UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 8-K

Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report:

May 21, 2007

 


MATTEL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   001-05647   95-1567322

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission File No.)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

333 Continental Boulevard, El Segundo, California   90245-5012
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

(310) 252-2000

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 



Section 5 – Corporate Governance and Management

Item 5.03. Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Mattel, Inc. (“Mattel”) recently took several actions to eliminate cumulative voting and to adopt a majority vote standard in the election of directors.

Effective May 21, 2007, Mattel amended and restated its Certificate of Incorporation. In the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Mattel deleted the former Article FIFTH, which provided for cumulative voting in the election of directors. This amendment was approved by Mattel’s stockholders at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as recommended by Mattel’s Board of Directors.

Effective May 21, 2007, Mattel’s Board of Directors amended and restated Mattel’s Bylaws. The provisions in the Bylaws regarding cumulative voting for directors were eliminated. The amended provisions in the Bylaws provide that, in order to be elected in an uncontested election, a nominee for director must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders, provided that, in contested elections, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast will be required to elect a director. The amended provisions in the Bylaws also provide that an incumbent director who fails to receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election at a meeting of stockholders must submit his or her resignation, with such resignation to be considered by the members of the Governance and Social Responsibility Committee and the Board, in each case other than such incumbent director. The decision of the Board as to whether or not to accept the resignation will be publicly disclosed, together with the reasons for such decision, within 90 days from the certification of the election results. The Board of Directors also added appropriate provisions to the Amended and Restated Governance and Social Responsibility Committee Charter to direct that Committee to consider and make a recommendation to the Board with respect to any incumbent director’s tendered resignation.

The amendments to the Bylaws also included changes to the requirements in Article I, Section 10 of the Bylaws with regard to information that must be furnished by a stockholder or beneficial owner who seeks to nominate a director, as well as the written representation and agreement required from a nominee for election as a director.

The descriptions of the foregoing amendments to Mattel’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such amended documents, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 99.0 and 99.1, respectively.


Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired: None

(b) Pro forma financial information: None

(c) Shell company transactions: None

(d) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
No.
  

Exhibit Description

99.0*    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mattel, Inc.
99.1*    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mattel, Inc.

* Filed herewith.


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.

 

MATTEL, INC.

Registrant

By:  

/s/    R OBERT N ORMILE        

 

Robert Normile

Senior Vice President, General

Counsel and Secretary

Dated: May 21, 2007

Exhibit 99.0

RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

MATTEL, INC.

The present name of the corporation is Mattel, Inc. (hereinafter called the “Company”). The date of the filing of the Company’s original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was March 6, 1968. This Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, which restates and integrates but does not further amend the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as heretofore amended, supplemented and restated, was duly adopted in accordance with Section 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, supplemented and restated through the date hereof, is hereby restated to read as follows:

FIRST: The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the “Company”) is MATTEL, INC.

SECOND: The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is located at Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, in the County of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD: The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

FOURTH: The Company is authorized to issue a total of one billion twenty three million (1,023,000,000) shares of all classes of stock. Of such total number of authorized shares of stock, one billion (1,000,000,000) shares are Common Stock, each of which shares of Common Stock has a par value of One Dollar ($1.00), three million (3,000,000) shares are Preferred Stock, each of which shares of Preferred Stock has a par value of One Dollar ($1.00), and twenty million (20,000,000) shares of Preference Stock, each of which shares of Preference Stock has a par value of one cent ($0.01).

A statement of the designations of the authorized classes of stock or of any series thereof, and the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, or of the authority of the Board


of Directors to fix by resolution or resolutions such designations and other terms, is as follows:

A. Preferred Stock and Preference Stock:

Shares of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series.

