard, there my be no market for trading in
Resultant Bank Common Stock other than certain market makers of Company Common Stock who may or
may not choose to facilitate trading of Resultant Bank Common Stock. There is no assurance that
Resultant Bank Common Stock, if approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market, will continue
to meet all of the listing requirements for listing on such exchange in the future. Trading in
Company Common Stock has been infrequent. Such trading activity cannot be characterized as
constituting an active trading market. No assurance can be given that a more active trading
market for Resultant Bank Common Stock will develop upon consummation of the Merger.
DIVIDENDS BKLA has never paid a cash dividend on Company Common Stock. Management currently intends to
retain all earnings, if any, to increase the capital of the Company. The ability of BKLA to pay
a cash dividend depends largely upon the Bank's ability to pay a cash dividend to BKLA. The Bank
is currently not permitted under California Financial Code Section 642 et seq. to pay any dividends.
In this regard, BKLA is not able to pay any cash dividends to its shareholders.
FEDERAL The Company has received an opinion from its independent public accountants, Grant Thornton LLP,
INCOME TAX to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a nontaxable reorganization for tax purposes and
CONSEQUENCES that none of the Company, the Bank or the shareholders of the Company will recognize gain or loss
for tax purposes as a result of the Merger. See "Approval of Merger -- Federal Income Tax Consequences."
</TABLE>
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MANAGEMENT Immediately following the Merger, the Board of Directors of
the Resultant Bank will consist of the persons elected at the
Meeting to serve as directors of the Company. All of the
persons nominated by the Board of Directors of the Company for
election at the Meeting currently serve as directors of the
Company and the Bank. The officers of the Resultant Bank will
continue to consist of the persons now serving as officers of
the Bank. In the event the Merger is approved at the Meeting
and is consummated, the corporate existence of the Company
will terminate, and those persons who are elected as directors
of the Company at the Meeting will continue to serve as
directors of the Resultant Bank. See "Management" and
"Management -- Directors and Executive Officers."
COMPARISON OF The Bank, as a California state-chartered banking corporation,
SHAREHOLDER is subject to California corporate and banking laws. The
RIGHTS Company, as a California corporation, is governed by the
corporate laws of California. Because the requirements of
California law applicable to banks are different in certain
respects from those which apply to non-bank corporations,
shareholders of the Company should review "Approval of Merger
-- Comparison of Shareholder Rights."
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APPROVAL OF MERGER
While the material terms of the Merger are discussed below, the following
description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
GENERAL
The Company and the Bank have entered into the Merger Agreement
pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into the Bank, and the
Resultant Bank will issue its shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock to the
shareholders of the Company in exchange for their shares of Company Common
Stock, subject to regulatory approval. Such exchange will be on the basis of
.20 share of Resultant Bank Common Stock for each share of Company Common Stock
issued and outstanding. Certain shareholders with less than a total of five
(5) shares of Company Common Stock will cease to be shareholders; there will be
a cash payment made in lieu of fractional shares.
The Bank has applied to the Superintendent for approval of the issuance
of shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock in connection with the Merger, the
assumption by the Bank of the Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the
"Stock Option Plan") and all of the Company's outstanding warrants to purchase
Company Common Stock (the "Warrants"), issued to IBC pursuant to a
recapitalization of the Company completed in March 1995, and the conversion of
all outstanding Company stock options into stock options of Resultant Bank, and
such other regulatory approvals as are necessary to consummate the Merger. The
Bank has applied to the FDIC pursuant to the Bank Merger Act for approval of
the Merger. The Merger may not be consummated until at least 30 days after
receipt of FDIC approval, except that the Merger may be consummated not less
than 15 calendar days after receipt of FDIC approval if
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the FDIC has not received any adverse comment from the Attorney General of the
United States relating to competitive factors. In addition, the Company has
provided certain information regarding the Merger to the FRB. While the
Company anticipates that it will obtain the approval requested from the FDIC,
there is no assurance that such approval will be granted, nor is there any
assurance as to the date on which such approval may be granted. See
"Conditions to the Merger." The Resultant Bank Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to the Merger is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), pursuant to Section 3(a)(2) of the 1933 Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the anti-fraud provisions of the 1933 Act are
applicable to the Resultant Bank's issuance of stock. Upon consummation of the
Merger, the reporting obligations of the Company under the Exchange Act will be
replaced with the substantially identical obligations of the Resultant Bank
under the Exchange Act, as administered by the FDIC. See "Consequences of the
Merger Under Federal Securities Laws."
The Merger Agreement is subject to any changes required by the
Superintendent and the FDIC. However, no additional shareholder approval is
required for such changes.
At the effective time of the Merger, in order to give effect to the
exchange of Company Common Stock for Resultant Bank Common Stock, each share of
Common Stock of the Company, issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto,
will be converted automatically into .20 share of Resultant Bank Common Stock.
The outstanding stock certificates which, prior to the Merger, represented
shares of the Company Common Stock will thereafter, for all purposes,
represents a number of shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock equal to the
number of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior
thereto, multiplied by .20 share. The outstanding stock certificates which,
prior to the Merger, represented shares of Company Common Stock will
thereafter, for all purposes, represent an equal number of shares of Resultant
Bank Common Stock multiplied by .20 and the holders of such certificates will
be, and will have all the rights of, shareholders of the Bank, including any
distributions of subscription rights. However, no fractional shares will be
issued. Cash will be paid on fractional shares only upon presentation to U.S.
Stock Transfer, the transfer agent and registrar of Company Common Stock.
Fractional Shares will be paid at a rate calculated as follows: multiplying
(i) the fraction of a share of Resultant Bank Common Stock that the holder is
entitled to receive, multiplied by (ii) 5. For example, a shareholder who owns
1,569 shares of Company Common Stock at the effective time of the Merger is
entitled to receive 313 shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock and $4.00 in
cash, calculated as follows: (a) 1,569 shares of Company Common Stock times
.20 equals 313.8 (1,569 X .20 = 313.8) shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock
and (b) .8 shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock times 5 equals $4.00 (.8 x 5 =
$4.00). Similarly a shareholder who owns 4 shares of Company Common Stock at
the effective time of the Merger is entitled to receive only $4.00 in cash
calculated as follows: (a) 4 shares of Company Common Stock times .20 equals
.8 shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock and (b) .8 shares of Resultant Bank
Common Stock times 5 equals $4.00 (.8 x 5 = $4.00). After the effective time
of the Merger, shareholders of the Company will be entitled, if they so desire,
to exchange their present stock certificates for new certificates evidencing
shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock, pursuant to the terms of the Merger
Agreement.
After the effective date of the Merger, the former holders of Company
Common Stock may exchange their stock certificates for new certificates
evidencing their proportionate number of shares of the Resultant Bank Common
Stock. Until so exchanged, Company Common Stock
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will, for all purposes, represent for each share of Company Common Stock, .20
share of Resultant Bank Common Stock, and the holders of Company stock
certificates will have all of the rights of the holders of Resultant Bank
Common Stock. As soon as practicable after the consummation of the Merger,
instructions with respect to the exchange of stock certificates will be sent to
all holders of record on the effective date of the Merger of shares of Company
Common Stock. U.S. Stock Transfer, the transfer agent and registrar of the
Company's Common Stock, will act as exchange agent and will continue to act as
transfer agent and registrar for Resultant Bank Common Stock. No transfer or
other tax will be assessed if the holders of Company Common Stock merely
exchange their stock certificates for new certificates evidencing an amount of
Resultant Bank Common Stock equal to the same number of Company Common Stock
multiplied by .20, and in the same name as that in which the certificate of
Company Common Stock surrendered in exchange is registered.
If any certificate representing shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock
is to be issued in a name other than that in which the certificate of Company
Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it will be a
condition of the issuance thereof that the certificate surrendered in exchange
be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer, and that the
person requesting the transfer pay to the registrar and transfer agent any
transfer or other tax required by reason of the issuance of a certificate for
shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock in a name other than that of the
registered holder of the certificate surrendered, or establish to the
satisfaction of the registrar and transfer agent that the tax has been paid or
is not payable.
Certificates for shares of Company Common Stock should not be sent to
the exchange agent until the notice and transmittal form have been received.
The transmittal form must be completed as instructed and must accompany the
certificates.
After consummation of the Merger, the business of the Bank will remain
unchanged. The Bank will continue to serve the communities and customers which
it presently serves from its existing office locations. The present directors,
officers, and employees of the Bank will continue in their respective
capacities. The offices and other business premises of the Bank will likewise
continue to be occupied by the Bank. The rates, maturities, and other terms of
deposit accounts and loans of the Bank also will not be affected by the Merger.
Approval of the Merger Agreement will constitute approval by Company
shareholders of the assumption by the Bank of Company Stock Option Plan, as
amended to meet bank regulatory requirements of the Superintendent.
Furthermore, approval of the Merger Agreement will constitute approval by the
shareholders of the conversion of outstanding stock options to purchase Company
Common Stock, which were or may be granted under Company Stock Option Plan
(which expires on March 23, 1998), into options to purchase for each share of
Company Common Stock, .20 share of Resultant Bank Common Stock at an exercise
price that is the product of (a) 5 and (b) the Average Closing Price (as
defined in the Merger Agreement), and approval of such amendments to the Stock
Option Plan deemed appropriate by the respective Boards of Directors of the
Company and the Bank or required by the Superintendent to convert such Stock
Option Plan into a stock option plan of the Bank.
