EXHIBIT 3.1 File Number 5367-825-4 STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE [LOGO WITH AN EAGLE] To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting: WHEREAS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST, INC. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF ILLINOIS, IN FORCE JULY 1, A.D. 1984. Now Therefore, I, Jim Edgar, Secretary of State of the State of Illinois by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this certificate and attach hereto a copy of the Application of the aforesaid corporation. In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Illinois at the City of Springfield, this 14th day of December A.D. 1984 and of the Independence of the United States the two hundred and 9th. (SEAL) /s/ Jim Edgar SECRETARY OF STATE JIM EDGAR SECRETARY OF STATE STATE OF ILLINOIS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION Pursuant to the provisions of "The Business Corporation Act of 1983", the undersigned incorporator(s) hereby adopt the following Articles of Incorporation. ARTICLE ONE The name of the corporation is United Trust, Inc. ARTICLE TWO The name and address of the initial registered agent and its registered office are: Registered Agent Richard Evan Hart First Name Middle Name Last Name Registered Office 800 Illinois Building, 6th and Adams Streets Number Street Suite # (A P.O. Box alone is not acceptable) Springfield 62701 Sangamon City Zip Code County ARTICLE THREE The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized are: The transaction of any and all lawful businesses for which corporations may be incorporated under the Business Corporation Act of Illinois, including but not limited to the purchase and acquisition of other companies which are engaged in the fields of insurance and finance and the conduct of the business of the companies so acquired in accordance with the Insurance Laws of the State of Illinois and the organization and control of a life insurance subsidiary or subsidiaries in accordance with the Insurance Laws of the State of Illinois. ARTICLE FOUR Paragraph 1: The authorized shares shall be: Class *Par Value per share Number of shares authorized Common No par value 10,000,000 Preferred $2.00 1,500,000 Paragraph 2: The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and the special or relative rights in respect of the shares of each class are: If not sufficient space to cover this point, add one or more sheets of this size. See attached Exhibit "A" ARTICLE FIVE The number of shares to be issued initially, and the consideration to be received by the corporation therefor, are: *Par Value Number of shares Consideration to be Class per share proposed to be issued received therefor Common No par value 4,825,000 $193,000.00 TOTAL $193,000.00 *A declaration as to a "par value" is optional. This space may be marked "n/a" when no reference to a par value is desired. ARTICLE SIX OPTIONAL The number of directors constituting the initial board of directors of the corporation is ____________, and the names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as directors until the first annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors be elected and qualify are: Name Residential Address ARTICLE SEVEN OPTIONAL (a) It is estimated that the value of all property to be owned by the corporation for the following year wherever located will be: $ (b) It is estimated that the value of the property to be located within the State of Illinois during the following year will be: $ (c) It is estimated that the gross amount of business which will be transacted by the corporation during the following year will be: $ (d) It is estimated that the gross amount of business which will be transacted from places of business in the State of Illinois during the following year will be: $ ARTICLE EIGHT OTHER PROVISIONS Attach a separate sheet of this size for any other provision to be included in the Articles of Incorporation, e.g., authorizing pre-emptive rights; denying cumulative voting; regulating internal affairs; voting majority requirements; fixing a duration other than perpetual; etc. NAME & ADDRESSES OF INCORPORATORS The undersigned incorporator(s) hereby declare(s), under penalties of perjury, that the statements made in the foregoing Articles of Incorporation are true. Dated 12-12 , 1984 Signatures and Names Post Office Address 1. /s/ Larry E. Ryherd 1. 1703 Seven Pines Road Signature Street Larry E. Ryherd Springfield, Illinois 62704 Name (please print) City/Town State Zip 2. 2. Signature Street Name (please print) City/Town State Zip 3. 3. Signature Street Name (please print) City/Town State Zip (Signatures must be in ink on original document. Carbon copy, xerox or rubber stamp signatures may only be used on conformed copies) NOTE: If a corporation acts as incorporator, the name of the corporation and the state of incorporation shall be shown and the execution shall be by its President or Vice-President and verified by him, and attested by its Secretary or as Assistant Secretary. EXHIBIT "A" ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION UNITED TRUST, INC. ARTICLE FOUR Paragraph 2 Paragraph 2: The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and the special or relative rights in respect of the shares of each class are: Common Stock, without par value ("Common Stock") The holders of shares of Common Stock shall have such rights as are provided by law and shall be entitled to one vote for each such share held by them; subject, however, to the applicable express terms of the Preferred Stock. 9% Noncumulative, Convertible Preferred Stock par value $2.00 per share ("Preferred Stock") (a) Dividends. The holders of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, if, when and as declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation out of funds legally available therefor, cash dividends upon each share held at the rate of, but not exceeding, 9% of the par value thereof for each fiscal year of the Corporation in preference to and in priority over dividends (other than stock dividends) on all other classes of stock of the Corporation. Such dividends on the Preferred Stock shall be noncumulative from the date upon which such shares of Preferred Stock were originally issued. (b) Voting Rights. Cumulative voting rights of all shareholders shall be eliminated in all circumstances. The Preferred Stock shall be nonvoting, except as required by law. (b) Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, the holders of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Corporation, whether from capital, surplus or earnings, and before any distribution shall be made to the holders of any other class of stock of the Corporation, the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each such share of Preferred Stock so held, together with an amount equal to any unpaid dividends, accumulated or accrued thereon to the date of dissolution, which have been earned and declared, but without interest, and no more. In case the net assets of the Corporation legally available therefor are insufficient to permit the payment upon all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock to the full preferential amount to which they are respectively entitled, then such net assets shall be distributed ratably to all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in proportion to the full preferential amount to which each share is entitled. After payment to holders of Preferred Stock of the full preferential amounts as aforesaid, holders of the Preferred Stock as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Corporation. Consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation, or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets, shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation within the meaning of this paragraph (c). (c) Conversion. The Preferred Stock may, at the option of the holder thereof, be converted into shares of Common Stock, without par value, of the Corporation upon the following terms: (1) Each holder of the Preferred Stock may so convert said Preferred Stock within a period of six (6) months following the termination of the initial public offering of securities of the Corporation, such time period for conversion being referred to herein as the "Conversion Period." The Corporation, at its option expressed by resolution of its Board of Directors, may extend the Conversion Period as the Board in its discretion may deem advisable. (2) Any holder of any shares of Preferred Stock desiring to convert said shares as herein provided, shall, during said Conversion Period, deliver, duly endorsed in blank, the certificate or certificates representing the shares to be converted to the Secretary of the Corporation at the Corporation's home office, and at the same time notify the Secretary in writing over his signature that he desires to convert his shares into shares of Common Stock, without par value, of the Corporation pursuant to these provisions. (3) Upon receipt by the Secretary of a certificate or certificates representing shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation and a notice that the holder thereof desires to convert the same, the Corporation shall forthwith cause to be issued to the holders of the Preferred Stock surrendering same, two (2) shares of Common Stock, without par value, of the Corporation for each share of Preferred Stock surrendered, or if the corporation has had a two for one stock split of the Common Shares outstanding prior to any Preferred Stock being surrendered for conversion the Corporation shall forthwith cause to be issued to the holders of such Preferred Stock surrendering same, four (4) shares of Common Stock without par value, of the corporation for each share of Preferred Stock surrendered, and shall deliver to such holder a certificate in