CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.





                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    

                            CHAMBER ACTION
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10                                                                

11  Senator Klein moved the following amendment:

12

13         Senate Amendment (with title amendment) 

14         On page 8, between lines 28 and 29,

15

16  insert:

17         Section 6.  Subsections (2) and (3) of section

18  607.0730, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

19         607.0730  Voting trusts.--

20         (2)  A voting trust becomes effective on the date the

21  first shares subject to the trust are registered in the

22  trustee's name.  A voting trust is valid for not more than 10

23  years after its effective date unless extended under

24  subsection (3).  The validity of any voting trust otherwise

25  lawful shall not be affected during a period of 10 years from

26  the date when it was created or last extended by the fact that

27  under its terms it will or may last beyond the 10-year period.

28         (3)  All or some of the parties to a voting trust may

29  extend it for additional terms of not more than 10 years each

30  by signing an extension agreement and obtaining the voting

31  trustee's written consent to the extension. An extension is

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 1  valid for the period set forth therein, up to 10 years, from

 2  the date the first shareholder signs the extension agreement.

 3  The voting trustee must deliver copies of the extension

 4  agreement and list of beneficial owners to the corporation's

 5  principal office.  An extension agreement binds only those

 6  parties signing it.

 7         Section 7.  Holding company formation by merger by

 8  certain corporations.--

 9         (1)  This section applies only to a corporation that

10  has shares of any class or series which are either registered

11  on a national securities exchange or designated as a national

12  market system security on an interdealer quotation system by

13  the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or held

14  of record by not fewer than 2,000 shareholders.

15         (2)  As used in this section, the term:

16         (a)  "Constituent corporation" means a corporation that

17  is a party to a merger governed by this section.

18         (b)  "Holding company" means a corporation that, from

19  the date it first issued shares until consummation of a merger

20  governed by this section, was at all times a wholly owned

21  subsidiary of a constituent corporation, and whose shares are

22  issued in such merger.

23         (c)  "Wholly owned subsidiary" means, as to a

24  corporation, any other corporation of which it owns, directly

25  or indirectly through one or more subsidiaries, all of the

26  issued and outstanding shares.

27         (3)  Notwithstanding the requirements of section

28  607.1103, Florida Statutes, unless expressly required by its

29  articles of incorporation, no vote of shareholders of a

30  corporation is necessary to authorize a merger of the

31  corporation with or into a wholly owned subsidiary of such

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 1  corporation if:

 2         (a)  Such corporation and wholly owned subsidiary are

 3  the only constituent corporations to the merger;

 4         (b)  Each share or fraction of a share of the

 5  constituent corporation whose shares are being converted

 6  pursuant to the merger into a share or equal fraction of share

 7  of a holding company having the same designations, rights,

 8  powers and preferences, and qualifications, limitations and

 9  restrictions thereof as the share of the constituent

10  corporation being converted in the merger;

11         (c)  The holding company and each of the constituent

12  corporations to the merger are domestic corporations;

13         (d)  The articles of incorporation and by-laws of the

14  holding company immediately following the effective time of

15  the merger contain provisions identical to the articles of

16  incorporation and by-laws of the constituent corporation whose

17  shares are being converted pursuant to the merger immediately

18  prior to the effective time of the merger, except provisions

19  regarding the incorporators, the corporate name, the

20  registered office and agent, the initial board of directors,

21  the initial subscribers for shares and matters solely of

22  historical significance, and such provisions contained in any

23  amendment to the articles of incorporation as were necessary

24  to effect a change, exchange, reclassification, or

25  cancellation of shares, if such change, exchange,

26  reclassification, or cancellation has become effective;

27         (e)  As a result of the merger, the constituent

28  corporation whose shares are being converted pursuant to the

29  merger or its successor corporation becomes or remains a

30  direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the holding

31  company;

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 1         (f)  The directors of the constituent corporation

 2  become or remain the directors of the holding company upon the

 3  effective date of the merger;

 4         (g)  The articles of incorporation of the surviving

 5  corporation immediately following the effective time of the

 6  merger are identical to the articles of incorporation of the

 7  constituent corporation whose shares are being converted

 8  pursuant to the merger immediately prior to the effective time

 9  of the merger, except provisions regarding the incorporators,

10  the corporate name, the registered office and agent, the

11  initial board of directors, the initial subscribers for shares

12  and matters solely of historical significance, and such

13  provisions contained in any amendment to the articles of

14  incorporation as were necessary to effect a change, exchange,

15  reclassification, or cancellation of shares, if such change,

16  exchange, reclassification, or cancellation has become

17  effective. The articles of incorporation of the surviving

18  corporation must be amended in the merger to contain a

19  provision requiring, by specific reference to this section,

20  that any act or transaction by or involving the surviving

21  corporation which requires for its adoption under this act or

22  its articles of incorporation the approval of the shareholders

23  of the surviving corporation also be approved by the

24  shareholders of the holding company, or any successor by

25  merger, by the same vote as is required by this act or the

26  articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation. The

27  articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation may be

28  amended in the merger to reduce the number of classes and

29  shares which the surviving corporation is authorized to issue;

30         (h)  The board of directors of the constituent

31  corporation determines that the shareholders of the

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 1  constituent corporation will not recognize gain or loss for

 2  United States federal income tax purposes; and

 3         (i)  The board of directors of such corporation adopts

 4  a plan of merger that sets forth:

 5         1.  The names of the constituent corporations;

 6         2.  The manner and basis of converting the shares of

 7  the corporation into shares of the holding company and the

 8  manner and basis of converting rights to acquire shares of

 9  such corporation into rights to acquire shares of the holding

10  company; and

11         3.  A provision for the pro rata issuance of shares of

12  the holding company to the holders of shares of the

13  corporation upon surrender of any certificates therefor.

14         (4)  From and after the effective time of a merger

15  adopted by a constituent corporation by action of its board of

16  directors and without any vote of shareholders pursuant to

17  this section:

18         (a)  To the extent the restrictions of sections

19  607.0901 and 607.0902, Florida Statutes, applied to the

20  constituent corporation and its shareholders at the effective

21  time of the merger, such restrictions also apply to the

22  holding company and its shareholders immediately after the

23  effective time of the merger as though it were the constituent

24  corporation, and all shares of the holding company acquired in

25  the merger shall, for purposes of sections 607.0901 and

26  607.0902, Florida Statutes, be deemed to have been acquired at

27  the time that the shares of the constituent corporation

28  converted in the merger were acquired, and provided further

29  that any shareholder who immediately prior to the effective

30  time of the merger was not an interested shareholder within

31  the meaning of section 607.0901, Florida Statutes, shall not,

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 1  solely by reason of the merger, become an interested

 2  shareholder of the holding company; and

 3         (b)  If the corporate name of the holding company

 4  immediately following the effective time of the merger is the

 5  same as the corporate name of the constituent corporation

 6  immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, the

 7  shares of the holding company into which the shares of the

 8  constituent corporation are converted in the merger shall be

 9  represented by the share certificates that previously

10  represented shares of the constituent corporation.

11         (5)  If a plan of merger is adopted by a constituent

12  corporation by selection of its board of directors without any

13  vote of shareholders pursuant to this section, the secretary

14  or assistant secretary of the constituent corporation shall

15  certify in the articles of merger that the plan of merger has

16  been adopted pursuant to this section and that the conditions

17  specified in the first sentence of this section have been

18  satisfied. The articles of merger so certified shall then be

19  filed and become effective in accordance with section

20  607.1106, Florida Statutes.

21         Section 8.  Subsection (2) of section 608.407, Florida

22  Statutes, is amended to read:

23         608.407  Articles of organization.--

24         (2)  An affidavit declaring that the limited liability

25  company has at least one member two members and setting forth

26  the amount of the cash and a description and agreed value of

27  property other than cash contributed by the members and the

28  amount anticipated to be contributed by the members shall

29  accompany the articles of organization of a limited liability

30  company.

31         Section 9.  Sections 607.1108, 607.1109, and 607.11101,

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 1  Florida Statutes, are created to read:

 2         607.1108  Merger of domestic corporation and other

 3  business entity.--

 4         (1)  As used in this section and ss. 607.1109 and

 5  607.11101, the term "other business entity" means a limited

 6  liability company, a foreign corporation, a not-for-profit

 7  corporation, a business trust or association, a real estate

 8  investment trust, a common law trust, an unincorporated

 9  business, a general partnership, a limited partnership, or any

10  other entity that is formed pursuant to the requirements of

11  applicable law. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 617,

12  a domestic not-for-profit corporation acting under a plan of

13  merger approved pursuant to s. 617.1103 shall be governed by

14  the provisions of ss. 607.1108, 607.1109, and 607.11101.

15         (2)  Pursuant to a plan of merger complying and

16  approved in accordance with this section, one or more domestic

17  corporations may merge with or into one or more other business

18  entities formed, organized, or incorporated under the laws of

19  this state or any other state, the United States, foreign

20  country, or other foreign jurisdiction, if:

21         (a)  Each domestic corporation which is a party to the

22  merger complies with the applicable provisions of this

23  chapter.