The Board of Directors is hereby authorized, within the limitations and restrictions stated in this Article FOURTH, to fix by resolution or resolutions the designation of each series of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock and the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such provisions as may be desired concerning voting, redemption, dividends, dissolution or the distribution of assets, conversion or exchange, and such other subjects or matters as may be fixed by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

If any proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company would alter or change the preferences, special rights or powers given to any one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock so as to affect such series adversely, or would authorize the issuance of a class or classes of stock having preferences or rights with respect to dividends or dissolution or the distribution of assets that would be superior to the preferences or rights of such series of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock, then the holders of each such series of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock so affected by the amendment shall be entitled to vote as a series upon such amendment, and the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding shares of each such series shall be necessary to the adoption thereof, in addition to such other vote as may be required by the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Company entitled to vote, without there being a class vote of the Preferred Stock or Preference Stock.

B. Common Stock:

Subject to all of the preferences and rights of the Preferred Stock and the Preference Stock or a series of either that may be fixed by a resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, dividends may be paid on the Common Stock as and when declared by the Board of Directors, out of any funds of the Company legally available for the payment of such dividends.

 

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Except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors concerning the Preferred Stock and the Preference Stock or a series of either, or by this Certificate of Incorporation or the General Corporation Law of Delaware, the holders of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding shall have and possess the exclusive right to notice of stockholders’ meetings and the exclusive power to vote.

FIFTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Company.

SIXTH: The Company shall indemnify any and all persons whom it has the power to indemnify pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law against any and all expenses, judgments, fines amounts paid in settlement, and any other liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by such Law and may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and such persons against any such expense, judgment, fine, amount paid in settlement or other liability, whether or not the Company would have the power to so indemnify such person under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

A director of the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company 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 Company 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 Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived any improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended after approval by the stockholders of this article to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Company shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.

Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of the Company shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Company existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Mattel, Inc. has caused Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its authorized officer this 21st day of May, 2007.

 

MATTEL, INC.
By:  

/s/ Robert Normile

Name:   Robert Normile
Title:   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

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Exhibit 99.1

MATTEL, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

ARTICLE I – STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. Annual Meeting.

An annual meeting of the stockholders, for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall each year fix, which date shall be within thirteen months subsequent to the later of the date of incorporation or the last annual meeting of stockholders.

Section 2. Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes prescribed in the notice of the meeting, may be called by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as they or he shall fix.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings.

Written notice of the place, date, and time of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date on which the meeting is to be held to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided herein, in the Certificate of Incorporation or required by law.

When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date, or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date, and time thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, date, and time of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

Section 4. Quorum.

At any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, unless or except to the extent that the presence of a larger number may be required by law.


If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of the stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time.

If a notice of any adjourned special meeting of stockholders is sent to all stockholders entitled to vote thereat, stating that it will be held with those present constituting a quorum, then except as otherwise required by law, those present at such adjourned meeting shall constitute a quorum, and all matters shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast at such meeting.

Section 5. Organization.

Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the Chief Executive Officer, or in his or her absence by the President of the corporation, or in his or her absence by a President of a business unit of the corporation, or in his or her absence by the Chief Financial Officer of the corporation, or in his or her absence by a Vice President of the corporation, or in the absence of the foregoing persons by a chairman designated by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of such designation by a chairman chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

Section 6. Conduct of Business.

The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the chairman of the meeting. The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and to adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. The chairman of the meeting, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such chairman should so determine, such chairman shall so declare to the meeting, and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

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Section 7. Proxies and Voting.

At any meeting of the stockholders, every stockholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting.

Each holder of common stock shall have one vote for every share of common stock entitled to vote which is registered in his name on the record date for the meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. In an uncontested election, each director to be elected by stockholders shall be elected by the vote of the majority of the votes cast at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present. For purposes of this Bylaw, a majority of votes cast shall mean that the number of votes cast “for” a director’s election exceeds 50% of the total number of votes cast with respect to that director’s election. Votes cast shall include votes “for,” “against” or to withhold authority in each case and exclude abstentions with respect to that director’s election. In cases where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, each director to be elected by stockholders shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present.

All voting in person at the meeting, except for the election of directors and where otherwise required by law, may be by a voice vote; provided, however, that upon demand therefor by a stockholder entitled to vote or his proxy, a stock vote shall be taken. Every stock vote shall be taken by ballots, each of which shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. Every vote taken by ballots shall be counted by an inspector or inspectors appointed in accordance with ARTICLE I, Section 13 of these Bylaws.