The current purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to strengthen the
Company by providing to participating employees added incentives for high
levels of performance and to encourage
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stock ownership in the Company. Each person who is an employee of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries, including the Bank (approximately 81 persons as of
the Record Date) is eligible to participate in the Stock Option Plan. The
Stock Option Plan is administered by the Board of Directors of the Company,
which has full power and authority in its discretion to take any and all action
required or permitted to be taken under the Stock Option Plan, including the
selection of participants to whom stock options may be granted, the
determination of the number of shares which may be covered by stock options,
the exercise price and other terms and conditions thereof. Unless earlier
terminated by the Board of Directors of the Company or upon the occurrence of a
terminating event (as defined in the Stock Option Plan), the Stock Option Plan
expires on March 15, 1998. Pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, the Company may
grant stock options covering an aggregate of up to 200,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock, which may include non-qualified stock options and
options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Any employee who owns
(or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing
more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company shall not be eligible to receive options under the Stock Option Plan.
Stock options may be granted for a term of up to 10 years, which may extend
beyond the expiration date of the Stock Option Plan. The per share exercise
price of each stock option granted under the Stock Option Plan may not be less
than 100% of the fair market value of Company Common Stock on the date of
grant. Stock options may be exercised using cash or shares of Company Common
Stock.
As of the Record Date there were outstanding options under the Stock
Option Plan covering an aggregate of 100,880 shares of Company Common Stock, at
a weighted average per share exercise price of $4.13 and held by 6 officers and
employees of the Company. The expiration date of such options range from March
22, 1998 to April 28, 2004. Upon consummation of the Merger, and if the Merger
Agreement is approved as requested above, the Stock Option Plan will be
administered by the Board of Directors of Resultant Bank and all outstanding
stock options to purchase Company Common Stock as of the effective date of the
Merger shall be converted to stock options to purchase .20 share of Resultant
Bank Common Stock for each share of Company Common Stock, at an exercise price
of the Average Closing Price (as defined in the Merger Agreement) multiplied by
5.
The balance sheet of the Bank immediately after the Merger will be
substantially the same as the consolidated balance sheet of the Company
immediately prior to the Merger. The cost savings will be approximately
$20,000. See "Capitalization and Financial Condition."
The Merger is subject to the approval of the holders of a majority of
the shares of the outstanding Company Common Stock. After the Merger Agreement
has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, the Boards of Directors
of the Company and the Bank may, without further shareholder approval, amend
the Merger Agreement, so long as any such amendment does not affect the rights
of the Company's shareholders in a materially adverse manner. The Merger is
also subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement,
which describes the Merger in detail and is attached hereto as Exhibit A. See
"Conditions to the Merger."
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NONAVAILABILITY OF DISSENTERS RIGHTS
Pursuant to California law, the holders of the Company's Common Stock
do not have dissenters' rights in connection with the Merger. See "Comparison
of Shareholders Rights - Dissenters' Rights."
BACKGROUND AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER
The Bank was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in
1981. In 1983 the Bank established the Company as its holding company in order
to allow diversification of its activities and to facilitate the acquisition of
other banking institutions. The Board of Directors believes that in view of
the expense, regulation, and administrative burdens inherent in maintaining a
holding company, the holding company structure is not warranted at this time.
Management of the Company and the Bank believe that a Merger will
confer a number of benefits, including an annual reduction of administrative
and other expenses, and simplification of financial reporting and
administrative matters. In particular, the Merger will relieve the Company of
the obligation to file reports with the Federal Reserve Board and will
eliminate the authority of the Federal Reserve Board to regulate and examine
the Company. The Company has no significant source of income except Bank of
Los Angeles dividends. The Bank believes it should retain any earnings for
growth and to improve its capital position.
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
Consummation of the Merger is subject to the prior satisfaction of
certain conditions, including the following: (i) the Merger Agreement shall
have been approved by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Company Common Stock; (ii) the Bank and the Company shall have
received a favorable opinion from Grant Thornton LLP, the Company's independent
public accountants, concerning the material income tax consequences of the
merger (see "Federal Income Tax Consequences"); and (iii) the Bank and the
Company shall have obtained such necessary regulatory or other consents or
approvals required for the Merger.
The Merger Agreement further provides that the Company and the Bank, by
action of their respective Boards of Directors, may amend the Merger Agreement
before or after approval by the Company's shareholders, provided that any such
amendment made after approval of the Company's shareholders is obtained may not
affect the rights of the Company's shareholders in a manner which is materially
adverse to such shareholders without their further approval. In addition,
under the Merger Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Company or the Bank
may defer consummation of the Merger, terminate the Merger Agreement and
abandon the Merger, notwithstanding approval of the Merger Agreement by the
shareholders of the Company, if: (i) any of the conditions described above have
not been met; (ii) any action, suit, proceeding or claim has been instituted,
made or threatened relating to the proposed Merger which will make consummation
of the Merger inadvisable in the opinion of the Bank or the Company; or (iii)
for any other reason where consummation of the Merger is inadvisable in the
opinion of the Bank or the Company.
If the Merger Agreement is approved by the Company's shareholders at
the Meeting, the Merger is expected to become effective as soon thereafter as
the required regulatory approvals
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are received and all applicable waiting periods have expired. If the Merger
Agreement is not approved by the shareholders, the Company and the Bank
currently intend to continue to operate under the holding company structure.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF MERGER
The Merger Agreement provides that the Merger will become effective
when the Merger Agreement is accepted for filing by the Secretary of State of
the State of California (the "Effective Time"). The Merger Agreement will not
be filed until such time as all conditions to the consummation of the Merger
have been satisfied. It is anticipated that the Merger Agreement will be filed
as soon as practicable after satisfaction of all such conditions; however,
management cannot be certain of the precise timing of the Effective Time.
While it is anticipated that all conditions will be met and that the Merger
will be consummated prior to September 15, 1995, there can be no assurance that
the Merger will be completed by that date.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT OF THE MERGER
For accounting purposes, the Merger will be treated as a combination of
related interests. The capitalization, assets, liabilities, income, and
financial statements of the Bank immediately following the Merger will be
substantially the same as those of the Company, on a consolidated basis,
immediately prior to consummation of the Merger, all of which will be reflected
on the Bank's books at their historical recorded values. See "Capitalization
and Financial Condition."
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion is limited to certain federal income tax
consequences of the Merger to persons who hold shares of the Company's Common
Stock as capital assets. It does not discuss state, local or foreign tax
consequences or all of the tax consequences that might be relevant to
shareholders of the Company entitled to special tax treatment.
In the opinion of Grant Thornton LLP, public accountants to the
Company, the merger of the Company with and into the Bank will qualify for
federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Neither
this summary nor the opinion of Grant Thornton LLP is binding on the IRS and no
ruling from the IRS has been sought or will be sought with respect to such tax
consequences.
Based upon the qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368 of the Code, a shareholder of the Company who
receives solely shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock in exchange for his
shares of Company Stock will recognize no gain or loss on the exchange. A
shareholder's adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes in the Resultant
Bank Common Stock received in the Merger will equal his adjusted basis for
federal income tax purposes in the Company Common Stock exchanged therefor.
The holding period for the Resultant Bank Common Stock received will include
the holding period of the Company Common Stock exchanged therefor.
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THE COMPANY'S SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS
AS TO SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE MERGER INCLUDING TAX RETURN
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE,
LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER APPLICABLE TAX LAW.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER UNDER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS
Upon consummation of the Merger, the reporting obligations of the
Company to the SEC under the Exchange Act will be replaced with substantially
identical obligations of the Bank under the Exchange Act, as administered by
the FDIC. Pursuant to the Exchange Act, the Bank will file annual, quarterly,
and periodic reports with the FDIC. The Bank will also be subject to the
insider trading provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. In connection
with the Merger, the Bank will deregister Company Common Stock under the
Exchange Act with the SEC.
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
As a result of the Merger, shareholders of the Company, a California
corporation, whose rights are presently governed by the California Corporations
Code, will become shareholders of the Bank and, as such, their rights will be
governed by the California Corporations Code and the California Financial Code.
Certain differences arise from this change in governing law. The material
differences, and some of the important similarities, of the rights of
shareholders of the Bank and shareholders of the Company are described below.
The following description does not purport to be a complete statement of such
differences and similarities, but is intended as a summary only.
CHARTER DOCUMENTS; AMENDMENTS THERETO. The Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws of the Company, as currently in effect, are substantially similar to
the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Bank and shall continue in
effect. Both the Company and the Bank have the same voting rights, including
cumulative voting in the election of directors; the same range of the number of
persons to be elected to the Board of Directors (not less than 5 nor more than
9); the same number of directors fixed by the Board of Directors (5); the same
liquidation rights; and the same procedures for nominating directors by
shareholders. Shareholders of both corporations have no preemptive rights.
Under California law, amendments to the Bank's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws require the approval of the Superintendent, in
addition to any shareholder approval which may be required. Amendments to the
Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws do not require the
Superintendent's approval.
CAPITAL STOCK. The Company's authorized capital stock consists of
10,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Articles of Incorporation
of the Company also provides for an additional 5,000,000 shares of the
Company's Preferred Stock which may be issued in series. The Bank's Articles
of Incorporation provides for 75,000,000 shares of the Bank's Common Stock and
for an additional 25,000,000 shares of the Bank's Preferred Stock which may be
issued in series. Upon consummation of the Merger, the Resultant Bank will
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have a number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding equal to .20
multiplied by the number of issued and outstanding shares of Company Common
Stock immediately prior to consummation of the Merger.
Authorized but unissued shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock and
Resultant Bank Preferred Stock will be available for general corporate purposes
including possible issuance in future mergers or acquisitions or in a future
private or underwritten or other public offering, which may substantially
dilute the per share book value of the shares of Common Stock of the Company
and the percentage ownership in the Company currently held by shareholders.
The Bank currently contemplates that shortly after completion of the Merger,
the Bank will, subject to regulatory approval by the Superintendent, issue
subscription rights to shareholders of record other than IBC or investors in
IBC, of a date to be set pursuant to which such shareholders will receive, for
a set number of shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock owned of a record to be
determined, the right to purchase additional shares of Resultant Bank Common
Stock, at a price to be determined by the Bank's Board of Directors. This will
result in the issuance of additional shares of the Resultant Bank Common Stock.