due form for such shares of Common Stock without par value. (4) Shares of Preferred Stock converted hereunder shall revert to the status of unissued shares and shall not be reissued. (5) The Corporation shall set aside and reserve a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock, without par value, to be issued in the event holders of the Preferred Stock exercise their conversion rights. (d) Redemption. The Corporation at its option expressed by resolution of its Board of Directors, may call and redeem all or from time to time any part of the shares of Preferred Stock not converted by the end of the Conversion Period, by payment of the call and redemption price of $10.00 per share. Notice of each such redemption of shares of Preferred Stock shall be given by the Corporation by mailing by certified mail, postage prepaid, a copy thereof at least thirty (30) days prior to the redemption date to the holders of record of Preferred Stock so to be redeemed at their respective addresses then appearing on the books of the Corporation. If less than all of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be chosen by lot or pro rata, as the Board of Directors may determine. All shares of Preferred Stock which shall have been redeemed shall be retired and not reissued. (e) Pre-Emptive Rights. No shareholder of this Corporation shall have any pre-emptive or preferential right to purchase or subscribe to any shares of any class of this Corporation, now or hereafter to be authorized, or any notes, debentures, bonds or other securities convertible into or carrying options or warrants to purchase shares of any class, now, or hereafter to be authorized, whether or not the issue of any such notes, debentures, bonds or other securities, would adversely affect the dividend or voting rights of such shareholder, other than such rights, if any, as the Board of Directors in its discretion from time to time may grant, and at such price as the Board of Directors in its discretion may fix; and the Board of Directors may issue shares of any class of this Corporation, or any notes, debentures, bonds or other securities convertible into or carrying options or warrants to purchase shares of any class, without offering any such shares or securities, either in whole or in part, to the existing shareholders of any class. (g) Transfer Limitations. The promoters or organizers of the Corporation may not sell any of their shares of the corporation (1) until $1,000,000 of annual premium income has been attained by a corporation yet to be formed which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the corporation, whose purpose will be to sell life insurance, and (2) until one year after the release of their shares from escrow. File Number 5367-825-4 STATE OF ILLINOIIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE [LOGO WITH AN EAGLE] Whereas, ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST, INC. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF ILLINOIS, IN FORCE JULY 1, A.D. 1984. Now Therefore, I, Jim Edgar, Secretary of State of the State of Illinois, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this certificate and attach hereto a copy of the Application of the aforesaid corporation. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Illinois, at the City of Springfield, this 20th day of November A.D. 1987 and of the Independence of the United States the two hundred and 12th. (SEAL) /s/ Jim Edgar SECRETARY OF STATE File Number 5367-825-4 JIM EDGAR SECRETARY OF STATE STATE OF ILLINOIS ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT Pursuant to the provisions of "The Business Corporation Act of 1983", the undersigned corporation hereby adopts these Articles of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation. ARTICLE ONE The name of the corporation is United Trust, Inc. (Note 1) ARTICLE TWO The following amendment of the Articles of Incorporation was adopted on September 1, 1987 in the manner indicated below. ("X" one box only.) |_| By a majority of the incorporators, provided no directors were named in the articles of incorporation and no directors have been elected; or by a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.10, the corporation having issued no shares as of the time of adoption of this amendment; (Note 2) |X| By a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.15, shares having been issued but shareholder action not being required for the adoption of the amendment; (Note 3) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Section 10.20, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. At a meeting of shareholders, not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation were voted in favor of the amendment; (Note 4) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by shareholders having not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation. Shareholders who have not consented in writing have been given notice in accordance with Section 7.10; (Note 4) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors have been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on this amendment. (Note 4) (INSERT AMENDMENT) (Any article being amended is required to be set forth in its entirety.) (Suggested language for an amendment to change the corporate name is: RESOLVED, that the Articles of Incorporation be amended to read as follows:) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (NEW NAME) All changes other than name, include on page 2 (over) Page 2 Resolution Resolved, that the Articles of Incorporation be amended so that the aggregate number of shares of common stock the Corporation is authorized to issue is increased from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000. Page 3 ARTICLE THREE The manner in which any exchange, reclassification or cancellation of issued shares, or a reduction of the number of authorized shares of any class below the number of issued shares of that class, provided for or effected by this amendment, is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change ARTICLE FOUR (a) The manner in which said amendment effects a change in the amount of paid-in capital (Paid-in capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Paid in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change (b) The amount of paid-in capital (Paid in Capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Pain in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) as changed by this amendment is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change Before Amendment After Amendment Paid-in Capital $_______________ $______________ (Complete either Item 1 or 2 below) (1) The undersigned corporation has caused these articles to be signed by its duly authorized officers, each of whom affirm, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated November 20th, 1987 United Trust, Inc. (Exact Name of Corporation) attested by /s/ Thomas F. Morrow by /s/ Larry E. Ryherd (Signature of Secretary or Assistant Secretary) (Signature of President or Vice President) Thomas F. Morrow, Secretary Larry E. Ryherd, President (Type or Print Name and Title) (Type or Print Name and Title) (2) If amendment is authorized by the incorporators, the incorporators must sign below. OR If amendment is authorized by the directors and there are no officers, then a majority of the directors or such directors as may be designated by the board, must sign below The undersigned affirms, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated __________________, 19 ______ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ Page 4 NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS NOTE 1: State the true exact corporate name as it appears on the records of the office of the Secretary of State, BEFORE any amendments herein reported. NOTE 2: Incorporators are permitted to adopt amendments ONLY before any shares have been issued and before any directors have been named or elected. (ss. 10.10) NOTE 3: Directors may adopt amendments without shareholder approval in only six instances, as follows: (a) to remove the names and addresses of directors named in the articles of incorporation; (b) to remove the name and address of the initial registered agent and registered office, provided a statement pursuant toss.5.10 is also filed; (c) to split the issued whole shares and unissued authorized shares by multiplying them by a whole number, so long as no class or series is adversely affected thereby; (d) to change the corporation name by substituting the word "corporation", "incorporated", "company", "limited", or the abbreviation "corp.", "inc.", "co.", or "ltd." for a similar word or abbreviation in the name or by adding a geographical attribution to the name; (e) to reduce the authorized shares of any class pursuant to a cancellation statement filed in accordance withss.9.05; (f) to restate the articles of incorporation as currently amended. (ss.10.15) NOTE 4: All amendments not adopted underss.10.10 orss.10.15 require (1) that the board of directors adopt a resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and (2) that the shareholders approve the amendment. Shareholder approval may be (1) by vote at a shareholders' meeting (either annual or special) or (2) by consent, in writing, without a meeting. To be adopted, the amendment must receive the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 2/3 of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment (but if class voting applies, then also at least a 2/3 vote within each class is required). The articles of incorporation may supercede the 2/3 vote requirement by specifying any smaller or larger vote requirement not less than a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and not less than a majority within each class when class voting applies. (ss.10.20) NOTE 5: When shareholder approval is by written consent, all shareholders must be given notice of the proposed amendment at least 5 days before the consent is signed. If the amendment is adopted, shareholders who have not signed the consent must be promptly notified of the passage of the amendment. (ss.ss.7.10 & 10.20) File Number 5367-825-4 STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE [LOGO WITH AN EAGLE] WHEREAS, ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST, INC. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF ILLINOIS, IN FORCE JULY 1, A.D. 1984. Now Therefore, I, George H. Ryan, Secretary of State of the State of Illinois by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this certificate and attach hereto a copy of the Application of the aforesaid corporation. In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Illinois at the City of Springfield, this 6th day of December A.D. 1991 and of the Independence of the United States the two hundred and 16th. (SEAL) /s/ George H. Ryan SECRETARY OF STATE ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. 1. CORPORATE NAME: UNITED TRUST, INC. 2. MANNER OF ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT: The following amendment of the Articles of Incorporation was adopted April 9 , 1991 in the manner indicated below. ("X" one box only) |_| By a majority of the incorporators, provided no directors were named in the articles of incorporation and no directors have been elected; or by a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.10, the corporation having issued no shares as of the time of adoption of this amendment; (Note 2) |_| By a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.15, shares having been issued but shareholder action not being required for the adoption of the amendment; (Note 3) |X| By the shareholders, in accordance with Section 10.20, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. At a meeting of shareholders, not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation were voted in favor of the amendment; (Note 4) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by shareholders having not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation. Shareholders who have not consented in writing have been given notice in accordance with Section 7.10; (Note 4) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on this amendment. (Note 4) (INSERT AMENDMENT) (Any article being amended is required to be set forth in its entirety.) (Suggested language for an amendment to change the corporate name is RESOLVED, that the Articles of Incorporation be amended to read as follows:) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (NEW NAME) All changes other than name, include on page 2 (over) Resolution Resolved, that the Articles of Incorporation of United Trust, Inc. be amended so that the aggregate number of shares of common stock the Corporation is authorized to issue is increased from 20,000,000 to 25,000,000. 3. The manner in which any exchange, reclassification or cancellation of issued shares, or a reduction of the number of authorized shares of any class below the number of issued shares of that class, provided for or effected by this amendment, is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change 4. (a) The manner in which said amendment effects a change in the amount of paid-in capital (Paid-in capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Paid-in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change (b) The amount of paid-in capital (Paid in Capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Pain in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) as changed by this amendment is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change Before Amendment After Amendment Paid-in Capital $_______________ $______________ (Complete either Item 5 or 6 below) 5. The undersigned corporation has caused these articles to be signed by its duly authorized officers, each of whom affirm, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated November 25, 1991 United Trust, Inc. (Exact Name of Corporation) attested by /s/ Thomas F. Morrow by /s/ Thomas F. Morrow (Signature of Secretary or Assistant Secretary) (Signature of President or Vice President) Thomas F. Morrow, Secretary Thomas F. Morrow, President (Type or Print Name and Title) (Type or Print Name and Title) 6. If amendment is authorized by the incorporators, the incorporators must sign below. OR If amendment is authorized by the directors and there are no officers, then a majority of the directors or such directors as may be designated by the board, must sign below. The undersigned affirms, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated __________________, 19 ______ - ----------------------------------- -------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- -------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- -------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- -------------------------------- STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE [LOGO WITH AN EAGLE] WHEREAS, ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST, INC. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF ILLINOIS, IN FORCE JULY 1, A.D. 1984. Now Therefore, I, George H. Ryan, Secretary of State of the State of Illinois by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this certificate and attach hereto a copy of the Application of the aforesaid corporation. In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Illinois at the City of Springfield, this 30th day of March A.D. 1993 and of the Independence of the United States the two hundred and 17th. (SEAL) /s/ George H. Ryan SECRETARY OF STATE ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. 1. CORPORATE NAME: United Trust, Inc. 2. MANNER OF ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT: The following amendment of the Articles of Incorporation was adopted March 17 , 1993 in the manner indicated below. ("X" one box only) |_| By a majority of the incorporators, provided no directors were named in the articles of incorporation and no directors have been elected; or by a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.10, the corporation having issued no shares as of the time of adoption of this amendment; (Note 2) |_| By a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.15, shares having been issued but shareholder action not being required for the adoption of the amendment; (Note 3) |X| By the shareholders, in accordance with Section 10.20, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. At a meeting of shareholders, not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation were voted in favor of the amendment; (Note 4) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by shareholders having not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation. Shareholders who have not consented in writing have been given notice in accordance with Section 7.10; (Note 4) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on this amendment. (Note 4) When amendment effects a name change, insert the new corporate name below. Use Page 2 for all other amendments. Article 1: The name of the corporation is: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (NEW NAME) All changes other than name, include on page 2 (over) Text of Amendment (Any article being amended is required to be set forth in its entirety) See Exhibit A attached hereto. 3. The manner in which any exchange, reclassification or cancellation of issued shares, or a reduction of the number of authorized shares of any class below the number of issued shares of that class, provided for or effected by this amendment, is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change 4. (a) The manner in which said amendment effects a change in the amount of paid-in capital (Paid-in capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Paid-in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change (b) The amount of paid-in capital (Paid in Capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Pain in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) as changed by this amendment is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No Change Before Amendment After Amendment Paid-in Capital $_______________ $______________ (Complete either Item 5 or 6 below) 5. The undersigned corporation has caused these articles to be signed by its duly authorized officers, each of whom affirm, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated March , 1993 United Trust, Inc. (Exact Name of Corporation) attested by /s/ George E. Francis by /s/ Larry E. Ryherd (Signature of Secretary or Assistant Secretary) (Signature of President or Vice President) George E. Francis, Secretary Larry E. Ryherd, President (Type or Print Name and Title) (Type or Print Name and Title) 6. If amendment is authorized by the incorporators, the incorporators must sign below. OR If amendment is authorized by the directors and there are no officers, then a majority of the directors or such directors as may be designated by the board, must sign belowl The undersigned affirms, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated __________________, 19 ______ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ - --------------------------------- ------------------------------ EXHIBIT A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION On October 30, 1992, the Board of Directors found that the following proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation was in the best interest of the Company and directed that it be submitted to the shareholders: RESOLVED, that the Articles of Incorporation of United Trust, Inc. be amended as follows: 1. Article FOUR of the Articles of Incorporation of United Trust, Inc. shall be deleted and in its place the following shall be substituted: ARTICLE FOUR Paragraph 