SB494: Bill Text

SB494,106,3 (2) Undertaking to repay. A written undertaking, executed personally or on his or her behalf, to repay the allowance and, if required by the bank, to pay reasonable interest on the allowance to the extent that it is ultimately determined under s. 221.0631 that indemnification under s. 221.0627 (2) is not required and that indemnification is not ordered by a court under s. 221.0630 (2) (b). The undertaking under this subsection shall be an unlimited general obligation of the director or officer and may be accepted without reference to his or her ability to repay the allowance. The undertaking may be secured or unsecured.

SB494,106,11 221.0630 Court-ordered indemnification. (1) Application for indemnification. Except as provided otherwise by written agreement between the director or officer and the bank, a director or officer who is a party to a proceeding may apply for indemnification to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. Application shall be made for an initial determination by the court under s. 221.0631 (5) or for review by the court of an adverse determination under s. 221.0631 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (6). After receipt of an application, the court shall give any notice that it considers necessary.

SB494,106,13 (2) When to be ordered by court. The court shall order indemnification if it determines any of the following:

SB494,106,18 (a) That the director or officer is entitled to indemnification under s. 221.0627. If the court also determines that the bank unreasonably refused the director's or officer's request for indemnification, the court shall order the bank to pay the director's or officer's reasonable expenses incurred to obtain the court-ordered indemnification.

SB494,106,21 (b) That the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, regardless of whether indemnification is required under s. 221.0627.

SB494,107,2 221.0631 Determination of right to indemnification. Unless otherwise provided by the articles of incorporation or bylaws or by written agreement between the director or officer and the bank, the director or officer seeking indemnification under s. 221.0627 (2) shall select one of the following means for determining his or her right to indemnification:

SB494,107,9 (1) Board or committee vote. By a majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors consisting of directors who are not at the time parties to the same or related proceedings. If a quorum of disinterested directors cannot be obtained, by majority vote of a committee duly appointed by the board of directors and consisting solely of 2 or more directors who are not at the time parties to the same or related proceedings. Directors who are parties to the same or related proceedings may participate in the designation of members of the committee.

SB494,107,14 (2) Independent legal counsel. By independent legal counsel selected by a quorum of the board of directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in sub. (1) or, if unable to obtain such a quorum or committee, by a majority vote of the full board of directors, including directors who are parties to the same or related proceedings.

SB494,107,18 (3) Panel of arbitrators. By a panel of 3 arbitrators consisting of one arbitrator selected by those directors entitled under sub. (2) to select independent legal counsel, one arbitrator selected by the director or officer seeking indemnification and one arbitrator selected by the 2 arbitrators previously selected.

SB494,107,22 (4) Shareholder vote. By an affirmative vote of shares as provided in s. 221.0501. Shares owned by, or voted under the control of, persons who are at the time parties to the same or related proceedings, whether as plaintiffs or defendants or in any other capacity, may not be voted in making the determination.

SB494,107,23 (5) Court order. By a court under s. 221.0630.

SB494,107,25 (6) Other methods. By any other method provided for in any additional right to indemnification permitted under s. 221.0634.

SB494,108,6 221.0632 Indemnification and allowance of expenses of employes and agents. (1) Mandatory indemnification. Except as provided in sub. (3), a bank shall indemnify an employe who is not a director or officer, to the extent that he or she has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of a proceeding, for all reasonable expenses incurred in the proceeding if the employe was a party because he or she was an employe of the bank.

SB494,108,11 (2) Permitted indemnification. Except as provided in sub. (3), in addition to the indemnification required by sub. (1), a bank may indemnify and allow reasonable expenses of an employe or agent who is not a director or officer to the extent provided by the articles of incorporation or bylaws, by general or specific action of the board of directors or by contract.

SB494,108,17 (3) Prohibited indemnification. A bank may not indemnify or allow reasonable expenses of an employe or agent who is not a director or officer if the indemnification or allowance is expressly prohibited by s. 221.0803, by other provisions of this chapter or by applicable federal law or in connection with an administrative proceeding or action instituted under ch. 220 which results in a final order against an officer or director under s. 220.04 (4), (9) or (10).

