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): May 14, 2018
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
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001-33004 |
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32-0426967 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(Commission File Number) |
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(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
One Gateway Center, Suite 351 (300 Washington Street) Newton, Massachusetts |
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02458 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (844) 902-6100 |
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N/A |
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(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:
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
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 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders
On May 15, 2018, Acer Therapeutics Inc. (the “Company”) changed its state of incorporation from the State of Texas to the State of Delaware (the “Reincorporation”) pursuant to a plan of conversion, dated May 15, 2018 (the “Plan of Conversion”). The Company filed the following instruments on May 15, 2018 to effect the Reincorporation: (i) certificate of conversion (the “Texas Certificate of Conversion”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas; (ii) a certificate of conversion (the “Delaware Certificate of Conversion”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; and (iii) a certificate of incorporation (the “Delaware Certificate of Incorporation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, the Company also adopted new bylaws, which became effective with the Reincorporation (the “Delaware Bylaws”).
The Reincorporation was previously submitted to a vote of, and approved by, the Company’s stockholders at its 2018 Annual Meeting held on May 14, 2018, as set forth in Item 5.07 below. Upon the effectiveness of the Reincorporation:
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the affairs of the Company ceased to be governed by Texas corporation laws and became subject to Delaware corporation laws; |
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the resulting Delaware corporation (“Acer Delaware”) is the same entity as the Company previously incorporated in Texas (“Acer Texas”) and continues with all of the rights, privileges and powers of Acer Texas, possesses all of the assets of Acer Texas, continues to be liable for all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of Acer Texas and continues with the same officers and directors of Acer Texas immediately prior to the Reincorporation; and |
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each outstanding share of Acer Texas common stock became an outstanding share of common stock of Acer Delaware, and each outstanding option, warrant, or other right to acquire shares of Acer Texas common stock became an option, warrant or other right to acquire an equivalent number of shares of common stock of Acer Delaware on the same terms and conditions as in effect immediately prior to the Reincorporation. |
Certain rights of the Company’s stockholders changed as a result of the Reincorporation, as described in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2018 (the “2018 Proxy Statement”), under the section entitled “Proposal 3 – Approval of the Reincorporation – Comparison of Shareholder Rights Before and After the Reincorporation,” which description is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
The Reincorporation did not result in any material change in the Company’s business, assets or financial position or in the persons who constitute the Company’s board, including those persons who were elected at the Annual Meeting. The individuals serving as officers of Acer Delaware immediately after the Reincorporation are the officers of Acer Texas serving immediately before the Reincorporation. The consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Acer Delaware immediately after consummation of the Reincorporation are the same as those of Acer Texas immediately before the consummation of the Reincorporation. The Company believes that the Reincorporation did not affect any of the Company’s material contracts with any third parties, and the Company’s rights and obligations under such material contractual arrangements continue to be rights and obligations of the Company after the Reincorporation. The Company’s principal executive offices continue to be located at One Gateway Center, Suite 351 (300 Washington St.), Newton, Massachusetts 02458.
Immediately following the Reincorporation, the Company eliminated its holding company structure by completing a short-form merger pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law by merging Acer Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Private Acer”), with and into the Company (the “Subsidiary Merger”). The Company was the surviving corporation in connection with the Subsidiary Merger. As the Delaware Certificate of Incorporation used the placeholder name of “Acer Reincorporation, Inc.” due to “Acer Therapeutics Inc.” already being in existence in Delaware as Private Acer, in connection with the Subsidiary Merger the Company changed its name to “Acer Therapeutics Inc.” pursuant to a certificate of ownership and merger (the “Certificate of Ownership”) filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 15, 2018.
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The foregoing descriptions do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of t he Plan of Conversion, the Texas Certificate of Conversion, the Delaware Certificate of Conversion, the Delaware Certificate of Incorporation, the Delaware Bylaws and the Certificate of Ownership, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3 .4 and 3.5, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
In connection with the Reincorporation, the Company also adopted a new form of common stock certificate, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Indemnification Agreements with Directors and Officers
Following the Reincorporation, the Company entered into indemnification agreements (the “Indemnification Agreement”) with each of its directors and officers (each an “Indemnitee”), effective May 15, 2018, the form of which was previously approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and approved by the Company’s stockholders at the May 14, 2018 Annual Meeting. Among other things, consistent with the Delaware Bylaws, the Indemnification Agreement generally requires that the Company (i) indemnify the Indemnitee from and against all expenses and liabilities with respect to proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject by reason of the Indemnitee’s service to the Company to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by Delaware law and (ii) advance all expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any proceeding, and in connection with any proceeding to enforce the Indemnitee’s rights under the Indemnification Agreement. The Indemnification Agreement also establishes various related procedures and processes and generally requires the Company to maintain directors and officers liability insurance coverage.
The above description of the form of Indemnification Agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of the provisions thereof. Such description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Indemnification Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
2018 Stock Incentive Plan
At the May 14, 2018 Annual Meeting, stockholders approved the Acer Therapeutics Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A copy of the Plan and the form of award agreement that the Company intends to use for option awards to be made under the Plan are filed as Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
The information set forth under Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.07. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Annual Meeting of stockholders of the Company was held on May 14, 2018. The proposals submitted to stockholders for approval are described in more detail in the 2018 Proxy Statement, and the final results of the stockholder votes on each proposal are shown below:
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PROPOSAL 1 – To elect seven directors for one-year terms.
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For |
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Withheld |
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Broker Non-Votes |
Steven J. Aselage |
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4,812,510 |
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63,420 |
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1,759,538 |
Jason Amello |
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4,824,625 |
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51,305 |
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1,759,538 |
Hubert Birner, Ph.D., MBA |
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4,824,435 |
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51,495 |
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1,759,538 |
John M. Dunn |
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4,824,617 |
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51,313 |
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1,759,538 |
Michelle Griffin |
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4,812,323 |
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63,607 |
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1,759,538 |
Luc Marengere, Ph.D. |
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4,729,560 |
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146,370 |
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1,759,538 |
Chris Schelling |
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4,824,611 |
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51,319 |
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1,759,538 |
PROPOSAL 2 – To approve certain provisions of the Delaware Charter and Delaware Bylaws as set forth below:
2A – Approve a provision to permit stockholder action only at a duly called meeting and to prohibit action by written consent of stockholders.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
4,719,733 |
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152,736 |
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3,461 |
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1,759,538 |
2B – Approve a provision to eliminate the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
4,614,003 |
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260,570 |
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1,357 |
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1,759,538 |
2C – Approve a provision to provide for supermajority voting in connection with future amendments to certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
4,717,789 |
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156,009 |
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2,132 |
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1,759,538 |
2D – Approve a provision to provide for supermajority voting in connection with future amendments to certain provisions of the bylaws.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
4,717,839 |
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156,496 |
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1,595 |
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1,759,538 |
2E – Approve a provision to provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for certain legal actions.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
4,669,014 |
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203,667 |
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3,249 |
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1,759,538 |
PROPOSAL 3 – To approve the Reincorporation in order to effect a change in Acer’s jurisdiction of incorporation from Texas to Delaware.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
4,786,122 |
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86,099 |
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3,709 |
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1,759,538 |
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PROPOSAL 4 – To approve the Acer Therapeutics Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
4,617,197 |
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254,963 |
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3,770 |
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1,759,538 |
PROPOSAL 5 – To ratify the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.
For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
6,604,783 |
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19,656 |
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11,029 |
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0 |
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
The following are filed as Exhibits to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: May 15, 2018 |
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ACER THERAPEUTICS INC. |
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By: |
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/s/ Harry S. Palmin |
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Harry S. Palmin |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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Exhibit 2.1
PLAN OF CONVERSION
OF
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC.,
A TEXAS CORPORATION
TO
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC.,
A DELAWARE CORPORATION
This Plan of Conversion (the “ Plan of Conversion ”) is adopted as of this 15 th day of May, 2018, by Acer Therapeutics Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), to effect its conversion into Acer Reincorporation, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Converted Company ”).
WHEREAS , the Company is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Texas;
WHEREAS , the Company’s directors deem it advisable and in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to convert to a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Conversion ”), pursuant to the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Plan of Conversion and in accordance with Sections 10.101 and 10.103 of the Texas Business Organizations Code (the “ TBOC ”) and Section 265 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”); and
WHEREAS , the Company’s board of directors has authorized, approved and adopted the form, terms and provisions of this Plan of Conversion and submitted this Plan of Conversion to the Company’s shareholders for approval, and the Company’s shareholders have approved this Plan of Conversion.
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing, the conversion will take place pursuant to the following terms and conditions:
1. Conversion; Effect of Conversion .
a. At the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined), the Company will be converted into the Converted Company, pursuant to, and in accordance with, Sections 10.101 and 10.103 of the TBOC, and Section 265 of the DGCL, whereupon the previous organizational form of the Company will cease, and the Company will continue its existence in the organizational form of the Converted Company, which will be subject to the laws of the State of Delaware.
b. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or its shareholders, the Converted Company shall, for all purposes of the laws of the State of Texas and the State of Delaware, be deemed to be the same entity as the Company. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or its shareholders, for all purposes of the laws of the State of Delaware, all of the rights, privileges and powers of the Company, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to the Company, as well as all other things and causes of action belonging to the Company, shall remain vested in the Converted Company and shall be the property of Converted Company and the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in the Company shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Conversion; but all rights of creditors and all liens upon any property of the Company shall be preserved unimpaired, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company shall remain attached to the Converted Company at the Effective Time, and may be enforced against the Converted Company to the same extent as if said debts, liabilities and duties had originally been incurred or contracted by the Converted Company in its capacity as a corporation of the State of Delaware. The rights, privileges, powers and interests in property of the Company, as well as the debts, liabilities and duties of the Company, shall not be deemed, as a consequence of the Conversion, to have been transferred to the Converted Company at the Effective Time for any purpose of the laws of the State of Delaware.
c. The Company shall not be required to wind up its affairs or pay its liabilities and distribute its assets, and the Conversion shall not be deemed to constitute a dissolution of the Company and shall constitute a continuation of the existence of the Company in the form of a Delaware corporation. The Converted Company is the same entity as the Company. The Conversion shall not be deemed to affect any obligations or liabilities of the Company incurred prior to the Conversion or the personal liability of any person incurred prior to the Conversion.
d. At the Effective Time, the name of the Converted Company shall be: Acer Reincorporation, Inc.
e. The Company intends for the Conversion to constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
2. Filings . As promptly as practicable following the date hereof, the Company shall cause the Conversion to be effective by:
a. executing and filing (or causing to be executed and filed) a Certificate of Conversion pursuant to Section 10.154 of the TBOC substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit A hereto with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas;
b. executing and filing (or causing to be executed and filed) a Certificate of Conversion pursuant to Section 265 of the DGCL substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit B hereto (the “ Delaware Certificate of Conversion ”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “ Delaware Secretary of State ”); and
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c. executing, acknowledging and filing (or causing to be executed, acknowledged and filed) a Certificate of Incorporation of Acer Reincorporation, Inc. substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit C hereto (the “ Delaware Charter ”) with the Delaware Secretary of State.
3. Effective Time . The Conversion shall become effective upon the filing with the Delaware Secretary of State of the Delaware Certificate of Conversion (the time of the effectiveness of the Conversion, the “ Effective Time ”).
4. Conversion of Shares of Common Stock . At the Effective Time, each share of common stock in the Company, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Company Common Stock ”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or any other person or entity, be converted into one share of the Converted Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Converted Company Common Stock ”).
