AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
Exhibit 2.2
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION, dated as of January 27, 2005 (this “Agreement”), between ALH Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corporation”), and Alliance Laundry Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Laundry Corporation” and, together with Finance Corporation, the “parties”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Finance Corporation and Laundry Corporation are each indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of ALH Holding Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ALH Holding”);
WHEREAS, ALH Holding has entered into a Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2004 (the “Purchase Agreement”), with Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”) and the Sellers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), in order to provide for, among other things, the purchase by ALH Holding of the common units and rights to acquire common units of Holdings (such purchase, the “Transaction”), on the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement;
WHEREAS, in connection with the financing of amounts payable by ALH Holding under the Purchase Agreement, the respective boards of directors of each of Finance Corporation and Laundry Corporation deem it advisable and in the best interests of each corporation and their respective stockholders to merge Finance Corporation with and into Laundry Corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), upon the terms and conditions herein set forth;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger (as defined in Section 1.1 of this Agreement), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Finance Corporation (“Finance Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3 of this Agreement), will be converted into one issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Laundry Corporation (“Laundry Common Stock”) as set forth in Section 1.3;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the DGCL, the respective boards of directors of Finance Corporation and Laundry Corporation have approved this Agreement and the Merger and directed it to be submitted to the vote of the sole stockholder of each of Finance Corporation and Laundry Corporation; and
WHEREAS, for Federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger (as defined below) shall qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Treasury Regulations”), and by executing this Agreement the parties hereby adopt this Agreement as a plan of reorganization for purposes of Section 368(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and conditions herein contained, and in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. The Merger
1.1. In accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the DGCL, Finance Corporation shall be merged with and into Laundry Corporation (the “Merger”). Laundry Corporation shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Delaware.
1.2. The name of the Surviving Corporation shall be Alliance Laundry Corporation. The Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises of Finance Corporation and Laundry Corporation, and shall by operation of law become liable for all the debts, liabilities and duties of Finance Corporation and Laundry Corporation to the same extent as if said debts, liabilities, and duties had been incurred or contracted by the Surviving Corporation, as provided in the DGCL.
1.3. The Merger shall become effective at the time when Laundry Corporation duly files a Certificate of Merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such subsequent time as the parties shall agree and shall be specified in the Certificate of Merger, in such form as is required by, and executed in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the DGCL, together with any other filings or recordings required under the DGCL to effectuate the Merger (the “Effective Time”).
1.4. The separate corporate existence of Finance Corporation shall cease at the Effective Time in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL.
2. Conversion of Shares
2.1. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, each share of Finance Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be converted into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Laundry Common Stock (the “Merger Consideration”).
2.2. As a result of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, at the Effective Time, all shares of Finance Common Stock shall cease to be outstanding and shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented any such shares of Finance Common Stock shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of Finance Common Stock, except as provided herein or by law.
2.3. Each then-outstanding share of Laundry Common Stock shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, remain unchanged and continue to remain outstanding as one share of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
3. Certificate of Incorporation
The certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended in its entirety at the Effective Time to be in the form of Exhibit A and, as so amended, such Certificate of Incorporation shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) until thereafter amended as provided therein or by law.
4. By-Laws
The by-laws of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended and restated at the Effective Time to be in the form of Exhibit B and, as so amended and restated, such by-laws shall be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation (the “By-Laws”) until thereafter amended as provided therein or by law.
5. Directors and Officers
The director of the Surviving Corporation shall be Xxxxxx X. L’Esperance, who shall serve as the sole director until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.
The officer of the Surviving Corporation shall be Xxx Sienna, who shall serve in the positions of President and Secretary until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.
6. Notices
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by telecopy or telefacsimile, upon confirmation of receipt, (b) on the first Business Day (as defined below) following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service, or (c) on the tenth Business Day following the date of mailing if delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. “Business Day”
means any day on which banks are not required or authorized to close in the City of New York. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:
(a) | if to Finance Corporation, to: |
ALH Finance Corporation
c/o Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X0X 0X0
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
Attn: General Counsel
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxx Sienna
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
(b) | if to Laundry Corporation to: |
Alliance Laundry Corporation
X.X. Xxx 000
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. L’Esperance
(c) | Copies of all notices delivered hereunder shall also be delivered to: |
Debevoise & Xxxxxxxx LLP
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
7. Counterparts; Amendments and Waivers.
This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may not be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and no provision of this Agreement may be waived, other than in a writing duly executed by the parties hereto.
8. Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is not intended to confer any right or remedy hereunder upon any natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, company, trust, Governmental entity or any other entity other than each of the parties hereto.
9. Miscellaneous.
The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that any party may otherwise have at law or in equity or otherwise.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.
