SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) December 13, 2000 (December 1, 2000)
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)
Maryland 000-22345 52-1974638
(State or other Jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation)
18 East Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601
(Address of Principal Executive Offices/Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (410) 822-1400
--------------
109 North Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
|
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
Item 1. Change in Control of Registrant
Effective December 1, 2000, Talbot Bancshares, Inc., a Maryland corporation, was merged with and into Shore Bancshares, Inc., in a pooling transaction, pursuant to a Plan and Agreement to Merge dated July 25, 2000, and amended on November 30, 2000, by and between Talbot Bancshares, Inc. and Shore Bancshares, Inc. under which each share of common stock of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. was converted into the right to receive 2.85 shares of common stock of Shore Bancshares, Inc., with cash being paid in lieu of fractional shares. Up to 3,407,272 shares of common stock of Shore Bancshares, Inc. will be issued pursuant to the merger. Prior to the merger, Shore Bancshares, Inc. had 1,194,237 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Pursuant to the Plan and Agreement to Merge, Shore Bancshares, Inc. has a new board of directors consisting of eleven members, six of whom were directors of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. before the merger, and five of whom were directors of Shore Bancshares, Inc. before the merger. The six new directors of Shore Bancshares, Inc. are as follows: Herbert L. Andrew, III, Lloyd L. Beatty, Jr., Ronald N. Fox, Richard C. Granville, David L. Pyles, and W. Moorhead Vermilye. These directors join Paul M. Bowman, David C. Bryan, Daniel T. Cannon, B. Vance Carmean, Jr., and Neil R. LeCompte, who were serving previously on the Shore Bancshares, Inc. Board of Directors.
Six individuals who served on the Board of Directors of Shore Bancshares, Inc. before the merger are no longer directors of Shore Bancshares, Inc. after the merger, but continue to serve as directors of The Centreville National Bank of Maryland, a national banking association, and wholly owned subsidiary of Shore Bancshares, Inc. Seven individuals who served on the Board of Directors of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. before the merger continue to serve as directors of The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland, a Maryland state-chartered commercial bank, which, after the merger, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Shore Bancshares, Inc.
Mr. Vermilye, who served as President of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. before the merger, has become President and Chief Executive Officer of Shore Bancshares, Inc. Mr. Cannon, President of Shore Bancshares, Inc. before the merger, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Shore Bancshares, Inc. The principal office of Shore Bancshares, Inc. has been moved from 109 North Commerce Street, Centreville, Maryland 21617 to 18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601.
As part of the merger, the stockholders amended and restated Shore Bancshares, Inc.'s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. A copy of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein. A copy of the Amended and Restated Bylaws is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 2. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets
The merger of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. with and into Shore Bancshares, Inc. was consummated on December 1, 2000, pursuant to a Plan and Agreement to Merge dated July 25, 2000, as amended. Shore Bancshares, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-46890), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 16, 2000, sets forth certain information regarding the merger, Talbot Bancshares, Inc., and Shore Bancshares, Inc., including, but not limited to, the date and manner of the merger, a description of the assets involved, the nature and amount of consideration paid by Shore Bancshares, Inc., the method used for determining the amount of such consideration, the nature of any material relationships between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and Talbot Bancshares, Inc. or any officer or director of the entities, or any associate of any such officer or director, and the nature of the business of operation of the combined company after the merger. The additional information set forth under Item 1 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference herein.
A copy of the press release announcing the closing of the merger is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.
(a) and (c) Required financial statements and pro forma financial information related to the merger of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. with and into Shore Bancshares, Inc. will be filed by amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K no later than 60 days after the date that the initial report on Form 8-K must be filed.
(c) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed with this report:
2.1 Plan and Agreement to Merge, dated July 25, 2000, by and between Shore
Bancshares, Inc. and Talbot Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 2.1 on Form 8-K filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc. on July 31,
2000.)
2.2 Amendment to Plan and Agreement to Merge, dated November 30, 2000, by
and between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and Talbot Bancshares, Inc.,
attached hereto.
3.1 Shore Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
attached hereto.
3.2 Shore Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated By-Laws, attached hereto.
10.1 Form of Employment Agreement with W. Moorhead Vermilye (incorporated by
reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 on Form 8-K filed by Shore
Bancshares, Inc. on July 31, 2000).
|
10.2 Form of Employment Agreement with Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by
reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 on Form 8-K filed by Shore
Bancshares, Inc. on July 31, 2000).
21 Subsidiaries of Shore Bancshares, Inc., attached hereto.
99.1 Press Release, dated December 1, 2000, attached hereto.
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
Date: December 13, 2000 By: /s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye
------------------------
W. Moorhead Vermilye
President and CEO
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
------ ----------------------
2.1 Plan and Agreement to Merge, dated July 25, 2000, by and between Shore
Bancshares, Inc. and Talbot Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 2.1 on Form 8-K filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc on July 31,
2000.)
2.2 Amendment to Plan and Agreement to Merge, dated November 30, 2000, by
and between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and Talbot Bancshares, Inc.,
attached hereto.
3.1 Shore Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
attached hereto.
3.2 Shore Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated By-Laws, attached hereto.
10.1 Form of Employment Agreement with W. Moorhead Vermilye (incorporated by
reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 on Form 8-K filed by Shore
Bancshares, Inc. on July 31, 2000).
10.2 Form of Employment Agreement with Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by
reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 on Form 8-K filed by Shore
Bancshares, Inc. on July 31, 2000).
21 Subsidiaries of Shore Bancshares, Inc., attached hereto.
99.1 Press Release, dated December 1, 2000, attached hereto.
|
Exhibit 2.2
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN AND AGREEMENT TO MERGE
First Amendment, dated as of November 30, 2000, (the "Amendment") to the Plan and Agreement to Merge, dated as of July 25, 2000, (the "Plan") by and among TALBOT BANCSHARES, INC. ("Talbot Bancshares"), a Maryland corporation, and SHORE BANCSHARES, INC. ("Shore Bancshares"), a Maryland corporation.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Shore Bancshares and Talbot Bancshares are parties to the Plan whereby Talbot Bancshares has agreed to merge with and into Shore Bancshares, with Shore Bancshares as the surviving entity.