Shareholders who do not exercise their rights in such subsequent rights
offering may have his or her respective percentage ownership in the Bank and
concomitant voting power substantially diluted. As noted in any case the book
value per share for current shareholders of Company Common Stock will likely be
diluted. Although Resultant Bank has no arrangements, understandings or plans
at the present time for the issuance of shares of Resultant Bank Preferred
Stock, it may be possible for the Board of Directors to authorize the issuance
of a series of Resultant Bank Preferred Stock, without shareholder approval,
with rights and preferences that could impede an attempt to gain control of the
Resultant Bank. The Board of Directors does not intend to issue any of
Resultant Bank Preferred Stock except on terms which the Board deems to be in
the best interests of the Resultant Bank and its then existing shareholders.
Under California law, the issuance of capital stock by the Bank
requires the prior approval of the Superintendent. In contrast to the Bank,
the Company may issue shares of capital stock without obtaining the prior
approval of the Superintendent. However, the capital stock of the Company must
be registered under the 1933 Act before it may be offered to the public,
whereas the capital stock of the Bank is exempt from such registration.
An Agreement and Plan of Reorganization ("Agreement") by and among Bank
and World Trade Bank, NA ("WTB") was executed on June 30, 1995 (the "WTB
Merger"). This transaction will necessitate the issuance of additional shares
of Bank Common Stock. The Bank will submit this WTB Merger to the shareholders
and the appropriate regulatory agencies for approval. The completion of the
Merger is contemplated in the fourth quarter of 1995 with the Resultant Bank as
the surviving Bank, and shareholders of WTB at the close of the Merger will
receive a range of between 2,031 to 2,080 shares of Resultant Bank Common Stock
in exchange for each share of Common Stock of WTB. The exact exchange is
dependent upon the total funds raised in the Rights Offering. If $1,971,495 is
raised the exchange would be 2,031 to 1 share of WTB and if $2,443,000 the
exchange would be 2,080 for each share of WTB. This conversion ratio is as of
June 30, 1995. It should be noted that IBC has guaranteed an additional
purchase of stock of up to $1,971,495. Therefore, there are no consequences to
the Bank if the current shareholders do not subscribe to the minimum level.
The only consequence will be to the shareholders who will experience dilution
of equity.
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ASSESSMENT OF COMMON STOCK. Under the provisions of California law,
shares of the Company's Common Stock are not subject to assessment, but shares
of the Bank's Common Stock are subject to assessment under certain
circumstances. If the contributed capital of the Bank becomes impaired (that
is, if there is an accumulated deficit retained earnings in excess of 40% of
contributed capital), the Superintendent is required to levy an assessment upon
shares of the stock of the Bank to provide for such restoration. If such
assessment is not paid when due, the shares may be sold by the Bank or be
forfeited to the Bank in satisfaction of the assessment and penalties thereon.
Prior to the date of sale, a shareholder whose shares are delinquent may redeem
them by paying the full amount of the assessment, together with a penalty of 5%
of the amount of the assessment on such shares. However, shareholders are not
subject to personal liability for payment of such an assessment. The Bank's
only remedy for the collection of any such assessment is the sale or forfeiture
of the shares as described above.
DIVIDENDS. Under California law, funds available for cash dividend
payments by a bank are restricted to the lessor of retained earnings or the
bank's net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to
shareholders made during such period). In the event a bank has no retained
earnings or net income for its last three fiscal years, with the prior consent
of the Superintendent, cash dividends may be paid in an amount not exceeding
the greatest of: (i) the retained earnings of the bank, (ii) the net income for
the bank's last preceding fiscal year or (iii) the net income of the bank for
its current fiscal year. If the Superintendent finds that the shareholders'
equity of a bank is not adequate or that the payment of a dividend would be
unsafe or unsound for the bank, the Superintendent may order the bank not to
pay any dividend to the bank's shareholders.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Under California banking law, shareholders of the
surviving state bank in a merger of two or more banks chartered under the laws
of California or a merger of a national bank with and into a California
chartered bank (such as with the proposed merger of WTB with and into the
Resultant Bank where the Resultant Bank would be the surviving bank), are not
entitled to any dissenters' rights. On the other hand, under California
General Corporation Law, shareholders of the surviving company in a merger of
two or more corporations incorporated in California (such as if the Company
were to merge with another bank holding company where the Company is the
surviving corporation), are generally entitled to exercise dissenters' rights.
REPURCHASE OF STOCK. Subject to certain limitations, the Company may
purchase its own stock in the open market. California law prohibits a
California state-chartered bank from purchasing shares of its own stock unless
such purchase is necessary to prevent loss to the bank on debts previously
contracted in good faith.
REGULATION OF THE COMPANY AND THE BANK
The following summaries of statutes and regulations affecting banks and
banking holding companies do not purport to be complete. Although these are
summaries, all material matters relevant to the statutes and regulations
affecting banks and bank holding companies have been disclosed in full and
incorporated herein by reference in our December 31, 1994 10-K, Supervision and
Regulation section. Such summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference
to such statutes and regulations.
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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION. Bank holding companies and banks are
extensively regulated under both federal and state law. Set forth below is a
summary description of material laws which relate to the regulation of the
Company and the Bank. The description does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable laws and regulations.
See "Supervision and Regulation" section of December 31, 1994 10-K which is
incorporated herein by reference, and is a more complete discussion of
applicable laws and regulations.
THE COMPANY. The Company, as a registered bank holding company, is
subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended
(the "BHCA"). The Company is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board
quarterly and annual reports and such additional information as the Federal
Reserve Board may require pursuant to the BHCA. The Federal Reserve Board may
conduct examinations of the Company and its subsidiary.
The Federal Reserve Board may require that the Company
terminate an activity or terminate control of or liquidate or divest certain
subsidiaries or affiliates when the Federal Reserve Board believes the activity
or the control of the subsidiary or affiliate constitutes a significant risk to
the financial safety, soundness or stability of any of its banking
subsidiaries. The Federal Reserve Board also has the authority to regulate
provisions of certain bank holding company debt, including authority to impose
interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt. Under certain
circumstances, the Company must file written notice and obtain approval from
the Federal Reserve Board prior to purchasing or redeeming its equity
securities.
Under the BHCA and regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve
Board, a bank holding company and its nonbanking subsidiaries are prohibited
from requiring certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of
credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of services. Further, the
Company is required by the Federal Reserve Board to maintain certain levels of
capital.
The Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the
Federal Reserve Board for the acquisition of more than 5% of the outstanding
shares of any class of voting securities or substantially all of the assets of
any bank holding company. Prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board is also
required for the merger or consolidation of the Company and another bank
holding company.
The Company is prohibited by the BHCA, except in certain
statutorily prescribed instances, from acquiring direct or indirect ownership
or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting shares of any company that
is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly
in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks or
furnishing services to its subsidiaries. However, the Company, subject to the
prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board or the terms of any regulatory
order, may engage in any, or acquire shares of companies engaged in, activities
that are deemed by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to
banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.
In making any such determination, the Federal Reserve Board is required to
consider whether the performance of such activities by the Company or an
affiliate can reasonably be expected to produce benefits to the public, such as
greater convenience, increased competition or gains in efficiency, that
outweigh possible adverse effects, such as undue concentration of resources,
decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking
practices. The Federal Reserve Board is also empowered to differentiate
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between activities commenced de novo and activities commenced by acquisition,
in whole or in part, of a going concern.
Under Federal Reserve Board regulations, a bank holding
company is required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength
to its subsidiary banks and may not conduct its operations in an unsafe or
unsound manner. In addition, it is the Federal Reserve Board's policy that in
serving as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks, a bank holding company
should stand ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds
to its subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and
should maintain the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to
obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks. A bank holding
company's failure to meet its obligations to serve as a source of strength to
its subsidiary banks will generally be considered by the Federal Reserve Board
to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of the Federal
Reserve Board's regulations or both. This doctrine has become known as the
"source of strength" doctrine. Although the United States Court of Appeals for
the Fifth Circuit found the Federal Reserve Board's source of strength doctrine
invalid in 1990, stating that the Federal Reserve Board had no authority to
assert the doctrine under the BHCA, the decision, which is not binding on
federal courts outside the Fifth Circuit, was recently reversed by the United
States Supreme Court on procedural grounds. The validity of the source of
strength doctrine is likely to continue to be the subject of litigation until
definitively resolved by the courts or by Congress.
The Company is also a bank holding company within the meaning
of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. As such, the Company and its
subsidiaries are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports
with, the California State Banking Department.
Finally, the Company is subject to the periodic reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act including but not limited to, filing annual,
quarterly and other current reports with the SEC.
THE BANK. The Bank, as a California state-chartered bank, is subject
to primary supervision, periodic examination and regulation by the
Superintendent and the FDIC. If, as a result of an examination of a bank, the
FDIC should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset
quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of the
bank's operations are unsatisfactory or that the bank or its management is
violating or has violated any law or regulation, various remedies are available
to the FDIC. Such remedies include the power to enjoin "unsafe or unsound"
practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting
from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be
judicially enforced, to direct an increase in capital, to restrict the growth
of the bank, to assess civil monetary penalties, to remove officers and
directors and ultimately to terminate a bank's deposit insurance, which for a
California state-chartered bank would result in a revocation of the bank's
charter. The Superintendent has many of the same remedial powers.
The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC in the manner
and to the extent provided by law. For this protection, the Bank pays a
semiannual statutory assessment. Although the Bank is not a member of the
Federal Reserve System, it is nevertheless subject to certain regulations of
the Federal Reserve Board.
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Various requirements and restrictions under the laws of the
State of California and the United States affect the operations of the Bank.