ALH FINANCE CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ XXX X. SIENNA | |
Name: Xxx X. Sienna | ||
Title: Vice President |
ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ XXX X. SIENNA | |
Name: Xxx X. Sienna | ||
Title: President |
Exhibit A
Certificate of Incorporation
EXHIBIT 3.1.6
AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION
1. Name. The name of the Corporation is Alliance Laundry Corporation.
2. Registered Office and Agent. The Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is at Corporation Trust Center, 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx in the City of Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx xx Xxx Xxxxxx 00000. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
3. Purpose. The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (“DGCL”) and to possess and exercise all of the powers and privileges granted by such law and any other law of Delaware.
4. Authorized Capital. The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation has authority to issue is 1,000 Shares of Common Stock, par value of $0.01 per share.
5. The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation and for the purpose of creating, defining, limiting and regulating the powers of the Corporation and its directors and stockholders:
A. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed and may be altered from time to time in the manner provided in the By-Laws, and vacancies in the Board of Directors and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled, and directors may be removed, as provided in the By-Laws.
B. The election of directors may be conducted in any manner approved by the stockholders at the time when the election is held and need not be by written ballot.
6. Limitation on Liability. The directors of the Corporation shall be entitled to the benefits of all limitations on the liability of directors generally that are now or hereafter become available under the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as it exists on the date hereof or as it may hereafter be amended, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the
Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Any repeal or modification of this Section 6 or any adoption of any provision of this Amended Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Section 6 shall be prospective only, and shall not affect, to the detriment of any director, any limitation on the personal liability of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal, modification or adoption.
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Exhibit B
By-Laws
Exhibit 3.2.3
ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION
BY-LAWS
As Adopted on January 27, 2005
Table of Contents
Section |
Page | |||
ARTICLE I |
STOCKHOLDERS |
1 | ||
Section 1.01. |
Annual Meetings |
1 | ||
Section 1.02. |
Special Meetings |
1 | ||
Section 1.03. |
Notice of Meetings; Waiver |
1 | ||
Section 1.04. |
Quorum |
2 | ||
Section 1.05. |
Voting |
2 | ||
Section 1.06. |
Voting by Ballot |
3 | ||
Section 1.07. |
Adjournment |
3 | ||
Section 1.08. |
Proxies |
3 | ||
Section 1.09. |
Organization; Procedure |
4 | ||
Section 1.10. |
Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting |
4 | ||
ARTICLE II |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
4 | ||
Section 2.01. |
General Powers |
4 | ||
Section 2.02. |
Number and Term of Office |
4 | ||
Section 2.03. |
Election of Directors |
5 | ||
Section 2.04. |
Annual and Regular Meetings |
5 | ||
Section 2.05. |
Special Meetings; Notice |
5 | ||
Section 2.06. |
Quorum; Voting |
5 | ||
Section 2.07. |
Adjournment |
6 | ||
Section 2.08. |
Action Without a Meeting |
6 | ||
Section 2.09. |
Regulations; Manner of Acting |
6 | ||
Section 2.10. |
Action by Telephonic Communications |
6 | ||
Section 2.11. |
Resignations |
6 | ||
Section 2.12. |
Removal of Directors |
6 | ||
Section 2.13. |
Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships |
6 | ||
Section 2.14. |
Compensation |
7 | ||
Section 2.15. |
Reliance on Accounts and Reports, etc |
7 | ||
ARTICLE III |
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES |
7 | ||
Section 3.01. |
How Constituted |
7 | ||
Section 3.02. |
Powers |
7 | ||
Section 3.03. |
Proceedings |
7 | ||
Section 3.04. |
Quorum and Manner of Acting |
8 | ||
Section 3.05. |
Action by Telephonic Communications |
8 | ||
Section 3.06. |
Absent or Disqualified Members |
8 | ||
Section 3.07. |
Resignations |
8 | ||
Section 3.08. |
Removal |
8 | ||
Section 3.09. |
Vacancies |
8 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
OFFICERS |
9 | ||
Section 4.01. |
Number |
9 | ||
Section 4.02. |
Election |
9 | ||
Section 4.03. |
Salaries |
9 | ||
Section 4.04. |
Removal and Resignation; Vacancies |
9 | ||
Section 4.05. |
Authority and Duties of Officers |
9 | ||
Section 4.06. |
The President |
9 | ||
Section 4.07. |
The Vice President |
10 | ||
Section 4.08. |
The Secretary |
10 | ||
Section 4.09. |
The Treasurer |
11 | ||
Section 4.10. |
Additional Officers |
12 | ||
Section 4.11. |
Security |
12 | ||
ARTICLE V |
CAPITAL STOCK |
12 | ||
Section 5.01. |
Certificates of Stock, Uncertificated Shares |
12 | ||
Section 5.02. |
Signatures; Facsimile |
12 | ||
Section 5.03. |
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates |
12 | ||
Section 5.04. |
Transfer of Stock |
13 | ||
Section 5.05. |
Record Date |
13 | ||
Section 5.06. |
Registered Stockholders |
14 | ||
Section 5.07. |
Transfer Agent and Xxxxxxxxx |
00 | ||
ARTICLE VI |
INDEMNIFICATION |
14 | ||
Section 6.01. |
Nature of Indemnity |
14 | ||
Section 6.02. |
Successful Defense |
15 | ||
Section 6.03. |
Determination That Indemnification Is Proper |
15 | ||
Section 6.04. |
Advance Payment of Expenses |
16 | ||
