EXHIBIT 3.3
STATE OF INDIANA
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
LAKE MICHIGAN CHARTERS, LTD.
I, JOSEPH H. HOGSETT, Secretary of State of Indiana, hereby certify that
Articles of Incorporation of the above corporation, have been presented to me at
my office accompanied by the fees prescribed by law; that I have found such
Articles conform to law; all as prescribed by the provisions of the Indiana
Business Corporation Law, as amended.
NOW, THEREFORE, I have hereby issue to such Corporation this Certificate of
Incorporation, and further certify that its corporate existence will begin
November 25, 1992.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of the State of
Indiana, at the City of Indianapolis, this
Twenty-fifth day of November, 1992
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JOSEPH H. HOGSETT, Secretary of State
By
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Deputy
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
State Form 4159 (R7 / 8-89)
Approved by State Board of Accounts - 1989
Provided by: JOSEPH H. HOGSETT
Secretary of State
Room 155, State House
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 232-6576
Indiana Code 23-1-21-2
FILING FEE $90.00
INSTRUCTIONS: Use 8 1/2 x 11 inch white paper for inserts.
Filing requirements - Present original and
one copy to the address in the upper right
corner of this form.
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ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
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(Indicate the appropriate act)
The undersigned desiring to form a corporation (herein after referred to as
"Corporation") pursuant to the provisions of:
[X] Indiana Business Corporation Law [ ] Indiana Professional Corporation
Act 1983
As amended, executes the following Articles of Incorporation:
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ARTICLE I - NAME
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Name of Corporation
Lake Michigan Charters, Ltd.
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(The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited,"
"Company" or an abbreviation of one of those words.)
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ARTICLE II - REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT
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(The street address of the corporation's initial registered office in Indiana
and the name of its initial registered agent at that office is:)
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Name of Agent
Robert Berg
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Street Address of Registered Office Zip Code
2230 Indianapolis Blvd., Whiting, Indiana 46394
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ARTICLE III - AUTHORIZED SHARES
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Number of shares: 10,000
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If there is more than one class of shares, shares with
rights and preferences, list such information on
"Exhibit A."
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ARTICLE IV - INCORPORATORS
The name(s) and address(es) of the incorporator(s) of the corporation:
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NAME NUMBER AND STREET CITY STATE ZIP CODE
OR BUILDING
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Martin J. McNally 16327 South Pulaski Markham Il. 60426
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In Witness Whereof, the undersigned being all the incorporators of said
corporation execute these Articles of Incorporation and verify, subject to
penalties of perjury, that the statements contained herein are true.
this 23rd day of November, 1992.
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Signature Printed Name
Martin J. McNally Martin J. McNally
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Signature Printed Name
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Signature Printed Name
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This instrument was prepared by (Name)
Martin J. McNally
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Address (Number, Street, City and State) Zip Code
16327 South Pulaski, Markham, Illinois 60426
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STATE OF INDIANA
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
To Whom These Presents Come, Greeting:
WHEREAS, there has been presented to me at this office, Articles of Amendment
for:
LAKE MICHIGAN CHARTERS, LTD.
and said Articles of Amendment have been prepared and signed in accordance with
the provisions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law, as amended.
The name of the corporation is amended as follows:
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION
NOW, THEREFORE, I SUE ANNE GILROY, Secretary of State of Indiana, hereby certify
that I have this day filed said articles in this office.
The effective date of these Articles of Amendment is March 11, 1996.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of the State of
Indiana, at the City of Indianapolis, this
Eleventh day of March, 1996.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
OF THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
LAKE MICHIGAN CHARTERS, LTD.
----------------------------
The above corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation")
existing pursuant to the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the "Act"), desiring
to give notice of corporate action effectuating amendment of certain provisions
of its Articles of Incorporation, sets forth the following facts:
ARTICLE I
NAME OF CORPORATION
-------------------
The name of the Corporation is Lake Michigan Charters, Ltd.
ARTICLE II
AMENDMENT
---------
Section 1. The date of incorporation of the Corporation is November 25,
1992.
Section 2. The name of the Corporation following this amendment is Empress
Casino Hammond Corporation.
Section 3. The exact text of Article 1 of the Articles of Incorporation is
now as follows:
"The name of the Corporation is Empress Casino
Hammond Corporation."