WHEREAS, Shore Bancshares and Talbot Bancshares wish to amend certain provisions under the Plan pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan in order to conform certain representations and warranties made by the parties and to waive one of the conditions to closing.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and the mutual benefits to be derived herefrom, the parties agree as follows:
A G R E E M E N T:
1. Section 8.3 of the Plan is hereby amended by deleting that section in its entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
8.3 Events Preceding the Effective Date. Each of the events set forth in Section 2 shall have occurred and any other required regulatory approvals shall have been obtained.
2. Subsections 4.8(a), (b), and (e) of the Plan are hereby amended by deleting those subsections in their entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
(a) any employment, consultation, or compensation contract or arrangement (other than those terminable at will) with any current or former officer, consultant, director, agent or employee (or beneficiary of any of them);
(b) any plan, contract, program, understanding, or agreement providing for bonuses, pensions, severance pay, executive compensation, options, stock purchases, or any other form of retirement, incentive or deferred compensation, retirement payments,
death benefits, profit sharing, branch closing benefits, workers' compensation, tuition reimbursement or scholarship program, any plans providing benefits or payments in the event of a change in control, change in ownership, or sale of a substantial portion (including all or substantially all) of the assets of Talbot Bancshares or any of the Talbot Subsidiaries, or any health, accident, disability, sick leave, vacation pay, life insurance, or other welfare benefit, or any other employee or retired employee benefit (including, without limitation, any "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) in which any current or former officer, consultant, employee, director, or agent (or beneficiary of any of them) of Talbot Bancshares or any of the Talbot Subsidiaries is or was, within the last six years, entitled to participate;
(e) any agreement for services in excess of $30,000 per year (other than any employment, arbitration or compensation contract or arrangement with any current or former officer, consultant, director, agent or employee) or any agreement for the purchase or disposition of any equipment or supplies except individual purchase orders for office supplies incurred in the ordinary course of business of $10,000 or less;
3. Subsections 4.12(c), (e), and (u) of the Plan are hereby amended by deleting those subsections in their entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
(c) each of the plans has been operated in all material respects in accordance with its terms and in accordance with all previously and currently effective laws applicable to such plans, including, but not limited to, ERISA, the Code, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and state health care continuation laws;
(e) none of (i) the plans, (ii) the Talbot
Subsidiaries, and (iii) Talbot Bancshares, and to Talbot Bancshares'
knowledge, (x) no current or former director, officer, employee, agent,
or representative of Talbot Bancshares or any of the Talbot
Subsidiaries, and (y) no fiduciary, "party in interest" (as defined in
Section 3(14) of ERISA) or "disqualified person" (as defined in Section
4975 of the Code) with respect to any of the plans has engaged in any
non-exempt "prohibited transaction" in connection with any of the plans
within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Title I, Part 4 of
ERISA as to which the applicable statute of limitations has not run;
(u) none of the plans contains any provision which would prohibit the transactions contemplated by this Plan or which, except as previously disclosed in writing to Shore Bancshares, would give rise to any severance, termination, or other payments or liabilities, or any forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase in benefits, or obligations to fund benefits as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Plan; no payment that is owed or
may become due any director, officer, employee, independent contractor
or agent of Talbot Bancshares or any of the Talbot Subsidiaries in
connection with a plan will be non-deductible to the payor under
Section 280G of the Code, and none of the Talbot Subsidiaries, Shore
Subsidiaries, Talbot Bancshares or Shore Bancshares will be required to
"gross up" or otherwise compensate any person in connection with a plan
because of the imposition of any excise tax under Section 4999 of the
Code; and
4. The Plan and all provisions thereof remain in full force and effect unless specifically modified or amended hereby.
5. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Shore Bancshares and Talbot Bancshares have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective presidents, and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed and attested by their respective secretaries, thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.
ATTEST: [SEAL] Talbot Bancshares, INC.
/s/ Susan E. Leaverton By: /s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye --------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Susan E. Leaverton W. Moorhead Vermilye Secretary President |
ATTEST: [SEAL] Shore Bancshares, INC.
/s/ Mary Catherine Quimby By: /s/ Daniel T. Cannon --------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Mary Catherine Quimby Daniel T. Cannon Secretary President |
Exhibit 3.1
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The Articles of Incorporation of SHORE BANCSHARES, INC., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called the "Corporation") are hereby amended and restated in their entirety as follows:
FIRST: The name of the Corporation is:
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
SECOND: The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activities permitted by a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland.
THIRD: The present address of the principal office of the Corporation in this State is 18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601.
FOURTH: The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in this State are W. Moorhead Vermilye, c/o 18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601. Said resident agent is a citizen of the State of Maryland who resides there.
FIFTH: (a) The total number of shares of stock of all classes which the Corporation has authority to issue is 35,000,000 shares of capital stock (par value $.01 per share), amounting in aggregate par value to $350,000.00. All of such shares are initially classified as "Common Stock". The Board of Directors may classify and reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock by setting or changing in any one or more respects the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of such shares of capital stock. A majority of the entire Board of Directors, without action by the stockholders, may amend the Charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class that the Corporation has authority to issue.
(b) The following is a description of the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the Common Stock of the Corporation:
(1) Each share of Common Stock shall have one vote, and, except as otherwise provided in respect of any class of stock hereafter classified or reclassified, the exclusive voting power for all purposes shall be vested in the holders of the Common Stock. Shares of Common Stock shall not have cumulative voting rights.
(2) Subject to the provisions of law and any preferences of any class of stock hereafter classified or reclassified, dividends, including dividends payable in shares of another class of the Corporation's stock, may be paid ratably on the Common Stock at such time and in such amounts as the Board of Directors may deem advisable.
(3) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled, together with the holders of any other class of stock hereafter classified or reclassified not having a
preference on distributions in the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, to share ratably in the net assets of the Corporation remaining, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and the amount to which the holders of any class of stock hereafter classified or reclassified having a preference on distributions in the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation shall be entitled.