SB494,109,2 221.0633 Insurance. Except as expressly prohibited by other provisions of this chapter or applicable federal law or in connection with an administrative proceeding or action instituted under ch. 220 which results in a final order against an employe, agent, director or officer under s. 220.04 (4), (9) or (10), a bank may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the employe, agent, director or officer against liability asserted against or incurred by the individual in his or her capacity as an employe, agent, director or officer or arising from his or her status as an employe, agent, director or officer, regardless of whether the bank is required or authorized to indemnify or allow expenses to the individual against the same liability under ss. 221.0627, 221.0629, 221.0632 and 221.0634.

SB494,109,10 221.0634 Additional rights to indemnification and allowance of expenses. (1) Provision for additional rights. Except as provided in sub. (2) and except as expressly prohibited by other provisions of this chapter or applicable federal law or in connection with an administrative proceeding or action instituted under ch. 220 which results in a final order against an officer or director under s. 220.04 (4), (9) or (10), ss. 221.0627 and 221.0629 do not preclude any additional right to indemnification or allowance of expenses that a director or officer may have under any of the following:

SB494,109,11 (a) The articles of incorporation or bylaws.

SB494,109,12 (b) A written agreement between the director or officer and the bank.

SB494,109,13 (c) A resolution of the board of directors.

SB494,109,15 (d) A resolution that is adopted, after notice, by a majority vote of all of the bank's voting shares then issued and outstanding.

SB494,109,23 (2) When additional rights prohibited. Regardless of the existence of an additional right under sub. (1), the bank may not indemnify a director or officer, or permit a director or officer to retain any allowance of expenses, unless it is determined by or on behalf of the bank that the director or officer did not breach or fail to perform a duty that he or she owes to the bank which constitutes conduct under s. 221.0627 (2) (a) 1., 2., 3. or 4. A director or officer who is a party to the same or related proceeding for which indemnification or an allowance of expenses is sought may not participate in a determination under this subsection.

SB494,110,3 (3) Reimbursement of certain expenses. Sections 221.0626 to 221.0635 do not affect a bank's power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director or officer in any of the following circumstances:

SB494,110,4 (a) As a witness in a proceeding to which he or she is not a party.

SB494,110,6 (b) As a plaintiff or petitioner in a proceeding because he or she is or was an employe, agent, director or officer.

SB494,110,11 221.0635 Indemnification and insurance against securities law claims. (1) In general. It is the public policy of this state to require or permit indemnification, allowance of expenses and insurance for any liability incurred in connection with a proceeding involving securities regulation described under sub. (2) to the extent required or permitted under ss. 221.0626 to 221.0634.

SB494,110,15 (2) Applicability. Sections 221.0626 to 221.0634 apply, to the extent applicable to any other proceeding, to any proceeding involving a federal law or regulation or a state law or rule that regulates the offer, sale or purchase of securities, securities brokers or dealers, or investment companies or investment advisors.

SB494,110,17 221.0636 Theft. (1) Theft prohibited. (a) An officer, director, employe or agent of a bank may not do any of the following:

SB494,110,19 1. Steal, abstract or wilfully misapply money, funds, credits, or property of the bank, whether owned by the bank or held in trust.

SB494,110,22 2. Without authority of the board of directors, issue or put forth a certificate of deposit, draw an order or bill of exchange or make an acceptance, assign a note, bond, draft, bill of exchange, mortgage, judgment or decree.

SB494,110,25 3. Make a false entry in a book, report or statement of the bank with intent to injure or defraud the bank or any person, or to deceive an officer of the bank, an agent appointed to examine the affairs of the bank, or any other person.

SB494,111,1 (b) A person may not intentionally aid or abet a violation of par. (a).

SB494,111,3 (2) Penalty. Any person who violates sub. (1) may be imprisoned for not more than 20 years.

SB494,111,9 221.0637 Bank officers and employes not to take commissions. (1) Commissions prohibited. An officer, director, agent or employe of a bank may not, directly or indirectly, take, accept or receive, or offer or agree to take, accept or receive, a commission, fee, compensation, or thing of material value, from any person in consideration of the bank of which he or she is an officer, director, agent or employe, doing any of the following:

SB494,111,10 (a) Loaning any money to a person.

SB494,111,12 (b) Buying or discounting a note, bond, draft, or bill of exchange from the person.

