Chapter 63 — Limited
Liability Companies
2011 EDITION
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
CORPORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(Definitions)
63.001 Definitions
63.002 Inclusion
of limited liability companies and managers and members of limited liability
companies in definitions
(Filing Documents)
63.004 Filing
requirements
63.007 Filing,
service, copying and certification fees
63.011 Effective
time and date of document
63.014 Correcting
filed document
63.016 Forms;
rules
63.017 Filing
duty of Secretary of State
63.021 Appeal
from Secretary of State’s refusal to file document
63.024 Evidentiary
effect of copy of filed document
63.027 Certificate
of existence or authorization
(Secretary of State)
63.031 Powers
(Notice)
63.034 Knowledge
and notice
ORGANIZATION
63.044 Formation
63.047 Articles
of organization
63.051 Organization
63.054 Liability
for preorganization transactions
63.057 Operating
agreements
PURPOSES AND POWERS
63.074 Purposes
63.077 General
powers
NAME
63.094 Limited
liability company name
63.097 Reserved
name
63.101 Registered
name
OFFICE AND AGENT
63.111 Registered
office and registered agent
63.114 Change
of registered office or registered agent
63.117 Resignation
of registered agent
63.121 Service
on limited liability company
MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS OF
MEMBERS
63.130 Rights
of members and managers; matters requiring consent of all or majority of
members
63.140 Agency
power of managers and members; interest in real property
63.155 Duties
and standard of conduct
63.160 Limitation
of liability and indemnification
63.165 Liability
of members and managers
63.170 Liability
of limited liability company for acts, omissions or conduct of member or
manager
FINANCES
63.175 Contributions
63.180 Liability
for contributions
63.185 Allocation
of profits and losses
DISTRIBUTIONS AND WITHDRAWAL
63.195 Allocation
of interim distributions
63.200 Right
to interim distributions
63.205 Voluntary
withdrawal of member
63.209 Expulsion
of member
63.219 Distribution
in kind
63.225 Right
to distribution
63.229 Limitations
on distribution
63.235 Liability
for wrongful distribution
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST
63.239 Nature
of membership interest
63.245 Admission
of members
63.249 Assignment
of membership interest; effect of assignment
63.255 Rights
of assignee who becomes member
63.259 Rights
of judgment creditor against member
63.265 Cessation
of membership
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
AND OPERATING AGREEMENT
63.431 Operating
agreement
63.434 Amendment
to articles of organization
63.437 Restated
articles of organization
63.441 Amendment
by managers
63.444 Amendment
by members
CONVERSIONS AND MERGERS
63.467 Definitions
for ORS 63.467 to 63.497
63.470 Conversion
63.473 Action
on plan of conversion
63.476 Articles
of conversion
63.479 Effect
of conversion; entity existence continues; assumed business name
63.481 Merger
63.487 Action
on plan of merger
63.494 Articles
of merger
63.497 Effect
of merger
DISSOLUTION
(Generally)
63.621 Dissolution
63.625 Distribution
of assets upon dissolution
63.629 Agency
power of members and managers after dissolution
63.631 Articles
of dissolution
63.637 Effect
of dissolution; winding up
63.641 Known
claims against dissolved limited liability company
63.644 Unknown
claims against dissolved limited liability company
63.645 Enforcement
of claims against dissolved limited liability company
(Administrative Dissolution)
63.647 Grounds
for administrative dissolution
63.651 Procedure;
effect of administrative dissolution
63.654 Reinstatement
following administrative dissolution
63.657 Appeal
from denial of reinstatement
(Judicial Dissolution)
63.661 Grounds
for judicial dissolution
63.664 Procedure
for judicial dissolution
63.671 Judgment
of dissolution
(Disposition of Assets)
63.674 Deposit
with Department of State Lands
FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
(Authority to Transact Business)
63.701 Authority
to transact business required
63.704 Consequences
of transacting business without authority
63.707 Application
for authority to transact business
63.711 Amendment
to application for authority
63.714 Effect
of authority
63.717 Name
of foreign limited liability company
63.721 Registered
office and registered agent of foreign limited liability company
63.724 Change
of registered office or registered agent of foreign limited liability company
63.727 Resignation
of registered agent of a foreign limited liability company
63.731 Service
on a foreign limited liability company
(Withdrawal)
63.734 Withdrawal
of foreign limited liability company
(Revocation of Authority)
63.737 Grounds
for revocation
63.741 Procedure
for and effect of revocation
63.744 Appeal
from revocation
63.747 Reinstatement
of authority
RECORDS AND REPORTS
(Records)
63.771 Limited
liability company records
63.777 Scope
of inspection right
63.781 Court-ordered
inspection
(Reports)
63.784 Certain
expense reports to members
63.787 Annual
report; updates; rules
DERIVATIVE PROCEEDINGS
63.801 Derivative
proceedings
STATE TAXATION
63.810 Taxation
of limited liability companies and members
MISCELLANEOUS
63.951 Short
title
63.955 Interstate
application
63.960 Applicability
of chapter to practice of dentistry
63.965 Reservation
of power to amend or repeal; effect of amendment or repeal
PENALTY
63.990 Penalty
for signing false document
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(Definitions)
63.001 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Anniversary” means that day each year exactly one or more years after:
(a)
The date of filing by the Secretary of State of the articles of organization in
the case of a domestic limited liability company.
(b)
The date of filing by the Secretary of State of an application for authority to
transact business in the case of a foreign limited liability company.
(2)
“Articles of organization” means the document described in ORS 63.047 for the
purpose of forming a limited liability company, including articles of
organization as they may be amended or restated, articles of conversion and
articles of merger.
(3)
“Bankruptcy” means:
(a)
Assignment by a member for the benefit of creditors;
(b)
Commencement of a voluntary bankruptcy case by a member;
(c)
Adjudication of a member as bankrupt or insolvent;
(d)
Filing by a member of a petition or answer seeking for the member any
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation,
dissolution or similar relief under any statute, law or rule;
(e)
Filing by a member of an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to
contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the member in any
proceeding of this nature;
(f)
Seeking, consenting to or acquiescing in the appointment of a trustee, receiver
or liquidator of the member or of all or any substantial part of the member’s
properties;
(g)
Commencement of an involuntary bankruptcy case against a member that has not
been dismissed on or before the 120th day after the commencement of the case;
(h)
Appointment, without the member’s consent, of a trustee, receiver or liquidator
either of the member or of all or any substantial part of the member’s
properties that is not vacated or stayed on or before the 90th day after
appointment; or
(i) Appointment described in paragraph (h) of this
subsection that is not vacated on or before the 90th day after expiration of
the stay under paragraph (h) of this subsection.
(4)
“Contribution” means anything of value that a person contributes to the limited
liability company as a prerequisite for or in connection with membership
including cash, property or services rendered or a promissory note or other
binding obligation to contribute cash or property or to perform services.
(5)
“Corporation” or “domestic corporation” means a corporation for profit
incorporated under ORS chapter 60.
(6)
“Distribution” means a direct or indirect transfer of money or other property,
except of a limited liability company’s own interests, or incurrence of
indebtedness by a limited liability company to or for the benefit of the
limited liability company’s members in respect of a member’s interests. A
distribution may be in the form of a declaration or payment of profits, a
purchase, retirement or other acquisition of interests, a distribution of
indebtedness, or otherwise.
(7)
“Domestic nonprofit corporation” means a corporation not for profit
incorporated under ORS chapter 65.
(8)
“Domestic professional corporation” means a corporation organized under ORS
chapter 58 for the purpose of rendering professional services and for the
purposes provided under ORS chapter 58.
(9)
“Entity” includes a domestic or foreign limited liability company, corporation,
professional corporation, foreign corporation, domestic or foreign nonprofit
corporation, domestic or foreign cooperative corporation, profit or nonprofit
unincorporated association, business trust, domestic or foreign general or
limited partnership, two or more persons having a joint or common economic
interest, any state, the United States, a federally recognized Native American
or American Indian tribal government or any foreign government.
(10)
“Foreign corporation” means a corporation for profit incorporated under laws
other than the laws of this state.
(11)
“Foreign limited liability company” means an entity that is an unincorporated
association organized under laws other than the laws of this state and that is
organized under a statute under which an association may be formed that affords
to each of the entity’s members limited liability with respect to the
liabilities of the entity.
(12)
“Foreign limited partnership” means a limited partnership formed under laws
other than the laws of this state and having as partners one or more general
partners and one or more limited partners.
(13)
“Foreign nonprofit corporation” means a corporation not for profit organized
under laws other than the laws of this state.
(14)
“Foreign professional corporation” means a professional corporation organized
under laws other than the laws of this state.
(15)
“Incompetency” means the entry of a judgment by a court of competent
jurisdiction adjudicating the member incompetent to manage the member’s person
or estate.
(16)
“Individual” means a natural person.
(17)
“Limited liability company” or “domestic limited liability company” means an
entity that is an unincorporated association having one or more members that is
organized under this chapter.
(18)
“Limited partnership” or “domestic limited partnership” means a partnership
formed by two or more persons under ORS chapter 70 and having one or more
general partners and one or more limited partners.
(19)
“Manager” or “managers” means a person or persons, who need not be members,
designated by the members of a manager-managed limited liability company to
manage the limited liability company’s business and affairs.
(20)
“Manager-managed limited liability company” means a limited liability company
that is designated as a manager-managed limited liability company in the
limited liability company’s articles of organization or whose articles of
organization otherwise expressly provide that the limited liability company
will be managed by a manager or managers.
(21)
“Member” or “members” means a person or persons with both an ownership interest
in a limited liability company and all the rights and obligations of a member
specified under this chapter. “Member” does not include an assignee of an
ownership interest who has not also acquired the voting and other rights
appurtenant to membership.
(22)
“Member-managed limited liability company” means a limited liability company
other than a manager-managed limited liability company.
(23)
“Membership interest” or “interest” means a member’s collective rights in a
limited liability company, including the member’s share of profits and losses
of the limited liability company, the right to receive distributions of the
limited liability company’s assets and any right to vote or participate in
management.
(24)
“Office,” when used to refer to the administrative unit directed by the
Secretary of State, means the office of the Secretary of State.
(25)
“Operating agreement” means any valid agreement, written or oral, of the member
or members as to the affairs of a limited liability company and the conduct of
the limited liability company’s business.
(26)
“Organizer” means one of the signers of the initial articles of organization.
(27)
“Party” includes an individual who was, is or is threatened to be made a named
defendant or respondent in a proceeding.
(28)
“Person” means an individual or entity.
(29)
“Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigatory and whether
formal or informal.
(30)
“State,” when referring to a part of the United States, includes a state,
commonwealth, territory or insular possession of the United States and the
agencies and governmental subdivisions of the state, commonwealth, territory or
insular possession.
(31)
“United States” includes a district, authority, bureau, commission, department
or any other agency of the United States. [1993 c.173 §2; 1995 c.93 §1; 1997
c.646 §1; 1999 c.86 §1; 1999 c.362 §28; 2001 c.315 §34; 2005 c.107 §3; 2009
c.14 §3; 2009 c.294 §6]
63.002 Inclusion of limited liability
companies and managers and members of limited liability companies in
definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires,
throughout Oregon Revised Statutes:
(1)
Wherever the term “person” is defined to include both a corporation and a
partnership, the term “person” shall also include a limited liability company.
(2)
Wherever a section of Oregon Revised Statutes applies to both “partners” and “directors,”
the section shall also apply:
(a)
In a limited liability company with one or more managers, to the managers of
the limited liability company.
(b)
In a limited liability company without managers, to the members of the limited
liability company.
(3)
Wherever a section of Oregon Revised Statutes applies to both “partners” and “shareholders,”
the section shall also apply to members of a limited liability company. [1995
c.93 §25]
(Filing Documents)
63.004 Filing requirements.
(1) A document must satisfy the requirements of this section, as modified by
any other provision of this chapter, to be entitled to filing by the Secretary
of State.
(2)
This chapter must require or permit filing the document with the office.
(3)
The document shall contain the information required by this chapter. It may
contain other information as well.
(4)
The document must be legible.
(5)
The document must be in the English language. The certificate of existence
required of foreign limited liability companies under ORS 63.707 need not be in
English if accompanied by a reasonably authenticated English translation.
(6)
Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, each document or report required by
this chapter to be filed with the office shall be executed in the following
manner:
(a)
Articles of organization shall be signed by or on behalf of one or more persons
wishing to form the limited liability company.
(b)
Articles of amendment shall be signed by at least one member or manager.
(c)
Each annual report shall be signed by one member or manager.
(d)
If the limited liability company is in the hands of a receiver, trustee or
other court-appointed fiduciary, a document or report shall be signed by that
receiver, trustee or fiduciary.
(7)
The person executing the document shall state beneath or opposite the signature
the name of the person and the capacity in which the person signs. The document
may, but is not required to, contain an acknowledgment, verification or proof.
(8)
If the Secretary of State has prescribed a mandatory form for the document
under ORS 63.016, the document must be in or on the prescribed form.
(9)
The document must be delivered to the office accompanied by the required fees.
(10)
Delivery of a document to the office is accomplished only when the document is
actually received by the office. [1993 c.173 §3]
63.007 Filing, service, copying and
certification fees. The Secretary of State shall
collect the fees described in ORS 56.140 for each document delivered for filing
under this chapter and for process served on the secretary under this chapter.
The secretary may collect the fees described in ORS 56.140 for copying any
public record under this chapter, certifying the copy or certifying to other
facts of record under this chapter. [1993 c.173 §4; 1995 c.93 §2; 1999 c.362 §§29,29a]
63.010
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
63.011 Effective time and date of
document. (1) Except as provided in subsection
(2) of this section and ORS 63.014 (3), a document accepted for filing is
effective on the date it is filed by the Secretary of State and at the time, if
any, specified in the document as its effective time or at 12:01 a.m. on that
date if no effective time is specified.