(c) Subject to the foregoing, the power of the Board of Directors to classify and reclassify any of the shares of capital stock shall include, without limitation, subject to the provisions of the Charter, authority to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of such stock into a class or classes of preferred stock, preference stock, special stock or other stock, and to divide and classify shares of any class into one or more series of such class, by determining, fixing, or altering one or more of the following:
(1) The distinctive designation of such class or series and the number of shares to constitute such class or series; provided that, unless otherwise prohibited by the terms of such or any other class or series, the number of shares of any class or series may be decreased by the Board of Directors in connection with any classification or reclassification of unissued shares and the number of shares of such class or series may be increased by the Board of Directors in connection with any such classification or reclassification, and any shares of any class or series which have been redeemed, purchased, otherwise acquired or converted into shares of Common Stock or any other class or series shall become part of the authorized capital stock and be subject to classification and reclassification as provided in this sub-paragraph.
(2) Whether or not and, if so, the rates, amounts and times at which, and the conditions under which, dividends shall be payable on shares of such class or series, whether any such dividends shall rank senior or junior to or on a parity with the dividends payable on any other class or series of stock, and the status of any such dividends as cumulative, cumulative to a limited extent or non-cumulative and as participating or non-participating.
(3) Whether or not shares of such class or series shall have voting rights, in addition to any voting rights provided by law and, if so, the terms of such voting rights.
(4) Whether or not shares of such class or series shall have conversion or exchange privileges and, if so, the terms and conditions thereof, including provision for adjustment of the conversion or exchange rate in such events or at such times as the Board of Directors shall determine.
(5) Whether or not shares of such class or series shall be subject to redemption and, if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption, including the date or dates upon or after which they shall be redeemable and the amount per share payable in case of redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions and at different redemption dates; and whether or not there shall be any sinking fund or purchase account in respect thereof, and if so, the terms thereof.
(6) The rights of the holders of shares of such class or series upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation, which rights may vary depending upon whether such liquidation, dissolution or winding up is voluntary or involuntary and, if voluntary, may vary at different dates, and whether such rights shall rank senior or junior to or on a parity with such rights of any other class or series of stock.
(7) Whether or not there shall be any limitations applicable, while shares of such class or series are outstanding, upon the payment of dividends or making of distributions on, or the acquisition of, or the use of moneys for purchase or redemption of, any stock of the
Corporation, or upon any other action of the Corporation, including action under this sub-paragraph, and, if so, the terms and conditions thereof.
(8) Any other preferences, rights, restrictions, including restrictions on transferability, and qualifications of shares of such class or series, not inconsistent with law and the Charter of the Corporation.
(d) For the purposes hereof and of any articles supplementary to the Charter providing for the classification or reclassification of any shares of capital stock or of any other Charter document of the Corporation (unless otherwise provided in any such articles or document), any class or series of stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to rank:
(1) prior to another class or series either as to dividends or upon liquidation, if the holders of such class or series shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in preference or priority to holders of such other class or series;
(2) on a parity with another class or series either as to dividends or upon liquidation, whether or not the dividend rates, dividend payment dates or redemption or liquidation price per share thereof be different from those of such others, if the holders of such class or series of stock shall be entitled to receipt of dividends or amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in proportion to their respective dividend rates or redemption or liquidation prices, without preference or priority over the holders of such other class or series; and
(3) junior to another class or series either as to dividends or upon liquidation, if the rights of the holders of such class or series shall be subject or subordinate to the rights of the holders of such other class or series in respect of the receipt of dividends or the amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be.
SIXTH: The number of Directors of the Corporation shall be not less than three (3) nor more than twenty-five (25). The number of Directors may be increased or decreased in accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation. The Directors shall be divided into three classes with respect to the time for which they shall hold office. Directors of Class I shall hold office for one year or until the first annual meeting of stockholders following their election; Directors of Class II shall hold office for two years or until the second annual meeting of stockholders following their election; and Directors of Class III shall hold office for three years or until the third annual meeting of stockholders following their election; and in each case until their successors are elected and qualify. At each future annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to the Class of Directors whose term shall expire at that time shall be elected to hold office for a term of three years, so that the term of office of one Class of Directors shall expire in each year. The provisions of this Article Sixth may not be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is authorized by the Board of Directors and approved by holders of 80% of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on the matter. As of the date hereof, the Directors of the Corporation are:
(1) Class I: David L. Pyles, Daniel T. Cannon and Richard C. Granville;
(2) Class II: David C. Bryan, Ronald N. Fox, Neil R. LeCompte and Herbert L. Andrew, III; and
(3) Class III: Paul M. Bowman, Lloyd L. Beatty, Jr., B. Vance Carmean, Jr. and W. Moorhead Vermilye.
SEVENTH: (a) The following provisions are hereby adopted for the purpose of defining, limiting, and regulating the powers of the Corporation and of the directors and the stockholders:
(1) The Board of Directors is hereby empowered to authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of its stock of any class, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities convertible into shares of its stock of any class or classes, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as may be deemed advisable by the Board of Directors and without any action by the stockholders.
(2) No holder of any stock or any other securities of the Corporation, whether now or hereafter authorized, shall have any preemptive right to subscribe for or purchase any stock or any other securities of the Corporation other than such, if any, as the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may determine and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may fix; and any stock or other securities which the Board of Directors may determine to offer for subscription may, as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion shall determine, be offered to the holders of any class, series or type of stock or other securities at the time outstanding to the exclusion of the holders of any or all other classes, series or types of stock or other securities at the time outstanding.
(3) The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall, consistent with applicable law, have power in its sole discretion to determine from time to time in accordance with sound accounting practice or other reasonable valuation methods what constitutes annual or other net profits, earnings, surplus or net assets in excess of capital; to fix and vary from time to time the amount to be reserved as working capital, or determine that retained earnings or surplus shall remain in the hands of the Corporation; to set apart out of any funds of the Corporation such reserve or reserves in such amount or amounts and for such proper purpose or purposes as it shall determine and to abolish any such reserve or any part thereof; to redeem or purchase its stock or to distribute and pay distributions or dividends in stock, cash or other securities or property, out of surplus or any other funds or amounts legally available therefor, at such times and to the stockholders of record on such dates as it may, from time to time, determine; to determine the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges shall have been created shall have been paid or discharged); and to determine the fair value and any matters relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation.