All questions and other matters submitted to the stockholders (other than the election of directors) shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or applicable law or, in the determination of the Board of Directors, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the corporation or pursuant to any regulation applicable to the corporation or its securities.

Section 8. Stock List.

The officer who has charge of the stock ledger shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of meeting or (ii) during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the corporation. The list of stockholders must also be open to examination at the meeting as required by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

 

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Section 9. Business Brought Before the Meeting .

At any annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the corporation who is entitled to vote with respect thereto and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 9. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed to and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than the close of business on the 90 th day nor earlier than the 120 th day prior to the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120 th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the 90 th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10 th day following the day on which Public Announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the corporation. In no event shall the Public Announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. (“Public Announcement” means disclosure in a press release, national news service or in a document publicly filed by the corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”)). A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall 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, as they appear on the corporation’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation’s capital stock that are beneficially owned by such stockholder, (iv) any material interest of such stockholder in such business, and (v) if the stockholder intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal, a representation to that effect; provided, however, that compliance by such stockholder with the notice provisions and other requirements in this Section 9 shall not create a duty of the corporation to include such stockholder’s business or proposal in the corporation’s proxy statement or proxy, and notwithstanding such compliance the corporation shall retain such discretion as it has to omit such business or proposal from such proxy statement or proxy or both. Notwithstanding anything in the Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be brought before or conducted at an annual meeting (i) except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9 or (ii) if the stockholder solicits proxies in support of such stockholder’s proposal, without such stockholder having made the representation required by clause (v) of the preceding sentence. The officer of the corporation or other person presiding over the annual meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9 and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business so determined to be not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

At any special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 10. Nomination for Election to Board.

Only persons who are properly nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws shall be eligible for election as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 10. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely and complete notice in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. For elections at an annual meeting, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed to and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation not later than the close of business on the 90 th day nor earlier than the 120 th day prior to the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120 th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the 90 th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10 th day following the day on which Public Announcement (“Public Announcement” is defined in Section 9 herein) of the date of such meeting is first made by the corporation. In the event the corporation calls a special meeting of the stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, a stockholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice shall be delivered or mailed to and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120 th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90 th day prior to such meeting or the 10 th day following the day on which Public Announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the Public Announcement of an adjournment of an annual or special meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Such stockholder’s notice shall be complete provided it (a) sets forth, as to each person whom such stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (iii) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation which are owned directly or beneficially by such person, (iv) a statement as to such person’s citizenship, (v) such person’s written consent to serve as a director if elected, (vi) all other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), and (vii) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationships, between or among such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the other hand, including, without limitation all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K if the stockholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on whose

 

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behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith, were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant; (b) sets forth, as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, if any, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of the corporation’s stock which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, if any, as of the date of such notice (which information shall be supplemented by such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, not later than ten (10) days after the record date for the meeting to disclose such ownership as of the record date), (iii) a representation (A) that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination and (B) as to whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of a group which intends (x) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to elect the nominee and/or (y) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such nomination, and (iv) any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act (“Exchange Act” is defined in Section 9); and (c) with respect to each nominee for election or reelection to the Board of Directors, includes the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by this Section 10 (as described below). Compliance by a stockholder with the notice provisions and other requirements in this Section 10 shall not create a duty of the corporation to include the stockholder’s nominee in the corporation’s proxy statement or proxy if the stockholder’s nominee is not nominated by the Board of Directors, and the corporation shall retain any discretion it has to omit the nominee from the corporation’s proxy statement and proxy

To be eligible to be a nominee for election or reelection as a director of the corporation, a person must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under this Section 10) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person (A) will abide by the requirements pertaining to directors in these Bylaws, (B) is not and will not become a party to (1) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the corporation or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (C) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed therein and (D) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of

 

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the corporation, and will comply with the provisions of the corporation’s Board of Directors Amended and Restated Guidelines on Corporate Governance and the corporation’s Code of Conduct that apply to directors of the corporation.