24         (b)  Each domestic partnership that is a party to the

25  merger complies with the applicable provisions of chapter 620.

26         (c)  Each domestic limited liability company that is a

27  party to the merger complies with the applicable provisions of

28  chapter 608.

29         (d)  The merger is permitted by the laws of the state,

30  country, or jurisdiction under which each other business

31  entity that is a party to the merger is formed, organized, or

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 1  incorporated and each such other business entity complies with

 2  such laws in effecting the merger.

 3         (3)  The plan of merger shall set forth:

 4         (a)  The name of each domestic corporation and the name

 5  and jurisdiction of formation, organization, or incorporation

 6  of each other business entity planning to merge, and the name

 7  of the surviving or resulting domestic corporation or other

 8  business entity into which each other domestic corporation or

 9  other business entity plans to merge, which is hereinafter and

10  in ss. 607.1109 and 607.11101 designated as the surviving

11  entity.

12         (b)  The terms and conditions of the merger.

13         (c)  The manner and basis of converting the shares of

14  each domestic corporation that is a party to the merger and

15  the partnership interests, interests, shares, obligations or

16  other securities of each other business entity that is a party

17  to the merger into partnership interests, interests, shares,

18  obligations or other securities of the surviving entity or any

19  other domestic corporation or other business entity or, in

20  whole or in part, into cash or other property, and the manner

21  and basis of converting rights to acquire the shares of each

22  domestic corporation that is a party to the merger and rights

23  to acquire partnership interests, interests, shares,

24  obligations or other securities of each other business entity

25  that is a party to the merger into rights to acquire

26  partnership interests, interests, shares, obligations or other

27  securities of the surviving entity or any other domestic

28  corporation or other business entity or, in whole or in part,

29  into cash or other property.

30         (d)  If a partnership is to be the surviving entity,

31  the names and business addresses of the general partners of

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 1  the surviving entity.

 2         (e)  If a limited liability company is to be the

 3  surviving entity and management thereof is vested in one or

 4  more managers, the names and business addresses of such

 5  managers.

 6         (f)  All statements required to be set forth in the

 7  plan of merger by the laws under which each other business

 8  entity that is a party to the merger is formed, organized, or

 9  incorporated.

10         (4)  The plan of merger may set forth:

11         (a)  If a domestic corporation is to be the surviving

12  entity, any amendments to, or a restatement of, the articles

13  of incorporation of the surviving entity, and such amendments

14  or restatement shall be effective at the effective date of the

15  merger.

16         (b)  The effective date of the merger, which may be on

17  or after the date of filing the certificate of merger.

18         (c)  Any other provisions relating to the merger.

19         (5)  The plan of merger required by subsection (3)

20  shall be adopted and approved by each domestic corporation

21  that is a party to the merger in the same manner as is

22  provided in s. 607.1103. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the

23  surviving entity is a partnership, no shareholder of a

24  domestic corporation that is a party to the merger shall, as a

25  result of the merger, become a general partner of the

26  surviving entity, unless such shareholder specifically

27  consents in writing to becoming a general partner of the

28  surviving entity, and unless such written consent is obtained

29  from each such shareholder who, as a result of the merger,

30  would become a general partner of the surviving entity, such

31  merger shall not become effective under s. 607.11101.  Any

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 1  shareholder providing such consent in writing shall be deemed

 2  to have voted in favor of the plan of merger for purposes of

 3  s. 607.1103.

 4         (6)  Sections 607.1103 and 607.1301-607.1320 shall,

 5  insofar as they are applicable, apply to mergers of one or

 6  more domestic corporations with or into one or more other

 7  business entities.

 8         (7)  Notwithstanding any provision of this section or

 9  ss. 607.1109 and 607.11101, any merger consisting solely of

10  the merger of one or more domestic corporations with or into

11  one or more foreign corporations shall be consummated solely

12  in accordance with the requirements of s. 607.1107.

13         607.1109  Articles of merger.--

14         (1)  After a plan of merger is approved by each

15  domestic corporation and other business entity that is a party

16  to the merger, the surviving entity shall deliver to the

17  Department of State for filing articles of merger, which shall

18  be executed by each domestic corporation as required by s.

19  607.0120 and by each other business entity as required by

20  applicable law, and which shall set forth:

21         (a)  The plan of merger.

22         (b)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

23  by each domestic corporation that is a party to the merger in

24  accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter,

25  and, if applicable, a statement that the written consent of

26  each shareholder of such domestic corporation who, as a result

27  of the merger, becomes a general partner of the surviving

28  entity has been obtained pursuant to s. 607.1108(5).

29         (c)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

30  by each domestic partnership that is a party to the merger in

31  accordance with the applicable provisions of chapter 620.

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 1         (d)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

 2  by each domestic limited liability company that is a party to

 3  the merger in accordance with the applicable provisions of

 4  chapter 608.

 5         (e)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

 6  by each other business entity that is a party to the merger,

 7  other than domestic corporations, limited liability companies,

 8  and partnerships formed, organized, or incorporated under the

 9  laws of this state, in accordance with the applicable laws of

10  the state, country, or jurisdiction under which such other

11  business entity is formed, organized, or incorporated.

12         (f)  The effective date of the merger, which may be on

13  or after the date of filing the articles of merger, provided,

14  if the articles of merger do not provide for an effective date

15  of the merger, the effective date shall be the date on which

16  the articles of merger are filed.

17         (g)  If the surviving entity is another business entity

18  formed, organized, or incorporated under the laws of any

19  state, country, or jurisdiction other than this state:

20         1.  The address, including street and number, if any,

21  of its principal office under the laws of the state, country,

22  or jurisdiction in which it was formed, organized, or

23  incorporated.

24         2.  A statement that the surviving entity is deemed to

25  have appointed the Secretary of State as its agent for service

26  of process in a proceeding to enforce any obligation or the

27  rights of dissenting shareholders of each domestic corporation

28  that is a party to the merger.

29         3.  A statement that the surviving entity has agreed to

30  promptly pay to the dissenting shareholders of each domestic

31  corporation that is a party to the merger the amount, if any,

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 1  to which they are entitled under s. 607.1302.

 2         (2)  A copy of the articles of merger, certified by the

 3  Department of State, may be filed in the office of the

 4  official who is the recording officer of each county in this

 5  state in which real property of a party to the merger other

 6  than the surviving entity is situated.

 7         607.11101  Effect of merger of domestic corporation and

 8  other business entity.--When a merger becomes effective:

 9         (1)  Every domestic corporation and other business

10  entity that is a party to the merger merges into the surviving

11  entity and the separate existence of every domestic

12  corporation and other business entity that is a party to the

13  merger except the surviving entity ceases.

14         (2)  The title to all real estate and other property,

15  or any interest therein, owned by each domestic corporation

16  and other business entity that is a party to the merger is

17  vested in the surviving entity without reversion or impairment

18  and without any requirement to record any deed or other

19  conveyance.

20         (3)  The surviving entity shall thereafter be

21  responsible and liable for all the liabilities and obligations

22  of each domestic corporation and other business entity that is

23  a party to the merger, including liabilities arising out of

24  the rights of dissenters with respect to such merger under

25  applicable law.

26         (4)  Any claim existing or action or proceeding pending

27  by or against any domestic corporation or other business

28  entity that is a party to the merger may be continued as if

29  the merger did not occur or the surviving entity may be

30  substituted in the proceeding for the domestic corporation or

31  other business entity which ceased existence.

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 1         (5)  Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon

 2  the property of any domestic corporation or other business

 3  entity shall be impaired by such merger.

 4         (6)  If a domestic corporation is the surviving entity,

 5  the articles of incorporation of such corporation in effect

 6  immediately prior to the time the merger becomes effective

 7  shall be the articles of incorporation of the surviving

 8  entity, except as amended or restated to the extent provided

 9  in the plan of merger.

10         (7)  The shares, partnership interests, interests,

11  obligations, or other securities, and the rights to acquire

12  shares, partnership interests, interests, obligations, or

13  other securities, of each domestic corporation and other

14  business entity that is a party to the merger shall be

15  converted into shares, partnership interests, interests,

16  obligations, or other securities, or rights to such

17  securities, of the surviving entity or any other domestic

18  corporation or other business entity or, in whole or in part,

19  into cash or other property as provided in the plan of merger,

20  and the former holders of shares, partnership interests,

21  interests, obligations, or other securities, or rights to such

22  securities, shall be entitled only to the rights provided in

23  the plan of merger and to their rights as dissenters, if any,

24  under ss. 607.1301-607.1320, s. 608.4384, s. 620.205, or other

25  applicable law.

26         Section 10.  Sections 608.438, 608.4381, 608.4382,

27  608.4383, and 608.4384, Florida Statutes, are created to read:

28         608.438  Merger of limited liability company.--

29         (1)  As used in this section and ss. 608.4381-608.4384,

30  the term "other business entity" includes a corporation, a

31  business trust or association, a real estate investment trust,

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 1  a common law trust, an unincorporated business, a general

 2  partnership, a limited partnership, a limited liability

 3  company other than a limited liability company organized under

 4  the laws of this chapter, or any other entity that is formed

 5  pursuant to the requirements of applicable law.