Section 6.05. |
Procedure for Indemnification of Directors and Officers |
16 | ||
Section 6.06. |
Survival; Preservation of Other Rights |
16 | ||
Section 6.07. |
Insurance |
17 | ||
Section 6.08. |
Severability |
17 | ||
ARTICLE VII |
OFFICES |
17 | ||
Section 7.01. |
Registered Office |
17 | ||
Section 7.02. |
Other Offices |
17 | ||
ARTICLE VIII |
GENERAL PROVISIONS |
18 | ||
Section 8.01. |
Dividends |
18 | ||
Section 8.02. |
Reserves |
18 | ||
Section 8.03. |
Execution of Instruments |
18 | ||
Section 8.04. |
Corporate Indebtedness |
18 |
ii
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page | ||||
Section 8.05. |
Deposits |
19 | ||
Section 8.06. |
Checks |
19 | ||
Section 8.07. |
Sale, Transfer, etc. of Securities |
19 | ||
Section 8.08. |
Voting as Stockholder |
19 | ||
Section 8.09. |
Fiscal Year |
19 | ||
Section 8.10. |
Seal |
19 | ||
Section 8.11. |
Books and Records; Inspection |
19 | ||
ARTICLE IX |
AMENDMENT OF BY - LAWS |
20 | ||
Section 9.01. |
Amendment |
20 | ||
ARTICLE X |
CONSTRUCTION |
20 | ||
Section 10.01. |
Construction |
20 |
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ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION
BY-LAWS
As adopted on January 27, 2005
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1.01. Annual Meetings. Subject to Section 1.10 of these By-Laws, the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for the election of directors and officers and for the transaction of such other business as properly may come before such meeting shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, or, by remote electronic communication technologies, and at such date and hour as may be fixed from time to time by written consent of the stockholders in accordance with Section 1.10, and set forth in the notice or waiver of notice of the meeting.
Section 1.02. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time by the President (or, in the event of his or her absence or disability, by any Vice President, if any). A special meeting shall be called by the President (or, in the event of his or her absence or disability, by any Vice President, if any), or by the Secretary, immediately upon receipt of a written request therefor by stockholders holding in the aggregate not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of the Corporation at the time entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders. If such officers shall fail to call such meeting within twenty days after receipt of such request, any stockholder executing such request may call such meeting. Such special meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such places, within or without the State of Delaware, or, within the sole discretion of the President, by remote electronic communication technologies, as shall be specified in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof.
Section 1.03. Notice of Meetings; Waiver. The Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if any, shall cause written notice of the place, if any, date and hour of each meeting of the stockholders, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is called, to be given personally or by mail, not less than ten nor more than sixty days prior to the meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If a stockholder meeting is to be held via electronic communications and stockholders will take action at such meeting, the notice of such meeting must: (i) specify the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present and vote at such meeting; and (ii) provide the information required to access the stockholder list.
For notice given by electronic transmission to a stockholder to be effective, such stockholder must consent to the Corporation’s giving notice by that
particular form of electronic transmission. A stockholder may revoke consent to receive notice by electronic transmission by written notice to the Corporation. A stockholder’s consent to notice by electronic transmission is automatically revoked if the Corporation is unable to deliver two consecutive electronic transmission notices and such inability becomes known to the Secretary, the transfer agent or other person responsible for giving notice.
Notices are deemed given (i) if by mail, when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the record of stockholders of the Corporation, or, if he or she shall have filed with the Secretary of the Corporation a written request that notices to him or her be mailed to some other address, then directed to him or her at such other address; (ii) if by facsimile, when faxed to a number where the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (iii) if by electronic mail, when mailed electronically to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder consented to receive such notice; (iv) if by posting on an electronic network (such as a website or chatroom) together with a separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later to occur of (A) such posting or (B) the giving of the separate notice of such posting; or (v) if by any other form of electronic communication, when directed to the stockholder in the manner consented to by the stockholder. Such further notice shall be given as may be required by law.
A written waiver of any notice of any annual or special meeting signed by the person entitled thereto, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, shall be deemed equivalent to notice, whether provided before of after the meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in a waiver of notice. The attendance of any stockholder at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
Section 1.04. Quorum. Except as otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting.