(2)
If a document specifies a delayed effective time and date, the document becomes
effective at the time and date specified. If a document specifies a delayed
effective date but no time, the document becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. on
that date. A delayed effective date for a document may not be later than the
90th day after the date it is filed. [1993 c.173 §5]
63.014 Correcting filed document.
(1) A domestic or foreign limited liability company may correct a document
filed by the Secretary of State, other than an annual report, if the document
contains an incorrect statement or was defectively executed, attested, sealed,
verified or acknowledged.
(2)
A domestic or foreign limited liability company shall correct a document by
delivering articles of correction to the office. The articles shall include the
following:
(a)
A description of the document, including its filing date, or a copy of the
document.
(b)
The incorrect statement and the reason it is incorrect, or a description of the
manner in which the execution, attestation, seal, verification or
acknowledgment is defective.
(c)
A correction of the incorrect statement or defective execution, attestation,
seal, verification or acknowledgment.
(3)
Articles of correction are effective on the effective date of the document they
correct except as to persons relying on the uncorrected document and adversely
affected by the correction. As to those persons, articles of correction are
effective when filed. [1993 c.173 §6]
63.016 Forms; rules.
Upon request, the Secretary of State may furnish forms for documents required
or permitted to be filed by this chapter. The Secretary of State may by rule
require the use of the forms. [1993 c.173 §7; 1995 c.215 §10]
63.017 Filing duty of Secretary of State.
(1) If a document delivered to the Office of the Secretary of State for filing
satisfies the requirements of ORS 63.004, the Secretary of State shall file it.
(2)
The Secretary of State files a document by indicating thereon that it has been
filed by the Secretary of State and the date of filing. After filing a
document, the Secretary of State shall return an acknowledgment of filing to
the domestic or foreign limited liability company or its representative.
(3)
If the Secretary of State refuses to file a document, the Secretary of State
shall return it to the domestic or foreign limited liability company or its
representative within 10 business days after the document was delivered
together with a brief written explanation of the reason for the refusal.
(4)
The Secretary of State’s duty to file documents under this section is
ministerial. The Secretary of State is not required to verify or inquire into
the legality or truth of any matter included in any document delivered to the
office for filing. The Secretary of State’s filing or refusing to file a
document does not:
(a)
Affect the validity or invalidity of the document in
whole or part; or
(b)
Relate to the correctness or incorrectness of information contained in the
document.
(5)
The Secretary of State’s refusal to file a document does not create a
presumption that the document is invalid or that information contained in the
document is incorrect. [1993 c.173 §8; 1999 c.486 §9]
63.020
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
63.021 Appeal from Secretary of State’s
refusal to file document. If the Secretary of State
refuses to file a document delivered to the office for filing, the domestic or
foreign limited liability company, in addition to any other legal remedy which
may be available, shall have the right to appeal from such order pursuant to
the provisions of ORS chapter 183. [1993 c.173 §9]
63.024 Evidentiary effect of copy of filed
document. (1) A certificate attached to a copy of
a document filed by the Secretary of State, bearing the Secretary of State’s
signature, which may be in facsimile, is conclusive evidence that the document
or a facsimile thereof is on file with the office.
(2)
The provisions of ORS 56.110 shall apply to all documents filed pursuant to
this chapter. [1993 c.173 §10]
63.027 Certificate of existence or
authorization. (1) Anyone may apply to the Secretary
of State to furnish a certificate of existence for a domestic limited liability
company or a certificate of authorization for a foreign limited liability
company.
(2)
A certificate of existence or authorization when issued means that:
(a)
The domestic limited liability company’s name or the foreign limited liability
company’s name is registered in this state;
(b)
The domestic limited liability company is duly organized under the laws of this
state or the foreign limited liability company is authorized to transact
business in this state;
(c)
All fees payable to the Secretary of State under this chapter have been paid,
if nonpayment affects the existence or authorization of the domestic or foreign
limited liability company;
(d)
An annual report required by ORS 63.787 has been filed by the Secretary of
State within the preceding 14 months; and
(e)
Articles of dissolution or an application for withdrawal have not been filed by
the Secretary of State.
(3)
Subject to any qualification stated in the certificate, a certificate of
existence or authorization issued by the Secretary of State may be relied upon
as conclusive evidence that the domestic or foreign limited liability company
is in existence or is authorized to transact business in this state. [1993
c.173 §11]
63.030
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
(Secretary of State)
63.031 Powers.
The Secretary of State has the power reasonably necessary to perform the duties
required of the Secretary of State by this chapter. [1993 c.173 §12]
(Notice)
63.034 Knowledge and notice.
(1) A person knows a fact if the person has actual knowledge of it.
(2)
A person has notice of a fact if the person:
(a)
Knows of it;
(b)
Has received a notification of it; or
(c)
Has reason to know it exists from all the facts known to the person at the time
in question.
(3)
A person notifies or gives notification to another by taking steps reasonably
required to inform the other person in the ordinary course, whether or not the
other person learns of it.
(4)
A person receives a notification when the notification:
(a)
Comes to the person’s attention; or
(b)
Is addressed to the person and is duly delivered at the person’s place of
business or at any other place held out by the person as a place for receiving
communications.
(5)
A person other than an individual knows, has notice or receives a notification
of a fact for purposes of a particular transaction when the individual
conducting the transaction knows, has notice or receives a notification of the
fact, or in any event when the fact would have been brought to the individual’s
attention if the person had exercised reasonable diligence.
(6)
Written notice to a domestic limited liability company or to a foreign limited
liability company authorized to transact business in this state may be
addressed to its registered agent at its registered office or to the domestic
or foreign limited liability company or its manager or managers at its
principal office or mailing address as shown in the records of the office. [1993
c.173 §13; 1995 c.79 §17; 1999 c.86 §2]
63.040
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
ORGANIZATION
63.044 Formation.
One or more individuals 18 years of age or older or other entities may form a
limited liability company by executing and delivering articles of organization
to the office for filing. Organizers need not be members of the limited
liability company. [1993 c.173 §14]
63.047 Articles of organization.
(1) The articles of organization shall set forth:
(a)
The name of the limited liability company which satisfies the requirements of
ORS 63.094;
(b)
The address, including street and number, and mailing address, if different, of
the limited liability company’s initial registered office and the name of its
initial registered agent at that office;
(c)
A mailing address to which notices, as required by this chapter, may be mailed
until an address has been designated by the limited liability company in its
annual report;
(d)
If the limited liability company is to be manager-managed, a statement that the
limited liability company will be manager-managed or a statement that the
limited liability company is to be managed by a manager or managers;
(e)
The name and address of each organizer;
(f)
The latest date on which the limited liability company is to dissolve or a
statement that its existence is perpetual; and
(g)
If a limited liability company is to render professional service or services,
as defined in ORS 58.015, the professional service or services to be rendered
through the limited liability company.
(2)
The articles of organization may set forth any other provisions, not
inconsistent with law, for the regulation of the internal affairs of the
limited liability company, including any provision that is required or
permitted to be included in any operating agreement of the limited liability
company under this chapter.
(3)
The articles of organization need not set forth any of the powers enumerated in
this chapter. [1993 c.173 §15; 1997 c.774 §10; 1999 c.86 §3; 2001 c.315 §51]
63.050
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
63.051 Organization.
(1) Unless a delayed effective date is specified in the articles of
organization, the limited liability company’s existence begins when the
articles of organization are filed by the Secretary of State.
(2)
The Secretary of State’s filing of the articles of organization is conclusive
proof that all conditions precedent to organization were satisfied except in a
proceeding by the state to cancel or revoke the organization or involuntarily
dissolve the limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §16]
63.054 Liability for preorganization
transactions. All persons purporting to act as or on
behalf of a limited liability company, knowing the limited liability company
was not then in existence, are jointly and severally liable for all liabilities
created while so acting. [1993 c.173 §17]
63.057 Operating agreements.
The operating agreement, if any, may provide for the regulation and management
of the affairs of the limited liability company in any manner not inconsistent
with law or the articles of organization and may be in writing or oral. [1993
c.173 §18; 1995 c.93 §3]
63.060
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
63.070
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
PURPOSES AND POWERS
63.074 Purposes.
(1) Except as otherwise provided by the laws of this state and in this section,
a limited liability company formed under this chapter may conduct or promote
any lawful business or purpose which a partnership, corporation or professional
corporation as defined in ORS 58.015 may conduct or promote, unless a more
limited purpose is set forth in the articles of organization.
(2)
Subject to the laws of this state, the rules and regulations of the regulatory
board of the profession, if any, and the standards of professional conduct of
the profession, if any, a limited liability company or its members may render
professional service in this state. Notwithstanding any other law, members,
including members who are managers, of a limited liability company who are also
professionals, as defined in ORS 58.015, shall be personally liable as members
of the limited liability company to the same extent and in the same manner as
provided for shareholders of a professional corporation in ORS 58.185 and
58.187 and as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(3)
A business that is subject to regulation under another statute of this state
may not be organized under this chapter if the business is required to be
organized only under the other statute. [1993 c.173 §19; 1995 c.93 §4; 1995
c.327 §4a; 1997 c.774 §11]
63.077 General powers.
(1) Unless its articles of organization provide otherwise, the duration of a
limited liability company shall be perpetual.
(2)
Unless its articles of organization provide otherwise, and subject to the
provisions of ORS 63.074 (2), each limited liability company organized under
this chapter may:
(a)
Sue and be sued, and complain and defend in all courts in its own name;
(b)
Purchase, take, receive, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use
and otherwise deal in or with real or personal property or any interest in real
or personal property, wherever situated;
(c)
Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, create a security interest in, lease, exchange
or transfer, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property or
assets;
(d)
Purchase, take, receive, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote,
use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, otherwise dispose of, and otherwise
use or deal in or with other interests in or obligations of any other entity;
(e)
Make contracts or guarantees, incur liabilities, borrow money, issue its notes
or other obligations that may be convertible into other securities of the
limited liability company or include the option to purchase other securities of
the limited liability company, or secure any of its obligations by mortgage or
pledge of any of its property, franchises or income;
(f)
Lend money, invest or reinvest its funds, or receive and hold real or personal
property as security for repayment of funds so loaned, invested or reinvested;
(g)
Be a promoter, incorporator, general partner, limited partner, member,
associate or manager of any partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity;
(h)
Conduct its business, locate offices and exercise the powers granted by this
chapter within or without this state;
(i) Elect or appoint managers, employees or agents of the
limited liability company, define their duties, fix their compensation and lend
them money and credit;
(j)
Make and alter an operating agreement, not inconsistent with its articles of
organization or with the laws of this state, for managing its business and
regulating its affairs;
(k)
Pay pensions and establish pension plans, profit-sharing plans, and benefit or
incentive plans for any or all of its current or former managers, members,
employees and agents;
(L)
Make donations for the public welfare or for charitable, scientific or
educational purposes;
(m)
Transact any lawful business that will aid governmental policy;
(n)
Indemnify a member or manager or any other person as and to the extent not
inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter;
(o)
Cease its activities and dissolve; and
(p)
Have and exercise all powers and do every other act not inconsistent with law
which is necessary or convenient to promote and effect any or all of the
purposes for which the limited liability company is organized. [1993 c.173 §20;
1997 c.646 §2]
NAME
63.094 Limited liability company name.
(1) The name of the limited liability company shall contain the words “limited
liability company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC.”
(2)
A limited liability company name shall not contain the word or abbreviation “cooperative,”
“corporation,” “corp.,” “incorporated,” “Inc.,” “limited partnership,” “L.P.,” “LP,”
“Ltd.,” “limited liability partnership,” “L.L.P.,” “LLP” or “partnership” or
any derivation of any of the foregoing.
(3)
A limited liability company name shall be written in the alphabet used to write
the English language and may include Arabic and Roman numerals and incidental
punctuation.
(4)
A limited liability company name shall be distinguishable upon the records of
the office from any other limited liability company name, corporate name,
professional corporate name, nonprofit corporate name, cooperative name,
limited partnership name, business trust name, reserved name, registered
corporate name or assumed business name of active record with the office.
(5)
The limited liability company name need not satisfy the requirement of
subsection (4) of this section if the applicant delivers to the office a
certified copy of a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction that
finds that the applicant has a prior or concurrent right to use the limited
liability company name in this state.
(6)
The provisions of this section do not prohibit a limited liability company from
transacting business under an assumed business name.
(7)
The provisions of this section do not:
(a)
Abrogate or limit the law governing unfair competition or unfair trade
practices; or
(b)
Derogate from the common law, the principles of equity or the statutes of this
state or of the United States with respect to the right to acquire and protect
trade names. [1993 c.173 §21; 1995 c.93 §5]
63.097 Reserved name.
(1) A person may apply to the office to reserve a limited liability company
name. The application must set forth the name and address of the applicant and
the name proposed to be reserved.
(2)
If the Secretary of State finds that the limited liability company name applied
for conforms to ORS 63.094, the Secretary of State shall reserve the name for
the applicant for a 120-day period.
(3)
A person may transfer the reservation of a limited liability company name to
another person by delivering to the office a notice of the transfer executed by
the person for whom the name was reserved and specifying the name and address
of the transferee. [1993 c.173 §22]
63.101 Registered name.
(1) A foreign limited liability company may apply to the office to register its
name.
(2)
The application must set forth the limited liability company name, the state or
country of its organization, the date of its organization and a brief
description of the nature of the business in which it is engaged and a
statement that it is not carrying on or doing business in the State of Oregon.
The application must be accompanied by a certificate of existence or a document
of similar import current within 60 days of delivery, duly authenticated by the
official having custody of the limited liability company records in the state
or country under whose law it is organized.
(3)
If the Secretary of State finds that the name conforms to ORS 63.094, the
Secretary of State shall register the name effective for one year. [1993 c.173 §23]
63.110
[Repealed by 1959 c.580 §104]
OFFICE AND AGENT
63.111 Registered office and registered
agent. (1) Each limited liability company
shall continuously maintain in this state a registered agent and registered
office that may be, but need not be, the same as any of its places of business.