State and federal statutes and regulations relate to many aspects of the Bank's
operations, including reserves against deposits, interest rates payable on
deposits, loans, investments, mergers and acquisitions, borrowings, dividends,
locations of branch offices and capital requirements. Further, the Bank is
required to maintain certain levels of capital.
The FDIC and the Superintendent have the authority to prohibit
a bank from engaging in business practices which such regulators consider to be
unsafe or unsound. The FDIC has issued a policy statement regarding payment of
cash dividends by insured institutions. The policy statement generally
indicates the regulator's views that the payment of dividends is permissible so
long as net income is sufficient to fully fund the dividends and prospective
earnings retention will be consistent with capital needs (including the need to
satisfy regulatory capital requirements), asset quality and overall financial
condition. The payment of dividends by the Bank is currently prohibited under
California law. Depending upon the financial condition of the Bank and upon
other factors, the FDIC or the Superintendent could assert that the payment of
dividends or other payments by the Bank might be such an unsafe or unsound
practice. Future cash dividends paid by the Bank will also depend upon the
assessment by its Board of Directors of the future capital requirements of the
institution and upon other factors. See "Comparison of Shareholder Rights --
Dividends" and "Dividend Policy" and "Assessment of Common Stock." The
federal and state banking regulatory authorities also have the authority to
compel the investment of additional capital in the Bank in the amount necessary
to return the Bank's capital account to a satisfactory level.
CAPITALIZATION AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Since the Bank's Common Stock, all of which is currently held by the
Company, represents substantially all the assets of the Company, the pro forma
capitalization and financial condition of the Bank as of December 31, 1994 and
March 31, 1995 are substantially the same as the actual consolidated
capitalization and financial condition of the Company at that date.
On July 28, 1994, the Company, the Bank and IBC a bank holding company
located in Salem, Oregon IBC, entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement pursuant
to which IBC agreed to invest approximately $5,000,000 in the Company over a
period of approximately six months. The first phase of the transaction (the
"Initial Infusion") was completed on March 29, 1995 and consisted of an
infusion of $3,028,509 through the purchase of 2,019,006 units of securities
("Units"). Each Unit was comprised of two shares of Company Common Stock, and
one warrant, exercisable for three years after issuance, to purchase Company
Common Stock at $.75 per share. On March 30, 1995, IBC purchased an additional
346,874 Units for $520,311 (the "Second Infusion" and together with the Initial
Infusion, the "Capital Infusion"). As a result of the Capital Infusion, IBC
purchased a total of 4,731,760 shares of Common Stock, representing 79.0% of
the total shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 1995 and the Record
Date. As of March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, the Bank's Tier 1 Capital to
average assets ratio ("leverage capital ratio") was approximately 7.40% and 8%
respectively.
_______________________
PAGE 20
<PAGE> 24
The following table presents the Bank's capital ratios for the periods
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FDI Minimum
June 30, December 31, Regulatory Capital
1995 1994 1993 Requirements
---- ---- ---- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Tier 1 risk-based capital 14.0% 6.0% 6.5% 4.0%
Total risk-based capital 15.3% 7.3% 7.8% 8.0%
Leverage capital 8.0% 3.0% 3.6% 4.0%
</TABLE>
The Stock Purchase Agreement also contemplates an offering of rights
(the "Rights Offering") to the Company's shareholders other than IBC to allow
them to purchase Company Common Stock. The Rights Offering, if approved by the
Superintendent and subject to the issuance of a stock permit by the
Superintendent will allow the Company's shareholders, other than IBC and
investors through IBC, to increase their collective ownership in the Company to
approximately 45%. IBC will purchase any securities not purchased by the other
shareholders up to a maximum of $1,971,495. The Company believes that it will
seek to raise an additional $2,443,000 in the Rights Offering. However, after
the contemplated Merger, the Rights Offering will be completed by the Resultant
Bank and subscription rights to purchase Resultant Bank Common Stock will be
issued. The Company contemplates that the Rights Offering by the Resultant
Bank if regulatory approval is received will close during the fourth quarter of
1995.
As previously discussed, on June 30, 1995 the Company and WTB entered
into the WTB Agreement which sets forth a plan for the merger of WTB into and
with the Resultant Bank as the surviving bank. The WTB shareholders will
receive one share of WTB Resultant Bank Common Stock in exchange for the
cancellation of each WTB share upon the effective date of the WTB Merger with
the Resultant Bank. The WTB Merger will be a stock swap of the Resultant Bank
Common Stock (no par value) for WTB Common Stock at $2.22 per share par value.
Applications will be submitted to the proper regulatory agencies. The proposed
WTB Merger is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. It is
anticipated that the transaction will be completed in the fourth quarter of
1995.
This Merger will be treated as a pooling of interests.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Commencing November 1993, Company Common Stock has been traded in the
over-the-counter market on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "BKLA".
Company Common Stock was delisted from the Nasdaq National Market System
("Nasdaq NMS") in November 1993 due to the Company's failure to meet applicable
price and market value requirements. Company Common Stock was the first
included for quotation in the Nasdaq NMS on November 21, 1989. Trading in
Company Common Stock has not been extensive, and such trades cannot be
characterized as constituting an active trading market.
The following table sets forth high and low sales prices for Company
Common Stock from January 1, 1993 through November 15, 1993 as reported in the
Nasdaq NMS, and the high and low bid quotations for the period from November
16, 1993 through December 31, 1994, as
_______________________
PAGE 21
<PAGE> 25
reported by the principal market maker for the Common Stock. The market
maker's quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up,
mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily present actual transactions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended High Low
------------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
March 31, 1993 $1.50 $1.25
June 30, 1993 1.50 .75
September 30. 1993 1.25 .50
December 31, 1993 .63 .13
March 31, 1994 .75 .13
June 30, 1994 .75 .38
September 30, 1994 .75 .38
December 31, 1994 .75 .38
March 31, 1995 .75 .38
</TABLE>
As of the Record Date there were approximately 629 holders of record of
the Common Stock.
The Bank has made application to the Nasdaq in order to have Resultant
Bank Common Stock be listed on the National Market System upon the effective
date of the Merger. In this regard the Bank has applied for an exemption from
full compliance with the listing requirements for initial inclusion on the
Nasdaq NMS. There is no assurance that the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. will grant
such an exception. If no exemption is granted Resultant Bank Common Stock will
not be listed on Nasdaq NMS although the Resultant Bank may seek to list the
Common Stock on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market System. There is no assurance that
the Bank will do so or if an application is made, that the Resultant Bank
Common Stock will be accepted for listing by the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. even
though it is anticipated that the Resultant Bank will meet all of the listing
requirements for inclusion on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market System. In this
regard, there may be no market for trading in Resultant Bank Common Stock other
than certain market makers of Company Common Stock who may or may not choose to
facilitate trading of Resultant Bank Common Stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has not in the past paid cash dividends. In the event that
the Merger is not approved, it is not anticipated that the Company will pay
cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Following the completion of the
Merger, any dividends to shareholders would be paid by the Bank. Payment of
any dividends will be subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of
the Bank and to applicable law, including the terms of the regulatory orders
applicable to the Bank. Since management intends to preserve capital and
retain earnings, if any, to strengthen the Bank's capital levels, it is not
anticipated that the Bank will pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future. Currently the Bank is not permitted under the California Financial
Code Section 642 et seq. to pay dividends. See "Comparison of Shareholder
Rights -- Dividends" for a discussion of the limitations under applicable law
on the Bank's and the Company's payment of dividends.
_______________________
PAGE 22
<PAGE> 26
MANAGEMENT
The Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors of the
Bank currently consist of the same 4 individuals. The persons elected as
directors of the Company will continue to serve as the directors of the Bank
upon completion of the Merger. See "Management -- Directors and Executive
Officers."
Upon completion of the Merger, the current executive officers of the
Bank will continue to serve as the executive officers of the Bank in their
present positions. For information concerning the executive officers of the
Company and the Bank, see "Management -- Directors and Executive Officers."
THE COMPANY
The Company is a registered bank holding company subject to the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company was organized as a
California corporation on March 9, 1983 and commenced business on September 19,
1984 when, pursuant to a reorganization, it acquired 100% of the outstanding
common stock of the Bank. The Bank is the Company's sole subsidiary and the
Company has no affiliated businesses other than the Bank.
The Company's business is to serve as a holding company for the Bank
and to assist the Bank in coordinating general policies and activities. At
March 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994 the Company had consolidated assets of
$76,940 and $80,507,000 respectively, and consolidated liabilities of
$69,586,000 and $76,690,000 respectively. For the quarter period ended March
31, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company had consolidated net
losses of $62,000 and $1,212,000, respectively.
THE BANK
The Bank was incorporated in California on May 6, 1981. The Bank was
licensed by the California State Banking Department and commenced operations as
a California state-chartered bank on October 25, 1982. The Bank presently
operates two banking offices located in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills,
California. At March 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, the Bank had total assets
of $76,940,000 and $80,507,000 respectively, total net loans of $33,993,000 and
$36,481,000 respectively, and total deposits of $67,573,000 and $74,495.000,
respectively. For the quarter period ended March 31, 1995 and the year ended
December 31, 1994, the Bank had net gain of $143,000 and net loss of
$1,212,000, respectively.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE
MERGER AND RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
_______________________
PAGE 23
<PAGE> 27
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be not
less than 5 nor more than 9 until changed by a Bylaw amending Section 3.02 of
the Company's Bylaws, duly adopted by the vote or written consent of a majority
of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Bylaws further
provide that the exact number of directors shall be fixed from time to time,
within the foregoing range, by a Bylaw amendment, duly adopted by the Company's
Board of Directors. The exact number of directors is currently fixed at 5.
The persons named below will be nominated for election to serve until
the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected
and have qualified. Votes will be cast pursuant to the enclosed Proxy in such
a way as to effect the election of such nominees, or as many thereof as
possible, under applicable voting rules. In the event that any of the nominees
is unable or unwilling to accept nominating for election as a director, it is
intended that the Proxy holders will vote for the election of such substitute
nominees, if any, as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. The Board
of Directors has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable or
unwilling to serve if elected to office.