 6         (2)  Unless otherwise provided in the articles of

 7  organization or the regulations of a limited liability

 8  company, pursuant to a plan of merger, a limited liability

 9  company may merge with or into one or more limited liability

10  companies or other business entities formed, organized, or

11  incorporated under the laws of this state or any other state,

12  the United States, foreign country, or other foreign

13  jurisdiction, if:

14         (a)  Each limited liability company that is a party to

15  the merger complies with the applicable provisions of this

16  chapter and complies with the terms of its articles of

17  organization and regulations.

18         (b)  Each domestic partnership that is a party to the

19  merger complies with the applicable provisions of chapter 620.

20         (c)  Each domestic corporation that is a party to the

21  merger complies with the applicable provisions of chapter 607.

22         (d)  The merger is permitted by the laws of the state,

23  country, or jurisdiction under which each other business

24  entity that is a party to the merger is formed, organized, or

25  incorporated, and each such other business entity complies

26  with such laws in effecting the merger.

27         (3)  The plan of merger shall set forth:

28         (a)  The name of each limited liability company and the

29  name and jurisdiction of formation, organization, or

30  incorporation of each other business entity planning to merge,

31  and the name of the surviving or resulting limited liability

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 1  company or other business entity into which each other limited

 2  liability company or other business entity plans to merge,

 3  which is, in this section and in ss. 608.4381-608.4384,

 4  designated as the surviving entity.

 5         (b)  The terms and conditions of the merger.

 6         (c)  The manner and basis of converting the interests

 7  of the members of each limited liability company that is a

 8  party to the merger and the interests, partnership interests,

 9  shares, obligations, or other securities of each other

10  business entity that is a party to the merger into interests,

11  partnership interests, shares, obligations, or other

12  securities of the surviving entity or any other limited

13  liability company or other business entity or, in whole or in

14  part, into cash or other property, and the manner and basis of

15  converting rights to acquire interests of each limited

16  liability company that is a party to the merger and rights to

17  acquire interests, partnership interests, shares, obligations,

18  or other securities of each other business entity that is a

19  party to the merger into rights to acquire interests,

20  partnership interests, shares, obligations, or other

21  securities of the surviving entity or any other limited

22  liability company or other business entity or, in whole or in

23  part, into cash or other property.

24         (d)  If a partnership is to be the surviving entity,

25  the names and business addresses of the general partners of

26  the surviving entity.

27         (e)  If a limited liability company is to be the

28  surviving entity, and management thereof is vested in one or

29  more managers, the names and business addresses of such

30  managers.

31         (f)  All statements required to be set forth in the

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 1  plan of merger by the laws under which each other business

 2  entity that is a party to merger is formed, organized, or

 3  incorporated.

 4         (4)  The plan of merger may set forth:

 5         (a)  If a limited liability company is to be the

 6  surviving entity, any amendments to, or a restatement of, the

 7  articles of organization or the regulations of the surviving

 8  entity, and such amendments or restatement shall be effective

 9  at the effective date of the merger.

10         (b)  The effective date of the merger, which may be on

11  or after the date of filing the certificate of merger.

12         (c)  A provision authorizing one or more of the limited

13  liability companies that are parties to the merger to abandon

14  the proposed merger pursuant to s. 608.4381(7).

15         (d)  A statement of, or a statement of the method of

16  determining, the "fair value," as defined in s.

17  608.4384(1)(b), of an interest in any limited liability

18  company that is a party to the merger.

19         (e)  Other provisions relating to the merger.

20         608.4381  Action on plan of merger.--

21         (1)  Unless the articles of organization or the

22  regulations of a limited liability company require a

23  greater-than-majority vote, the plan of merger shall be

24  approved in writing by a majority of the managers of a limited

25  liability company that is a party to the merger in which

26  management is not reserved to its members. Unless the articles

27  of organization or the regulations of a limited liability

28  company require a greater-than-majority vote or provide for

29  another method of determining the voting rights of each of its

30  members, and whether or not management is reserved to its

31  members, the plan of merger shall be approved in writing by a

                                  16
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  majority of the members of a limited liability company that is

 2  a party to the merger, and, if applicable, the vote of each

 3  member shall be weighted in accordance with s. 608.4231(1)(b),

 4  provided, unless the articles of organization or the

 5  regulations of the limited liability company require a

 6  greater-than-majority vote or provide for another method of

 7  determining the voting rights of each of its members, if there

 8  is more than one class or group of members, the merger shall

 9  be approved by a majority of the members of each such class or

10  group, and, if applicable, the vote of each member shall be

11  weighted in accordance with s. 608.4231(1)(b).

12         (2)  In addition to the approval required by subsection

13  (1), if the surviving entity is a partnership, no member of a

14  limited liability company that is a party to the merger shall,

15  as a result of the merger, become a general partner of the

16  surviving entity unless such member specifically consents in

17  writing to becoming a general partner of the surviving entity

18  and unless such written consent is obtained from each such

19  member who, as a result of the merger, would become a general

20  partner of the surviving entity, such merger shall not become

21  effective under s. 608.4383.  Any member providing such

22  consent in writing shall be deemed to have voted in favor of

23  the plan of merger for purposes of s. 608.4384.

24         (3)  All members of each limited liability company that

25  is a party to the merger shall be given written notice of any

26  meeting or other action with respect to the approval of a plan

27  of merger as provided in subsection (4), not fewer than 30 or

28  more than 60 days before the date of the meeting at which the

29  plan of merger shall be submitted for approval by the members

30  of such limited liability company, provided, if the plan of

31  merger is submitted to the members of the limited liability

                                  17
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  company for their written approval or other action without a

 2  meeting, such notification shall be given to each member not

 3  fewer than 30 or more than 60 days before the effective date

 4  of the merger.  Pursuant to s. 608.455, the notification

 5  required by this subsection may be waived in writing by the

 6  person or persons entitled to such notification.

 7         (4)  The notification required by subsection (3) shall

 8  be in writing and shall include:

 9         (a)  The date, time, and place of the meeting, if any,

10  at which the plan of merger is to be submitted for approval by

11  the members of the limited liability company, or, if the plan

12  of merger is to be submitted for written approval or by other

13  action without a meeting, a statement to that effect.

14         (b)  A copy or summary of the plan of merger.

15         (c)  A clear and concise statement that, if the plan of

16  merger is effected, members dissenting therefrom may be

17  entitled, if they comply with the provisions of s. 608.4384

18  regarding the rights of dissenting members, to be paid the

19  fair value of their interests, which shall be accompanied by a

20  copy of s. 608.4384.

21         (d)  A statement of, or a statement of the method of

22  determining, the "fair value," as defined in s.

23  608.4384(1)(b), of an interest in the limited liability

24  company, in the case of a limited liability company in which

25  management is not reserved to its members, as determined by

26  the managers of such limited liability company, which

27  statement may consist of a reference to the applicable

28  provisions of such limited liability company's articles of

29  organization or regulations that determine the fair value of

30  an interest in the limited liability company for such

31  purposes, and which shall constitute an offer by the limited

                                  18
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  liability company to purchase at such fair value any interests

 2  of a "dissenter," as defined in s. 608.4384(1)(a), unless and

 3  until such dissenter's right to receive the fair value of his

 4  interests in the limited liability company is terminated

 5  pursuant to s. 608.4384(8).

 6         (e)  The date on which such notification was mailed or

 7  delivered to the members.

 8         (f)  Any other information concerning the plan of

 9  merger.

10         (5)  The notification required by subsection (3) shall

11  be deemed to be given at the earliest date of:

12         (a)  The date such notification is received;

13         (b)  Five days after the date such notification is

14  deposited in the United States mail addressed to the member at

15  his address as it appears in the books and records of the

16  limited liability company, with postage thereon prepaid;

17         (c)  The date shown on the return receipt, if sent by

18  registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and

19  the receipt is signed by or on behalf of the addressee; or

20         (d)  The date such notification is given in accordance

21  with the provisions of the articles of organization or the

22  regulations of the limited liability company.

23         (6)  A plan of merger may provide for the manner, if

24  any, in which the plan of merger may be amended at any time

25  before the effective date of the merger, except after the

26  approval of the plan of merger by the members of a limited

27  liability company that is a party to the merger, the plan of

28  merger may not be amended to:

29         (a)  Change the amount or kind of interests,

30  partnership interests, shares, obligations, other securities,

31  cash, rights, or any other property to be received by the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  members of such limited liability company in exchange for or

 2  on conversion of their interests;

 3         (b)  If the surviving entity is a limited liability

 4  company, change any term of the articles of organization or

 5  the regulations of the surviving entity, except for changes

 6  that otherwise could be adopted without the approval of the

 7  members of the surviving entity;

 8         (c)  If the surviving entity is not a limited liability

 9  company, change any term of the articles of incorporation or

10  comparable governing document of the surviving entity, except

11  for changes that otherwise could be adopted by the board of

12  directors or comparable representatives of the surviving

13  entity; or

14         (d)  Change any of the terms and conditions of the plan

15  of merger if any such change, alone or in the aggregate, would

16  materially and adversely affect the members, or any class or

17  group of members, of such limited liability company.

