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 (Date of earliest event reported):

April 21, 2021

 

 

PIONEER FLOATING RATE TRUST

(Registrant)

PIONEER DIVERSIFIED HIGH INCOME TRUST

PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME TRUST

PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME ADVANTAGE TRUST

PIONEER HIGH INCOME TRUST

(Co-Registrants)

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware  

811-21654 (Pioneer Floating Rate Trust)

811-22014 (Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust)

811-21321 (Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust)

811-21409 (Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust)

811-21043 (Pioneer High Income Trust)

 

58-2683903 (Pioneer Floating Rate Trust)

20-8779403 (Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust)

03-0512430 (Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust)

81-0634319 (Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust)

02-0563892 (Pioneer High Income Trust)

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Numbers)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Nos.)

 

60 State Street,

Boston, MA

  02109
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

1-800-859-8508

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(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))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock   PHD   New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock   HNW   NYSE American
Common Stock   MHI   New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock   MAV   New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock   PHT   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On April 21, 2021, each Registrant, previously organized as a Delaware statutory Trust, redomiciled to Maryland (in each case, the “redomiciling”). For each Registrant, the redomiciling was effected through a statutory merger of the Registrant with and into a newly-established Maryland corporation formed for the purpose of effecting the redomiciling (each, a “Successor Entity”) pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into by and between the Registrant and the corresponding Successor Entity (in each case, the “Merger Agreement”). Each Merger Agreement is attached as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report and incorporated herein by reference. The effective time and date of each redomiciling was 4:30 pm, Eastern time, on April 21, 2021 (the “Effective Time”). Upon effectiveness of each Merger, (i) the relevant Successor Entity became the successor in interest to its corresponding Registrant, (ii) each outstanding share of common stock of the relevant Registrant was automatically converted into one share of common stock of its corresponding Successor Entity, and (iii) the shareholders of the relevant Registrant became stockholders of its corresponding Successor Entity.

The name of each Registrant changed in connection with the redomiciling, as follows:

 

Current Name    New Name
Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust    Pioneer Diversified High Income Fund, Inc.
Pioneer Floating Rate Trust    Pioneer Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
Pioneer High Income Trust    Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc.
Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust    Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Fund, Inc.
Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust    Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.


The ticker symbol of each Registrant on the New York Stock Exchange and the NYSE American, as applicable, did not change in connection with the redomiciling. The redomiciling did not result in any change to the investment adviser, investment objective and strategies, portfolio management team, policies and procedures or the members of the Board overseeing each Registrant.

Following each Registrant’s redomiciling, the rights of shareholders are governed by Maryland General Corporation Law and the Articles of Incorporation of the surviving Maryland corporation attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and Bylaws of the surviving Maryland corporation attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2. In addition, each Maryland corporation is subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (the “Control Share Act”) following redomiciling.

The Control Share Act protects the interests of all stockholders by generally providing that any holder of “control shares” acquired in a “control share acquisition” may not exercise voting rights with respect to the “control shares,” except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Generally, “control shares” are shares that, when aggregated with shares already owned by an acquiring person, would entitle the acquiring person to exercise 10% or more, 33 1/3% or more, or a majority of the total voting power of shares entitled to vote in the election of directors. The Control Share Act provides that a “control share acquisition” does not include the acquisition of shares in a merger, consolidation or share exchange. Therefore, a shareholder of a Registrant that acquired shares of a Successor Entity as a result of the merger of the Registrant will be able to exercise voting rights as to those shares even if the number of such shares acquired by the shareholder in the merger exceeds one or more of the thresholds of the Control Share Act.

The foregoing description of the redomiciling of each Registrant is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement. The above description of the Control Share Act is only a high-level summary and does not purport to be complete. Investors should refer to the actual provisions of the Control Share Act and their Registrant’s bylaws for more information, including definitions of key terms, various exclusions and exemptions from the statute’s scope, and the procedures by which stockholders may approve the reinstatement of voting rights to holders of “control shares.”

 

Item 3.03

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

Please see the disclosure set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

 

Item 5.03

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

Please see the disclosure set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03. The Articles of Incorporation of each Maryland corporation effective as of April 5, 2021 is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and the Bylaws of each Maryland corporation effective as of April 6, 2021 is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

2.1    Merger Agreements
3.1    Articles of Incorporation of each Maryland corporation
3.2    Bylaws of each Maryland corporation

This Current Report may contain statements regarding plans and expectations for the future that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”), and such statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the PSLRA. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking and can sometimes be identified as such by the context of the statements, including words such as “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,”


“intend,” “possible,” “continue” “project,” “estimate,” “guidance” and other similar terms and phrases, whether in the negative or affirmative, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. Similarly, statements that describe the objectives, plans, or goals of the Registrants or their investment adviser are forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the Registrants’ current plans, estimates and expectations and are not a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual events may differ materially from the expectations, intentions, beliefs, plans or predictions of the future expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additionally, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Additional information concerning such risks and uncertainties are or will be contained in each Registrant’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Registrant’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form N-CSR, and its subsequent filings with the SEC which are available at http://www.sec.gov. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, the Registrants undertake no obligation to update publicly these statements for any reason, whether to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise, following the date of this press release.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date: April 21, 2021

 

Pioneer Floating Rate Trust
Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust
Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust
Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust
Pioneer High Income Trust

/s/ Christopher Kelley

Name:   Christopher Kelley
Title:   Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description

2.1    Merger Agreements
3.1    Articles of Incorporation of each Maryland corporation
3.2    Bylaws of each Maryland corporation

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made as of this 21st day of April, 2021, between Pioneer Floating Rate Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Acquired Fund”), and Pioneer Floating Rate Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Acquiring Fund”).

WHEREAS, the Acquired Fund is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), duly organized and existing as a Delaware statutory trust, and the Acquiring Fund has been formed as a Maryland corporation for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland as a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

WHEREAS, the incorporation will consist of the merger of the Acquired Fund with and into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”) and the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) as provided herein, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has determined that, for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland, it is advisable and in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders that the Acquired Fund merge with and into the Acquiring Fund;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has approved this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be executed by the undersigned signatories;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund has approved this Agreement, determined that the Merger (as defined herein) and the other transactions provided for in this Agreement are advisable and directed that the Merger be submitted to the sole initial stockholder for its consideration and approval; and

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for United States federal income tax purposes (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (ii) that this Agreement shall constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of the Code, and (iii) that the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” for purposes of the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:


1. The Merger Transaction

1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund will merge with and into the Acquiring Fund (the “Merger”) at the Effective Time (as defined in paragraph 1.3 below) in accordance with the DSTA and the MGCL. The Acquiring Fund shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and investment company registered under the 1940 Act and the Acquired Fund shall cease to exist as a separate statutory trust and investment company.

1.2 Actions at Closing. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) on the date thereof (the “Closing Date”), (i) the Acquired Fund will file a Certificate of Merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary”) and (ii) the Acquired Fund will file Articles of Merger (the “Articles of Merger”) with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”).

1.3 Effect of Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions described herein, the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Articles of Merger are accepted for record by the SDAT or at such later time, not to exceed 30 days after such acceptance, as is specified in the Articles of Merger (the “Effective Time”), and the separate trust existence of the Acquired Fund shall cease. From and after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund, as the Surviving Corporation, shall (i) continue to possess all of its properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) be subject to all actions previously taken by its Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund, (iii) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers of the Acquired Fund, (iv) continue to be subject to all of its liabilities, obligations and duties as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (v) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Acquired Fund, all as provided under applicable provisions of the DSTA and Maryland law, including, without limitation, Section 3-114 of the MGCL.

1.4 Charter Documents, Directors and Officers.

(a) The charter of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the charter of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(b) The Bylaws of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(c) The trustees and officers of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified or until as otherwise provided by law, the charter of the Surviving Corporation or the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.


2. Representations and Warranties

2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.1 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquired Fund that:

(a) The Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT, and has the corporate power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) At the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall succeed to the registration statement of the Acquired Fund filed under the 1940 Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission and thus will become duly registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end management investment company.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Maryland law for the acceptance for record of the Articles of Merger by the SDAT.

(d) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Maryland or of the charter of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund Charter”) or the Bylaws (the “Acquiring Fund Bylaws”), of the Acquiring Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquiring Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquiring Fund Board, and, subject to approval by the sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto.

(f) The Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Acquiring Fund Common Stock”).

(g) Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.2(i), for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund expects to meet the requirements of Chapter 1, Part I of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and will be eligible to, and will, compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.


2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.2 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquiring Fund that:

(a) The Acquired Fund is a statutory trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing with the Secretary and has the trust power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) The Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Delaware law for the acceptance for record of the Certificate of Merger by the Secretary.

(d) The Acquired Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Delaware or of the Certificate of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Certificate of Trust”), the Declaration of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Declaration of Trust”) or the Bylaws of the Acquired Fund, as amended (the “Acquired Fund Bylaws” and, together with the Certificate of Trust and the Declaration of Trust, the “Acquired Fund Organizational Documents”), of the Acquired Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquired Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquired Fund Board, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto. No approval of this Agreement or the Merger by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund is required under Delaware law or the Acquired Fund Organizational Documents.

(f) The Acquired Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the “Acquired Fund Common Shares”).


(g) All issued and outstanding Acquired Fund Common Shares (i) have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities laws and (ii) are, and on the Effective Time will be, duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares.

(h) At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Acquired Fund’s assets held immediately prior to the Effective Time, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, except those liens and encumbrances to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and has not objected, and the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act.

(i) For each taxable year of its existence (including the taxable year that includes the Closing Date), the Acquired Fund has met (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to meet) the requirements of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code for qualification and treatment as a “regulated investment company,” has had in effect an election to be treated as such, has been (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to be) eligible to compute and has computed (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to compute) its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and on or before the Closing Date, will have declared and paid dividends sufficient to distribute substantially all of (1) the sum of (x) its net tax-exempt income, (y) its investment company taxable income (as defined in the Code) (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and (z) any net capital gain (as defined in the Code), and (2) any other amounts as necessary, in each case for all tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date, as dividends qualifying for the dividends-paid deduction under Section 562 of the Code, such that the Acquired Fund will have no tax liability under Section 852 or Section 4982 of the Code for any tax period ending on or before the Closing Date. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply to it.

3. Effect of the Merger on the Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Acquired Fund and the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock

3.1 Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, at the Effective Time, each Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and each fractional Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will likewise be converted into an equivalent fractional share of Acquired Fund Common Stock.


3.2 Surrender of Shares. In lieu of delivering certificates for Acquiring Fund Common Stock at the Closing, the Acquiring Fund shall credit the Acquiring Fund Common Stock to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Fund’s transfer agent shall deliver at Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent shall issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund’s Secretary a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund that such Acquiring Fund Common Stock has been credited to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.

3.3 Acquiring Fund Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be cancelled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued shares of the Acquiring Fund, without payment of any consideration therefor.

4. Regulatory Filings

4.1 Securities Laws. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund shall make all filings required under applicable federal and state securities laws as a result of the Merger, including, without limitation, a Form 8-A/A (whereby the Acquiring Fund shall assume and succeed to the registration of the Acquired Fund as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act).

4.2 Listing Exchange. The Acquired Fund shall have, prior to the Closing Date, filed with and obtained authorization of a supplemental listing application with the exchange on which its shares are traded.

5. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund

If any of the conditions set forth below have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the other party to this Agreement shall be entitled, at its option, to refuse to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:

5.1 Governmental Orders. On the Closing Date, no court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any order that remains in effect and that restrains or enjoins the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund from completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.2 Consents. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions.


5.3 Stockholder List. Prior to the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall have made arrangements with its transfer agent to deliver to the Acquiring Fund a list of the names and addresses of all of the holders of record of Acquired Fund Common Shares at the Effective Time and the respective number of shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by each such stockholder, certified by the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent or President to the best of their knowledge and belief.

5.4 Tax Opinion. The parties shall have received the opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and certain representations made by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and their respective authorized officers, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

(a) the Merger as provided in this Agreement will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code and that the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

(b) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset of the Acquired Fund pursuant to the Merger regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code;

(c) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger;

(d) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of the Acquired Fund Common Shares upon the conversion of their Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger;

(e) the aggregate tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, increased by the amount of gain or decreased by the amount of loss, if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger;

(f) immediately after the Merger, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the Merger;


(g) the holding period for Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be determined by including the period for which he or she held Acquired Fund Common Shares converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock were held as capital assets at the time of the Merger;

(h) the Acquiring Fund’s holding period with respect to the Acquired Fund’s assets transferred as part of the Merger, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for assets (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset); and

(i) the taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Merger.

The delivery of such opinion is conditioned upon the receipt by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP of representations it shall request of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 5.4.

5.5 Stockholder Approval. The sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have approved the Merger in accordance with Maryland law and the Acquiring Fund Charter and the Acquiring Fund Bylaws.

5.6 Expenses. The Acquired Fund agrees to pay all of the expenses incurred in connection with the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in such party’s failure to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or otherwise result in the imposition of tax on either Fund or on either Fund’s shareholders.

6. Amendment and Termination

6.1 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be issued to the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares under this Agreement.

6.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date by resolution of either the Acquiring Fund Board or the Acquired Fund Board, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of that board, make proceeding with this Agreement inadvisable with respect to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, respectively. Any such termination resolution to be effective shall be promptly communicated to the other party and, in any event, prior to the


Closing Date. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect, and there shall not be any liability or obligations hereunder on the part of either of the parties or their respective board members, officers or shareholders, except for any such material breach or intentional misrepresentation as to each of which all remedies at law or in equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.

7. Miscellaneous

7.1 Enforceability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.

7.2 Headings. The Article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

7.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Maryland, except, with respect to the Acquired Fund, to the extent required to be governed by the DSTA.

7.5 Notices. Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by facsimile, electronic delivery (i.e., e-mail), personal service or prepaid or certified mail addressed to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, at the address set forth below:

(a) If to the Acquired Fund:

Pioneer Floating Rate Trust

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(b) If to the Acquiring Fund:

Pioneer Floating Rate Fund, Inc.

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

7.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or


of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date set forth above by its duly authorized officer.

 

PIONEER FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President

 

PIONEER FLOATING RATE TRUST
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made as of this 21st day of April, 2021, between Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Acquired Fund”), and Pioneer Diversified High Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Acquiring Fund”).

WHEREAS, the Acquired Fund is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), duly organized and existing as a Delaware statutory trust, and the Acquiring Fund has been formed as a Maryland corporation for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland as a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

WHEREAS, the incorporation will consist of the merger of the Acquired Fund with and into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”) and the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) as provided herein, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has determined that, for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland, it is advisable and in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders that the Acquired Fund merge with and into the Acquiring Fund;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has approved this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be executed by the undersigned signatories;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund has approved this Agreement, determined that the Merger (as defined herein) and the other transactions provided for in this Agreement are advisable and directed that the Merger be submitted to the sole initial stockholder for its consideration and approval; and

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for United States federal income tax purposes (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (ii) that this Agreement shall constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of the Code, and (iii) that the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” for purposes of the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:


1. The Merger Transaction

1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund will merge with and into the Acquiring Fund (the “Merger”) at the Effective Time (as defined in paragraph 1.3 below) in accordance with the DSTA and the MGCL. The Acquiring Fund shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and investment company registered under the 1940 Act and the Acquired Fund shall cease to exist as a separate statutory trust and investment company.

1.2 Actions at Closing. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) on the date thereof (the “Closing Date”), (i) the Acquired Fund will file a Certificate of Merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary”) and (ii) the Acquired Fund will file Articles of Merger (the “Articles of Merger”) with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”).

1.3 Effect of Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions described herein, the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Articles of Merger are accepted for record by the SDAT or at such later time, not to exceed 30 days after such acceptance, as is specified in the Articles of Merger (the “Effective Time”), and the separate trust existence of the Acquired Fund shall cease. From and after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund, as the Surviving Corporation, shall (i) continue to possess all of its properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) be subject to all actions previously taken by its Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund, (iii) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers of the Acquired Fund, (iv) continue to be subject to all of its liabilities, obligations and duties as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (v) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Acquired Fund, all as provided under applicable provisions of the DSTA and Maryland law, including, without limitation, Section 3-114 of the MGCL.

1.4 Charter Documents, Directors and Officers.

(a) The charter of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the charter of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(b) The Bylaws of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(c) The trustees and officers of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified or until as otherwise provided by law, the charter of the Surviving Corporation or the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.


2. Representations and Warranties

2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.1 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquired Fund that:

(a) The Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT, and has the corporate power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) At the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall succeed to the registration statement of the Acquired Fund filed under the 1940 Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission and thus will become duly registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end management investment company.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Maryland law for the acceptance for record of the Articles of Merger by the SDAT.

(d) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Maryland or of the charter of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund Charter”) or the Bylaws (the “Acquiring Fund Bylaws”), of the Acquiring Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquiring Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquiring Fund Board, and, subject to approval by the sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto.

(f) The Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Acquiring Fund Common Stock”).

(g) Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.2(i), for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund expects to meet the requirements of Chapter 1, Part I of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and will be eligible to, and will, compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.


2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.2 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquiring Fund that:

(a) The Acquired Fund is a statutory trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing with the Secretary and has the trust power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) The Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Delaware law for the acceptance for record of the Certificate of Merger by the Secretary.

(d) The Acquired Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Delaware or of the Certificate of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Certificate of Trust”), the Declaration of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Declaration of Trust”) or the Bylaws of the Acquired Fund, as amended (the “Acquired Fund Bylaws” and, together with the Certificate of Trust and the Declaration of Trust, the “Acquired Fund Organizational Documents”), of the Acquired Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquired Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquired Fund Board, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto. No approval of this Agreement or the Merger by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund is required under Delaware law or the Acquired Fund Organizational Documents.

(f) The Acquired Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the “Acquired Fund Common Shares”).


(g) All issued and outstanding Acquired Fund Common Shares (i) have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities laws and (ii) are, and on the Effective Time will be, duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares.

(h) At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Acquired Fund’s assets held immediately prior to the Effective Time, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, except those liens and encumbrances to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and has not objected, and the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act.

(i) For each taxable year of its existence (including the taxable year that includes the Closing Date), the Acquired Fund has met (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to meet) the requirements of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code for qualification and treatment as a “regulated investment company,” has had in effect an election to be treated as such, has been (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to be) eligible to compute and has computed (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to compute) its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and on or before the Closing Date, will have declared and paid dividends sufficient to distribute substantially all of (1) the sum of (x) its net tax-exempt income, (y) its investment company taxable income (as defined in the Code) (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and (z) any net capital gain (as defined in the Code), and (2) any other amounts as necessary, in each case for all tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date, as dividends qualifying for the dividends-paid deduction under Section 562 of the Code, such that the Acquired Fund will have no tax liability under Section 852 or Section 4982 of the Code for any tax period ending on or before the Closing Date. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply to it.

3. Effect of the Merger on the Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Acquired Fund and the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock

3.1 Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, at the Effective Time, each Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and each fractional Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will likewise be converted into an equivalent fractional share of Acquired Fund Common Stock.


3.2 Surrender of Shares. In lieu of delivering certificates for Acquiring Fund Common Stock at the Closing, the Acquiring Fund shall credit the Acquiring Fund Common Stock to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Fund’s transfer agent shall deliver at Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent shall issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund’s Secretary a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund that such Acquiring Fund Common Stock has been credited to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.

3.3 Acquiring Fund Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be cancelled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued shares of the Acquiring Fund, without payment of any consideration therefor.

4. Regulatory Filings

4.1 Securities Laws. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund shall make all filings required under applicable federal and state securities laws as a result of the Merger, including, without limitation, a Form 8-A/A (whereby the Acquiring Fund shall assume and succeed to the registration of the Acquired Fund as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act).

4.2 Listing Exchange. The Acquired Fund shall have, prior to the Closing Date, filed with and obtained authorization of a supplemental listing application with the exchange on which its shares are traded.

5. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund

If any of the conditions set forth below have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the other party to this Agreement shall be entitled, at its option, to refuse to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:

5.1 Governmental Orders. On the Closing Date, no court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any order that remains in effect and that restrains or enjoins the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund from completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.2 Consents. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions.


5.3 Stockholder List. Prior to the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall have made arrangements with its transfer agent to deliver to the Acquiring Fund a list of the names and addresses of all of the holders of record of Acquired Fund Common Shares at the Effective Time and the respective number of shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by each such stockholder, certified by the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent or President to the best of their knowledge and belief.

5.4 Tax Opinion. The parties shall have received the opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and certain representations made by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and their respective authorized officers, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

(a) the Merger as provided in this Agreement will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code and that the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

(b) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset of the Acquired Fund pursuant to the Merger regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code;

(c) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger;

(d) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of the Acquired Fund Common Shares upon the conversion of their Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger;

(e) the aggregate tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, increased by the amount of gain or decreased by the amount of loss, if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger;

(f) immediately after the Merger, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the Merger;


(g) the holding period for Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be determined by including the period for which he or she held Acquired Fund Common Shares converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock were held as capital assets at the time of the Merger;

(h) the Acquiring Fund’s holding period with respect to the Acquired Fund’s assets transferred as part of the Merger, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for assets (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset); and

(i) the taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Merger.