5. Effect of Conversion on Outstanding Stock Options, Warrants and Other Rights to Acquire Shares of Common Stock . At the Effective Time, each option, warrant and other right to acquire shares of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or any other person or entity, be converted into an equivalent option, warrant or other right to acquire, as applicable, upon the same terms and conditions (including the exercise price per share applicable to each such option, warrant or other right to acquire) as were in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, the same number of shares of Converted Company Common Stock.
6. Effect of Conversion on Stock Certificates . At the Effective Time, all of the outstanding certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Company Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or any other person or entity, be deemed for all purposes to continue to evidence ownership of and to represent the same number of shares of Converted Company Common Stock into which the shares represented by such certificates have been converted as provided herein. The registered owner on the books and records of the Converted Company or its transfer agent of any such outstanding stock certificate shall, until such certificate shall have been surrendered for transfer or conversion or otherwise accounted for to the Converted Company or its transfer agent, have and be entitled to exercise any voting and other rights with respect to and to receive any dividend and other distributions upon the shares of the Converted Company evidenced by such outstanding certificate as provided above.
7. Effect of Conversion on Employee Benefit, Incentive Compensation or Other Similar Plans . At the Effective Time, each employee benefit plan, incentive compensation plan or other similar plan to which the Company is a party shall automatically, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or any other person or entity, continue to be a plan of the Converted Company. To the extent that any such plan provides for the issuance of Company Common Stock, at the Effective Time, such plan shall be deemed to provide for the issuance of Converted Company Common Stock. A number of shares of Converted Company Common Stock shall be reserved for issuance under such plan or plans equal to the number of shares of Company Common Stock so reserved immediately prior to the Effective Time.
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8. Filings, Licenses, Permits, Titled Property, Etc . As necessary, following the Effective Time, the Converted Company shall apply for new qualifications to conduct business (including as a foreign corporation), licenses, permits and similar authorizations on its behalf and in its own name in connection with the Conversion and to reflect the fact that it is a corporation duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware. As required or appropriate, following the Effective Time, all real, personal or intangible property of the Company which was titled or registered in the name of the Company shall be re-titled or re-registered, as applicable, in the name of the Converted Company by appropriate filings or notices to the appropriate party (including, without limitation, any applicable governmental agencies).
9. Further Assurances . If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Converted Company shall determine or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, agreements, documents or assurances or any other acts or things are necessary, desirable or proper, consistent with the terms of this Plan of Conversion, (a) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Converted Company its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes, franchises, properties or assets of the Company, or (b) to otherwise carry out the purposes of this Plan of Conversion, the Converted Company, its officers and directors and the designees of its officers and directors, are hereby authorized to solicit in the name of the Converted Company any third-party consents or other documents required to be delivered by any third-party, to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Converted Company all such deeds, bills of sale, assignments, agreements, documents and assurances and do, in the name and on behalf of the Converted Company, all such other acts and things necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or confirm its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes, franchises, properties or assets of the Company and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Plan of Conversion.
10. Effect of Conversion on Directors and Officers . The members of the board of directors and the officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in office following the Effective Time as the directors and officers of the Converted Company, respectively, until the expiration of their respective terms of office and until their successors have been duly elected and have qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. After the Effective Time, the Converted Company and its board of directors shall take any necessary actions to cause each of such individuals to be appointed or to confirm such appointments.
11. Delaware Bylaws . At the Effective Time, the Bylaws of the Converted Company (the “ Delaware Bylaws ”), a copy of which are attached hereto as Exhibit D , shall govern the Converted Company until amended in accordance with the Delaware Bylaws, the Delaware Charter or applicable law.
12. Delaware Indemnification Agreements . As promptly as practicable following the Effective Time, the Converted Company shall enter into an Indemnification Agreement substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit E hereto with each member of the board of directors of the Converted Company and each officer of the Converted Company.
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13. Office . From and after the Effective Time, the Company’s principal office shall be the same as that of the Company’s principal office, which is as follows: One Gateway Center, Suite 351 (300 Washington St.), Newton, Massachusetts 02458.
14. Registered Office and Agent . From and after the Effective Time, the Converted Company’s initial registered agent and registered office shall be: The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801.
15. Shareholder Approval . This Plan of Conversion was recommended by the Company’s directors and submitted to and approved by the Company’s shareholders as required by the Company’s Restated Certificate of Formation, as amended, and Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, and in accordance with the TBOC. All required documents shall be executed, filed and recorded and all required acts shall be done to accomplish the Conversion contemplated hereby required by law.
16. Implementation and Interpretation . This Plan of Conversion shall be implemented and interpreted, prior to the Effective Time, by the board of directors of the Company and, upon the Effective Time, by the board of directors of the Converted Company, (a) each of which shall have full power and authority to delegate and assign any matters covered hereunder to any other party(ies), including, without limitation, any officers of the Company or the Converted Company, as the case may be, and (b) the interpretations and decisions of which shall be final, binding and conclusive on all parties.
17. Termination; Abandonment . At any time prior to the Effective Time, the consummation of the Conversion may be deferred for a reasonable period of time if, in the opinion of the board of directors of the Company, such action would be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. This Plan of Conversion may be terminated and/or the Conversion abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by the action of the board of directors of the Company, notwithstanding the approval of this Plan of Conversion by the shareholders of the Company. In the event of termination of this Plan of Conversion and/or abandonment of the Conversion, then this Plan of Conversion shall become void and of no further force and effect without liability on the part of any party hereto or their respective officers and agents.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Plan of Conversion to be duly executed effective as of the date and year first written above.
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC., |
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a Texas corporation |
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By: |
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/s/ Chris Schelling |
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Name: Chris Schelling |
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Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Texas Certificate of Conversion
OF
A TEXAS CORPORATION
TO
A Delaware CORPORATION
(In compliance with Section 10.154 of the
Business Organizations Code of the State of Texas)
Converting Entity Information
1. |
The name of the converting entity is Acer Therapeutics Inc. |
2. |
The organizational form of the converting entity is a corporation. |
3. |
The jurisdiction of formation of the converting entity is the State of Texas. |
Converted Entity Information
4. |
The name of the converted entity will be Acer Reincorporation, Inc. |
5. |
The organizational form of the converted entity will be a corporation. |
6. |
The jurisdiction of formation of the converted entity will be Delaware. |
Plan of Conversion
7. |
A signed plan of conversion is on file at the principal place of business of the converting entity. The address of the principal place of business of the converting entity is One Gateway Center, Suite 351 (300 Washington St.), Newton, Massachusetts 02458. |
8. |
A signed plan of conversion will be on file after the conversion at the principal place of business of the converted entity. The address of the principal place of business of the converted entity will be One Gateway Center, Suite 351 (300 Washington St.), Newton, Massachusetts 02458. |
9. |
A copy of the plan of conversion will be furnished on written request without cost by the converting entity before the conversion or by the converted entity after the conversion to any owner or shareholder of the converting or converted entity. |
Approval of the Plan of Conversion
10. |
The plan of conversion has been approved as required by the law of the jurisdiction of formation and the governing documents of the converting entity. |
Effectiveness of Filing
11. |
This Certificate becomes effective upon filing. |
Tax Certificate
12. |
In lieu of providing the Certificate of Account Status to Terminate from the Texas Comptroller, the converted entity will assume all liability for the payment of any franchise and/or sales taxes . |
The undersigned signs this document subject to the penalties imposed by law for the submission of a materially false or fraudulent instrument. The undersigned certifies that the statements contained herein are true and correct, and the person signing is authorized under the provisions of the Business Organizations Code of the State of Texas to execute the filing instrument.
Date: May 15, 2018 |
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Acer Therapeutics Inc. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Chris Schelling |
Title: |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Delaware Certificate of Conversion
CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION
FROM A NON-DELAWARE CORPORATION
TO A DELAWARE CORPORATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 265 OF THE
DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
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The jurisdiction where the Non-Delaware Corporation first formed is the State of Texas. |
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2. |
The jurisdiction of the Non-Delaware Corporation immediately prior to filing this Certificate is the State of Texas. |
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3. |
The date the Non-Delaware Corporation first formed is March 15, 1991. |
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4. |
The name of the Non-Delaware Corporation immediately prior to filing this Certificate is Acer Therapeutics Inc. |
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The name of the Corporation as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation is Acer Reincorporation, Inc. |
[ Signature Page Follows ]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized to sign on behalf of the converting Non ‑Delaware Corporation, has executed this Certificate on May 15, 2018.
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC. , |
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a Texas corporation |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Chris Schelling |
Title: |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Delaware Charter
OF
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC.
article I
The name of the corporation is Acer Reincorporation, Inc. (the “Corporation” ).
article II
The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
article III
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL” ).
article IV
A. Classes of Stock . The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is One Hundred Sixty Million (160,000,000) shares, of which One Hundred Fifty Million (150,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock” ), and of which Ten Million (10,000,000) shares shall be Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “ Preferred Stock ”). The number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock, without a vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a vote of any such Preferred Stock holders is required pursuant to the provisions established by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors” ) in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such Preferred Stock, and if such holders of such Preferred Stock are so entitled to vote thereon, then, except as may otherwise be set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, the only stockholder approval required shall be the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock so entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.
B. Preferred Stock . The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to provide for the issue, in one or more series, of all or any of the remaining shares of Preferred Stock and, in the resolution or resolutions providing for such issue, to establish for each such series the number of its shares, the voting powers, full or limited, of the shares of such series, or that such shares shall have no voting powers, and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of such series, and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. The Board of Directors is also expressly authorized (unless forbidden in the resolution or resolutions providing for such issue) to increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series subsequent to the issuance of shares of that series. In case the number of shares of any such series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status that they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.
C. Common Stock .
1. Relative Rights of Preferred Stock and Common Stock. All preferences, voting powers, relative, participating, optional or other special rights and privileges, and qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of the Common Stock are expressly made subject and subordinate to those that may be fixed with respect to any shares of the Preferred Stock.
2. Voting Rights. Except as otherwise required by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect of each share of stock held by such holder of record on the books of the Corporation for the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
3. Dividends. Subject to the preferential rights of the Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of the assets of the Corporation which are by law available therefor, dividends payable either in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock.
4. Dissolution, Liquidation or Winding Up. In the event of any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, after distribution in full of the preferential amounts, if any, to be distributed to the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled, unless otherwise provided by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them respectively.
article V
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware:
A. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation, without any action on the part of the stockholders, by the vote of at least a majority of the directors of the Corporation then in office. In addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, the bylaws may also be adopted, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting as one class; provided, however, that the affirmative vote of the holders representing only a majority of the voting power of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting as one class, shall be required if such adoption, amendment or repeal of the bylaws has been previously approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors of the Corporation then in office.
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B. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.
C. The books of the Corporation may be kept at such place within or without the State of Delaware as the bylaws of the Corporation may provide or as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.
article VI
A. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors. The authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed in the manner provided in the bylaws of the Corporation. Other than for those directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, which shall be as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV, Paragraph B hereof, each director shall serve until his or her successor shall be duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity.
B. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled solely by a majority vote of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. Directors chosen pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Directors, the remaining directors, except as otherwise provided by law, or by the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws of the corporation, may exercise the powers of the full Board of Directors until the vacancy is filled.
article VII
A. No action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting and the power of stockholders to consent in writing, without a meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.
B. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or by a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied.
C. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.