18

19  If an amendment to a plan of merger is made in accordance the

20  plan and articles of merger have been filed with the

21  Department of State, amended articles of merger executed by

22  each limited liability company and other business entity that

23  is a party to the merger shall be filed with the Department of

24  State prior to the effective date of the merger.

25         (7)  Unless the limited liability company's articles of

26  organization or regulations or the plan of merger provide

27  otherwise, notwithstanding the prior approval of the plan of

28  merger by any limited liability company that is a party to the

29  merger in which management is not reserved to its members, and

30  at any time prior to the filing of articles of merger with the

31  Department of State, the planned merger may be abandoned,

                                  20
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  subject to any contractual rights, by any such limited

 2  liability company by the affirmative vote of a majority of its

 3  managers without further action by its members, in accordance

 4  with the procedure set forth in the plan of merger or if none

 5  is set forth, in the manner determined by the managers of such

 6  limited liability company.

 7         608.4382  Articles of merger.--

 8         (1)  After a plan of merger is approved by each limited

 9  liability company and other business entity that is a party to

10  the merger, the surviving entity shall deliver to the

11  Department of State for filing articles of merger, which shall

12  be executed by each limited liability company and by each

13  other business entity as required by applicable law, and which

14  shall set forth:

15         (a)  The plan of merger.

16         (b)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

17  by each limited liability company that is a party to the

18  merger in accordance with the applicable provisions of this

19  chapter, and, if applicable, a statement that the written

20  consent of each member of such limited liability company who,

21  as a result of the merger, becomes a general partner of the

22  surviving entity has been obtained pursuant to s. 608.4381(2).

23         (c)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

24  by each domestic partnership that is a party to the merger in

25  accordance with the applicable provisions of chapter 620.

26         (d)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

27  by each domestic corporation that is a party to the merger in

28  accordance with the applicable provisions of chapter 607.

29         (e)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

30  by each other business entity that is a party to the merger,

31  other than limited liability companies, partnerships, and

                                  21
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  corporations formed, organized, or incorporated under the laws

 2  of this state, in accordance with the applicable laws of the

 3  state, country, or jurisdiction under which such other

 4  business entity is formed, organized, or incorporated.

 5         (f)  The effective date of the merger, which may be on

 6  or after the date of filing the articles of merger, provided,

 7  if the articles of merger do not provide for an effective date

 8  of the merger, the effective date shall be the date on which

 9  the articles of merger are filed.

10         (g)  If the surviving entity is another business entity

11  formed, organized, or incorporated under the laws of any

12  state, country, or jurisdiction other than this state:

13         1.  The address, including street and number, if any,

14  of its principal office under the laws of the state, country,

15  or jurisdiction in which it was formed, organized, or

16  incorporated.

17         2.  A statement that the surviving entity is deemed to

18  have appointed the Secretary of State as its agent for service

19  of process in a proceeding to enforce any obligation or the

20  rights of dissenting members of each limited liability company

21  that is a party to the merger.

22         3.  A statement that the surviving entity has agreed to

23  promptly pay to the dissenting members of each limited

24  liability company that is a party to the merger the amount, if

25  any, to which such dissenting members are entitled under s.

26  608.4384.

27         (2)  A copy of the articles of merger, certified by the

28  Department of State, may be filed in the office of the

29  official who is the recording officer of each county in this

30  state in which real property of a party to the merger other

31  than the surviving entity is situated.

                                  22
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1         608.4383  Effect of merger.--When a merger becomes

 2  effective:

 3         (1)  Every limited liability company and other business

 4  entity that is a party to the merger merges into the surviving

 5  entity and the separate existence of every limited liability

 6  company and other business entity that is a party to the

 7  merger, except the surviving entity, ceases.

 8         (2)  The title to all real estate and other property,

 9  or any interest therein, owned by each limited liability

10  company and other business entity that is a party to the

11  merger is vested in the surviving entity without reversion or

12  impairment and without any requirement to record any deed or

13  other conveyance.

14         (3)  The surviving entity shall thereafter be

15  responsible and liable for all the liabilities and obligations

16  of each limited liability company and other business entity

17  that is a party to the merger, including liabilities arising

18  out of the rights of dissenters with respect to such merger

19  under applicable law.

20         (4)  Any claim existing or action or proceeding pending

21  by or against any limited liability company or other business

22  entity that is a party to the merger may be continued as if

23  the merger did not occur or the surviving entity may be

24  substituted in the proceeding for the limited liability

25  company or other business entity which ceased existence.

26         (5)  Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon

27  the property of any limited liability company or other

28  business entity shall be impaired by such merger.

29         (6)  If a limited liability company is the surviving

30  entity, the articles of organization and the regulations of

31  such limited liability company in effect immediately prior to

                                  23
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  the time the merger becomes effective shall be the articles of

 2  organization and the regulations of the surviving entity,

 3  except as amended or restated to the extent provided in the

 4  plan of merger.

 5         (7)  The interests, partnership interests, shares,

 6  obligations, or other securities, and the rights to acquire

 7  interests, partnership interests, shares, obligations, or

 8  other securities, of each limited liability company and other

 9  business entity that is a party to the merger shall be

10  converted into interests, partnership interests, shares,

11  obligations, or other securities, or rights to such

12  securities, of the surviving entity or any other limited

13  liability company or other business entity or, in whole or in

14  part, into cash or other property as provided in the plan of

15  merger, and the former holders of interests, partnership

16  interests, shares, obligations, or other securities, or rights

17  to such securities, shall be entitled only to the rights

18  provided in the plan of merger and to their rights as

19  dissenters, if any, under s. 608.4384, ss. 607.1301-607.1320,

20  s. 620.205, or other applicable law.

21         608.4384  Rights of dissenting members.--

22         (1)  For purposes of this section, the term:

23         (a)  "Dissenter" means a member of a limited liability

24  company who is a recordholder of the interests to which he

25  seeks relief as of the date fixed for the determination of

26  members entitled to notice of a plan of merger, who does not

27  vote such interests in favor of the plan of merger, and who

28  exercises the right to dissent from the plan of merger when

29  and in the manner required by this section.

30         (b)  "Fair value," with respect to a dissenter's

31  interests, means the value of the interests in the limited

                                  24
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  liability company that is a party to a plan of merger as of

 2  the close of business of the day prior to the effective date

 3  of the merger to which the dissenter objects, excluding any

 4  appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the merger,

 5  unless such exclusion would be inequitable.

 6         (2)  Each member of a limited liability company that is

 7  a party to a merger shall have the right to be paid the fair

 8  value of his interests as a dissenter only as provided in this

 9  section.

10         (3)  Not later than 20 days after the date on which the

11  notification required by s. 608.4381(3) is given to the

12  members, or if such notification is waived in writing by the

13  dissenter, not later than 20 days after the date of such

14  written waiver, the dissenter shall deliver to the limited

15  liability company a written demand for payment to him of the

16  fair value of the interests as to which he seeks relief that

17  states his address, the number and class, if any, of those

18  interests, and, at the election of the dissenter, the amount

19  claimed by him as the fair value of the interests.  The

20  statement of fair market value by the dissenter, if any, shall

21  constitute an offer by the dissenter to sell the interests to

22  the limited liability company at such amount. A dissenter may

23  dissent as to less than all the interests registered in his

24  name.  In such event, the dissenter's rights shall be

25  determined as if the interests as to which he has dissented

26  and his remaining interests were registered in the names of

27  different members.  If the interests as to which a dissenter

28  seeks relief are represented by certificates, the dissenter

29  shall deposit such certificates with the limited liability

30  company simultaneously with the delivery of the written demand

31  for payment.  Upon receiving a demand for payment from a

                                  25
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  dissenter who is a recordholder of uncertificated interests,

 2  the limited liability company shall make an appropriate

 3  notation of the demand for payment in its records. The limited

 4  liability company may restrict the transfer of uncertificated

 5  interests from the date the dissenter's written demand for

 6  payment is delivered.  A written demand for payment served on

 7  the limited liability company in which the dissenter is a

 8  member shall constitute service on the surviving entity.

 9         (4)  The written demand for payment required by

10  subsection (3) shall be deemed to be delivered to the limited

11  liability company at the earliest of:

12         (a)  The date such written demand is received;

13         (b)  Five days after the date such written demand is

14  deposited in the United States mail addressed to the principal

15  business office of the limited liability company, with postage

16  thereon prepaid;

17         (c)  The date shown on the return receipt, if such

18  written demand is sent by registered or certified mail, return

19  receipt requested, and the receipt is signed by or on behalf

20  of the addressee; or

21         (d)  The date such written demand is given in

22  accordance with the provisions of the limited liability

23  company's articles of organization or regulations.