The delivery of such opinion is conditioned upon the receipt by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP of representations it shall request of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 5.4.

5.5 Stockholder Approval. The sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have approved the Merger in accordance with Maryland law and the Acquiring Fund Charter and the Acquiring Fund Bylaws.

5.6 Expenses. The Acquired Fund agrees to pay all of the expenses incurred in connection with the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in such party’s failure to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or otherwise result in the imposition of tax on either Fund or on either Fund’s shareholders.

6. Amendment and Termination

6.1 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be issued to the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares under this Agreement.

6.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date by resolution of either the Acquiring Fund Board or the Acquired Fund Board, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of that board, make proceeding with this Agreement inadvisable with respect to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, respectively. Any such termination resolution to be effective shall be promptly communicated to the other party and, in any event, prior to the


Closing Date. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect, and there shall not be any liability or obligations hereunder on the part of either of the parties or their respective board members, officers or shareholders, except for any such material breach or intentional misrepresentation as to each of which all remedies at law or in equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.

7. Miscellaneous

7.1 Enforceability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.

7.2 Headings. The Article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

7.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Maryland, except, with respect to the Acquired Fund, to the extent required to be governed by the DSTA.

7.5 Notices. Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by facsimile, electronic delivery (i.e., e-mail), personal service or prepaid or certified mail addressed to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, at the address set forth below:

(a) If to the Acquired Fund:

Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(b) If to the Acquiring Fund:

Pioneer Diversified High Income Fund, Inc.

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

7.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or


of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date set forth above by its duly authorized officer.

 

PIONEER DIVERSIFIED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President

 

PIONEER DIVERSIFIED HIGH INCOME TRUST
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made as of this 21st day of April, 2021, between Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Acquired Fund”), and Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Acquiring Fund”).

WHEREAS, the Acquired Fund is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), duly organized and existing as a Delaware statutory trust, and the Acquiring Fund has been formed as a Maryland corporation for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland as a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

WHEREAS, the incorporation will consist of the merger of the Acquired Fund with and into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”) and the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) as provided herein, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has determined that, for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland, it is advisable and in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders that the Acquired Fund merge with and into the Acquiring Fund;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has approved this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be executed by the undersigned signatories;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund has approved this Agreement, determined that the Merger (as defined herein) and the other transactions provided for in this Agreement are advisable and directed that the Merger be submitted to the sole initial stockholder for its consideration and approval; and

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for United States federal income tax purposes (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (ii) that this Agreement shall constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of the Code, and (iii) that the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” for purposes of the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:


1. The Merger Transaction

1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund will merge with and into the Acquiring Fund (the “Merger”) at the Effective Time (as defined in paragraph 1.3 below) in accordance with the DSTA and the MGCL. The Acquiring Fund shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and investment company registered under the 1940 Act and the Acquired Fund shall cease to exist as a separate statutory trust and investment company.

1.2 Actions at Closing. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) on the date thereof (the “Closing Date”), (i) the Acquired Fund will file a Certificate of Merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary”) and (ii) the Acquired Fund will file Articles of Merger (the “Articles of Merger”) with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”).

1.3 Effect of Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions described herein, the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Articles of Merger are accepted for record by the SDAT or at such later time, not to exceed 30 days after such acceptance, as is specified in the Articles of Merger (the “Effective Time”), and the separate trust existence of the Acquired Fund shall cease. From and after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund, as the Surviving Corporation, shall (i) continue to possess all of its properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) be subject to all actions previously taken by its Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund, (iii) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers of the Acquired Fund, (iv) continue to be subject to all of its liabilities, obligations and duties as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (v) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Acquired Fund, all as provided under applicable provisions of the DSTA and Maryland law, including, without limitation, Section 3-114 of the MGCL.

1.4 Charter Documents, Directors and Officers.

(a) The charter of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the charter of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(b) The Bylaws of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(c) The trustees and officers of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified or until as otherwise provided by law, the charter of the Surviving Corporation or the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.


2. Representations and Warranties

2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.1 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquired Fund that:

(a) The Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT, and has the corporate power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) At the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall succeed to the registration statement of the Acquired Fund filed under the 1940 Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission and thus will become duly registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end management investment company.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Maryland law for the acceptance for record of the Articles of Merger by the SDAT.

(d) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Maryland or of the charter of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund Charter”) or the Bylaws (the “Acquiring Fund Bylaws”), of the Acquiring Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquiring Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquiring Fund Board, and, subject to approval by the sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto.

(f) The Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Acquiring Fund Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock”). 1,450 shares of Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock have been classified and designated as Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (the “Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares”).


(g) Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.2(i), for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund expects to meet the requirements of Chapter 1, Part I of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and will be eligible to, and will, compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.

2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.2 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquiring Fund that:

(a) The Acquired Fund is a statutory trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing with the Secretary and has the trust power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) The Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Delaware law for the acceptance for record of the Certificate of Merger by the Secretary.

(d) The Acquired Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Delaware or of the Certificate of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Certificate of Trust”), the Declaration of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Declaration of Trust”) or the Bylaws of the Acquired Fund, as amended (the “Acquired Fund Bylaws” and, together with the Certificate of Trust and the Declaration of Trust, the “Acquired Fund Organizational Documents”), of the Acquired Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquired Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquired Fund Board, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto. No approval of this Agreement or the Merger by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund is required under Delaware law or the Acquired Fund Organizational Documents.


(f) The Acquired Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the “Acquired Fund Common Shares”), and an unlimited number of preferred shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the “Acquired Fund Preferred Shares”). The Acquired Fund has classified and designated 1,450 Acquired Fund Preferred Shares as Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, $0.01 par value per share (the “Acquired Fund VMTP Shares”).

(g) All issued and outstanding Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares (i) have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities laws and (ii) are, and on the Effective Time will be, duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares.

(h) At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Acquired Fund’s assets held immediately prior to the Effective Time, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, except those liens and encumbrances to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and has not objected, and the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act.

(i) For each taxable year of its existence (including the taxable year that includes the Closing Date), the Acquired Fund has met (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to meet) the requirements of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code for qualification and treatment as a “regulated investment company,” has had in effect an election to be treated as such, has been (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to be) eligible to compute and has computed (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to compute) its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and on or before the Closing Date, will have declared and paid dividends sufficient to distribute substantially all of (1) the sum of (x) its net tax-exempt income, (y) its investment company taxable income (as defined in the Code) (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and (z) any net capital gain (as defined in the Code), and (2) any other amounts as necessary, in each case for all tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date, as dividends qualifying for the dividends-paid deduction under Section 562 of the Code, such that the Acquired Fund will have no tax liability under Section 852 or Section 4982 of the Code for any tax period ending on or before the Closing Date. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply to it.


3. Effect of the Merger on the Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Acquired Fund and the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock

3.1 Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares.

(a) Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, at the Effective Time, each Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and each fractional Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will likewise be converted into an equivalent fractional share of Acquired Fund Common Stock.

(b) Conversion of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, at the Effective Time, each Acquired Fund VMTP Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable Acquiring Fund VMTP Share.

3.2 Surrender of Shares. In lieu of delivering certificates for Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares at the Closing, the Acquiring Fund shall credit the Acquiring Fund Common Stock and the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Fund’s transfer agent shall deliver at Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent shall issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund’s Secretary a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund that such Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares has been credited to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.

3.3 Acquiring Fund Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be cancelled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued shares of the Acquiring Fund, without payment of any consideration therefor.

4. Regulatory Filings

4.1 Securities Laws. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund shall make all filings required under applicable federal and state securities laws as a result of the Merger, including, without limitation, a Form 8-A/A (whereby the Acquiring Fund shall assume and succeed to the registration of the Acquired Fund as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act).


4.2 Listing Exchange. The Acquired Fund shall have, prior to the Closing Date, filed with and obtained authorization of a supplemental listing application with the exchange on which its shares are traded.

5. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund

If any of the conditions set forth below have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the other party to this Agreement shall be entitled, at its option, to refuse to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:

5.1 Governmental Orders. On the Closing Date, no court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any order that remains in effect and that restrains or enjoins the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund from completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.2 Consents. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions.

5.3 Stockholder List. Prior to the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall have made arrangements with its transfer agent to deliver to the Acquiring Fund a list of the names and addresses of all of the holders of record of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares at the Effective Time and the respective number of shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares owned by each such stockholder, certified by the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent or President to the best of their knowledge and belief.

5.4 Tax Opinion. The parties shall have received the opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and certain representations made by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and their respective authorized officers, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

(a) the Merger as provided in this Agreement will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code and that the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

(b) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock or the conversion of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares as


part of the Merger, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset of the Acquired Fund pursuant to the Merger regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code;

(c) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock or the conversion of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares as part of the Merger;

(d) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of the Acquired Fund Common Shares upon the conversion of their Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger, or by the holders of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares upon the conversion of their Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares as part of the Merger;

(e) the aggregate tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, increased by the amount of gain or decreased by the amount of loss, if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger;

(f) immediately after the Merger, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the Merger and the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares received by each holder of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares in the Merger will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund VMTP Shares owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the Merger;

(g) the holding period for Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares received by each holder of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares in the Merger will be determined by including the period for which he or she held Acquired Fund Common Shares or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares, respectively, converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares, as applicable,were held as capital assets at the time of the Merger;

(h) the Acquiring Fund’s holding period with respect to the Acquired Fund’s assets transferred as part of the Merger, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for assets (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset); and

(i) the taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Merger.


The delivery of such opinion is conditioned upon the receipt by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP of representations it shall request of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 5.4.

5.5 Stockholder Approval. The sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have approved the Merger in accordance with Maryland law and the Acquiring Fund Charter and the Acquiring Fund Bylaws.

5.6 Expenses. The Acquired Fund agrees to pay all of the expenses incurred in connection with the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in such party’s failure to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or otherwise result in the imposition of tax on either Fund or on either Fund’s shareholders.

6. Amendment and Termination

6.1 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock or number of Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares to be issued to the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares or the holders of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares under this Agreement.

6.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date by resolution of either the Acquiring Fund Board or the Acquired Fund Board, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of that board, make proceeding with this Agreement inadvisable with respect to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, respectively. Any such termination resolution to be effective shall be promptly communicated to the other party and, in any event, prior to the Closing Date. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect, and there shall not be any liability or obligations hereunder on the part of either of the parties or their respective board members, officers or shareholders, except for any such material breach or intentional misrepresentation as to each of which all remedies at law or in equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.

7. Miscellaneous

7.1 Enforceability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.


7.2 Headings. The Article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

7.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Maryland, except, with respect to the Acquired Fund, to the extent required to be governed by the DSTA.

7.5 Notices. Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by facsimile, electronic delivery (i.e., e-mail), personal service or prepaid or certified mail addressed to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, at the address set forth below:

(a) If to the Acquired Fund:

Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(b) If to the Acquiring Fund:

Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

7.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date set forth above by its duly authorized officer.

 

PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President

 

PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME TRUST
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made as of this 21st day of April, 2021, between Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Acquired Fund”), and Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Acquiring Fund”).

WHEREAS, the Acquired Fund is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), duly organized and existing as a Delaware statutory trust, and the Acquiring Fund has been formed as a Maryland corporation for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland as a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

WHEREAS, the incorporation will consist of the merger of the Acquired Fund with and into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”) and the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) as provided herein, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has determined that, for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland, it is advisable and in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders that the Acquired Fund merge with and into the Acquiring Fund;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has approved this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be executed by the undersigned signatories;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund has approved this Agreement, determined that the Merger (as defined herein) and the other transactions provided for in this Agreement are advisable and directed that the Merger be submitted to the sole initial stockholder for its consideration and approval; and

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for United States federal income tax purposes (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (ii) that this Agreement shall constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of the Code, and (iii) that the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” for purposes of the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:


1. The Merger Transaction

1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund will merge with and into the Acquiring Fund (the “Merger”) at the Effective Time (as defined in paragraph 1.3 below) in accordance with the DSTA and the MGCL. The Acquiring Fund shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and investment company registered under the 1940 Act and the Acquired Fund shall cease to exist as a separate statutory trust and investment company.

1.2 Actions at Closing. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) on the date thereof (the “Closing Date”), (i) the Acquired Fund will file a Certificate of Merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary”) and (ii) the Acquired Fund will file Articles of Merger (the “Articles of Merger”) with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”).

1.3 Effect of Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions described herein, the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Articles of Merger are accepted for record by the SDAT or at such later time, not to exceed 30 days after such acceptance, as is specified in the Articles of Merger (the “Effective Time”), and the separate trust existence of the Acquired Fund shall cease. From and after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund, as the Surviving Corporation, shall (i) continue to possess all of its properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) be subject to all actions previously taken by its Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund, (iii) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers of the Acquired Fund, (iv) continue to be subject to all of its liabilities, obligations and duties as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (v) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Acquired Fund, all as provided under applicable provisions of the DSTA and Maryland law, including, without limitation, Section 3-114 of the MGCL.

1.4 Charter Documents, Directors and Officers.

(a) The charter of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the charter of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(b) The Bylaws of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(c) The trustees and officers of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified or until as otherwise provided by law, the charter of the Surviving Corporation or the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.


2. Representations and Warranties

2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.1 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquired Fund that:

(a) The Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT, and has the corporate power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) At the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall succeed to the registration statement of the Acquired Fund filed under the 1940 Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission and thus will become duly registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end management investment company.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Maryland law for the acceptance for record of the Articles of Merger by the SDAT.

(d) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Maryland or of the charter of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund Charter”) or the Bylaws (the “Acquiring Fund Bylaws”), of the Acquiring Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquiring Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquiring Fund Board, and, subject to approval by the sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto.

(f) The Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Acquiring Fund Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock”). 1,450 shares of Acquiring Fund Preferred Stock have been classified and designated as Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (the “Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares”).


(g) Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.2(i), for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund expects to meet the requirements of Chapter 1, Part I of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and will be eligible to, and will, compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.

2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.2 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquiring Fund that:

(a) The Acquired Fund is a statutory trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing with the Secretary and has the trust power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) The Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Delaware law for the acceptance for record of the Certificate of Merger by the Secretary.

(d) The Acquired Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Delaware or of the Certificate of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Certificate of Trust”), the Declaration of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Declaration of Trust”) or the Bylaws of the Acquired Fund, as amended (the “Acquired Fund Bylaws” and, together with the Certificate of Trust and the Declaration of Trust, the “Acquired Fund Organizational Documents”), of the Acquired Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquired Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquired Fund Board, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto. No approval of this Agreement or the Merger by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund is required under Delaware law or the Acquired Fund Organizational Documents.


(f) The Acquired Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the “Acquired Fund Common Shares”), and an unlimited number of preferred shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the “Acquired Fund Preferred Shares”). The Acquired Fund has classified and designated 1,450 Acquired Fund Preferred Shares as Variable Rate MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, $0.01 par value per share (the “Acquired Fund VMTP Shares”).

(g) All issued and outstanding Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares (i) have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities laws and (ii) are, and on the Effective Time will be, duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares.

(h) At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Acquired Fund’s assets held immediately prior to the Effective Time, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, except those liens and encumbrances to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and has not objected, and the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act.

(i) For each taxable year of its existence (including the taxable year that includes the Closing Date), the Acquired Fund has met (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to meet) the requirements of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code for qualification and treatment as a “regulated investment company,” has had in effect an election to be treated as such, has been (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to be) eligible to compute and has computed (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to compute) its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and on or before the Closing Date, will have declared and paid dividends sufficient to distribute substantially all of (1) the sum of (x) its net tax-exempt income, (y) its investment company taxable income (as defined in the Code) (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and (z) any net capital gain (as defined in the Code), and (2) any other amounts as necessary, in each case for all tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date, as dividends qualifying for the dividends-paid deduction under Section 562 of the Code, such that the Acquired Fund will have no tax liability under Section 852 or Section 4982 of the Code for any tax period ending on or before the Closing Date. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply to it.


3. Effect of the Merger on the Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Acquired Fund and the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock

3.1 Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares.

(a) Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, at the Effective Time, each Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and each fractional Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will likewise be converted into an equivalent fractional share of Acquired Fund Common Stock.

(b) Conversion of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, at the Effective Time, each Acquired Fund VMTP Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable Acquiring Fund VMTP Share.

3.2 Surrender of Shares. In lieu of delivering certificates for Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares at the Closing, the Acquiring Fund shall credit the Acquiring Fund Common Stock and the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Fund’s transfer agent shall deliver at Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent shall issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund’s Secretary a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund that such Acquiring Fund Common Stock and Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares has been credited to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.

3.3 Acquiring Fund Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be cancelled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued shares of the Acquiring Fund, without payment of any consideration therefor.

4. Regulatory Filings

4.1 Securities Laws. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund shall make all filings required under applicable federal and state securities laws as a result of the Merger, including, without limitation, a Form 8-A/A (whereby the Acquiring Fund shall assume and succeed to the registration of the Acquired Fund as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act).


4.2 Listing Exchange. The Acquired Fund shall have, prior to the Closing Date, filed with and obtained authorization of a supplemental listing application with the exchange on which its shares are traded.

5. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund

If any of the conditions set forth below have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the other party to this Agreement shall be entitled, at its option, to refuse to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:

5.1 Governmental Orders. On the Closing Date, no court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any order that remains in effect and that restrains or enjoins the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund from completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.2 Consents. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions.

5.3 Stockholder List. Prior to the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall have made arrangements with its transfer agent to deliver to the Acquiring Fund a list of the names and addresses of all of the holders of record of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares at the Effective Time and the respective number of shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquired Fund VMTP Shares owned by each such stockholder, certified by the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent or President to the best of their knowledge and belief.

5.4 Tax Opinion. The parties shall have received the opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and certain representations made by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and their respective authorized officers, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

(a) the Merger as provided in this Agreement will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code and that the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

(b) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock or the conversion of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares as


part of the Merger, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset of the Acquired Fund pursuant to the Merger regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code;

(c) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock or the conversion of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares as part of the Merger;

(d) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of the Acquired Fund Common Shares upon the conversion of their Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger, or by the holders of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares upon the conversion of their Acquired Fund VMTP Shares to Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares as part of the Merger;

(e) the aggregate tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, increased by the amount of gain or decreased by the amount of loss, if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger;

(f) immediately after the Merger, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the Merger and the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares received by each holder of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares in the Merger will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund VMTP Shares owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the Merger;

(g) the holding period for Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares and Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares received by each holder of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares in the Merger will be determined by including the period for which he or she held Acquired Fund Common Shares or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares, respectively, converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock or Acquired Fund VMTP Shares, as applicable,were held as capital assets at the time of the Merger;

(h) the Acquiring Fund’s holding period with respect to the Acquired Fund’s assets transferred as part of the Merger, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for assets (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset); and

(i) the taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Merger.


The delivery of such opinion is conditioned upon the receipt by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP of representations it shall request of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 5.4.

5.5 Stockholder Approval. The sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have approved the Merger in accordance with Maryland law and the Acquiring Fund Charter and the Acquiring Fund Bylaws.

5.6 Expenses. The Acquired Fund agrees to pay all of the expenses incurred in connection with the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in such party’s failure to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or otherwise result in the imposition of tax on either Fund or on either Fund’s shareholders.

6. Amendment and Termination

6.1 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock or number of Acquiring Fund VMTP Shares to be issued to the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares or the holders of Acquired Fund VMTP Shares under this Agreement.

6.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date by resolution of either the Acquiring Fund Board or the Acquired Fund Board, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of that board, make proceeding with this Agreement inadvisable with respect to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, respectively. Any such termination resolution to be effective shall be promptly communicated to the other party and, in any event, prior to the Closing Date. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect, and there shall not be any liability or obligations hereunder on the part of either of the parties or their respective board members, officers or shareholders, except for any such material breach or intentional misrepresentation as to each of which all remedies at law or in equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.

7. Miscellaneous

7.1 Enforceability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.


7.2 Headings. The Article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

7.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Maryland, except, with respect to the Acquired Fund, to the extent required to be governed by the DSTA.

7.5 Notices. Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by facsimile, electronic delivery (i.e., e-mail), personal service or prepaid or certified mail addressed to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, at the address set forth below:

(a) If to the Acquired Fund:

Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(b) If to the Acquiring Fund:

Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Fund, Inc.

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

7.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date set forth above by its duly authorized officer.

 

PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME ADVANTAGE FUND, INC.
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President

 

PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME ADVANTAGE TRUST
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made as of this 21st day of April, 2021, between Pioneer High Income Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Acquired Fund”), and Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Acquiring Fund”).