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D. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article VII, Paragraph D.
article VIII
A. Limitation on Liability . To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended (including, but not limited to Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL), a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL hereafter is amended to further eliminate or limit the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation, in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided herein, shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the amended DGCL. Any repeal or modification of this paragraph by the stockholders of the Corporation shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
B. Indemnification . Each person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (including the heirs, executors, administrators or estate of such person), shall be indemnified and advanced expenses by the Corporation, in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation, to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), or any other applicable laws as presently or hereinafter in effect. The right to indemnification and advancement of expenses hereunder shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Corporation, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
C. Insurance . The Corporation may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
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D. Repeal and Modification . Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VIII shall not adversely affect any right or protection existing hereunder immediately prior to such repeal or modification.
article IX
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend in any respect or repeal this Article IX, Paragraph A of Article V, or Articles VI, VII or VIII.
article X
The name and mailing address of the incorporator are as follows:
Chris Schelling
One Gateway Center, Suite 351
(300 Washington Street)
Newton, MA 02458
Executed on May 15, 2018. |
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Chris Schelling, Incorporator |
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Delaware Bylaws
OF
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
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ARTICLE 1 Offices |
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1 |
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1.1 |
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Registered Office |
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1.2 |
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Other Offices |
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1 |
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ARTICLE 2 Meeting of Stockholders |
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1 |
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2.1 |
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Place of Meeting |
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1 |
2.2 |
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Annual Meeting |
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1 |
2.3 |
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Special Meetings |
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2 |
2.4 |
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Notice of Meetings |
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3 |
2.5 |
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List of Stockholders |
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3 |
2.6 |
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Organization and Conduct of Business |
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3 |
2.7 |
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Quorum |
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3 |
2.8 |
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Adjournments |
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3 |
2.9 |
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Voting Rights |
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4 |
2.10 |
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Majority Vote |
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4 |
2.11 |
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Record Date for Stockholder Notice and Voting |
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4 |
2.12 |
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Proxies |
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4 |
2.13 |
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Inspectors of Election |
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5 |
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ARTICLE 3 Directors |
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5 |
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3.1 |
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Number, Election, Tenure and Qualifications |
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5 |
3.2 |
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Enlargement and Vacancies |
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6 |
3.3 |
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Resignation and Removal |
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6 |
3.4 |
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Powers |
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7 |
3.5 |
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Chairman of the Board |
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7 |
3.6 |
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Place of Meetings |
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7 |
3.7 |
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Regular Meetings |
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7 |
3.8 |
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Special Meetings |
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3.9 |
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Quorum, Action at Meeting, Adjournments |
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3.10 |
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Action Without Meeting |
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3.11 |
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Telephone Meetings |
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8 |
3.12 |
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Committees |
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8 |
3.13 |
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Fees and Compensation of Directors |
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8 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
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4.1 |
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Officers Designated |
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9 |
4.2 |
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Election |
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4.3 |
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Tenure |
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4.4 |
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The Chief Executive Officer |
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4.5 |
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The Presiden t |
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4.6 |
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The Vice President |
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4.7 |
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The Secretary |
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10 |
4.8 |
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The Assistant Secretary |
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10 |
4.9 |
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The Chief Financial Officer |
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4.10 |
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The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers |
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4.11 |
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Bond |
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4.12 |
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Delegation of Authority |
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ARTICLE 5 Notices |
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5.1 |
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Delivery |
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5.2 |
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Waiver of Notice |
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ARTICLE 6 Indemnification and Insurance |
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6.1 |
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Indemnification of Officers and Directors |
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6.2 |
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Indemnification of Others |
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6.3 |
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Advance Payment |
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6.4 |
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Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit |
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6.5 |
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Non-Exclusivity and Survival of Rights; Amendments |
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6.6 |
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Insurance |
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6.7 |
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Reliance |
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6.8 |
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Severability |
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ARTICLE 7 Capital Stock |
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7.1 |
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Certificates for Shares |
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7.2 |
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Signatures on Certificates |
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7.3 |
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Transfer of Stock |
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7.4 |
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Registered Stockholders |
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7.5 |
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Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
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8.1 |
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Dividends |
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8.2 |
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Checks |
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8.3 |
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Corporate Seal |
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8.4 |
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Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments |
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8.5 |
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Representation of Shares of Other Corporations |
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ARTICLE 9 Amendments |
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OF
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of the corporation shall be set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the corporation.
1.2 Other Offices. The corporation may also have offices at such other places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the board of directors of the corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) may from time to time designate, or the business of the corporation may require.
2.1 Place of Meeting. Meetings of stockholders may be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by or in the manner provided in these bylaws, or, if not so designated, at the principal executive offices of the corporation. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, (a) determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely, or (b) permit participation by stockholders at such meeting, by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”).
2.2 Annual Meeting. Annual meetings of stockholders shall be held each year at such date and time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting. At each such annual meeting, the stockholders shall elect the number of directors equal to the number of directors of the class whose term expires at such meeting (or, if fewer, the number of directors properly nominated and qualified for election) to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election. The stockholders shall also transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
To be properly brought before the annual meeting, business must be (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder of record. A motion related to business proposed to be brought before any stockholders’ meeting may be made by any stockholder entitled to vote if the business proposed is otherwise proper to be brought before the meeting. However, any such stockholder may propose business to be brought before a meeting only if such stockholder has given timely notice to the Secretary of the corporation in proper written form of the stockholder’s intent to propose such business. To be timely, the stockholder’s notice must be delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or
mailed by first class United States mail, postage or delivery charges prepaid, and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the corporation not more than one hundred twenty (120) days nor less than ninety (90) days in advance of the anniversary of the date of the corporation’s proxy statement provided in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is more than thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary of the corporation not later than the close of business on the later of (x) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (y) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. For the purposes of these bylaws, “ public announcement ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or a comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the bylaws of the corporation, the language of the proposed amendment), and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) the name and record address of the stockholder proposing such business and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class, series and number of shares of the corporation that are owned beneficially and of record by the stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such business; and (v) any other information that is required to be provided by the stockholder pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “ 1934 Act ”) in such stockholder’s capacity as a proponent of a stockholder proposal.
Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at the annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section; provided , however , that nothing in this Section shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any business properly brought before the annual meeting.
The Chairman of the Board (or such other person presiding at the meeting in accordance with these bylaws) shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
2.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the certificate of incorporation, by the Secretary only at the request of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or by a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.
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2.4 Notice o f Meetings . E xcept as otherwise provided by law or these bylaws, written notice of each meeting of stockholders, annual or special, stating the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which such special meeting is called, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting.
2.5 List of Stockholders. The officer in charge of the stock ledger of the corporation or the transfer agent shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then t he list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to gain access to such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.
2.6 Organization and Conduct of Business. The Chairman of the Board or, in his or her absence, the Chief Executive Officer or President of the corporation or, in their absence, such person as the Board of Directors may have designated or, in the absence of such a person, such person as may be chosen by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary of the corporation, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairman of the meeting appoints.
The chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seems to him or her in order.
2.7 Quorum. Except where otherwise provided by law or the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders.
2.8 Adjournments. If a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of stockholders, a majority of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, though less than a quorum, or by any officer entitled to preside at such meeting, shall be entitled to adjourn such meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. When a
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meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however , that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, if any, date, time and means of remote communications, if any, of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting.
2.9 Voting Rights. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, each stockholder shall at every meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote for each share of the capital stock having voting power held by such stockholder.
2.10 Majority Vote. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock and entitled to vote present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of an applicable statute or of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or of these bylaws, a different vote is required in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
2.11 Record Date for Stockholder Notice and Voting. For purposes of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any right in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of any such meeting nor more than sixty (60) days before any other action to which the record date relates. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting. If the Board of Directors does not so fix a record date, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the business day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the business day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating to such purpose.
2.12 Proxies . Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. All proxies must be filed with the Secretary of the corporation at the beginning of each meeting in order to be counted in any vote at the meeting. Subject to the limitation set forth in the last clause of the first sentence of this Section 2.12, a duly exe cuted proxy that does not state that it is irrevocable shall continue in full force and effect unless (a) revoked by the person executing it, before the vote pursuant to that proxy, by a writing delivered to the corporation stating that the proxy is revoked or by a subsequent proxy executed by, or attendance at the meeting and voting in person by, the person executing the proxy, or (b) written notice of the death or incapacity of the maker of that proxy is received by the corporation before the vote pursuant to that proxy is counted.
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2.13 Inspector s of Election . The corporation shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. The corporation may designate one or more persons to act as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability.
3.1 Number, Election, Tenure and Qualifications. The number of directors that shall constitute the entire Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the directors of the corporation then in office. No decrease in the number of authorized directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.
At each annual meeting of the stockholders, directors shall be elected for directors whose terms are then expiring, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.2, and each director so elected shall hold office until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier resignation, removal, death or incapacity.
Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors must be (a) made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (b) made by any stockholder of record of the corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the applicable meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 3.2. Directors need not be stockholders. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or mailed by first class United States mail, postage or delivery charges prepaid, and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the corporation (i) in the case of an annual meeting of stockholders, not more than one hundred twenty (120) days nor less than ninety (90) days in advance of the anniversary of the date of the corporation’s proxy statement provided in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date more than thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary of the corporation not later than the close of business on the later of (A) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (B) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made, and (ii) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made. Such
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stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation that are owned beneficially by the person, (iv) any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (v) the nominee’s written consent to serve, if elected, and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (i) the name and record address of the stockholder, (ii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation that are owned beneficially by the stockholder, and (iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each person the stockholder proposes for election or re-election as a director pursuant to which such proposed nomination is being made. The corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the corporation. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth herein.
In connection with any annual meeting of the stockholders (or, if and as applicable, any special meeting of the stockholders), the Chairman of the Board (or such other person presiding at such meeting in accordance with these bylaws) shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
3.2 Enlargement and Vacancies. Except as otherwise provided by the certificate of incorporation, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled solely by a majority vote of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. Directors chosen pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions shall hold office until the next annual election at which the term of the class to which he or she has been elected expires and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier resignation or removal. In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Directors, the remaining directors, except as otherwise provided by law, or by the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws of the corporation, may exercise the powers of the full Board of Directors until the vacancy is filled.
3.3 Resignation and Removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the corporation at its principal place of business addressed to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary, the Chairman of the Board or the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, who shall in turn notify the full Board of Directors (although failure to provide such notification to the full Board of Directors shall not impact the effectiveness of such resignation). Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt of such notice by one of the individuals designated above unless the notice specifies such
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resignation to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event. Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, but only for cause, by the holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock issued and outstanding then entitled to vote at an election of directors.
3.4 Powers. The business of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
3.5 Chairman of the Board. The directors shall elect a Chairman of the Board and may elect a Vice Chair of the Board, each to hold such office until their successor is elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chair of the Board, if one has been elected, or another director designated by the Board of Directors, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board of the corporation shall if present preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors and shall have such other duties as may be vested in the Chairman of the Board by the Board of Directors. The Vice Chair of the Board of the corporation shall have such duties as may be vested in the Vice Chair of the Board by the Board of Directors.
3.6 Place of Meetings. The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.
3.7 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; provided, however , that any director who is absent when such a determination is made shall be given prompt notice of such determination.