(2)
A registered agent shall be:
(a)
An individual who resides in this state and whose business office is identical
to the registered office;
(b)
A domestic limited liability company, a domestic corporation, a domestic
professional corporation or a domestic nonprofit corporation whose business
office is identical to the registered office; or
(c)
A foreign limited liability company, foreign corporation, foreign professional
corporation or foreign nonprofit corporation authorized to transact business in
this state whose business office is identical to the registered office. [1993
c.173 §24; 2001 c.315 §27]
63.114 Change of registered office or
registered agent. (1) A limited liability company
may change its registered office or registered agent by delivering to the office
of the Secretary of State for filing a statement of change that sets forth:
(a)
The name of the limited liability company;
(b)
If the registered office is to be changed, the address including street and
number of the new registered office;
(c)
If the registered agent is to be changed, the name of the new registered agent
and that the new agent has consented to the appointment; and
(d)
That after the change or changes are made, the street addresses of its
registered office and the business office of its registered agent will be
identical.
(2)
If a registered agent changes the street address of the agent’s business
office, the registered agent shall change the street address of the registered
office of the limited liability company for which the agent is the registered
agent by notifying the limited liability company in writing of the change and
signing, either manually or in facsimile, and delivering to the office of the
Secretary of State a statement that complies with the requirements of subsection
(1) of this section and recites that the limited liability company has been
notified of the change.
(3)
The filing of the statement by the Secretary of State shall terminate the
existing registered office or agent, or both, on the effective date of the filing
and establish the newly appointed registered office or agent, or both, as that
of the limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §25]
63.117 Resignation of registered agent.
(1) A registered agent may resign as agent upon delivering a signed statement to
the office and giving notice in the form of a copy of the statement to the
limited liability company. The statement may include a statement that the
registered office is also discontinued.
(2)
Upon delivery of the signed statement, the Secretary of State shall file the
resignation statement. The copy of the statement given to the limited liability
company under subsection (1) of this section shall be addressed to the limited
liability company at its mailing address or its principal office as shown by the
records of the office of the Secretary of State.
(3)
The agency appointment is terminated and the registered office discontinued, if
so provided, on the 31st day after the date on which the statement was filed by
the Secretary of State, unless the limited liability company shall sooner
appoint a successor registered agent as provided in ORS 63.114 thereby
terminating the capacity of such agent. [1993 c.173 §26; 1993 c.173 §105]
63.121 Service on limited liability
company. (1) The registered agent appointed by a
limited liability company shall be an agent of the limited liability company
upon whom any process, notice or demand required or permitted by law to be
served upon the limited liability company may be served.
(2)
The Secretary of State shall be an agent of a limited liability company
including a dissolved limited liability company upon whom any such process,
notice or demand may be served whenever the limited liability company fails to
appoint or maintain a registered agent in this state or whenever the limited
liability company’s registered agent cannot with reasonable diligence be found
at the registered office.
(3)
Service shall be made on the Secretary of State by:
(a)
Serving on the Secretary of State or a clerk on duty at the office a copy of
the process, notice or demand, with any papers required by law to be delivered
in connection with the service, and the required fee for each party being
served or by mailing to the office a copy of the process, notice or demand and
the required fee for each party being served by certified or registered mail.
(b)
Transmittal by the person instituting the proceedings of notice of the service
on the Secretary of State and copy of the process, notice or demand and
accompanying papers to the limited liability company being served by certified
or registered mail:
(A)
At the last registered office of the limited liability company as shown by the
records on file in the office of the Secretary of State; and
(B)
At such address of the use of which the person initiating the proceedings knows
or, on the basis of reasonable inquiry, has reason to believe is most likely to
result in actual notice.
(c)
Filing with the appropriate court or other body, as part of the return of
service, the return receipt of mailing and an affidavit of the person
initiating the proceedings stating that this section has been complied with.
(4)
The Secretary of State shall keep a record of all processes, notices and
demands served upon the Secretary of State under this section.
(5)
After completion of initial service upon the Secretary of State, no additional
documents need be served upon the Secretary of State to maintain jurisdiction
in the same proceeding or to give notice of any motion or provisional process.
(6)
Nothing contained in this section shall limit or affect the right to serve any
process, notice or demand required or permitted by law to be served upon a
limited liability company in any other manner now or hereafter permitted by
law, or enlarge the purposes for which service on the Secretary of State is
permitted where such purposes are limited by other provisions of law. [1993
c.173 §27]
MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS OF
MEMBERS
63.130 Rights of members and managers;
matters requiring consent of all or majority of members.
(1) In a member-managed limited liability company, unless otherwise provided in
the articles of organization or any operating agreement:
(a)
Each member has equal rights in the management and conduct of the limited
liability company’s business; and
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, any matter
relating to the business of the limited liability company may be decided by a
majority of the members.
(2)
In a manager-managed limited liability company, unless otherwise provided in
the articles of organization or any operating agreement:
(a)
Each manager has equal rights in the management and conduct of the limited
liability company’s business;
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, any
matter relating to the business of the limited liability company may be
exclusively decided by the manager or, if there is more than one manager, by a
majority of the managers; and
(c)
A manager:
(A)
Must be designated, appointed, elected, removed or replaced by a vote, approval
or consent of a majority of the members; and
(B)
Holds office until a successor has been elected and qualified, unless the
manager sooner resigns or is removed.
(3)
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, the following matters of a member-managed or a manager-managed
limited liability company require the consent of all of the members:
(a)
The amendment of the operating agreement or the articles of organization under
ORS 63.444;
(b)
The compromise, as among the members, of an obligation to make a contribution
under ORS 63.180 (4) or to return money or other property paid or distributed
in violation of any provision of this chapter; and
(c)
The consent to dissolve the limited liability company under ORS 63.621 (3).
(4)
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, the following matters of a member-managed or a manager-managed
limited liability company require the consent of a majority of the members:
(a)
The making of interim distributions under ORS 63.200, including the redemption
of an interest;
(b)
The admission of a new member;
(c)
The use of the limited liability company’s property to redeem an interest
subject to a charging order;
(d)
The sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other transfer or disposition of
all, or substantially all, of the limited liability company’s property, with or
without goodwill;
(e)
The merger of the limited liability company with any other entity;
(f)
The conversion of the limited liability company into any other type of entity;
(g)
The incurring of indebtedness by the limited liability company other than in
the ordinary course of the business of the limited liability company;
(h)
A transaction involving an actual or a potential conflict of interest between a
member or a manager and the limited liability company;
(i) A change in the nature of the limited liability company’s
business; and
(j)
Any other matter specified in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement as requiring member approval if no number or percentage of members is
otherwise stated.
(5)
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, action requiring the consent of members or managers under this
chapter may be taken without a meeting.
(6)
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, a member or manager may appoint a proxy to vote or otherwise act for
the member or manager by signing an appointment instrument, either personally
or by the member’s or manager’s attorney-in-fact.
(7)
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, references in this chapter to
managers apply both to managers of a manager-managed limited liability company
and to members of a member-managed limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §28;
1999 c.86 §4]
63.135 [1993
c.173 §29; repealed by 1999 c.86 §23]
63.140 Agency power of managers and
members; interest in real property. (1) Subject
to subsections (2) and (3) of this section:
(a)
Each member is an agent of the limited liability company for the purpose of its
business, and an act of a member, including the signing of an instrument in the
limited liability company’s name, for apparently carrying on in the ordinary
course the business of the limited liability company, or business of the kind
carried on by the limited liability company, binds the limited liability
company unless the member had no authority to act for the limited liability
company in the particular matter and the person with whom the member was
dealing knew or had notice that the member lacked authority.
(b)
An act of a member that is not apparently for carrying on in the ordinary
course the business of the limited liability company, or business of the kind
carried on by the limited liability company, binds the limited liability
company only if the act was authorized by the other members.
(2)
Subject to subsection (3) of this section, in a manager-managed limited
liability company:
(a)
A member is not an agent of the limited liability company for the purpose of
its business solely by reason of being a member. Each manager is an agent of
the limited liability company for the purpose of its business, and an act of a
manager, including the signing of an instrument in the limited liability
company’s name, for apparently carrying on in the ordinary course the business
of the limited liability company, or business of the kind carried on by the
limited liability company, binds the limited liability company unless the
manager had no authority to act for the limited liability company in the
particular matter and the person with whom the manager was dealing knew or had
notice that the manager lacked authority.
(b)
An act of a manager that is not apparently for carrying on in the ordinary
course the business of the limited liability company, or business of the kind
carried on by the limited liability company, binds the limited liability
company only if the act was authorized under ORS 63.130.
(3)
Unless the articles of organization limit their authority, any member of a
member-managed limited liability company or manager of a manager-managed
limited liability company may sign and deliver any instrument transferring or
affecting the limited liability company’s interest in real property. The
instrument is conclusive in favor of a person who gives value without knowledge
of the lack of the authority of the person signing and delivering the
instrument. [1993 c.173 §30; 1999 c.86 §5]
63.145 [1993
c.173 §31; repealed by 1999 c.86 §23]
63.150 [1993
c.173 §32; 1995 c.93 §6; repealed by 1999 c.86 §23]
63.155 Duties and standard of conduct.
(1) The only fiduciary duties a member owes to a member-managed limited
liability company and its other members are the duty of loyalty and the duty of
care set forth in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.
(2)
A member’s duty of loyalty to a member-managed limited liability company and
its other members includes the following:
(a)
To account to the limited liability company and hold for it any property,
profit or benefit derived by the member in the conduct and winding up of the
limited liability company’s business or derived from a use by the member of
limited liability company property, including the appropriation of a limited
liability company opportunity;
(b)
Except as provided in subsections (5) and (6) of this section, to refrain from
dealing with the limited liability company in a manner adverse to the limited
liability company and to refrain from representing a person with an interest
adverse to the limited liability company, in the conduct or winding up of the
limited liability company’s business; and
(c)
To refrain from competing with the limited liability company in the conduct of
the business of the limited liability company before the dissolution of the
limited liability company.
(3)
A member’s duty of care to a member-managed limited liability company and the
other members in the conduct and winding up of the business of the limited
liability company is limited to refraining from engaging in grossly negligent
or reckless conduct, intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law.
(4)
A member shall discharge the duties to a member-managed limited liability
company and the other members under this chapter or under any operating
agreement of the limited liability company and exercise any rights consistent
with the obligation of good faith and fair dealing.
(5)
A member of a member-managed limited liability company does not violate a duty
or obligation under this chapter or under any operating agreement of the
limited liability company merely because the member’s conduct furthers the
member’s own interest.
(6)
A member of a member-managed limited liability company may lend money to or
transact other business with the limited liability company, provided that any
loan or transaction between the member and the limited liability company must
be:
(a)
Fair to the limited liability company;
(b)
Authorized by an operating agreement; or
(c)
Authorized or ratified by a majority of the disinterested members or by a
number or percentage of members specified in the operating agreement after full
disclosure of all material facts.
(7)
Loans and other transactions between a member-managed limited liability company
and a member are binding on the parties in the same manner as transactions
between the limited liability company and persons who are not members, subject
to other applicable law.
(8)
This section also applies to a person who is not a member and who is winding up
the limited liability company’s business.
(9)
In a manager-managed limited liability company:
(a)
A member who is not also a manager owes no duties to the limited liability
company or the other members solely by reason of being a member;
(b)
A manager is held to the same standards of conduct prescribed for members in
subsections (2) to (8) of this section;
(c)
A member who, pursuant to an operating agreement, exercises some or all of the
rights of a manager in the management and conduct of the limited liability company’s
business is held to the standards of conduct described in subsections (2) to
(8) of this section to the extent that the member exercises the managerial
authority vested in a manager by this chapter; and
(d)
A manager is relieved of liability imposed by law for violation of the
standards prescribed by this section to the extent, if any, of the managerial
authority delegated to the members who are not also managers by an operating
agreement.
(10)
The articles of organization or an operating agreement of a limited liability
company may not:
(a)
Eliminate completely the duty of loyalty under subsection (2) of this section,
but the articles of organization or an operating agreement may:
(A)
Identify specific types or categories of activities that do not violate the
duty of loyalty, if not unconscionable; and
(B)
Specify the number or percentage of members, whether interested or
disinterested, or disinterested managers that may authorize or ratify, after
full disclosure of all material facts, a specific act or transaction that
otherwise would violate the duty of loyalty.
(b)
Unreasonably reduce the duty of care under subsection (3) of this section.
(c)
Eliminate completely the obligation of good faith and fair dealing under
subsection (4) of this section, but the articles of organization or an
operating agreement may determine the standards by which performance of the
obligation of good faith and fair dealing is to be measured, if the standards
are not unconscionable.
(11)
For the purposes of subsection (10)(a) of this section, specific types or
categories of activities that may be identified as not violating the duty of
loyalty include, but are not limited to:
(a)
Competing with the limited liability company in the conduct of the business of
the limited liability company before the dissolution of the limited liability
company; and
(b)
Entering into or engaging in, for a member’s own account, an investment,
business, transaction or activity that is similar to the investments,
businesses, transactions or activities of the limited liability company
without:
(A)
First offering the limited liability company or the other members an
opportunity to participate in the investment, business, transaction or
activity; or
(B)
Having any obligation to account to the limited liability company or the other
members for the investment, business, transaction or activity or the profits
from the investment, business, transaction or activity. [1993 c.173 §33; 1999
c.86 §8; 2001 c.315 §23]
63.160 Limitation of liability and
indemnification. The articles of organization or
any operating agreement may provide for indemnification of any person for acts
or omissions as a member, manager, employee or agent and may eliminate or limit
the liability of a member, manager, employee or agent to the limited liability
company or its members for damages from such acts or omissions. However, no
such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability or provide for
indemnification of a member of a member-managed limited liability company or a
manager of a manager-managed limited liability company for any act or omission
occurring prior to the date when such provision became effective, and no such
provision shall eliminate or limit the liability or provide for indemnification
of a member or manager for:
(1)
Any breach of the member’s or manager’s duty of loyalty to the limited
liability company or its members;
(2)
Acts or omissions not in good faith which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law;
(3)
Any unlawful distribution under ORS 63.235; or
(4)
Any transaction from which the member or manager derives an improper personal
benefit. [1993 c.173 §34; 1995 c.93 §7; 1997 c.646 §16; 1999 c.86 §9]
63.165 Liability of members and managers.
(1) The debts, obligations and liabilities of a limited liability company,
whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, are solely the debts,
obligations and liabilities of the limited liability company. A member or
manager is not personally liable for a debt, obligation or liability of the
limited liability company solely by reason of being or acting as a member or
manager.