24         (5)  Unless the articles of organization or regulations

25  of the limited liability company in which the dissenter is a

26  member provides a basis or method for determining and paying

27  the fair value of the interests as to which the dissenter

28  seeks relief, or unless the limited liability company or the

29  surviving entity and the dissenter have agreed in writing as

30  to the fair value of the interests as to which the dissenter

31  seeks relief, the dissenter, the limited liability company, or

                                  26
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  the surviving entity, within 90 days after the dissenter

 2  delivers the written demand for payment to the limited

 3  liability company, may file an action in any court of

 4  competent jurisdiction in the county in this state where the

 5  registered office of the limited liability company is located

 6  or was located when the plan of merger was approved by its

 7  members, or in the county in this state in which the principal

 8  office of the limited liability company that issued the

 9  interests is located or was located when the plan of merger

10  was approved by its partners, requesting that the fair value

11  of the dissenter's interests be determined.  The court shall

12  also determine whether each dissenter that is a party to such

13  proceeding, as to whom the limited liability company or the

14  surviving entity requests the court to make such

15  determination, is entitled to receive payment of the fair

16  value for his interests.  Other dissenters, within the 90-day

17  period after a dissenter delivers a written demand to the

18  limited liability company, may join such proceeding as

19  plaintiffs or may be joined in any such proceeding as

20  defendants, and any two or more such proceedings may be

21  consolidated.  If the limited liability company or surviving

22  entity commences such a proceeding, all dissenters, whether or

23  not residents of this state, other than dissenters who have

24  agreed in writing with the limited liability company or the

25  surviving entity as to the fair value of the interests as to

26  which such dissenters seek relief, shall be made parties to

27  such action as an action against their interests.  The limited

28  liability company or the surviving entity shall serve a copy

29  of the initial pleading in such proceeding upon each dissenter

30  who is a party to such proceeding and who is a resident of

31  this state in the manner provided by law for the service of a

                                  27
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  summons and complaint and upon each such dissenter who is not

 2  a resident of this state either by registered or certified

 3  mail and publication or in such matter as is permitted by law.

 4  The jurisdiction of the court in such a proceeding shall be

 5  plenary and exclusive.  All dissenters who are proper parties

 6  to the proceeding are entitled to judgment against the limited

 7  liability company or the surviving entity for the amount of

 8  the fair value of their interests as to which payment is

 9  sought hereunder.  The court may, if it so elects, appoint one

10  or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and

11  recommend a decision on the question of fair value.  The

12  appraisers shall have such power and authority as is specified

13  in the order of their appointment or an amendment thereof.

14  The limited liability company shall pay each dissenter the

15  amount found to be due him within 10 days after final

16  determination of the proceedings.  Upon payment of the

17  judgment, the dissenter shall cease to have any interest in

18  the interests as to which payment is sought hereunder.

19         (6)  The judgment may, at the discretion of the court,

20  include a fair rate of interest, to be determined by the

21  court.

22         (7)  The costs and expenses of any such proceeding

23  shall be determined by the court and shall be assessed against

24  the limited liability company or the surviving entity, but all

25  or any part of such costs and expenses may be apportioned and

26  assessed as the court deems equitable against any or all of

27  the dissenters who are parties to the proceeding, to whom the

28  limited liability company or the surviving entity has made an

29  offer to pay for the interests, if the court finds that the

30  action of such dissenters in failing to accept such offer was

31  arbitrary, vexatious or not in good faith. Such expenses shall

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  include reasonable compensation for, and reasonable expenses

 2  of, the appraisers, but shall exclude the fees and expenses of

 3  counsel for, and experts employed by, any party. If the fair

 4  value of the interests, as determined, materially exceeds the

 5  amount which the limited liability company or the surviving

 6  entity offered to pay therefor, the court in its discretion

 7  may award to any dissenter who is a party to the proceeding

 8  such amount as the court determines to be reasonable

 9  compensation to any attorney or expert employed by the

10  dissenter in the proceeding.

11         (8)  The right of a dissenter to receive fair value for

12  and the obligation to sell such interests as to which he seeks

13  relief, and the right of the limited liability company or the

14  surviving entity to purchase such interests and the obligation

15  to pay the fair value of such interests, shall terminate if:

16         (a)  The dissenter has not complied with this section,

17  unless the limited liability company or the surviving entity

18  waives, in writing, such noncompliance;

19         (b)  The limited liability company abandons the merger

20  or is finally enjoined or prevented from carrying it out, or

21  the members rescind their adoption or approval of the merger;

22         (c)  The dissenter withdraws his demand, with the

23  consent of the limited liability company or the surviving

24  entity; or

25         (d)1.  The articles of organization or the regulations

26  of the limited liability company in which the dissenter was a

27  member does not provide a basis or method for determining and

28  paying the dissenter the fair value of his interests.

29         2.  The limited liability company or the surviving

30  entity and the dissenter have not agreed upon the fair value

31  of the dissenter's interests.

                                  29
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1         3.  Neither the dissenter, the limited liability

 2  company, nor the surviving entity has filed or is joined in a

 3  complaint under subsection (5) within the 90-day period

 4  provided in subsection (5).

 5         (9)  Unless otherwise provided in the articles of

 6  organization or the regulations of the limited liability

 7  company in which the dissenter was a member, after the date

 8  the dissenter delivers the written demand for payment in

 9  accordance with subsection (3) until either the termination of

10  the rights and obligations arising under subsection (3) or the

11  purchase of the dissenter's interests by the limited liability

12  company or the surviving entity, the dissenter shall be

13  entitled only to payment as provided in this section and shall

14  not be entitled to any other rights accruing from such

15  interests, including voting or distribution rights.  If the

16  right to receive fair value is terminated other than by the

17  purchase of the dissenter's interests by the limited liability

18  company or the surviving entity, all rights of the dissenter

19  as a member of the limited liability company shall be

20  reinstated effective as of the date the dissenter delivered

21  the written demand for payment, including the right to receive

22  any intervening payment or other distribution with respect to

23  the dissenter's interests in the limited liability company,

24  or, if any such rights have expired or any such distribution

25  other than a cash payment has been completed, in lieu thereof

26  at the election of the surviving entity, the fair value

27  thereof in cash as determined by the surviving entity as of

28  the time of such expiration or completion, but without

29  prejudice otherwise to any action or proceeding of the limited

30  liability company that may have been taken by the limited

31  liability company on or after the date the dissenter delivered

                                  30
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  the written demand for payment.

 2         (10)  A member who is entitled under this section to

 3  demand payment for his interests shall not have any right at

 4  law or in equity to challenge the validity of any merger that

 5  creates his entitlement to demand payment hereunder, or to

 6  have the merger set aside or rescinded, except with respect to

 7  compliance with the provisions of the limited liability

 8  company's articles of organization or regulations or if the

 9  merger is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to such member.

10         (11)  Unless otherwise provided in the articles of

11  organization or the regulations of the limited liability

12  company in which the dissenter was a member, this section does

13  not apply with respect to a plan of merger if, as of the date

14  fixed for the determination of members entitled to notice of a

15  plan of merger:

16         (a)  The interests of the limited liability company

17  were held of record by not fewer than 500 members; or

18         (b)  The interests were registered on a national

19  securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of

20  Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.

21         Section 11.  Sections 620.201, 620.202, 620.203,

22  620.204, and 620.205, Florida Statutes, are created to read:

23         620.201  Merger of domestic limited partnership.

24         (1)  As used in this section and ss. 620.202-620.205,

25  the term "other business entity" includes a corporation, a

26  limited liability company, a business trust or association, a

27  real estate investment trust, a common law trust, an

28  unincorporated business, a general partnership or a limited

29  partnership but excluding a domestic limited partnership, or

30  any other entity that is formed pursuant to the requirements

31  of applicable law.

                                  31
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1         (2)  Unless otherwise provided in the partnership

 2  agreement of a domestic limited partnership, pursuant to a

 3  plan of merger, a domestic limited partnership may merge with

 4  or into one or more domestic limited partnerships or other

 5  business entities formed, organized, or incorporated under the

 6  laws of this state or any other state, the United States,

 7  foreign country, or other foreign jurisdiction, if:

 8         (a)  Each domestic partnership that is a party to the

 9  merger complies with the applicable provisions of this chapter

10  and complies with the terms of its partnership agreement.

11         (b)  Each domestic limited liability company that is a

12  party to the merger complies with the applicable provisions of

13  chapter 608.

14         (c)  Each domestic corporation that is a party to the

15  merger complies with the applicable provisions of chapter 607.

16         (d)  The merger is permitted by the laws of the state,

17  country, or jurisdiction under which each other business

18  entity that is a party to the merger is formed, organized, or

19  incorporated, and each such other business entity complies

20  with such laws in effecting the merger.

21         (3)  The plan of merger shall set forth:

22         (a)  The name of each domestic limited partnership and

23  the name and jurisdiction of formation, organization, or

24  incorporation of each other business entity planning to merge,

25  and the name of the surviving or resulting domestic limited

26  partnership or other business entity into which each other

27  domestic limited partnership or other business entity plans to

28  merge, which is hereinafter and in ss. 620.202-620.205

29  designated as the surviving entity.