(4) Notwithstanding any provision of law requiring the authorization of any action by a greater proportion than a majority of the total number of shares of all classes of capital stock or of the total number of shares of any class of capital stock, such action shall be valid and effective if authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of shares of all classes outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, except as otherwise provided in the Charter.
(5) The Corporation shall indemnify (A) its directors and officers, whether serving the Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the full extent required or permitted by the General Laws of the State of Maryland now or hereafter in force, including the advance of expenses under the procedures and to the full extent permitted by law and (B) other employees and agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors or the Corporation's By-Laws and be permitted by law. The foregoing rights of indemnification shall not be exclusive of
any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled. The Board of Directors may take such action as is necessary to carry out these indemnification provisions and is expressly empowered to adopt, approve and amend from time to time such by-laws, resolutions or contracts implementing such provisions or such further indemnification arrangements as may be permitted by law. No amendment of the Charter of the Corporation or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate the right to indemnification provided hereunder with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
(6) To the fullest extent permitted by Maryland statutory or decisional law, as amended or interpreted, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages. No amendment of the Charter of the Corporation or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate the limitation on liability provided to directors and officers hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
(7) For any stockholder proposal to be presented in connection with an annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, including any proposal relating to the nomination of a director to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Corporation, the stockholders must have given timely written notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation in the manner and containing the information required by the By-Laws. Stockholder proposals to be presented in connection with a special meeting of stockholders, including any proposal relating to the nomination of a director to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Corporation, will be presented by the Corporation only to the extent required by Section 2-502 of the Maryland General Corporation Law and the By-Laws.
(8) Notwithstanding any other provision in the charter or by-laws, each vacancy on the board of directors resulting from (a) an increase in the size of the board of directors or (b) the death, resignation or removal of a director may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, provided however, that until September 30, 2005 such directors shall be elected from the directors of the same financial institution subsidiary in which the vacating director served. Any director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.
(9) The Directors of the Corporation shall consider all factors they deem relevant in evaluating any proposed offer for the Corporation or any of its stock, any proposed merger or consolidation of the Corporation or subsidiary of the Corporation with or into another entity, any proposal to purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation, and any other business combination (as such term is defined in the Maryland General Corporation Law). The Directors shall evaluate whether the proposal is in the best interests of the Corporation and its subsidiaries by considering the best interests of the stockholders and other factors the Directors determine to be relevant, including the social, legal and economic effects on employees, customers, depositors, and communities served by the Corporation and any subsidiary of the Corporation. The Directors shall evaluate the consideration being offered to the stockholders in relation to the then current market value of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, the then current market value of the stock of the Corporation or any subsidiary in a freely negotiated
transaction, and the Directors' judgment as to the future value of the stock of the Corporation as an independent entity.
(10) Until September 30, 2005, without the approval of at lease
two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation, the
Corporation may not (i) merge or consolidate with, transfer all or
substantially all of its assets to, or engage in a share exchange with
another entity, (ii) may not cause any subsidiary bank of the Corporation
to merge or consolidate with, to transfer of all or substantially all of
its assets to, or engage in a share exchange with another entity, or
(iii) sell or otherwise dispose of any stock of any subsidiary bank.
(11) The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to
make any amendments of the Charter which may now or hereafter be
authorized by law, including any amendments changing the terms or
contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any of its
outstanding stock by classification, reclassification or otherwise and
any objecting stockholder whose rights may or shall be thereby
substantially adversely affected shall not be entitled to demand and
receive payment of the fair value of his stock; provided, however, that
any amendment to, repeal of or adoption of any provision inconsistent
with Article SIXTH or with sub-paragraphs (5), (6) (7), (8), or (10) of
this paragraph (a) of this Article SEVENTH or with this sub-paragraph
(11) of this paragraph (a) of this Article SEVENTH must be authorized by
not less than 80% of the aggregate votes entitled to be cast thereon
(considered for this purpose as a single class), by vote at a meeting or
in writing with or without a meeting.
(b) The enumeration and definition of particular powers of the Board of Directors included in the foregoing shall in no way be limited or restricted by reference to or inference from the terms of any other clause of this or any other Article of the Charter of the Corporation, or construed as or deemed by inference or otherwise in any manner to exclude or limit any powers conferred upon the Board of Directors under the General Laws of the State of Maryland now or hereafter in force.
EIGHTH: The duration of the Corporation shall be perpetual.
Exhibit 3.2
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held on a day duly designated by the Board of Directors in the month of April in each year, for the purpose of electing directors to succeed those whose terms shall have expired as of the date of such annual meeting, and for the transaction of such other corporate business as may come before the meeting.
SECTION 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time for any purpose or purposes by the Chairman, the President, or by a majority of the Board of Directors. Subject to the procedures set forth in Article II, Section 4 and this Section, special meetings of the stockholders shall be called by the Secretary upon the request in writing of holders of a majority of all the shares outstanding and entitled to vote on the business to be transacted at such meeting. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted upon at it. The Secretary shall provide an estimate of the cost of preparing and mailing and, upon payment of such cost, the notice of the meeting shall be mailed by the Corporation. Business transacted at all special meetings of stockholders shall be confined to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of the meeting. The Board of Directors shall have the sole power to fix the date and time of the special meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at a special meeting of stockholders (a) only pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting and, (b) in the case of nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors, (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation (A) who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving notice provided for in Article II, Section 4, (B) who is entitled to vote at the meeting and (C) who complied with the notice procedures set forth in Article II, Section 4.