(2)
The failure of a limited liability company to observe the usual limited
liability company formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its
limited liability company powers or management of its business is not a ground
for imposing personal liability on the members or managers for liabilities of
the limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §35; 1999 c.86 §10]
63.170 Liability of limited liability
company for acts, omissions or conduct of member or manager.
A limited liability company is liable for loss or injury caused to a person, or
for a penalty incurred, as a result of a wrongful act or omission, or other
actionable conduct, of a member or manager acting in the ordinary course of the
business of the limited liability company or with authority of the limited
liability company. [1999 c.86 §7]
FINANCES
63.175 Contributions. The
contributions of a member to the limited liability company may consist of cash,
property, services rendered, a promissory note or other obligation to
contribute cash or property or to perform services. [1993 c.173 §36]
63.180 Liability for contributions.
(1) A promise by a member to contribute to the limited liability company is not
enforceable unless it is set out in writing and signed by the member.
(2)
Except as provided in the articles of organization or any operating agreement,
a member is obligated to the limited liability company to perform any
enforceable promise to contribute cash or property or to perform services, even
if the member is unable to perform because of death, disability or any other
reason.
(3)
If a member does not make a required contribution of property or services, the
member is obligated, at the option of the limited liability company, to
contribute cash equal to the portion of the value of the contribution, as
stated in the limited liability company records required to be kept pursuant to
ORS 63.771, that has not been made.
(4)
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, the obligation of a member to make a contribution may be compromised
only by consent of all members. Notwithstanding the compromise, a creditor of
the limited liability company may enforce the original obligation if the
creditor acted in reliance on that obligation before the amendment or
cancellation of the obligation to reflect the compromise. [1993 c.173 §37]
63.185 Allocation of profits and losses.
(1) The profits and losses of a limited liability company shall be allocated
among the members, and among classes of members, in the manner provided in the
articles of organization or any operating agreement.
(2)
If neither the articles of organization nor any operating agreement provides
for an allocation of profits and losses, then profits and losses shall be
allocated among all the members equally.
(3)
If profits, but not losses, are allocated in the articles of organization or
any operating agreement, then losses shall be deemed allocated in the same
proportion as profits. If losses, but not profits, are allocated in the
articles of organization or any operating agreement, then profits shall be
deemed allocated in the same proportion as losses.
(4)
Except as otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, if after formation of the limited liability company a member is
admitted to the limited liability company as described in ORS 63.245 (2)(a),
then the profits and losses of the limited liability company shall be allocated
among the members as follows:
(a)
Profits and losses that would have been realized on the date of admission of
the additional member if all the assets of the limited liability company were
then sold at their fair value shall be allocated among only the members of the
limited liability company who are members immediately prior to the new member’s
admission based on the respective shares of profits and losses of such
preexisting members before such admission. Thereafter the amount of profits or losses
so allocated shall be treated as an adjustment to the contributions made by the
preexisting members to the limited liability company; except that if the
provisions of this subsection have been applied previously by the limited
liability company in connection with the admission of a new member, the profits
and losses allocated pursuant to this subsection shall be only those profits
and losses realized since the most recent admittance of a new member; and
(b)
Profits and losses realized by the limited liability company subsequent to the
date of admission of the additional member shall be allocated among all the
members, including the additional member, based on the respective shares of
profits and losses of all the members after such admission. [1993 c.173 §38;
1995 c.93 §8]
DISTRIBUTIONS AND WITHDRAWAL
63.195 Allocation of interim
distributions. Distributions of cash or other assets
of a limited liability company before the dissolution and winding up of the
limited liability company shall be allocated among the members, and among
classes of members, in the manner provided in the articles of organization or
any operating agreement. If neither the articles of organization nor any
operating agreement provides for such allocations, such distributions shall be
allocated among the members in proportion to their right to share in the
profits of the limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §39]
63.200 Right to interim distributions.
Except as provided in ORS 63.205 to 63.235, a member is entitled to receive distributions
from a limited liability company before the member’s withdrawal from the
limited liability company and before the dissolution and winding up of the
limited liability company to the extent and at the times or upon the occurrence
of the events specified in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement. [1993 c.173 §40]
63.205 Voluntary withdrawal of member.
(1) A member may voluntarily withdraw from a limited liability company:
(a)
At the time or upon the occurrence of events specified in the articles of
organization or any operating agreement; or
(b)
Upon not less than six months’ prior written notice to the limited liability
company, unless the articles of organization or any operating agreement
expressly provide that a member has no power to withdraw voluntarily from the
limited liability company or otherwise expressly limit or condition such power.
(2)
If a member with the power to withdraw voluntarily from a limited liability
company exercises that power, but the withdrawal is in breach of any provision
of the articles of organization or any operating agreement, then, unless
otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating agreement,
the limited liability company, in addition to any other remedy available at law
or in equity, may recover from the withdrawing member damages incurred by the
limited liability company as a result of the breach and may offset the damages
against any amounts otherwise distributable or payable to the withdrawing
member.
(3)
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, in the case of a limited liability company for a definite term or
particular undertaking, a voluntary withdrawal by a member before the
expiration of that term or completion of that undertaking is a breach of the
applicable articles of organization or any operating agreement. [1993 c.173 §41;
1995 c.93 §9; 1997 c.646 §3]
63.209 Expulsion of member.
(1) A member may be expelled from a limited liability company:
(a)
In accordance with a written provision in the articles of organization or any
operating agreement; or
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in writing in the articles of organization or any
operating agreement, by a court, upon application of any member, if the court
determines that:
(A)
The member has been guilty of wrongful conduct that adversely and materially
affects the business or affairs of the limited liability company; or
(B)
The member has willfully or persistently committed a material breach of the
articles of organization or any operating agreement or otherwise breached a
duty owed to the limited liability company or the other members to the extent
that it is not reasonably practicable to carry on the business or affairs of
the limited liability company with that member.
(2)
The power of a limited liability company to expel a member pursuant to this
section does not limit or adversely affect any right or power of the limited
liability company to recover any damages or to pursue any other remedies
provided for in the articles of organization or any operating agreement or
permitted under applicable law or at equity. The limited liability company, in
addition to any of its other remedies, may offset any such damages against any
amounts otherwise distributable or payable to the expelled member. [1993 c.173 §42;
1995 c.93 §10]
63.210 [1959
c.660 §1; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.215 [1993
c.173 §43; 1995 c.93 §11; repealed by 1997 c.646 §18]
63.219 Distribution in kind.
Except as provided in the articles of organization or any operating agreement:
(1)
No member, regardless of the nature of the member’s contribution, has any right
to demand and receive any distribution from a limited liability company in any
form other than cash; and
(2)
No member may be compelled to accept a distribution of any asset in kind from a
limited liability company to the extent that the percentage of the asset
distributed to the member exceeds a percentage of that asset that is equal to
the percentage in which the member shares in operating or liquidating
distributions, as the case may be, from the limited liability company. [1993
c.173 §44]
63.220 [1959
c.660 §2; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.225 Right to distribution.
When a member becomes entitled to receive a distribution, the member has the
status of and is entitled to all remedies available to a creditor of the
limited liability company with respect to the distribution. [1993 c.173 §45]
63.229 Limitations on distribution.
(1) A distribution may be made by a limited liability company to any member
only if, after giving effect to the distribution, in the judgment of the
members, for a member-managed limited liability company, or the managers, for a
manager-managed limited liability company:
(a)
The limited liability company would be able to pay its debts as they become due
in the ordinary course of business; and
(b)
The fair value of the total assets of the limited liability company would at
least equal the sum of:
(A)
Its total liabilities; plus
(B)
Unless the articles of organization permit otherwise, the amount that would be
needed, if the limited liability company were to be dissolved at the time of
the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution, if any,
of other members that are superior to the rights of the members receiving the
distribution.
(2)
The members or managers of a limited liability company may base a determination
that a distribution is not prohibited under subsection (1) of this section
either on:
(a)
Financial statements that the members or managers reasonably believe have been
prepared on the basis of accounting practices and principles that are
reasonable in the circumstances; or
(b)
A fair valuation or other method that the members or managers reasonably
believe is reasonable in the circumstances.
(3)
For purposes of this section, the amount, if any, by which a liability as to
which the recourse of creditors is limited to specific property of the limited
liability company exceeds the fair value of such specific property shall be
disregarded as a liability of the limited liability company.
(4)
The effect of a distribution under subsection (1) of this section is measured
for purposes of this section:
(a)
In the case of distribution by purchase, retirement or other acquisition of all
or a portion of a member’s interest in the limited liability company, as of the
earlier of the date the money or other property is transferred or debt incurred
by the limited liability company or the date the member ceases to be a member
with respect to the membership interest purchased, retired or otherwise
acquired;
(b)
In the case of any other distribution of indebtedness, as of the date the
indebtedness is distributed; and
(c)
In all other cases, as of the date a distribution is authorized if the payment
occurs within 120 days after the date of authorization or the date the payment
is made if it occurs more than 120 days after the date of authorization.
(5)
A limited liability company’s indebtedness to a member incurred by reason of a
distribution made in accordance with this section is at parity with the limited
liability company’s indebtedness to its general unsecured creditors, unless the
member agrees to subordination or the limited liability company grants the
member a security interest or other lien against limited liability company
assets to secure the indebtedness. [1993 c.173 §46; 1999 c.86 §11]
63.230 [1959
c.660 §3; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.235 Liability for wrongful
distribution. (1) A member of a member-managed
limited liability company or a member or manager of a manager-managed company
who votes for or assents to a distribution made in violation of ORS 63.229, the
articles of organization or any operating agreement, is personally liable to
the limited liability company for the amount of the distribution that exceeds
the amount that could have been distributed without violating ORS 63.229, the
articles of organization or any operating agreement, if it is established that
the member or manager did not perform the member’s or manager’s duties in
compliance with ORS 63.155.
(2)
A member of a manager-managed limited liability company who receives a
distribution knowing that it was made in violation of ORS 63.229 is personally
liable to the limited liability company, but only to the extent that the
distribution received by the member exceeded the amount that could have been
properly paid under ORS 63.229.
(3)
A member or manager against whom an action is brought under subsection (1) of
this section may implead in the action all:
(a)
Other members or managers who voted for or assented to the distribution in
violation of subsection (1) of this section and may compel contribution from
them; and
(b)
Members who received a distribution in violation of subsection (2) of this
section and may compel contribution from them in the amount received in
violation of subsection (2) of this section.
(4)
A proceeding under this section is barred unless it is commenced within two
years after the distribution. [1993 c.173 §47; 1995 c.93 §12; 1999 c.86 §12]
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST
63.239 Nature of membership interest.
A membership interest is personal property. A member is not a co-owner of and
has no interest in specific limited liability company property. [1993 c.173 §48]
63.240 [1959
c.660 §4; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.245 Admission of members.
(1) A person becomes a member of a limited liability company on the later of:
(a)
The date the initial articles of organization are filed; or
(b)
The date stated in the records of the limited liability company as the date the
person becomes a member.
(2)
After the filing of the limited liability company’s initial articles of
organization, a person may be admitted as a member of the limited liability
company upon compliance with the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, or, if neither the articles of organization nor any operating
agreement so provide:
(a)
In the case of a person acquiring a membership interest directly from the
limited liability company, upon the consent of a majority of the members;
(b)
In the case of an assignee of a limited liability company membership interest
not governed by paragraph (c) of this section, upon the consent of a majority
of the members other than the assignor; or
(c)
In the case of an assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability
company in which, immediately following the assignment, the limited liability
company otherwise would have no members, simultaneously with and upon the
assignment of the membership interest. [1993 c.173 §49; 1995 c.93 §13; 1997
c.646 §4]
63.249 Assignment of membership interest;
effect of assignment. Except as provided in the
articles of organization or any operating agreement:
(1)
A membership interest is assignable in whole or in part.
(2)
An assignment of a membership interest does not itself dissolve the limited
liability company.
(3)
Until the assignee of a membership interest becomes a member with respect to
the interest, the assignee shall have the assignor’s right to receive and
retain, to the extent assigned, the distributions, as and when made, and
allocations of profits and losses to which the assignor would be entitled, but
shall not exercise any other rights of a member, including without limitation
the right to vote or otherwise participate in the management and affairs of the
limited liability company.
(4)
Except as otherwise provided in ORS 63.229 and 63.235, until the assignee of a
membership interest becomes a member, the assignee has no liability, duty or
obligation as a member solely as a result of the assignment.
(5)
The assignor of all or a portion of a membership interest ceases to be a member
with respect to the interest assigned, but is not released from liability as a
member accruing or arising prior to assignment solely as a result of the assignment,
and is not relieved of any fiduciary duties the assignor otherwise may continue
to owe the limited liability company or its remaining members.
(6)
Any otherwise permissible assignment of a membership interest shall be
effective as to and binding on the limited liability company only after
reasonable notice of and proof of the assignment have been provided to the
managers of the limited liability company.
(7)
The pledge of, or granting of a security interest, lien, or other encumbrance
in or against all or any portion of the membership interest of a member is not
an assignment of the member’s interest. [1993 c.173 §50; 1997 c.646 §5]
63.250 [1959
c.660 §5; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.255 Rights of assignee who becomes
member. (1) An assignee who becomes a member as
to the assigned interest has the rights and powers, and is subject to the
restrictions and liabilities, of a member under this chapter, the articles of
organization and any operating agreement. An assignee who becomes a member also
is liable for any obligations of the assignee’s assignor to make contributions
under ORS 63.180. However, the assignee is not obligated merely by becoming a
member for any other liabilities for which the assignor was liable that were
unknown to the assignee at the time the assignee became a member and that could
not be ascertained from the articles of organization.