30         (b)  The terms and conditions of the merger.

31         (c)  The manner and basis of converting the partnership

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

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    Amendment No.    





 1  interests of each domestic limited partnership that is a party

 2  to the merger and the partnership interests, interests,

 3  shares, obligations, or other securities of each other

 4  business entity that is a party to the merger into partnership

 5  interests, interests, shares, obligations, or other securities

 6  of the surviving entity or any other domestic limited

 7  partnership or other business entity or, in whole or in part,

 8  into cash or other property, and the manner and basis of

 9  converting rights to acquire the partnership interests of each

10  domestic limited partnership that is a party to the merger and

11  rights to acquire partnership interests, interests, shares,

12  obligations, or other securities of each other business entity

13  that is a party to the merger into rights to acquire

14  partnership interests, interests, shares, obligations, or

15  other securities of the surviving entity or any other domestic

16  limited partnership or other business entity or, in whole or

17  in part, into cash or other property.

18         (d)  If a partnership is to be the surviving entity,

19  the names and business addresses of the general partners of

20  the surviving entity.

21         (e)  If a limited liability company is to be the

22  surviving entity, and management thereof is vested in one or

23  more managers, the names and business addresses of such

24  managers.

25         (f)  All statements required to be set forth in the

26  plan of merger by the laws under which each other business

27  entity that is a party to merger is formed, organized, or

28  incorporated.

29         (4)  The plan of merger may set forth:

30         (a)  If a domestic limited partnership is to be the

31  surviving entity, any amendments to, or a restatement of, the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  certificate of limited partnership or partnership agreement of

 2  the surviving entity, and such amendments or restatement shall

 3  be effective on the effective date of the merger.

 4         (b)  The effective date of the merger, which may be on

 5  or after the date of filing the certificate of merger.

 6         (c)  A provision authorizing one or more of the

 7  domestic limited partnerships that are parties to the merger

 8  to abandon the proposed merger pursuant to s. 620.202(7).

 9         (d)  A statement of, or a statement of the method of

10  determining, the "fair value," as defined in s. 620.205(1)(b),

11  of a partnership interest in any domestic limited partnership

12  that is a party to the merger.

13         (e)  Any other provisions relating to the merger.

14         620.202  Action on plan of merger.--

15         (1)  Unless otherwise provided in the partnership

16  agreement of a domestic limited partnership, the plan of

17  merger shall be approved in writing by all of the general

18  partners of a domestic limited partnership that is a party to

19  the merger. Unless the partnership agreement of a domestic

20  limited partnership requires a greater vote, the plan of

21  merger shall also be approved in writing by those limited

22  partners who own more than a majority of the then current

23  percentage or other interests in the profits of the domestic

24  limited partnership owned by all of the limited partners,

25  provided, unless the partnership agreement of the domestic

26  limited partnership requires a greater vote, if there is more

27  than one class or group of limited partners, the plan of

28  merger shall be approved by those limited partners who own

29  more than a majority of the then current percentage or other

30  interests in the profits of the domestic limited partnership

31  owned by the limited partners in each class or group.

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1         (2)  In addition to the approval required by subsection

 2  (1):

 3         (a)  If a domestic limited partnership is to be the

 4  surviving entity, no person shall, as a result of the merger,

 5  continue to be or become a general partner of the surviving

 6  entity, unless such person specifically consents in writing to

 7  continuing to be or to becoming, as the case may be, a general

 8  partner of the surviving entity, and unless such written

 9  consent is obtained from each such person who, as a result of

10  the merger, would become a general partner of the surviving

11  entity, such merger shall not become effective under s.

12  620.204.

13         (b)  If a partnership other than a domestic limited

14  partnership is to be the surviving entity, no partner of a

15  domestic limited partnership that is a party to the merger

16  shall, as a result of the merger, become a general partner of

17  the surviving entity unless such partner specifically consents

18  in writing to becoming a general partner of the surviving

19  entity, and unless such written consent is obtained from each

20  person who, as a result of the merger, would become a general

21  partner of the surviving entity, such merger shall not become

22  effective under s. 620.204.  Any person providing such consent

23  in writing shall be deemed to have voted in favor of the plan

24  of merger for purposes of s. 620.205.

25         (3)  All partners of each domestic limited partnership

26  that is a party to the merger shall be given written notice of

27  any meeting or other action with respect to the approval of a

28  plan of merger as provided in subsection (4), not fewer than

29  30 or more than 60 days before the date of the meeting at

30  which the plan of merger shall be submitted for approval by

31  the partners of such limited partnership.  However, if the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  plan of merger is submitted to the partners of the limited

 2  partnership for their written approval or other action without

 3  a meeting, such notification shall be given to each partner

 4  not fewer than 30 or more than 60 days before the effective

 5  date of the merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the

 6  notification required by this subsection may be waived in

 7  writing by the person or persons entitled to such

 8  notification.

 9         (4)  The notification required by subsection (3) shall

10  be in writing and shall include:

11         (a)  The date, time, and place of the meeting, if any,

12  at which the plan of merger shall be submitted for approval by

13  the partners of the domestic limited partnership, or, if the

14  plan of merger will be submitted for written approval or by

15  other action without a meeting, a statement to that effect.

16         (b)  A copy or summary of the plan of merger.

17         (c)  A clear and concise statement that, if the plan of

18  merger is effected, partners dissenting therefrom may be

19  entitled, if they comply with the provisions of s. 620.205

20  regarding the rights of dissenting partners, to be paid the

21  fair value of their partnership interests, which shall be

22  accompanied by a copy of s. 620.205.

23         (d)  A statement of, or a statement of the method of

24  determining, the "fair value," as defined in s. 620.205(1)(b),

25  of an interest in the limited partnership as determined by the

26  general partners of the limited partnership, which statement

27  may consist of a reference to the applicable provisions of

28  such limited partnership's partnership agreement that

29  determine the fair value of an interest in the limited

30  partnership for these purposes, and which shall constitute an

31  offer by the limited partnership to purchase at such fair

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  value any partnership interests of a "dissenter," as defined

 2  in s. 620.205(1)(a), unless and until such a dissenter's right

 3  to receive the fair value of his interests in the limited

 4  partnership are is terminated pursuant to s. 620.205(8).

 5         (e)  The date on which such notification was mailed or

 6  delivered to the partners.

 7         (f)  Any other information concerning the plan of

 8  merger.

 9         (5)  The notification required by subsection (3) shall

10  be deemed to be given at the earliest of:

11         (a)  The date such notification is received;

12         (b)  Five days after the date such notification is

13  deposited in the United States mail addressed to the partner

14  at his address as it appears in the books and records of the

15  limited partnership, with postage thereon prepaid;

16         (c)  The date shown on the return receipt, if sent by

17  registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and

18  the receipt is signed by or on behalf of the addressee; or

19         (d)  The date such notification is given in accordance

20  with the provisions of the limited partnership's partnership

21  agreement.

22         (6)  A plan of merger may provide for the manner, if

23  any, in which the plan of merger may be amended at any time

24  before the effective date of the merger, except, after the

25  approval of the plan of merger by the limited partners of a

26  domestic limited partnership that is a party to the merger,

27  the general partners of such domestic limited partnership

28  shall not be authorized to amend the plan of merger to:

29         (a)  Change the amount or kind of partnership

30  interests, interests, shares, obligations, other securities,

31  cash, rights, or any other property to be received by the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  limited partners of such domestic limited partnership in

 2  exchange for or on conversion of their partnership interests;

 3         (b)  If the surviving entity is a partnership, change

 4  any term of the partnership agreement of the surviving entity,

 5  except for changes that otherwise could be adopted by the

 6  general partners of the surviving entity;

 7         (c)  If the surviving entity is not a partnership,

 8  change any term of the articles of incorporation or comparable

 9  governing document of the surviving entity, except for changes

10  that otherwise could be adopted by the board of directors or

11  comparable representatives of the surviving entity; or

12         (d)  Change any of the terms and conditions of the plan

13  of merger if any such change, alone or in the aggregate, would

14  materially and adversely affect the limited partners, or any

15  class or group of limited partners, of such domestic limited

16  partnership.

17

18  If an amendment to a plan of merger is made in accordance with

19  such plan and articles of merger have been filed with the

20  Department of State, amended articles of merger executed by

21  the general partners of each domestic limited partnership and

22  other business entity that is a party to the merger shall be

23  filed with the Department of State prior to the effective date

24  of the merger.

25         (7)  Unless the domestic limited partnership's

26  partnership agreement or the plan of merger provides

27  otherwise, notwithstanding the prior approval of the plan of

28  merger by any domestic limited partnership that is a party to

29  the merger and at any time prior to the filing of articles of

30  merger with the Department of State, the planned merger may be

31  abandoned, subject to any contractual rights, by any such

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  domestic limited partnership by the affirmative vote of all of

 2  its general partners, without further action by its limited

 3  partners, in accordance with the procedure set forth in the

 4  plan of merger or if none is set forth, in the manner

 5  determined by the general partners of such domestic limited

 6  partnership.