3.8 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or by the written request of a majority of the directors then in office. Notice of the time and place, if any, of special meetings shall be delivered personally or by telephone to each director, or sent by first-class mail or commercial delivery service, facsimile transmission, or by electronic mail or other electronic means, charges prepaid, sent to such director’s business or home address as they appear upon the records of the corporation. In case such notice is mailed, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four (4) days prior to the time of holding of the meeting. In case such notice is delivered personally or by telephone or by commercial delivery service, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail or other electronic means, it shall be so delivered at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of the holding of the meeting. A notice or waiver of notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors need not specify the purposes of the meeting.
3.9 Quorum, Action at Meeting, Adjournments. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, or by the bylaws of the corporation. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
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3.10 Action Wi thout Meeting . U nless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
3.11 Telephone Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, any member of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee, as the case may be, by means of conference telephone or by any form of communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
3.12 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not the member or members present constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all of the lawfully delegated powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, and may authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and make such reports to the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors may request or the charter of such committee may then require. Except as the Board of Directors may otherwise determine, any committee may make rules for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the directors or in such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as possible in the same manner as is provided in these bylaws for the conduct of its business by the Board of Directors.
3.13 Fees and Compensation of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.
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4.1 Officers Designated. The officers of the corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors may also choose a Treasurer, one or more Vice Presidents, and one or more assistant Secretaries or assistant Treasurers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws otherwise provide.
4.2 Election. The Board of Directors shall choose a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer. Other officers may be appointed by the Board of Directors or may be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to a delegation of authority from the Board of Directors.
4.3 Tenure. Each officer of the corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is appointed and qualified, unless a different term is specified in the vote choosing or appointing such officer, or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation, removal or incapacity. Any officer appointed by the Board of Directors or by the Chief Executive Officer may be removed with or without cause at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors or a committee duly authorized to do so. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the corporation may be filled by the Board of Directors, at its discretion. Any officer may resign by delivering such officer’s written resignation to the corporation at its principal place of business to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event.
4.4 The Chief Executive Officer. Subject to such supervisory powers, if any, as may be given by the Board of Directors to the Chairman of the Board, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and at all meetings of the Board of Directors, shall have general and active management of the business of the corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. He or she shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation.
4.5 The President. The President shall, in the event there is no Chief Executive Officer or in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer or in the event of his or her disability, perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting, shall have the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chief Executive Officer. The President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed for such person by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or these bylaws.
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4.6 The Vic e President . The Vice President (or in the event there be more than one, the Vice Presidents in the order designated by the directors, or in the absence of any designation, in the order of their election), shall, in the absence of the President or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Vice President(s) shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed for them by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or these bylaws.
4.7 The Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and the stockholders and record all votes and the proceedings of the meetings in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the standing committees, when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, under whose supervision he or she shall act. The Secretary shall sign such instruments on behalf of the corporation as the Secretary may be authorized to sign by the Board of Directors or by law and shall countersign, attest and affix the corporate seal to all certificates and instruments where such countersigning or such sealing and attesting are necessary to their true and proper execution. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal executive office or at the office of the corporation’s transfer agent or registrar, as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, a share register, or a duplicate share register, showing the names of all stockholders and their addresses, the number and classes of shares held by each, the number and date of certificates issued for the same and the number and date of cancellation of every certificate surrendered for cancellation.
4.8 The Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary, or if there be more than one, any Assistant Secretaries in the order designated by the Board of Directors (or in the absence of any designation, in the order of their election) shall assist the Secretary in the performance of his or her duties and, in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
4.9 The Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall be the principal financial officer in charge of the general accounting books, accounting and cost records and forms. The Chief Financial Officer may also serve as the principal accounting officer and shall perform such other duties and have other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.
4.10 The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers. The Treasurer (if one is appointed) shall have such duties as may be specified by the Chief Financial Officer to assist the Chief Financial Officer in the performance of his or her duties and to perform such other duties and have other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. It shall be the duty of any Assistant Treasurers to assist the Treasurer in the performance of his or her duties and to perform such other duties and have other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.
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4.11 Bond . If required by the Board of Directors, any officer shall give the corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties and upon such terms and conditions as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors, including without limitation a bond for the faithful performance of the duties of such officer’s office and for the restoration to the corporation of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in such officer’s possession or under such officer’s control and belonging to the corporation.
4.12 Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
5.1 Delivery. Whenever, under the provisions of law, or of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, written notice is required to be given to any director or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail or delivered to a nationally recognized courier service. Unless written notice by mail is required by law, written notice may also be given by commercial delivery service, facsimile transmission, electronic means or similar means addressed to such director or stockholder at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the corporation, in which case such notice shall be deemed to be given when delivered into the control of the persons charged with effecting such transmission, the transmission charge to be paid by the corporation or the person sending such notice and not by the addressee. Oral notice or other in‑hand delivery, in person or by telephone, shall be deemed given at the time it is actually given.
5.2 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of law or of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or of these bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.
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6.1 Indemnification of Officers and Directors. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that he or she or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative is or was a director or officer of the corporation (or any predecessor), or is or was serving at the request of the corporation (or any predecessor) as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the corporation, or other enterprise (or any predecessors of such entities) (hereinafter an “ Indemnitee ”), shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, including, but not limited to, Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection therewith. Each person who is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary of the corporation shall be deemed to be serving, or have served, at the request of the corporation. The right to indemnification conferred in this Section 6.1 shall be a contract right.
Any indemnification (but not advancement of expenses) under this Article 6 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, as the same exists or hereafter may be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment). Such determination shall be made with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination (a) by a majority vote of the directors who are not or were not parties to the proceeding in respect of which indemnification is being sought by Indemnitee (the “ Disinterested Directors ”), even though less than a quorum, (b) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, (c) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, or if the Disinterested Directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (d) by the stockholders.
6.2 Indemnification of Others. This Article 6 does not limit the right of the corporation, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than those persons identified in Section 6.1 when and as authorized by the Board or by the action of a committee of the Board or designated officers of the corporation established by or designated in resolutions approved by the Board; provided, however , that the
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payment of expenses incurred by such a person in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt by the corporation of a written undertaking by such person to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 6 or otherwise .
6.3 Advance Payment. The right to indemnification under this Article 6 shall include the right to be paid by the corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, such advances to be paid by the corporation within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the corporation of a statement or statements from the claimant requesting such advance or advances from time to time; provided, however , that if the DGCL requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under Section 6.1 or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless such right is acquired other than pursuant to this Article 6, no advance shall be made by the corporation to an officer of the corporation (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or was a director of the corporation, in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, or (b) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, or (c) if there are no Disinterested Directors or the Disinterested Directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to the claimant, that the facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
6.4 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim for indemnification (following final disposition of such proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Article 6 is not paid in full by the corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit to the fullest extent permitted by law. In any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article or otherwise shall be on the corporation.
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6.5 Non-Exclusivity and Sur vival of Rights; Amendments . T he right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article 6 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Any repeal or modification of the provisions of this Article 6 shall not in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation hereunder in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such repeal or modification.
6.6 Insurance. The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf and on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liability or loss under the DGCL.
6.7 Reliance. Persons who after the date of the adoption of this provision become or remain directors or officers of the corporation shall be conclusively presumed to have relied on the rights to indemnity, advance of expenses and other rights contained in this Article 6 in entering into or continuing such service. The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article 6 shall apply to claims made against an Indemnitee arising out of acts or omissions that occurred or occur both prior and subsequent to the adoption hereof.
6.8 Severability. If any word, clause, provision or provisions of this Article 6 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article 6 (including, without limitation, each portion of any section or paragraph of this Article 6 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article 6 (including, without limitation, each such portion of any section or paragraph of this Article 6 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
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7.1 Certificates for Shares. The shares of the corporation shall be (i) represented by certificates or (ii) uncertificated and evidenced by a book-entry system maintained by or through the corporation’s transfer agent or registrar. Certificates shall be signed by, or in the name of the corporation by, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the corporation. Certificates may be issued for partly paid shares and in such case upon the face or back of the certificates issued to represent any such partly paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor, and the amount paid thereon shall be specified.
Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the corporation shall send or cause to be sent to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required by the DGCL or a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.
7.2 Signatures on Certificates. Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
7.3 Transfer of Stock. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate of shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer, and proper evidence of compliance of other conditions to rightful transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Upon receipt of proper transfer instructions and proper evidence of compliance of other conditions to rightful transfer from the registered owner of uncertificated shares, such uncertificated shares shall be canceled and issuance of new equivalent uncertificated shares or certificated shares shall be made to the person entitled thereto and the transaction shall be recorded upon the books of the corporation.
7.4 Registered Stockholders. The corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
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7.5 Lost, Stolen or De stroyed Certificates . The corporation may direct that a new certificate or certificates be issued to replace any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed and on such terms and conditions as the corporation may require. When authorizing the issue of a new certificate or certificates, the corporation may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require, to indemnify the corporation in such manner as it may require, and/or to give the corporation a bond or other adequate security in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
8.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation, subject to any restrictions contained in the DGCL or the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting or by unanimous written consent. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation.
8.2 Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
8.3 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, adopt a corporate seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, the year of its organization and the word “Delaware.” The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or otherwise reproduced. The seal may be altered from time to time by the Board of Directors.
8.4 Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments. The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
8.5 Representation of Shares of Other Corporations. The Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the corporation is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of the corporation all rights incident to any and all shares of any corporation or corporations or similar ownership interests of other business entities standing in the name of the corporation. The authority herein granted to said officers to vote or represent on behalf of the corporation any and all shares or similar ownership interests held by the corporation in any other corporation or corporations or other business entities may be exercised either by such officers in person or by any other person authorized so to do by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by said officers.
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These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors pursuant to the applicable provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation at (a) any regular meeting of the stockholders or of the Board of Directors or (b) any special meeting of the stockholders or of the Board of Directors if notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new bylaws is contained in the notice of such special meeting.
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I, the undersigned, hereby certify:
(i) That I am a duly elected, acting and qualified Secretary of Acer Reincorporation, Inc., a Delaware corporation; and
(ii) That the foregoing Bylaws, comprising 17 pages, constitute the Bylaws of such corporation as duly adopted by the board of directors of such corporation effective May 15, 2018.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name as of the 15 th day of May, 2018.
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Donald R. Joseph, Secretary |
Delaware Indemnification Agreement
This Indemnification Agreement (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [__________ __, 20___], between Acer Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and [____________________] (“ Indemnitee ”),
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Indemnitee is either a member of the board of directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) or an officer of the Corporation, or both, and in such capacity or capacities, or otherwise as an Agent (as hereinafter defined) of the Corporation, is performing a valuable service for the Corporation; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation is aware that competent and experienced persons are increasingly reluctant to serve as directors or officers of corporations or other business entities unless they are protected by comprehensive indemnification and liability insurance, due to increased exposure to litigation costs and risks resulting from their service to such corporations, and because the exposure frequently bears no reasonable relationship to the compensation of such directors and officers; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Corporation has concluded that, to retain and attract talented and experienced individuals to serve or continue to serve as officers or directors of the Corporation or as an Agent, and to encourage such individuals to take the business risks necessary for the success of the Corporation, it is necessary for the Corporation contractually to indemnify directors, officers and Agents and to assume for itself to the fullest extent permitted by law expenses and damages in connection with claims against such officers, directors and Agents in connection with their service to the Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”), under which the Corporation is organized, empowers the Corporation to indemnify by agreement its officers, directors, employees and agents, and persons who serve, at the request of the Corporation, as directors, officers, employees or agents of other corporations or enterprises, and expressly provides that the indemnification provided by the DGCL is not exclusive; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation desires and has requested the Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a director, officer or Agent of the Corporation free from undue concern for claims for damages arising out of or related to such services to the Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Corporation on the condition that he or she be indemnified as herein provided; and
WHEREAS, it is intended that Indemnitee shall be paid promptly by the Corporation all amounts necessary to effectuate in full the indemnity provided herein; and
WHEREAS, certain defined terms are set forth in Section 17 below:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants in this Agreement, and of Indemnitee serving or continuing to serve the Corporation as an Agent and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Services by Indemnitee
. Indemnitee agrees to serve or continue to serve (a) as a director or an officer of the Corporation, or both, so long as Indemnitee is duly appointed or elected and qualified, and until such time as Indemnitee resigns or fails to stand for election or is removed from Indemnitee’s position in each case in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Corporation, or (b) otherwise as an Agent of the Corporation. Indemnitee may from time to time also perform other services at the request or for the convenience of, or otherwise benefiting the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign or be removed from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or other obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Corporation shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in any such position.