WHEREAS, the Acquired Fund is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), duly organized and existing as a Delaware statutory trust, and the Acquiring Fund has been formed as a Maryland corporation for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland as a closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

WHEREAS, the incorporation will consist of the merger of the Acquired Fund with and into the Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”) and the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) as provided herein, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has determined that, for the purpose of effecting the incorporation of the Acquired Fund in the State of Maryland, it is advisable and in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders that the Acquired Fund merge with and into the Acquiring Fund;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has approved this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be executed by the undersigned signatories;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Acquiring Fund has approved this Agreement, determined that the Merger (as defined herein) and the other transactions provided for in this Agreement are advisable and directed that the Merger be submitted to the sole initial stockholder for its consideration and approval; and

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for United States federal income tax purposes (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (ii) that this Agreement shall constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of the Code, and (iii) that the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” for purposes of the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:


1. The Merger Transaction

1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Acquired Fund will merge with and into the Acquiring Fund (the “Merger”) at the Effective Time (as defined in paragraph 1.3 below) in accordance with the DSTA and the MGCL. The Acquiring Fund shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and investment company registered under the 1940 Act and the Acquired Fund shall cease to exist as a separate statutory trust and investment company.

1.2 Actions at Closing. At the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) on the date thereof (the “Closing Date”), (i) the Acquired Fund will file a Certificate of Merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary”) and (ii) the Acquired Fund will file Articles of Merger (the “Articles of Merger”) with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”).

1.3 Effect of Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions described herein, the Merger shall become effective at such time as the Articles of Merger are accepted for record by the SDAT or at such later time, not to exceed 30 days after such acceptance, as is specified in the Articles of Merger (the “Effective Time”), and the separate trust existence of the Acquired Fund shall cease. From and after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund, as the Surviving Corporation, shall (i) continue to possess all of its properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) be subject to all actions previously taken by its Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund, (iii) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the properties, assets, rights, privileges and powers of the Acquired Fund, (iv) continue to be subject to all of its liabilities, obligations and duties as constituted immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (v) succeed, without other transfer, to all of the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Acquired Fund, all as provided under applicable provisions of the DSTA and Maryland law, including, without limitation, Section 3-114 of the MGCL.

1.4 Charter Documents, Directors and Officers.

(a) The charter of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the charter of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(b) The Bylaws of the Acquiring Fund as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect as the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.

(c) The trustees and officers of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified or until as otherwise provided by law, the charter of the Surviving Corporation or the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.


2. Representations and Warranties

2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to the Acquired Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.1 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquired Fund that:

(a) The Acquiring Fund is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT, and has the corporate power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) At the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund shall succeed to the registration statement of the Acquired Fund filed under the 1940 Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission and thus will become duly registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end management investment company.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Maryland law for the acceptance for record of the Articles of Merger by the SDAT.

(d) The Acquiring Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Maryland or of the charter of the Acquiring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund Charter”) or the Bylaws (the “Acquiring Fund Bylaws”), of the Acquiring Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquiring Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquiring Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquiring Fund Board, and, subject to approval by the sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto.

(f) The Acquiring Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Acquiring Fund Common Stock”).

(g) Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.2(i), for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund expects to meet the requirements of Chapter 1, Part I of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a RIC and will be eligible to, and will, compute its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code.


2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to the Acquiring Fund that the statements contained in this paragraph 2.2 are correct and complete in all material respects as of the execution of this Agreement on the date hereof. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Acquiring Fund that:

(a) The Acquired Fund is a statutory trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing with the Secretary and has the trust power to own all of its assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement.

(b) The Acquired Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect.

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as may be required under Delaware law for the acceptance for record of the Certificate of Merger by the Secretary.

(d) The Acquired Fund is not, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result, in violation of the laws of the State of Delaware or of the Certificate of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Certificate of Trust”), the Declaration of Trust of the Acquired Fund (the “Declaration of Trust”) or the Bylaws of the Acquired Fund, as amended (the “Acquired Fund Bylaws” and, together with the Certificate of Trust and the Declaration of Trust, the “Acquired Fund Organizational Documents”), of the Acquired Fund, or of any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Acquired Fund will not result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound.

(e) The Acquired Fund has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action of the Acquired Fund Board, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding contract enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and court decisions with respect thereto. No approval of this Agreement or the Merger by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund is required under Delaware law or the Acquired Fund Organizational Documents.

(f) The Acquired Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the “Acquired Fund Common Shares”).


(g) All issued and outstanding Acquired Fund Common Shares (i) have been offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable registration requirements of the 1933 Act and state securities laws and (ii) are, and on the Effective Time will be, duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Acquired Fund does not have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares, nor is there outstanding any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, any shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares.

(h) At the Closing, the Acquired Fund will have good and marketable title to the Acquired Fund’s assets held immediately prior to the Effective Time, and full right, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, except those liens and encumbrances to which the Acquiring Fund has received notice and has not objected, and the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions on the full transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the 1933 Act.

(i) For each taxable year of its existence (including the taxable year that includes the Closing Date), the Acquired Fund has met (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to meet) the requirements of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code for qualification and treatment as a “regulated investment company,” has had in effect an election to be treated as such, has been (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to be) eligible to compute and has computed (or, for the taxable year that includes the Closing Date, subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in paragraph 2.1(g), expects to compute) its federal income tax under Section 852 of the Code, and on or before the Closing Date, will have declared and paid dividends sufficient to distribute substantially all of (1) the sum of (x) its net tax-exempt income, (y) its investment company taxable income (as defined in the Code) (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and (z) any net capital gain (as defined in the Code), and (2) any other amounts as necessary, in each case for all tax periods ending on or before the Closing Date, as dividends qualifying for the dividends-paid deduction under Section 562 of the Code, such that the Acquired Fund will have no tax liability under Section 852 or Section 4982 of the Code for any tax period ending on or before the Closing Date. The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply to it.

3. Effect of the Merger on the Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Acquired Fund and the shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock

3.1 Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, at the Effective Time, each Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock and each fractional Acquired Fund Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will likewise be converted into an equivalent fractional share of Acquired Fund Common Stock.


3.2 Surrender of Shares. In lieu of delivering certificates for Acquiring Fund Common Stock at the Closing, the Acquiring Fund shall credit the Acquiring Fund Common Stock to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Fund’s transfer agent shall deliver at Closing a certificate of an authorized officer stating that its records contain the names and addresses of the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares and the number and percentage ownership of outstanding shares owned by each such shareholder immediately prior to the Closing. The Acquiring Fund’s transfer agent shall issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund’s Secretary a confirmation evidencing the Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be credited on the Closing Date, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund that such Acquiring Fund Common Stock has been credited to the Acquired Fund’s account on the books of the Acquiring Fund.

3.3 Acquiring Fund Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of Acquiring Fund Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by the Acquiring Fund, the holder of such share or any other person, be cancelled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued shares of the Acquiring Fund, without payment of any consideration therefor.

4. Regulatory Filings

4.1 Securities Laws. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Acquiring Fund shall make all filings required under applicable federal and state securities laws as a result of the Merger, including, without limitation, a Form 8-A/A (whereby the Acquiring Fund shall assume and succeed to the registration of the Acquired Fund as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act).

4.2 Listing Exchange. The Acquired Fund shall have, prior to the Closing Date, filed with and obtained authorization of a supplemental listing application with the exchange on which its shares are traded.

5. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund

If any of the conditions set forth below have not been satisfied on or before the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, the other party to this Agreement shall be entitled, at its option, to refuse to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement:

5.1 Governmental Orders. On the Closing Date, no court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any order that remains in effect and that restrains or enjoins the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund from completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.2 Consents. All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions.


5.3 Stockholder List. Prior to the Effective Time, the Acquired Fund shall have made arrangements with its transfer agent to deliver to the Acquiring Fund a list of the names and addresses of all of the holders of record of Acquired Fund Common Shares at the Effective Time and the respective number of shares of Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by each such stockholder, certified by the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent or President to the best of their knowledge and belief.

5.4 Tax Opinion. The parties shall have received the opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, dated the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, based upon certain facts, assumptions and certain representations made by the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund and their respective authorized officers, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

(a) the Merger as provided in this Agreement will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code and that the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will each be a “party to a reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;

(b) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger, except for (A) gain or loss that may be recognized on the transfer of “section 1256 contracts” as defined in Section 1256(b) of the Code, (B) gain that may be recognized on the transfer of stock in a “passive foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1297(a) of the Code, and (C) any other gain or loss that may be required to be recognized upon the transfer of an asset of the Acquired Fund pursuant to the Merger regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a non-recognition transaction under the Code;

(c) no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund in the Merger or upon the conversion of Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger;

(d) no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of the Acquired Fund Common Shares upon the conversion of their Acquired Fund Common Shares to shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock as part of the Merger;

(e) the aggregate tax basis in the hands of the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of such assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, increased by the amount of gain or decreased by the amount of loss, if any, recognized by the Acquired Fund in the Merger;

(f) immediately after the Merger, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the Acquired Fund Common Shares owned by such stockholder immediately prior to the Merger;


(g) the holding period for Acquiring Fund Common Stock received by each holder of Acquired Fund Common Shares in the Merger will be determined by including the period for which he or she held Acquired Fund Common Shares converted pursuant to the Merger, provided that such shares of Acquired Fund Common Stock were held as capital assets at the time of the Merger;

(h) the Acquiring Fund’s holding period with respect to the Acquired Fund’s assets transferred as part of the Merger, other than assets with respect to which gain or loss is required to be recognized, will include the Acquired Fund’s holding period for assets (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating the holding period with respect to an asset); and

(i) the taxable year of the Acquired Fund will not end as a result of the Merger.

The delivery of such opinion is conditioned upon the receipt by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP of representations it shall request of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquiring Fund nor the Acquired Fund may waive the condition set forth in this paragraph 5.4.

5.5 Stockholder Approval. The sole stockholder of the Acquiring Fund shall have approved the Merger in accordance with Maryland law and the Acquiring Fund Charter and the Acquiring Fund Bylaws.

5.6 Expenses. The Acquired Fund agrees to pay all of the expenses incurred in connection with the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in such party’s failure to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” within the meaning of Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or otherwise result in the imposition of tax on either Fund or on either Fund’s shareholders.

6. Amendment and Termination

6.1 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the authorized officers of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund; provided, however, that no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of shares of Acquiring Fund Common Stock to be issued to the holders of Acquired Fund Common Shares under this Agreement.

6.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date by resolution of either the Acquiring Fund Board or the Acquired Fund Board, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of that board, make proceeding with this Agreement inadvisable with respect to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, respectively. Any such termination resolution to be effective shall be promptly communicated to the other party and, in any event, prior to the


Closing Date. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect, and there shall not be any liability or obligations hereunder on the part of either of the parties or their respective board members, officers or shareholders, except for any such material breach or intentional misrepresentation as to each of which all remedies at law or in equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.

7. Miscellaneous

7.1 Enforceability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.

7.2 Headings. The Article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

7.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Maryland, except, with respect to the Acquired Fund, to the extent required to be governed by the DSTA.

7.5 Notices. Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by facsimile, electronic delivery (i.e., e-mail), personal service or prepaid or certified mail addressed to the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, at the address set forth below:

(a) If to the Acquired Fund:

Pioneer High Income Trust

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(b) If to the Acquiring Fund:

Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc.

Attention: President

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

7.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or


of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date set forth above by its duly authorized officer.

 

PIONEER HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President

 

PIONEER HIGH INCOME TRUST
By:  

/s/ Lisa Jones

NAME:   Lisa Jones
TITLE:   President

PIONEER FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I

INCORPORATOR

The undersigned, Hirsh Ament, whose address is c/o Venable LLP, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202, being at least 18 years of age, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland.

ARTICLE II

NAME

The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

Pioneer Floating Rate Fund, Inc.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to conduct and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.

ARTICLE IV

PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

ARTICLE V

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING

AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE

CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 5.1 Number, Vacancies, Classification and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of


Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation initially shall be one, which number may be increased or decreased only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). Each director shall have the qualifications, if any, specified in the Bylaws.

Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The Corporation elects, effective at such time as it becomes eligible under Section 3-802 of the MGCL to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, that, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) or as may be required by the 1940 Act, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors remaining in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies. The name of the director who shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualifies is Christopher Kelley.

On the first date on which the Corporation has more than one stockholder of record, the directors (other than any director elected solely by holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock in connection with dividend arrearages) shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into three classes as determined by the Board of Directors, with a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, and a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, with each director to hold office until her or his successor is duly elected and qualifies. At each annual meeting of the stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to the classification of directors, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following the meeting at which they were elected and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.

Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, each director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

Section 5.2 Extraordinary Actions. Except as specifically provided in Section 5.6 (relating to removal of directors), and in Section 7.2 (relating to certain actions and certain amendments to the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”)), notwithstanding any provision of law requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and taken or approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Section 5.3 Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration, if any,

 

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as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Charter or the Bylaws.

Section 5.4 Preemptive Rights and Appraisal Rights. Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 6.4 or as may otherwise be provided by a contract approved by the Board of Directors, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell. Holders of shares of stock of the Corporation shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon such terms and conditions as specified by the Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any shares of all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

Section 5.5 Determinations by Board. The determination as to any of the following matters, made by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock: the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, acquisition of its stock or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, cash flow, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; 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); any interpretation or resolution of any ambiguity with respect to any provision of the Charter (including any of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation) or of the Bylaws; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any shares of stock of the Corporation; the number of shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; any interpretation of the terms and conditions of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization; the compensation of directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.6 Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. For the purpose of this paragraph, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Corporation through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.

 

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Section 5.7 Corporate Opportunities. The Corporation shall have the power, by resolution of the Board of Directors, to renounce any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities or classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the Corporation or developed by or presented to one or more directors or officers of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK

Section 6.1 Authorized Shares. The Corporation has authority to issue 1,100,000,000 shares of stock, initially consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $1,100,000. If shares of one class or series of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class or series of stock pursuant to this Article VI, the number of authorized shares of the former class or series shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class or series shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes and series that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. The Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors and without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

Section 6.2 Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series of stock.

Section 6.3 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of Preferred Stock.

Section 6.4 Classified or Reclassified Shares. Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers (including exclusive voting rights, if any), restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland. Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 6.4 may be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including

 

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determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary or other Charter document.

Section 6.5 Inspection of Books and Records. A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

Section 6.6 Charter and Bylaws. The rights of all stockholders and the terms of all stock of the Corporation are subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws.

Section 6.7 Special Meetings of Stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders requested by the stockholders may only be called upon the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting in accordance with the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS; CERTAIN EXTRAORDINARY TRANSACTIONS

Section 7.1 Amendments Generally. The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to the Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock. All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors and officers are granted subject to this reservation.

Section 7.2. Approval of Certain Extraordinary Actions and Charter Amendments.

(a) Required Votes. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, each voting as a separate class (except as provided with respect to a particular class or series of stock, when required by the 1940 Act to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual class or series), shall be necessary to effect:

(i) Any amendment to the Charter to make the Common Stock a “redeemable security” or any other proposal to convert the Corporation, whether by merger or otherwise, from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company” (as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act);

(ii) The liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation and any amendment to the Charter to effect any such liquidation or dissolution;

 

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(iii) Any amendment to, or any amendment inconsistent with, the provisions of Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.6, Section 6.6, Section 7.1 or this Section 7.2;

(iv) Any merger, conversion, consolidation, share exchange or sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation that the MGCL requires be approved by the stockholders of the Corporation; and

(v) Any transaction between the Corporation and a person, or group of persons acting together (including, without limitation, a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provision), that is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise, or acquire the right to exercise or direct the exercise, directly or indirectly, other than solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, of one-tenth or more of the voting power in the election of directors generally, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any such person or member of such group;

provided, however, that, if the Continuing Directors (as defined herein), by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, in addition to approval by the Board of Directors, approve such proposal, transaction or amendment, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast shall be sufficient to approve such proposal, transaction or amendment; and provided further, that, with respect to any proposal, transaction or amendment referred to in (v) above, if such proposal, transaction or amendment is approved by the Continuing Directors, by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, no stockholder approval of such proposal, transaction or amendment shall be required unless the MGCL or another provision of the Charter or Bylaws otherwise requires such approval.

(b) Continuing Directors. “Continuing Directors” means (i) the named directors identified in Section 5.1, (ii) the directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board is approved by a majority of the directors identified in Section 5.1, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable, or (iii) any successor directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors or successor Continuing Directors, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable.

ARTICLE VIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability. To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.

Section 8.2 Indemnification and Advance of Expenses. To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to

 

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indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity and (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity, in either case, from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer. The Corporation may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, provide such indemnification and advance of expenses to an individual who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided in the Charter shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

Section 8.3 1940 Act. The provisions of this Article VIII shall be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act.

Section 8.4 Amendment or Repeal. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sections of this Article VIII with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these Articles of Incorporation and acknowledge the same to be my act on this 2nd day of April, 2021.

 

/s/ Hirsh Ament

Hirsh Ament
Incorporator

 

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PIONEER DIVERSIFIED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I

INCORPORATOR

The undersigned, Hirsh Ament, whose address is c/o Venable LLP, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202, being at least 18 years of age, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland.

ARTICLE II

NAME

The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

Pioneer Diversified High Income Fund, Inc.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to conduct and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.

ARTICLE IV

PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

ARTICLE V

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING

AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE

CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 5.1 Number, Vacancies, Classification and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of


Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation initially shall be one, which number may be increased or decreased only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). Each director shall have the qualifications, if any, specified in the Bylaws.

Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The Corporation elects, effective at such time as it becomes eligible under Section 3-802 of the MGCL to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, that, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) or as may be required by the 1940 Act, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors remaining in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies. The name of the director who shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualifies is Christopher Kelley.

On the first date on which the Corporation has more than one stockholder of record, the directors (other than any director elected solely by holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock in connection with dividend arrearages) shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into three classes as determined by the Board of Directors, with a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, and a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, with each director to hold office until her or his successor is duly elected and qualifies. At each annual meeting of the stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to the classification of directors, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following the meeting at which they were elected and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.

Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, each director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

Section 5.2 Extraordinary Actions. Except as specifically provided in Section 5.6 (relating to removal of directors), and in Section 7.2 (relating to certain actions and certain amendments to the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”)), notwithstanding any provision of law requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and taken or approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Section 5.3 Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration, if any,

 

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as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Charter or the Bylaws.

Section 5.4 Preemptive Rights and Appraisal Rights. Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 6.4 or as may otherwise be provided by a contract approved by the Board of Directors, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell. Holders of shares of stock of the Corporation shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon such terms and conditions as specified by the Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any shares of all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

Section 5.5 Determinations by Board. The determination as to any of the following matters, made by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock: the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, acquisition of its stock or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, cash flow, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; 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); any interpretation or resolution of any ambiguity with respect to any provision of the Charter (including any of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation) or of the Bylaws; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any shares of stock of the Corporation; the number of shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; any interpretation of the terms and conditions of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization; the compensation of directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.6 Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. For the purpose of this paragraph, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Corporation through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.

 

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Section 5.7 Corporate Opportunities. The Corporation shall have the power, by resolution of the Board of Directors, to renounce any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities or classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the Corporation or developed by or presented to one or more directors or officers of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK

Section 6.1 Authorized Shares. The Corporation has authority to issue 1,100,000,000 shares of stock, initially consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $1,100,000. If shares of one class or series of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class or series of stock pursuant to this Article VI, the number of authorized shares of the former class or series shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class or series shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes and series that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. The Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors and without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

Section 6.2 Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series of stock.

Section 6.3 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of Preferred Stock.

Section 6.4 Classified or Reclassified Shares. Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers (including exclusive voting rights, if any), restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland. Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 6.4 may be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including

 

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determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary or other Charter document.

Section 6.5 Inspection of Books and Records. A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

Section 6.6 Charter and Bylaws. The rights of all stockholders and the terms of all stock of the Corporation are subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws.

Section 6.7 Special Meetings of Stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders requested by the stockholders may only be called upon the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting in accordance with the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS; CERTAIN EXTRAORDINARY TRANSACTIONS

Section 7.1 Amendments Generally. The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to the Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock. All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors and officers are granted subject to this reservation.

Section 7.2. Approval of Certain Extraordinary Actions and Charter Amendments.