No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the corporation unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10. The officer of the corporation or other person presiding at the meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination made at the meeting or any adjournment thereof was not made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10, with law or rules applicable to the meeting, or if the stockholder solicits proxies in support of such stockholder’s nominee(s) without such stockholder having made the representation required by clause (b)(iii) of this Section 10, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

Section 11. Inspectors of Written Consent.

In the event of the delivery, in the manner provided by ARTICLE V, Section 3(b), to the corporation of the requisite written consent or consents to take corporate action and/or any related revocation or revocations, the corporation shall engage nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of the consents and revocations. For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no action by written consent without a meeting shall be effective until such date as the independent inspectors certify to the corporation that the consents delivered to the corporation in accordance with ARTICLE V, Section 3(b) represent at least the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take the corporate action. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall in any way be construed to suggest or imply that the Board of Directors or any stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any consent or revocation thereof, whether before or after such certification by the independent inspectors, or take any other action (including, without limitation, the commencement, prosecution or defense of any litigation with respect thereto, and the seeking of injunctive relief in such litigation).

Section 12. Effectiveness of Written Consent.

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 60 days of the date the earliest dated written consent was received in accordance with ARTICLE V, Section 3(b), a written consent or consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take such action are delivered to the corporation in the manner prescribed in ARTICLE V, Section 3(b).

Section 13. Inspector of Elections.

The corporation shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election, who may be employees of the corporation, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and to make a written report thereof. The corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. In the event that no inspector so appointed or designated is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the

 

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person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspector or inspectors so appointed or designated shall (i) ascertain the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation outstanding and the voting power of each such share, (ii) determine the shares of capital stock of the corporation represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, (iii) count all votes and ballots, (iv) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors, and (v) certify their determination of the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation represented at the meeting and such inspectors’ count of all votes and ballots. Such certification and report shall specify such other information as may be required by law. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of stockholders of the corporation, the inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law. No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election.

ARTICLE II – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Number and Term of Office

The Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members, the number thereof to be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Each director shall hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders next succeeding his election and until his successor is elected and qualified, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall be a director and shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned by these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors. If there shall be no Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Board may designate a director to act in place of a Chairman of the Board of Directors for any purpose.

Whenever the authorized number of directors is increased between annual meetings of the stockholders, a majority of the directors then in office shall have the sole power to elect such new directors for the balance of a term and until their successors are elected and qualified. Any decrease in the authorized number of directors shall not become effective until the expiration of the term of the directors then in office unless, at the time of such decrease, there shall be vacancies on the board which are being eliminated by the decrease.

Section 2. Vacancies.

Unless otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, if the office of any director becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause, such vacancy may be filled solely by a majority of the directors remaining in office, although less than a quorum, and the director elected to fill such vacancy shall serve for the unexpired portion of his predecessor’s term and until his successor is elected and qualified.

 

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Section 3. Resignation.

If a nominee for director who is an incumbent director is not elected at a meeting of stockholders and no successor has been elected at such meeting, the director shall tender his or her resignation to the Board of Directors promptly following the certification of the election results by the inspector of elections. The Governance and Social Responsibility Committee shall make a recommendation to the Board of Directors as to whether or not to accept the tendered resignation. The Board of Directors shall make the decision as to whether or not to accept the tendered resignation, taking into account the Governance and Social Responsibility Committee’s recommendation. The Board’s decision regarding the tendered resignation, and the rationale behind the decision, shall be disclosed in a Public Announcement (as defined in ARTICLE I, Section 9) within 90 days from the date of the certification of the election results by the inspector of elections. The Governance and Social Responsibility Committee in making its recommendation, and the Board of Directors in making the decision, may consider any factors or other information that they consider appropriate and relevant. The director who tenders his or her resignation shall not participate in the recommendation of the Governance and Social Responsibility Committee or the decision of the Board of Directors with respect to his or her resignation. If such incumbent director’s resignation is not accepted by the Board of Directors, such director shall continue to serve until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected, or his or her earlier resignation or removal. If a director’s resignation is accepted by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Bylaw, or if a nominee for director is not elected and the nominee is not an incumbent director, then the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may fill any resulting vacancy pursuant to the provisions of ARTICLE II, Section 2 or may decrease the size of the Board of Directors pursuant to the provisions of ARTICLE II, Section 1.