2. Indemnification of Indemnitee . Subject to the limitations set forth herein and particularly in Section 6 hereof, the Corporation hereby agrees to indemnify Indemnitee as follows:
(a) The Corporation shall, with respect to any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined), indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law or as such law may from time to time be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than the law permitted the Corporation to provide before such amendment). The right to indemnification conferred herein shall be presumed to have been relied upon by Indemnitee in serving or continuing to serve the Corporation as an Agent and shall be enforceable as a contract right. Without in any way diminishing the scope of the indemnification provided by this Section 2(a), the rights of indemnification of Indemnitee shall include but shall not be limited to those rights hereinafter set forth.
(b) The Corporation shall indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was an Agent of the Corporation, or any subsidiary of the Corporation, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an Agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against Expenses (as hereinafter defined) or Liabilities (as hereinafter defined), actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.
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(c) The Corporation shall indemnify Indemnitee if Indemnitee was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was an Agent of the Corporation, or any subsidiary of the Corporation, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an Agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against Expenses and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Liabilities if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or such other court shall deem proper.
3. Advancement of Expenses. All reasonable Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee (including costs of enforcement of this Agreement) shall be advanced from time to time by the Corporation to Indemnitee within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Corporation of a written request for an advance of Expenses, whether prior to or after final disposition of a Proceeding (except to the extent that there has been a Final Adverse Determination (as hereinafter defined) that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such Expenses), including without limitation any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Corporation. The written request for an advancement of any and all Expenses under this paragraph shall contain reasonable detail of the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee. In the event that such written request shall be accompanied by an affidavit of counsel to Indemnitee to the effect that such counsel has reviewed such Expenses and that such Expenses are reasonable in such counsel’s view, then such expenses shall be deemed reasonable in the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. By execution of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have made whatever undertaking as may be required by law at the time of any advancement of Expenses with respect to repayment to the Corporation of such Expenses. In the event that the Corporation shall breach its obligation to advance Expenses under this Section 3, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee’s remedies available at law would not be adequate and that Indemnitee would be entitled to specific performance.
4. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings. Upon making a request for indemnification, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement and the Corporation shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in reaching any contrary determination. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, arbitration award or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not affect this presumption or, except as determined by a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to Indemnitee, establish a presumption with regard to any factual matter relevant to determining Indemnitee’s rights to indemnification hereunder. If the person or persons so empowered to make a determination pursuant to Section 5 hereof shall have failed to make the requested determination within the period provided for in Section 5 hereof, a determination that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made.
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5. Procedure for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification .
(a) Whenever Indemnitee believes that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit a written request for indemnification to the Corporation. Any request for indemnification shall include sufficient documentation or information reasonably available to Indemnitee for the determination of entitlement to indemnification. In any event, Indemnitee shall submit Indemnitee’s claim for indemnification within a reasonable time, not to exceed five (5) years after any judgment, order, settlement, dismissal, arbitration award, conviction, acceptance of a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or final determination, whichever is the later date for which Indemnitee requests indemnification. The Secretary or other appropriate officer shall, promptly upon receipt of Indemnitee’s request for indemnification, advise the Board of Directors in writing that Indemnitee has made such request. Determination of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made not later than sixty (60) days after the Corporation’s receipt of Indemnitee’s written request for such indemnification, provided that any request for indemnification for Liabilities, other than amounts paid in settlement, shall have been made after a determination thereof in a Proceeding. If it is so determined that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, and Indemnitee has already paid the Liabilities, reimbursement to the Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination; otherwise, the Corporation shall pay the Liabilities on behalf of the Indemnitee if and when the Indemnitee becomes legally obligated to make payment.
(b) The Corporation shall be entitled to select the forum in which Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification will be heard; provided , however , that if there is a Change in Control of the Corporation, Independent Legal Counsel (as hereinafter defined) shall determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification. The forum shall be any one of the following:
(i) a majority vote of Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter defined), even though less than a quorum;
(ii) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by majority vote of Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum;
(iii) Independent Legal Counsel, whose determination shall be made in a written opinion; or
(iv) the stockholders of the Corporation.
6. Specific Limitations on Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Corporation shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any payment to Indemnitee with respect to any Proceeding (and Indemnitee hereby waives and relinquishes any right under this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or otherwise to be indemnified and held harmless or to receive any advancement of Expenses):
(a) To the extent that payment is actually made to Indemnitee under any insurance policy, or is made to Indemnitee by the Corporation or an affiliate otherwise than pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding the availability of such insurance, Indemnitee also may claim indemnification from the Corporation pursuant to this Agreement by assigning to the Corporation any claims under such insurance to the extent Indemnitee is paid by the Corporation;
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(b) Provided there has been no Change in Control, for Liabilities in connection with Proceedings settled without the Corporation’s consent, which consent, however , shall not be unreasonably withheld;
(c) For an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Corporation within the meaning of section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), or similar provisions of any state statutory or common law;
(d) To the extent it would be otherwise prohibited by law, if so established by a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to Indemnitee; or
(e) In connection with a Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee (other than a Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement) unless the commencement of such Proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors.
7. Fees and Expenses of Independent Legal Counsel. The Corporation agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Legal Counsel should such Independent Legal Counsel be retained to make a determination of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification pursuant to Section 5(b) of this Agreement, and to fully indemnify such Independent Legal Counsel against any and all expenses and losses incurred by any of them arising out of or relating to this Agreement or their engagement pursuant hereto.
8. Remedies of Indemnitee.
(a) In the event that (i) a determination pursuant to Section 5 hereof is made that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, (ii) advances of Expenses are not made pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) payment has not been timely made following a determination of entitlement to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, or (iv) Indemnitee otherwise seeks enforcement of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to a final adjudication in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware of the remedy sought. Alternatively, unless court approval is required by law for the indemnification sought by Indemnitee, Indemnitee at Indemnitee’s option may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association now in effect, which award is to be made within ninety (90) days following the filing of the demand for arbitration. The Corporation shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or arbitration award. In any such proceeding or arbitration Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification and advancement of Expenses under this Agreement and the Corporation shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption.
(b) In the event that a determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, in whole or in part, has been made pursuant to Section 5 hereof, the decision in the judicial proceeding or arbitration provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 8 shall be made de novo and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of a determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.
(c) If a determination that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification has been made pursuant to Section 5 hereof, or is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 4 hereof or
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otherwise pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Corporation shall be bound by such determination.
(d) The Corporation shall be precluded from asserting that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable. The Corporation shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Corporation is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement and is precluded from making any assertion to the contrary.
(e) Expenses reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with Indemnitee’s request for indemnification under, seeking enforcement of or to recover damages for breach of this Agreement shall be advanced by the Corporation when and as incurred by Indemnitee irrespective of any Final Adverse Determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.
9. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Corporation, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Corporation and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Corporation (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).
10. Maintenance of Insurance. The Corporation represents that it presently has in place certain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies covering its directors and officers. Subject only to the provisions within this Section 10, the Corporation agrees that so long as Indemnitee shall have consented to serve or shall continue to serve as a director or officer of the Corporation, or both, or as an Agent of the Corporation, and thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (such periods being hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “ Indemnification Period ”), the Corporation will use all reasonable efforts to maintain in effect for the benefit of Indemnitee one or more valid, binding and enforceable policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance from established and reputable insurers, providing, in all respects, coverage both in scope and amount which is no less favorable than that presently provided or, following the Corporation’s initial public offering, than that provided as of the time of such initial public offering. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not be required to maintain said policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance during any time period if during such period such insurance is not reasonably available or if it is determined in good faith by the then directors of the Corporation either that:
(i) The premium cost of maintaining such insurance is substantially disproportionate to the amount of coverage provided thereunder; or
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(ii) The protection provided by such insurance is so limited by exclusions, deductions or otherwise that there is insufficient benefit to warrant the cost of maintaining such insurance.
Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, to the extent that and for so long as the Corporation shall choose to continue to maintain any policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance during the Indemnification Period, the Corporation shall maintain similar and equivalent insurance for the benefit of Indemnitee during the Indemnification Period (unless such insurance shall be less favorable to Indemnitee than the Corporation’s existing policies).
11. Modification, Waiver, Termination and Cancellation. No supplement, modification, termination, cancellation or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
12. Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Corporation shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Corporation effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.
13. Notice by Indemnitee and Defense of Claim. Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Corporation in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any matter, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative that may result in the right to indemnification or the advancement of Expenses, but the omission so to notify the Corporation will not relieve it from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee if such omission does not prejudice the Corporation’s rights. If such omission does prejudice the Corporation’s rights, the Corporation will be relieved from liability only to the extent of such prejudice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such omission will not relieve the Corporation from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee otherwise than under this Agreement. With respect to any Proceeding as to which Indemnitee notifies the Corporation of the commencement thereof:
(a) The Corporation will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense; and
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(b) The Corporation jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified will be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee; provided , however , that the Corporation shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding if there has been a Change in Control or if Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Corporation and Indemnitee with respect to such Proceeding. After notice from the Corporation to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense thereof, the Corporation will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any Expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable costs of investigation or as otherwise provided below. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s own counsel in such Proceeding, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Corporation of its assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee unless:
(i) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been authorized by the Corporation;
(ii) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that counsel engaged by the Corporation may not adequately represent Indemnitee due to, among other things, actual or potential differing interests; or
(iii) the Corporation shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense in such Proceeding or shall not in fact have assumed such defense and be acting in connection therewith with reasonable diligence; in each of which cases the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Corporation.
(c) The Corporation shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner that would impose any penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent; provided , however , that Indemnitee will not unreasonably withhold his or her consent to any proposed settlement.
14. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed:
(a) If to Indemnitee, to the address set forth below Indemnitee’s signature on the signature page hereof.
(b) If to the Corporation, to:
Acer Therapeutics Inc.
One Gateway Center, Suite 351
(300 Washington Street)
Newton, MA 02458
or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Corporation or to the Corporation by Indemnitee, as the case may be.
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15. Nonexclusivity . The rights of Indemnitee hereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under applicable law, the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or any agreements, vote of stockholders, resolution of the Board of Directors or otherwise, and to the extent that during the Indemnification Period the rights of the then existing directors and officers are more favorable to such directors or officers than the rights currently provided to Indemnitee thereunder or under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to the full benefits of such more favorable rights.