(2)
Whether or not an assignee of a membership interest becomes a member, the
assignor is not released from the assignor’s liability to the limited liability
company to make contributions under ORS 63.180. [1993 c.173 §51; 1995 c.93 §14;
1997 c.646 §6]
63.259 Rights of judgment creditor against
member. On application to a court of competent
jurisdiction by any judgment creditor of a member, the court may charge the
membership interest of the member with payment of the unsatisfied amount of the
judgment with interest. To the extent so charged, the judgment creditor has
only the rights of an assignee of the membership interest. This chapter shall
not deprive any member of the benefit of any exemption laws applicable to the
member’s membership interest. [1993 c.173 §52]
63.260 [1959
c.660 §6; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.265 Cessation of membership.
Except as otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement:
(1)
A member shall cease to be a member in a limited liability company upon the
member’s death, incompetency, bankruptcy, dissolution, withdrawal, expulsion or
assignment of the member’s entire membership interest.
(2)(a)
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, following the
cessation of the member’s interest, the holder of the former member’s interest
shall be considered an assignee of such interest and shall have all the rights,
duties and obligations of an assignee under this chapter.
(b)
If the member who ceases to be a member is the only member of the limited
liability company, the holder of the former member’s interest shall become a
member simultaneously with and upon the cessation of the former member’s
interest. [1993 c.173 §53; 1995 c.93 §15; 1997 c.646 §7]
63.270 [1959
c.660 §8; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.280 [1959
c.660 §7; 1967 c.359 §675; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.290 [1959
c.660 §9; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.300 [1959
c.660 §10; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.310 [1959
c.660 §11; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.320 [1959
c.660 §12; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.330 [1959
c.660 §13; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.340 [1959
c.660 §15; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
63.350 [1959
c.660 §16; repealed by 1981 c.68 §1]
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION AND
OPERATING AGREEMENT
63.431 Operating agreement.
(1) An operating agreement of a limited liability company may provide for the
regulation and management of the affairs of the limited liability company in
any manner not inconsistent with law or the articles of organization.
(2)
The power to adopt, alter, amend or repeal an operating agreement of a limited
liability company shall be vested in the members of the limited liability
company, or for a single member limited liability company, in the sole member
of the limited liability company, unless otherwise vested in a manager or
managers of the limited liability company by the articles of organization or
any operating agreement.
(3)
The members may amend or repeal any operating agreement even if the articles of
organization or any operating agreement provide that a manager or managers may
amend or repeal an operating agreement. [1993 c.173 §70; 1997 c.646 §8]
63.434 Amendment to articles of
organization. (1) Consistent with the provisions of
this chapter, a limited liability company may amend its articles of
organization at any time to add, change or delete any provision, provided that
the articles of organization as amended contain only such provisions as are
required or permitted in initial articles of organization under this chapter as
of the effective date of the amendment.
(2)
A limited liability company amending its articles of organization shall deliver
articles of amendment to the office for filing.
(3)
Articles of amendment shall contain:
(a)
The name of the limited liability company;
(b)
The text of each amendment adopted;
(c)
The date of each amendment’s adoption;
(d)
If an amendment was adopted by the managers without member action, a statement
to that effect and a statement that member action was not required; and
(e)
If an amendment was approved by the members, a statement that the member
approval required under ORS 63.444, the articles of organization or any
operating agreement has been obtained and a statement of the percentage of such
members’ approval. [1993 c.173 §71]
63.437 Restated articles of organization.
(1) The managers of a manager-managed limited liability company may restate its
articles of organization at any time with or without member action.
(2)
The restatement may include one or more amendments to the articles of
organization. If the restatement includes an amendment requiring member
approval, it must be adopted as provided in ORS 63.444.
(3)
A limited liability company restating its articles of organization shall
deliver to the office for filing articles of restatement setting forth the name
of the limited liability company and the text of the restated articles of
organization together with a certificate setting forth:
(a)
Whether the restatement contains an amendment to the articles of organization
requiring member approval and, if it does not, that the managers adopted the
restatement; or
(b)
If the restatement contains an amendment to the articles of organization
requiring member approval, the information required by ORS 63.434.
(4)
Restated articles of organization shall contain all statements required to be
included in the initial articles of organization except that no statement is
required to be made with respect to:
(a)
The names and addresses of the organizers or the initial or present registered
office or agent; or
(b)
The mailing address of the limited liability company if an annual report has
been filed with the office of the Secretary of State.
(5)
Duly adopted restated articles of organization supersede the initial articles
of organization and all amendments to them. [1993 c.173 §72; 1999 c.86 §13]
63.441 Amendment by managers.
Except as provided in the articles of organization, the manager or managers of
a manager-managed limited liability company may adopt without member action one
or more amendments to the articles of organization to:
(1)
Delete the names and addresses of the initial managers, if named in the initial
articles of organization;
(2)
Delete the name and address of the initial registered agent or registered
office, if a statement of change is filed with the office of the Secretary of
State;
(3)
Delete the mailing address of the limited liability company if a report
reflecting the mailing address has been filed with the office of the Secretary
of State;
(4)
Change the limited liability company’s name by substituting “limited liability
company” for the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC,” substituting the abbreviation “L.L.C.”
for “limited liability company” or “LLC,” or substituting the abbreviation “LLC”
for “limited liability company” or “L.L.C.”; or
(5)
Make any other changes expressly permitted by this chapter to be made without
member action. [1993 c.173 §73; 1995 c.93 §16; 1999 c.86 §14]
63.444 Amendment by members.
Except as otherwise provided in ORS 63.441 or in the articles of organization
or any operating agreement, all amendments to the articles of organization or
any operating agreement must be approved unanimously by the members. Unless
otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating agreement,
the managers, if any, of the limited liability company may, but need not,
propose or take a position recommending or disapproving any such proposed
amendment. [1993 c.173 §74; 1995 c.93 §17; 1997 c.646 §9]
CONVERSIONS AND MERGERS
63.467 Definitions for ORS 63.467 to
63.497. As used in ORS 63.467 to 63.497:
(1)
“Business entity” means:
(a)
Any of the following for-profit entities:
(A)
A professional corporation organized under ORS chapter 58, predecessor law or
comparable law of another jurisdiction;
(B)
A corporation organized under ORS chapter 60, predecessor law or comparable law
of another jurisdiction;
(C)
A limited liability company organized under this chapter or comparable law of
another jurisdiction;
(D)
A partnership organized in Oregon after January 1, 1998, or that is registered
as a limited liability partnership, or that has elected to be governed by ORS
chapter 67, and a partnership governed by law of another jurisdiction that
expressly provides for conversions and mergers; and
(E)
A limited partnership organized under ORS chapter 70, predecessor law or
comparable law of another jurisdiction; and
(b)
A cooperative organized under ORS chapter 62, predecessor law or comparable law
of another jurisdiction.
(2)
“Organizational document” means the following for an Oregon business entity or,
for a foreign business entity, a document equivalent to the following:
(a)
In the case of a corporation, professional corporation or cooperative, articles
of incorporation;
(b)
In the case of a limited liability company, articles of organization;
(c)
In the case of a partnership, a partnership agreement and, for a limited liability
partnership, its registration; and
(d)
In the case of a limited partnership, a certificate of limited partnership.
(3)
“Owner” means a:
(a)
Shareholder of a corporation or of a professional corporation;
(b)
Member or shareholder of a cooperative;
(c)
Member of a limited liability company;
(d)
Partner of a partnership; and
(e)
General partner or limited partner of a limited partnership. [1999 c.362 §31;
2003 c.80 §27]
63.470 Conversion.
(1)(a) A business entity may be converted to a limited liability company
organized under this chapter.
(b)
A limited liability company organized under this chapter may be converted to
another business entity organized under the laws of this state if the statutes
that govern the other business entity permit the conversion.
(c)
A business entity may perform a conversion described in paragraph (a) or (b) of
this subsection by approving a plan of conversion and filing articles of
conversion.
(2)
A limited liability company organized under this chapter may be converted to a
business entity organized under the laws of another jurisdiction if:
(a)
The laws of the other jurisdiction permit the conversion;
(b)
The converting limited liability company approves a plan of conversion;
(c)
Articles of conversion are filed in this state;
(d)(A)
The converted business entity submits an application for filing to the
Secretary of State to transact business as a foreign business entity of the
type into which the limited liability company converted unless the converted
business entity does not intend to continue to transact business in this state;
and
(B)
The converted business entity meets all other requirements the laws of this
state prescribe for authorization to transact business as a foreign business
entity of the type into which the business entity converted; and
(e)
The limited liability company complies with any requirements that the laws of
the other jurisdiction impose with respect to the conversion.
(3)
The plan of conversion must set forth:
(a)
The name and type of the business entity prior to conversion;
(b)
The name and type of the business entity after conversion;
(c)
A summary of the material terms and conditions of the conversion;
(d)
The manner and basis of converting the ownership interests of each owner into
ownership interests or obligations of the converted business entity or any
other business entity, or into cash or other property in whole or in part; and
(e)
Any additional information that the statutes that govern converted business
entities of the type into which the limited liability company converted require
in the organizational document of the converted business entity.
(4)
The plan of conversion may set forth other provisions relating to the
conversion. [1999 c.362 §32; 2001 c.315 §16; 2003 c.80 §20; 2011 c.147 §9]
63.473 Action on plan of conversion.
(1) A plan of conversion shall be approved as follows:
(a)
In the case of a limited liability company, by a majority vote of its members,
or by a greater vote if required by its articles of organization or any
operating agreement.
(b)
In the case of a business entity other than a limited liability company, as
provided by the statutes governing that business entity.
(2)
After a conversion is approved, and at any time before articles of conversion
are filed, the planned conversion may be abandoned, subject to any contractual
rights:
(a)
By a limited liability company, without further action by the members, in
accordance with the procedure set forth in the plan of conversion or, if none
is set forth, in the manner determined by the managers.
(b)
By a converting business entity that is not a limited liability company, in
accordance with the procedure set forth in the plan of conversion or, if none
is set forth, in the manner permitted by the statutes governing that business
entity. [1999 c.362 §33]
63.476 Articles of conversion.
(1) After conversion is approved by the owners, the converting business entity
shall file articles of conversion, which shall state the name and type of
business entity prior to conversion and the name and type of business entity
after conversion, and shall include the plan of conversion.
(2)
The conversion takes effect at the later of the date and time determined
pursuant to ORS 63.011 or the date and time determined pursuant to the statutes
governing the business entity that is not a limited liability company. [1999
c.362 §34; 2001 c.315 §9]
63.479 Effect of conversion; entity
existence continues; assumed business name. (1)
When a conversion to or from a limited liability company pursuant to ORS 63.470
takes effect:
(a)
The business entity continues its existence despite the conversion;
(b)
Title to all real estate and other property owned by the converting business
entity is vested in the converted business entity without reversion or
impairment;
(c)
All obligations of the converting business entity including, without
limitation, contractual, tort, statutory and administrative obligations are
obligations of the converted business entity;
(d)
An action or proceeding pending against the converting business entity or its
owners may be continued as if the conversion had not occurred, or the converted
business entity may be substituted as a party to the action or proceeding;
(e)
The ownership interests of each owner that are to be converted into ownership
interests or obligations of the converted business entity or any other business
entity, or into cash or other property, are converted as provided in the plan
of conversion;
(f)
Liability of an owner for obligations of the business entity shall be
determined:
(A)
As to liabilities incurred by the business entity prior to conversion,
according to laws applicable prior to conversion; and
(B)
As to liabilities incurred by the business entity after conversion, according
to laws applicable after conversion, except as provided in paragraph (g) of
this subsection;
(g)
If prior to conversion an owner of a business entity was a partner of a
partnership or general partner of a limited partnership and was personally
liable for the business entity’s liabilities, and after conversion is an owner
normally protected from personal liability, then such owner shall continue to
be personally liable for the business entity’s liabilities incurred during the
12 months following conversion, if the other party or parties to the
transaction reasonably believed that the owner would be personally liable and
had not received notice of the conversion; and
(h)
Unless the converted business entity is a partnership, the registration of an
assumed business name of a business entity under ORS chapter 648 shall continue
as the assumed business name of the converted business entity. If the converted
business entity is a partnership, the converting business entity shall amend or
cancel the registration of the assumed business name under ORS chapter 648, and
the partners of the partnership shall register the name as an assumed business
name under ORS chapter 648.
(2)
Owners of the business entity that converted are entitled to:
(a)
In the case of limited liability companies, only the rights provided in the
plan of conversion; and
(b)
In the case of owners of business entities other than limited liability
companies, the rights provided in the plan of conversion and in the statutes
applicable to the business entity prior to conversion, including, without
limitation, any rights to dissent, to dissociate, to withdraw, to recover for
breach of any duty or obligation owed by the other owners, and to obtain an
appraisal or payment for the value of an owner’s interest. [1999 c.362 §35;
2001 c.315 §4]
63.481 Merger.
(1) One or more business entities may merge into a limited liability company
organized under this chapter if the merger is permitted by the statutes
governing each other business entity that is a party to the merger, a plan of
merger is approved by each business entity that is a party to the merger and
articles of merger are filed. A limited liability company organized under this
chapter may be merged into a business entity organized under the laws of this state
or under the laws of another jurisdiction if:
(a)
The merger is permitted by the laws of this state or by the laws of the other
jurisdiction that govern the other business entity;
(b)
A plan of merger is approved by each business entity that is a party to the
merger;
(c)
Articles of merger are filed in this state; and
(d)
The limited liability company complies with any requirements imposed under the
laws of this state and, if applicable, the laws of the other jurisdiction with
respect to the merger.
(2)
The plan of merger shall set forth:
(a)
The name and type of each business entity planning to merge;
(b)
The name and type of the business entity that will survive;
(c)
A summary of the material terms and conditions of the merger;
(d)
The manner and basis of converting the ownership interests of each owner into
ownership interests or obligations of the surviving business entity or any
other business entity, or into cash or other property in whole or in part; and
(e)
If any party is a business entity other than a limited liability company, any
additional information required for a merger by the statutes governing that
business entity.