1: The aggregate number of shares which the corporation is authorized to issue is 35,150,000 divided into two classes. The designation of each class, the number of shares of each class, and the par value, if any, of the shares of each class, or a statement that the shares of any class are without par value are as follows: Par value per share or Series Number of statement that shares are Class (if any) shares without par value Common None 35,000,000 Without par value Preferred To be fixed 150,000 $100 by the Board of Directors Paragraph 2: The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and the special or relative rights in respect of the shares of each class are: Common None Preferred The Preferred Stock is senior to the Common Stock and the Common Stock is subject to the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock. Paragraph 3: PREFERRED STOCK. The Preferred Stock is senior to the Common Stock, and the Common Stock is subject to the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock as hereinafter set forth. Series - The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series in any manner permitted by law, as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority hereby vested in it, each series to be appropriately designated, prior to the issuance of any shares thereof, by some distinguishing letter or number. All shares of each series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every particular (except as to the dates from which dividends shall commence to accrue). All shares of Preferred Stock shall be of equal rank and have the same powers, preferences and rights, and shall be subject to the same qualifications, limitations, and restrictions, without distinction between the shares of different series thereof, except only in regard to the following particulars, which may be different in different series: (a) the annual rate or rates of dividends payable on shares of such series and the dates from which such dividends shall commence to accrue; (b) the amount or amounts payable upon redemption thereof and the manner in which the same may be redeemed; (c) the amount or amounts payable to holders thereof upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the corporation; (d) the provisions relative to a sinking fund, if any, with respect thereto; (e) the terms and rates of conversion or exchange thereof, if convertible or exchangeable; and (f) the provisions as to voting rights, if any; provided that if the stated dividends and amounts payable on liquidation are not paid in full, the shares of all series of the Preferred Stock shall share ratably in the payment of dividends including accumulation, if any, in accordance with the sums which would be payable on such shares if all dividends were declared and paid in full, and in any distribution of assets other than by way of dividends in accordance with the sums which would be payable on such distribution if all sums payable were discharged in full. The designation of each particular series of Preferred Stock and its terms in respect of the foregoing particulars shall be fixed and determined by the Board of Directors in any manner permitted by law and stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority hereby vested in it, before any shares of such series are issued, and shall be set forth in full or summarized on the stock certificates for such series. The Board of Directors may from time to time increase the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock already created by providing that any unissued shares of Preferred Stock shall constitute part of such series, or may decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock already created by providing that any unissued shares previously assigned to such series shall no longer constitute part thereof. The Board of Directors is hereby empowered to classify or reclassify any unissued Preferred Stock by fixing or altering the terms thereof in respect of the above-mentioned particulars and by assigning the same to an existing or newly created series from time to time before the issuance of such stock. Dividends - The holders of Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled to receive, out of any funds legally available for the purpose, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, cash dividends thereon at such rate per annum as shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors for such series, and no more, payable as determined by the Board of Directors in the resolution creating such series. Such dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative, as determined by the Board of Directors in fixing the rights and preferences of such series, and if cumulative shall be deemed to accrue from day to day regardless of whether or not earned or declared, and shall commence to accrue with respect to each share of Preferred Stock from such date or dates as may be fixed by the Board of Directors prior to the issue thereof. In no event, so long as any Preferred Stock shall remain outstanding, shall any dividend whatsoever (other than a dividend payable in shares of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to the dividends and assets) be declared or paid upon, nor shall any distribution be made or ordered in respect of, the Common Stock or any class of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends or assets, nor shall any moneys (other than the net proceeds received from the sale of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends and assets) be set aside for or applied to the purchase or redemption (through a sinking fund or otherwise) or shares of Common Stock or of any other class of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends or assets, unless (i) all dividends on the Preferred Stock of all series for past dividend periods shall have been paid and the full dividend on all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of all series for the then current dividend period shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment; and (ii) the corporation shall have set aside all amounts, if any, theretofore required to be set aside as and for sinking funds, if any, for the Preferred Stock of all series for the then current year, and all defaults, if any, in complying with any such sinking fund requirements in respect of previous years shall have been made good. Redemption - The corporation, at the option of the Board of Directors, may at any time redeem the whole, or from time to time may redeem any part of any series of Preferred Stock by paying therefor in cash the amount which shall have been determined by the Board of Directors, in the resolution or resolutions authorizing such series, to be payable upon the redemption of such shares at such time. Redemption may be made of the whole or any part of the outstanding shares of any one or more series, in the discretion of the Board of Directors; if the redemption be a part of a series, the shares to be redeemed may be selected by lot, or all of the shares of such series may be redeemed pro rata, in such manner as may be prescribed by resolutions of the Board of Directors. Subject to the foregoing provisions and to any qualifications, limitations, or restrictions applicable to any particular series of Preferred Stock which may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such series, the Board of Directors shall have authority to prescribe from time to time the manner in which any series of Preferred Stock shall be redeemed. Liquidation - Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled, before any distribution shall be made to the Common Stock or to any other class of stock junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends or assets to be paid the full preferential amount or amounts fixed the Board of Directors for such series as herein authorized, but the Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any further payment and any remaining net assets shall be distributed ratably to the holders of the outstanding Common Stock. If upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the net assets of the corporation shall be insufficient to permit the payment to the holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of all series of the full preferential amounts to which they are respectively entitled, then the entire net assets of the corporation shall be distributed ratably to the holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in proportion to the full preferential amount to which each such share is entitled. Neither a consolidation nor a merger of the corporation with or into any corporation or corporations nor the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up within the meaning of this clause. Voting - The holders of the Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled to such voting rights, if any, as shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors in creating such series. If so provided in the resolution creating any series of Preferred Stock, the shares of such series may be nonvoting. Conversion or Exchange - Any series of Preferred Stock may be made convertible into, or exchangeable for, at the option of either the holder or the corporation or upon the happening of a specified event, shares of any other class or classes or any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the corporation, at such price or prices or at such rate or rates of exchange and with such adjustments as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors. Paragraph 4: COMMON STOCK. The holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends as the Board of Directors may declare from time to time, provided that any and all preferred dividends on the Preferred Stock for the then current quarter have been theretofore set aside or paid, and all prior quarterly dividends