Section 1.05. Voting. If, pursuant to Section 5.05 of these By-Laws, a record date has been fixed, every holder of record of shares entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share outstanding in his or her name on the books of the Corporation at the close of business on such record date. If no record date has been fixed, then every holder of record of shares entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock standing in his or her name on the books of the Corporation at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice of the meeting is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. Except as otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws, the
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vote of a majority of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient for the transaction of any business at such meeting.
Section 1.06. Voting by Ballot. No vote of the stockholders need be taken by written ballot, or by a ballot submitted by electronic transmission, unless otherwise required by law. Any vote which need not be taken by written ballot, or by a ballot submitted by electronic transmission, may be conducted in any manner approved by the meeting.
Section 1.07. Adjournment. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders present in person or by proxy shall have the power to adjourn any such meeting from time to time until a quorum is present. Notice of any adjourned meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation need not be given if the place, if any, date and hour thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, provided, however, that if the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date for the adjourned meeting is fixed pursuant to Section 5.05 of these By-Laws, a notice of the adjourned meeting, conforming to the requirements of Section 1.03 of these By-Laws, shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted on the original date of the meeting.
Section 1.08. Proxies. Any stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or to express consent to or dissent from corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to vote at any such meeting and express such consent or dissent for him or her by proxy. A stockholder may authorize a valid proxy by executing a written instrument signed by such stockholder, or by causing his or her signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature, or by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission to the person designated as the holder of the proxy, a proxy solicitation firm or a like authorized agent. No such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after the expiration of three years from the date of such proxy, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the stockholder executing it, except in those cases where applicable law provides that a proxy shall be irrevocable. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by filing an instrument in writing revoking the proxy or by filing another duly executed proxy bearing a later date with the Secretary. Proxies by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of a writing or transmission created pursuant to this section may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.
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Section 1.09. Organization; Procedure. At every meeting of stockholders the presiding officer shall be the President or, in the event of his or her absence or disability, a presiding officer chosen by a majority of the stockholders present in person or by proxy. The Secretary, or in the event of his or her absence or disability, the Assistant Secretary, if any, or if there be no Assistant Secretary, in the absence of the Secretary, an appointee of the presiding officer, shall act as Secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of stockholders may be determined by such presiding officer.
Section 1.10. Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. To the fullest extent permitted by law, whenever the vote of stockholders at a meeting thereof is required or permitted to be taken for or in connection with any corporate action, such action may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote of stockholders, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted (but not less than the minimum number of votes otherwise prescribed by law) and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent and no written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by law to the Corporation, written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 2.01. General Powers. Except as may otherwise be provided by law or by these By-Laws, the property, affairs and business of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors may exercise or perform its powers solely to the extent provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 2.02. Number and Term of Office. The number of Directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall be one (1), which number may be modified from time to time by written consent of the stockholders in accordance with
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Section 1.10 but in no event shall the number of Directors be less than one. Each Director (whenever elected) shall hold office until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 2.03. Election of Directors. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 2.12 and 2.13 of these By-Laws, the Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of the stockholders. If the annual meeting for the election of Directors is not held on the date designated therefor, the Directors shall cause the meeting to be held as soon thereafter as convenient. At each meeting of the stockholders for the election of Directors, provided a quorum is present, the Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes validly cast in such election.
Section 2.04. Annual and Regular Meetings. The annual meeting of the Board of Directors for the transaction of business as may come before the meeting shall be held as soon as possible following adjournment of the annual meeting of the stockholders at the place of such annual meeting of the stockholders. Notice of such annual meeting of the Board of Directors need not be given. The Board of Directors from time to time may by resolution provide for the holding of regular meetings and fix the place (which may be within or without the State of Delaware) and the date and hour of such meetings. Notice of regular meetings need not be given, provided, however, that if the Board of Directors shall fix or change the time or place of any regular meeting, notice of such action shall be mailed promptly, or sent by telegram, radio or cable, to each Director who shall not have been present at the meeting at which such action was taken, addressed to him or her at his or her usual place of business, or shall be delivered to him or her personally. Notice of such action need not be given to any Director who attends the first regular meeting after such action is taken without protesting the lack of notice to him or her, prior to or at the commencement of such meeting, or to any Director who submits a signed waiver of notice, whether before or after such meeting.
Section 2.05. Special Meetings; Notice. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the President or, in the event of his or her absence or disability, by any Vice President, if any, at such place (within or without the State of Delaware), date and hour as may be specified in the respective notices or waivers of notice of such meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called on twenty-four hours’ notice, if notice is given to each Director personally or by telephone or telegram, or on five days’ notice, if notice is mailed to each Director, addressed to him or her at his or her usual place of business. Notice of any special meeting need not be given to any Director who attends such meeting without protesting the lack of notice to him or her, prior to or at the commencement of such meeting, or to any Director who submits a signed waiver of notice, whether before or after such meeting, and any business may be transacted thereat.