SB494,111,13 (c) Accepting any draft for, or issuing any letter of credit to, the person.

SB494,111,15 (2) Penalties. Any person who violates sub. (1) may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years or both.

SB494,111,16 SUBSECTION VII

SB494,111,18 SHARE EXCHANGE, MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION

SB494,112,3 221.0701 Share exchange. A bank or other corporation may acquire all of the outstanding shares of one or more classes or series of a bank organized under this chapter, with the approval of the division, if the board of directors of the bank, by resolution adopted by the board, approves a plan of share exchange and its shareholders also approve a plan of share exchange pursuant to ss. 180.1102 to 180.1106. This section does not limit the power of a corporation or bank to acquire all or part of the shares of one or more classes or series of a bank through a voluntary exchange or otherwise. Application for approval of a share exchange shall be made to the division on a form prescribed by the division. The application shall be accompanied by a fee established by the division.

SB494,112,22 221.0702 Consolidation or merger of banks. (1) In general. Any 2 or more banks may, with the approval of the division, consolidate or merge into one bank under the charter of either existing bank. The consolidation or merger shall be done on such terms and conditions as may be lawfully agreed upon by a majority of the board of directors of each bank proposing to consolidate or merge and as may be ratified and confirmed by the affirmative vote of the shareholders of each of the banks. The affirmative vote of the shareholders must be by shareholders owning a majority of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote of each bank, or any greater percentage specified in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, and by at least a majority of any outstanding preferred stock entitled to vote of each bank, or any greater percentage specified in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. The vote must be at a meeting called by the directors, after sending notice of the time, place and object of the meeting to each shareholder of record in accordance with s. 221.0103. The capital stock of the consolidated or merged bank may not be less than that required under existing law for the organization of a state bank in the place in which it is located. If the consolidation or merger is approved by the division, a shareholder of either of the banks who did not vote for the consolidation or merger shall be given notice of the approval by the bank in which the shareholder holds an interest.

SB494,113,7 (2) Assets and liabilities of the consolidating or merging bank. The bank or banks consolidating or merging with another bank under sub. (1) may not be required to go into liquidation but their assets and liabilities shall be reported by the bank with which they have consolidated or merged. The rights, franchises and interests of the banks so consolidated or merged in and the property, personal and mixed, and choses in action belonging to the banks, are transferred to and vested in the consolidated or merged bank without any deed or other transfer. The consolidated or merged bank holds all rights of property, franchises and interests in the same manner and to the same extent as was held by the bank or banks so consolidated or merged.

SB494,113,19 (3) Role of division. After consultation with the banking review board, the division may make recommendations to any bank within this state as to the advisability of consolidation or merger with other banks and may make recommendations as to terms for consolidation or merger of banks in order to avoid a condition of oversupply of banks in any community or area of the state. The division may also, if requested so to do, act as mediator or arbitrator to fix any of the terms of any such consolidation or merger. The board of directors of any bank organized under the laws of this state may use a reasonable amount of the assets of the bank toward assisting in bringing about a consolidation or merger of banks or to aid in reorganization or in avoiding the closing of a bank, if the board considers it to be in the interests of safe banking and the maintenance of credit and banking facilities in the county in which the bank is located.

SB494,113,25 (4) Transfer of resources and liabilities. A bank, which is in good faith winding up its business, for the purpose of consolidating or merging with another bank, may transfer its resources and liabilities to the bank with which it is in process of consolidation or merger. A consolidation or merger may not be made without the consent of the division, and may not defeat or defraud any of the creditors in the collection of their debts against the banks.

SB494,114,3 (5) Application for consolidation or merger. The banks shall apply for approval of a consolidation or merger under sub. (1) on a form prescribed by the division. The application shall be accompanied by a fee determined by the division.

SB494,114,6 221.0703 Cancellation of charter of merged bank. If a bank has merged or consolidated with or been absorbed by another bank, the division shall cancel the charter of the bank.

SB494,114,13 221.0704 Interim banks. Subject to the approval of the division, one or more banks may consolidate or merge into or with an interim bank organized under this chapter under the charter of either the existing bank or banks or the interim bank in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for consolidation or merger of a bank. The division shall promulgate rules providing for a simple process for the organization of interim banks under this chapter. The rules shall permit the organization of an interim bank with a minimum of one director.