on the Preferred Stock have been paid in full. Upon the liquidation of the corporation, the holders of the Common Stock shall receive, share and share alike, all of the net assets of the corporation remaining after the payment of the liquidation preference payable with respect to the Preferred Stock. The Common Stock shall not be subject to redemption or retirement. Each holder of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of such stock standing in his name on the books of the corporation. The holders of the Common Stock shall not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Paragraph 5: NO PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS. No stockholder of the corporation shall, because of his ownership of stock, have a pre-emptive or other right to purchase, subscribe for or take any part of any stock or any part of the notes, debentures, bonds, or other securities convertible into or carrying options or warrants to purchase stock of the corporation. Any part of the capital stock and any part of the notes, debentures, bonds or other securities convertible into or carrying the Articles of Incorporation or any amendment thereto, may at any time be issued, optioned for sale, and sold or disposed of by the corporation pursuant to resolutions of its Board of Directors to such persons and upon such terms as may to such Board seem proper without first offering such stock or securities or any part thereof to existing stockholders. File Number 5367-825-4 STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WHEREAS, ARTICLES OF MERGER OF UNITED TRUST, INC. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF ILLINOIS, IN FORCE JULY 1, A.D. 1984. Now Therefore, I, Jesse White, Secretary of State of the State of Illinois by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this certificate and attach hereto a copy of the Application of the aforesaid corporation. In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Illinois at the City of Springfield, this 28th day of July A.D. 1999 and of the Independence of the United States the two hundred and 24th. (SEAL) /s/ Jesse White SECRETARY OF STATE ARTICLES OF MERGER CONSOLIDATION OR EXCHANGE Names of the corporation proposing to merge, and the state or country of their incorporation: Name of Corporation State or Country Corporation of Incorporation File Number United Trust, Inc. Illinois 5367-825-4 United Income, Inc. Ohio 711653 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The laws of the state or country under which each corporation is incorporated permits such merger, consolidation or exchange. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. (a) Name of the surviving corporation: United Trust, Inc. (b) it shall be governed by the laws of: Illinois --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If not sufficient space to cover this point, add one or more sheets of this size. Plan of merger is as follows: See attached: Please note that pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and the Articles of Merger and simultaneous to the merger of United Income, Inc. into United Trust, Inc. (the surviving Illinois company) that United Trust, Inc.'s name was changed to United Trust Group, Inc. 5. Plan of merger was approved as to each corporation not organized in Illinois, in compliance with the laws of the state under which it is organized, and as to each Illinois corporation, as follows: (The following items are not applicable to mergers underss.11.30 - 90% owned subsidiary provisions. See Article 7.) (Only "X" one box for each Illinois corporation) By the shareholders, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly By written consent of the adopted and submitted to a shareholders having not less vote at a meeting of share- than the minimum number of holders. Not less than the votes required by statute and By written consent minimum number of votes by the articles of incorporation. of ALL the share- required by statute and by Shareholders who have not holders entitled to the articles of incorporation consented in writing have vote on the action, voted in favor of the action been given notice in accord- in accordance with taken. (ss.11.20) ance withss.7.10 (ss.11.20) ss.7.10 andss.11.20 Name of Corporation United Trust, Inc. |X| |_| |_| - ------------ |-| |-| |-| - ------------ |-| |-| |-| - ------------ |-| |-| |-| - ------------ |-| |-| |-| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. (Not applicable if surviving, new or acquiring corporation is an Illinois corporation) It is agreed that, upon and after the issuance of a certificate of merger, consolidation or exchange by the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois: a. The surviving, new or acquiring corporation may be served with process in the State of Illinois in any proceeding for the enforcement of any obligation of any corporation organized under the laws of the State of Illinois which is a party to the merger, consolidation or exchange and in any proceeding for the enforcement of the rights of a dissenting shareholder of any such corporation organized under the laws of the State of Illinois against the surviving, new or acquiring corporation. b. The Secretary of State of the State of Illinois shall be and hereby is irrevocably appointed as the agent of the surviving, new or acquiring corporation to accept service of process in any such proceedings, and c. The surviving, new, or acquiring corporation will promptly pay to the dissenting shareholders of any corporation organized under the laws of the State of Illinois which is a party to the merger, consolidation or exchange the amount, if any, to which they shall be entitled under the provisions of "The Business Corporation Act of 1983" of the State of Illinois with respect to the rights of dissenting shareholders. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. (Complete this item if reporting a merger underss.11.30 - 90% owned subsidiary provisions.) a. The number of outstanding shares of each class of each merging subsidiary corporation and the number of such shares of each class owned immediately prior to the adoption of the plan of merger by the parent corporation, are: Total Number of Shares Number of Shares of Each Class Outstanding Owned Immediately Prior to Name of Corporation of Each Class Merger by the Parent Corporation - -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------- - -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------- - -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------- - -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------- - -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------- b. (Not applicable to 100% owned subsidiaries) The date of mailing a copy of the plan of merger and notice of the right to dissent to the shareholders of each merging subsidiary corporation was ________, ----. Was written consent for the merger or written waiver of the 30-day period by the holders of all the outstanding shares of all subsidiary corporations received? |_|yes |_|no (If the answer is "No," the duplicate copies of the Articles of Merger may not be delivered to the Secretary of State until after 30 days following the mailing of a copy of the plan of merger and of the notice of the right to dissent to the shareholders of each merging subsidiary corporation.) 8. The undersigned corporations have caused these articles to be signed by their duly authorized officers, each of whom affirms, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. (All signatures must be in BLACK INK.) Dated July 26, 1999 United Trust, Inc. (Month & Day) (Year) (Exact Name of Corporation) attested by /s/ Patricia G. Fowler_ by /s/ George E. Francis (Signature of Assistant Secretary) (Signature of Vice President) Patricia G. Fowler George E. Francis (Type or Print Name and Title) (Type or Print Name and Title) Dated July 26, 1999 United Income, Inc. (Month & Day) (Year) (Exact Name of Corporation) attested by /s/ Patricia G. Fowler_ by /s/ George E. Francis (Signature of Assistant Secretary) (Signature of Vice President) Patricia G. Fowler George E. Francis (Type or Print Name and Title) (Type or Print Name and Title) Dated , (Month & Day) (Year) (Exact Name of Corporation) attested by by ((Signature of Assistant Secretary) (Signature of Vice President) (Type or Print Name and Title) (Type or Print Name and Title) Exhibit A To Agreement and Plan Of Reorganization AGREEMENT AND ARTICLES OF MERGER Merging UNITED INCOME, INC. a corporation of the State of Ohio With and Into UNITED TRUST, INC. a corporation of the State of Illinois Agreement and Articles of Merger, dated July 26, 1999, by and between United Trust, Inc., an Illinois corporation ("UTI") and United Income, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("UII"), said corporations being together hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "constituent Corporations". Whereas, UTI is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois and has authorized capital stock of 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which 2,518,438 shares are issued and outstanding with 29,260 shares being held in the treasury and 150,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share of which no shares are outstanding. Whereas, UII is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio and has authorized capital stock of 2,310,001 shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which 1,569,509 shares are issued and outstanding with 177,590 shares being held in the treasury and 150,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share of which no shares are outstanding. Whereas, the Board of Directors of each of the Constituent Corporations has adopted resolutions declaring advisable and to the best interests of the Constituent Corporations and their respective stockholders that UII be merged with and into UTI, and that simultaneously UTI will change its name to United Trust Group, Inc. (the "Surviving Corporation"), under and pursuant to the Illinois Business Corporation Act and the Ohio General Corporation Law, and on the terms and conditions herein contained (the "Merger"). ARTICLE I 1.1 UTI and UII agree to effect the Merger of UII with and into UTI. UTI and UII jointly own 100% of the outstanding capital stock of United Trust Group, Inc., an Illinois corporation ("UTG"). Immediately following the merger, UTI will liquidate UTG. UTI will change its name to UTG and shall be the Surviving Corporation and shall continue to be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. The name of the Surviving Corporation shall be "United Trust Group, Inc." The terms and conditions of the Merger and the manner of carrying the same into effect are as set forth in this Agreement and Articles of Merger (hereinafter referred to as this "Agreement"). 