Section 2.06. Quorum; Voting. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, the presence of a majority of the total authorized number of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise required by law, the vote of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.
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Section 2.07. Adjournment. A majority of the Directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting of the Board of Directors to another time or place. No notice need be given of any adjourned meeting unless the time and place of the adjourned meeting are not announced at the time of adjournment, in which case notice conforming to the requirements of Section 2.05 of these By-Laws shall be given to each Director.
Section 2.08. Action Without a Meeting. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or electronic transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
Section 2.09. Regulations; Manner of Acting. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these By-Laws, the Board of Directors may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings of the Board of Directors and for the management of the property, affairs and business of the Corporation as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate. The Directors shall act only as a Board and, if the Board is comprised of more than one Director, the individual Directors shall have no power as such.
Section 2.10. Action by Telephonic Communications. Members of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this provision shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 2.11. Resignations. Any Director may resign at any time by submitting an electronic transmission or by delivering a written notice of resignation, signed by such Director, to the President or the Secretary. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery.
Section 2.12. Removal of Directors. Any Director may be removed at any time, either for or without cause, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of such Director. Any vacancy in the Board of Directors caused by any such removal may be filled at such meeting by the stockholders entitled to vote for the election of the Director so removed. If such stockholders do not fill such vacancy at such meeting (or in the written instrument effecting such removal, if such removal was effected by consent without a meeting), such vacancy may be filled in the manner provided in Section 2.13 of these By-Laws.
Section 2.13. Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. If any vacancies shall occur in the Board of Directors, by reason of death, resignation, removal
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or otherwise, or if the authorized number of Directors shall be increased, the Directors then in office, if any, shall continue to act, and such vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled by vote of the stockholders. A Director elected to fill a vacancy or a newly created directorship shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 2.14. Compensation. The amount, if any, which each Director shall be entitled to receive as compensation for his or her services as such shall be fixed from time to time by written consent of the stockholders in accordance with Section 1.10.
Section 2.15. Reliance on Accounts and Reports, etc. A Director, or a member of any Committee designated by the Board of Directors shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporation’s officers or employees, or Committees designated by the Board of Directors, or by any other person as to the matters the member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.
ARTICLE III
COMMITTEES
Section 3.01. How Constituted. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may designate one or more Committees, each such Committee to consist of such number of Directors as from time to time may be fixed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more Directors as alternate members of any such Committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member or members at any meeting of such Committee. Thereafter, members (and alternate members, if any) of each such Committee may be designated at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. Any such Committee may be abolished or re-designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Each member (and each alternate member) of any such Committee (whether designated at an annual meeting of the Board of Directors or to fill a vacancy or otherwise) shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been designated or until he or she shall cease to be a Director, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 3.02. Powers. Except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws and the Certificate of Incorporation, each such Committee shall have and may exercise such powers of the Board of Directors as may be provided by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors.
Section 3.03. Proceedings. Except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws and the Certificate of Incorporation, each such Committee may fix its own rules of procedure and may meet at such place (within or without the State of Delaware), at such time and upon such notice, if any, as it shall determine from time to time. Each such Committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings and shall report such proceedings to the
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Board of Directors at the meeting of the Board of Directors next following any such proceedings.
Section 3.04. Quorum and Manner of Acting. Except as may be otherwise provided in the resolution creating such Committee, at all meetings of any Committee the presence of members (or alternate members) constituting a majority of the total authorized membership of such Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of the majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such Committee. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of any such Committee may be taken without a meeting, if all members of such Committee shall consent to such action in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. The members of any such Committee shall act only as a Committee, and the individual members of such Committee shall have no power as such.
Section 3.05. Action by Telephonic Communications. Members of any Committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of such Committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this provision shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 3.06. Absent or Disqualified Members. In the absence or disqualification of a member of any Committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
Section 3.07. Resignations. Any member (and any alternate member) of any Committee may resign at any time by delivering a written notice of resignation, signed by such member, to the President. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery.
Section 3.08. Removal. Any member (and any alternate member) of any Committee may be removed from his or her position as a member (or alternate member, as the case may be) of such Committee at any time, either for or without cause, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board of Directors.
Section 3.09. Vacancies. If any vacancy shall occur in any Committee, by reason of disqualification, death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the remaining members (and any alternate members) shall continue to act, and any such vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors.
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ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 4.01. Number. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by a vote of the stockholders and shall be a President and a Secretary. The Board of Directors also may elect one or more Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers in such numbers as the stockholders may determine. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. No officer need be a Director of the Corporation.