ARTICLE III
MANNER OF ADOPTION AND VOTE
---------------------------
The Board of Directors and the shareholders of the Corporation entitled to
vote with respect to the Articles of Amendment adopted the proposed amendment.
The amendment was adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on January
17, 1996. The amendment was then adopted by written consent effective January
17th, 1996 and executed by the holders of
100% of the shares of common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote with
respect to the amendment.
The designation, number of outstanding shares, number of votes entitled to
be cast by each voting group entitled to vote separately on the amendment, the
number of votes of each voting group represented, and the number of votes cast
for and against the amendment by each voting group entitled to vote separately
on the amendment at the meeting is set forth below:
Designation of Each Voting Group Common
Number of Outstanding Shares 1,150
Number of Votes Entitled to Be Cast 1,150
Number of Votes Represented at Meeting 1,150
Number of Votes in Favor 1,150
Number of Votes Against 0
The number of votes cast for the amendment by each voting group entitled to
vote thereon was sufficient for approval by that voting group.
The manner of the adoption of the Articles of Amendment and the vote by
which they were adopted constitute full legal compliance with the provisions of
the Act, the Articles of Incorporation, and the Bylaws of the Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned officer executes these Articles of
Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, and verifies
subject to the penalties of perjury that the facts contained herein are true,
this 11th day of March, 1996.
LAKE MICHIGAN CHARTERS, LTD.
By: /s/ Kevin D. Larson
---------------------------------------
Kevin D. Larson, President
This instrument was prepared by Richard J. Thrapp, Attorney at Law, ICE MILLER
DONADIO & RYAN, One American Square, Box 82001, Indianapolis Indiana 46282-0002
-2-
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME
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1. Name of the Corporation: Empress Casino Hammond Corporation
2. Date of Organization: November 25, 1992
3. Principal Office Address of the Corporation:
1111 Calumet Avenue, Hammond, Indiana 49320
4. Assumed Business Name: Lake Michigan Charters, Ltd.
5. Address at which the Corporation will do business under the assumed
business name:
1111 Calumet Avenue, Hammond, Indiana 40320
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION
By: /s/ Kevin D. Larson
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Kevin D. Larson, President
STATE OF INDIANA )
) SS:
COUNTY OF MARION )
Subscribed and sworn or attested to before me, this 11th day of March, 1996.
/s/ Margaret Taylor
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Notary Public
Margaret Taylor
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Printed Name
My Commission Expires:
July 20, 1997
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My County of Resident is:
Johnson
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This instrument was prepared by Richard J. Thrapp, Attorney at Law, ICE MILLER
DONADIO & RYAN, One American Square, Box 82001, Indianapolis, Indiana 46282-0002
[LOGO] ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
State Form 38333R / Corporate Form No. 102 (June 1984)
Articles of Amendment (Amending Individual Articles Only)
Prescribe by Edwin J. Simcox, Secretary of State of Indiana
Recording Requirements-Recording of Articles of Amendment in the Office of the
County Recorder is generally no longer required by the India General Corporation
Act. However, if the name of the corporation is changed by this amendment, a
certified copy of the certificate of Amendment must be filed with the recorder
of every county in which the corporation owns real estate.
Instructions: Present 2 Originally Signed and Fully Executed Copies to:
SECRETARY OF STATE
Room 155, State House
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 232-6576
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
OF THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
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The undersigned officers of
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION
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(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") existing pursuant to the
provisions of:
(Indicate appropriate act)
|X| Indiana General Corporation Act
| | Indiana Professional Corporation Act of 1983
as amended (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"), desiring to give notice of
corporate action effectuating amendment of certain provisions of Articles of
Incorporation, certify the following facts:
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ARTICLE I Amendment(s)
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SECTION 1 The date of incorporation of the corporation is:
November 25, 1992
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SECTION 2 The name of the corporation following this amendment to the Articles
of Incorporation is:
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION
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SECTION 3
The exact text of Article(s) III of the Articles of Incorporation is now as
follows:
A. The corporation is authorized to issue Eleven Thousand (11,000) shares,
Ten Thousand (10,000) of which shall be classified as Common Shares and
One Thousand (1,000) of which shall be classified as Non-Voting Common
Shares.