1.2 The Certificate of Incorporation of UTI, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date, until further amended, shall be and constitute the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, and an amendment to said Certificate of Incorporation shall be effected as a result of the Merger to reflect its name change to United Trust Group, Inc. 1.3 The Bylaws of UTI, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date, until further amended, shall be and constitute the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. 1.4 The Board of Directors of UTI shall not be changed as a result of the Merger. 1.5 The officers of UTI shall not be changed as a result of the Merger. ARTICLE II 2.1 The existence of UII shall cease on the Effective Date of the Merger, and the existence of UTI shall continue unaffected and unimpaired by the Merger. On the Effective Date of the Merger, in addition to the general powers of corporations, UTI shall enjoy the rights, franchises and privileges possessed by each of the Constituent Corporations, subject to the restrictions, liabilities, duties and provisions of a corporation organized under the Illinois Business Corporation Act; and all the rights, privileges, franchises and interest of each of the Constituent Corporations, and all the property, real, personal and mixed, and all the debts due on whatever account to either of them, as well as all stock subscriptions, securities and other things in action belonging to either of them, shall be taken and deemed to be transferred to and vested in the Surviving Corporation, without further act or deed; and all claims, demands, property and every interest shall be the property of the Surviving Corporation as they were of the Constituent Corporation, shall not be deemed to revert or deemed to be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger, but shall be vested in the Surviving Corporation; provided, however, that rights of creditors and all liens upon any property of any of the Constituent Corporations shall not in any manner be impaired, nor shall any liability or obligation due or to become due, or any claim or demand for any cause existing against any such corporation be released or impaired by such Merger, but the Surviving Corporation shall be deemed to have assumed and shall be liable for liabilities and obligations of either of the Constituent Corporations, in the same manner as if the Surviving Corporations, in the same manner as if the Surviving Corporation had itself incurred such liabilities or obligations. 2.2 The Surviving Corporation may be served with process in the State of Ohio in any proceeding therein for enforcement of any obligation of UII as well as for enforcement of any obligation UII or the Surviving Corporation arising from the Merger, and the Surviving Corporation does hereby irrevocably appoint the Secretary of the State of Ohio as its agent to accept service of process in any such suit or other proceeding. The address to which a copy of such process shall be mailed to said agent is c/o United Trust Group, Inc., 5250 South Sixth Street Road, Springfield, Illinois 62703, until UTG shall have hereafter designated in writing to the said agent a different address for such purpose. Service of such process may be made by personally delivering to and leaving with said agent duplicate copies of such process, one of which copies the agent shall forthwith send by registered mail to UTG at the above address. 2.3 The Surviving Corporation will promptly pay to dissenting stockholders of UII the amount, if any, to which they are entitled under the relevant provisions of the Ohio General Corporation Law. 2.4 Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, this Agreement shall be certified, executed and acknowledged to comply with applicable filing and recording requirements of the Illinois Business Corporation Act and the Ohio General Corporation Law on the closing date referred to in Section 6.8 of that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated March 31, 1998, between the Constituent Corporations (the "Acquisition Agreement"), (the date of such certification, execution and acknowledgement being herein referred to as the "Closing Date"). On the Closing Date or as soon thereafter as practicable, a certified Agreement and Articles of Merger incorporating this Agreement shall be filed pursuant to Illinois Business Corporation Act and the Ohio General Corporation Law with the Secretary of the State of Illinois and Ohio, respectively, and a certified copy thereof shall be recorded in the Office of the Recorder of the appropriate county or counties in Illinois and Ohio, respectively. This Agreement shall become effective in the State of Illinois at the close of business on the day on which such filing is completed, and shall become effective in the State of Ohio upon the issuance by the Secretary of the State of Ohio of a Certificate of Merger (the latter of which dates is herein referred to as the "Effective Date"). ARTICLE III 3.1 The manner of converting or exchanging the shares of UII into shares of UTI shall be as hereinafter set forth in this Article III. 3.2 Each share of UTI Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall continue to be an issued and outstanding share of UTI, fully paid and non-assessable. 3.3 Each share of UII Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date (excluding shares of UII Common Stock held by UII as treasury stock, which shares shall be cancelled and extinguished at the Effective Date) and all rights in respect thereof shall, upon the Effective Date, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be exchanged for and converted into one share of UTI Common Stock. 3.4 Each share of UTI Common Stock issued pursuant to this Article III shall be fully paid and non-assessable. From and after the Effective Date, each certificate which theretofore represented shares of UII Common Stock shall evidence ownership of shares of the UTI Common Stock on the basis hereinafter set forth, and the exchange and conversion shall be complete and effective on the Effective Date without regard to the date or dates on which outstanding UII Common Stock shall be cancelled. 3.5 On the Effective Date, UTI will deliver to the Exchange Agent certificates representing the number of shares of UTI Common Stock that will be required for delivery to the stockholders of UII pursuant to the Merger, and will take such further action as may be necessary in order that certificates for shares of the UTI Common Stock may be delivered to the stockholders of UII. Dividends or other distributions payable after the Effective Date to holder of record in respect of such shares of the UTI Common Stock issued in exchange for UII Common Stock shall not be paid to holders thereof until certificates evidencing the UII Common Stock are surrendered for exchange as aforesaid. ARTICLE IV 4.1 The obligations of UTI and UII to effect the Merger shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Agreement. 4.2 This Agreement may be terminated or amended prior to the Filing Date in the manner and upon the conditions set forth in the Acquisition Agreement. 4.3 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed and original but all of which together shall constitute but one instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Constituent Corporations has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its duly authorized officer, attested to by its Secretary and its corporate seal, all as of the date first above written. UNITED TRUST, INC. ATTEST: /s/ George E. Francis /s/ Larry E. Ryherd George E. Francis Larry E. Ryherd Secretary Chief Executive Officer [CORPORATE SEAL] UNITED INCOME, INC. ATTEST: /s/ George E. Francis /s/ James E. Melville George E. Francis James E. Melville Secretary President [CORPORATE SEAL] THE UNDERSIGNED, Chief Executive Officer of United Trust, Inc. who executed on behalf of said corporation the foregoing Agreement and Articles of Merger, of which this Certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges, in the name of and on behalf of said corporation, the foregoing Agreement and Articles of Merger to be the corporate act of said corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth therein with respect to the approval thereof are true in all material respects, under the penalties of perjury. Larry E. Ryherd Chief Executive Officer THE UNDERSIGNED, President of United Income, Inc. who executed on behalf of said corporation the foregoing Agreement and Articles of Merger, of which this Certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges, in the name of and on behalf of said corporation, the foregoing Agreement and Articles of Merger to be the corporate act of said corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth therein with respect to the approval thereof are true in all material respects, under the penalties of perjury. James E. Melville President File Number 5367-825-4 STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WHEREAS, ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST, INC. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS PROVIDED BY THE BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF ILLINOIS, IN FORCE JULY 1, A.D. 1984. Now Therefore, I, Jesse White, Secretary of State of the State of Illinois by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby issue this certificate and attach hereto a copy of the Application of the aforesaid corporation. In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Illinois at the City of Springfield, this 28th day of July A.D. 1999 and of the Independent of the United States the two hundred and 24th. (SEAL) /s/ Jesse White SECRETARY OF STATE ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF UNITED TRUST GROUP, INC. CORPORATE NAME: United Trust Group, Inc. 2. MANNER OF ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT: The following amendment of the Articles of Incorporation was adopted July 26 , 1999 in the manner indicated below. ("X" one box only) (Month & Day) (Year) |_| By a majority of the incorporators, provided no directors were named in the articles of incorporation and no directors have been elected; (Note 2) |_| By a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.10, the corporation having issued no shares as of the time of adoption of this amendment; (Note 2) |_| By a majority of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 10.15, shares having been issued but shareholder action not being required for the adoption of the amendment; (Note 3) |X| By the shareholders, in accordance with Section 10.20, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. At a meeting of shareholders, not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation were voted in favor of the amendment; (Note 4) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by shareholders having not less than the minimum number of votes required by statute and by the articles of incorporation. Shareholders who have not consented in writing have been given notice in accordance with Section 7.10; (Note 4 & 5) |_| By the shareholders, in accordance with Sections 10.20 and 7.10, a resolution of the board of directors having been duly adopted and submitted to the shareholders. A consent in writing has been signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote on this amendment. (Note 5) 3. TEXT OF AMENDMENT: a. When amendment effects a name change, insert the new corporate name below. Use Page 2 for all other amendments. Article I: The name of the corporation is: -------------------------- -------------------------------- (NEW NAME) All changes other than name, include on page 2 (over) Text of Amendment b. (If amendment affects the corporate purpose, the amended purpose is required to be set forth in its entirety. If there is not sufficient space to do so, add one or more sheets of this size.) See attached Exhibit A. 4. The manner, if not set forth in Article 3b, in which any exchange, reclassification or cancellation of issued shares, or a reduction of the number of authorized shares of any class below the number of issued shares of that class, provided for or effected by this amendment, is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No change 5. (a) The manner, if not set forth in Article 3b, in which said amendment effects a change in the amount of paid-in capital (Paid-in capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Paid-in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No change (b) The amount of paid-in capital (Paid-in Capital replaces the terms Stated Capital and Paid-in Surplus and is equal to the total of these accounts) as changed by this amendment is as follows: (If not applicable, insert "No change") No change Before Amendment After Amendment Paid-in Capital $ ___________ $ ___ _________ (Complete either Item 6 or 7 below. All signatures must be in BLACK INK.) 6. The undersigned corporation has caused this statement to be signed by its duly authorized officers, each of whom affirms, under penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated July 26, 1999 United Trust Group, Inc. (Month & Day) (Year) (Exact Name of Corporation at date of execution) attested by /s/ Patricia G. Fowler_ by /s/ George E. Francis (Signature of Assistant Secretary) (Signature of Vice President) Patricia G. Fowler George E. Francis (Type or Print Name and Title) Type or Print Name and Title) 7. If amendment is authorized pursuant to Section 10.10 by the incorporators, the incorporators must sign below, and type or print name and title. OR If amendment is authorized by the directors pursuant to Section 10.10 and there are no officers, then a majority of the directors or such directors as may be designated by the board, must sign below, and type or print name and title. The undersigned affirms, under the penalties of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true. Dated ______________________________ , _________ (Month and Day) (Year) - ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS NOTE 1: State the true exact corporate name as it appears on the records of the office of the Secretary of State, BEFORE any amendments herein reported. NOTE 2: Incorporators are permitted to adopt amendments ONLY before any shares have been issued and before any directors have been named or elected. (ss. 10.10) NOTE 3: Directors may adopt amendments without shareholder approval in only six instances, as follows: (g) to remove the names and addresses of directors named in the articles of incorporation; (h) to remove the name and address of the initial registered agent and registered office, provided a statement pursuant toss.5.10 is also filed; (i) to split the issued whole shares and unissued authorized shares by multiplying them by a whole number, so long as no class or series is adversely affected thereby; (j) to change the corporation name by substituting the word "corporation", "incorporated", "company", "limited", or the abbreviation "corp.", "inc.", "co.", or "ltd." for a similar word or abbreviation in the name or by adding a geographical attribution to the name; (k) to reduce the authorized shares of any class pursuant to a cancellation statement filed in accordance withss.9.05, (l) to restate the articles of incorporation as currently amended. (ss.10.15) NOTE 4: All amendments not adopted underss.10.10 orss.10.15 require (1) that the board of directors adopt a resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and (2) that the shareholders approve the amendment. Shareholder approval may be (1) by vote at a shareholders' meeting (either annual or special) or (2) by consent, in writing, without a meeting. To be adopted, the amendment must receive the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 2/3 of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment (but if class voting applies, then also at least a 2/3 vote within each class is required). The articles of incorporation may supercede the 2/3 vote requirement by specifying any smaller or larger vote requirement not less than a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and not less than a majority within each class when class voting applies. (ss.10.20) NOTE 5: When shareholder approval is by written consent, all shareholders must be given notice of the proposed amendment at least 5 days before the consent is signed. If the amendment is adopted, shareholders who have not signed the consent must be promptly notified of the passage of the amendment. (ss.ss.7.10 & 10.20) EXHIBIT A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION On July 26, 1999, the following proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, having been duly authorized and adopted by the Board of Directors of United Trust Group, Inc. was approved and adopted by the stockholders of United Trust Group, Inc. at a Special Meeting of the Shareholders. RESOLVED, that the Articles of Incorporation of United Trust Group, Inc. be amended as follows: 8. Article FOUR of the Articles of Incorporation of United Trust Group, Inc. shall be deleted and in its place the following shall be substituted: ARTICLE FOUR Paragraph 1: The aggregate number of shares which the corporation is authorized to issue is $7,150,000 divided into two classes. The designation of each class, the number of shares of each class, and the par value, if any, of the shares of each class, or a statement that the shares of any class are without par value are as follows: Par value per share or Series Number of statement that shares are Class (if any) shares without par value Common None 7,000,000 Without par value Preferred To be fixed 150,000 $100 by the Board of Directors Paragraph 2: The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and the special or relative rights in respect of the shares of each class are: Common None Preferred The Preferred Stock is senior to the Common Stock and the Common Stock is subject to the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock. A-1 Paragraph 3: PREFERRED STOCK. The Preferred Stock is senior to the Common Stock, and the Common Stock is subject to the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock as hereinafter set forth. Series - The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series in any manner permitted by law, as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority hereby vested in it, each series to be appropriately designated, prior to the issuance of any shares thereof, by some distinguishing letter or number. All shares of each series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every particular (except as to the dates from which dividends shall commence to accrue). All