Section 4.02. Election. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the stockholders at the annual meeting of the stockholders, and shall be elected to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders. In the event of the failure to elect officers at such annual meeting, officers may be elected at any regular or special meeting of the stockholders. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Section 4.03. Salaries. The salaries of all officers and agents of the Corporation shall be fixed by vote of the stockholders.
Section 4.04. Removal and Resignation; Vacancies. Any officer may be removed for or without cause at any time by vote of the stockholders. Any officer may resign at any time by delivering notice of resignation, either in writing signed by such officer or by electronic transmission, to the Board of Directors or the President. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, shall be filled by vote of the stockholders.
Section 4.05. Authority and Duties of Officers. The officers of the Corporation shall have such authority and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be specified in these By-Laws, except that in any event each officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be required by law.
Section 4.06. The President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and directors at which he or she is present, shall be the chief executive officer and the chief operating officer of the Corporation, shall have general control and supervision of the policies and operations of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. He or she shall manage and administer the Corporation’s business and affairs and shall also perform all duties and exercise all powers usually pertaining to the office of a chief executive officer and a chief operating officer of a corporation. He or she shall have the authority to sign, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, stock certificates, checks, orders, contracts, leases, notes, drafts and other documents and instruments in connection with the business of the Corporation, and together with the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, if any, conveyances of real estate and other documents and instruments to which the seal of the
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Corporation is affixed. He or she shall have the authority to cause the employment or appointment of such employees and agents of the Corporation as the conduct of the business of the Corporation may require, to fix their compensation, and to remove or suspend any employee or agent elected or appointed by the President or the Board of Directors. The President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the stockholders may from time to time prescribe.
Section 4.07. The Vice President. Each Vice President, if appointed, shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the President. In the absence of the President, the duties of the President shall be performed and his or her powers may be exercised by such Vice President as shall be designated by the President, or failing such designation, such duties shall be performed and such powers may be exercised by each Vice President in the order of their earliest election to that office; subject in any case to review and superseding action by the President.
Section 4.08. The Secretary. The Secretary shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) He or she shall keep or cause to be kept a record of all the proceedings of the meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors in books provided for that purpose.
(b) He or she shall cause all notices to be duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws and as required by law.
(c) Whenever any Committee shall be appointed pursuant to a written consent of the stockholders in accordance with Section 1.10, he or she shall furnish a copy of such written consent to the members of such Committee.
(d) He or she shall be the custodian of the records and of the seal of the Corporation and cause such seal (or a facsimile thereof) to be affixed to all certificates representing shares of the Corporation prior to the issuance thereof and to all instruments the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal shall have been duly authorized in accordance with these By-Laws, and when so affixed he or she may attest the same.
(e) He or she shall properly maintain and file all books, reports, statements, certificates and all other documents and records required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws.
(f) He or she shall have charge of the stock books and ledgers of the Corporation and shall cause the stock and transfer books to be kept in such manner as to show at any time the number of shares of stock of the Corporation of each class issued and outstanding, the names (alphabetically arranged) and the addresses of the holders of record of such shares, the number of shares held by each holder and the date as of which each became such holder of record.
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(g) He or she shall sign (unless the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, if any, shall have signed) certificates representing shares of the Corporation the issuance of which shall have been authorized by the Board of Directors.
(h) He or she shall perform, in general, all duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as may be specified in these By-Laws or as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors, or the President.
Section 4.09. The Treasurer. The Treasurer, if appointed, shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation and shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) He or she shall have charge and supervision over and be responsible for the moneys, securities, receipts and disbursements of the Corporation, and shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate records of all receipts of the Corporation.
(b) He or she shall cause the moneys and other valuable effects of the Corporation to be deposited in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such banks or trust companies or with such bankers or other depositaries as shall be selected in accordance with Section 8.05 of these By-Laws.
(c) He or she shall cause the moneys of the Corporation to be disbursed by checks or drafts (signed as provided in Section 8.06 of these By-Laws) upon the authorized depositaries of the Corporation and cause to be taken and preserved proper vouchers for all moneys disbursed.
(d) He or she shall render to the Board of Directors or the President, whenever requested, a statement of the financial condition of the Corporation and of all his or her transactions as Treasurer, and render a full financial report at the annual meeting of the stockholders, if called upon to do so.
(e) He or she shall be empowered from time to time to require from all officers or agents of the Corporation reports or statements giving such information as he or she may desire with respect to any and all financial transactions of the Corporation.
(f) He or she may sign (unless the Secretary, an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, if any, shall have signed) certificates representing stock of the Corporation the issuance of which shall have been authorized by the Board of Directors.
(g) He or she shall perform, in general, all duties incident to the office of treasurer and such other duties as may be specified in these By-Laws or as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors, or the President.