(a) Required Votes. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, each voting as a separate class (except as provided with respect to a particular class or series of stock, when required by the 1940 Act to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual class or series), shall be necessary to effect:

(i) Any amendment to the Charter to make the Common Stock a “redeemable security” or any other proposal to convert the Corporation, whether by merger or otherwise, from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company” (as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act);

(ii) The liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation and any amendment to the Charter to effect any such liquidation or dissolution;

 

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(iii) Any amendment to, or any amendment inconsistent with, the provisions of Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.6, Section 6.6, Section 7.1 or this Section 7.2;

(iv) Any merger, conversion, consolidation, share exchange or sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation that the MGCL requires be approved by the stockholders of the Corporation; and

(v) Any transaction between the Corporation and a person, or group of persons acting together (including, without limitation, a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provision), that is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise, or acquire the right to exercise or direct the exercise, directly or indirectly, other than solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, of one-tenth or more of the voting power in the election of directors generally, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any such person or member of such group;

provided, however, that, if the Continuing Directors (as defined herein), by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, in addition to approval by the Board of Directors, approve such proposal, transaction or amendment, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast shall be sufficient to approve such proposal, transaction or amendment; and provided further, that, with respect to any proposal, transaction or amendment referred to in (v) above, if such proposal, transaction or amendment is approved by the Continuing Directors, by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, no stockholder approval of such proposal, transaction or amendment shall be required unless the MGCL or another provision of the Charter or Bylaws otherwise requires such approval.

(b) Continuing Directors. “Continuing Directors” means (i) the named directors identified in Section 5.1, (ii) the directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board is approved by a majority of the directors identified in Section 5.1, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable, or (iii) any successor directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors or successor Continuing Directors, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable.

ARTICLE VIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability. To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.

Section 8.2 Indemnification and Advance of Expenses. To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to

 

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indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity and (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity, in either case, from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer. The Corporation may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, provide such indemnification and advance of expenses to an individual who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided in the Charter shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

Section 8.3 1940 Act. The provisions of this Article VIII shall be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act.

Section 8.4 Amendment or Repeal. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sections of this Article VIII with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these Articles of Incorporation and acknowledge the same to be my act on this 2nd day of April, 2021.

 

/s/ Hirsh Ament

Hirsh Ament

Incorporator

 

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PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I

INCORPORATOR

The undersigned, Hirsh Ament, whose address is c/o Venable LLP, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202, being at least 18 years of age, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland.

ARTICLE II

NAME

The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to conduct and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.

ARTICLE IV

PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

ARTICLE V

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING

AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE

CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 5.1 Number, Vacancies, Classification and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of


Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation initially shall be one, which number may be increased or decreased only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). Each director shall have the qualifications, if any, specified in the Bylaws.

Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The Corporation elects, effective at such time as it becomes eligible under Section 3-802 of the MGCL to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, that, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) or as may be required by the 1940 Act, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors remaining in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies. The name of the director who shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualifies is Christopher Kelley.

On the first date on which the Corporation has more than one stockholder of record, the directors (other than any director elected solely by holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock in connection with dividend arrearages) shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into three classes as determined by the Board of Directors, with a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, and a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, with each director to hold office until her or his successor is duly elected and qualifies. At each annual meeting of the stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to the classification of directors, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following the meeting at which they were elected and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.

Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, each director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

Section 5.2 Extraordinary Actions. Except as specifically provided in Section 5.6 (relating to removal of directors), and in Section 7.2 (relating to certain actions and certain amendments to the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”)), notwithstanding any provision of law requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and taken or approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Section 5.3 Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its

 

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stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration, if any, as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Charter or the Bylaws.

Section 5.4 Preemptive Rights and Appraisal Rights. Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 6.4 or as may otherwise be provided by a contract approved by the Board of Directors, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell. Holders of shares of stock of the Corporation shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon such terms and conditions as specified by the Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any shares of all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

Section 5.5 Determinations by Board. The determination as to any of the following matters, made by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock: the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, acquisition of its stock or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, cash flow, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; 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); any interpretation or resolution of any ambiguity with respect to any provision of the Charter (including any of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation) or of the Bylaws; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any shares of stock of the Corporation; the number of shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; any interpretation of the terms and conditions of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization; the compensation of directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.6 Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. For the purpose of this paragraph, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Corporation through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.

 

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Section 5.7 Corporate Opportunities. The Corporation shall have the power, by resolution of the Board of Directors, to renounce any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities or classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the Corporation or developed by or presented to one or more directors or officers of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK

Section 6.1 Authorized Shares. The Corporation has authority to issue 1,100,000,000 shares of stock, initially consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $1,100,000. If shares of one class or series of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class or series of stock pursuant to this Article VI, the number of authorized shares of the former class or series shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class or series shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes and series that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. The Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors and without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

Section 6.2 Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series of stock.

Section 6.3 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of Preferred Stock.

Section 6.4 Classified or Reclassified Shares. Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers (including exclusive voting rights, if any), restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland. Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 6.4 may

 

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be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary or other Charter document.

Section 6.5 Inspection of Books and Records. A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

Section 6.6 Charter and Bylaws. The rights of all stockholders and the terms of all stock of the Corporation are subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws.

Section 6.7 Special Meetings of Stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders requested by the stockholders may only be called upon the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting in accordance with the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS; CERTAIN EXTRAORDINARY TRANSACTIONS

Section 7.1 Amendments Generally. The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to the Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock. All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors and officers are granted subject to this reservation.

Section 7.2. Approval of Certain Extraordinary Actions and Charter Amendments.

(a) Required Votes. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, each voting as a separate class (except as provided with respect to a particular class or series of stock, when required by the 1940 Act to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual class or series), shall be necessary to effect:

(i) Any amendment to the Charter to make the Common Stock a “redeemable security” or any other proposal to convert the Corporation, whether by merger or otherwise, from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company” (as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act);

(ii) The liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation and any amendment to the Charter to effect any such liquidation or dissolution;

 

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(iii) Any amendment to, or any amendment inconsistent with, the provisions of Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.6, Section 6.6, Section 7.1 or this Section 7.2;

(iv) Any merger, conversion, consolidation, share exchange or sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation that the MGCL requires be approved by the stockholders of the Corporation; and

(v) Any transaction between the Corporation and a person, or group of persons acting together (including, without limitation, a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provision), that is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise, or acquire the right to exercise or direct the exercise, directly or indirectly, other than solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, of one-tenth or more of the voting power in the election of directors generally, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any such person or member of such group;

provided, however, that, if the Continuing Directors (as defined herein), by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, in addition to approval by the Board of Directors, approve such proposal, transaction or amendment, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast shall be sufficient to approve such proposal, transaction or amendment; and provided further, that, with respect to any proposal, transaction or amendment referred to in (v) above, if such proposal, transaction or amendment is approved by the Continuing Directors, by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, no stockholder approval of such proposal, transaction or amendment shall be required unless the MGCL or another provision of the Charter or Bylaws otherwise requires such approval.

(b) Continuing Directors. “Continuing Directors” means (i) the named directors identified in Section 5.1, (ii) the directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board is approved by a majority of the directors identified in Section 5.1, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable, or (iii) any successor directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors or successor Continuing Directors, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable.

ARTICLE VIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability. To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.

Section 8.2 Indemnification and Advance of Expenses. To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to

 

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indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity and (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity, in either case, from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer. The Corporation may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, provide such indemnification and advance of expenses to an individual who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided in the Charter shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

Section 8.3 1940 Act. The provisions of this Article VIII shall be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act.

Section 8.4 Amendment or Repeal. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sections of this Article VIII with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these Articles of Incorporation and acknowledge the same to be my act on this 2nd day of April, 2021.

 

/s/ Hirsh Ament
Hirsh Ament
Incorporator

 

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PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME ADVANTAGE FUND, INC.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I

INCORPORATOR

The undersigned, Hirsh Ament, whose address is c/o Venable LLP, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202, being at least 18 years of age, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland.

ARTICLE II

NAME

The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Fund, Inc.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to conduct and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.

ARTICLE IV

PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

ARTICLE V

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING

AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE

CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 5.1 Number, Vacancies, Classification and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of


Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation initially shall be one, which number may be increased or decreased only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). Each director shall have the qualifications, if any, specified in the Bylaws.

Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The Corporation elects, effective at such time as it becomes eligible under Section 3-802 of the MGCL to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, that, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) or as may be required by the 1940 Act, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors remaining in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies. The name of the director who shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualifies is Christopher Kelley.

On the first date on which the Corporation has more than one stockholder of record, the directors (other than any director elected solely by holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock in connection with dividend arrearages) shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into three classes as determined by the Board of Directors, with a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, and a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, with each director to hold office until her or his successor is duly elected and qualifies. At each annual meeting of the stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to the classification of directors, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following the meeting at which they were elected and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.

Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, each director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

Section 5.2 Extraordinary Actions. Except as specifically provided in Section 5.6 (relating to removal of directors), and in Section 7.2 (relating to certain actions and certain amendments to the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”)), notwithstanding any provision of law requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and taken or approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Section 5.3 Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration, if any, as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Charter or the Bylaws.

 

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Section 5.4 Preemptive Rights and Appraisal Rights. Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 6.4 or as may otherwise be provided by a contract approved by the Board of Directors, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell. Holders of shares of stock of the Corporation shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon such terms and conditions as specified by the Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any shares of all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

Section 5.5 Determinations by Board. The determination as to any of the following matters, made by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock: the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, acquisition of its stock or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, cash flow, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; 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); any interpretation or resolution of any ambiguity with respect to any provision of the Charter (including any of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation) or of the Bylaws; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any shares of stock of the Corporation; the number of shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; any interpretation of the terms and conditions of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization; the compensation of directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.6 Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. For the purpose of this paragraph, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Corporation through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.

 

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Section 5.7 Corporate Opportunities. The Corporation shall have the power, by resolution of the Board of Directors, to renounce any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities or classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the Corporation or developed by or presented to one or more directors or officers of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK

Section 6.1 Authorized Shares. The Corporation has authority to issue 1,100,000,000 shares of stock, initially consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $1,100,000. If shares of one class or series of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class or series of stock pursuant to this Article VI, the number of authorized shares of the former class or series shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class or series shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes and series that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. The Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors and without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

Section 6.2 Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series of stock.

Section 6.3 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of Preferred Stock.

Section 6.4 Classified or Reclassified Shares. Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers (including exclusive voting rights, if any), restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland. Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 6.4 may be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including

 

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determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary or other Charter document.

Section 6.5 Inspection of Books and Records. A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

Section 6.6 Charter and Bylaws. The rights of all stockholders and the terms of all stock of the Corporation are subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws.

Section 6.7 Special Meetings of Stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders requested by the stockholders may only be called upon the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting in accordance with the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS; CERTAIN EXTRAORDINARY TRANSACTIONS

Section 7.1 Amendments Generally. The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to the Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock. All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors and officers are granted subject to this reservation.

Section 7.2. Approval of Certain Extraordinary Actions and Charter Amendments.

(a) Required Votes. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, each voting as a separate class (except as provided with respect to a particular class or series of stock, when required by the 1940 Act to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual class or series), shall be necessary to effect:

(i) Any amendment to the Charter to make the Common Stock a “redeemable security” or any other proposal to convert the Corporation, whether by merger or otherwise, from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company” (as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act);

(ii) The liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation and any amendment to the Charter to effect any such liquidation or dissolution;

 

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(iii) Any amendment to, or any amendment inconsistent with, the provisions of Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.6, Section 6.6, Section 7.1 or this Section 7.2;

(iv) Any merger, conversion, consolidation, share exchange or sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation that the MGCL requires be approved by the stockholders of the Corporation; and

(v) Any transaction between the Corporation and a person, or group of persons acting together (including, without limitation, a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provision), that is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise, or acquire the right to exercise or direct the exercise, directly or indirectly, other than solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, of one-tenth or more of the voting power in the election of directors generally, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any such person or member of such group;

provided, however, that, if the Continuing Directors (as defined herein), by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, in addition to approval by the Board of Directors, approve such proposal, transaction or amendment, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast shall be sufficient to approve such proposal, transaction or amendment; and provided further, that, with respect to any proposal, transaction or amendment referred to in (v) above, if such proposal, transaction or amendment is approved by the Continuing Directors, by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, no stockholder approval of such proposal, transaction or amendment shall be required unless the MGCL or another provision of the Charter or Bylaws otherwise requires such approval.

(b) Continuing Directors. “Continuing Directors” means (i) the named directors identified in Section 5.1, (ii) the directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board is approved by a majority of the directors identified in Section 5.1, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable, or (iii) any successor directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors or successor Continuing Directors, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable.

ARTICLE VIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability. To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.

Section 8.2 Indemnification and Advance of Expenses. To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to

 

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indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity and (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity, in either case, from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer. The Corporation may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, provide such indemnification and advance of expenses to an individual who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided in the Charter shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

Section 8.3 1940 Act. The provisions of this Article VIII shall be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act.

Section 8.4 Amendment or Repeal. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sections of this Article VIII with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these Articles of Incorporation and acknowledge the same to be my act on this 2nd day of April, 2021.

 

/s/ Hirsh Ament
Hirsh Ament
Incorporator

 

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PIONEER HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I

INCORPORATOR

The undersigned, Hirsh Ament, whose address is c/o Venable LLP, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202, being at least 18 years of age, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland.

ARTICLE II

NAME

The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to conduct and carry on the business of a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.

ARTICLE IV

PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

ARTICLE V

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING

AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE

CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 5.1 Number, Vacancies, Classification and Election of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of


Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation initially shall be one, which number may be increased or decreased only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). Each director shall have the qualifications, if any, specified in the Bylaws.

Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The Corporation elects, effective at such time as it becomes eligible under Section 3-802 of the MGCL to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, that, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) or as may be required by the 1940 Act, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors remaining in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies. The name of the director who shall serve until his successor is duly elected and qualifies is Christopher Kelley.

On the first date on which the Corporation has more than one stockholder of record, the directors (other than any director elected solely by holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock in connection with dividend arrearages) shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into three classes as determined by the Board of Directors, with a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, and a class of directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to their election, with each director to hold office until her or his successor is duly elected and qualifies. At each annual meeting of the stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders subsequent to the classification of directors, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following the meeting at which they were elected and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.

Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, each director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

Section 5.2 Extraordinary Actions. Except as specifically provided in Section 5.6 (relating to removal of directors), and in Section 7.2 (relating to certain actions and certain amendments to the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”)), notwithstanding any provision of law requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and taken or approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Section 5.3 Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its

 

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stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration, if any, as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Charter or the Bylaws.

Section 5.4 Preemptive Rights and Appraisal Rights. Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 6.4 or as may otherwise be provided by a contract approved by the Board of Directors, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell. Holders of shares of stock of the Corporation shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon such terms and conditions as specified by the Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any shares of all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

Section 5.5 Determinations by Board. The determination as to any of the following matters, made by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock: the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, acquisition of its stock or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, cash flow, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; 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); any interpretation or resolution of any ambiguity with respect to any provision of the Charter (including any of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation) or of the Bylaws; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any shares of stock of the Corporation; the number of shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; any interpretation of the terms and conditions of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization; the compensation of directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.6 Removal of Directors. Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. For the purpose of this paragraph, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Corporation through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.

 

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Section 5.7 Corporate Opportunities. The Corporation shall have the power, by resolution of the Board of Directors, to renounce any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities or classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the Corporation or developed by or presented to one or more directors or officers of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

STOCK

Section 6.1 Authorized Shares. The Corporation has authority to issue 1,100,000,000 shares of stock, initially consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $1,100,000. If shares of one class or series of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class or series of stock pursuant to this Article VI, the number of authorized shares of the former class or series shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class or series shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes and series that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. The Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors and without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

Section 6.2 Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series of stock.

Section 6.3 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of Preferred Stock.

Section 6.4 Classified or Reclassified Shares. Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers (including exclusive voting rights, if any), restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland. Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 6.4 may

 

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be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary or other Charter document.

Section 6.5 Inspection of Books and Records. A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

Section 6.6 Charter and Bylaws. The rights of all stockholders and the terms of all stock of the Corporation are subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws.

Section 6.7 Special Meetings of Stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders requested by the stockholders may only be called upon the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting in accordance with the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS; CERTAIN EXTRAORDINARY TRANSACTIONS

Section 7.1 Amendments Generally. The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to the Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock. All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors and officers are granted subject to this reservation.

Section 7.2. Approval of Certain Extraordinary Actions and Charter Amendments.

(a) Required Votes. The affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast at least three-quarters of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, each voting as a separate class (except as provided with respect to a particular class or series of stock, when required by the 1940 Act to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual class or series), shall be necessary to effect:

(i) Any amendment to the Charter to make the Common Stock a “redeemable security” or any other proposal to convert the Corporation, whether by merger or otherwise, from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company” (as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act);

(ii) The liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation and any amendment to the Charter to effect any such liquidation or dissolution;

 

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(iii) Any amendment to, or any amendment inconsistent with, the provisions of Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.6, Section 6.6, Section 7.1 or this Section 7.2;

(iv) Any merger, conversion, consolidation, share exchange or sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation that the MGCL requires be approved by the stockholders of the Corporation; and

(v) Any transaction between the Corporation and a person, or group of persons acting together (including, without limitation, a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provision), that is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise, or acquire the right to exercise or direct the exercise, directly or indirectly, other than solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, of one-tenth or more of the voting power in the election of directors generally, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any such person or member of such group;

provided, however, that, if the Continuing Directors (as defined herein), by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, in addition to approval by the Board of Directors, approve such proposal, transaction or amendment, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast shall be sufficient to approve such proposal, transaction or amendment; and provided further, that, with respect to any proposal, transaction or amendment referred to in (v) above, if such proposal, transaction or amendment is approved by the Continuing Directors, by a vote of at least three-quarters of such Continuing Directors, no stockholder approval of such proposal, transaction or amendment shall be required unless the MGCL or another provision of the Charter or Bylaws otherwise requires such approval.

(b) Continuing Directors. “Continuing Directors” means (i) the named directors identified in Section 5.1, (ii) the directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board is approved by a majority of the directors identified in Section 5.1, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable, or (iii) any successor directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors or successor Continuing Directors, who are on the Board at the time of the nomination or election, as applicable.

ARTICLE VIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability. To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.

Section 8.2 Indemnification and Advance of Expenses. To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to

 

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indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity and (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity, in either case, from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer. The Corporation may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, provide such indemnification and advance of expenses to an individual who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided in the Charter shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

Section 8.3 1940 Act. The provisions of this Article VIII shall be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act.

Section 8.4 Amendment or Repeal. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sections of this Article VIII with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these Articles of Incorporation and acknowledge the same to be my act on this 2nd day of April, 2021.

 

/s/ Hirsh Ament
Hirsh Ament
Incorporator

 

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PIONEER FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS.

(a) General. Each of the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president and Board of Directors may call a special meeting of stockholders. Except as provided in subsection (b)(4) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors, whoever has called the meeting. Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting (the “Special Meeting Percentage”).

(b) Stockholder-Requested Special Meetings. (1) Any stockholder of record seeking to have stockholders request a special meeting shall, by sending written notice to the secretary (the “Record Date Request Notice”) by registered mail, return receipt requested, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date to determine the stockholders entitled to request a special meeting (the “Request Record Date”). The Record Date Request Notice shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it, shall be signed by one or more stockholders of record as of the date of signature (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the Record Date Request Notice), shall bear the date of signature of


each such stockholder (or such agent) and shall set forth all information relating to each such stockholder and each matter proposed to be acted on at the meeting that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such a solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”). Upon receiving the Record Date Request Notice, the Board of Directors may fix a Request Record Date. The Request Record Date shall not precede and shall not be more than ten days after the close of business on the date on which the resolution fixing the Request Record Date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors, within 30 days after the date on which a valid Record Date Request Notice is received, fails to adopt a resolution fixing the Request Record Date, the Request Record Date shall be the close of business on the 30th day after the first date on which a Record Date Request Notice is received by the secretary or, if such 30th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day.

(2) In order for any stockholder to request a special meeting to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders, one or more written requests for a special meeting (collectively, the “Special Meeting Request”) signed by stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the request) as of the Request Record Date entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage shall be delivered to the secretary. In addition, the Special Meeting Request shall (a) set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it (which shall be limited to those lawful matters set forth in the Record Date Request Notice received by the secretary), (b) bear the date of signature of each such stockholder (or such agent) signing the Special Meeting Request, (c) set forth (i) the name and address, as they appear in the Corporation’s books, of each stockholder signing such request (or on whose behalf the Special Meeting Request is signed), (ii) the class, series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned (beneficially or of record) by each such stockholder and (iii) the nominee holder for, and number of, shares of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, (d) be sent to the secretary by registered mail, return receipt requested, and (e) be received by the secretary within 60 days after the Request Record Date. Any requesting stockholder (or agent duly authorized in a writing accompanying the revocation of the Special Meeting Request) may revoke his, her or its request for a special meeting at any time by written revocation delivered to the secretary.