SECTION 3. Place of Holding Meetings. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation or elsewhere in the United States as designated by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Notice of Meetings; Waiver of Notice. Written notice of each meeting of the stockholders shall be mailed, postage pre-paid by the Secretary, to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat at the stockholder's post office address, as it appears upon the books of the Corporation, at least ten (10) days but not more than ninety (90) days before, the meeting. Each such notice shall state the place, day, and hour at which the meeting is to be held and, in the case of any special meeting, shall state briefly the purpose or purposes thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, each person who is entitled to notice waives notice if he or she before or after the meeting signs a waiver of the notice which is filed with the records of stockholders' meetings, or is present at the meeting in person or by proxy.
SECTION 5. Quorum. The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of a majority of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law, by the Charter or by these By-laws. Whether or not a quorum shall be in attendance at the time for which the meeting shall have been called, the meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a majority vote of the stockholders present or represented to a date not more than 120 days after the original date, without
any notice other than by announcement at the meeting. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall attend, any business may be deferred and transacted which might have been transacted if the meeting had been held as originally called.
SECTION 6. Organization. Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, if the Chairman is not present, the President of the Corporation, or if the President is not present, by a Vice President, or, if none of said officers is present, by a chairman to be elected at the meeting. The Secretary of the Corporation, or if the Secretary is not present, any Assistant Secretary shall act as Secretary of such meetings; in the absence of the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary, the presiding officer may appoint a person to act as Secretary of the meeting.
SECTION 7. Voting. Unless the Charter provides otherwise, at all meetings of stockholders, every stockholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one (l) vote for each share of stock standing in the stockholder's name on the books of the Corporation on the date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting. Such vote may be either in person or by proxy appointed by an instrument in writing subscribed by such stockholder or the stockholder's duly authorized attorney, bearing a date not more than eleven (11) months prior to said meeting, unless said instrument provides for a longer period. Such proxy shall be dated, but need not be sealed, witnessed or acknowledged. All elections shall be had and all questions shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast at a duly constituted meeting, except as otherwise provided by law, in the Charter or by these By-laws. Notwithstanding, a plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present is sufficient to elect a director.
SECTION 8. Advance Notice Provisions for Business to be Transacted at Annual Meeting. No business may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders, other than business that is either (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (b) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (c) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by any stockholder of the Corporation (i) who is stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such annual meeting and (ii) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section. A stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year's annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be so delivered not earlier than the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. A stockholder's notice to the Secretary must be in writing and set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the Corporation's books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting. No business shall be conducted at the annual meeting of stockholders
except business brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the
procedures set forth in Article II, Section 4 or in this Section, provided,
however, that once business has been properly brought before the annual meeting
in accordance with such procedures, nothing in Article II, Section 4 nor in this
Section shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any such
business. If the chairman of an annual meeting determines that business was not
properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the foregoing
procedures, the chairman of the meeting shall declare to the meeting that the
business was not properly brought before the meeting and such business shall not
be transacted. No adjournment or postponement of a meeting of stockholders shall
commence a new period for the giving of notice of a stockholder proposal
hereunder.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. General Powers. The property and business of the Corporation shall be managed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
SECTION 2. Number of Directors. The Corporation shall have at least one director. The Corporation shall have the number of directors provided in the Charter until changed as herein provided. Two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors may alter the number of directors set by the Charter to not exceeding 25 nor less than the minimum number then permitted herein, but the action may not affect the tenure of office of any director.
SECTION 3. Election and Term of Office. The Board of Directors shall be divided into classes as described in the Charter. Each Director shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which the Director is elected, except as otherwise stated in these Bylaws, and thereafter until his or her successor has been elected and qualifies. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any additional director of any class shall, subject to Article II, Section 5, hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director. Election of Directors need not be by written ballot, unless required by these Bylaws.
SECTION 4. Nomination of Directors. Nomination for election of members of the Board of Directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of Directors and who complies with the notice provisions in this Section. Notice by a stockholder of intention to make any nominations shall be made in writing and shall be delivered or mailed to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (a) in the case of an annual meeting, not less than 120 days nor more than 180 days prior to the date of the meeting of stockholders called for the election of Directors which, for purposes of this provision, shall be deemed to be on the same date as the annual meeting of stockholders for the preceding year; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year's annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be so delivered not earlier than the 180th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made; and (b) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public announcement of the date of the special meeting was made, whichever first occurs. Such notification shall contain the following information (a) the name and address of each proposed nominee; (b) the principal occupation of each proposed nominee; (c) the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation owned by each proposed nominee;
(d) the name and residence address of the notifying stockholder; (e) the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation owned by the notifying stockholder; (f) the consent in writing of the proposed nominee as to the proposed nominee's name being placed in nomination for Director; (g) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such notifying stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such notifying stockholder, (h) a representation that such notifying stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice; and (i) all information relating to such proposed nominee that would be required to be disclosed by Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 14a-11 promulgated thereunder, assuming such provisions would be applicable to the solicitation of proxies for such proposed nominee. Nominations not made in accordance herewith shall be disregarded and, upon the chairman's instructions, the teller shall disregard all votes cast for each such nominee.
SECTION 5. Vacancies; Removal of Director. A vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only in accordance with the provisions of the Charter. Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed only in accordance with the provisions of Maryland law.
SECTION 6. Place of Meeting. The Board of Directors may hold their meetings and have one or more offices, and keep the books of the Corporation, either within or outside the State of Maryland, at such place or places as they may from time to time determine by resolution or by written consent of all the directors. The Board of Directors may hold their meetings by conference telephone or other similar electronic communications equipment in accordance with the provisions of Maryland General Corporation Law.
SECTION 7. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board, provided that notice of every resolution of the Board fixing or changing the time or place for the holding of regular meetings of the Board shall be mailed to each director at least three (3) days before the first meeting held in pursuance thereof. The annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the annual stockholders' meeting at which a Board of Directors is elected. Any business may be transacted at any regular meeting of the Board.