shares of Preferred Stock shall be of equal rank and have the same powers, preferences and rights, and shall be subject to the same qualifications, limitations, and restrictions, without distinction between the shares of different series thereof, except only in regard to the following particulars, which may be different in different series: (a) dates from which such dividends shall commence to accrue; (b) the amount or amounts payable upon redemption thereof and the manner in which the same may be redeemed; (c) the amount or amounts payable to holders thereof upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the corporation; (d) the provisions relative to a sinking fund, if any, with respect thereto; (e) the terms and rates of conversion or exchange thereof, if convertible or exchangeable; and (f) the provisions as to voting rights, if any; provided that if the stated dividends and amounts payable on liquidation are not paid in full, the shares of all series of the Preferred Stock shall share ratably in the payment of dividends including accumulation, if any, in accordance with the sums which would be payable on such shares if all dividends were declared and paid in full, and in any distribution of assets other than by way of dividends in accordance with the sums which would be payable on such distribution if all sums payable were discharged in full. The designation of each particular series of Preferred Stock and its terms in respect of the foregoing particulars shall be fixed and determined by the Board of Directors in any manner permitted by law and stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority hereby vested in it, before any shares of such series are issued, and shall be set forth in full or A-2 summarized on the stock certificates for such series. The Board of Directors may from time to time increase the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock already created by providing that any unissued shares of Preferred Stock shall constitute part of such series, or may decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock already created by providing that any unissued shares previously assigned to such series shall no longer constitute part thereof. The Board of Directors is hereby empowered to classify or reclassify any unissued Preferred Stock by fixing or altering the terms thereof in respect of the above-mentioned particulars and by assigning the same to an existing or newly created series from time to time before the issuance of such stock. Dividends - The holders of Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled to receive, out of any funds legally available for the purpose, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, cash dividends thereon at such rate per annum as shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors for such series, and no more, payable as determined by the Board of Directors in the resolution creating such series. Such dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative, as determined by the Board of Directors in fixing the rights and preferences of such series, and if cumulative shall be deemed to accrue from day to day regardless of whether or not earned or declared, and shall commence to accrue with respect to each share of Preferred Stock from such date or dates as may be fixed by the Board of Directors prior to the issue thereof. In no event, so long as any Preferred Stock shall remain outstanding, shall any dividend whatsoever (other than a dividend payable in shares of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to the dividends and assets) be declared or paid upon, nor shall any distribution be made or ordered in respect of, the Common Stock or any class of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends or assets, nor shall any moneys (other than the net proceeds received from the sale of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends and assets) be set aside for or applied to the purchase or redemption (through a sinking fund or otherwise) or shares of Common Stock or of any other class of stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends or assets, unless (i) all dividends on the Preferred Stock of all series for past dividend periods shall have been paid and the full dividend on all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of all series for the then current dividend period shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment; and (ii) the corporation shall have set aside all amounts, if any, theretofore required to be set aside as and for sinking funds, if any, for the Preferred Stock of all series for the then current year, and all defaults, if any, in complying with any such sinking fund requirements in respect of previous years shall have been made good. A-3 Redemption - The corporation, at the option of the Board of Directors, may at any time redeem the whole, or from time to time may redeem any part of any series of Preferred Stock by paying therefor in cash the amount which shall have been determined by the Board of Directors, in the resolution or resolutions authorizing such series, to be payable upon the redemption of such shares at such time. Redemption may be made of the whole or any part of the outstanding shares of any one or more series, in the discretion of the Board of Directors; if the redemption be a part of a series, the shares to be redeemed may be selected by lot, or all of the shares of such series may be redeemed pro rate, in such manner as may be prescribed by resolutions of the Board of Directors. Subject to the foregoing provisions and to any qualifications, limitations, or restrictions applicable to any particular series of Preferred Stock which may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such series, the Board of Directors shall have authority to prescribe from time to time the manner in which any series of Preferred Stock shall be redeemed. Liquidation - Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled, before any distribution shall be made to the Common Stock or to any other class of stock junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends or assets to be paid the full preferential amount or amounts fixed the Board of Directors for such series as herein authorized, but the Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any further payment and any remaining net assets shall be distributed ratably to the holders of the outstanding Common Stock. If upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the net assets of the corporation shall be insufficient to permit the payment to the holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of all series of the full preferential amounts to which they are respectively entitled, then the entire net assets of the corporation shall be distributed ratably to the holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in proportion to the full preferential amount to which each such share is entitled. Neither a consolidation nor a merger of the corporation with or into any corporation or corporations nor the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up within the meaning of this clause. Voting - The holders of the Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled to such voting rights, if any, as shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors in creating such series. If so provided in the resolution creating any series of Preferred Stock, the shares of such series may be nonvoting. Conversion or Exchange - Any series of Preferred Stock may be made convertible into, or exchangeable for, at the option of either the holder or the corporation or upon the happening of a specified event, shares of any other class or classes or any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the corporation, at such price or prices A-4 or at such rate or rates of exchange and with such adjustments as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors. Paragraph 4: COMMON STOCK. The holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends as the Board of Directors may declare from time to time, provided that any and all preferred dividends on the Preferred Stock for the then current quarter have been theretofore set aside or paid, and all prior quarterly dividends on the Preferred Stock have been paid in full. Upon the liquidation of the corporation, the holders of the Common Stock shall receive, share and share alike, all of the net assets of the corporation remaining after the payment of the liquidation preference payable with respect to the Preferred Stock. The Common Stock shall not be subject to redemption or retirement. Each holder of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of such stock standing in his name on the books of the corporation. The holders of the Common Stock shall not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Paragraph 5: NO PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS. No stockholder of the corporation shall, because of his ownership of stock, have a pre-emptive or other right to purchase, subscribe for or take any part of any stock or any part of the notes, debentures, bonds, or other securities convertible into or carrying options or warrants to purchase stock of the corporation. Any part of the capital stock and any part of the notes, debentures, bonds or other securities convertible into or carrying the Articles of Incorporation or any amendment thereto, may at any time be issued, optioned for sale, and sold or disposed of by the corporation pursuant to resolutions of its Board of Directors to such persons and upon such terms as may to such Board seem proper without first offering such stock or securities or any part thereof to existing stockholders.
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10-K Filing
UTG (UTGN) 10-K2003 FY Annual report
Filed: 29 Mar 04, 12:00am