(3) The secretary shall inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Corporation’s proxy materials). The secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon stockholder request and such meeting shall not be held unless, in addition to the documents required by paragraph (2) of this Section 3(b), the secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

(4) In the case of any special meeting called by the secretary upon the request of stockholders (a “Stockholder-Requested Meeting”), such meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the

 

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date of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting shall be not more than 90 days after the record date for such meeting (the “Meeting Record Date”); and provided further that if the Board of Directors fails to designate, within ten days after the date that a valid Special Meeting Request is actually received by the secretary (the “Delivery Date”), a date and time for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, then such meeting shall be held at 2:00 p.m., local time, on the 90th day after the Meeting Record Date or, if such 90th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day; and provided further that in the event that the Board of Directors fails to designate a place for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting within ten days after the Delivery Date, then such meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation. In fixing a date for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, the Board of Directors may consider such factors as it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the nature of the matters to be considered, the facts and circumstances surrounding any request for the meeting and any plan of the Board of Directors to call an annual meeting or a special meeting. In the case of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting, if the Board of Directors fails to fix a Meeting Record Date that is a date within 30 days after the Delivery Date, then the close of business on the 30th day after the Delivery Date or, if such 30th day after the Delivery Date is not a Business Day (as defined below), the first preceding Business Day, shall be the Meeting Record Date. The Board of Directors may revoke the notice for any Stockholder-Requested Meeting in the event that the requesting stockholders fail to comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Section 3(b).

(5) If written revocations of the Special Meeting Request have been delivered to the secretary and the result is that stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in writing), as of the Request Record Date, entitled to cast less than the Special Meeting Percentage have delivered, and not revoked, requests for a special meeting on the matter to the secretary: (i) if the notice of meeting has not already been delivered, the secretary shall refrain from delivering the notice of the meeting and send to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked such requests written notice of any revocation of a request for a special meeting on the matter, or (ii) if the notice of meeting has been delivered and if the secretary first sends to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked requests for a special meeting on the matter written notice of any revocation of a request for the special meeting and written notice of the Corporation’s intention to revoke the notice of the meeting or for the chair of the meeting to adjourn the meeting without action on the matter, (A) the secretary may revoke the notice of the meeting at any time before ten days before the commencement of the meeting or (B) the chair of the meeting may call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting from time to time without acting on the matter. Any request for a special meeting received after a revocation by the secretary of a notice of a meeting shall be considered a request for a new special meeting.

(6) The chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors may appoint regionally or nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections to act as the agent of the Corporation for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of any purported Special Meeting Request received by the secretary. For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no such purported Special Meeting Request shall be deemed to have been received by the secretary until the earlier of (i) five Business Days after actual receipt by the secretary of such purported request and (ii) such date as the independent inspectors certify to the Corporation that the valid requests received by the secretary represent, as of the Request Record Date, stockholders of record entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage. Nothing contained in this paragraph (6) shall in any

 

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way be construed to suggest or imply that the Corporation or any stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any request, whether during or after such five Business Day period, or to 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).

(7) For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Section 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. The Corporation may give a single notice to all stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any stockholder at such address, unless such stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting. Such notice will also specify the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting.

Subject to Section 11(a) of this Article II, any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice. The Corporation may postpone or cancel a meeting of stockholders by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

Section 5. ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT. Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chair of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the chair of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chair of the board, by one of the following individuals present at the meeting in the following order: the lead independent director, if there is one, the chief executive officer, the president, the vice presidents in their

 

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order of rank and, within each rank, in their order of seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chair chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the secretary, an assistant secretary or an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. Even if present at the meeting, the person holding the office named herein may delegate to another person the power to act as chair or secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chair of the meeting. The chair of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of the chair and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance or participation at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and such other individuals as the chair of the meeting may determine; (c) recognizing speakers at the meeting and determining when and for how long speakers and any individual speaker may address the meeting; (d) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed and when announcement of the results should be made; (e) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (f) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chair of the meeting; (g) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting (with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting), whether or not a quorum is present, to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (h) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security. Unless otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with any rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 6. QUORUM. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting (without regard to class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders, except with respect to any matter that, under applicable law or regulatory requirements or the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”), requires approval by a separate vote of the holders of one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of stock of each such class on such a matter shall constitute a quorum. This section shall not affect any requirement under law or the Charter for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter.

If, however, such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chair of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

 

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Section 7. VOTING. A majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Each share entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the holder of such share is entitled to vote. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless a different number or proportion is required by any law or the Charter. Unless otherwise provided by any law or the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders and fractional shares shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote on any matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Section 8. PROXIES. A stockholder of record may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 9. VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, managing member, manager, general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any trustee or fiduciary, in such capacity, may vote stock registered in such trustee’s or fiduciary’s name, either in person or by proxy.

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

 

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Section 10. INSPECTORS. The Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector. Except as otherwise provided by the chair of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chair of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

Section 11. ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND OTHER STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. (1) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in this Section 11(a) and at the time of the annual meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 11(a).

(2) In addition to complying with any other requirements under all applicable federal and state laws, including the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Charter and these Bylaws, for any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 11, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of any such other business, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, in order for notice by the stockholder to be timely, such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the

 

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date of such meeting is first made; provided further, that, for notice of any nomination or other business to be properly brought before the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11, and shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. If a stockholder of record is entitled to vote only for a specific class or category of directors at a meeting (annual or special), such stockholder’s right to nominate one or more individuals for election as a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.

(3) Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

(i) as to each individual whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”),

(A) all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act;

(B) a representation that the Proposed Nominee is not and will not be an “interested person” of the Corporation (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)), and information regarding the Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, for the Corporation to confirm such representation; and

(C) a representation that the Proposed Nominee meets all applicable legal requirements relevant to service as a director, including, but not limited to, the rules adopted by the principal listing exchange (if any) upon which Corporation’s securities are listed, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto), Article 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act with respect to the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm (or any successor provision thereto) and any other criteria established by the 1940 Act related to service as a director of a management investment company or the permitted composition of the board of directors of a management investment company, together with information regarding such Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, to confirm such representation;

(ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting,

(A) a description of such business (including the text of any resolution proposed for consideration), the stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom; and

 

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(B) whether the stockholder has received any financial assistance, funding or other consideration from any Stockholder Associated Person in respect of the proposal and the details thereof;

(iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person,

(A) the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, and any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person;

(B) the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) whether and the extent to which such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last twelve months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit of changes in the price of (x) Company Securities or (y) any security of any other closed-end investment company (a “Peer Group Company”) for such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company) disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company); and

(D) any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

(iv) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 11(a) and any Proposed Nominee,

 

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(A) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, and the current name and business address, if different, of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee;

(B) the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) and relationships with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among the stockholder, any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the nomination or proposal of such business, and any material interest of such person in such nomination or business, including any anticipated benefit therefrom to such person; and

(D)a description of all commercial and professional relationships and transactions between or among the stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons known to such stockholder or any such Stockholder Associated Person to have a material interest in the matter that is the subject of such notice; and

(v) to the extent known by the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a director or the proposal of other business on the date of such stockholder’s notice.

(4) Such stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a written undertaking executed by the Proposed Nominee (i) certifying that such Proposed Nominee (a) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (b) will serve as a director of the Corporation if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporation, upon request, to the stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Corporation’s securities are listed or traded).

(5) The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, sit for an interview with one or more directors or their representatives, which interview may, in the discretion of the Board of Directors be conducted by means of remote communication. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to participate in such interview will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws. The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, consent to and cooperate with a background screening conducted by a background screening company selected by the Board of

 

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Directors with experience in conducting background screenings of public company directors. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to cooperate with such a background screening will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws.

(6) For a stockholder notice to comply with the requirements of this Section 11, each of the requirements of this Section 11 shall be directly and expressly responded to and such stockholder notice must clearly indicate and expressly reference, for all information disclosed in the stockholder notice, the provisions of this Section 11 for which such information is provided.

(7) Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 11 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, and there is no public announcement of such action at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 11(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(8) For purposes of this Section 11, “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder means (i) any person acting in concert with such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder (other than a stockholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person or is an officer, director, partner, member, employee or agent of such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 3 of this Article II for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting, at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11 and at the time of the special meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 11. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a director as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this Section 11 shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public

 

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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. Any individual nominated in accordance with this paragraph (b) of this Section 11 shall be obligated to comply with paragraph (a)(5) of this Section 11. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General. (1) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 11 by any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, or if the stockholder otherwise fails to comply with this Section 11, such information, nomination or proposal may be deemed not to have been provided or made in accordance with this Section 11. Any such stockholder shall notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two Business Days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any such information. Upon written request by the secretary of the Corporation or the Board of Directors, any such stockholder shall provide, within five Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11, and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Corporation, written confirmation by such stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11 as of an earlier date. If a stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.

(2) Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 11 shall be eligible for election by stockholders as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 11. The chair of the meeting shall have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 11. Determinations by the chair of the meeting with respect to compliance of any proposed nomination or business and/or any information submitted to the Corporation by a stockholders or a Proposed Nominee pursuant to this Section 11 shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

(3) For purposes of this Section 11, (A) “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e), as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, (B) with respect to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the “preceding year’s annual meeting” shall mean the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of Pioneer Floating Rate Trust, and (C) “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service or (ii) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or the 1940 Act.

 

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(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, and in addition to the requirements thereof, a stockholder shall also have complied with all applicable requirements of state law and of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the acquisition, holding or voting of shares, the disclosure of beneficial ownership of shares or changes therein, the disclosure of any intention to make any proposals with respect to the Corporation or that would affect the management or control of the Corporation, all other required disclosures, and the solicitation of proxies or written consents, or otherwise related to the matters set forth in this Section 11. Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Corporation to omit a proposal from, the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act. Nothing in this Section 11 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

(5) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, if the stockholder giving notice as provided for in this Section 11 does not appear in person or by proxy at such annual or special meeting to present each nominee for election as a director or the proposed business, as applicable, such matter shall not be considered at the meeting.

Section 12. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

Section 13. MARYLAND CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 3-702(c)(4) of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), the Corporation is subject to Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL (the “Control Share Act”), which shall apply to any acquisition or proposed acquisition of shares of stock of the Corporation to the extent provided in the Control Share Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Control Share Act shall not apply to the voting rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock of the Corporation (but only with respect to such shares).

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

Section 2. NUMBER AND TENURE. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the

 

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Board of Directors, the chair of the board or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held from time to time at such places and times as provided by the Board of Directors by resolution, without notice other than such resolution.

Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without notice other than such resolution.

Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, United States mail or courier to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to any law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

 

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The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

Section 7. VOTING. The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws. If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws.

Section 8. ORGANIZATION. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or, in the absence of the chair, the vice chair of the board, if any, shall act as chair of the meeting. In the absence of both the chair and vice chair of the board, the chief executive officer or, in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president or, in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chair of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chair of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting

Section 9. CHAIR. The Board of Directors may designate from among its members a chair and a vice chair of the board, who shall not, solely by reason of such designation, be officers of the Corporation but shall have such powers and duties as specified in these Bylaws or determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 10. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 11. CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Section 12. VACANCIES. If for any reason any or all of the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder. Subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, (a) any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum and (b) any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

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Section 13. COMPENSATION. Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year and/or per meeting (including telephonic meetings) and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with any service or activity they perform or engage in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 14. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No director shall be liable for any loss which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or stock have been deposited.

Section 15. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no director shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

Section 16. RELIANCE. Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

Section 17. RATIFICATION. The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify any act, omission, failure to act or determination made not to act (an “Act”) by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the Act and, if so ratified, such Act shall have the same force and effect as if originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders. Any Act questioned in any proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and such ratification shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned Act.

Section 18. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Charter or these Bylaws, this Section 18 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors under Article III of these Bylaws cannot readily be obtained (an “Emergency”). During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, (i) a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any director or officer by any means

 

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feasible under the circumstances; (ii) notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an Emergency may be given less than 24 hours prior to the meeting to as many directors and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio; and (iii) the number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum shall be one-third of the entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Independent Directors Committee, an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Policy Administration Committee, a Valuation Committee and one or more other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. POWERS. The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, any committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority to one or more subcommittees, composed of one or more directors, as the committee deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 3. MEETINGS. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chair of any committee, and such chair or, in the absence of a chair, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide.

Section 4. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 5. CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to appoint the chair of any committee, to fill any vacancy, to designate an alternate member to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

 

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ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, a chief compliance officer, chief legal officer, chief investment officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation, including any officers elected to fill a vacancy among the officers, shall be elected by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or the president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers or any other officers. Each officer shall serve for the term specified by the Board of Directors or the appointing officer or, if no such term is specified, until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.

Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer. In the absence of such designation, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

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Section 5. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief operating officer. The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief financial officer. The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 7. CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief compliance officer to the extent required by, and consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The chief compliance officer, subject to the discretion of and reporting to the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the oversight of the Company’s compliance with the federal securities laws and other applicable regulatory requirements. The designation, compensation and removal of the chief compliance officer shall be approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law. The chief compliance officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 8. PRESIDENT. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 9. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 10. SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 11. TREASURER. The treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 12. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

Section 13. COMPENSATION. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, officers shall not receive any stated salary or other compensation for their services as officers.

ARTICLE VI

CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors or any manager of the Corporation approved by the Board of Directors and acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement with the Corporation may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors or a manager acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement and executed by the chief executive officer, the president or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or such a manager.

Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Corporation as the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors may determine.

 

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ARTICLE VII

STOCK

Section 1. CERTIFICATES. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock held by them. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in any manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no difference in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

Section 2. TRANSFERS. All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed. The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share 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 or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation has determined that such certificates may be issued. Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

 

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Section 4. FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such record date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if postponed or adjourned, except if the meeting is postponed or adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting shall be determined as set forth herein.

Section 5. STOCK LEDGER. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

Section 6. FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional stock on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine.

ARTICLE VIII

ACCOUNTING YEAR

The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

ARTICLE IX

DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.

Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

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ARTICLE X

SEAL

Section 1. SEAL. The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words “Incorporated Maryland,” or shall be in such other form as may approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE XII

INSPECTION OF RECORDS

A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

ARTICLE XIII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LITIGATION

Section 1. CERTAIN STATE LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City,

 

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Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, (b) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, other than actions arising under United States federal securities laws, (c) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the stockholders of the Corporation, (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or the Charter or these Bylaws, or (e) any other action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. None of the foregoing actions, claims or proceedings may be brought in any court sitting outside the State of Maryland unless the Corporation consents in writing to such court.

Section 2. SECURITIES LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the United States federal securities laws.

ARTICLE XIV

PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT WITH LAW OR REGULATION

The provisions of these Bylaws are severable, and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any of such provisions is in conflict with any applicable binding law or regulation, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of these Bylaws; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these Bylaws or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.

ARTICLE XV

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power, at any time, to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.

 

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PIONEER DIVERSIFIED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS.

(a) General. Each of the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president and Board of Directors may call a special meeting of stockholders. Except as provided in subsection (b)(4) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors, whoever has called the meeting. Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting (the “Special Meeting Percentage”).

(b) Stockholder-Requested Special Meetings. (1) Any stockholder of record seeking to have stockholders request a special meeting shall, by sending written notice to the secretary (the “Record Date Request Notice”) by registered mail, return receipt requested, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date to determine the stockholders entitled to request a special meeting (the “Request Record Date”). The Record Date Request Notice shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it, shall be signed by one or more stockholders of record as of the date of signature (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the Record Date Request Notice), shall bear the date of signature of


each such stockholder (or such agent) and shall set forth all information relating to each such stockholder and each matter proposed to be acted on at the meeting that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such a solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”). Upon receiving the Record Date Request Notice, the Board of Directors may fix a Request Record Date. The Request Record Date shall not precede and shall not be more than ten days after the close of business on the date on which the resolution fixing the Request Record Date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors, within 30 days after the date on which a valid Record Date Request Notice is received, fails to adopt a resolution fixing the Request Record Date, the Request Record Date shall be the close of business on the 30th day after the first date on which a Record Date Request Notice is received by the secretary or, if such 30th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day.

(2) In order for any stockholder to request a special meeting to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders, one or more written requests for a special meeting (collectively, the “Special Meeting Request”) signed by stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the request) as of the Request Record Date entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage shall be delivered to the secretary. In addition, the Special Meeting Request shall (a) set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it (which shall be limited to those lawful matters set forth in the Record Date Request Notice received by the secretary), (b) bear the date of signature of each such stockholder (or such agent) signing the Special Meeting Request, (c) set forth (i) the name and address, as they appear in the Corporation’s books, of each stockholder signing such request (or on whose behalf the Special Meeting Request is signed), (ii) the class, series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned (beneficially or of record) by each such stockholder and (iii) the nominee holder for, and number of, shares of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, (d) be sent to the secretary by registered mail, return receipt requested, and (e) be received by the secretary within 60 days after the Request Record Date. Any requesting stockholder (or agent duly authorized in a writing accompanying the revocation of the Special Meeting Request) may revoke his, her or its request for a special meeting at any time by written revocation delivered to the secretary.

(3) The secretary shall inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Corporation’s proxy materials). The secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon stockholder request and such meeting shall not be held unless, in addition to the documents required by paragraph (2) of this Section 3(b), the secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

(4) In the case of any special meeting called by the secretary upon the request of stockholders (a “Stockholder-Requested Meeting”), such meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the

 

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date of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting shall be not more than 90 days after the record date for such meeting (the “Meeting Record Date”); and provided further that if the Board of Directors fails to designate, within ten days after the date that a valid Special Meeting Request is actually received by the secretary (the “Delivery Date”), a date and time for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, then such meeting shall be held at 2:00 p.m., local time, on the 90th day after the Meeting Record Date or, if such 90th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day; and provided further that in the event that the Board of Directors fails to designate a place for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting within ten days after the Delivery Date, then such meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation. In fixing a date for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, the Board of Directors may consider such factors as it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the nature of the matters to be considered, the facts and circumstances surrounding any request for the meeting and any plan of the Board of Directors to call an annual meeting or a special meeting. In the case of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting, if the Board of Directors fails to fix a Meeting Record Date that is a date within 30 days after the Delivery Date, then the close of business on the 30th day after the Delivery Date or, if such 30th day after the Delivery Date is not a Business Day (as defined below), the first preceding Business Day, shall be the Meeting Record Date. The Board of Directors may revoke the notice for any Stockholder-Requested Meeting in the event that the requesting stockholders fail to comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Section 3(b).

(5) If written revocations of the Special Meeting Request have been delivered to the secretary and the result is that stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in writing), as of the Request Record Date, entitled to cast less than the Special Meeting Percentage have delivered, and not revoked, requests for a special meeting on the matter to the secretary: (i) if the notice of meeting has not already been delivered, the secretary shall refrain from delivering the notice of the meeting and send to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked such requests written notice of any revocation of a request for a special meeting on the matter, or (ii) if the notice of meeting has been delivered and if the secretary first sends to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked requests for a special meeting on the matter written notice of any revocation of a request for the special meeting and written notice of the Corporation’s intention to revoke the notice of the meeting or for the chair of the meeting to adjourn the meeting without action on the matter, (A) the secretary may revoke the notice of the meeting at any time before ten days before the commencement of the meeting or (B) the chair of the meeting may call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting from time to time without acting on the matter. Any request for a special meeting received after a revocation by the secretary of a notice of a meeting shall be considered a request for a new special meeting.

(6) The chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors may appoint regionally or nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections to act as the agent of the Corporation for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of any purported Special Meeting Request received by the secretary. For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no such purported Special Meeting Request shall be deemed to have been received by the secretary until the earlier of (i) five Business Days after actual receipt by the secretary of such purported request and (ii) such date as the independent inspectors certify to the Corporation that the valid requests received by the secretary represent, as of the Request Record Date, stockholders of record entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage. Nothing contained in this paragraph (6) shall in any

 

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way be construed to suggest or imply that the Corporation or any stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any request, whether during or after such five Business Day period, or to 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).

(7) For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Section 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. The Corporation may give a single notice to all stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any stockholder at such address, unless such stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting. Such notice will also specify the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting.

Subject to Section 11(a) of this Article II, any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice. The Corporation may postpone or cancel a meeting of stockholders by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

Section 5. ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT. Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chair of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the chair of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chair of the board, by one of the following individuals present at the meeting in the following order: the lead independent director, if there is one, the chief executive officer, the president, the vice presidents in their

 

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order of rank and, within each rank, in their order of seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chair chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the secretary, an assistant secretary or an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. Even if present at the meeting, the person holding the office named herein may delegate to another person the power to act as chair or secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chair of the meeting. The chair of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of the chair and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance or participation at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and such other individuals as the chair of the meeting may determine; (c) recognizing speakers at the meeting and determining when and for how long speakers and any individual speaker may address the meeting; (d) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed and when announcement of the results should be made; (e) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (f) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chair of the meeting; (g) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting (with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting), whether or not a quorum is present, to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (h) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security. Unless otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with any rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 6. QUORUM. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting (without regard to class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders, except with respect to any matter that, under applicable law or regulatory requirements or the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”), requires approval by a separate vote of the holders of one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of stock of each such class on such a matter shall constitute a quorum. This section shall not affect any requirement under law or the Charter for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter.