Section 4. Regular Meetings.

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places, on such date or dates, and at such time or times as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.

Section 5. Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by one-third of the directors then in office or by the chief executive officer and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as they or he shall fix. Notice of the place, date and time of each such special meeting shall be given to each director by whom it is not waived by mailing written notice not less than three days before the meeting or by telephone or in person or by facsimile transmission or electronic transmission not less than eighteen hours before the meeting. Unless otherwise provided in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.

Section 6. Quorum.

At any meeting of the Board of Directors, one-third of the total number of the whole board, but not less than two, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall

 

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fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

Section 7. Conduct of Business.

At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the board may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law.

Section 8. Powers.

The Board of Directors may, except as otherwise required by law, exercise all such power and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the corporation, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the unqualified power:

(1) To declare dividends from time to time in accordance with law;

(2) To purchase or otherwise acquire any property, rights or privileges on such terms as it shall determine;

(3) To authorize the creation, making and issuance, in such form as it may determine, of written obligations of every kind, negotiable or non-negotiable, secured or unsecured, and to do all things necessary in connection therewith;

(4) To remove any officer of the corporation with or without cause, from time to time to devolve the powers and duties of any officer upon any other person for the time being;

(5) To confer upon any officer of the corporation the power to appoint, remove and suspend subordinate officers and agents;

(6) To adopt from time to time such bonus or other compensation plans for directors, officers and agents of the corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine;

(7) To adopt from time to time such insurance, retirement, and other benefit plans for directors, officers and agents of the corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine;

(8) To authorize grants of powers of attorney and appoint attorneys-in-fact on behalf of the corporation; and

(9) To adopt from time to time regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws, for the management of the corporation’s business and affairs.

Section 9. Compensation of Directors.

 

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Directors, as such, may receive, pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors, fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors, including, without limitation, their services as members of committees of the directors.

Section 10. Action without Meeting.

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any Committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or Committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings (or electronic transmission or transmissions) are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or Committee.

ARTICLE III – COMMITTEES

Section 1. Committees of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the whole Board, may from time to time designate committees of the Board, including an Executive Committee, with the powers and duties it thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board and shall, for those committees and any others provided for herein, elect the director or directors to serve as the member or members, designating, if it desires, other directors as alternate members who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the corporation or pursuant to any other regulation applicable to the corporation or its securities, each committee of the Board of Directors (other than the Executive Committee and the Emergency Management Committee) may have only one member. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee and any alternate member in his place, the member or members of the committee present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may by unanimous vote appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of the absent or disqualified member.

Section 2. Executive Committee.

If the Board of Directors shall designate an Executive Committee, said Committee shall have the following powers:

During the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, that Committee shall have all of the powers and duties of the Board of Directors, except with respect to matters delegated to another committee and except as shall have been otherwise provided by the Board of Directors. All action taken by the Executive Committee since the last meeting of the Board of Directors shall be reported to the Board at its next meeting.

During the intervals between meetings of the Executive Committee, the chairman thereof shall have such of the powers and duties of such Committee as shall have been conferred upon him by the Board of Directors or the Committee.

 

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Section 3. Conduct of Business.

Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. Adequate provision shall be made for notice to members of all meetings; one-third of the members, but not less than two, shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present.

Section 4. Emergency Management Committee.

If as a result of a catastrophe or other emergency condition a quorum of any committee of the Board of Directors having power to act in the premises cannot readily be convened and a quorum of the Board of Directors cannot readily be convened, then all the powers and duties of the Board of Directors shall automatically vest and continue, until a quorum of the Board of Directors can be convened, in the Emergency Management Committee, which shall consist of all readily available members of the Board of Directors and two of whose members shall constitute a quorum. The Emergency Management Committee shall call a meeting of the Board of Directors as soon as circumstances permit for the purpose of filling any vacancies on the Board of Directors and its committees and taking such other action as may be appropriate.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1. Generally.

