ORIGINAL
           IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

                              IN AND FOR NEW CASTLE COUNTY

HOVDE ACQUISITION, LLC,
a Nevada Limited Liability Company,
and B&I LENDING, LLC,                           >
a Delaware Limited Liability Company,
                                                i
               Plaintiffs,
                                                ;      C.A. No. 19032-NC
V.
                                                ;
MICHAEL R. THOMAS, and THE BANK
NETWORK, INC., a Georgia Corporation,

               Defendants.


                        DEFENDANTS' CONSOLIDATED OPENING
                      BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF MOTIONS TO DISMISS




                                         Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP
                                         John H. Newcomer, Jr.
                                         13 1 Continental Drive, Suite 304
                                         Newark, DE 19713
                                         (302) 894-7070
                                         Attorney for Defendants

OF COUNSEL:
L. Matt Wilson                                                                I'    `1
Anthony 0. Lakes
The Wilson Law Firm, P.C.
Suite 1150, North Tower
Atlanta Financial Center
3353 Peachtree Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30326



Dated: October 3  I, 2001



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