Upon consummation of the Merger, the corporate existence of the Company
will terminate, and the directors of the Company will continue to serve as the
directors of the Resultant Bank.
The Board of Directors' nominees for election as directors at the
Meeting are as follows:
Maurice J. Burford
Sherman Andelson
Arlen Andelson
Mary Anne Chalker
James Reimann
For further information concerning such nominees, see "Management --
Directors and Executive Officers."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Company has no nominating or compensation committee. The
procedures for nominating directors, other than by the Board of Directors
itself, are set forth in the Company's Bylaws and the Notice of the Meeting.
The Company presently conducts no business other than serving as a
holding company for the Bank, and the current four directors of the Company
constitute the current four directors of the Bank. Certain of the information
below regarding the Board of Directors and committees pertains to the Bank's
Board of Directors and committees.
The Audit Committee of the Company and the Bank is a joint committee,
chaired by Mary Anne Chalker and includes as current members directors Maurice
Burford, Mary Anne Chalker, Arlen Andelson and Sherman Andelson. There were 11
meetings held during 1994. The purpose of the Audit Committees is to review
audit reports generated by the Internal Audit
_______________________
PAGE 24
<PAGE> 28
Department, by the regulatory authorities and by outside consulting firms. In
addition, the Audit Committee reviews all audits and examinations and
management's responses thereto. It is also the responsibility of these
Committee to recommend to the Board of Directors the appointment of independent
auditors and to meet with these auditors for the review of the audit of the
financial statements.
During 1994, the Board of Directors of the Company held a total of 11
meetings, and the Board of Directors of the Bank held a total of 11 meetings.
There were 4 special meetings as well. Each of the persons who is a current
member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Company attended at least
75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Company's and
the Bank's Board of Directors held during the time such persons were directors
and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of
Directors of the Company and the Bank during the time such persons served on
such committees.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as of the Record
Date with respect to the beneficial ownership of Company Common Stock by (i)
each person who, to the knowledge of the Company, beneficially owned more than
5% of Company Common Stock, (ii) each director of the Company and (iii) each
nominee for director, (iv) the Named Executive and (v) all executive officers
and directors of the Company as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY
OWNED(1)
----------------------------
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER AND NUMBER PERCENT OF
RELATIONSHIP WITH COMPANY OF SHARES CLASS(2)
---------------------------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Maurice J. Burford 963,395(9,10) 11.5
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Arlen H. Andelson, Director 154,303(3,4) 2.58%
Sherman L. Andelson, Director 58,756(5) *
Mary Anne Chalker, Director 68,029(3) 1.14%
James Reimann, Nominee for Director 458,687(9,10) 5.5
Paul G. Ling, President, 30,000(6) *
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Directors and Executive Officers 1,733,170(7) 20.72%
as a group (5 persons)
Investors Banking Corporation ("IBC") 7,097,640(7,8) 82.6%(9,10)
Principal Shareholder
</TABLE>
_______________________
PAGE 25
<PAGE> 29
THE FOLLOWING ARE BENEFICIAL OWNERS THROUGH THEIR STOCK OWNERSHIP
IN IBC AND THEIR ABILITY TO EXCHANGE IBC STOCK FOR THE COMPANY
COMMON STOCK:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
John Tennant 935,871(9,10) 11.17
Fisher Capital 917,482(9,10) 10.9%
Joseph Tennant 462,429(9,10) 5.5%
Pacific University 462,429(9,10) 5.5%
Duane Hahn 458,687(9,10) 5.5%
James Reimann, Director Nominee 458,687(9,10) 5.5%
</TABLE>
___________________
* Less than 1%
1 Except as otherwise noted below, each person directly or indirectly
has sole or shared voting and investment power with respect to the
shares listed.
2 The percentage of each of these persons or group is based upon the
total number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding plus the shares
which the respective individual or group had the right to acquire
within 60 days after the Record Date by the exercise of stock options
vested pursuant to the Option Plan.
3 Includes 12,600 shares which each individual has the right to acquire
within 60 days after the Record Date by the exercise of stock options
vested pursuant to the Option Plan.
4 Includes 12,533 shares held by Union Bank as Trustee, FBO Arlen H.
Andelson under master IRA Rollover Plan, 2,125 shares held by Arlen H.
Andelson TR U2A Aug. 15 84 Education Trust No. 1 FBO Bobbie Jennifer
Andelson 2,125 shares held by Arlen H. Andelson TR UA Aug 15 84
Education Trust No. 1 FBO Amy Alice Weirick Andelson, 7,788 shares
held by Arlen H. Andelson & Michele W. Andelson TR UA Sep 12 86
Revocable Andelson Family Trust, 528 shares held by Michele W.
Andelson Cust. Amy Alice Weirick Andelson AGMA CA, 302 shares held on
account of Arlen H. and Michele Andelson TR US September 12, 1986
Revocable Andelson Family Trust with Sutro & Company, 115,122 shares
held by Arlen Andelson Family Trust UTD July 23, 1980, of which Arlen
H. Andelson is the trustee, and 180 shares held by Arlen H. Andelson.
5 Includes 15,004 shares which Mr. Sherman Andelson has the right to
acquire within 60 days after the Record Date by the exercise stock
options vested pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
6 Includes 30,000 shares which are vested and which Mr. Ling has the
right to acquire within 60 days after the Record Date by the exercise
of stock options vested pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
7 Includes 82,804 shares which members of the group have a right to
acquire within 60 days after the Record Date by the exercise of stock
options vested pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
8 Includes 2,019,006 shares which IBC has the right to purchase within
60 days after the Record Date by the exercise of warrants issued in
connection with the Capital Infusion.
9 The address of IBC is 3735 Cherokee Drive South, Salem, Oregon 97308;
of Mr. Maurice J. Burford is 1424 So. Crescent Heights Boulevard, #60,
Los Angeles, California 90069; of Fisher Investment is 5619 D.T.C.
Parkway, Inglewood, Colorado 80111; of Messrs. John and Joe Tennant is
P.O. Box 1658, Portland, Oregon 97207; of Pacific University is
Pacific Crest Securities, 1100 Southwest 6th Avenue,
_______________________
PAGE 26
<PAGE> 30
Suite 1500, Portland, Oregon 97204; of Duane Hahn is 1100 Southwest
6th Avenue, Suite 1500, Portland, Oregon 97204; of Mr. James Reimann
is Reimann Associates, 5309 River Road, Salem, Oregon 97303.
10 IBC is a bank holding company which owns 79% of Company Common Stock.
The capitalization occurred in two phases. The first phase of the
transaction (the "Initial Infusion") was completed on March 29, 1995
and consisted of an infusion of $3,028,509 through the purchase of
2,019,006 units of securities ("Units"). Each Unit was comprised of
two shares of the Company's common stock, no par value ("Common
Stock"), and one warrant, exercisable for three years after issuance,
to purchase Common Stock at $.75 per share. On March 30, 1995, IBC
purchased an additional 346,874 Units for $520,311 (the "Second
Infusion" and together with the Initial Infusion, the "Capital
Infusion"). This resulted in a change of ownership, whereby IBC now
owns 85% of BKLA Bancorp including warrants. The individuals used
their personal funds to make the investment. IBC has the right to
require that individuals receive the shares through distribution eight
months after the execution of the Agreement and plan for
Reorganization dated July 28, 1994. The shareholders/beneficial
owners have the right to exercise and convert within sixty (60) days
after the Record Date issued in connection with the capital infusion.
IBC issued Preferred A and Preferred B Stock to its shareholders.
Each of the beneficial owners received Preferred A and Preferred B
Stock in IBC. Such preferred shares provides for Warrants to
Preferred A shareholders on a 2:1 ratio, and to Preferred B
shareholders on a 3:1 ratio. That is, for every 2 shares owned, Class
A Preferred receives one Warrant, and for every 3 shares owned, Class
B Preferred shareholders receive one Warrant. Maurice J. Burford owns
664,642 shares beneficially of BKLA through 201,250 shares of Class A
Preferred and 87,500 shares of Class B Preferred of IBC. John J.
Tennant owns 645,653 shares beneficially of BKLA through 195,500
shares of Class A Preferred and 85,000 shares of Class B Preferred of
IBC. Fisher Capital Partners, Ltd. owns 632,967 shares beneficially
of BKLA through 191,659 Class A Preferred and 83,330 shares Class B
Preferred of IBC. Pacific University owns 319,028 shares beneficially
of BKLA through 96,600 shares Class A Preferred and 42,000 shares
Class B Preferred of IBC. Joseph P. Tennant owns 319,028 shares
beneficially of BKLA through 96,600 Class A Preferred and 42,000
shares Class B Preferred of IBC. James Reimann/Vintage owns 316,446
shares beneficially of BKLA through 95,818 shares of Class A Preferred
and 41,660 shares of Class B Preferred of IBC. Duane Hahn owns
316,446 shares beneficially of BKLA through 95,818 shares of Class A
Preferred and 41,660 shares of Class B Preferred of IBC.
MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. Six persons were elected as
directors for a one year term at annual shareholder meetings of BKLA and the
Bank that were held in November 1993. One of the directors, Richard Kaplan,
died subsequent to the Annual Meeting. Irving Fuller has resigned effective
April 20, 1995. Maurice J. Burford has joined the Board of Directors of the
Company and the Bank and became the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
both institutions effective March 31, 1995.
The following table sets forth certain information, as of June
30, 1995, with respect to those persons who are currently serving as directors
of BKLA. Each of these persons also currently serves as a director of the
Bank.