The officers shall include a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Vice Presidents (who may at the pleasure of the Board of Directors be designated as Senior Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents in charge of a particular function such as Vice President-Administration, or merely Vice President), a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Controller, and such assistants to such officers as may from time to time be appointed by the Board of Directors. There may also be the following additional officers of the corporation: a President of the corporation and Presidents of business units of the corporation. The Board of Directors (or the Chief Executive Officer) may appoint such other officers as the business of the corporation may require, each of whom shall have such authority and perform such duties as are provided in these Bylaws or as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time specify.

Officers shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors after every annual meeting of stockholders, provided that the Board of Directors (or the Chief Executive Officer) may, during the period between the annual officer elections made by the Board of Directors, appoint such officers as the business of the corporation may require. Each officer shall hold his office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

Section 2. Chief Executive Officer.

Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation shall have the responsibility for the

 

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general management and control of the affairs and business of the corporation and shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of chief executive or which are delegated to him by the Board of Directors.

The Chief Executive Officer shall have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the corporation which are authorized. He shall have general supervision and direction of all of the other officers and agents of the corporation.

Section 3. Chief Financial Officer.

The Chief Financial Officer shall perform all the duties incident to the office of chief financial officer of a corporation, those duties assigned to him by other provisions of these Bylaws and such other duties as may be assigned to him either directly or indirectly by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or as may be provided by law.

Section 4. Presidents.

The President of the corporation, if there is one, shall have such duties and powers as may from time to time be delegated to him by the Board of Directors or by the Chief Executive Officer. In the absence or disability of the Chief Executive Officer, or during the period of a vacancy in that office, he shall act as the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation and shall have the duties and powers such office.

The Presidents of business units of the corporation, if there are any, shall have such duties and powers as may from time to time be delegated to them by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 5. Vice Presidents.

Each of the Vice Presidents shall have such duties and powers as may from time to time be delegated to him by the Board of Directors, by the Chief Executive Officer, or by the President of the corporation.

Section 6. The Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall have the custody of all monies and securities of the corporation and shall keep regular books of account. He shall make such disbursement of the funds of the corporation as are proper and shall render from time to time an account of all such transactions and of the financial condition of the corporation. He shall have such other duties and powers as are commonly incident to this office or are delegated to him by the Board of Directors, by the Chief Executive Officer, or by the President of the corporation.

Section 7. The Secretary.

The Board of Directors shall appoint a Secretary or, at its discretion, more than one Secretary, each of whom shall have such duties and other powers are commonly incident to this office or are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors, by the Chief Executive

 

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Officer, or by the President of the corporation. A Secretary shall issue all authorized notices for, and shall keep minutes of, all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. A Secretary shall have charge of the corporate books.

Section 8. Delegation of Authority.

The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

Section 9. Removal.

Any officer of the corporation may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors.

Section 10. Action with Respect to Securities of Corporation.

Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and the President of the corporation, and each of them, shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders of or with respect to any action of stockholders of any other corporation in which this corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which this corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.

Section 11. Powers of Attorney .

In addition to the ability of the Board of Directors to authorize grants of powers of attorney pursuant to ARTICLE II, Section 8, each officer of the corporation shall have the authority to grant powers of attorney and appoint attorneys-in-fact on behalf of the corporation.

ARTICLE V – STOCK

Section 1. Certificates of Stock.

The shares of stock of the corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided, however, that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the corporation’s stock shall be uncertificated shares; provided, further, that any such resolution shall not apply to shares of stock represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the corporation. Each holder of stock of the corporation that is represented by a certificate shall be entitled to a certificate signed by, or in the name of the corporation by, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President of the corporation or a Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, certifying the number of shares owned by him. Signatures required on such certificates may be manually signed by the transfer agent, registrar or officer, or such signatures may be facsimile.

Section 2. Transfer of Stock.