SB494,114,14 221.0705 Definitions. In ss. 221.0705 to 221.0718:

SB494,114,18 (1) "Bank" means the issuer bank or, if a corporate action giving rise to dissenters' rights under s. 221.0706 is a merger or share exchange that has been effectuated, the surviving bank of the merger or the acquiring corporation or bank of the share exchange.

SB494,114,20 (2) "Beneficial shareholder" means a person who is a beneficial owner of shares held by a nominee as the shareholder.

SB494,114,23 (3) "Dissenter" means a shareholder or beneficial shareholder who is entitled to dissent from corporate action under s. 221.0706 and who exercises that right when and in the manner required by ss. 221.0709 to 221.0716.

SB494,115,2 (4) "Fair value", with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the value of the shares immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action unless the exclusion would be inequitable.

SB494,115,5 (5) "Interest" means interest from the effectuation date of the corporate action until the date of payment, at a rate that is fair and equitable under all of the circumstances.

SB494,115,7 (6) "Issuer bank" means a bank that is the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter before the corporate action.

SB494,115,10 221.0706 Right to dissent. (1) Mandatory dissenters' rights. A shareholder or beneficial shareholder may dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair value of his or her shares in the event of, any of the following corporate actions:

SB494,115,11 (a) Consummation of a plan of merger to which the issuer bank is a party.

SB494,115,14 (b) Consummation of a plan of share exchange if the issuer bank's shares will be acquired, and the shareholder or the shareholder holding shares on behalf of the beneficial shareholder is entitled to vote on the plan.

SB494,115,19 (c) Except as provided in sub. (2), any other corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the extent that the articles of incorporation, the bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors provides that the voting or nonvoting shareholder or beneficial shareholder may dissent and obtain payment for his or her shares.

SB494,115,24 (2) Permissive dissenters' rights. The articles of incorporation may allow a shareholder or beneficial shareholder to dissent from an amendment of the articles of incorporation and obtain payment of the fair value of his or her shares if the amendment materially and adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it does any of the following:

SB494,115,25 (a) Alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares.

SB494,116,2 (b) Creates, alters or abolishes a right in respect of redemption, including a provision respecting a sinking fund for the redemption or repurchase, of the shares.

SB494,116,4 (c) Alters or abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of shares to acquire shares or other securities.

SB494,116,7 (d) Excludes or limits the right of the shares to vote on any matter or to cumulate votes, other than a limitation by dilution through issuance of shares or other securities with similar voting rights.

SB494,116,10 (e) Reduces the number of shares owned by the shareholder or beneficial shareholder to a fraction of a share if the fractional share so created is to be acquired for cash under s. 221.0506.

SB494,116,15 (3) Rights of dissenter. A shareholder or beneficial shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his or her shares under ss. 221.0701 to 221.0718 may not challenge the corporate action creating his or her entitlement unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to the shareholder, beneficial shareholder or issuer bank.

SB494,116,24 221.0707 Dissent by shareholders and beneficial shareholders. (1) Partial exercise of dissenters' rights. A shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than all of the shares registered in his or her name only if the shareholder dissents with respect to all shares beneficially owned by any one person and notifies the bank in writing of the name and address of each person on whose behalf he or she asserts dissenters' rights. The rights of a shareholder, who asserts dissenters' rights under this subsection as to fewer than all of the shares registered in his or her name, are determined as if the shares as to which he or she dissents and his or her other shares were registered in the names of different shareholders.

SB494,117,3 (2) Rights of beneficial shareholders. A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares held on his or her behalf only if the beneficial shareholder does all of the following:

SB494,117,5 (a) Submits to the bank the shareholder's written consent to the dissent not later than the time that the beneficial shareholder asserts dissenters' rights.

SB494,117,7 (b) Submits the consent under par. (a) with respect to all shares of which he or she is the beneficial shareholder.

SB494,117,13 221.0708 Notice of dissenters' rights. (1) Action at shareholder meeting. If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under s. 221.0706 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the meeting notice shall state that shareholders and beneficial shareholders are or may be entitled to assert dissenters' rights under ss. 221.0701 to 221.0718 and shall be accompanied by a copy of those sections.