B. The Common Shares and the Non-Voting Common Shares shall be identical in
all respects, except that unless specifically required by the Indiana
Business Corporation Law pertaining to voting by class, the Non-Voting
Common shares shall have no voting rights.
STATE OF INDIANA
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
To Whom These Presents Come, Greeting:
WHEREAS, there has been presented to me at this office, Articles of Amendment
for:
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION
and said Articles of Amendment have been prepared and signed in accordance with
the provisions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law, as amended.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SUE ANNE GILROY, Secretary of State of Indiana, hereby
certify that I have this day filed said articles in this office.
The effective date of these Articles of Amendment is September 05, 1996.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of the State of
Indiana, at the City of Indianapolis, this
Fifth day of September, 1996.
/s/ signature illegible
-----------------------------------------
Deputy
[LOGO] CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME -------------------------------
State Form 30353 (R4 / 3-87) Provided by: EVAN BAYH
Approved by State Board of Accounts 1987 Secretary of State of Indiana
155 State House
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 232-6576
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INSTRUCTIONS: (CORPORATIONS ONLY)
This certificate must first be recorded in the office of County Recorder of each county in which a place of business
or office is located. A copy of the certificate, certified by the County Recorder, must be filed with the Secretary of
State, Indiana Code 23-15-1-1
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Fee for filing with the Secretary of State: $30.00 or $45.00, if a certificate issued by the Secretary of State is desired.
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1. Name of Corporation 2. Date of Incorporation/Admission
Empress Casino Hammond Corporation November 25, 1992
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3. Principal Office Address of the Corporation (Street, City, State and Zip Code)
825 Empress Drive, Hammond, IN 46320
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4. Assumed Business Name(s)
Hammond Empress
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5. Address at which the Corporation will do business under assumed business name (Street, City, State and Zip Code)
825 Empress Drive, Hammond, IN 46320
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6. Signature Name Printed
/s/ WILLIAM SABO William Sabo
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STATE OF ILLINOIS
SS:
COUNTY OF GRUNDY
Subscribed and sworn or attested to before me, this 25th day of November, 1996.
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Notary Public /s/ Cindy Starks
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My Notarial Commission Expires: 8/23/00
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My County of Residence is: Grundy
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I, MORRIS W. CARTER, Recorder of LAKE County, State of Indiana, certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the
Certificate of Assumed Business Name recorded in my office on the 14th day of January, 1997.
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Recorder Signature /s/ MORRIS W. CARTER
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This instrument was prepared by:
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OFFICIAL SEAL
CINDY STARKS
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF ILLINOIS
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES: 08/23/00
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ARTICLES OF MERGER[LOGO] SUE ANNE GILROY
SECRETARY OF STATE
CORPORATIONS DIVISION
302 W. Washington Street, Rm. 5078
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Telephone: (317) 232-6576
Indiana Code 23-1-40-1 ct. seq.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use 8-1/2" x 11" white FILING FEE: $90.00
paper for inserts.
Present original and two (2)
copies to address in upper
right corner of this form.
Please TYPE or PRINT.
Upon completion of filing the
Secretary of State will issue
a receipt.
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ARTICLES OF MERGER/SHARE EXCHANGE
OF
NEW EMPRESS HAMMOND, INC. 1997 101563
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(hereinafter "the nonsurviving corporation(s)")
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INTO
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION 1992 111047
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(hereinafter "the surviving corporation")
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ARTICLE I - SURVIVING CORPORATION
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The name of the corporation surviving the merger is: Empress Casino Hammond
Corporation
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and such name [_] has [x] has not (designate which) been changed as a result
of the merger.
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a. The surviving corporation is a domestic corporation existing pursuant to
the provisions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law incorporated on
November 25, 1992
-----------------------
b. The surviving corporation is a foreign corporation incorporated under the
laws of the State of ________________________ and [_] qualified [_] not
qualified (designate which) to do business in Indiana.
If the surviving corporation is qualified to do business in Indiana, state
the date of qualification: ________________________
(If Application for Certificate of Authority is filed concurrently herewith
state "Upon approval of Application for Certificate of Authority".)
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ARTICLE II - NONSURVIVING CORPORATION(S)
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The name, state of incorporation, and date of incorporation or qualification
(if applicable) respectively, of each Indiana domestic corporation and
Indiana qualified foreign corporation, other than the survivor, which is
party to the merger are as follows:
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Name of Corporation
New Empress Hammond, Inc.