Stock of the corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and

 

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in these Bylaws. Shares of stock of the corporation shall only be transferred on the books of the corporation by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender to the corporation of the certificate or certificates representing such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons (or by delivery of duly executed instructions with respect to uncertificated shares), with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement or execution, transfer, authorization, and other matters as the corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the corporation by an entry showing the names of the persons from and to whom it was transferred.

Section 3. Record Dates.

(a) The Board of Directors may fix a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of any meeting of stockholders, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the time for the other action hereinafter described (except as otherwise set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section), as of which there shall be determined the stockholders who are entitled: to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof; to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights; or to exercise any rights with respect to any change, conversion or exchange of stock or with respect to any other lawful action.

(b) 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 (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. Any stockholder of record seeking to have the stockholders authorize or take corporate action by written consent shall, by written notice to the Secretary, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date. The Board of Directors shall promptly, but in all events within ten (10) days after the date on which such a request is received, adopt a resolution fixing the record date. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors within ten (10) days of the date on which such a request is received, 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 applicable 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 any 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 date on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.

 

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In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate of stock, another may be issued in its place pursuant to such regulations as the Board of Directors may establish concerning proof of such loss, theft or destruction and concerning the giving of a satisfactory bond or bonds of indemnity.

Section 5. Regulations.

The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock (or uncertificated stock) shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

ARTICLE VI – INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Right to Indemnification.

Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the corporation, including when any such director or officer is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment) against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however , that, except as provided in ARTICLE VI, Section 2, the corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the corporation. The right to indemnification conferred in this Section shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, such advances to be paid by the corporation within 20 days after the receipt by the corporation of a statement or statements from the claimant requesting such advance or advances from time to time; provided, however , that, if the Delaware General Corporation Law requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be

 

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determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section or otherwise.

Section 2. Right of Claimant to Bring Suit.

If a claim under ARTICLE VI, Section 1 is not paid in full by the corporation within thirty days after a written claim has been received by the corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law for the corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the corporation. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or 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 the Delaware General Corporation Law, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or 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 3. Non-Exclusivity of Rights.

The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this ARTICLE VI shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or otherwise. No repeal or modification of this ARTICLE VI shall in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation hereunder in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such repeal or modification.

Section 4. Insurance.

The corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware General Corporation Law. To the extent that the corporation maintains any policy or policies providing such insurance, each such director or officer, and each such agent or employee to which rights to indemnification have been granted as provided in Section 7 of this ARTICLE VI, shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage thereunder for any such director, officer, employee or agent.

 

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Section 5. Procedures for Indemnification.

To obtain indemnification under this ARTICLE VI, a claimant shall submit to the corporation a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the claimant and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the claimant is entitled to indemnification. Upon written request by a claimant for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 5, a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to the claimant’s entitlement thereto shall be made as follows: (1) if requested by the claimant, by independent legal counsel (as hereinafter defined), or (2) if no request is made by the claimant for a determination by independent legal counsel, (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter defined), or (ii) if a quorum of the Board of Directors consisting of Disinterested Directors is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, such quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to the claimant, or (iii) if a quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by the stockholders of the corporation. In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by independent legal counsel at the request of the claimant, the independent legal counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors unless there shall have occurred within two years prior to the date of the commencement of the action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification is claimed a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), in which case the independent legal counsel shall be selected by the claimant unless the claimant shall request that such selection be made by the Board of Directors. If it is so determined that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, payment to the claimant shall be made within 10 days after such determination.

Section 6. Effect and Validity.

If a determination shall have been made pursuant to ARTICLE VI, Section 5 that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, the corporation shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to ARTICLE VI, Section 2. The corporation shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to ARTICLE VI, Section 2 that the procedures and presumptions of this ARTICLE VI are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in such proceeding that the corporation is bound by all the provisions of this ARTICLE VI.

If any provision or provisions of this ARTICLE VI shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (1) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this ARTICLE VI (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this ARTICLE VI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (2) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this ARTICLE VI (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this ARTICLE VI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

Section 7. Employees and Agents.