If, however, such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chair of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

 

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Section 7. VOTING. A majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Each share entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the holder of such share is entitled to vote. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless a different number or proportion is required by any law or the Charter. Unless otherwise provided by any law or the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders and fractional shares shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote on any matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Section 8. PROXIES. A stockholder of record may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 9. VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, managing member, manager, general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any trustee or fiduciary, in such capacity, may vote stock registered in such trustee’s or fiduciary’s name, either in person or by proxy.

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

 

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Section 10. INSPECTORS. The Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector. Except as otherwise provided by the chair of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chair of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

Section 11. ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND OTHER STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. (1) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in this Section 11(a) and at the time of the annual meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 11(a).

(2) In addition to complying with any other requirements under all applicable federal and state laws, including the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Charter and these Bylaws, for any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 11, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of any such other business, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, in order for notice by the stockholder to be timely, such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the

 

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date of such meeting is first made; provided further, that, for notice of any nomination or other business to be properly brought before the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11, and shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. If a stockholder of record is entitled to vote only for a specific class or category of directors at a meeting (annual or special), such stockholder’s right to nominate one or more individuals for election as a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.

(3) Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

(i) as to each individual whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”),

(A) all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act;

(B) a representation that the Proposed Nominee is not and will not be an “interested person” of the Corporation (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)), and information regarding the Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, for the Corporation to confirm such representation; and

(C) a representation that the Proposed Nominee meets all applicable legal requirements relevant to service as a director, including, but not limited to, the rules adopted by the principal listing exchange (if any) upon which Corporation’s securities are listed, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto), Article 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act with respect to the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm (or any successor provision thereto) and any other criteria established by the 1940 Act related to service as a director of a management investment company or the permitted composition of the board of directors of a management investment company, together with information regarding such Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, to confirm such representation;

(ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting,

(A) a description of such business (including the text of any resolution proposed for consideration), the stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom; and

 

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(B) whether the stockholder has received any financial assistance, funding or other consideration from any Stockholder Associated Person in respect of the proposal and the details thereof;

(iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person,

(A) the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, and any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person;

(B) the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) whether and the extent to which such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last twelve months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit of changes in the price of (x) Company Securities or (y) any security of any other closed-end investment company (a “Peer Group Company”) for such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company) disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company); and

(D) any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

(iv) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 11(a) and any Proposed Nominee,

 

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(A) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, and the current name and business address, if different, of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee;

(B) the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) and relationships with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among the stockholder, any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the nomination or proposal of such business, and any material interest of such person in such nomination or business, including any anticipated benefit therefrom to such person; and

(D) a description of all commercial and professional relationships and transactions between or among the stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons known to such stockholder or any such Stockholder Associated Person to have a material interest in the matter that is the subject of such notice; and

(v) to the extent known by the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a director or the proposal of other business on the date of such stockholder’s notice.

(4) Such stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a written undertaking executed by the Proposed Nominee (i) certifying that such Proposed Nominee (a) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (b) will serve as a director of the Corporation if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporation, upon request, to the stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Corporation’s securities are listed or traded).

(5) The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, sit for an interview with one or more directors or their representatives, which interview may, in the discretion of the Board of Directors be conducted by means of remote communication. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to participate in such interview will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws. The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, consent to and cooperate with a background screening conducted by a background screening company selected by the Board of

 

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Directors with experience in conducting background screenings of public company directors. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to cooperate with such a background screening will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws.

(6) For a stockholder notice to comply with the requirements of this Section 11, each of the requirements of this Section 11 shall be directly and expressly responded to and such stockholder notice must clearly indicate and expressly reference, for all information disclosed in the stockholder notice, the provisions of this Section 11 for which such information is provided.

(7) Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 11 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, and there is no public announcement of such action at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 11(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(8) For purposes of this Section 11, “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder means (i) any person acting in concert with such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder (other than a stockholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person or is an officer, director, partner, member, employee or agent of such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 3 of this Article II for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting, at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11 and at the time of the special meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 11. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a director as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this Section 11 shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public

 

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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. Any individual nominated in accordance with this paragraph (b) of this Section 11 shall be obligated to comply with paragraph (a)(5) of this Section 11. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General. (1) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 11 by any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, or if the stockholder otherwise fails to comply with this Section 11, such information, nomination or proposal may be deemed not to have been provided or made in accordance with this Section 11. Any such stockholder shall notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two Business Days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any such information. Upon written request by the secretary of the Corporation or the Board of Directors, any such stockholder shall provide, within five Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11, and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Corporation, written confirmation by such stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11 as of an earlier date. If a stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.

(2) Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 11 shall be eligible for election by stockholders as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 11. The chair of the meeting shall have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 11. Determinations by the chair of the meeting with respect to compliance of any proposed nomination or business and/or any information submitted to the Corporation by a stockholders or a Proposed Nominee pursuant to this Section 11 shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

(3) For purposes of this Section 11, (A) “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e), as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, (B) with respect to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the “preceding year’s annual meeting” shall mean the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust, and (C) “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service or (ii) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or the 1940 Act.

 

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(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, and in addition to the requirements thereof, a stockholder shall also have complied with all applicable requirements of state law and of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the acquisition, holding or voting of shares, the disclosure of beneficial ownership of shares or changes therein, the disclosure of any intention to make any proposals with respect to the Corporation or that would affect the management or control of the Corporation, all other required disclosures, and the solicitation of proxies or written consents, or otherwise related to the matters set forth in this Section 11. Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Corporation to omit a proposal from, the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act. Nothing in this Section 11 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

(5) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, if the stockholder giving notice as provided for in this Section 11 does not appear in person or by proxy at such annual or special meeting to present each nominee for election as a director or the proposed business, as applicable, such matter shall not be considered at the meeting.

Section 12. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

Section 13. MARYLAND CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 3-702(c)(4) of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), the Corporation is subject to Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL (the “Control Share Act”), which shall apply to any acquisition or proposed acquisition of shares of stock of the Corporation to the extent provided in the Control Share Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Control Share Act shall not apply to the voting rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock of the Corporation (but only with respect to such shares).

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

Section 2. NUMBER AND TENURE. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the

 

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Board of Directors, the chair of the board or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held from time to time at such places and times as provided by the Board of Directors by resolution, without notice other than such resolution.

Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without notice other than such resolution.

Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, United States mail or courier to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to any law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

 

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The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

Section 7. VOTING. The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws. If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws.

Section 8. ORGANIZATION. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or, in the absence of the chair, the vice chair of the board, if any, shall act as chair of the meeting. In the absence of both the chair and vice chair of the board, the chief executive officer or, in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president or, in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chair of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chair of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting

Section 9. CHAIR. The Board of Directors may designate from among its members a chair and a vice chair of the board, who shall not, solely by reason of such designation, be officers of the Corporation but shall have such powers and duties as specified in these Bylaws or determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 10. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 11. CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Section 12. VACANCIES. If for any reason any or all of the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder. Subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, (a) any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum and (b) any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

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Section 13. COMPENSATION. Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year and/or per meeting (including telephonic meetings) and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with any service or activity they perform or engage in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 14. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No director shall be liable for any loss which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or stock have been deposited.

Section 15. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no director shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

Section 16. RELIANCE. Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

Section 17. RATIFICATION. The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify any act, omission, failure to act or determination made not to act (an “Act”) by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the Act and, if so ratified, such Act shall have the same force and effect as if originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders. Any Act questioned in any proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and such ratification shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned Act.

Section 18. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Charter or these Bylaws, this Section 18 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors under Article III of these Bylaws cannot readily be obtained (an “Emergency”). During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, (i) a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any director or officer by any means

 

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feasible under the circumstances; (ii) notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an Emergency may be given less than 24 hours prior to the meeting to as many directors and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio; and (iii) the number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum shall be one-third of the entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Independent Directors Committee, an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Policy Administration Committee, a Valuation Committee and one or more other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. POWERS. The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, any committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority to one or more subcommittees, composed of one or more directors, as the committee deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 3. MEETINGS. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chair of any committee, and such chair or, in the absence of a chair, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide.

Section 4. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 5. CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to appoint the chair of any committee, to fill any vacancy, to designate an alternate member to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

 

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ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, a chief compliance officer, chief legal officer, chief investment officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation, including any officers elected to fill a vacancy among the officers, shall be elected by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or the president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers or any other officers. Each officer shall serve for the term specified by the Board of Directors or the appointing officer or, if no such term is specified, until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.

Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer. In the absence of such designation, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

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Section 5. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief operating officer. The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief financial officer. The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 7. CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief compliance officer to the extent required by, and consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The chief compliance officer, subject to the discretion of and reporting to the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the oversight of the Company’s compliance with the federal securities laws and other applicable regulatory requirements. The designation, compensation and removal of the chief compliance officer shall be approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law. The chief compliance officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 8. PRESIDENT. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 9. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 10. SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 11. TREASURER. The treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 12. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

Section 13. COMPENSATION. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, officers shall not receive any stated salary or other compensation for their services as officers.

ARTICLE VI

CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors or any manager of the Corporation approved by the Board of Directors and acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement with the Corporation may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors or a manager acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement and executed by the chief executive officer, the president or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or such a manager.

Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Corporation as the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors may determine.

 

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ARTICLE VII

STOCK

Section 1. CERTIFICATES. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock held by them. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in any manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no difference in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

Section 2. TRANSFERS. All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed. The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share 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 or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation has determined that such certificates may be issued. Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

 

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Section 4. FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such record date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if postponed or adjourned, except if the meeting is postponed or adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting shall be determined as set forth herein.

Section 5. STOCK LEDGER. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

Section 6. FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional stock on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine.

ARTICLE VIII

ACCOUNTING YEAR

The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

ARTICLE IX

DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.

Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

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ARTICLE X

SEAL

Section 1. SEAL. The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words “Incorporated Maryland,” or shall be in such other form as may approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE XII

INSPECTION OF RECORDS

A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

ARTICLE XIII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LITIGATION

Section 1. CERTAIN STATE LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City,

 

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Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, (b) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, other than actions arising under United States federal securities laws, (c) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the stockholders of the Corporation, (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or the Charter or these Bylaws, or (e) any other action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. None of the foregoing actions, claims or proceedings may be brought in any court sitting outside the State of Maryland unless the Corporation consents in writing to such court.

Section 2. SECURITIES LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the United States federal securities laws.

ARTICLE XIV

PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT WITH LAW OR REGULATION

The provisions of these Bylaws are severable, and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any of such provisions is in conflict with any applicable binding law or regulation, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of these Bylaws; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these Bylaws or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.

ARTICLE XV

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power, at any time, to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.

 

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PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS.

(a) General. Each of the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president and Board of Directors may call a special meeting of stockholders. Except as provided in subsection (b)(4) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors, whoever has called the meeting. Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting (the “Special Meeting Percentage”).

(b) Stockholder-Requested Special Meetings. (1) Any stockholder of record seeking to have stockholders request a special meeting shall, by sending written notice to the secretary (the “Record Date Request Notice”) by registered mail, return receipt requested, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date to determine the stockholders entitled to request a special meeting (the “Request Record Date”). The Record Date Request Notice shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it, shall be signed by one or more stockholders of record as of the date of signature (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the Record Date Request Notice), shall bear the date of signature of


each such stockholder (or such agent) and shall set forth all information relating to each such stockholder and each matter proposed to be acted on at the meeting that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such a solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”). Upon receiving the Record Date Request Notice, the Board of Directors may fix a Request Record Date. The Request Record Date shall not precede and shall not be more than ten days after the close of business on the date on which the resolution fixing the Request Record Date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors, within 30 days after the date on which a valid Record Date Request Notice is received, fails to adopt a resolution fixing the Request Record Date, the Request Record Date shall be the close of business on the 30th day after the first date on which a Record Date Request Notice is received by the secretary or, if such 30th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day.

(2) In order for any stockholder to request a special meeting to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders, one or more written requests for a special meeting (collectively, the “Special Meeting Request”) signed by stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the request) as of the Request Record Date entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage shall be delivered to the secretary. In addition, the Special Meeting Request shall (a) set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it (which shall be limited to those lawful matters set forth in the Record Date Request Notice received by the secretary), (b) bear the date of signature of each such stockholder (or such agent) signing the Special Meeting Request, (c) set forth (i) the name and address, as they appear in the Corporation’s books, of each stockholder signing such request (or on whose behalf the Special Meeting Request is signed), (ii) the class, series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned (beneficially or of record) by each such stockholder and (iii) the nominee holder for, and number of, shares of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, (d) be sent to the secretary by registered mail, return receipt requested, and (e) be received by the secretary within 60 days after the Request Record Date. Any requesting stockholder (or agent duly authorized in a writing accompanying the revocation of the Special Meeting Request) may revoke his, her or its request for a special meeting at any time by written revocation delivered to the secretary.

(3) The secretary shall inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Corporation’s proxy materials). The secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon stockholder request and such meeting shall not be held unless, in addition to the documents required by paragraph (2) of this Section 3(b), the secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

(4) In the case of any special meeting called by the secretary upon the request of stockholders (a “Stockholder-Requested Meeting”), such meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the

 

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date of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting shall be not more than 90 days after the record date for such meeting (the “Meeting Record Date”); and provided further that if the Board of Directors fails to designate, within ten days after the date that a valid Special Meeting Request is actually received by the secretary (the “Delivery Date”), a date and time for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, then such meeting shall be held at 2:00 p.m., local time, on the 90th day after the Meeting Record Date or, if such 90th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day; and provided further that in the event that the Board of Directors fails to designate a place for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting within ten days after the Delivery Date, then such meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation. In fixing a date for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, the Board of Directors may consider such factors as it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the nature of the matters to be considered, the facts and circumstances surrounding any request for the meeting and any plan of the Board of Directors to call an annual meeting or a special meeting. In the case of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting, if the Board of Directors fails to fix a Meeting Record Date that is a date within 30 days after the Delivery Date, then the close of business on the 30th day after the Delivery Date or, if such 30th day after the Delivery Date is not a Business Day (as defined below), the first preceding Business Day, shall be the Meeting Record Date. The Board of Directors may revoke the notice for any Stockholder-Requested Meeting in the event that the requesting stockholders fail to comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Section 3(b).

(5) If written revocations of the Special Meeting Request have been delivered to the secretary and the result is that stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in writing), as of the Request Record Date, entitled to cast less than the Special Meeting Percentage have delivered, and not revoked, requests for a special meeting on the matter to the secretary: (i) if the notice of meeting has not already been delivered, the secretary shall refrain from delivering the notice of the meeting and send to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked such requests written notice of any revocation of a request for a special meeting on the matter, or (ii) if the notice of meeting has been delivered and if the secretary first sends to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked requests for a special meeting on the matter written notice of any revocation of a request for the special meeting and written notice of the Corporation’s intention to revoke the notice of the meeting or for the chair of the meeting to adjourn the meeting without action on the matter, (A) the secretary may revoke the notice of the meeting at any time before ten days before the commencement of the meeting or (B) the chair of the meeting may call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting from time to time without acting on the matter. Any request for a special meeting received after a revocation by the secretary of a notice of a meeting shall be considered a request for a new special meeting.

(6) The chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors may appoint regionally or nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections to act as the agent of the Corporation for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of any purported Special Meeting Request received by the secretary. For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no such purported Special Meeting Request shall be deemed to have been received by the secretary until the earlier of (i) five Business Days after actual receipt by the secretary of such purported request and (ii) such date as the independent inspectors certify to the Corporation that the valid requests received by the secretary represent, as of the Request Record Date, stockholders of record entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage. Nothing contained in this paragraph (6) shall in any

 

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way be construed to suggest or imply that the Corporation or any stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any request, whether during or after such five Business Day period, or to 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).

(7) For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Section 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. The Corporation may give a single notice to all stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any stockholder at such address, unless such stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting. Such notice will also specify the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting.

Subject to Section 11(a) of this Article II, any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice. The Corporation may postpone or cancel a meeting of stockholders by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

Section 5. ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT. Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chair of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the chair of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chair of the board, by one of the following individuals present at the meeting in the following order: the lead independent director, if there is one, the chief executive officer, the president, the vice presidents in their

 

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order of rank and, within each rank, in their order of seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chair chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the secretary, an assistant secretary or an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. Even if present at the meeting, the person holding the office named herein may delegate to another person the power to act as chair or secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chair of the meeting. The chair of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of the chair and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance or participation at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and such other individuals as the chair of the meeting may determine; (c) recognizing speakers at the meeting and determining when and for how long speakers and any individual speaker may address the meeting; (d) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed and when announcement of the results should be made; (e) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (f) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chair of the meeting; (g) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting (with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting), whether or not a quorum is present, to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (h) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security. Unless otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with any rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 6. QUORUM. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting (without regard to class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders, except with respect to any matter that, under applicable law or regulatory requirements or the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”), requires approval by a separate vote of the holders of one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of stock of each such class on such a matter shall constitute a quorum. This section shall not affect any requirement under law or the Charter for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter.

If, however, such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chair of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

 

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Section 7. VOTING. A majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Each share entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the holder of such share is entitled to vote. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless a different number or proportion is required by any law or the Charter. Unless otherwise provided by any law or the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders and fractional shares shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote on any matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Section 8. PROXIES. A stockholder of record may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 9. VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, managing member, manager, general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any trustee or fiduciary, in such capacity, may vote stock registered in such trustee’s or fiduciary’s name, either in person or by proxy.

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

 

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Section 10. INSPECTORS. The Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector. Except as otherwise provided by the chair of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chair of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

Section 11. ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND OTHER STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. (1) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in this Section 11(a) and at the time of the annual meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 11(a).

(2) In addition to complying with any other requirements under all applicable federal and state laws, including the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Charter and these Bylaws, for any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 11, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of any such other business, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, in order for notice by the stockholder to be timely, such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the

 

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date of such meeting is first made; provided further, that, for notice of any nomination or other business to be properly brought before the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11, and shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. If a stockholder of record is entitled to vote only for a specific class or category of directors at a meeting (annual or special), such stockholder’s right to nominate one or more individuals for election as a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.

(3) Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

(i) as to each individual whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”),

(A) all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act;

(B) a representation that the Proposed Nominee is not and will not be an “interested person” of the Corporation (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)), and information regarding the Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, for the Corporation to confirm such representation; and

(C) a representation that the Proposed Nominee meets all applicable legal requirements relevant to service as a director, including, but not limited to, the rules adopted by the principal listing exchange (if any) upon which Corporation’s securities are listed, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto), Article 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act with respect to the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm (or any successor provision thereto) and any other criteria established by the 1940 Act related to service as a director of a management investment company or the permitted composition of the board of directors of a management investment company, together with information regarding such Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, to confirm such representation;

(ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting,

(A) a description of such business (including the text of any resolution proposed for consideration), the stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom; and

 

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(B) whether the stockholder has received any financial assistance, funding or other consideration from any Stockholder Associated Person in respect of the proposal and the details thereof;

(iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person,

(A) the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, and any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person;

(B) the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) whether and the extent to which such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last twelve months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit of changes in the price of (x) Company Securities or (y) any security of any other closed-end investment company (a “Peer Group Company”) for such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company) disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company); and

(D) any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

(iv) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 11(a) and any Proposed Nominee,

 

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(A) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, and the current name and business address, if different, of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee;

(B) the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) and relationships with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among the stockholder, any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the nomination or proposal of such business, and any material interest of such person in such nomination or business, including any anticipated benefit therefrom to such person; and

(D) a description of all commercial and professional relationships and transactions between or among the stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons known to such stockholder or any such Stockholder Associated Person to have a material interest in the matter that is the subject of such notice; and

(v) to the extent known by the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a director or the proposal of other business on the date of such stockholder’s notice.

(4) Such stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a written undertaking executed by the Proposed Nominee (i) certifying that such Proposed Nominee (a) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (b) will serve as a director of the Corporation if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporation, upon request, to the stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Corporation’s securities are listed or traded).

(5) The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, sit for an interview with one or more directors or their representatives, which interview may, in the discretion of the Board of Directors be conducted by means of remote communication. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to participate in such interview will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws. The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, consent to and cooperate with a background screening conducted by a background screening company selected by the Board of Directors with experience in conducting background screenings of public company directors. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to cooperate with such a background screening will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws.

 

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(6) For a stockholder notice to comply with the requirements of this Section 11, each of the requirements of this Section 11 shall be directly and expressly responded to and such stockholder notice must clearly indicate and expressly reference, for all information disclosed in the stockholder notice, the provisions of this Section 11 for which such information is provided.