(3)
The plan of merger may set forth:
(a)
Amendments to the articles of organization of a limited liability company, if
that company is the surviving business entity; and
(b)
Other provisions relating to the merger. [1993 c.173 §90; 1999 c.362 §36; 2001
c.315 §17; 2003 c.80 §21]
63.487 Action on plan of merger.
(1) A plan of merger shall be approved by each business entity that is a party
to the merger, as follows:
(a)
In the case of a limited liability company, by a majority vote of its members,
or by a greater vote if required by its articles of organization or any
operating agreement.
(b)
In the case of a business entity other than a limited liability company, as
provided by the statutes governing that business entity.
(2)
After a merger is authorized, and at any time before articles of merger are
filed, the planned merger may be abandoned, subject to any contractual rights:
(a)
By the limited liability company, without further action by the members, in
accordance with the procedure set forth in the plan of merger or, if none is
set forth, in the manner determined by the managers.
(b)
By a party to the merger that is not a limited liability company, in accordance
with the procedure set forth in the plan of merger or, if none is set forth, in
the manner permitted by the statutes governing that business entity. [1993
c.173 §91; 1999 c.362 §37]
63.494 Articles of merger.
(1) After a plan of merger is approved by each business entity that is a party
to the merger, the surviving business entity shall deliver to the office of the
Secretary of State, for filing, articles of merger setting forth:
(a)
The plan of merger; and
(b)
A statement that the plan of merger was duly authorized and approved by each
business entity that is a party to the merger in accordance with ORS 63.487.
(2)
The merger takes effect on the later of the date and time determined pursuant
to ORS 63.011 or the date and time determined pursuant to the statutes
governing any party to the merger that is a business entity other than a
limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §92; 1999 c.362 §38]
63.497 Effect of merger.
(1) When a merger involving a limited liability company takes effect:
(a)
Every other business entity that is a party to the merger merges into the
surviving business entity, and the separate existence of every other party
ceases;
(b)
Title to all real estate and other property owned by each of the business
entities that were parties to the merger is vested in the surviving business
entity without reversion or impairment;
(c)
All obligations of each of the business entities that were parties to the
merger, including, without limitation, contractual, tort, statutory and
administrative obligations, are obligations of the surviving business entity;
(d)
An action or proceeding pending against each of the business entities or its
owners that were parties to the merger may be continued as if the merger had
not occurred, or the surviving business entity may be substituted as a party to
the action or proceeding;
(e)
If a limited liability company is the surviving business entity, its articles
of organization are amended to the extent provided in the plan of merger;
(f)
The ownership interests of each owner that are to be converted into ownership
interests or obligations of the surviving business entity or any other business
entity, or into cash or other property, are converted as provided in the plan
of merger;
(g)
Liability of an owner for obligations of a business entity that is a party to
the merger shall be determined:
(A)
As to liabilities incurred by the business entity prior to merger, according to
the laws applicable prior to merger; and
(B)
As to liabilities incurred by the business entity after merger, according to
the laws applicable after merger, except as provided in paragraph (h) of this
subsection;
(h)
If prior to merger an owner of a business entity was a partner of a partnership
or general partner of a limited partnership and was personally liable for the
business entity’s liabilities, and after merger is an owner normally protected
from personal liability, then such owner shall continue to be personally liable
for the business entity’s liabilities incurred during the 12 months following
merger, if the other party or parties to the transaction reasonably believed
that the owner would be personally liable and had not received notice of the
merger; and
(i) The registration of an assumed business name of a
business entity under ORS chapter 648 shall not be affected by the merger.
(2)
Owners of the business entities that are parties to the merger are entitled to:
(a)
In the case of members of limited liability companies, only the rights provided
in the articles of merger; and
(b)
In the case of owners of business entities other than limited liability
companies, the rights provided in the statutes applicable to the business
entity prior to merger, including, without limitation, any rights to dissent,
to dissociate, to withdraw, to recover for breach of any duty or obligation
owed by the other owners, and to obtain an appraisal or payment for the value
of an owner’s interest. [1993 c.173 §93; 1999 c.362 §39]
63.501 [1993
c.173 §94; repealed by 1999 c.362 §67]
DISSOLUTION
(Generally)
63.621 Dissolution.
A limited liability company is dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon
the first to occur of the following:
(1)
Upon reaching the time for dissolution, if any, specified in the articles of
organization.
(2)
Upon the occurrence of events specified in the articles of organization or any
operating agreement.
(3)
By the vote or such other action of the members as provided in the articles of
organization or any operating agreement or, if neither the articles of
organization nor any operating agreement so provides, by the consent of all the
members.
(4)
At such time as the limited liability company has no members.
(5)
Upon administrative dissolution by the Secretary of State under ORS 63.651.
(6)
Upon entry of a judgment of judicial dissolution under ORS 63.671. [1993 c.173 §54;
1995 c.93 §18; 1997 c.646 §10; 2003 c.576 §327]
63.625 Distribution of assets upon
dissolution. Upon the winding up of a limited
liability company, the assets shall be distributed as follows:
(1)
To the extent permitted by law, to creditors, including members and former
members who are creditors, in satisfaction of liabilities of the limited
liability company other than liabilities for distributions to members under ORS
63.200 or 63.249;
(2)
Except as provided in the articles of organization or any operating agreement,
to members and former members of the limited liability company in satisfaction
of the limited liability company’s obligations for distributions due and owing
under ORS 63.200 or 63.249; and
(3)
Except as provided in the articles of organization or any operating agreement,
to members of the limited liability company first for the return of their
previously unreturned contributions and thereafter in the proportions in which
the members share in profits. [1993 c.173 §59; 1997 c.646 §11]
63.629 Agency power of members and managers
after dissolution. (1) Except as provided in
subsections (2) and (3) of this section, and except as otherwise provided in
the articles of organization or any operating agreement, after dissolution of
the limited liability company, each member of a member-managed limited
liability company and each manager of a manager-managed limited liability
company can bind the limited liability company:
(a)
By any act or omission appropriate for winding up the limited liability company’s
affairs or completing transactions unfinished at dissolution; and
(b)
By any transaction that would have bound the limited liability company if it
had not been dissolved, if the other party to the transaction does not have
actual notice of the dissolution.
(2)
An act or omission of a member or manager that would not be binding on the
limited liability company pursuant to subsection (1) of this section is binding
if it is otherwise authorized or ratified by the limited liability company.
(3)
An act or omission of a member or manager that would be binding on the limited
liability company under subsection (1) of this section or that otherwise would
be authorized, but that is in contravention of a restriction on the authority
of the member or manager shall not bind the limited liability company to
persons having knowledge of the restriction. [1993 c.173 §61; 1995 c.93 §19;
1997 c.646 §12; 1999 c.86 §15]
63.631 Articles of dissolution.
At any time following dissolution of the limited liability company, the limited
liability company may deliver to the office of the Secretary of State articles
of dissolution setting forth:
(1)
The name of the limited liability company; and
(2)
The date the dissolution occurred. [1993 c.173 §60; 1995 c.93 §20]
63.637 Effect of dissolution; winding up.
(1) A dissolved limited liability company continues its existence, but may not
carry on any business except that which is appropriate to wind up and liquidate
its business and affairs, including the actions specified in ORS 60.637 for a
dissolved corporation. The limitation on personal liability otherwise provided
in this chapter for members and managers shall continue following dissolution
for actions appropriate to the winding up and liquidation.
(2)
Dissolution of a limited liability company does not:
(a)
Transfer title to the limited liability company’s property;
(b)
Subject its members, managers or employees to standards of conduct different
from those prescribed in this chapter;
(c)
Prevent commencement of a proceeding by or against the limited liability
company in its limited liability company name;
(d)
Abate or suspend a proceeding by or against the limited liability company on
the effective date of the dissolution; or
(e)
Terminate the authority of the registered agent of the limited liability
company.
(3)
Except as otherwise provided in the articles of organization or any operating
agreement, the manager or managers or, if the articles of organization do not
provide for managers, the members who have not wrongfully dissolved a limited
liability company may wind up the limited liability company’s affairs. However,
the circuit court, upon cause shown, may wind up the limited liability company’s
affairs upon application of any member or the member’s legal representative or
assignee. [1993 c.173 §55; 1995 c.93 §21]
63.641 Known claims against dissolved limited
liability company. (1) A dissolved limited
liability company may dispose of the known claims against it by the procedure
described in this section.
(2)
The dissolved limited liability company shall notify its known claimants in
writing of the dissolution at any time after the dissolution. The written
notice must:
(a)
Describe information that must be included in a claim;
(b)
Provide a mailing address where a claim may be sent;
(c)
State the deadline, which may not be fewer than 120 days from the effective
date of the written notice, by which the dissolved limited liability company
must receive the claim; and
(d)
State that the claim will be barred if not received by the deadline.
(3)
A claim against the dissolved limited liability company is barred:
(a)
If a claimant who is given written notice under subsection (2) of this section
does not deliver the claim to the dissolved limited liability company by the
deadline; or
(b)
If a claimant whose claim was rejected by the dissolved limited liability
company does not commence a proceeding to enforce the claim within 90 days from
the effective date of the rejection notice.
(4)
For purposes of this section, “claim” does not include a contingent liability
or a claim based on an event occurring after the effective date of dissolution.
[1993 c.173 §56]
63.644 Unknown claims against dissolved limited
liability company. (1) A dissolved limited
liability company which has filed articles of dissolution in accordance with
ORS 63.631 may also publish notice of its dissolution and request that persons
with claims against the limited liability company present them in accordance
with the notice.
(2)
The notice must:
(a)
Be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where
the dissolved limited liability company’s principal office is located or, if
the principal office is not in this state, where its registered office is or
was last located;
(b)
Describe the information that must be included in a claim and provide a mailing
address where the claim may be sent; and
(c)
State that a claim against the limited liability company will be barred unless
a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five years after the
publication of the notice.
(3)
If the dissolved limited liability company publishes a newspaper notice in
accordance with subsection (2) of this section, the claim of each of the
following claimants is barred unless the claimant commences a proceeding to
enforce the claim against the dissolved limited liability company within five
years after the publication date of the newspaper notice:
(a)
A claimant who did not receive written notice under ORS 63.641;
(b)
A claimant whose claim was sent in a timely manner to the dissolved limited
liability company but not acted on; or
(c)
A claimant whose claim is contingent or based on an event occurring after the
effective date of dissolution. [1993 c.173 §57]
63.645 Enforcement of claims against
dissolved limited liability company. A claim
against a dissolved limited liability company that is not barred under ORS
63.641 or 63.644 may be enforced:
(1)
Against the dissolved limited liability company to the extent of its
undistributed assets; or
(2)
If the assets have been distributed in liquidation, against each member of the
dissolved limited liability company for the amount by which such member’s
liquidation distributions would have been reduced if the claim had been paid by
the limited liability company. A member’s total liability for all claims under
this section may not exceed the total value of assets distributed to the member,
as of the date or dates of distribution, less any liability of the limited
liability company paid on behalf of the limited liability company by that
member after the date of the distribution. [1993 c.173 §58]
(Administrative Dissolution)
63.647 Grounds for administrative
dissolution. The Secretary of State may commence a
proceeding under ORS 63.651 to administratively dissolve a limited liability
company if:
(1)
The limited liability company does not pay when due any fees imposed by this
chapter;
(2)
The limited liability company does not deliver its annual report to the
Secretary of State when due;
(3)
The limited liability company is without a registered agent or registered
office in this state;
(4)
The limited liability company does not notify the Secretary of State that its
registered agent or registered office has been changed, that its registered
agent has resigned or that its registered office has been discontinued; or
(5)
The limited liability company’s period of duration stated in its articles of
organization expires. [1993 c.173 §62]
63.651 Procedure; effect of administrative
dissolution. (1) If the Secretary of State
determines that one or more grounds exist under ORS 63.647 for dissolving a
limited liability company, the Secretary of State shall give the limited
liability company written notice of the determination.
(2)
If the limited liability company does not correct each ground for dissolution
or demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Secretary of State, within
45 days after notice is given, that each ground determined by the Secretary of
State does not exist, the Secretary of State shall dissolve the limited
liability company.
(3)
A limited liability company administratively dissolved continues its existence
but may not carry on any business except that necessary to wind up and
liquidate its business and affairs under ORS 63.637 and notify claimants under
ORS 63.641 and 63.644.
(4)
The administrative dissolution of a limited liability company does not
terminate the authority of its registered agent. [1993 c.173 §63; 1993 c.173 §106]
63.654 Reinstatement following administrative
dissolution. (1) A limited liability company that
the Secretary of State administratively dissolved under ORS 63.651 may apply to
the Secretary of State for reinstatement within five years from the date of
dissolution. The application must:
(a)
State the name of the limited liability company and the effective date of the
limited liability company’s administrative dissolution; and
(b)
State that the ground or grounds for dissolution either did not exist or have
been eliminated.
(2)
If the Secretary of State determines that the application contains the
information required by subsection (1) of this section, that the information is
correct and that the limited liability company’s name satisfies the
requirements of ORS 63.094, the Secretary of State shall reinstate the limited
liability company.
(3)
When effective, the reinstatement relates back to and takes effect as of the
effective date of the administrative dissolution and the limited liability
company resumes carrying on the limited liability company’s business as if the
administrative dissolution had never occurred.
(4)
The Secretary of State may waive the requirement under subsection (1) of this
section that the limited liability company apply for reinstatement within five
years after the date of administrative dissolution if the limited liability
company requests the waiver and provides evidence of the limited liability
company’s continued existence as an active concern during the period of
administrative dissolution. [1993 c.173 §64; 1995 c.215 §11; 2011 c.147 §10]
63.657 Appeal from denial of
reinstatement. (1) If the Secretary of State denies a
limited liability company’s application for reinstatement following
administrative dissolution, the Secretary of State shall give written notice to
the limited liability company that explains the reason or reasons for denial.
(2)
The limited liability company may appeal the denial of the reinstatement
pursuant to the provisions of ORS chapter 183. [1993 c.173 §65]
(Judicial Dissolution)
63.661 Grounds for judicial dissolution.
The circuit courts may dissolve a limited liability company:
(1)
In a proceeding by the Attorney General if it is established that:
(a)
The limited liability company obtained its articles of organization through
fraud; or
(b)
The limited liability company has continued to exceed or abuse the authority
conferred upon it by law.