 

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The corporation may grant rights to indemnification, and rights to be paid by the corporation the expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to any employee or agent of the corporation, including when any such person is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or sponsored by the corporation, to the fullest extent of the provision of this ARTICLE VI with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the corporation.

Section 8. Definitions.

For purposes of this ARTICLE VI:

(a) “Change of Control” means (i) The acquisition by any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act (“Exchange Act” is defined in ARTICLE I, Section 9)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation (the “Outstanding Common Stock”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the corporation, (ii) any acquisition by the corporation, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the corporation or any corporation controlled by the corporation or (iv) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of subsection (a)(iii) of this Section 8; or

(ii) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of Directors (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the corporation’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board of Directors; or

(iii) Consummation by the corporation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation or the acquisition of assets of another entity (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individual and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Common Stock and Outstanding Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting

 

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from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the corporation or all or substantially all of the corporation’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Common Stock and Outstanding Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the corporation or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination; or

(iv) Approval by the stockholders of the corporation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the corporation.

(b) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the corporation who is not and was not a party to the matter in respect of which indemnification is sought by the claimant.

(c) “independent legal counsel” means a law firm, a member of a law firm, or an independent practitioner that is experienced in matters of corporation law and shall include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would not have a conflict of interest in representing either the corporation or the claimant in an action to determine the claimant’s rights under this ARTICLE VI.”

ARTICLE VII – NOTICES

Section 1. Notices.

Whenever notice is required to be given to any stockholder, director, officer, or agent, such requirement shall not be construed to mean personal notice. Such notice may in every instance be effectively given by depositing a writing in a post office or letter box, in a postpaid, sealed wrapper, addressed to such stockholder, director, officer, or agent at his or her address as the same appears on the books of the corporation. The time when such notice is dispatched shall be the time of the giving of the notice.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in these Bylaws, any notice to stockholders given by the corporation hereunder shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the corporation and shall also be deemed revoked if (1) the corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent and (2) such inability becomes known to the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the corporation, the transfer agent or other person responsible for the giving of notice; provided, however, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

 

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Notice given by a form of electronic transmission in accordance with these Bylaws shall be deemed given: (i) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (iii) if by a posting on an electronic network, together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of such posting and the giving of such separate notice; and (iv) if by another form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. For purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

Without limiting the foregoing, any notice to stockholders given by the corporation may be given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at such address to whom such notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholders by written notice to the corporation. Any stockholder who fails to object in writing to the corporation, within 60 days of having been given written notice by the corporation of its intention to send the single notice as set forth in this ARTICLE VII, Section 1 shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice.

Section 2. Waivers.

A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder, director, officer or agent, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such stockholder, director, officer, or agent. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver.

ARTICLE VIII – MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Facsimile Signatures.

In addition to the provisions for the use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Corporate Seal.

The Board of Directors shall provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the corporation, which seal shall be in charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by any Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer.

Section 3. Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records.

Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the corporation shall, in the performance of his duties, be fully

 

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protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the corporation, including reports made to the corporation by any of its officers, by an independent certified public accountant, or by an appraiser selected with reasonable care.

Section 4. Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the corporation shall terminate at the end of business on December 31 in each year, and the following year shall begin on the next day thereafter.

Section 5. Time Periods.

In applying any provision of these Bylaws which require that an act be done or not done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to any event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

Section 6. Independent Accountants.

The Board of Directors shall appoint on an annual basis such firm of independent public accountants as it shall deem appropriate to examine the corporation’s financial books and records on at least an annual basis. The appointment of said independent accountants shall, at the next succeeding annual meeting of stockholders be presented to the stockholders of the corporation for ratification. Should the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of said independent public accountants, the Board of Directors shall take the matter under consideration and the vote of the stockholders in that regard shall be deemed advisory in nature.

Section 7. Gender.

Any reference to the masculine gender in these Bylaws shall be construed to mean the feminine gender, as the situation may demand.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments.

These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted, by the Board of Directors at any meeting or by the stockholders at any meeting.

 

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