SECTION 8. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by direction of the Chairman, or the President, and must be called by the Chairman, the President or the Secretary upon written request of a majority of the Board of Directors, by mailing the same at least two (2) days prior to the meeting, or by personal delivery, facsimile transmission, telegraphing or telephoning the same on the day before the meeting, to each director; but such notice may be waived by any director. A special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held on such date and at any place as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at any special meeting. At any meeting at which every director shall be present, even though without notice, any business may be transacted and any director may in writing waive notice of the time, place and objects of any special meeting.
SECTION 9. Quorum. A majority of the whole number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Board of Directors, but, if at any meeting less than a quorum shall be present, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law or by the Corporation's Charter or by these By-laws.
SECTION 10. Compensation of Directors. Directors may receive a fixed sum and expenses for attendance at regular and special meetings and committee meetings, or any combination of the foregoing as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, and nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefore.
SECTION 11. Advisory Directors. The Board of Directors may by resolution appoint advisory directors to the Board of Directors, who may also serve as directors emeriti, and shall have such authority and receive such compensation and reimbursement as the Board of Directors shall provide. Advisory directors or directors emeriti shall not have the authority to participate by vote in the transaction of business.
SECTION 12. Committees. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating Committee, and other committees composed of one or more directors and delegate to these committees any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except the power to authorize dividends on stock, elect directors, issue stock other than as provided in the next sentence, recommend to the stockholders any action which requires stockholder approval, amend these By-Laws, or approve any merger or share exchange which does not require stockholder approval. If the Board of Directors has given general authorization for the issuance of stock providing for or establishing a method or procedure for determining the maximum number of shares to be issued, a committee of the Board of Directors, in accordance with that general authorization or any stock option or other plan or program adopted by the Board of Directors, may authorize or fix the terms of stock subject to classification or reclassification and the terms on which any stock may be issued, including all terms and conditions required or permitted to be established or authorized by the Board of Directors. Until September 30, 2005 the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee shall be composed of an even number of directors of half of whom are also directors of The Centreville National Bank of Maryland and half of whom are also directors of The Talbot Bank.
SECTION 13. Committee Procedure. Each committee may fix rules of procedure for its business. A majority of the members of a committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of those present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the committee. The members of a committee present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint a director to act in the place of an absent member. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of a committee may be taken without a meeting, if an unanimous written consent which sets forth the action is signed by each member of the committee and filed with the minutes of the committee.
SECTION 14. Emergency. In the event of a state of disaster of sufficient severity to prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Corporation by its directors and officers as contemplated by the Charter and these By-Laws, any two or more available members of the then incumbent Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 13. In the event of the unavailability, at such time, of a minimum of two members of the then incumbent Executive Committee, the available directors shall elect an Executive Committee consisting of any two members of the Board of Directors, whether or not they be officers of the Corporation, which two members of the Board of Directors, whether or not they be officers of the Corporation, which two members shall constitute the Executive Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs of the Corporation in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section. This Section shall be subject to implementation by resolution of the Board of Directors passed from time to time for that purpose, and any provisions of these By-Laws (other than this Section) and any resolutions which are
contrary to the provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any such implementary resolutions shall be suspended until it shall be determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under this Section that it shall be to the advantage of the Corporation to resume the conduct and management of its affairs and business under all the other provisions of these By-Laws.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Election, Tenure, and Compensation. The officers of the Corporation shall be a President, one or more Vice-Presidents (if so elected by the Board of Directors), a Secretary, and a Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Directors from time to time may consider necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Corporation. It may also have, and until September 30, 2005 shall have, a Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors shall designate who shall serve as chief executive officer, who shall have general supervision of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may designate a chief operating officer, who shall have supervision of the operations of the Corporation. In the absence of any designation the Chairman of the Board, if there be one, shall serve as chief executive officer and the President shall serve as chief operating officer. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, or if there be none, the President shall be the chief executive officer. The officers shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at its first meeting following the annual meeting of the stockholders. The Chairman shall be a director and the other officers may, but need not be, directors. Any two or more of the above officers, except those of President and Vice President, may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law or by these By-laws to be executed, acknowledged or verified by any two or more officers. The compensation or salary paid all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.
Except where otherwise expressly provided in a contract duly authorized by the Board of Directors, all officers and agents of the Corporation shall be subject to removal at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors, and all officers, agents, and employees, other than officers appointed by the Board of Directors, shall hold office at the discretion of the Board of Directors or of the officers appointing them.
SECTION 2. Powers and Duties of the Chairman. The Chairman, if one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. Until September 30, 2005 the Chairman of the Board shall be a director that is also a non-employee director of The Centreville National Bank of Maryland. The Chairman shall be ex-officio a member of all the standing committees. The Chairman shall do and perform such other duties as may, from time to time, be assigned to the Chairman by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. Powers and Duties of the President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall have general charge and control of all its business affairs and properties. The President may sign and execute all authorized bonds, contracts or other obligations in the name of the Corporation. The President shall have the general powers and duties of supervision and management usually vested in the office of President of a corporation. The President shall do and perform such other duties as may, from time to time, be assigned to the President by the Board of Directors. Until September 30, 2005, the President shall be the President of The Talbot Bank unless the entire Board of Directors by two-thirds vote determines otherwise.
SECTION 4. Powers and Duties of the Vice President. The Board of Directors may elect one or more Vice Presidents. Any Vice President (unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors) may sign and execute all authorized bonds, contracts, or other obligations in the name of the
Corporation. Each Vice President shall have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to the Vice President by the Board of Directors or by the Chairman or the President. In case of the absence or disability of the President, the duties of that office shall be performed by any Vice President, and the taking of any action by such Vice President in place of the President shall be conclusive evidence of the absence or disability of the President. Until September 30, 2005, the Corporation shall also have an Executive Vice President, who shall also serve as the Chief Operating Officer, who shall be the President of The Centreville National Bank of Maryland unless the entire Board of Directors by two-thirds vote determines otherwise.