SB494,117,18 (2) Action without shareholder vote. If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under s. 221.0706 is authorized without a vote of shareholders, the bank shall notify, in writing and in accordance with s. 221.0103, all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights that the action was authorized and send them the dissenters' notice described in s. 221.0710.

SB494,117,23 221.0709 Notice of intent to demand payment. (1) Method of asserting dissenters' rights. If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under s. 221.0706 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, a shareholder or beneficial shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters' rights shall do all of the following:

SB494,118,3 (a) Deliver to the issuer bank before the vote is taken written notice that complies with s. 221.0103 of the shareholder's or beneficial shareholder's intent to demand payment for his or her shares if the proposed action is effectuated.

SB494,118,4 (b) Refrain from voting his or her shares in favor of the proposed action.

SB494,118,7 (2) Failure to comply. A shareholder or beneficial shareholder who fails to comply with sub. (1) is not entitled to payment for his or her shares under ss. 221.0701 to 221.0718.

SB494,118,11 221.0710 Dissenters' notice. (1) When required. If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under s. 221.0706 is authorized at a shareholders' meeting, the bank shall deliver a written dissenters' notice to all shareholders and beneficial shareholders who satisfied s. 221.0709 (1).

SB494,118,16 (2) Timing and content of notice. The dissenters' notice shall be sent no later than 10 days after the corporate action is authorized at a shareholders' meeting or without a vote of shareholders, whichever is applicable, and all necessary regulatory approvals are obtained. The dissenters' notice shall comply with s. 221.0103 and shall include or have attached all of the following:

SB494,118,19 (a) A statement indicating where the shareholder or beneficial shareholder must send the payment demand and where and when certificates for certificated shares must be deposited.

SB494,118,21 (b) For holders of uncertificated shares, an explanation of the extent to which transfer of the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received.

SB494,119,2 (c) A form for demanding payment that includes the date of the first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed corporate action and that requires the shareholder or beneficial shareholder asserting dissenters' rights to certify whether he or she acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before that date.

SB494,119,5 (d) A date by which the bank must receive the payment demand, which may not be fewer than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the date on which the dissenters' notice is delivered.

SB494,119,6 (e) A copy of ss. 221.0701 to 221.0718.

SB494,119,14 221.0711 Duty to demand payment. (1) Manner of demanding payment. A shareholder or beneficial shareholder who is sent a dissenters' notice described in s. 221.0710, or a beneficial shareholder whose shares are held by a nominee who is sent a dissenters' notice described in s. 221.0710, must demand payment in writing and certify whether he or she acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before the date specified in the dissenters' notice under s. 221.0710 (2) (c). A shareholder or beneficial shareholder with certificated shares must also deposit his or her certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice.

SB494,119,19 (2) Effect of demand on holders of certificated shares. A shareholder or beneficial shareholder with certificated shares who demands payment and deposits his or her share certificates under sub. (1) retains all other rights of a shareholder or beneficial shareholder until these rights are canceled or modified by the effectuation of the corporate action.

SB494,119,25 (3) Effect of failure to demand. A shareholder or beneficial shareholder with certificated or uncertificated shares who does not demand payment by the date set in the dissenters' notice, or a shareholder or beneficial shareholder with certificated shares who does not deposit his or her share certificates where required and by the date set in the dissenters' notice, is not entitled to payment for his or her shares under ss. 221.0701 to 221.0718.

SB494,120,4 221.0712 Restriction on uncertificated shares. (1) When transfer restrictions permitted. The issuer bank may restrict the transfer of uncertificated shares from the date that the demand for payment for those shares is received until the corporate action is effectuated or the restrictions released under s. 221.0714.

SB494,120,9 (2) Effect of demand on holders of uncertificated shares. The shareholder or beneficial shareholder who asserts dissenters' rights as to uncertificated shares retains all of the rights of a shareholder or beneficial shareholder, other than those restricted under sub. (1), until these rights are canceled or modified by the effectuation of the corporate action.

SB494,120,14 221.0713 Payment. (1) When payment made. Except as provided in s. 221.0715, as soon as the corporate action is effectuated or upon receipt of a payment demand, whichever is later, the bank shall pay each shareholder or beneficial shareholder who has complied with s. 221.0711 the amount that the bank estimates to be the fair value of his or her shares, plus accrued interest.