(2)
In a proceeding by or for a member if it is established that it is not
reasonably practicable to carry on the business of the limited liability
company in conformance with its articles of organization or any operating
agreement.
(3)
In a proceeding by the limited liability company to have its voluntary
dissolution continued under court supervision. [1993 c.173 §66]
63.664 Procedure for judicial dissolution.
(1) Venue for a proceeding by the Attorney General to dissolve a limited
liability company lies in Marion County. Venue for a proceeding brought by any
other party named in ORS 63.661 lies in the county where a limited liability
company’s principal office is located or, if the principal office is not in
this state, where its registered office is or was last located.
(2)
It is not necessary to make members parties to a proceeding to dissolve a
limited liability company unless relief is sought against them individually.
(3)
A court in a proceeding brought to judicially dissolve a limited liability
company may issue injunctions, appoint a receiver or a custodian with all
powers and duties the court directs, and take other action required to preserve
or liquidate the limited liability company’s assets wherever located or carry
on the business of the limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §67]
63.671 Judgment of dissolution.
(1) If after a hearing the court determines that one or more grounds for
judicial dissolution described in ORS 63.661 exist, it may enter a judgment
dissolving the limited liability company and specifying the effective date of
the dissolution. The clerk of the court shall deliver a certified copy of the
judgment to the office for filing. The Secretary of State shall file the
certified copy of the judgment.
(2)
After entering the judgment of dissolution, the court shall direct the winding
up and liquidation of the limited liability company’s business and affairs in
accordance with ORS 63.637, the notification of claimants and enforcement of
claims in accordance with ORS 63.641 and 63.644, and the distribution of
limited liability company assets in accordance with ORS 63.625. [1993 c.173 §68;
2003 c.576 §328]
(Disposition of Assets)
63.674 Deposit with Department of State
Lands. Assets of a dissolved limited liability
company that should be distributed to a creditor, claimant or member of the
limited liability company who cannot be found or who is not competent to
receive them shall be reduced to cash and, within six months after the final
distribution of such liquidation or winding up is payable, deposited with the
Department of State Lands. The receiver or other liquidating agent shall
prepare in duplicate and under oath a statement containing the names and
last-known addresses of the persons entitled to such funds. One of the
statements shall be filed with the Department of State Lands and another shall
be delivered to the office for filing. The funds shall then escheat to and
become the property of the State of Oregon and shall become a part of the
Common School Fund of the state. The owners, heirs or personal representatives
of the owner may reclaim any funds so deposited in the manner provided for
estates which have escheated to the state. [1993 c.173 §69]
FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
(Authority to Transact Business)
63.701 Authority to transact business required.
(1) A foreign limited liability company may not transact business in this state
until it has been authorized to do so by the Secretary of State.
(2)
The following activities, among others, do not constitute transacting business
within the meaning of subsection (1) of this section:
(a)
Maintaining, defending or settling any proceeding.
(b)
Holding meetings of the managers or members or carrying on other activities
concerning internal affairs.
(c)
Maintaining bank accounts.
(d)
Maintaining offices or agencies for the transfer, exchange and registration of
the foreign limited liability company’s own securities or maintaining trustees
or depositories with respect to those securities.
(e)
Selling through independent contractors.
(f)
Soliciting or obtaining orders, whether by mail or through employees or agents
or otherwise, if the orders require acceptance outside this state before they
become contracts.
(g)
Creating or acquiring indebtedness, mortgages and security interests in real or
personal property.
(h)
Securing or collecting debts or enforcing mortgages and security interests in
property securing the debts.
(i) Owning, without more, real or personal property.
(j)
Conducting an isolated transaction that is completed within 30 days and is not
one in the course of repeated transactions of a like nature.
(k)
Transacting business in interstate commerce.
(3)
The list of activities in subsection (2) of this section is not exhaustive. [1993
c.173 §75]
63.704 Consequences of transacting business
without authority. (1) A foreign limited liability
company transacting business in this state without authorization from the
Secretary of State may not maintain a proceeding in any court in this state
until it obtains authorization from the Secretary of State to transact business
in this state.
(2)
The successor to a foreign limited liability company that transacted business
in this state without authority to transact business in this state and the
assignee of a cause of action arising out of that business may not maintain a
proceeding based on that cause of action in any court in this state until the
foreign limited liability company or its successor obtains authorization from
the Secretary of State to transact business in this state.
(3)
A court may stay a proceeding commenced by a foreign limited liability company
or its successor or assignee until it determines whether the foreign limited
liability company or its successor requires authorization from the Secretary of
State to transact business in this state. If it so determines, the court may
further stay the proceeding until the foreign limited liability company or its
successor obtains the authorization.
(4)
A foreign limited liability company that transacts business in this state
without authority shall be liable to this state for the years or parts thereof
during which it transacted business in this state without authority in an
amount equal to all fees that would have been imposed by this chapter upon the
foreign limited liability company had it duly applied for and received
authority to transact business in this state as required by this chapter and
thereafter filed all reports required by this chapter.
(5)
Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the failure of a
foreign limited liability company to obtain authority to transact business in
this state does not impair the validity of its acts or prevent it from
defending any proceeding in this state.
(6)
A member of a foreign limited liability company is not liable for the debts and
obligations of the foreign limited liability company solely by reason of the
foreign limited liability company’s having transacted business in this state
without authority. [1993 c.173 §76]
63.707 Application for authority to
transact business. (1) A foreign limited liability
company may apply for authority to transact business in this state by
delivering an application to the office of the Secretary of State for filing.
The application must set forth:
(a)
The name of the foreign limited liability company or, if the name the foreign
limited liability company uses is unavailable for filing in this state, another
name that satisfies the requirements of ORS 63.717;
(b)
The name of the state or country under whose law the foreign limited liability
company is organized;
(c)
The foreign limited liability company’s registry number in the state or country
under whose law the foreign limited liability company is organized;
(d)
The foreign limited liability company’s date of organization and either the
date on which the period of the foreign limited liability company’s duration
expires or a statement that the duration is perpetual;
(e)
The address, including street and number, and mailing address, if different, of
the foreign limited liability company’s principal office;
(f)
The address, including street and number, of the foreign limited liability
company’s registered office in this state and the name of the foreign limited
liability company’s registered agent at the registered office;
(g)
A statement that the foreign limited liability company satisfies the
requirements of ORS 63.714 (3); and
(h)
A statement as to whether the foreign limited liability company is
member-managed or manager-managed, or whether the foreign limited liability
company is managed by a manager or managers.
(2)(a)
Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the foreign limited
liability company shall deliver with the completed application a certificate of
existence, or a document of similar import, current within 60 days of delivery
and authenticated by the official having custody of limited liability company
records in the state or country under whose law the foreign limited liability
company is organized.
(b)
A foreign limited liability company need not submit a certificate of existence
or document in accordance with paragraph (a) of this subsection if the official
who has custody of business entity records in the state or country under whose
law the foreign limited liability company is organized provides free access via
the Internet to a searchable database that contains evidence of limited
liability company registrations. [1993 c.173 §77; 1999 c.86 §16; 2005 c.22 §43;
2011 c.147 §11]
63.711 Amendment to application for
authority. (1) A foreign limited liability company
authorized to transact business in this state shall deliver an amendment to the
application for authority to transact business in this state to the office for
filing if it changes:
(a)
Its name as shown on the records of the office; or
(b)
The period of its duration.
(2)
The amendment to the application for authority to transact business in this
state shall set forth its name shown on the records of the office and the new
name or the new period of duration. The name as changed must satisfy the
requirements of ORS 63.094. [1993 c.173 §78]
63.714 Effect of authority.
(1) The laws of the state or other jurisdiction under which a foreign limited
liability company is organized shall govern its organization and internal
affairs and the liability of its members.
(2)
Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a foreign limited
liability company may not be denied registration by reason of any difference
between the laws of this state and the laws of the state or other jurisdiction
under which the foreign limited liability company is organized.
(3)
Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, no foreign limited
liability company shall be authorized or permitted to exercise any powers or
purposes or conduct any business or affairs in this state that a domestic
limited liability company is proscribed from exercising, pursuing or
undertaking in this state. [1993 c.173 §79; 1995 c.93 §22]
63.717 Name of foreign limited liability
company. (1) Except as provided in subsections
(2) and (3) of this section, the Secretary of State shall not authorize a
foreign limited liability company to transact business in this state if the
name of the foreign limited liability company does not conform to ORS 63.094.
(2)
The name of the foreign limited liability company must contain a word or
abbreviation required by ORS 63.094 unless the name contains some other word,
phrase or abbreviation that the laws of the place of organization require to
denote a limited liability company.
(3)
If a limited liability company name, corporate name, professional corporate
name, nonprofit corporate name, cooperative name, limited partnership name,
business trust name, reserved name, registered name or assumed business name of
active record with the office is not distinguishable on the records of the
office from the name of the applicant foreign limited liability company, the
Secretary of State shall not authorize the applicant to transact business in
this state unless the foreign limited liability company states its name on the application
for authority to transact business in this state under ORS 63.707 as (name
under which organized), a limited liability company of (place of organization),
the entirety of which shall be the real and true name of the foreign limited
liability company in this state under ORS chapter 648.
(4)
If a foreign limited liability company authorized to transact business in this
state changes its name to one that does not satisfy the requirements of this
section, it may not transact business in this state under the changed name
until it adopts a name satisfying the requirements of this section and ORS
63.711. [1993 c.173 §80]
63.721 Registered office and registered
agent of foreign limited liability company. Each
foreign limited liability company authorized to transact business in this state
must continuously maintain in this state:
(1)
A registered office that may be, but need not be, the same as any of its places
of business; and
(2)
A registered agent who may be:
(a)
An individual who resides in this state and whose business office is identical
to the registered office;
(b)
A domestic limited liability company, a domestic corporation, a domestic
professional corporation or a domestic nonprofit corporation whose business
office is identical to the registered office; or
(c)
A foreign limited liability company, a foreign corporation, a foreign
professional corporation or a foreign nonprofit corporation authorized to
transact business in this state whose business office is identical to the
registered office. [1993 c.173 §81; 2001 c.315 §28]
63.724 Change of registered office or
registered agent of foreign limited liability company.
(1) A foreign limited liability company authorized to transact business in this
state may change its registered office or registered agent by delivering to the
office of the Secretary of State for filing a statement of change that sets
forth:
(a)
The name of the foreign limited liability company;
(b)
If the registered office is to be changed, the street address, including street
and number, of the new registered office;
(c)
If the registered agent is to be changed, the name of the new registered agent
and a statement that the new agent has consented to the appointment; and
(d)
That after the change or changes are made, the street addresses of the
registered office and the business office of its registered agent will be
identical.
(2)
If a registered agent changes the street address of the agent’s business
office, the registered agent shall change the street address of the registered
office of the foreign limited liability company for which the agent is the
registered agent by notifying the foreign limited liability company in writing
of the change and signing, either manually or in facsimile, and delivering to
the office of the Secretary of State a statement of change that complies with
the requirement of subsection (1) of this section and states that the foreign
limited liability company has been notified of the change.
(3)
The filing of the statement by the Secretary of State shall terminate the
existing registered office or agent, or both, on the effective date of the
filing and establish the newly appointed registered office or agent, or both,
as that of the foreign limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §82]
63.727 Resignation of registered agent of
a foreign limited liability company. (1) The
registered agent of a foreign limited liability company may resign as agent
upon delivering a signed statement to the office and giving notice in the form
of a copy of the statement to the foreign limited liability company. The
statement of resignation may include a statement that the registered office is
also discontinued.
(2)
Upon the delivery of the signed statement, the Secretary of State shall file
the resignation statement. The copy of the statement given to the foreign
limited liability company under subsection (1) of this section shall be
addressed to the foreign limited liability company at its mailing address or
its principal office as shown by the records of the Secretary of State.
(3)
The agency appointment is terminated, and the registered office discontinued if
so provided in the signed statement under subsection (1) of this section, on
the 31st day after the date on which the statement was filed by the Secretary
of State unless the foreign limited liability company has previously appointed
a successor registered agent, as provided in ORS 63.724, thereby terminating
the capacity of such agent. [1993 c.173 §83; 1993 c.173 §107]
63.731 Service on a foreign limited liability
company. (1) The registered agent appointed by a
foreign limited liability company authorized to transact business in this state
shall be its agent upon whom any process, notice or demand required or
permitted by law to be served upon the foreign limited liability company may be
served.
(2)
The Secretary of State shall be an agent of a foreign limited liability company
upon whom any process, notice or demand may be served, if:
(a)
The foreign limited liability company is authorized to transact business in
this state, and it fails to appoint or maintain a registered agent in this
state, or its registered agent cannot with reasonable diligence be found at the
registered office;
(b)
The foreign limited liability company’s authority to transact business in this
state has been revoked;
(c)
The foreign limited liability company is transacting business in this state
without being authorized as provided in this chapter;
(d)
The foreign limited liability company has been authorized to transact business
in this state and has withdrawn; or
(e)
The foreign limited liability company has transacted business in this state
without being authorized to do so and has ceased to transact business.
(3)
Service on the Secretary of State of any such process, notice or demand shall
be made in the same manner as provided in ORS 63.121, except that when the
foreign limited liability company served is not authorized to transact business
in this state and was not authorized to transact business in this state at the
time the transaction, event or occurrence upon which the proceeding is based
occurred, the copy of the process, notice or demand shall be sent immediately
by registered or certified mail by the plaintiff or the attorney of the
plaintiff to the principal office or place of business of the foreign limited
liability company, instead of the last registered office of the foreign limited
liability company.
(4)
The Secretary of State shall keep a record of all processes, notices and
demands served upon the Secretary of State under this section.
(5)
After completion of initial service upon the Secretary of State, no additional
documents need to be served upon the Secretary of State to maintain
jurisdiction in the same proceeding or to give notice of any motion or
provisional process.