SECTION 5. Secretary. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of stockholders and directors and all other notices required by law or by these By-laws, and in case of the Secretary's absence or refusal or neglect to do so, any such notice may be given by any person thereunto directed by the Chairman or the President, or by the directors or stockholders upon whose written requisition the meeting is called as provided in these By-laws. The Secretary shall record all the proceedings of the meetings of the stockholders and of the directors in books provided for that purpose, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the directors, the Chairman, or the President. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and shall affix the same to all instruments requiring it, when authorized by the Board of Directors, the Chairman, or the President, and attest the same. In general, the Secretary shall perform all the duties generally incident to the office of Secretary, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, the Chairman, and the President.
SECTION 6. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have custody of all the funds and securities of the Corporation, and shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation. The Treasurer shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depository or depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors.
The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. The Treasurer shall render to the Chairman, the President and the Board of Directors, whenever any of them so requests, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.
The Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond, if required by the Board of Directors, in a sum, and with one or more sureties, satisfactory to the Board of Directors, for the faithful performance of the duties of the office and for the restoration to the Corporation in case of the Treasurer's death, resignation, retirement or removal from office of all books, papers, vouchers, moneys, and other properties of whatever kind in the Treasurer's possession or under the Treasurer's control belonging to the Corporation.
The Treasurer shall perform all the duties generally incident to the office of the Treasurer, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, the Chairman, and the President.
SECTION 7. Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may appoint an Assistant Secretary or more than one Assistant Secretary. Each Assistant Secretary shall (except as otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors) have power to perform all duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary and shall have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors, the Chairman, or the President. In case of the absence or disability of the Secretary, the duties of the office shall be performed by any Assistant Secretary, and the taking of any action by any such Assistant Secretary in place of the Secretary shall be conclusive evidence of the absence or disability of the Secretary.
SECTION 8. Assistant Treasurer. The Board of Directors may appoint an Assistant Treasurer or more than one Assistant Treasurer. Each Assistant
Treasurer shall (except as otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors) have power to perform all duties of the Treasurer in the absence or disability of the Treasurer and shall have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors, the Chairman or the President. In case of the absence or disability of the Treasurer, the duties of the office shall be performed by any Assistant Treasurer, and the taking of any action by any such Assistant Treasurer in place of the Treasurer shall be conclusive evidence of the absence or disability of the Treasurer.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL STOCK
SECTION 1. Issue of Certificates of Stock. The certificates for shares of the stock of the Corporation shall be of such form not inconsistent with the Charter, or its amendments, as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. All certificates shall be signed by the Chairman, the President or by any Vice-President and counter-signed by the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, and sealed with the seal of the Corporation. All certificates for each class of stock shall be consecutively numbered. The name of the person owning the shares issued and the address of the holder, shall be entered in the Corporation's books. All certificates surrendered to the Corporation for transfer shall be canceled and no new certificates representing the same number of shares shall be issued until the former certificate or certificates for the same number of shares shall have been so surrendered, and canceled, unless a certificate of stock be lost or destroyed, in which event another may be issued in its stead upon proof of such loss or destruction and the giving of a satisfactory bond of indemnity not exceeding an amount double the value of the stock. Both such proof and such bond shall be in a form approved by the general counsel of the Corporation and by the Transfer Agent of the Corporation and by the Registrar of the stock.
SECTION 2. Transfer of Shares. Shares of the capital stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation only by the holder thereof in person or by the holder's attorney upon surrender and cancellation of certificates for a like number of shares as hereinbefore provided.
SECTION 3. Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and accordingly shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share in the name of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, save as expressly provided by the Laws of Maryland.
SECTION 4. Closing Transfer Books. The Board of Directors may fix the period, not exceeding twenty (20) days, during which time the books of the Corporation shall be closed against transfers of stock, or, in lieu thereof, the directors may fix a date not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders or any dividend payment date or any date for the allotment of rights, as a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or to receive such dividends or rights as the case may be; and only stockholders of record on such date shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or to receive such dividends or rights as the case may be.
SECTION 5. Lost Stock Certificates. The Board of Directors may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in place of one which is alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, or the Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the Corporation. In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or officers may require the owner of the certificate to give bond, with sufficient surety, to indemnify the Corporation against any loss or claim arising as a result of the issuance of a new certificate. In their discretion, the Board of Directors or
such officer or officers may refuse to issue such new certificate save upon the order of some court having jurisdiction in the premises.
SECTION 6. Exemption from Control Share Acquisition Statute. The provisions of Sections 3-701 to 3-709 of the Maryland General Corporation Law shall not apply to any share of the capital stock of the Corporation. Such shares of capital stock are exempted from such Sections to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law.
ARTICLE V
BANK ACCOUNTS AND LOANS
SECTION 1. Bank Accounts. Such officers or agents of the Corporation as from time to time shall be designated by the Board of Directors shall have authority to deposit any funds of the Corporation in such banks or trust companies as shall from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors and such officers or agents as from time to time authorized by the Board of Directors may withdraw any or all of the funds of the Corporation so deposited in any bank or trust or trust company, upon checks, drafts or other instruments or orders for the payment of money, drawn against the account or in the name or behalf of this Corporation, and made or signed by such officers or agents; and each bank or trust company with which funds of the Corporation are so deposited is authorized to accept, honor, cash and pay, without limit as to amount, all checks, drafts or other instruments or orders for the payment of money, when drawn, made or signed by officers or agents so designated by the Board of Directors until written notice of the revocation of the authority of such officers or agents by the Board of Directors shall have been received by such bank or trust company. There shall from time to time be certified to the banks or trust companies in which funds of the Corporation are deposited, the signature of the officers or agents of the Corporation so authorized to draw against the same. In the event that the Board of Directors shall fail to designate the persons by whom checks, drafts and other instruments or orders for the payment of money shall be signed, as hereinabove provided in this Section, all of such checks, drafts and other instruments or orders for the payment of money shall be signed by the Chairman, the President or a Vice President and counter-signed by the Secretary or Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation.