 7         620.203  Articles of merger.--

 8         (1)  After a plan of merger is approved by each

 9  domestic limited partnership and other business entity that is

10  a party to the merger, the surviving entity shall deliver

11  articles of merger to the Department of State for filing,

12  which articles shall be executed by the general partners of

13  each domestic limited partnership and by each other business

14  entity as required by applicable law, and which shall set

15  forth:

16         (a)  The plan of merger.

17         (b)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

18  by each domestic partnership that is a party to the merger in

19  accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter,

20  and, if applicable, a statement that the written consent of

21  each person who, as a result of the merger, becomes a general

22  partner of the surviving entity has been obtained pursuant to

23  s. 620.202(2).

24         (c)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

25  by each domestic corporation that is a party to the merger in

26  accordance with the applicable provisions of chapter 607.

27         (d)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

28  by each domestic limited liability company that is a party to

29  the merger in accordance with the applicable provisions of

30  chapter 608.

31         (e)  A statement that the plan of merger was approved

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  by each other business entity that is a party to the merger,

 2  other than partnerships, limited liability companies, and

 3  corporations formed, organized, or incorporated under the laws

 4  of this state, in accordance with the applicable laws of the

 5  state, country, or jurisdiction under which such other

 6  business entity is formed, organized, or incorporated.

 7         (f)  The effective date of the merger, which may be on

 8  or after the date of filing the articles of merger, provided,

 9  if the articles of merger do not provide for an effective date

10  of the merger, the effective date shall be the date on which

11  the articles of merger are filed.

12         (g)  If the surviving entity is another business entity

13  formed, organized, or incorporated under the laws of any

14  state, country, or jurisdiction other than this state:

15         1.  The address, including street and number, if any,

16  of its principal office under the laws of the state, country,

17  or jurisdiction in which it was formed, organized or

18  incorporated.

19         2.  A statement that the surviving entity is deemed to

20  have appointed the Secretary of State as its agent for service

21  of process in a proceeding to enforce any obligation or the

22  rights of dissenting partners of each domestic limited

23  partnership that is a party to the merger.

24         3.  A statement that the surviving entity has agreed to

25  promptly pay to the dissenting partners of each domestic

26  limited partnership that is a party to the merger the amount,

27  if any, to which they are entitled under s. 620.205.

28         (2)  A copy of the articles of merger, certified by the

29  Department of State, may be filed in the office of the

30  official who is the recording officer of each county in this

31  state in which real property of a party to the merger other

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  than the surviving entity is situated.

 2         (3)  Articles of merger shall act as a certificate of

 3  cancellation for purposes of s. 620.113 for a domestic limited

 4  partnership that is a party to the merger that is not the

 5  surviving entity and such partnership's certificate of limited

 6  partnership shall be canceled upon the effective date of the

 7  merger.

 8         620.204  Effect of merger.--

 9         (1)  When a merger becomes effective:

10         (a)  Every domestic limited partnership and other

11  business entity that is a party to the merger merges into the

12  surviving entity and the separate existence of every domestic

13  limited partnership and other business entity that is a party

14  to the merger except the surviving entity ceases.

15         (b)  The title to all real estate and other property,

16  or any interest therein, owned by each domestic limited

17  partnership and other business entity that is a party to the

18  merger is vested in the surviving entity without reversion or

19  impairment and without any requirement to record any deed or

20  other conveyance.

21         (c)  The surviving entity shall thereafter be

22  responsible and liable for all the liabilities and obligations

23  of each domestic limited partnership and other business entity

24  that is a party to the merger, including liabilities arising

25  out of the rights of dissenters with respect to such merger

26  under applicable law.

27         (d)  Any claim existing or action or proceeding pending

28  by or against any domestic limited partnership or other

29  business entity that is a party to the merger may be continued

30  as if the merger did not occur or the surviving entity may be

31  substituted in the proceeding for the domestic limited

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  partnership or other business entity which ceased existence.

 2         (e)  Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon

 3  the property of any domestic limited partnership or other

 4  business entity shall be impaired by such merger.

 5         (f)  If a general partner of a partnership formed or

 6  organized under the laws of this state or any other state,

 7  country, or jurisdiction that is a party to the merger is not

 8  a general partner of the surviving entity, the former general

 9  partner shall have no liability for obligations arising out of

10  the rights of dissenters with respect to such merger under

11  applicable law or for any obligation incurred after the

12  effective date of the merger, except to the extent that a

13  former creditor of the partnership in which the former general

14  partner was a general partner extends credit to the surviving

15  entity reasonably believing that the former general partner

16  continued as a general partner of the surviving entity.

17         (g)  If a domestic limited partnership is the surviving

18  entity, the certificate of limited partnership and partnership

19  agreement of such partnership in effect immediately prior to

20  the time the merger becomes effective shall be the certificate

21  of limited partnership and partnership agreement of the

22  surviving entity, except as amended or restated to the extent

23  provided in the plan of merger.

24         (h)  The partnership interests, interests, shares,

25  obligations, or other securities, and the rights to acquire

26  partnership interests, membership interests, shares,

27  obligations, or other securities, of each domestic limited

28  partnership and other business entity that is a party to the

29  merger shall be converted into partnership interests,

30  interests, shares, obligations, or other securities, or rights

31  to such securities, of the surviving entity or any other

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  domestic limited partnership or other business entity or, in

 2  whole or in part, into cash or other property as provided in

 3  the plan of merger, and the former holders of partnership

 4  interests, interests, shares, obligations, or other

 5  securities, or rights to such securities, shall be entitled

 6  only to the rights provided in the plan of merger and to their

 7  rights as dissenters, if any, under s. 620.205, ss.

 8  607.1301-607.1320, s. 608.4384, or other applicable law.

 9         (2)  Unless otherwise provided in the plan of merger, a

10  merger of a domestic limited partnership, including a domestic

11  limited partnership that is not the surviving entity, shall

12  not require such domestic limited partnership to wind up its

13  affairs under s. 620.159 or pay its liabilities and distribute

14  its assets under s. 620.162.

15         620.205  Rights of dissenting partners.--

16         (1)  For purposes of this section, the term:

17         (a)  "Dissenter" means a partner of a domestic limited

18  partnership who is a recordholder of the partnership interests

19  to which he seeks relief as of the date fixed for the

20  determination of partners entitled to notice of a plan of

21  merger, who does not vote such interests in favor of the plan

22  of merger, and who exercises the right to dissent from the

23  plan of merger when and in the manner required by this

24  section.

25         (b)  "Fair value," with respect to a dissenter's

26  partnership interests, means the value of the partnership

27  interests in the domestic limited partnership that is a party

28  to a plan of merger as of the close of business of the day

29  prior to the effective date of the merger to which the

30  dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation

31  in anticipation of the merger, unless such exclusion would be

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  inequitable.

 2         (2)  Each partner of a domestic limited partnership

 3  that is a party to a merger shall have the right to be paid

 4  the fair value of his partnership interests as a dissenter as

 5  provided in this section.

 6         (3)  Not later than 20 days after the date on which the

 7  notification required by s. 620.202(3) is given to the

 8  partners, or if such notification was waived in writing by the

 9  dissenter, not later than 20 days after the date of such

10  written waiver, the dissenter shall deliver to the limited

11  partnership a written demand for payment to him of the fair

12  value of the interests as to which he seeks relief that states

13  his address, the number and class, if any, of those interests,

14  and, at the election of the dissenter, the amount claimed by

15  him as the fair value of the interests.  The statement of fair

16  market value by the dissenter, if any, shall constitute an

17  offer by the dissenter to sell the partnership interests to

18  the limited partnership for such amount.  A dissenter may

19  dissent as to less than all the partnership interests

20  registered in his name.  In such event, the dissenter's rights

21  shall be determined as if the partnership interests as to

22  which he has dissented and his remaining partnership interests

23  were registered in the names of different partners.  If the

24  interests as to which a dissenter seeks relief are represented

25  by certificates, the dissenter shall deposit such certificates

26  with the limited partnership simultaneously with the delivery

27  of the written demand for payment.  Upon receiving a demand

28  for payment from a dissenter who is a record holder of

29  uncertificated interests, the limited partnership shall make

30  an appropriate notation of the demand for payment in its

31  records.  The limited partnership may restrict the transfer of

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  uncertificated interests from the date the dissenter's written

 2  demand for payment is delivered.  A written demand for payment

 3  served on the domestic limited partnership in which the

 4  dissenter is a partner shall constitute service on the

 5  surviving entity.

 6         (4)  The written demand for payment required by

 7  subsection (3) shall be deemed to be delivered to the limited

 8  partnership at the earliest of:

 9         (a)  The date such written demand is received;

10         (b)  Five days after the date such written demand is

11  deposited in the United States mail addressed to the principal

12  business office of the limited partnership, with postage

13  thereon prepaid;

14         (c)  The date shown on the return receipt, if such

15  written demand is sent by registered or certified mail, return

16  receipt requested, and the receipt is signed by or on behalf

17  of the addressee; or

18         (d)  The date such written demand is given in

19  accordance with the provisions of the limited partnership's

20  partnership agreement.