(6)
Nothing contained in this section shall limit or affect the right to serve any
process, notice or demand required or permitted by law to be served upon a
foreign limited liability company in any other manner permitted by law, or
enlarge the purposes for which service on the Secretary of State is permitted
where such purposes are limited by other provisions of law. [1993 c.173 §84]
(Withdrawal)
63.734 Withdrawal of foreign limited
liability company. (1) A foreign limited liability
company authorized to transact business in this state may withdraw from
transacting business in this state by applying to the office for withdrawal.
The application shall set forth:
(a)
The name of the foreign limited liability company and the name of the state or
country under whose law it is organized;
(b)
That it is not transacting business in this state and that it surrenders its
authority to transact business in this state;
(c)
That it revokes the authority of its registered agent to accept service on its
behalf and appoints the Secretary of State as its agent for service of process
in any proceeding based on a cause of action arising during the time it was
authorized to transact business in this state;
(d)
A mailing address to which the person initiating any proceeding may mail to the
foreign limited liability company a copy of any process served on the Secretary
of State under paragraph (c) of this subsection; and
(e)
A commitment to notify the Secretary of State for a period of five years from
the date of withdrawal of any change in its mailing address.
(2)
Upon filing by the Secretary of State of the application to withdraw, the
authority of the foreign limited liability company to transact business in this
state shall cease. [1993 c.173 §85]
(Revocation of Authority)
63.737 Grounds for revocation.
The Secretary of State may commence a proceeding under ORS 63.741 to revoke the
authority of a foreign limited liability company to transact business in this
state if:
(1)
The foreign limited liability company does not deliver its annual report to the
Secretary of State within the time prescribed by this chapter;
(2)
The foreign limited liability company does not pay within the time prescribed
by this chapter any fees imposed by this chapter;
(3)
The foreign limited liability company has failed to appoint or maintain a
registered agent or registered office in this state as prescribed by this
chapter;
(4)
The foreign limited liability company does not inform the Secretary of State
under ORS 63.724 or 63.727 that its registered agent or registered office has
changed, that its registered agent has resigned or that its registered office
has been discontinued;
(5)
An organizer, manager, member or agent of the foreign limited liability company
signed a document knowing it was false in any material respect with intent that
the document be delivered to the office for filing;
(6)
The foreign limited liability company no longer satisfies the requirements of
ORS 63.714 (3);
(7)
The Secretary of State receives a duly authenticated certificate from the
official having custody of the limited liability company records in the state
or country under whose law the foreign limited liability company is organized
stating that it has been dissolved or has ceased to exist as the result of a
merger or other reorganization transaction; or
(8)
The period of duration of the foreign limited liability company expires. [1993
c.173 §86]
63.741 Procedure for and effect of
revocation. (1) If the Secretary of State
determines that one or more grounds exist under ORS 63.737 for revocation of
authority of a foreign limited liability company to transact business in this
state, the Secretary of State shall give the foreign limited liability company
written notice of the determination.
(2)
If the foreign limited liability company does not correct each ground for
revocation or demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Secretary of
State that each ground determined by the Secretary of State does not exist
within 45 days after notice is given, the Secretary of State shall revoke the
foreign limited liability company’s authority.
(3)
The authority of a foreign limited liability company to transact business in
this state ceases as of the date of revocation of its authority to transact
business in this state.
(4)
The Secretary of State’s revocation of a foreign limited liability company’s
authority to transact business in this state appoints the Secretary of State as
the foreign limited liability company’s agent for service of process in any proceeding
based on a cause of action which arose during the time the foreign limited
liability company was authorized to transact business in this state.
(5)
Revocation of a foreign limited liability company’s authority to transact
business in this state terminates the authority of the registered agent of the
foreign limited liability company. [1993 c.173 §87; 1993 c.173 §108]
63.744 Appeal from revocation.
In addition to any other legal remedy which may be available, a foreign limited
liability company shall have the right to appeal the Secretary of State’s
revocation of its authority to transact business in this state pursuant to the
provisions of ORS chapter 183. [1993 c.173 §88]
63.747 Reinstatement of authority.
(1) A foreign limited liability company that has had its authority revoked
under ORS 63.741 may apply to the Secretary of State for reinstatement within
five years from the date of revocation. The application shall:
(a)
State the name of the foreign limited liability company and the effective date
its authority was revoked; and
(b)
State that the ground or grounds for revocation of authority either did not
exist or have been eliminated.
(2)
If the Secretary of State determines that the application contains the
information required by subsection (1) of this section, that the information is
correct and that the foreign limited liability company’s name satisfies the
requirements of ORS 63.717, the Secretary of State shall reinstate the
authority.
(3)
When the reinstatement is effective, it relates back to and takes effect as of
the effective date of the administrative revocation of authority and the
foreign limited liability company resumes carrying on its business as if the
administrative revocation of authority had never occurred. [1993 c.173 §89;
1995 c.215 §12]
RECORDS AND REPORTS
(Records)
63.771 Limited liability company records.
(1) Each limited liability company shall keep at an office specified in the
manner provided in any operating agreement or, if none, at the registered
office, the following:
(a)
A current list of the full name and last-known
business, residence or mailing address of each member and manager, both past
and present.
(b)
A copy of the articles of organization and all amendments thereto, together
with executed copies of any powers of attorney pursuant to which any amendment
has been executed.
(c)
Copies of the limited liability company’s federal, state and local income tax
returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years.
(d)
Copies of any currently effective written operating agreements and all
amendments thereto, copies of any writings permitted or required under this
chapter, and copies of any financial statements of the limited liability
company for the three most recent years.
(e)
Unless contained in a written operating agreement or in a writing permitted or
required under this chapter, a statement prepared and certified as accurate by
a manager of the limited liability company which describes:
(A)
The amount of cash and a description and statement of the agreed value of other
property or services contributed by each member and which each member has
agreed to contribute in the future;
(B)
The times at which or events on the occurrence of which any additional
contributions agreed to be made by each member are to be made; and
(C)
If agreed upon, the time at which or the events on the occurrence of which the
limited liability company is dissolved and its affairs wound up.
(2)
Any limited liability company records are subject to inspection and copying at
the reasonable request, and at the expense, of any member during ordinary
business hours.
(3)
Failure of the limited liability company to keep or maintain any of the records
or information required pursuant to this section shall not be grounds for imposing
liability on any person for the debts and obligations of the limited liability
company. [1993 c.173 §96; 1999 c.86 §22]
63.777 Scope of inspection right.
(1) A member’s agent or attorney has the same inspection and copying rights as
the member.
(2)
The right to copy records includes, if reasonable, the right to receive copies
made by photographic, xerographic or other means.
(3)
The limited liability company may impose a reasonable charge, covering the
costs of labor and material, for copies of any documents provided to the
member. The charge may not exceed the estimated cost of production or
reproduction of the records.
(4)
The limited liability company may comply with a member’s demand to inspect the
record of members by providing the member with a list of members that was
compiled no earlier than the date of the member’s demand. [1993 c.173 §97]
63.781 Court-ordered inspection.
(1) If a limited liability company does not allow a member to inspect and copy
any records required to be available for inspection, the circuit court of the
county where the limited liability company’s principal office is located, or,
if the principal office is not in this state, where its registered office is or
was last located, may summarily order inspection and copying of the records
demanded at the company’s expense upon application of the member.
(2)
If a limited liability company does not within a reasonable time allow a member
to inspect and copy any other record, the member may apply to the circuit court
in the county where the company’s principal office is located, or, if the
principal office is not in this state, where its registered office is or was
last located, for an order to permit inspection and copying of the records
demanded.
(3)
If the court orders inspection and copying of the records demanded, it shall
also order the limited liability company to pay the member’s costs, including
reasonable counsel fees, incurred to obtain the order unless the company proves
that it refused inspection in good faith because it had a reasonable basis for
doubt about the right of the member to inspect the records demanded.
(4)
If the court orders inspection and copying of the records demanded, it may
impose reasonable restrictions on the use or distribution of the records by the
demanding member.
(5)
No order shall be issued under this section without notice to the limited
liability company at least five days in advance of the time specified for the
hearing unless a different period is fixed by the court. The member’s request
shall be set for hearing at the earliest possible time and shall take
precedence over all matters, except matters of the same character and hearings
on preliminary injunctions under ORCP 79 B(3). [1993 c.173 §98]
(Reports)
63.784 Certain expense reports to members.
If a limited liability company indemnifies or advances expenses to a member or
manager under ORS 63.160 in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of
the limited liability company, the limited liability company shall report the
indemnification or advance in writing to the members. [1993 c.173 §99; 1999
c.86 §17]
63.787 Annual report; updates; rules.
(1) A domestic limited liability company, and a foreign limited liability
company authorized to transact business in this state, shall by the limited
liability company’s anniversary deliver to the office of the Secretary of State
for filing an annual report that sets forth:
(a)
The name of the limited liability company and the state or country under whose
law the limited liability company is organized;
(b)
The street address of the limited liability company’s registered office and
name of the limited liability company’s registered agent at the registered
office in this state;
(c)
The address, including street and number and mailing address, if different, of
the limited liability company’s principal office;
(d)
The names and addresses of the managers for a manager-managed limited liability
company or the name and address of at least one member for a member-managed
limited liability company;
(e)
A description of the primary business activity of the limited liability
company; and
(f)
Additional identifying information that the Secretary of State may require by
rule.
(2)
The information contained in the annual report must be current as of 30 days
before the anniversary of the limited liability company.
(3)
The Secretary of State shall mail the annual report form to any address shown
for the limited liability company in the current records of the office of the
Secretary of State. The failure of the limited liability company to receive the
annual report form from the Secretary of State does not relieve the limited
liability company of the limited liability company’s duty under this section to
deliver an annual report to the office.
(4)
If an annual report does not contain the information this section requires, the
Secretary of State shall notify the reporting domestic or foreign limited
liability company in writing and return the report to the domestic or foreign
limited liability company for correction. The domestic or foreign limited
liability company must correct the error within 45 days after the Secretary of
State gives the notice.
(5)(a)
A domestic or foreign limited liability company may update information that is
required or permitted in an annual report filing at any time by delivering to
the office of the Secretary of State for filing:
(A)
An amendment to the annual report if a change in the information set forth in
the annual report occurs after the report is delivered to the office for filing
and before the next anniversary; or
(B)
A statement with the change if the update occurs before the domestic or foreign
limited liability company files the first annual report.
(b)
This subsection applies only to a change that is not required to be made by an
amendment to the articles of organization.
(c)
The amendment to the annual report filed under paragraph (a) of this subsection
must set forth:
(A)
The name of the limited liability company as shown on the records of the
office; and
(B)
The information as changed. [1993 c.173 §100; 1995 c.93 §23; 1999 c.86 §18;
2007 c.186 §7; 2011 c.147 §12]
DERIVATIVE PROCEEDINGS
63.801 Derivative proceedings.
(1) A member may not commence a proceeding in the right of a domestic or
foreign limited liability company unless the person was a member of the limited
liability company when the transaction complained of occurred or unless the
member became a member through transfer by operation of law from one who was a
member at that time.
(2)
Except as otherwise provided in writing in the articles of organization or any
operating agreement, a complaint in a proceeding brought in the right of a
limited liability company must allege with particularity the demand made, if
any, to obtain action by the managers or the members who would otherwise have
the authority to cause the limited liability company to sue in its own right,
and either that the demand was refused or ignored or the reason why a demand
was not made. Whether or not a demand for action was made, if the limited
liability company commences an investigation of the charges made in the demand
or complaint, the court may stay any proceeding until the investigation is
completed.
(3)
A proceeding commenced under this section may not be discontinued or settled
without the court’s approval. If the court determines that a proposed
discontinuance or settlement will substantially affect the interest of the
members or a class of members, the court shall direct that notice be given to
the members affected. [1993 c.173 §95]
STATE TAXATION
63.810 Taxation of limited liability
companies and members. For purposes of ORS 320.005 to
320.150 and ORS chapters 305, 306, 307, 308, 308A, 309, 310, 311, 312, 314,
315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 321, 323 and 324, a limited liability company formed
under this chapter or qualified to do business in this state as a foreign
limited liability company shall be classified in the same manner as it is
classified for federal income tax purposes. For purposes of ORS 320.005 to
320.150 and ORS chapters 305, 306, 307, 308, 308A, 309, 310, 311, 312, 314,
315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 321, 323 and 324, a member or an assignee of a member
of a limited liability company formed under this chapter or qualified to do
business in this state as a foreign limited liability company shall have the
same status as the member or assignee of a member has for federal income tax
purposes. [1993 c.173 §101; 1997 c.646 §13; 1999 c.557 §1; 2009 c.33 §1]
MISCELLANEOUS
63.951 Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Oregon Limited Liability
Company Act.” [1993 c.173 §1]
63.955 Interstate application.
A limited liability company organized and existing under this chapter may
conduct its business, carry on its operations and have and exercise the powers
granted by this chapter in any state, territory, district or possession of the
United States, or in any foreign country. [1993 c.173 §104]
63.960 Applicability of chapter to
practice of dentistry. Nothing in this chapter is
intended to supersede the provisions of ORS 679.020. [1997 c.774 §29]
63.965 Reservation of power to amend or
repeal; effect of amendment or repeal. (1) All or
part of this chapter may be amended or repealed at any time and all domestic
and foreign limited liability companies subject to this chapter shall be
governed by the amendment or repeal.
(2)
The amendment or repeal of a statute in this chapter does not affect:
(a)
The operation of the statute or any action taken under the statute before its
amendment or repeal.
(b)
Any ratification, right, remedy, privilege, obligation or liability acquired,
accrued or incurred under the statute before its amendment or repeal.
(c)
Any violation of the statute, or any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred
because of the violation, before its amendment or repeal.
(d)
Any proceeding, reorganization or dissolution commenced under the statute
before its amendment or repeal. The proceeding, reorganization or dissolution
may be completed in accordance with the statute as if it had not been amended
or repealed. [2001 c.315 §50]
PENALTY
63.990 Penalty for signing false document.
(1) A person commits the crime of falsely signing a document for filing under
this chapter if the person signs a document knowing it is false in any material
respect with intent that the document be delivered to the office for filing.
(2)
Falsely signing a document for filing is a Class B misdemeanor. [1993 c.173 §102]
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