_______________________
PAGE 27
<PAGE> 31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
# OF % OF
SHARES CLASS OF
OWNED RESULTANT
NAME AGE TITLE SALARY BKLA BANK SUMMARY OF OCCUPATION
---- --- ----- ------ -------- --------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
M.J. Burford 58 Board $100,000 664,642 11.07% Chairman of the Board of IBC
Chairman, per annum February 1993, First
President Security Bank of Oregon
& CEO President, CEO & Chairman,
currently a Board Member; May
1992 to Present; Purchased control
of Colonial Bank.
Sherman Andelson(1) 70 Board -0- 58,756 .98% Board Member of Bank and
Member Company since inception 1981;
Certified Public Accountant;
Chairman of the Board of the Bank
and the Company since July 1987
and January 1988, respectively, to
the present; Interim President and
Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and the Bank, October
1992 to March 1993.
Arlen Andelson(1) 51 Board -0- 154,303 2.58% Board Member of Bank and
Member Company since inception 1981;
Senior Partner of Andelson &
Andelson, a Law Corporation;
Principal of Andelson Properties, a
real estate investment and property
management company.
Mary Ann Chalker 66 Board -0- 68,029 1.14% Board Member of Bank since
Member inception 1981; Insurance Broker;
President of LFC Insurance
Brokers & Agents, Inc.
James Reimann 55 Nominee -0- 316,616 5.29% President of Reimann Associates, a
Board real estate development and sales
Member company, since 1987; Director of
R.B. Rubber since 1995.
Directors & Executive 1,260,158 21.6
Officers as a group
(5 persons)
IBC (Principal Shareholder) 7,097,640 82.6%(3)
</TABLE>
______________
1 Arlen H. Andelson and Sherman L. Andelson are brothers
2 There were Stock Option Grants as follows in 1994: 1900 to nonemployee
Directors.
3 See footnotes under Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.
_______________________
PAGE 28
<PAGE> 32
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATIONS. The following table sets
forth certain summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by the
Company to or on behalf of the Company's Chief Executive Officer (the "Named
Executive") as of December 31, 1994 for each of the fiscal years ended December
31, 1994, and 1993. No other person serving as an executive officer of the
Company as of December 31, 1994 earned a salary and a bonus in excess of
$100,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long Term Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards Payout
Restricted
Name and Principal Other Annual Stock Options LTIP All Other
Position Year Salary($) Bonus($) Compensation($) Awards($) SARs(#) Payout($) Compensation
------------------ ---- --------- -------- --------------- ---------- ------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul G. Ling 1994 145,000 11,788 0 0 0 0 0
President and Chief
Executive Officer 1993 130,872 0 0 0 40,000 0 0
------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Mr. Ling was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
on March 24, 1993. Prior to such time, Mr. Ling was not employed by the
Company or the Bank. Mr. Ling is no longer employed by the Bank or the
Company effective June 2, 1995. Pursuant to Mr. Ling's employment agreement
with the Company and the Bank, Mr. Ling received $90,043.34 in connection
with his departure from the Bank and the Company. Mr. Ling received
$1450.08 in 1994 and $604.20 in 1995 as a 401(k) contributions.
Mr. Maurice J. Burford has joined the Company and the Bank as their Chairman
and Chief Executive Officers as of March 31, 1995. His annual salary is
$100,000, there is not an employment agreement with Mr. Burford.
AGGREGATED OPTION (1) EXERCISES IN FISCAL YEAR 1994
AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Values of Unexercised In-the
Share Number of Unexercised Money Options at 12/31/94
Acquired Options at 12/31/94(#) $
on Value -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Exercise Realize Unexercisable
Name # ($) Exercisable Unexercisable (1) Exercisable (1) (2)
---- -------- --------- ----------- ----------------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul G. Ling 0 0 $10,000 $30,000 N/A NA
</TABLE>
(1) The remaining 10,000 shares will become exercisable on March 1, 1996.
(2) The closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 1994 was $.38
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION. During 1994, the Company paid Mr. Sherman Andelson,
the Chairman of the Board, a $1,300 per month automobile allowance. The
Company also paid Mr. Sherman Andelson $18,000 for his assistance in securing
additional capital for the Bank. Additionally each of the non-officer
directors were granted options to purchase 1,900 shares under the Stock Option
Plan and received medical insurance benefits comparable to the Bank's
employees. Except as provided above, during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994, the Company did not compensate the directors of the Company and the Bank.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. Some of the directors, officers and principals
shareholders of the Company and the Bank, and the businesses with which they
are associated, were customers of,
_______________________
PAGE 29
<PAGE> 33
and had banking transactions with, the Bank in the ordinary course of the
Bank's business during 1994, and the Bank expects to have such banking
transactions in the future. All loans and commitments to lend included in such
transactions were made incompliance with applicable laws and on substantially
the same terms, including interest rates, collateral and repayments terms, as
those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons of
similar credit worthiness and, in the opinion of the management of the Bank,
did not involve more than a normal risk of collectibility or present other
unfavorable features. As of June 30, 1995 the aggregate principal amount of
extensions of credit to directors and executive officers and related interests
was $1,604,000 which represents approximately 21% of the Bank's then
shareholder equity.
The Bank leases its West Hollywood Regional Office from the Arlen Andelson
Family Trust, of which Arlen H. Andelson, a director of BKLA and the Bank, is
trustee. The lease provided for an initial term of five years ending in June
1987 with five consecutive five-year renewal options. The Bank has exercised
its second five year renewal option. The lease provides for monthly rent of
$13,400 during the present term and increased rent in each rent in any renewal
period may not exceed 150% of the rent in the previous five year term. The
total lease payments in 1994 by the Bank under this lease were $161,000. The
Bank anticipates that lease payments in 1995 will total approximately $161,000.
Prior to entering into such lease, the Board of Directors of the Bank
determined that the premises were the best available for the Bank and that the
terms of the agreement were no less favorable to the Bank than could have been
obtained in a similar transaction with a person unaffiliated with the Bank.
On December 15, 1984, the Company entered into a sublease with Andelson &
Andelson, a Law Corporation, as the sublessor and Hilldale Investment Group,
Ltd., a California limited partnership, as the landlord (the"Sublease"). Arlen
H. Andelson, as trustee of the Arlen Andelson Family Trust, Arlen Andelson,
individually, and Sherman L. Andelson own or control a 75% equity interest in
Hilldale Investment Group, Ltd. Immediately after the Company executed the
Sublease, it assigned all its interest therein to the Bank. The sublease
expired and BKLA vacated the premises in December 1994. The total payments in
1994 under the Sublease were $188,999. Prior to entering into the Sublease,
the Board of Directors of the Company determined that the premises were the
best available for the Company and that the terms of the Sublease were no less
favorable to the Company than could have been obtained in a similar transaction
with any person or entity not affiliated with the Company.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934. Section 16(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's executive officers
and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class
of BKLA's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and
the NASDAQ National Market System. Executive officers, directors and greater
than ten-percent shareholders are required by the Commission regulations to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company, or written representations that no Forms 5 were required, the Company
believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 all Section 16(a)
filing requirements applicable to its executive offices, directors and greater
than ten-percent beneficial owners were complied with.
_______________________
PAGE 30
<PAGE> 34
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has not yet selected its independent auditor for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 1995. Grant Thornton LLP, the Company's
independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, performed
audit services that included the examination of the consolidated financial
statements and services related to filings with the SEC. All professional
services rendered during 1994 were furnished at customary rates and terms.
Representatives of Grant Thornton, LLP will be present at the Meeting, will
have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
The Company replaced its former accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP
("Deloitte"), with Grant Thornton LLP effective as of November 2, 1994. The
decision to change independent auditors was recommended by the Audit Committee
and approved by the Board of Directors. The decision to dismiss Deloitte and
engage new auditors was based primarily on the Company's efforts to control
accounting costs. Except as provided below, Deloitte's report on the financial
statements for both 1993 and 1992 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of
opinion, nor was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or
accounting principles.
Deloitte's 1993 report stated that the Company and its wholly owned
subsidiary, the Bank did not meet the minimum capital requirements prescribed
by applicable regulatory agencies and that the Bank's capital was impaired
under the California Financial Code. The report also stated that the Company
had entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Reserve Bank of
San Francisco and that the Bank was operating under a cease and desist order
with the FDIC. Based on these factors, Deloitte expressed substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Deloitte's 1992 report stated that the Bank had entered into a memorandum of
understanding with the FDIC, pursuant to which the Bank was required to
increase its capital to certain minimum levels. The report also stated that
the financial impact of the Bank's inability to comply with the terms of the
memorandum could not be determined and, accordingly, no adjustments to the
financial statements were made in such report.
During 1992 and 1993 and up to the date that Deloitte was replaced by the
Company, there were no disagreements with Deloitte on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope of
procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of
Deloitte, would have caused it to make a reference to the subject matter of the
disagreement in connection with its reports. During the same period, there
were also no reportable events involving the Company and Deloitte.
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Under certain circumstances, shareholders are entitled to present proposals
at shareholder meetings. Any such proposal to be included in the Proxy
Statement for the Company's 1995 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (or the Bank's
1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders if the Merger is approved and consummated)
must be submitted by a shareholder so that it is received prior to April 26,
1996 in a form that complies with applicable regulations.
_______________________
PAGE 31
<PAGE> 35
UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO KAREN B. SITEMAN, VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL AT
9601 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, CALIFORNIA 90210. THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE FREE OF
CHARGE TO ANY SHAREHOLDER HEREBY SOLICITED, A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S 1994 ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K (WITHOUT EXHIBITS) INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
THE SCHEDULES THERETO FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. IF A
SHAREHOLDER DESIRES COPIES OF THE EXHIBITS TO THE REPORT, THEY WILL BE PROVIDED
UPON PAYMENT BY THE SHAREHOLDER OF THE COST OF FURNISHING THE EXHIBITS. A COPY
OF THE BANK'S ANNUAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT PREPARED PURSUANT TO PART 350 OF THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION'S RULES AND REGULATIONS WILL BE FURNISHED
UPON REQUEST BY WRITING TO THE CONTROLLER AT THE ADDRESS SHOWN ABOVE OR BY
CALLING THE BANK AT (310) 843-1474.