(7) Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 11 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, and there is no public announcement of such action at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 11(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(8) For purposes of this Section 11, “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder means (i) any person acting in concert with such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder (other than a stockholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person or is an officer, director, partner, member, employee or agent of such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 3 of this Article II for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting, at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11 and at the time of the special meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 11. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a director as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this Section 11 shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public

 

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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. Any individual nominated in accordance with this paragraph (b) of this Section 11 shall be obligated to comply with paragraph (a)(5) of this Section 11. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General. (1) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 11 by any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, or if the stockholder otherwise fails to comply with this Section 11, such information, nomination or proposal may be deemed not to have been provided or made in accordance with this Section 11. Any such stockholder shall notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two Business Days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any such information. Upon written request by the secretary of the Corporation or the Board of Directors, any such stockholder shall provide, within five Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11, and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Corporation, written confirmation by such stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11 as of an earlier date. If a stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.

(2) Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 11 shall be eligible for election by stockholders as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 11. The chair of the meeting shall have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 11. Determinations by the chair of the meeting with respect to compliance of any proposed nomination or business and/or any information submitted to the Corporation by a stockholders or a Proposed Nominee pursuant to this Section 11 shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

(3) For purposes of this Section 11, (A) “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e), as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, (B) with respect to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the “preceding year’s annual meeting” shall mean the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust, and (C) “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service or (ii) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or the 1940 Act.

 

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(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, and in addition to the requirements thereof, a stockholder shall also have complied with all applicable requirements of state law and of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the acquisition, holding or voting of shares, the disclosure of beneficial ownership of shares or changes therein, the disclosure of any intention to make any proposals with respect to the Corporation or that would affect the management or control of the Corporation, all other required disclosures, and the solicitation of proxies or written consents, or otherwise related to the matters set forth in this Section 11. Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Corporation to omit a proposal from, the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act. Nothing in this Section 11 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

(5) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, if the stockholder giving notice as provided for in this Section 11 does not appear in person or by proxy at such annual or special meeting to present each nominee for election as a director or the proposed business, as applicable, such matter shall not be considered at the meeting.

Section 12. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

Section 13. MARYLAND CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 3-702(c)(4) of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), the Corporation is subject to Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL (the “Control Share Act”), which shall apply to any acquisition or proposed acquisition of shares of stock of the Corporation to the extent provided in the Control Share Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Control Share Act shall not apply to the voting rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock of the Corporation (but only with respect to such shares).

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

Section 2. NUMBER AND TENURE. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

 

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Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held from time to time at such places and times as provided by the Board of Directors by resolution, without notice other than such resolution.

Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without notice other than such resolution.

Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, United States mail or courier to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to any law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

 

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The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

Section 7. VOTING. The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws. If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws.

Section 8. ORGANIZATION. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or, in the absence of the chair, the vice chair of the board, if any, shall act as chair of the meeting. In the absence of both the chair and vice chair of the board, the chief executive officer or, in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president or, in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chair of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chair of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting

Section 9. CHAIR. The Board of Directors may designate from among its members a chair and a vice chair of the board, who shall not, solely by reason of such designation, be officers of the Corporation but shall have such powers and duties as specified in these Bylaws or determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 10. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 11. CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Section 12. VACANCIES. If for any reason any or all of the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder. Subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, (a) any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum and (b) any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

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Section 13. COMPENSATION. Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year and/or per meeting (including telephonic meetings) and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with any service or activity they perform or engage in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 14. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No director shall be liable for any loss which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or stock have been deposited.

Section 15. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no director shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

Section 16. RELIANCE. Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

Section 17. RATIFICATION. The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify any act, omission, failure to act or determination made not to act (an “Act”) by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the Act and, if so ratified, such Act shall have the same force and effect as if originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders. Any Act questioned in any proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and such ratification shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned Act.

Section 18. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Charter or these Bylaws, this Section 18 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors under Article III of these Bylaws cannot readily be obtained (an “Emergency”). During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, (i) a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any director or officer by any means

 

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feasible under the circumstances; (ii) notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an Emergency may be given less than 24 hours prior to the meeting to as many directors and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio; and (iii) the number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum shall be one-third of the entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Independent Directors Committee, an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Policy Administration Committee, a Valuation Committee and one or more other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. POWERS. The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, any committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority to one or more subcommittees, composed of one or more directors, as the committee deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 3. MEETINGS. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chair of any committee, and such chair or, in the absence of a chair, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide.

Section 4. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 5. CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to appoint the chair of any committee, to fill any vacancy, to designate an alternate member to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

 

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ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, a chief compliance officer, chief legal officer, chief investment officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation, including any officers elected to fill a vacancy among the officers, shall be elected by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or the president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers or any other officers. Each officer shall serve for the term specified by the Board of Directors or the appointing officer or, if no such term is specified, until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.

Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer. In the absence of such designation, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

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Section 5. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief operating officer. The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief financial officer. The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 7. CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief compliance officer to the extent required by, and consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The chief compliance officer, subject to the discretion of and reporting to the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the oversight of the Company’s compliance with the federal securities laws and other applicable regulatory requirements. The designation, compensation and removal of the chief compliance officer shall be approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law. The chief compliance officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 8. PRESIDENT. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 9. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 10. SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 11. TREASURER. The treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 12. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

Section 13. COMPENSATION. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, officers shall not receive any stated salary or other compensation for their services as officers.

ARTICLE VI

CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors or any manager of the Corporation approved by the Board of Directors and acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement with the Corporation may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors or a manager acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement and executed by the chief executive officer, the president or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or such a manager.

Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Corporation as the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors may determine.

 

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ARTICLE VII

STOCK

Section 1. CERTIFICATES. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock held by them. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in any manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no difference in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

Section 2. TRANSFERS. All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed. The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share 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 or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation has determined that such certificates may be issued. Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

 

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Section 4. FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such record date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if postponed or adjourned, except if the meeting is postponed or adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting shall be determined as set forth herein.

Section 5. STOCK LEDGER. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

Section 6. FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional stock on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine.

ARTICLE VIII

ACCOUNTING YEAR

The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

ARTICLE IX

DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.

Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

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ARTICLE X

SEAL

Section 1. SEAL. The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words “Incorporated Maryland,” or shall be in such other form as may approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE XII

INSPECTION OF RECORDS

A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

ARTICLE XIII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LITIGATION

Section 1. CERTAIN STATE LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City,

 

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Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, (b) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, other than actions arising under United States federal securities laws, (c) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the stockholders of the Corporation, (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or the Charter or these Bylaws, or (e) any other action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. None of the foregoing actions, claims or proceedings may be brought in any court sitting outside the State of Maryland unless the Corporation consents in writing to such court.

Section 2. SECURITIES LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the United States federal securities laws.

ARTICLE XIV

PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT WITH LAW OR REGULATION

The provisions of these Bylaws are severable, and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any of such provisions is in conflict with any applicable binding law or regulation, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of these Bylaws; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these Bylaws or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.

ARTICLE XV

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power, at any time, to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.

 

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PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME ADVANTAGE FUND, INC.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS.

(a) General. Each of the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president and Board of Directors may call a special meeting of stockholders. Except as provided in subsection (b)(4) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors, whoever has called the meeting. Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting (the “Special Meeting Percentage”).

(b) Stockholder-Requested Special Meetings. (1) Any stockholder of record seeking to have stockholders request a special meeting shall, by sending written notice to the secretary (the “Record Date Request Notice”) by registered mail, return receipt requested, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date to determine the stockholders entitled to request a special meeting (the “Request Record Date”). The Record Date Request Notice shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it, shall be signed by one or more stockholders of record as of the date of signature (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the Record Date Request Notice), shall bear the date of signature of


each such stockholder (or such agent) and shall set forth all information relating to each such stockholder and each matter proposed to be acted on at the meeting that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such a solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”). Upon receiving the Record Date Request Notice, the Board of Directors may fix a Request Record Date. The Request Record Date shall not precede and shall not be more than ten days after the close of business on the date on which the resolution fixing the Request Record Date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors, within 30 days after the date on which a valid Record Date Request Notice is received, fails to adopt a resolution fixing the Request Record Date, the Request Record Date shall be the close of business on the 30th day after the first date on which a Record Date Request Notice is received by the secretary or, if such 30th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day.

(2) In order for any stockholder to request a special meeting to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders, one or more written requests for a special meeting (collectively, the “Special Meeting Request”) signed by stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the request) as of the Request Record Date entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage shall be delivered to the secretary. In addition, the Special Meeting Request shall (a) set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it (which shall be limited to those lawful matters set forth in the Record Date Request Notice received by the secretary), (b) bear the date of signature of each such stockholder (or such agent) signing the Special Meeting Request, (c) set forth (i) the name and address, as they appear in the Corporation’s books, of each stockholder signing such request (or on whose behalf the Special Meeting Request is signed), (ii) the class, series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned (beneficially or of record) by each such stockholder and (iii) the nominee holder for, and number of, shares of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, (d) be sent to the secretary by registered mail, return receipt requested, and (e) be received by the secretary within 60 days after the Request Record Date. Any requesting stockholder (or agent duly authorized in a writing accompanying the revocation of the Special Meeting Request) may revoke his, her or its request for a special meeting at any time by written revocation delivered to the secretary.

(3) The secretary shall inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Corporation’s proxy materials). The secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon stockholder request and such meeting shall not be held unless, in addition to the documents required by paragraph (2) of this Section 3(b), the secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

(4) In the case of any special meeting called by the secretary upon the request of stockholders (a “Stockholder-Requested Meeting”), such meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the

 

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date of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting shall be not more than 90 days after the record date for such meeting (the “Meeting Record Date”); and provided further that if the Board of Directors fails to designate, within ten days after the date that a valid Special Meeting Request is actually received by the secretary (the “Delivery Date”), a date and time for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, then such meeting shall be held at 2:00 p.m., local time, on the 90th day after the Meeting Record Date or, if such 90th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day; and provided further that in the event that the Board of Directors fails to designate a place for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting within ten days after the Delivery Date, then such meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation. In fixing a date for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, the Board of Directors may consider such factors as it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the nature of the matters to be considered, the facts and circumstances surrounding any request for the meeting and any plan of the Board of Directors to call an annual meeting or a special meeting. In the case of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting, if the Board of Directors fails to fix a Meeting Record Date that is a date within 30 days after the Delivery Date, then the close of business on the 30th day after the Delivery Date or, if such 30th day after the Delivery Date is not a Business Day (as defined below), the first preceding Business Day, shall be the Meeting Record Date. The Board of Directors may revoke the notice for any Stockholder-Requested Meeting in the event that the requesting stockholders fail to comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Section 3(b).

(5) If written revocations of the Special Meeting Request have been delivered to the secretary and the result is that stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in writing), as of the Request Record Date, entitled to cast less than the Special Meeting Percentage have delivered, and not revoked, requests for a special meeting on the matter to the secretary: (i) if the notice of meeting has not already been delivered, the secretary shall refrain from delivering the notice of the meeting and send to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked such requests written notice of any revocation of a request for a special meeting on the matter, or (ii) if the notice of meeting has been delivered and if the secretary first sends to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked requests for a special meeting on the matter written notice of any revocation of a request for the special meeting and written notice of the Corporation’s intention to revoke the notice of the meeting or for the chair of the meeting to adjourn the meeting without action on the matter, (A) the secretary may revoke the notice of the meeting at any time before ten days before the commencement of the meeting or (B) the chair of the meeting may call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting from time to time without acting on the matter. Any request for a special meeting received after a revocation by the secretary of a notice of a meeting shall be considered a request for a new special meeting.

(6) The chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors may appoint regionally or nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections to act as the agent of the Corporation for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of any purported Special Meeting Request received by the secretary. For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no such purported Special Meeting Request shall be deemed to have been received by the secretary until the earlier of (i) five Business Days after actual receipt by the secretary of such purported request and (ii) such date as the independent inspectors certify to the Corporation that the valid requests received by the secretary represent, as of the Request Record Date, stockholders of record entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage. Nothing contained in this paragraph (6) shall in any

 

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way be construed to suggest or imply that the Corporation or any stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any request, whether during or after such five Business Day period, or to 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).

(7) For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Section 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. The Corporation may give a single notice to all stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any stockholder at such address, unless such stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting. Such notice will also specify the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting.

Subject to Section 11(a) of this Article II, any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice. The Corporation may postpone or cancel a meeting of stockholders by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

Section 5. ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT. Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chair of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the chair of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chair of the board, by one of the following individuals present at the meeting in the following order: the lead independent director, if there is one, the chief executive officer, the president, the vice presidents in their

 

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order of rank and, within each rank, in their order of seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chair chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the secretary, an assistant secretary or an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. Even if present at the meeting, the person holding the office named herein may delegate to another person the power to act as chair or secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chair of the meeting. The chair of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of the chair and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance or participation at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and such other individuals as the chair of the meeting may determine; (c) recognizing speakers at the meeting and determining when and for how long speakers and any individual speaker may address the meeting; (d) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed and when announcement of the results should be made; (e) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (f) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chair of the meeting; (g) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting (with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting), whether or not a quorum is present, to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (h) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security. Unless otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with any rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 6. QUORUM. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting (without regard to class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders, except with respect to any matter that, under applicable law or regulatory requirements or the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”), requires approval by a separate vote of the holders of one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of stock of each such class on such a matter shall constitute a quorum. This section shall not affect any requirement under law or the Charter for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter.

If, however, such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chair of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

 

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Section 7. VOTING. A majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Each share entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the holder of such share is entitled to vote. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless a different number or proportion is required by any law or the Charter. Unless otherwise provided by any law or the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders and fractional shares shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote on any matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Section 8. PROXIES. A stockholder of record may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 9. VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, managing member, manager, general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any trustee or fiduciary, in such capacity, may vote stock registered in such trustee’s or fiduciary’s name, either in person or by proxy.

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

 

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Section 10. INSPECTORS. The Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector. Except as otherwise provided by the chair of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chair of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

Section 11. ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND OTHER STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. (1) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in this Section 11(a) and at the time of the annual meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 11(a).

(2) In addition to complying with any other requirements under all applicable federal and state laws, including the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Charter and these Bylaws, for any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 11, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of any such other business, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, in order for notice by the stockholder to be timely, such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the

 

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date of such meeting is first made; provided further, that, for notice of any nomination or other business to be properly brought before the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11, and shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. If a stockholder of record is entitled to vote only for a specific class or category of directors at a meeting (annual or special), such stockholder’s right to nominate one or more individuals for election as a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.

(3) Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

(i) as to each individual whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”),

(A) all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act;

(B) a representation that the Proposed Nominee is not and will not be an “interested person” of the Corporation (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)), and information regarding the Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, for the Corporation to confirm such representation; and

(C) a representation that the Proposed Nominee meets all applicable legal requirements relevant to service as a director, including, but not limited to, the rules adopted by the principal listing exchange (if any) upon which Corporation’s securities are listed, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto), Article 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act with respect to the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm (or any successor provision thereto) and any other criteria established by the 1940 Act related to service as a director of a management investment company or the permitted composition of the board of directors of a management investment company, together with information regarding such Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, to confirm such representation;

(ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting,

(A) a description of such business (including the text of any resolution proposed for consideration), the stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom; and

 

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(B) whether the stockholder has received any financial assistance, funding or other consideration from any Stockholder Associated Person in respect of the proposal and the details thereof;

(iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person,

(A) the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, and any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person;

(B) the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) whether and the extent to which such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last twelve months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit of changes in the price of (x) Company Securities or (y) any security of any other closed-end investment company (a “Peer Group Company”) for such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company) disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company); and

(D) any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

(iv) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 11(a) and any Proposed Nominee,

 

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(A) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, and the current name and business address, if different, of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee;

(B) the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) and relationships with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among the stockholder, any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the nomination or proposal of such business, and any material interest of such person in such nomination or business, including any anticipated benefit therefrom to such person; and

(D) a description of all commercial and professional relationships and transactions between or among the stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons known to such stockholder or any such Stockholder Associated Person to have a material interest in the matter that is the subject of such notice; and

(v) to the extent known by the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a director or the proposal of other business on the date of such stockholder’s notice.

(4) Such stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a written undertaking executed by the Proposed Nominee (i) certifying that such Proposed Nominee (a) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (b) will serve as a director of the Corporation if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporation, upon request, to the stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Corporation’s securities are listed or traded).

(5) The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, sit for an interview with one or more directors or their representatives, which interview may, in the discretion of the Board of Directors be conducted by means of remote communication. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to participate in such interview will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws. The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, consent to and cooperate with a background screening conducted by a background screening company selected by the Board of Directors with experience in conducting background screenings of public company directors. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to cooperate with such a background screening will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws.

 

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(6) For a stockholder notice to comply with the requirements of this Section 11, each of the requirements of this Section 11 shall be directly and expressly responded to and such stockholder notice must clearly indicate and expressly reference, for all information disclosed in the stockholder notice, the provisions of this Section 11 for which such information is provided.

(7) Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 11 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, and there is no public announcement of such action at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 11(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(8) For purposes of this Section 11, “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder means (i) any person acting in concert with such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder (other than a stockholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person or is an officer, director, partner, member, employee or agent of such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 3 of this Article II for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting, at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11 and at the time of the special meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 11. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a director as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this Section 11 shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public

 

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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. Any individual nominated in accordance with this paragraph (b) of this Section 11 shall be obligated to comply with paragraph (a)(5) of this Section 11. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General. (1) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 11 by any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, or if the stockholder otherwise fails to comply with this Section 11, such information, nomination or proposal may be deemed not to have been provided or made in accordance with this Section 11. Any such stockholder shall notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two Business Days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any such information. Upon written request by the secretary of the Corporation or the Board of Directors, any such stockholder shall provide, within five Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11, and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Corporation, written confirmation by such stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11 as of an earlier date. If a stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.

(2) Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 11 shall be eligible for election by stockholders as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 11. The chair of the meeting shall have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 11. Determinations by the chair of the meeting with respect to compliance of any proposed nomination or business and/or any information submitted to the Corporation by a stockholders or a Proposed Nominee pursuant to this Section 11 shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

(3) For purposes of this Section 11, (A) “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e), as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, (B) with respect to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the “preceding year’s annual meeting” shall mean the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust, and (C) “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service or (ii) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or the 1940 Act.

 

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(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, and in addition to the requirements thereof, a stockholder shall also have complied with all applicable requirements of state law and of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the acquisition, holding or voting of shares, the disclosure of beneficial ownership of shares or changes therein, the disclosure of any intention to make any proposals with respect to the Corporation or that would affect the management or control of the Corporation, all other required disclosures, and the solicitation of proxies or written consents, or otherwise related to the matters set forth in this Section 11. Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Corporation to omit a proposal from, the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act. Nothing in this Section 11 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

(5) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, if the stockholder giving notice as provided for in this Section 11 does not appear in person or by proxy at such annual or special meeting to present each nominee for election as a director or the proposed business, as applicable, such matter shall not be considered at the meeting.

Section 12. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

Section 13. MARYLAND CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 3-702(c)(4) of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), the Corporation is subject to Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL (the “Control Share Act”), which shall apply to any acquisition or proposed acquisition of shares of stock of the Corporation to the extent provided in the Control Share Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Control Share Act shall not apply to the voting rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock of the Corporation (but only with respect to such shares).

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

Section 2. NUMBER AND TENURE. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

 

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Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held from time to time at such places and times as provided by the Board of Directors by resolution, without notice other than such resolution.

Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without notice other than such resolution.

Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, United States mail or courier to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to any law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

 

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The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

Section 7. VOTING. The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws. If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws.

Section 8. ORGANIZATION. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or, in the absence of the chair, the vice chair of the board, if any, shall act as chair of the meeting. In the absence of both the chair and vice chair of the board, the chief executive officer or, in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president or, in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chair of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chair of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting

Section 9. CHAIR. The Board of Directors may designate from among its members a chair and a vice chair of the board, who shall not, solely by reason of such designation, be officers of the Corporation but shall have such powers and duties as specified in these Bylaws or determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 10. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 11. CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Section 12. VACANCIES. If for any reason any or all of the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder. Subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, (a) any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum and (b) any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

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Section 13. COMPENSATION. Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year and/or per meeting (including telephonic meetings) and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with any service or activity they perform or engage in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 14. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No director shall be liable for any loss which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or stock have been deposited.

Section 15. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no director shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

Section 16. RELIANCE. Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

Section 17. RATIFICATION. The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify any act, omission, failure to act or determination made not to act (an “Act”) by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the Act and, if so ratified, such Act shall have the same force and effect as if originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders. Any Act questioned in any proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and such ratification shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned Act.