16. Indemnification and Advancement Rights Primary. The Corporation hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has or may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by one or more parties other than the Corporation or an affiliate of the Corporation (collectively, the “ Secondary Indemnitors ”). The Corporation hereby acknowledges and the Corporation and Indemnitee hereby agree: (i) that the Corporation is the indemnitor of first resort; i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary; (ii) that the Corporation shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of Incorporation and/or Bylaws of the Corporation (or any other agreement between the Corporation and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Secondary Indemnitors; and (iii) that the Corporation irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Secondary Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Secondary Indemnitors that the Corporation may have for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Corporation further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Secondary Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Corporation shall affect the foregoing and the Secondary Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or subrogation to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Corporation. The Corporation and Indemnitee agree that the Secondary Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this provision.
17. Certain Definitions
(a) “ Agent ” shall mean any person who is or was, or who has consented to serve as, a director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary, joint venturer, partner, manager or other official of the Corporation or a subsidiary or an affiliate of the Corporation, or any other entity (including without limitation, an employee benefit plan), in each case either at the request of, for the convenience of, or otherwise to benefit the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation. Any person who is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary of the Corporation shall be deemed to be serving, or have served, at the request of the Corporation.
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(b) “ Change in Control ” shall mean the occurrence, after the Corporation’s initial public offering, of any of the following:
(i) Both (A) any “person” (as defined below) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporation representing at least twenty percent (20%) of the total voting power represented by the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities and (B) the beneficial ownership by such person of securities representing such percentage is not approved by a majority of the “Continuing Directors” (as defined below);
(ii) Any “person” is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporation representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities;
(iii) A change in the composition of the Board of Directors occurs, as a result of which fewer than two-thirds of the incumbent directors are directors (the “ Continuing Directors ”) who either (A) had been directors of the Corporation on the “look-back date” (as defined below) (the “ Original Directors ”) or (B) were elected, or nominated for election, to the Board of Directors with the affirmative votes of at least a majority in the aggregate of the Original Directors who were still in office at the time of the election or nomination and directors whose election or nomination was previously so approved;
(iv) The stockholders of the Corporation approve a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation, if such merger or consolidation would result in the voting securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior thereto representing (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) 50% or less of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Corporation or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(v) The stockholders of the Corporation approve (A) a plan of complete liquidation of the Corporation or (B) an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets.
For purposes of Subsections (i) and (ii) above, the term “ person ” shall have the same meaning as when used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but shall exclude (x) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Corporation or of a parent or subsidiary of the Corporation or (y) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the common stock of the Corporation.
For purposes of Subsection (iii) above, the term “ look-back date ” shall mean the later of (x) the date first written above in the preamble to this Agreement or (y) the date 24 months prior to the date of the event that may constitute a “Change in Control.”
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Any other provision of this Section 17(b) notwithstanding, the term “Change in Control” shall not include a transaction, if undertaken at the election of the Corporation, the result of which is to sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation to another corporation (the “surviving corporation”); provided that the surviving corporation is owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Corporation immediately following such transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Corporation’s common stock immediately preceding such transaction; and provided , further , that the surviving corporation expressly assumes this Agreement.
(c) “ Disinterested Director ” shall mean a director of the Corporation who is not or was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is being sought by Indemnitee.
(d) “ Expenses ” shall include all direct and indirect costs (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcripts, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, all other disbursements or out-of-pocket expenses and reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which Indemnitee is otherwise not compensated by the Corporation or any third party) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with either the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of a Proceeding or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement, applicable law or otherwise; provided , however , that “Expenses” shall not include any Liabilities.
(e) “ Final Adverse Determination ” shall mean that a determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 5 hereof and either (1) a final adjudication in the courts of the State of Delaware from which there is no further right of appeal or decision of an arbitrator pursuant to Section 8(a) hereof shall have denied Indemnitee’s right to indemnification hereunder, or (2) Indemnitee shall have failed to file a complaint in a Delaware court or seek an arbitrator’s award pursuant to Section 8(a) for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the determination made pursuant to Section 5 hereof.
(f) “ Independent Legal Counsel ” shall mean a law firm or a member of a firm selected by the Corporation and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) or, if there has been a Change in Control, selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Corporation (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), that neither is presently nor in the past five (5) years has been retained to represent: (i) the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or Indemnitee or any corporation of which Indemnitee was or is a director, officer, employee or agent, or any subsidiary or affiliate of such a corporation, in any material matter, or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Legal Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Corporation or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s right to indemnification under this Agreement.
(g) “ Liabilities ” shall mean liabilities of any type whatsoever including, but not limited to, any judgments, fines, Employee Retirement Income Security Act excise taxes and penalties, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement) of any Proceeding.
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(h) “ Proceeding ” shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, administrative hearing or any other proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, as a witness or otherwise, that is associated with Indemnitee’s being an Agent of the Corporation.
18. Binding Effect; Duration and Scope of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation), spouses, heirs and personal and legal representatives. This Agreement shall be deemed to be effective as of the commencement date of the Indemnitee’s service as an officer or director of the Corporation and shall continue in effect during the Indemnification Period, regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as an Agent.
19. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement (or any portion thereof) shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever:
(a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and
(b) to the fullest extent legally possible, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent of any provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, as applied to contracts between Delaware residents entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of laws rules.
21. Consent to Jurisdiction. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, the Corporation and Indemnitee each irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding that arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be brought only in the state courts of the State of Delaware.
22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and there are no other agreements, contracts or understandings between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, except as specifically referred to herein or as provided in Section 15 hereof.
23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[ * * *]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer and Indemnitee has executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC., |
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13
Exhibit 3.1
CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION
OF
A TEXAS CORPORATION
TO
A Delaware CORPORATION
(In compliance with Section 10.154 of the
Business Organizations Code of the State of Texas)
Converting Entity Information
1. |
The name of the converting entity is Acer Therapeutics Inc. |
2. |
The organizational form of the converting entity is a corporation. |
3. |
The jurisdiction of formation of the converting entity is the State of Texas. |
Converted Entity Information
4. |
The name of the converted entity will be Acer Reincorporation, Inc. |
5. |
The organizational form of the converted entity will be a corporation. |
6. |
The jurisdiction of formation of the converted entity will be Delaware. |
Plan of Conversion
7. |
A signed plan of conversion is on file at the principal place of business of the converting entity. The address of the principal place of business of the converting entity is One Gateway Center, Suite 351 (300 Washington St.), Newton, Massachusetts 02458. |
8. |
A signed plan of conversion will be on file after the conversion at the principal place of business of the converted entity. The address of the principal place of business of the converted entity will be One Gateway Center, Suite 351 (300 Washington St.), Newton, Massachusetts 02458. |
9. |
A copy of the plan of conversion will be furnished on written request without cost by the converting entity before the conversion or by the converted entity after the conversion to any owner or shareholder of the converting or converted entity. |
Approval of the Plan of Conversion
10. |
The plan of conversion has been approved as required by the law of the jurisdiction of formation and the governing documents of the converting entity. |
Effectiveness of Filing
11. |
This Certificate becomes effective upon filing. |
Tax Certificate
12. |
In lieu of providing the Certificate of Account Status to Terminate from the Texas Comptroller, the converted entity will assume all liability for the payment of any franchise and/or sales taxes. |
The undersigned signs this document subject to the penalties imposed by law for the submission of a materially false or fraudulent instrument. The undersigned certifies that the statements contained herein are true and correct, and the person signing is authorized under the provisions of the Business Organizations Code of the State of Texas to execute the filing instrument.
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Date: May 15, 2018 |
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Acer Therapeutics Inc. |
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By: |
/s/ Chris Schelling |
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Name: |
Chris Schelling |
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Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
2
Exhibit 3.2
STATE OF DELAWARE
CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION
FROM A NON-DELAWARE CORPORATION
TO A DELAWARE CORPORATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 265 OF THE
DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
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1. |
The jurisdiction where the Non-Delaware Corporation first formed is the State of Texas. |
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2. |
The jurisdiction of the Non-Delaware Corporation immediately prior to filing this Certificate is the State of Texas. |
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3. |
The date the Non-Delaware Corporation first formed is March 15, 1991. |
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4. |
The name of the Non-Delaware Corporation immediately prior to filing this Certificate is Acer Therapeutics Inc. |
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5. |
The name of the Corporation as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation is Acer Reincorporation, Inc. |
[ Signature Page Follows ]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized to sign on behalf of the converting Non ‑Delaware Corporation, has executed this Certificate on May 15, 2018.
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC. , |
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a Texas corporation |
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By: |
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/s/ Chris Schelling |
Name: |
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Chris Schelling |
Title: |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
2
Exhibit 3.3
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC.
article I
The name of the corporation is Acer Reincorporation, Inc. (the “Corporation” ).
article II
The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
article III
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL” ).
article IV
A. Classes of Stock . The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is One Hundred Sixty Million (160,000,000) shares, of which One Hundred Fifty Million (150,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock” ), and of which Ten Million (10,000,000) shares shall be Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “ Preferred Stock ”). The number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock, without a vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a vote of any such Preferred Stock holders is required pursuant to the provisions established by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors” ) in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such Preferred Stock, and if such holders of such Preferred Stock are so entitled to vote thereon, then, except as may otherwise be set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, the only stockholder approval required shall be the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock so entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.
B. Preferred Stock . The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, as determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to provide for the issue, in one or more series, of all or any of the remaining shares of Preferred Stock and, in the resolution or resolutions providing for such issue, to establish for each such series the number of its shares, the voting powers, full or limited, of the shares of such series, or that such shares shall have no voting powers, and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. The Board of Directors is also expressly authorized (unless forbidden in the resolution or resolutions providing for such issue) to
increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series subsequent to the issuance of shares of that series. In cas e the number of shares of any such series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status that they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.
C. Common Stock .
1. Relative Rights of Preferred Stock and Common Stock. All preferences, voting powers, relative, participating, optional or other special rights and privileges, and qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of the Common Stock are expressly made subject and subordinate to those that may be fixed with respect to any shares of the Preferred Stock.
2. Voting Rights. Except as otherwise required by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect of each share of stock held by such holder of record on the books of the Corporation for the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
3. Dividends. Subject to the preferential rights of the Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of the assets of the Corporation which are by law available therefor, dividends payable either in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock.
4. Dissolution, Liquidation or Winding Up. In the event of any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, after distribution in full of the preferential amounts, if any, to be distributed to the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled, unless otherwise provided by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them respectively.
article V
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware:
A. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation, without any action on the part of the stockholders, by the vote of at least a majority of the directors of the Corporation then in office. In addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, the bylaws may also be adopted, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting as one class; provided, however, that the affirmative vote of the holders representing only a majority of the voting power of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting as one class, shall be required if such adoption, amendment or repeal of the bylaws has been previously approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors of the Corporation then in office.
2
B. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.
C. The books of the Corporation may be kept at such place within or without the State of Delaware as the bylaws of the Corporation may provide or as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.
article VI
A. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors. The authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed in the manner provided in the bylaws of the Corporation. Other than for those directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, which shall be as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV, Paragraph B hereof, each director shall serve until his or her successor shall be duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity.
B. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled solely by a majority vote of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. Directors chosen pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Directors, the remaining directors, except as otherwise provided by law, or by the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws of the corporation, may exercise the powers of the full Board of Directors until the vacancy is filled.
article VII
A. No action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting and the power of stockholders to consent in writing, without a meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.
B. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or by a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied.
C. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.