[MOVED TO PAGE 4]
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business which will be presented for
consideration at the Meeting other than as stated in the Notice of the Meeting.
If, however, other matters are properly brought before the Meeting, it is the
intention of the Proxy holders named in the accompanying form of Proxy to vote
the shares represented thereby at their discretion, and authority to do so is
included in the Proxy.
DATED: July 31, 1995 BANK OF LOS ANGELES
M. J. BURFORD
Chief Executive Officer
_______________________
PAGE 32
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EXHIBIT A
PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT
This Plan of Reorganization and Merger Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into
as of this 11th day of July, 1995 by and between Bank of Los Angeles (the
"Bank") and BKLA Bancorp ("Bancorp").
RECITALS AND UNDERTAKINGS
A. The Bank is a California banking corporation with its head banking
office in West Hollywood, California. Bancorp is a corporation duly organized
and existing under the laws of the State of California with it principal
offices in West Hollywood, California, and owns all of the outstanding Capital
Stock of the Bank.
B. The Boards of Directors of the Bank and Bancorp have, respectively,
approved this Agreement and authorized its execution.
C. The parties intend by this Agreement to set forth the terms and
conditions of a "reorganization" under Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements of the parties
contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. GENERAL
1.1 THE MERGER. At the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined), Bancorp
shall be merged into the Bank (the "Merger"), and the Bank shall be the
surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"), and its name shall
continue to be "Bank of Los Angeles" and the separate corporate existence
of Bancorp shall cease.
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1.2 EFFECTIVE DATE. This Merger Agreement shall become effective when this
Agreement, together with all requisite accompanying certificates, shall have
been filed with the Secretary of the State of California in accordance with
Section 1103 of the California General Corporation Law (the "Effective Time").
1.3 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS. At the Effective Time, the
Articles of Incorporation, as amended and Bylaws, as amended of the Bank shall
be and remain the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation until altered, amended or repealed, the certificate of authority of
the Bank issued by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of California shall
be and remain the certificate of authority of the Surviving Corporation, and
the Bank's insurance of deposits coverage by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation shall be and remain the deposit insurance of the Surviving
Corporation.
1.4 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION. At the Effective
Time, the directors and officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be and remain the directors and officers of the Surviving
Corporation. Directors of the Surviving Corporation shall serve until the next
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Surviving Corporation or until such time
as their successors are elected and have qualified.
1.5 EFFECT OF THE MERGER.
a. ASSETS AND RIGHTS. At and after the Effective Time, all rights,
privileges, franchises and property of Bancorp, and all of its debts and
liabilities due or to become due to Bancorp, including things in action
and every interest or asset of conceivable value or benefit, shall be
deemed fully and finally and without any right of reversion transferred
to and vested in the Surviving Corporation without further act or deed,
and the Surviving Corporation shall have and hold the same in its own
right as fully as the same was possessed and held by Bancorp.
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<PAGE> 38
b. LIABILITIES. At and after the Effective Time, all debts,
liabilities, and obligations due or to become due of, and all claims or
demands for any cause existing against Bancorp shall be and become the
debts, liabilities, obligations of, and the claims and demands against,
the Surviving Corporation in the same manner as if the Surviving
Corporation had itself incurred or become liable for them
c. CREDITORS' RIGHTS AND LIENS. At and after the Effective Time, all
rights of creditors and all liens upon the property of Bancorp and the
Bank shall be preserved unimpaired, provided that such liens upon the
property of Bancorp and the Bank shall be limited to the property
affected by the liens immediately prior to the Effective Time.
d. PENDING ACTIONS. At and after the Effective Time, any action or
proceeding pending by or against Bancorp, but may be prosecuted to
judgment, which shall bind the Surviving Corporation may be substituted
for Bancorp.
e. STOCK OPTIONS. (a) At and as of the Effective Time, and subject
to the prior consent of the Superintendent of Banks of the State of
California (the "Superintendent"), the Surviving Corporation shall
assume each and every outstanding option ("Bancorp Stock Option") to
purchase shares of common stock, no par value of Bancorp ("Bancorp
Common Stock") and all obligations of Bancorp under Bancorp's 1988 Stock
Option Plan (the "1988 Plan"). Each and every Bancorp Stock Option so
assumed by the Surviving Corporation under this Agreement shall continue
to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions set forth in
the 1988 Plan and in the other documents governing such Bancorp Stock
Option immediately prior to the Effective Time, subject to such changes
in the outstanding options and the 1988 Plan as may be necessary to
conform the options and the plan to the rules and regulations of the
Superintendent governing stock options and except that: (i) such
Bancorp Stock Option shall be exercisable for that number of whole
shares of common stock, no par value of the Surviving Corporation
("Surviving Corporation Common Stock") equal to the product of (A) the
number of shares of Bancorp Common Stock that were purchasable under
such 1988 Option immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by
(B) .20, rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares of
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<PAGE> 39
Surviving Corporation Common Stock; and (ii) the per share exercise
price for the shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of such Bancorp Stock Option shall be equal to the
product of (A) the exercise price per share of Bancorp Common Stock at
which such Bancorp Stock Option was exercisable immediately prior to
the Effective Time multiplied by (B) 5. After the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall issue to each holder of an outstanding
Bancorp Stock Option a document evidencing the assumption of such
Bancorp Stock Option by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to this
Section 1.5(e).
(b) The Surviving Corporation shall comply with
the terms of the 1988 Plan and insure, to the extent required by, and
subject to the provisions of, the 1988 Plan, that Bancorp Stock Options
which qualify as incentive stock options prior to the Effective Time
qualify as incentive stock options of the Surviving Corporation after
the Effective Time.
f. WARRANTS. At and as of the Effective Time, all outstanding
warrants of the Company shall be deemed to be warrants of the Surviving
Corporation.
1.6 FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Bank and Bancorp each agree that at any time,
or from time to time, as and when requested by the Surviving Corporation, or by
its successors and assigns, it will execute and deliver, or cause to be
executed and delivered in its name by its last acting officers, or by the
corresponding officers of the Surviving Corporation, all such conveyances,
assignments, transfers, deeds or other instruments, and will take or cause to
be taken such further or other action as the Surviving Corporation, its
successors or assigns may deem necessary or desirable in order to evidence the
transfer, vesting or devolution of any property right, privilege or franchise
to vest or perfect in or confirm to the Surviving Corporation, its successors
and assigns, title to and possession of all the property, rights, privileges,
powers, immunities, franchises and interests referred to in this Section 1 and
otherwise to carry out the intent and purposes hereof.
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<PAGE> 40
SECTION 2. CAPITAL STOCK OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION
2.1 BANCORP COMMON STOCK. At the Effective Time, each share of Bancorp
Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
holders thereof, be automatically canceled and cease to be an issued and
outstanding share of Bancorp Common Stock and shall be converted into .20 of a
share of Surviving Corporation Common Stock.
2.2 BANK COMMON STOCK. At the Effective Time, each and every share of
common stock, no par value, of the Bank ("Bank Common Stock") held by Bancorp
shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Bancorp,
be canceled.
2.3 FRACTIONAL SHARES. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
Agreement to the contrary, no fractional shares of Surviving Corporation Common
Stock shall be issued in the Merger. In lieu thereof, each holder of Bancorp
Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive fractional shares
(after aggregating all fractional shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock,
to be received by such holder) shall receive an amount in cash equal to the
product (calculated to the nearest whole cent), obtained by multiplying (a) the
product of (i) 5 and (ii) the Average Closing Price (as defined below) by (b)
the fraction of the share of Surviving Corporation Common Stock to which such
holder would otherwise be entitled.
2.4 EXCHANGE OF STOCK.
a. EXCHANGE RATIO. At the Effective Time, the shareholders of record
of Bancorp shall be entitled to receive and shall be allocated .20 of a
share of Surviving Corporation Common Stock for each share of Bancorp
Common Stock.
b. EXCHANGE AGENT. At the Effective Time, each shareholder of an
outstanding certificate or certificates which prior thereto represented
shares of Bancorp Common Stock may surrender the same to U.S. Stock
Transfer, exchange agent for all such shareholders (the "Exchange
Agent"), and such shareholders shall be entitled upon
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<PAGE> 41
such surrender to receive, in exchange therefor, certificates
representing the number of shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock
into which the shares of Bancorp Common Stock represented by the
certificate or certificates so surrendered shall have been converted.