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State of Domicile Date of Incorporation or qualification in Indiana
Indiana (if applicable)
October 27, 1997
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Name of Corporation
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State of Domicile Date of Incorporation or qualification in Indiana
(if applicable)
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Name of Corporation
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State of Domicile Date of Incorporation or qualification in Indiana
(if applicable)
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ARTICLE III - PLAN OF MERGER OR SHARE EXCHANGE
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The Plan of Merger or Share Exchange, containing such information as
required by Indiana Code 23-1-40-1(b), is set forth in "Exhibit A",
attached hereto and made a part hereof.
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(IND. - 1173 - 10/18/96)
ARTICLE IV - MANNER OF ADOPTION AND VOTE OF SURVIVING CORPORATION (Must complete
Section 1 or 2)
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[_] Shareholder vote not required.
The merger/share exchange was adopted by the incorporators or board of directors
without shareholder action and shareholder action was not required.
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[X] Vote of shareholders
The designation (i.e., common, preferred or any classification where different
classes of stock exist), number of outstanding shares, number of votes entitled
to be cast by each voting group entitled to vote separately on the merger/share
exchange and the number of votes of each voting group represented at the meeting
is set forth below:
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TOTAL A B C
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DESIGNATION OF EACH VOTING GROUP (i.e. preferred and common) Non-Voting
Common and Non-Voting Common Common Common
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NUMBER OF VOTES SHARES OUTSTANDING 1,179.245 1,150 29.245
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NUMBER OF VOTES ENTITLED TO BE CAST 1,179.245 1,150 29.245
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NUMBER OF VOTES REPRESENTED AT MEETING 1,179.245 1,150 29.245
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SHARES VOTED IN FAVOR 1,179.245 1,150 29.245
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SHARES VOTED AGAINST 0 0 0
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ARTICLE V - MANNER OF ADOPTION AND VOTE OF NONSURVIVING CORPORATION (Must
complete Section 1 or 2)
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[_] Shareholder vote not required.
The merger/share exchange was adopted by the incorporators or board of directors
without shareholder action and shareholder action was not required.
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[X] Vote of shareholders
The designation (i.e., common, preferred or any classification where different
classes of stock exist), number of outstanding shares, number of votes entitled
to be cast by each voting group entitled to vote separately on the merger/share
exchange and the number of votes of each voting group represented at the meeting
is set forth below:
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TOTAL A B C
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DESIGNATION OF EACH VOTING GROUP (i.e. preferred and common)
Common Common
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NUMBER OF VOTES SHARES OUTSTANDING 100 100
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NUMBER OF VOTES ENTITLED TO BE CAST 100 100
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NUMBER OF VOTES REPRESENTED AT MEETING 100 100
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SHARES VOTED IN FAVOR 100 100
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SHARES VOTED AGAINST 0 0
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In Witness Whereof, the undersigned being the Chief Executive Officer
-------------------------------
of the surviving corporation executes these Articles of Merger/Share Exchange
and verifies, subject to penalties of perjury that the statements contained
herein are true, this 31st day of October , 19 97 .
-------- ----------- ----
Signature Printed Name
/s/ Peter A. Ferro, Jr. Peter A. Ferro, Jr.
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
OF
NEW EMPRESS HAMMOND, INC.
an Indiana corporation
INTO
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION,
an Indiana corporation
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of the 31st day of October, 1997, by
and between New Empress Hammond, Inc., an Indiana corporation (the "Merging
Corporation") and Empress Casino Hammond Corporation, an Indiana corporation
(referred to herein as ("ECHC" or the "Surviving Corporation"). The Merging
Corporation and the Surviving Corporation are sometimes referred to as the
"Constituent Corporations."