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D. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Co urt of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer o r other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article VII, Paragraph D.
article VIII
A. Limitation on Liability . To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended (including, but not limited to Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL), a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL hereafter is amended to further eliminate or limit the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation, in addition to the limitation on personal liability provided herein, shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the amended DGCL. Any repeal or modification of this paragraph by the stockholders of the Corporation shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
B. Indemnification . Each person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (including the heirs, executors, administrators or estate of such person), shall be indemnified and advanced expenses by the Corporation, in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation, to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), or any other applicable laws as presently or hereinafter in effect. The right to indemnification and advancement of expenses hereunder shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Corporation, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
C. Insurance . The Corporation may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
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D. Repeal and Modification . Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VIII shall not adversely affect any right or protection existing hereunder immediately prior to such repeal or modi fication.
article IX
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the voting power of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend in any respect or repeal this Article IX, Paragraph A of Article V, or Articles VI, VII or VIII.
article X
The name and mailing address of the incorporator are as follows:
Chris Schelling
One Gateway Center, Suite 351
(300 Washington Street)
Newton, MA 02458
Executed on May 15, 2018.
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/s/ Chris Schelling |
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Chris Schelling, Incorporator |
5
Exhibit 3.4
B Y L A W S
OF
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
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Page |
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ARTICLE 1 Offices |
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1.1 |
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Registered Office |
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1 |
1.2 |
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Other Offices |
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1 |
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ARTICLE 2 Meeting of Stockholders |
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2.1 |
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Place of Meeting |
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2.2 |
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Annual Meeting |
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1 |
2.3 |
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Special Meetings |
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2 |
2.4 |
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Notice of Meetings |
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3 |
2.5 |
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List of Stockholders |
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3 |
2.6 |
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Organization and Conduct of Business |
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3 |
2.7 |
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Quorum |
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3 |
2.8 |
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Adjournments |
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3 |
2.9 |
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Voting Rights |
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4 |
2.10 |
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Majority Vote |
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4 |
2.11 |
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Record Date for Stockholder Notice and Voting |
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4 |
2.12 |
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Proxies |
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4 |
2.13 |
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Inspectors of Election |
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5 |
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ARTICLE 3 Directors |
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3.1 |
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Number, Election, Tenure and Qualifications |
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3.2 |
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Enlargement and Vacancies |
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3.3 |
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Resignation and Removal |
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3.4 |
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Powers |
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3.5 |
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Chairman of the Board |
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7 |
3.6 |
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Place of Meetings |
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7 |
3.7 |
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Regular Meetings |
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3.8 |
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Special Meetings |
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3.9 |
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Quorum, Action at Meeting, Adjournments |
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3.10 |
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Action Without Meeting |
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3.11 |
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Telephone Meetings |
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8 |
3.12 |
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Committees |
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3.13 |
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Fees and Compensation of Directors |
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8 |
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ARTICLE 4 Officers |
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4.1 |
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Officers Designated |
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4.2 |
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Election |
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4.3 |
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Tenure |
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9 |
4.4 |
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The Chief Executive Officer |
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9 |
4.5 |
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The President |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
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The Vice President |
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4.7 |
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The Secretary |
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10 |
4.8 |
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The Assistant Secretary |
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10 |
4.9 |
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The Chief Financial Officer |
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10 |
4.10 |
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The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers |
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10 |
4.11 |
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Bond |
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11 |
4.12 |
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Delegation of Authority |
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ARTICLE 5 Notices |
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Delivery |
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5.2 |
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Waiver of Notice |
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ARTICLE 6 Indemnification and Insurance |
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6.1 |
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Indemnification of Officers and Directors |
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6.2 |
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Indemnification of Others |
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6.3 |
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Advance Payment |
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6.4 |
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Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit |
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6.5 |
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Non-Exclusivity and Survival of Rights; Amendments |
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6.6 |
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Insurance |
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6.7 |
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Reliance |
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6.8 |
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Severability |
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ARTICLE 7 Capital Stock |
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Certificates for Shares |
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7.2 |
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Signatures on Certificates |
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7.3 |
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Transfer of Stock |
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15 |
7.4 |
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Registered Stockholders |
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7.5 |
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Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates |
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16 |
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ARTICLE 8 General Provisions |
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8.1 |
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Dividends |
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8.2 |
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Checks |
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8.3 |
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Corporate Seal |
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8.4 |
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Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments |
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8.5 |
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Representation of Shares of Other Corporations |
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17 |
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ARTICLE 9 Amendments |
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-ii-
OF
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of the corporation shall be set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the corporation.
1.2 Other Offices. The corporation may also have offices at such other places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the board of directors of the corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) may from time to time designate, or the business of the corporation may require.
ARTICLE 2
Meeting of Stockholders
2.1 Place of Meeting. Meetings of stockholders may be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by or in the manner provided in these bylaws, or, if not so designated, at the principal executive offices of the corporation. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, (a) determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely, or (b) permit participation by stockholders at such meeting, by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”).
2.2 Annual Meeting. Annual meetings of stockholders shall be held each year at such date and time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting. At each such annual meeting, the stockholders shall elect the number of directors equal to the number of directors of the class whose term expires at such meeting (or, if fewer, the number of directors properly nominated and qualified for election) to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election. The stockholders shall also transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
To be properly brought before the annual meeting, business must be (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder of record. A motion related to business proposed to be brought before any stockholders’ meeting may be made by any stockholder entitled to vote if the business proposed is otherwise proper to be brought before the meeting. However, any such stockholder may propose business to be brought before a meeting only if such stockholder has given timely notice to the Secretary of the corporation in proper written form of the stockholder’s intent to propose such business. To be timely, the stockholder’s notice must be delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or
mailed by first class United States mail, postage or delivery charges prepaid, and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the corporation not more than one hundred twenty (120) days nor less than ninety (90) days in advance of the anniversary of the date of the corporation’s proxy statement provided in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date that is more than thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary of the corporation not later than the close of business on the later of (x) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (y) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. For the purposes of these bylaws, “ public announcement ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or a comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the bylaws of the corporation, the language of the proposed amendment), and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) the name and record address of the stockholder proposing such business and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class, series and number of shares of the corporation that are owned beneficially and of record by the stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such business; and (v) any other information that is required to be provided by the stockholder pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “ 1934 Act ”) in such stockholder’s capacity as a proponent of a stockholder proposal.
Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at the annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section; provided , however , that nothing in this Section shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any business properly brought before the annual meeting.
The Chairman of the Board (or such other person presiding at the meeting in accordance with these bylaws) shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
2.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the certificate of incorporation, by the Secretary only at the request of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or by a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.
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2.4 Notice of Meetings . Except as otherwise provided by law or these bylaws, written notice of each meeting of stockholders, annual or special, stating the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which such special meeting is called, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting.
2.5 List of Stockholders. The officer in charge of the stock ledger of the corporation or the transfer agent shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then t he list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to gain access to such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.
2.6 Organization and Conduct of Business. The Chairman of the Board or, in his or her absence, the Chief Executive Officer or President of the corporation or, in their absence, such person as the Board of Directors may have designated or, in the absence of such a person, such person as may be chosen by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary of the corporation, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairman of the meeting appoints.
The chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seems to him or her in order.
2.7 Quorum. Except where otherwise provided by law or the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders.
2.8 Adjournments. If a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of stockholders, a majority of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, though less than a quorum, or by any officer entitled to preside at such meeting, shall be entitled to adjourn such meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. When a
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meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however , that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, if any, date, time and means of remote communications, if any, of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting.
2.9 Voting Rights. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, each stockholder shall at every meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote for each share of the capital stock having voting power held by such stockholder.
2.10 Majority Vote. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock and entitled to vote present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of an applicable statute or of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or of these bylaws, a different vote is required in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
2.11 Record Date for Stockholder Notice and Voting. For purposes of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any right in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of any such meeting nor more than sixty (60) days before any other action to which the record date relates. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting. If the Board of Directors does not so fix a record date, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the business day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the business day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating to such purpose.
2.12 Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. All proxies must be filed with the Secretary of the corporation at the beginning of each meeting in order to be counted in any vote at the meeting. Subject to the limitation set forth in the last clause of the first sentence of this Section 2.12, a duly executed proxy that does not state that it is irrevocable shall continue in full force and effect unless (a) revoked by the person executing it, before the vote pursuant to that proxy, by a writing delivered to the corporation stating that the proxy is revoked or by a subsequent proxy executed by, or attendance at the meeting and voting in person by, the person executing the proxy, or (b) written notice of the death or incapacity of the maker of that proxy is received by the corporation before the vote pursuant to that proxy is counted.
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2.13 Inspectors of Election . The corporation shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. The corporation may designate one or more persons to act as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability.
3.1 Number, Election, Tenure and Qualifications. The number of directors that shall constitute the entire Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the directors of the corporation then in office. No decrease in the number of authorized directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.
At each annual meeting of the stockholders, directors shall be elected for directors whose terms are then expiring, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.2, and each director so elected shall hold office until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier resignation, removal, death or incapacity.
Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors must be (a) made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (b) made by any stockholder of record of the corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the applicable meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 3.2. Directors need not be stockholders. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or mailed by first class United States mail, postage or delivery charges prepaid, and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the corporation (i) in the case of an annual meeting of stockholders, not more than one hundred twenty (120) days nor less than ninety (90) days in advance of the anniversary of the date of the corporation’s proxy statement provided in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the annual meeting is called for a date more than thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be received by the Secretary of the corporation not later than the close of business on the later of (A) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (B) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made, and (ii) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made. Such
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stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation that are owned beneficially by the person, (iv) any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (v) the nominee’s written consent to serve, if elected, and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (i) the name and record address of the stockholder, (ii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation that are owned beneficially by the stockholder, and (iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each person the stockholder proposes for election or re-election as a director pursuant to which such proposed nomination is being made. The corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the corporation. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth herein.
In connection with any annual meeting of the stockholders (or, if and as applicable, any special meeting of the stockholders), the Chairman of the Board (or such other person presiding at such meeting in accordance with these bylaws) shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
3.2 Enlargement and Vacancies. Except as otherwise provided by the certificate of incorporation, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled solely by a majority vote of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. Directors chosen pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions shall hold office until the next annual election at which the term of the class to which he or she has been elected expires and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier resignation or removal. In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Directors, the remaining directors, except as otherwise provided by law, or by the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws of the corporation, may exercise the powers of the full Board of Directors until the vacancy is filled.
3.3 Resignation and Removal. Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the corporation at its principal place of business addressed to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary, the Chairman of the Board or the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, who shall in turn notify the full Board of Directors (although failure to provide such notification to the full Board of Directors shall not impact the effectiveness of such resignation). Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt of such notice by one of the individuals designated above unless the notice specifies such
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resignation to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event. Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, but only for cause, by the holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock issued and outstanding then entitled to vote at an election of directors.
3.4 Powers. The business of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
3.5 Chairman of the Board. The directors shall elect a Chairman of the Board and may elect a Vice Chair of the Board, each to hold such office until their successor is elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chair of the Board, if one has been elected, or another director designated by the Board of Directors, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board of the corporation shall if present preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors and shall have such other duties as may be vested in the Chairman of the Board by the Board of Directors. The Vice Chair of the Board of the corporation shall have such duties as may be vested in the Vice Chair of the Board by the Board of Directors.
3.6 Place of Meetings. The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.
3.7 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; provided, however , that any director who is absent when such a determination is made shall be given prompt notice of such determination.