SECTION 2. Loans. Such officers or agents of the Corporation as from time to time shall be designated by the Board of Directors shall have authority to effect loans, advances or other forms of credit at any time or times for the Corporation from such banks, trust companies, institutions, corporations, firms or persons as the Board of Directors shall from time to time designate, and as security for the repayment of such loans, advances, or other forms of credit to assign, transfer, endorse, and deliver, either originally or in addition or substitution, any or all stock, bonds, rights, and interests of any kind in or to stocks or bonds, certificates of such rights or interests, deposits, accounts, documents covering merchandise, bills and accounts receivable and other commercial paper and evidences or debt at any time held by the Corporation; and for such loans, advances, or other forms of credit to make, execute and deliver one or more notes, acceptances or written obligations of the Corporation on such terms, and with such provisions as to the security or sale or disposition thereof as such officers or agents shall deem proper; and also to sell to, or discount or rediscount with, such banks, trust companies, institutions, corporations, firms or persons any and all commercial paper, bills receivable, acceptances and other instruments and evidences of debt at any time held by the Corporation, and to that end to endorse, transfer and deliver the same. There shall from time to time be certified to each bank, trust company, institution, corporation, firm or person so designated the signature of the officers or agents so authorized; and each bank, trust company, institution, corporation, firm or person is authorized to rely upon such certification until written notice of the revocation by the Board of Directors of the authority of such officers or agents shall be delivered to such bank, trust company, institution, corporation, firm or person.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January of each year.
SECTION 2. Notices. Whenever, under the provisions of these By-laws, notice is required to be given to any director, officer or stockholder, unless otherwise provided in these By-laws, such notice shall be deemed given if in writing, and personally delivered, or sent by telefax, or telegram, or by mail, by depositing the same in a post office or letter box, in a postpaid sealed wrapper, addressed to each stockholder, officer or director, as the case may be, at such address as appears on the books of the Corporation, or in default of any other address, to such director, officer or stockholder, at the general post office in the Town of Centreville, Maryland, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time the same is so personally delivered, telefaxed, telegraphed or so mailed. Any stockholder, director or officer may waive any notice required to be given under these By-laws.
SECTION 3. Voting Upon Stocks. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the President and the Vice President, or any of them, shall have full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend and to vote and to grant proxies to be used at any meetings of stockholders of any corporation in which the Corporation may hold stock. The Board of Directors, however, may by resolution appoint some other person to vote such shares, in which case such person shall be entitled to vote such shares upon the production of a certified copy of such resolution. Until September 30, 2005, any such person voting stock of a banking institution registered in the name of the Corporation in the election or removal of directors of such institution must cast votes in favor of the election or against removal of directors of such institution, unless otherwise directed by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
In accordance with the Charter, these By-Laws may be repealed, altered, amended or rescinded and new by-laws may be adopted (a) by the stockholders of the Corporation (considered for this purpose as one class) by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation generally in the election of directors which are cast on the matter at any meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose (provided that notice of such proposal is included in the notice of such meeting) or (b) by the Board of Directors by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the Board of Directors at a meeting held in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 1. Definitions. As used in this Article VIII, any word or words that are defined in Section 2-418 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (the "Indemnification Section"), as amended from time to time, shall have the same meaning as provided in the Indemnification Section.
SECTION 2. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to a director or officer of the Corporation in connection with a proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by and in accordance with the Indemnification Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a director or officer in connection with a proceeding commenced by such director or officer against the Corporation or its directors or officers only if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. Indemnification of Other Agents and Employees. With respect to an employee or agent, other than a director or officer of the Corporation, the Corporation may, as determined by and in the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, indemnify and advance expenses to such employees or agents in connection with a proceeding to the extent permitted by and in accordance with the Indemnification Section.
Exhibit 21
Shore Bancshares, Inc. owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland, a Maryland state-chartered commercial bank, and The Centreville National Bank of Maryland, a national banking association.
The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland owns all the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Dover Street Realty, Inc., a Maryland corporation.
The Centreville National Bank of Maryland owns one-third of the outstanding common stock of The Delmarva Bank Data Processing Center, Inc., a Maryland corporation and bank service corporation. The Delmarva Bank Data Processing Center, Inc., also located in Easton, Maryland, provides data processing services to financial institutions located in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Exhibit 99.1
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - December 1, 2000
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
W. Moorhead Vermilye - President and Chief Executive Officer, Shore Bancshares, Inc. (410) 822-1400
Daniel Cannon - Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Shore Bancshares, Inc. (410) 758-1600
TALBOT BANCSHARES AND SHORE BANCSHARES
COMPLETE MERGER
Easton, Maryland, December 1, 2000 - Talbot Bancshares, Inc. (OTC BB:TABS.OB) and Shore Bancshares, Inc. (OTC BB:SHBI.OB), headquartered in Easton, Maryland, announced today that they have completed the merger of Talbot Bancshares into Shore Bancshares. The acquisition was completed today following approval by stockholders of both companies.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, stockholders of Talbot Bancshares received 2.85 shares of Shore Bancshares common stock for each share of Talbot Bancshares common stock, with fractional shares paid in cash. The exchange ratio will result in the issuance of up to 3,407,272 new shares of Shore Bancshares common stock in exchange for all 1,195,534 shares of Talbot Bancshares.
"The merger of Talbot Bancshares and Shore Bancshares creates a premier banking and financial services company headquartered on the Maryland Eastern Shore," commented W. Moorhead Vermilye, former President of Talbot Bancshares and the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Shore Bancshares. "Although we are merging our holding companies, our subsidiary banks will operate independently in the communities they serve."
Daniel T. Cannon, former President and new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Shore Bancshares, noted, "this merger will allow The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland and The Centreville National Bank of Maryland the opportunity to provide their customers more convenience and a broader array of financial services."
This news release contains, among other things, certain forward-looking statements regarding the combined company following the merger. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including a
variety of factors that may cause the combined company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements.
Shore Bancshares, now headquartered in Easton, Maryland, is a two-bank holding company and parent company of The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland, a commercial bank providing general commercial banking services in Talbot and Dorchester Counties in Maryland, and The Centreville National Bank of Maryland, a national banking association operating five full service branch offices serving Queen Anne's, Caroline and Kent Counties in Maryland. The banks provide a full range of financial services to individuals, business and other organizations. Shore Bancshares' Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "SHBI".