21         (5)  Unless the partnership agreement of the limited

22  partnership in which the dissenter is a partner provides a

23  basis or method for determining and paying the fair value of

24  the interests as to which the dissenter seeks relief, or

25  unless the limited partnership or the surviving entity and the

26  dissenter have agreed in writing as to the fair value of the

27  interests as to which the dissenter seeks relief, the

28  dissenter, the limited partnership, or the surviving entity,

29  within 90 days after the dissenter delivers the written demand

30  for payment to the limited partnership, may file an action in

31  any court of competent jurisdiction in the county in this

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  state where the registered office of the limited partnership

 2  is located or was located when the plan of merger was approved

 3  by its partners, or in the county in this state in which the

 4  principal office of the limited partnership that issued the

 5  partnership interests is located or was located when the plan

 6  of merger was approved by its partners, requesting a

 7  determination of the fair value of the dissenter's partnership

 8  interests.  The court shall also determine whether each

 9  dissenter that is a party to such proceeding, as to whom the

10  limited partnership or the surviving entity requests the court

11  to make such determination, is entitled to receive payment of

12  the fair value for his partnership interests. Other

13  dissenters, within the 90-day period after a dissenter

14  delivers a written demand to the partnership, may join such

15  proceeding as plaintiffs or may be joined in any such

16  proceeding as defendants, and any two or more such proceedings

17  may be consolidated.  If the limited partnership or surviving

18  entity commences such a proceeding, all dissenters, whether or

19  not residents of this state, other than dissenters who have

20  agreed in writing with the limited partnership or the

21  surviving entity as to the fair value of the partnership

22  interests as to which such dissenters seek relief, shall be

23  made parties to such action as an action against their

24  partnership interests.  The limited partnership or the

25  surviving entity shall serve a copy of the initial pleading in

26  such proceeding upon each dissenter who is a party to such

27  proceeding and who is a resident of this state in the manner

28  provided by law for the service of a summons and complaint and

29  upon each such dissenter who is not a resident of this state

30  either by registered or certified mail and publication or in

31  such manner as is permitted by law.  The jurisdiction of the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  court in such a proceeding shall be plenary and exclusive.

 2  All dissenters who are proper parties to the proceeding are

 3  entitled to judgment against the limited partnership or the

 4  surviving entity for the amount of the fair value of their

 5  partnership interests as to which payment is sought hereunder.

 6  The court may, if it so elects, appoint one or more persons as

 7  appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the

 8  question of fair value.  The appraisers shall have such power

 9  and authority as is specified in the order of their

10  appointment or an amendment thereof.  The limited partnership

11  shall pay each dissenter the amount found to be due him within

12  10 days after final determination of the proceedings.  Upon

13  payment of the judgment, the dissenter shall cease to have any

14  interest in the partnership interests as to which payment is

15  sought hereunder.

16         (6)  The judgment may, at the discretion of the court,

17  include a fair rate of interest, to be determined by the

18  court.

19         (7)  The costs and expenses of any such proceeding

20  shall be determined by the court and shall be assessed against

21  the limited partnership or the surviving entity.  However, all

22  or any part of such costs and expenses may be apportioned and

23  assessed as the court deems equitable against any or all of

24  the dissenters who are parties to the proceeding, to whom the

25  limited partnership or the surviving entity has made an offer

26  to pay for the partnership interests, if the court finds that

27  the action of such dissenters in failing to accept such offer

28  was arbitrary, vexatious, or not in good faith. Such expenses

29  shall include reasonable compensation for, and reasonable

30  expenses of, the appraisers, but shall exclude the fees and

31  expenses of counsel for, and experts employed by, any party.

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  If the fair value of the partnership interests, as determined,

 2  materially exceeds the amount which the limited partnership or

 3  the surviving entity offered to pay therefor, the court in its

 4  discretion may award to any dissenter who is a party to the

 5  proceeding such amount as the court determines to be

 6  reasonable compensation to any attorney or expert employed by

 7  the dissenter in the proceeding.

 8         (8)  The right of a dissenter to receive fair value for

 9  and the obligation to sell such partnership interests as to

10  which he seeks relief and the right of the domestic limited

11  partnership or the surviving entity to purchase such interests

12  and the obligation to pay the fair value of such interests

13  shall terminate if:

14         (a)  The dissenter has not complied with this section,

15  unless the limited partnership or the surviving entity waives

16  in writing such noncompliance;

17         (b)  The limited partnership abandons the merger or is

18  finally enjoined or prevented from carrying out the merger, or

19  the partners rescind their adoption or approval of the merger;

20         (c)  The dissenter withdraws his demand, with the

21  consent of the limited partnership or the surviving entity; or

22         (d)1.  The partnership agreement of the domestic

23  limited partnership in which the dissenter was a partner does

24  not provide a basis or method for determining and paying the

25  dissenter the fair value of his partnership interests.

26         2.  The limited partnership or the surviving entity and

27  the dissenter have not agreed upon the fair value of the

28  dissenter's partnership interests.

29         3.  Neither the dissenter, the limited partnership nor

30  the surviving entity has filed or is joined in a complaint

31  under subsection (5) within the 90-day period provided in that

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  subsection.

 2         (9)  Unless otherwise provided in the partnership

 3  agreement of the domestic limited partnership in which the

 4  dissenter was a partner, after the date the dissenter delivers

 5  the written demand for payment in accordance with subsection

 6  (3) until either the termination of the rights and obligations

 7  arising from it or the purchase of the dissenter's partnership

 8  interests by the limited partnership or the surviving entity,

 9  the dissenter shall be entitled only to payment as provided in

10  this section and shall not be entitled to any other rights

11  accruing from such interests, including voting or distribution

12  rights.  If the right to receive fair value is terminated

13  other than by the purchase of the dissenter's partnership

14  interests by the limited partnership or the surviving entity,

15  all rights of the dissenter as a partner of the limited

16  partnership shall be reinstated effective as of the date the

17  dissenter delivered the written demand for payment, including

18  the right to receive any intervening payment or other

19  distribution with respect to the dissenter's interests in the

20  limited partnership, or, if any such rights have expired or

21  any such distribution other than a cash payment has been

22  completed, in lieu thereof at the election of the surviving

23  entity, the fair value thereof in cash as determined by the

24  surviving entity as of the time of such expiration or

25  completion, but without prejudice otherwise to any action or

26  proceeding of the limited partnership that may have been taken

27  by the limited partnership on or after the date the dissenter

28  delivered the written demand for payment.

29         (10)  A partner who is entitled under this section to

30  demand payment for his partnership interests shall not have

31  any right at law or in equity to challenge the validity of any

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1  merger that creates his entitlement to demand payment

 2  hereunder, or to have the merger set aside or rescinded,

 3  except with respect to compliance with the provisions of the

 4  limited partnership's partnership agreement or if the merger

 5  is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to such partner.

 6         (11)  Unless otherwise provided in the partnership

 7  agreement of the domestic limited partnership in which the

 8  dissenter was a partner, this section does not apply with

 9  respect to a plan of merger if, as of the date fixed for the

10  determination of partners entitled to notice of a plan of

11  merger:

12         (a)  The partnership interests of the limited

13  partnership were held of record by not fewer than 500

14  partners; or

15         (b)  The partnership interests were registered on a

16  national securities exchange or quoted on the National

17  Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.

18

19  (Redesignate subsequent sections.)

20

21

22  ================ T I T L E   A M E N D M E N T ===============

23  And the title is amended as follows:

24         On page 1, line 16, after the semicolon,

25

26  insert:

27         amending s. 607.0730, F.S.; removing 10-year

28         limit on voting trusts; creating holding

29         company formation by merger by certain

30         corporations; amending s. 608.407, F.S.;

31         reducing minimum number of members necessary to

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. SB 704

    Amendment No.    





 1         form a limited liability company; creating ss.

 2         607.1108, 607.1109, 607.11101, F.S.; providing

 3         for mergers of domestic corporations and other

 4         business entities under certain circumstances;

 5         requiring a plan of merger; providing criteria;

 6         providing for articles of merger; providing for

 7         effect of merger; creating ss. 608.438,

 8         608.4381, 608.4382, 608.4383, 608.4384, F.S.;

 9         providing for mergers of limited liability

10         companies under certain circumstances;

11         requiring a plan of merger; providing criteria;

12         providing for action on a plan of merger;

13         providing procedures; providing for articles of

14         merger; providing for effect of merger;

15         providing for rights of dissenting members;

16         providing procedures; creating ss. 620.201,

17         620.202, 620.203, 620.204, 620.205, F.S.;

18         providing for mergers of domestic limited

19         partnerships under certain circumstances;

20         requiring a plan of merger; providing criteria;

21         providing for action on a plan of merger;

22         providing procedures; providing for articles of

23         merger; providing for effect of merger;

24         providing for rights of dissenting partners;

25         providing procedures;

26

27

28

29

30

31

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