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Section 4.10. Additional Officers. The stockholders may appoint such other officers and agents as it may deem appropriate by a vote of the stockholders and such other officers and agents shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be determined from time to time by the stockholders. The stockholders from time to time, by a vote of the stockholders, may delegate to any officer or agent the power to appoint subordinate officers or agents and to prescribe their respective rights, terms of office, authorities and duties. Any such officer or agent may remove any such subordinate officer or agent appointed by him or her, for or without cause.
Section 4.11. Security. The stockholders may require any officer, agent or employee of the Corporation to provide security for the faithful performance of his or her duties, in such amount and of such character as may be determined from time to time by the stockholders.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 5.01. Certificates of Stock, Uncertificated Shares. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the stock of the Corporation shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until each certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Notwithstanding the adoption of such a resolution by the Board of Directors, every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificates and upon request every holder of uncertificated shares shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation, by the President or a Vice President (if any), and by the Secretary, or Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, or an Assistant Secretary, if any, representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Such certificate shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may determine, to the extent consistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these By-Laws.
Section 5.02. Signatures; Facsimile. All signatures on the certificate referred to in Section 5.01 of these By-Laws may be in facsimile, engraved or printed form, to the extent permitted by law. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed, or whose facsimile, engraved or printed signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
Section 5.03. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct that a new certificate be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon delivery to the Board of Directors of an affidavit of the owner or owners of such certificate, setting forth such allegation. The Board of Directors may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond
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sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.
Section 5.04. Transfer of Stock. Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, the Corporation shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Within a reasonable time after the transfer of uncertificated stock, the Corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to Sections 151, 156, 202(a) or 218(a) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and these By-Laws, the Board of Directors may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate relating to the issue, transfer and registration of shares of the Corporation.
Section 5.05. Record Date. In order to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting, provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the board of directors is required by law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.
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In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights of the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
Section 5.06. Registered Stockholders. Prior to due surrender of a certificate for registration of transfer, the Corporation may treat the registered owner as the person exclusively entitled to receive dividends and other distributions, to vote, to receive notice and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of the owner of the shares represented by such certificate, and the Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or legal claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not the Corporation shall have notice of such claim or interests. Whenever any transfer of shares shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of the transfer if, when the certificates are presented to the Corporation for transfer or uncertificated shares are requested to be transferred, both the transferor and transferee request the Corporation to do so.
Section 5.07. Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars, and may require all certificates representing shares to bear the signature of any such transfer agents or registrars.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 6.01. Nature of Indemnity. The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, and may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to such an action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become an employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
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to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; except that in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor (1) such indemnification shall be limited to expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in the defense or settlement of such action or suit, and (2) no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Section 6.05 of these By-Laws, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify a director or officer of the Corporation in respect of a Proceeding (or part thereof) instituted by such director or officer, unless such Proceeding (or part thereof) has been authorized by the Board of Directors.
The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 6.02. Successful Defense. To the extent that a present or former director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 6.01 of these By-Laws or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
Section 6.03. Determination That Indemnification Is Proper. Any indemnification of a present or former director or officer of the Corporation under Section 6.01 of these By-Laws (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only upon a determination that indemnification of such person is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 6.01 of these By-Laws. Any indemnification of a present or former employee or agent of the Corporation under Section 6.01 of these By-Laws (unless ordered by a court) may be made by the Corporation upon a determination that indemnification of the employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 6.01 of these By-Laws. Any such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination (1) by a majority vote of the Directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
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Section 6.04. Advance Payment of Expenses. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a present director or officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Corporation deems appropriate. The Corporation, or in respect of a present director or officer the Board of Directors, may authorize the Corporation’s counsel to represent such present or former director, officer, employee or agent in any action, suit or proceeding, whether or not the Corporation is a party to such action, suit or proceeding.
Section 6.05. Procedure for Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Any indemnification of a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation under Sections 6.01 and 6.02 of these By-Laws, or advance of costs, charges and expenses to such person under Section 6.04 of these By-Laws, shall be made promptly, and in any event within thirty days, upon the written request of such person. If a determination by the Corporation that such person is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article is required, and the Corporation fails to respond within sixty days to a written request for indemnity, the Corporation shall be deemed to have approved such request. If the Corporation denies a written request for indemnity or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not made within thirty days, the right to indemnification or advances as granted by this Article shall be enforceable by such person in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Corporation. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for the advance of costs, charges and expenses under Section 6.04 of these By-Laws where the required undertaking, if any, has been received by or tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 6.01 of these By-Laws, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors or any committee thereof, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 6.01 of these By-Laws, nor the fact that there has been an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors or any committee thereof, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
Section 6.06. Survival; Preservation of Other Rights. The foregoing indemnification provisions shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director, officer, employee and agent who serves in any such capacity at any time while these provisions as well as the relevant provisions of the Delaware Corporation
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Law are in effect and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any right or obligation then existing with respect to any state of facts then or previously existing or any action, suit or proceeding previously or thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts. Such a “contract right” may not be modified retroactively without the consent of such director, officer, employee or agent.