Section 18. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Charter or these Bylaws, this Section 18 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors under Article III of these Bylaws cannot readily be obtained (an “Emergency”). During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, (i) a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any director or officer by any means

 

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feasible under the circumstances; (ii) notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an Emergency may be given less than 24 hours prior to the meeting to as many directors and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio; and (iii) the number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum shall be one-third of the entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Independent Directors Committee, an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Policy Administration Committee, a Valuation Committee and one or more other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. POWERS. The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, any committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority to one or more subcommittees, composed of one or more directors, as the committee deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 3. MEETINGS. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chair of any committee, and such chair or, in the absence of a chair, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide.

Section 4. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 5. CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to appoint the chair of any committee, to fill any vacancy, to designate an alternate member to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

 

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ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, a chief compliance officer, chief legal officer, chief investment officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation, including any officers elected to fill a vacancy among the officers, shall be elected by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or the president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers or any other officers. Each officer shall serve for the term specified by the Board of Directors or the appointing officer or, if no such term is specified, until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.

Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer. In the absence of such designation, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

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Section 5. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief operating officer. The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief financial officer. The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 7. CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief compliance officer to the extent required by, and consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The chief compliance officer, subject to the discretion of and reporting to the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the oversight of the Company’s compliance with the federal securities laws and other applicable regulatory requirements. The designation, compensation and removal of the chief compliance officer shall be approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law. The chief compliance officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 8. PRESIDENT. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 9. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 10. SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 11. TREASURER. The treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 12. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

Section 13. COMPENSATION. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, officers shall not receive any stated salary or other compensation for their services as officers.

ARTICLE VI

CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors or any manager of the Corporation approved by the Board of Directors and acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement with the Corporation may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors or a manager acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement and executed by the chief executive officer, the president or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or such a manager.

Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Corporation as the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors may determine.

 

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ARTICLE VII

STOCK

Section 1. CERTIFICATES. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock held by them. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in any manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no difference in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

Section 2. TRANSFERS. All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed. The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share 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 or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation has determined that such certificates may be issued. Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

 

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Section 4. FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such record date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if postponed or adjourned, except if the meeting is postponed or adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting shall be determined as set forth herein.

Section 5. STOCK LEDGER. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

Section 6. FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional stock on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine.

ARTICLE VIII

ACCOUNTING YEAR

The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

ARTICLE IX

DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.

Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

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ARTICLE X

SEAL

Section 1. SEAL. The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words “Incorporated Maryland,” or shall be in such other form as may approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE XII

INSPECTION OF RECORDS

A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

ARTICLE XIII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LITIGATION

Section 1. CERTAIN STATE LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City,

 

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Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, (b) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, other than actions arising under United States federal securities laws, (c) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the stockholders of the Corporation, (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or the Charter or these Bylaws, or (e) any other action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. None of the foregoing actions, claims or proceedings may be brought in any court sitting outside the State of Maryland unless the Corporation consents in writing to such court.

Section 2. SECURITIES LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the United States federal securities laws.

ARTICLE XIV

PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT WITH LAW OR REGULATION

The provisions of these Bylaws are severable, and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any of such provisions is in conflict with any applicable binding law or regulation, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of these Bylaws; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these Bylaws or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.

ARTICLE XV

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power, at any time, to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.

 

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PIONEER HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS.

(a) General. Each of the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president and Board of Directors may call a special meeting of stockholders. Except as provided in subsection (b)(4) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors, whoever has called the meeting. Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting (the “Special Meeting Percentage”).

(b) Stockholder-Requested Special Meetings. (1) Any stockholder of record seeking to have stockholders request a special meeting shall, by sending written notice to the secretary (the “Record Date Request Notice”) by registered mail, return receipt requested, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date to determine the stockholders entitled to request a special meeting (the “Request Record Date”). The Record Date Request Notice shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it, shall be signed by one or more stockholders of record as of the date of signature (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the Record Date Request Notice), shall bear the date of signature of


each such stockholder (or such agent) and shall set forth all information relating to each such stockholder and each matter proposed to be acted on at the meeting that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such a solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”). Upon receiving the Record Date Request Notice, the Board of Directors may fix a Request Record Date. The Request Record Date shall not precede and shall not be more than ten days after the close of business on the date on which the resolution fixing the Request Record Date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors, within 30 days after the date on which a valid Record Date Request Notice is received, fails to adopt a resolution fixing the Request Record Date, the Request Record Date shall be the close of business on the 30th day after the first date on which a Record Date Request Notice is received by the secretary or, if such 30th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day.

(2) In order for any stockholder to request a special meeting to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders, one or more written requests for a special meeting (collectively, the “Special Meeting Request”) signed by stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the request) as of the Request Record Date entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage shall be delivered to the secretary. In addition, the Special Meeting Request shall (a) set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it (which shall be limited to those lawful matters set forth in the Record Date Request Notice received by the secretary), (b) bear the date of signature of each such stockholder (or such agent) signing the Special Meeting Request, (c) set forth (i) the name and address, as they appear in the Corporation’s books, of each stockholder signing such request (or on whose behalf the Special Meeting Request is signed), (ii) the class, series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned (beneficially or of record) by each such stockholder and (iii) the nominee holder for, and number of, shares of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, (d) be sent to the secretary by registered mail, return receipt requested, and (e) be received by the secretary within 60 days after the Request Record Date. Any requesting stockholder (or agent duly authorized in a writing accompanying the revocation of the Special Meeting Request) may revoke his, her or its request for a special meeting at any time by written revocation delivered to the secretary.

(3) The secretary shall inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Corporation’s proxy materials). The secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon stockholder request and such meeting shall not be held unless, in addition to the documents required by paragraph (2) of this Section 3(b), the secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

(4) In the case of any special meeting called by the secretary upon the request of stockholders (a “Stockholder-Requested Meeting”), such meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the

 

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date of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting shall be not more than 90 days after the record date for such meeting (the “Meeting Record Date”); and provided further that if the Board of Directors fails to designate, within ten days after the date that a valid Special Meeting Request is actually received by the secretary (the “Delivery Date”), a date and time for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, then such meeting shall be held at 2:00 p.m., local time, on the 90th day after the Meeting Record Date or, if such 90th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day; and provided further that in the event that the Board of Directors fails to designate a place for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting within ten days after the Delivery Date, then such meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation. In fixing a date for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, the Board of Directors may consider such factors as it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the nature of the matters to be considered, the facts and circumstances surrounding any request for the meeting and any plan of the Board of Directors to call an annual meeting or a special meeting. In the case of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting, if the Board of Directors fails to fix a Meeting Record Date that is a date within 30 days after the Delivery Date, then the close of business on the 30th day after the Delivery Date or, if such 30th day after the Delivery Date is not a Business Day (as defined below), the first preceding Business Day, shall be the Meeting Record Date. The Board of Directors may revoke the notice for any Stockholder-Requested Meeting in the event that the requesting stockholders fail to comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Section 3(b).

(5) If written revocations of the Special Meeting Request have been delivered to the secretary and the result is that stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in writing), as of the Request Record Date, entitled to cast less than the Special Meeting Percentage have delivered, and not revoked, requests for a special meeting on the matter to the secretary: (i) if the notice of meeting has not already been delivered, the secretary shall refrain from delivering the notice of the meeting and send to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked such requests written notice of any revocation of a request for a special meeting on the matter, or (ii) if the notice of meeting has been delivered and if the secretary first sends to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked requests for a special meeting on the matter written notice of any revocation of a request for the special meeting and written notice of the Corporation’s intention to revoke the notice of the meeting or for the chair of the meeting to adjourn the meeting without action on the matter, (A) the secretary may revoke the notice of the meeting at any time before ten days before the commencement of the meeting or (B) the chair of the meeting may call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting from time to time without acting on the matter. Any request for a special meeting received after a revocation by the secretary of a notice of a meeting shall be considered a request for a new special meeting.

(6) The chair of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors may appoint regionally or nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections to act as the agent of the Corporation for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of any purported Special Meeting Request received by the secretary. For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no such purported Special Meeting Request shall be deemed to have been received by the secretary until the earlier of (i) five Business Days after actual receipt by the secretary of such purported request and (ii) such date as the independent inspectors certify to the Corporation that the valid requests received by the secretary represent, as of the Request Record Date, stockholders of record entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage. Nothing contained in this paragraph (6) shall in any

 

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way be construed to suggest or imply that the Corporation or any stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any request, whether during or after such five Business Day period, or to 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).

(7) For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Section 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. The Corporation may give a single notice to all stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any stockholder at such address, unless such stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting. Such notice will also specify the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting.

Subject to Section 11(a) of this Article II, any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice. The Corporation may postpone or cancel a meeting of stockholders by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

Section 5. ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT. Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chair of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the chair of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chair of the board, by one of the following individuals present at the meeting in the following order: the lead independent director, if there is one, the chief executive officer, the president, the vice presidents in their

 

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order of rank and, within each rank, in their order of seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chair chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the secretary, an assistant secretary or an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. Even if present at the meeting, the person holding the office named herein may delegate to another person the power to act as chair or secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chair of the meeting. The chair of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of the chair and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance or participation at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and such other individuals as the chair of the meeting may determine; (c) recognizing speakers at the meeting and determining when and for how long speakers and any individual speaker may address the meeting; (d) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed and when announcement of the results should be made; (e) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (f) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chair of the meeting; (g) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting (with respect to one or more matters to be considered at such meeting), whether or not a quorum is present, to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (h) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security. Unless otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with any rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 6. QUORUM. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting (without regard to class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders, except with respect to any matter that, under applicable law or regulatory requirements or the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”), requires approval by a separate vote of the holders of one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of stock of each such class on such a matter shall constitute a quorum. This section shall not affect any requirement under law or the Charter for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter.

If, however, such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chair of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

 

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Section 7. VOTING. A majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Each share entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the holder of such share is entitled to vote. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless a different number or proportion is required by any law or the Charter. Unless otherwise provided by any law or the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders and fractional shares shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote on any matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Section 8. PROXIES. A stockholder of record may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 9. VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, managing member, manager, general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any trustee or fiduciary, in such capacity, may vote stock registered in such trustee’s or fiduciary’s name, either in person or by proxy.

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

 

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Section 10. INSPECTORS. The Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector. Except as otherwise provided by the chair of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chair of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

Section 11. ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND OTHER STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. (1) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in this Section 11(a) and at the time of the annual meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 11(a).

(2) In addition to complying with any other requirements under all applicable federal and state laws, including the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Charter and these Bylaws, for any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 11, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of any such other business, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, in order for notice by the stockholder to be timely, such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the

 

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date of such meeting is first made; provided further, that, for notice of any nomination or other business to be properly brought before the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11, and shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. If a stockholder of record is entitled to vote only for a specific class or category of directors at a meeting (annual or special), such stockholder’s right to nominate one or more individuals for election as a director at the meeting shall be limited to such class or category of directors.

(3) Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

(i) as to each individual whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”),

(A) all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act;

(B) a representation that the Proposed Nominee is not and will not be an “interested person” of the Corporation (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)), and information regarding the Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, for the Corporation to confirm such representation; and

(C) a representation that the Proposed Nominee meets all applicable legal requirements relevant to service as a director, including, but not limited to, the rules adopted by the principal listing exchange (if any) upon which Corporation’s securities are listed, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto), Article 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act with respect to the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm (or any successor provision thereto) and any other criteria established by the 1940 Act related to service as a director of a management investment company or the permitted composition of the board of directors of a management investment company, together with information regarding such Proposed Nominee that will be sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, to confirm such representation;

(ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting,

(A) a description of such business (including the text of any resolution proposed for consideration), the stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom; and

 

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(B) whether the stockholder has received any financial assistance, funding or other consideration from any Stockholder Associated Person in respect of the proposal and the details thereof;

(iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person,

(A) the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, and any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person;

(B) the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) whether and the extent to which such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last twelve months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit of changes in the price of (x) Company Securities or (y) any security of any other closed-end investment company (a “Peer Group Company”) for such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company) disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company); and

(D) any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

(iv) as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 11(a) and any Proposed Nominee,

 

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(A) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, and the current name and business address, if different, of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee;

(B) the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person;

(C) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) and relationships with respect to the nomination or proposal between or among the stockholder, any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the nomination or proposal of such business, and any material interest of such person in such nomination or business, including any anticipated benefit therefrom to such person; and

(D) a description of all commercial and professional relationships and transactions between or among the stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person, and any other person or persons known to such stockholder or any such Stockholder Associated Person to have a material interest in the matter that is the subject of such notice; and

(v) to the extent known by the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a director or the proposal of other business on the date of such stockholder’s notice.

(4) Such stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a written undertaking executed by the Proposed Nominee (i) certifying that such Proposed Nominee (a) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (b) will serve as a director of the Corporation if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporation, upon request, to the stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Corporation’s securities are listed or traded).

(5) The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, sit for an interview with one or more directors or their representatives, which interview may, in the discretion of the Board of Directors be conducted by means of remote communication. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to participate in such interview will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws. The Proposed Nominee shall, as required by the Board of Directors, consent to and cooperate with a background screening conducted by a background screening company selected by the Board of Directors with experience in conducting background screenings of public company directors. Refusal by a Proposed Nominee to cooperate with such a background screening will render the nomination ineffective for failure to satisfy the requirements of these Bylaws.

 

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(6) For a stockholder notice to comply with the requirements of this Section 11, each of the requirements of this Section 11 shall be directly and expressly responded to and such stockholder notice must clearly indicate and expressly reference, for all information disclosed in the stockholder notice, the provisions of this Section 11 for which such information is provided.

(7) Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 11 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, and there is no public announcement of such action at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 11(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(8) For purposes of this Section 11, “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder means (i) any person acting in concert with such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder (other than a stockholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person or is an officer, director, partner, member, employee or agent of such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 3 of this Article II for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the record date set by the Board of Directors for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting, at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11 and at the time of the special meeting (and any postponement or adjournment thereof), who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 11. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a director as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this Section 11 shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public

 

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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. Any individual nominated in accordance with this paragraph (b) of this Section 11 shall be obligated to comply with paragraph (a)(5) of this Section 11. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General. (1) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 11 by any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, or if the stockholder otherwise fails to comply with this Section 11, such information, nomination or proposal may be deemed not to have been provided or made in accordance with this Section 11. Any such stockholder shall notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two Business Days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any such information. Upon written request by the secretary of the Corporation or the Board of Directors, any such stockholder shall provide, within five Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11, and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Corporation, written confirmation by such stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11 as of an earlier date. If a stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.

(2) Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 11 shall be eligible for election by stockholders as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 11. The chair of the meeting shall have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 11. Determinations by the chair of the meeting with respect to compliance of any proposed nomination or business and/or any information submitted to the Corporation by a stockholders or a Proposed Nominee pursuant to this Section 11 shall be final and binding unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made in bad faith.

(3) For purposes of this Section 11, (A) “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e), as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, (B) with respect to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the “preceding year’s annual meeting” shall mean the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of Pioneer High Income Trust, and (C) “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service or (ii) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or the 1940 Act.

 

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(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, and in addition to the requirements thereof, a stockholder shall also have complied with all applicable requirements of state law and of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the acquisition, holding or voting of shares, the disclosure of beneficial ownership of shares or changes therein, the disclosure of any intention to make any proposals with respect to the Corporation or that would affect the management or control of the Corporation, all other required disclosures, and the solicitation of proxies or written consents, or otherwise related to the matters set forth in this Section 11. Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Corporation to omit a proposal from, the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act. Nothing in this Section 11 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

(5) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, except as otherwise determined by the chair of the meeting, if the stockholder giving notice as provided for in this Section 11 does not appear in person or by proxy at such annual or special meeting to present each nominee for election as a director or the proposed business, as applicable, such matter shall not be considered at the meeting.

Section 12. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

Section 13. MARYLAND CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 3-702(c)(4) of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), the Corporation is subject to Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL (the “Control Share Act”), which shall apply to any acquisition or proposed acquisition of shares of stock of the Corporation to the extent provided in the Control Share Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Control Share Act shall not apply to the voting rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock of the Corporation (but only with respect to such shares).

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

Section 2. NUMBER AND TENURE. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

 

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Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held from time to time at such places and times as provided by the Board of Directors by resolution, without notice other than such resolution.

Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without notice other than such resolution.

Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, United States mail or courier to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to any law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

 

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The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

Section 7. VOTING. The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws. If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by any law, the Charter or these Bylaws.

Section 8. ORGANIZATION. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chair of the board or, in the absence of the chair, the vice chair of the board, if any, shall act as chair of the meeting. In the absence of both the chair and vice chair of the board, the chief executive officer or, in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president or, in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chair of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chair of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting

Section 9. CHAIR. The Board of Directors may designate from among its members a chair and a vice chair of the board, who shall not, solely by reason of such designation, be officers of the Corporation but shall have such powers and duties as specified in these Bylaws or determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 10. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 11. CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Section 12. VACANCIES. If for any reason any or all of the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder. Subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, (a) any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum and (b) any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

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Section 13. COMPENSATION. Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year and/or per meeting (including telephonic meetings) and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with any service or activity they perform or engage in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 14. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No director shall be liable for any loss which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or stock have been deposited.

Section 15. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no director shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

Section 16. RELIANCE. Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

Section 17. RATIFICATION. The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify any act, omission, failure to act or determination made not to act (an “Act”) by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the Act and, if so ratified, such Act shall have the same force and effect as if originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders. Any Act questioned in any proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and such ratification shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned Act.

Section 18. EMERGENCY PROVISIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Charter or these Bylaws, this Section 18 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors under Article III of these Bylaws cannot readily be obtained (an “Emergency”). During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, (i) a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any director or officer by any means

 

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feasible under the circumstances; (ii) notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an Emergency may be given less than 24 hours prior to the meeting to as many directors and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio; and (iii) the number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum shall be one-third of the entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Independent Directors Committee, an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Policy Administration Committee, a Valuation Committee and one or more other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. POWERS. The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, any committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority to one or more subcommittees, composed of one or more directors, as the committee deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 3. MEETINGS. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chair of any committee, and such chair or, in the absence of a chair, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide.

Section 4. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 5. CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to appoint the chair of any committee, to fill any vacancy, to designate an alternate member to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

 

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ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, a chief compliance officer, chief legal officer, chief investment officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation, including any officers elected to fill a vacancy among the officers, shall be elected by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or the president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers or any other officers. Each officer shall serve for the term specified by the Board of Directors or the appointing officer or, if no such term is specified, until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chair of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.

Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer. In the absence of such designation, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

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Section 5. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief operating officer. The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief financial officer. The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 7. CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief compliance officer to the extent required by, and consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The chief compliance officer, subject to the discretion of and reporting to the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the oversight of the Company’s compliance with the federal securities laws and other applicable regulatory requirements. The designation, compensation and removal of the chief compliance officer shall be approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law. The chief compliance officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 8. PRESIDENT. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer from time to time.

Section 9. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 10. SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 11. TREASURER. The treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, upon request, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

Section 12. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

Section 13. COMPENSATION. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, officers shall not receive any stated salary or other compensation for their services as officers.

ARTICLE VI

CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors or any manager of the Corporation approved by the Board of Directors and acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement with the Corporation may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors or a manager acting within the scope of its authority pursuant to a management agreement and executed by the chief executive officer, the president or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or such a manager.

Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Corporation as the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors may determine.

 

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ARTICLE VII

STOCK

Section 1. CERTIFICATES. Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock held by them. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in any manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no difference in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

Section 2. TRANSFERS. All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed. The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share 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 or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation has determined that such certificates may be issued. Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

 

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Section 4. FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such record date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if postponed or adjourned, except if the meeting is postponed or adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting shall be determined as set forth herein.

Section 5. STOCK LEDGER. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

Section 6. FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional stock on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine.

ARTICLE VIII

ACCOUNTING YEAR

The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

ARTICLE IX

DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.

Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

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ARTICLE X

SEAL

Section 1. SEAL. The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words “Incorporated Maryland,” or shall be in such other form as may approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

ARTICLE XII

INSPECTION OF RECORDS

A stockholder that is otherwise eligible under applicable law to inspect the Corporation’s books of account, stock ledger, or other specified documents of the Corporation shall have no right to make such inspection if the Board of Directors determines that such stockholder has an improper purpose for requesting such inspection.

ARTICLE XIII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LITIGATION

Section 1. CERTAIN STATE LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City,

 

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Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, (b) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, other than actions arising under United States federal securities laws, (c) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the stockholders of the Corporation, (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or the Charter or these Bylaws, or (e) any other action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other agent of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. None of the foregoing actions, claims or proceedings may be brought in any court sitting outside the State of Maryland unless the Corporation consents in writing to such court.

Section 2. SECURITIES LAW CLAIMS. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the United States federal securities laws.

ARTICLE XIV

PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT WITH LAW OR REGULATION

The provisions of these Bylaws are severable, and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any of such provisions is in conflict with any applicable binding law or regulation, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of these Bylaws; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these Bylaws or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.

ARTICLE XV

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power, at any time, to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.

 

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