Until so surrendered, each outstanding certificate which, prior to the
Effective Date, represented Bancorp Common Stock, shall be deemed for
all corporate purposes (including the payment of dividends and issuance
of any subscription rights) to evidence ownership of the number of
shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock into which the shares of
Bancorp Common Stock (which were, prior to such Effective Date,
represented thereby) shall have been so converted.
c. EXCHANGE FUND. As of the Effective Time, Bank shall deposit with
the Exchange Agent for the benefit of the holders of shares of Bancorp
Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with this Section 2.4 through
the Exchange Agent, certificates representing the shares of Surviving
Corporation Common Stock (such shares of Surviving Corporation Common
Stock, together with any dividends or distributions with respect
thereto, being hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Fund") issuable
pursuant to Section 2.1 in exchange for shares of Bancorp Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. To the extent
Surviving Corporation owns shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock
as treasury stock, such shares may be deposited into the Exchange Fund.
d. EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record
of a certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the
Effective Time represented outstanding shares of Bancorp Common Stock
(the "Certificates") whose shares were converted into the right to
receive shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock pursuant to Section
2.1:(i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall
be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass,
only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall
be in such form and have such other provisions as Surviving Corporation
and Bancorp may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates
representing shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock. Upon
surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent or to
such other agent or agents as may be
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<PAGE> 42
appointed by Surviving Corporation, together with such letter of
transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate representing
that number of whole shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock which
such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 2.4, and the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be
canceled. In the event of a transfer of ownership of Bancorp Common
Stock which is not registered in the transfer records of Bancorp, a
certificate representing the proper number of shares of Surviving
Corporation Common Stock may be issued to a transferee if the
Certificate representing such Bancorp Common Stock is presented to the
Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and
effect such transfer and by evidence that any applicable stock transfer
taxes have been paid.
e. CASH PAYMENT WITH RESPECT TO UNEXCHANGED SHARES. No cash payment
in lieu of fractional shares shall be paid to any holder of Company
Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.3 until the holder of record of such
Certificate shall surrender such Certificate. Subject to the effect of
applicable laws, following surrender of any such Certificate, there
shall be paid to the record holder of the certificates representing
whole shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock issued in exchange
therefor, without interest, the time of such surrender, the amount of
any cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of Surviving Corporation
Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.3.
f. NO FURTHER OWNERSHIP RIGHTS IN BANCORP COMMON STOCK. All shares of
Surviving Corporation Common Stock issued upon the surrender for
exchange of shares of Bancorp Common Stock in accordance with the terms
hereof (including any cash paid pursuant to Sections 2.3) shall be
deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining
to such shares of Bancorp Common Stock, and there shall be no further
registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the Surviving
Corporation of the shares of Bancorp Common Stock which were outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective time,
Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason,
they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Agreement.
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<PAGE> 43
g. NO FRACTIONAL SHARES. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, neither certificates nor scrip representing
fractional shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock shall be issued
upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates, and such fractional
share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any
rights of a shareholder of Surviving Corporation. From time to time at
the request of the Exchange Agent after the determination of amounts of
cash to be paid to holders of Bancorp Common Stock in lieu of any
fractional share interests, Surviving Corporation shall make available
such amounts to the Exchange Agent.
h. TERMINATION OF EXCHANGE FUND. Any portion of the Exchange Fund
which remains undistributed to the shareholders of Bancorp for six
months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to Surviving
Corporation, upon demand, and any shareholders of Bancorp who have not
theretofore complied with this Section 2.4 shall thereafter look only to
Surviving Corporation for payment of their claim for Surviving
Corporation Common Stock, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Surviving Corporation Common Stock and any dividends or distributions
with respect to Surviving Corporation Common Stock.
i. AVERAGE CLOSING PRICE. The term "Average Closing Price" shall have
the following meaning: the average of the closing bid and ask prices of
Bancorp Common Stock reported on the OTC Bulletin Board and as confirmed
with Bancorp's principal market maker, Black and Company, on the trading
day (whether or not there were any trades in Bancorp Common Stock)
(rounded to four digits to the right of the decimal point) prior to the
day on which the Effective Time occurs. For purposes of determining the
Average Closing Price, the term "trading day" shall mean a day on which
trading generally takes place on the OTC Bulletin Board and on which
trading in Bancorp Common Stock has not been halted or suspended.
j. NO LIABILITY. Neither Bancorp nor Surviving Corporation shall be
liable to any holder of shares of Bancorp Common Stock or Surviving
Corporation Common Stock, as the case may be, for such shares (or
dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash from the
Exchange Fund delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
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<PAGE> 44
SECTION 3 . APPROVALS
3.1 SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. This Agreement shall be submitted to the
shareholders of the Bank and Bancorp for ratification approval in accordance
with the applicable provisions of law.
3.2 REGULATORY APPROVALS. The parties shall proceed expeditiously and
cooperate fully in the procurement of any other consents and approvals and in
the taking of any other action, and the satisfaction of all other requirements
prescribed by law or otherwise necessary or desirable for consummation of this
merger and plan or reorganization on the terms herein provided, including,
without limitation, those consents and approvals referred to in Paragraph
4.1(b).
SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT, TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
4.1 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE MERGER. Consummation of the merger is
conditional upon:
a. Ratification and approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of
the Bank and Bancorp, as required by law;
b. Obtaining all other consents and approvals, taking all actions, and
satisfaction of all other requirements prescribed by law which are
necessary for consummation of the merger, including, but not limited to,
approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
Superintendent, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended;
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<PAGE> 45
c. Obtaining all consents or approvals, governmental or otherwise,
which are, or in the opinion of counsel for the Bank and Bancorp may be,
necessary to permit or enable the Surviving Corporation, upon and after
the Effective Time, to conduct all or any part of the business and
activities of the Bank prior to the Effective Time, in the manner in
which such activities and business are then conducted.
d. Receiving an opinion of Bancorp's independent public accountants,
Grant Thornton LLP, in form and substance satisfactory to both Bancorp
and the Bank, to the effect that: the merger of Bancorp with and into
the Bank and the exchange of shares of Bancorp Common Stock for shares
of Surviving Corporation Common Stock as provided for herein will be
considered a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)A) of
the Code; no gain or loss will be recognized by Bancorp pursuant to
consummation of the Merger; and, no gain or loss will be recognized by
the shareholders of Bancorp upon the exchange of their shares of Bancorp
Common Stock for shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock, as
provided for herein; and
e. Performance by each party hereto of all its obligations hereunder
to be performed prior to the Effective Time.
4.2 TERMINATION OF THE MERGER. If any condition in Paragraph 4.1 has not
been fulfilled, or, if in the opinion of a majority of the Board of Directors
of either of the parties:
a. Any action, suit, proceeding or claim has been instituted, made or
threatened relating to the proposed merger which makes consummation of
the merger inadvisable; or
b. For any other reason consummation of the Merger is inadvisable;
then this Agreement may be terminated by any time before the Effective Time.
Upon termination, this Agreement shall be void and of no further effect, and
there shall be no liability by reason of this Agreement or the termination
thereof on the part of the parties or their respective directors, officers,
employees, agents or shareholders, except as provided in Section 4.4 hereof.
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<PAGE> 46
4.3 AMENDMENT OF THE AGREEMENT. Bancorp and the Bank, by action of their
respective Boards of Directors, may amend the Agreement before or after
approval by Bancorp's shareholders, provided that any such amendment made after
approval of Bancorp's shareholders is obtained may not affect the rights of
Bancorp's shareholders in a manner which is materially adverse to such
shareholders without their further approval.
4.4 EXPENSES OF THE MERGER. Each party hereto shall pay its own costs and
expenses in connection with this Agreement and the transactions covered and
contemplated hereunder.
SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 ASSIGNMENT. Neither party shall have the right to assign its rights or
obligations under this Agreement.
5.2 EXECUTION. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which when so executed shall be deemed an original and such counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same instrument.
5.3 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement is made and entered into in the State of
California and the laws of said State shall govern the validity and
interpretation hereof.
5.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding of
the parties, and there are no further or other agreement or understandings,
written or oral, in effect
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<PAGE> 47
between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement
supersedes all prior arrangements or understandings between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Plan of Reorganization and
Merger Agreement to be Executed by their duly authorized officers as of the day
and year first written above.
BANK OF LOS ANGELES
By: ________________________
Maurice J. Burford
Its: President
By: ________________________
Beverly A. Dyck
Its: Secretary
BKLA BANCORP
By: ________________________
Maurice J. Burford
Its: President
By: ________________________
Beverly A. Dyck
Its: Secretary
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<PAGE> 48
PRELIMINARY COPY INTENDED RELEASE DATE: 8/30/95
REVOCABLE PROXY
BKLA BANCORP
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS - SEPTEMBER 20, 1995
The undersigned shareholder(s) of BKLA Bancorp (the "Company") hereby
nominates, constitutes, and appoints Maurice J. Burford, Arlen Andelson, and
Sherman Andelson each of them, the attorney, agent, and proxy of the
undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all stock of the Company
which the undersigned is entitled to vote a the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of the Company to be held at the Company's Beverly Hills branch, 9601 Wilshire
Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90210 on September 20, 1995, at 5:30 p.m.,
and any and all adjournments thereof, as fully and with the same force and
effect as the undersigned might or could do if personally present thereat, as
follows:
1. PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER OF BANK OF LOS ANGELES WITH AND
INTO BKLA BANCORP PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE PLAN OF
REORGANIZATION AND MERGER AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF JULY 11, 1995,
BETWEEN BANK OF LOS ANGELES AND BKLA BANCORP.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
FOR all nominees listed WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
below (except as marked to to vote for all nominees
to the contrary below), listed below [ ]
including discretionary
authority to cumulate
votes. [ ]
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD authority to vote for any individual
nominee, mark the box next to the nominee's name below.)
[ ] Maurice J. Burford [ ]
[ ] Sherman Andelson [ ]
[ ] Arlen Andelson [ ]
[ ] Mary Anne Chalker [ ]
[ ] James Reimann
3. In their discretion, the Proxy Holders are authorized to vote
upon such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting and any and all adjournments thereof. Management at
present knows of no other business to be presented by or on
behalf of the Company or its Board of Directors at the Meeting.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MAY BE REVOKED PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE.
Please Sign and Date on Reverse.
<PAGE> 49
Please Sign and Date Below
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE OF "FOR" PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
THE PROXY CONFERS AUTHORITY TO AND SHALL BE VOTED "FOR" PROPOSALS 1 AND 2 UNLESS
"WITHHOLD AUTHORITY," "AGAINST" OR "ABSTAIN" IS INDICATED, IN WHICH CASE THE
PROXY SHALL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH INSTRUCTIONS.
IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE MEETING, THIS PROXY SHALL BE VOTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
______________________
(Number of Shares)
Please sign exactly as name appears on stock certificates. When shares
are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please sign in full corporate name
by president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.
DATED:________________, 1995
_____________________________
Signature
_____________________________
Signature if held jointly
I (we) do [ ] do not[ ] expect to attend the Meeting.
Number of Persons _______.
PLEASE MARK, DATE, AND SIGN THIS PROXY, AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE.