WHEREAS, the Merging Corporation and the Surviving Corporation are
corporations duly organized and existing under the laws of the state of Indiana;
and
WHEREAS, the holdings of each of the shareholders of LMC Leasing, Inc., a
Delaware corporation which is the parent of the Merging Corporation, and ECHC
are identical; and
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of the Constituent Corporations deem it
advisable for the general welfare and advantage of the Constituent Corporations
and their stockholders that the Constituent Corporations merge into a single
corporation pursuant to this Agreement and the applicable laws of the State of
Indiana;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree that the Constituent Corporations shall
be merged on the following terms and conditions:
1. The Merger. At the Effective Time (as defined below) of the merger,
the Merging Corporation shall be merged with and into ECHC and the separate
existence of the Merging Corporation shall cease (the "Merger"). Following the
consummation of the Merger, ECHC shall continue its corporate existence as the
wholly-owned subsidiary of LMC Leasing, Ltd., a Delaware corporation. The name
of the Surviving Corporation following the Effective Time shall be "Empress
Casino Hammond Corporation."
2. Effective Time. The parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be
consummated by filing a certificate of merger (the 'Certificate of Merger") with
the Secretary of State of Indiana, in such form as required by, and executed in
accordance with the relevant provisions of, the Indiana Business Corporation Law
(the date and time of the filing of the Certificate of Merger being the
"Effective Time").
3. Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
(a) The Articles of Incorporation of ECHC at the effective time of the
Merger shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until
amended as provided by law.
(b) The By-Laws of ECHC at the effective time of the Merger shall be
the By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation until altered or amended in accordance
with the provisions thereof and Indiana law.
4. Directors and Officers. Subject to applicable law, the initial
directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation immediately after the
Effective Time shall be those persons who are the directors and officers of ECHC
immediately prior to the effective Time, to hold office until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified, or their earlier death,
resignation or removal.
5. Terms of Merger.
(a) From and after the effective time of the Merger, the surviving
Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges, immunities, and franchises
of a public, as well as of a private nature, of each of the Constituent
Corporations; and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due on
whatever account, including subscriptions to shares and all other choses in
action, and all and every other interest, of or belonging to or due to each of
the Constituent Corporations, shall be taken and deemed to be transferred to and
vested in the Surviving Corporation without further act or deed; and the title
to any real estate, or any interest therein, vested in any of the Constituent
Corporations shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger,
provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation shall thenceforth be
responsible and liable for all the liabilities and obligations of each of the
Constituent Corporations, and any claim existing or action or preceding pending
by or against either of the Constituent Corporations may be prosecuted to
judgment as if the Merger had not taken place, or the Surviving Corporation may
be substituted in its place, and neither the rights of creditors nor any liens
upon the property of either of the constituent Corporations shall be impaired by
the Merger.
(b) As of the effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the holders thereof, (i) each share of Common Stock of
ECHC outstanding immediately prior to the effective Time shall be canceled for
no consideration and be deemed of no further force and effect; (ii) each share
of Non-Voting Common Stock of ECHC outstanding immediately prior to the
effective Time shall be canceled for no consideration be deemed of no further
force and effect; and (iii) each share of Common Stock of the Merging
Corporation outstanding immediately prior to Effective time shall be converted
into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock of the Surviving
Corporation.
(c) The Surviving Corporation shall pay all expenses of carrying the
Plan into effect and accomplishing the Merger provided for herein.
(d) The proper officers and directors of the Constituent Corporations
shall execute and deliver all such documents and take all such actions as may be
necessary or advisable, or as may be requested by the Surviving Corporation from
time to time, in order to vest fully all the property rights of the Constituent
Corporations in the Surviving Corporation and otherwise carry out this Plan.
(e) Anything herein or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, this
Plan may be abandoned by the mutual consent of the Constituent Corporations,
evidenced by appropriate resolutions of the respective Board of Directors, at
any time prior to the effective Time of the Merger.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Constituent Corporations has caused this
Agreement to be signed by its duly authorized officer on the day and year first
above written.
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND CORPORATION
By: /s/ PETER A. FERRO, JR.
------------------------------------
Name: Peter A. Ferro, Jr.
Its: Chief Executive Officer
NEW EMPRESS HAMMOND, INC.
By: /s/ JOSEPH J. CANFORA
------------------------------------
Name: Joseph J. Canfora
Its: President
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[LOGO]
STATE OF INDIANA
Office of the Secretary of State
I hereby certify that this is a true and complete copy of the
fifteen (15) page document(s) as filed in this office.
DATED June 12, 1998
/s/ (signature illegible)
----------------------------------
Secretary of State
BY
-------------------------------
This Certification Stamp replaces
our previous Certification System.
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