The indemnification provided by this Article VI shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
Section 6.07. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Article, provided that such insurance is available on acceptable terms, which determination shall be made by a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 6.08. Severability. If this Article or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director or officer and may indemnify each employee or agent of the Corporation as to costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including an action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
ARTICLE VII
OFFICES
Section 7.01. Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be located at Corporation Trust Center, 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.
Section 7.02. Other Offices. The Corporation may maintain offices or places of business at such other locations within or without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the Corporation may require.
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ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 8.01. Dividends. Subject to any applicable provisions of law and the Certificate of Incorporation, dividends upon the shares of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors and any such dividend may be paid in cash, property, or shares of the Corporation’s Capital Stock.
A member of the Board of Directors, or a member of any Committee designated by the Board of Directors shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or Committees of the Board of Directors, or by any other person as to matters the Director reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation, as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities and/or net profits of the Corporation, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of surplus or other funds from which dividends might properly be declared and paid.
Section 8.02. Reserves. There may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, thinks proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall think conducive to the interest of the Corporation, and the Board of Directors may similarly modify or abolish any such reserve.
Section 8.03. Execution of Instruments. The President, the Secretary or any Vice President (if appointed) may enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Corporation. The Board of Directors or the President may authorize any other officer or agent to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Corporation. Any such authorization must be in writing or by electronic transmission and may be general or limited to specific contracts or instruments.
Section 8.04. Corporate Indebtedness. No loan shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation, and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name, unless authorized by the Board of Directors. Such authorization may be general or confined to specific instances. Loans so authorized may be effected at any time for the Corporation from any bank, trust company or other institution, or from any firm, corporation or individual. All bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation issued for such loans shall be made, executed and delivered as the Board of Directors shall authorize. When so authorized by the Board of Directors, any part of or all the properties, including contract rights, assets, business or good will of the Corporation, whether then owned or thereafter acquired, may
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be mortgaged, pledged, hypothecated or conveyed or assigned in trust as security for the payment of such bonds, debentures, notes and other obligations or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, and of the interest thereon, by instruments executed and delivered in the name of the Corporation.
Section 8.05. Deposits. Any funds of the Corporation may be deposited from time to time in such banks, trust companies or other depositaries as may be determined by the Board of Directors or the President, or by such officers or agents as may be authorized by the Board of Directors or the President to make such determination.
Section 8.06. Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such agent or agents of the Corporation, and in such manner, as the Board of Directors or the President from time to time may determine.
Section 8.07. Sale, Transfer, etc. of Securities. To the extent authorized by the Board of Directors or by the President, any Vice President (if any), the Secretary or any other officers designated by the Board of Directors or the President may sell, transfer, endorse, and assign any shares of stock, bonds or other securities owned by or held in the name of the Corporation, and may make, execute and deliver in the name of the Corporation, under its corporate seal, any instruments that may be appropriate to effect any such sale, transfer, endorsement or assignment.
Section 8.08. Voting as Stockholder. Unless otherwise determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, the President or any Vice President (if any) shall have full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend any meeting of stockholders of any corporation in which the Corporation may hold stock, and to act, vote (or execute proxies to vote) and exercise in person or by proxy all other rights, powers and privileges incident to the ownership of such stock. Such officers acting on behalf of the Corporation shall have full power and authority to execute any instrument expressing consent to or dissent from any action of any such corporation without a meeting. The Board of Directors may by resolution from time to time confer such power and authority upon any other person or persons.
Section 8.09. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall commence on the first day of January of each year (except for the Corporation’s first fiscal year which shall commence on the date of incorporation) and shall terminate in each case on December 31.
Section 8.10. Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall be circular in form and shall contain the name of the Corporation, the year of its incorporation and the words “Corporate Seal” and “Delaware”. The form of such seal shall be subject to alteration by the Board of Directors. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed, affixed or reproduced, or may be used in any other lawful manner.
Section 8.11. Books and Records; Inspection. Except to the extent otherwise required by law, the books and records of the Corporation shall be kept at such
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place or places within or without the State of Delaware as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
Section 9.01. Amendment. These By-Laws may be amended, altered or repealed by a vote stockholders.
ARTICLE X
CONSTRUCTION
Section 10.01. Construction. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of these By-Laws as in effect from time to time and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation as in effect from time to time, the provisions of such Certificate of Incorporation shall be controlling.
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