3.8 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or by the written request of a majority of the directors then in office. Notice of the time and place, if any, of special meetings shall be delivered personally or by telephone to each director, or sent by first-class mail or commercial delivery service, facsimile transmission, or by electronic mail or other electronic means, charges prepaid, sent to such director’s business or home address as they appear upon the records of the corporation. In case such notice is mailed, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four (4) days prior to the time of holding of the meeting. In case such notice is delivered personally or by telephone or by commercial delivery service, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail or other electronic means, it shall be so delivered at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of the holding of the meeting. A notice or waiver of notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors need not specify the purposes of the meeting.
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3.9 Quorum, Action at Meeting, Adjournments . At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, or by the bylaws of the corporation. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
3.10 Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
3.11 Telephone Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, any member of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee, as the case may be, by means of conference telephone or by any form of communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
3.12 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not the member or members present constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all of the lawfully delegated powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, and may authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and make such reports to the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors may request or the charter of such committee may then require. Except as the Board of Directors may otherwise determine, any committee may make rules for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the directors or in such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as possible in the same manner as is provided in these bylaws for the conduct of its business by the Board of Directors.
3.13 Fees and Compensation of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.
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4.1 Officers Designated. The officers of the corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors may also choose a Treasurer, one or more Vice Presidents, and one or more assistant Secretaries or assistant Treasurers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws otherwise provide.
4.2 Election. The Board of Directors shall choose a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer. Other officers may be appointed by the Board of Directors or may be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to a delegation of authority from the Board of Directors.
4.3 Tenure. Each officer of the corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is appointed and qualified, unless a different term is specified in the vote choosing or appointing such officer, or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation, removal or incapacity. Any officer appointed by the Board of Directors or by the Chief Executive Officer may be removed with or without cause at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors or a committee duly authorized to do so. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the corporation may be filled by the Board of Directors, at its discretion. Any officer may resign by delivering such officer’s written resignation to the corporation at its principal place of business to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event.
4.4 The Chief Executive Officer. Subject to such supervisory powers, if any, as may be given by the Board of Directors to the Chairman of the Board, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and at all meetings of the Board of Directors, shall have general and active management of the business of the corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. He or she shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation.
4.5 The President. The President shall, in the event there is no Chief Executive Officer or in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer or in the event of his or her disability, perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting, shall have the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chief Executive Officer. The President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed for such person by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or these bylaws.
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4.6 The Vice President . The Vice President (or in the event there be more than one, the Vice Presidents in the order designated by the directors, or in the absence of any designation, in the order of their election), shall, in the absence of the President or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Vice President(s) shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed for them by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or these bylaws.
4.7 The Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and the stockholders and record all votes and the proceedings of the meetings in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the standing committees, when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, under whose supervision he or she shall act. The Secretary shall sign such instruments on behalf of the corporation as the Secretary may be authorized to sign by the Board of Directors or by law and shall countersign, attest and affix the corporate seal to all certificates and instruments where such countersigning or such sealing and attesting are necessary to their true and proper execution. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal executive office or at the office of the corporation’s transfer agent or registrar, as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, a share register, or a duplicate share register, showing the names of all stockholders and their addresses, the number and classes of shares held by each, the number and date of certificates issued for the same and the number and date of cancellation of every certificate surrendered for cancellation.
4.8 The Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary, or if there be more than one, any Assistant Secretaries in the order designated by the Board of Directors (or in the absence of any designation, in the order of their election) shall assist the Secretary in the performance of his or her duties and, in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
4.9 The Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall be the principal financial officer in charge of the general accounting books, accounting and cost records and forms. The Chief Financial Officer may also serve as the principal accounting officer and shall perform such other duties and have other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.
4.10 The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers. The Treasurer (if one is appointed) shall have such duties as may be specified by the Chief Financial Officer to assist the Chief Financial Officer in the performance of his or her duties and to perform such other duties and have other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. It shall be the duty of any Assistant Treasurers to assist the Treasurer in the performance of his or her duties and to perform such other duties and have other powers as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.
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4.11 Bond . If required by the Board of Directors, any officer shall give the corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties and upon such terms and conditions as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors, including without limitation a bond for the faithful performance of the duties of such officer’s office and for the restoration to the corporation of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in such officer’s possession or under such officer’s control and belonging to the corporation.
4.12 Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
5.1 Delivery. Whenever, under the provisions of law, or of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or these bylaws, written notice is required to be given to any director or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail or delivered to a nationally recognized courier service. Unless written notice by mail is required by law, written notice may also be given by commercial delivery service, facsimile transmission, electronic means or similar means addressed to such director or stockholder at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the corporation, in which case such notice shall be deemed to be given when delivered into the control of the persons charged with effecting such transmission, the transmission charge to be paid by the corporation or the person sending such notice and not by the addressee. Oral notice or other in‑hand delivery, in person or by telephone, shall be deemed given at the time it is actually given.
5.2 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of law or of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation or of these bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.
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ARTICLE 6
Indemnification and Insurance
6.1 Indemnification of Officers and Directors. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that he or she or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative is or was a director or officer of the corporation (or any predecessor), or is or was serving at the request of the corporation (or any predecessor) as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the corporation, or other enterprise (or any predecessors of such entities) (hereinafter an “ Indemnitee ”), shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, including, but not limited to, Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection therewith. Each person who is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary of the corporation shall be deemed to be serving, or have served, at the request of the corporation. The right to indemnification conferred in this Section 6.1 shall be a contract right.
Any indemnification (but not advancement of expenses) under this Article 6 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, as the same exists or hereafter may be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such amendment). Such determination shall be made with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination (a) by a majority vote of the directors who are not or were not parties to the proceeding in respect of which indemnification is being sought by Indemnitee (the “ Disinterested Directors ”), even though less than a quorum, (b) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, (c) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, or if the Disinterested Directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (d) by the stockholders.
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6.2 Indemnification of Others . This Article 6 does not limit the right of the corporation, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than those persons identified in Section 6.1 when and as authorized by the Board or by the action of a committee of the Board or designated officers of the corporation established by or designated in resolutions approved by the Board; provided, however , that the payment of expenses incurred by such a person in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt by the corporation of a written undertaking by such person to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 6 or otherwise .
6.3 Advance Payment. The right to indemnification under this Article 6 shall include the right to be paid by the corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, such advances to be paid by the corporation within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the corporation of a statement or statements from the claimant requesting such advance or advances from time to time; provided, however , that if the DGCL requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under Section 6.1 or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless such right is acquired other than pursuant to this Article 6, no advance shall be made by the corporation to an officer of the corporation (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or was a director of the corporation, in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, or (b) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, or (c) if there are no Disinterested Directors or the Disinterested Directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to the claimant, that the facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
6.4 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim for indemnification (following final disposition of such proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Article 6 is not paid in full by the corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit to the fullest extent permitted by law. In any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of
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expenses hereunder, or by the corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article or otherwise shall be on the corporation.
6.5 Non-Exclusivity and Survival of Rights; Amendments. The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article 6 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Any repeal or modification of the provisions of this Article 6 shall not in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation hereunder in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such repeal or modification.
6.6 Insurance. The corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf and on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liability or loss under the DGCL.
6.7 Reliance. Persons who after the date of the adoption of this provision become or remain directors or officers of the corporation shall be conclusively presumed to have relied on the rights to indemnity, advance of expenses and other rights contained in this Article 6 in entering into or continuing such service. The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article 6 shall apply to claims made against an Indemnitee arising out of acts or omissions that occurred or occur both prior and subsequent to the adoption hereof.
6.8 Severability. If any word, clause, provision or provisions of this Article 6 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article 6 (including, without limitation, each portion of any section or paragraph of this Article 6 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article 6 (including, without limitation, each such portion of any section or paragraph of this Article 6 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
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7.1 Certificates for Shares. The shares of the corporation shall be (i) represented by certificates or (ii) uncertificated and evidenced by a book-entry system maintained by or through the corporation’s transfer agent or registrar. Certificates shall be signed by, or in the name of the corporation by, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the corporation. Certificates may be issued for partly paid shares and in such case upon the face or back of the certificates issued to represent any such partly paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor, and the amount paid thereon shall be specified.
Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the corporation shall send or cause to be sent to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required by the DGCL or a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.
7.2 Signatures on Certificates. Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
7.3 Transfer of Stock. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate of shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer, and proper evidence of compliance of other conditions to rightful transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Upon receipt of proper transfer instructions and proper evidence of compliance of other conditions to rightful transfer from the registered owner of uncertificated shares, such uncertificated shares shall be canceled and issuance of new equivalent uncertificated shares or certificated shares shall be made to the person entitled thereto and the transaction shall be recorded upon the books of the corporation.
7.4 Registered Stockholders. The corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
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7.5 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . The corporation may direct that a new certificate or certificates be issued to replace any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed and on such terms and conditions as the corporation may require. When authorizing the issue of a new certificate or certificates, the corporation may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require, to indemnify the corporation in such manner as it may require, and/or to give the corporation a bond or other adequate security in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
8.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation, subject to any restrictions contained in the DGCL or the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting or by unanimous written consent. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation.
8.2 Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
8.3 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, adopt a corporate seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, the year of its organization and the word “Delaware.” The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or otherwise reproduced. The seal may be altered from time to time by the Board of Directors.
8.4 Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments. The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
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8.5 Representation of Shares of Other Corporations . The Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the corporation is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of the corporation all rights incident to any and all shares of any corporation or corporations or similar ownership interests of other business entities standing in the name of the corporation. The authority herein granted to said officers to vote or represent on behalf of the corporation any and all shares or similar ownership interests held by the corporation in any other corporation or corporations or other business entities may be exercised either by such officers in person or by any other person authorized so to do by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by said officers.
These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors pursuant to the applicable provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the corporation at (a) any regular meeting of the stockholders or of the Board of Directors or (b) any special meeting of the stockholders or of the Board of Directors if notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new bylaws is contained in the notice of such special meeting.
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I, the undersigned, hereby certify:
(i) That I am a duly elected, acting and qualified Secretary of Acer Reincorporation, Inc., a Delaware corporation; and
(ii) That the foregoing Bylaws, comprising 17 pages, constitute the Bylaws of such corporation as duly adopted by the board of directors of such corporation effective May 15, 2018.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name as of the 15 th day of May, 2018.
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/s/ Donald R. Joseph |
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Donald R. Joseph, Secretary |
Exhibit 3.5
CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP AND MERGER
MERGING
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC.,
a Delaware corporation
WITH AND INTO
ACER REINCORPORATION, Inc. ,
a Delaware corporation
Pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, Acer Reincorporation, Inc. , a Delaware corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware (“ Parent ”),
DOES HEREBY CERTIFY :
FIRST : That it was organized pursuant to the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
SECOND : That it owns 100% of the outstanding stock of Acer Therapeutics Inc., a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“ Subsidiary ”).
THIRD : The Board of Directors of Parent (the “ Board ”) has adopted the resolutions as of March 1, 2018 attached as Exhibit A hereto approving the merger of Subsidiary with and into Parent, with Parent as the surviving corporation.
FOURTH : The Certificate of Incorporation of Parent shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the surviving corporation, except that name of the surviving corporation shall be Acer Therapeutics Inc.
FIFTH : The proposed merger has been adopted, approved, certified, executed and acknowledged by the Board in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
I n Witness Whereof, Acer Reincorporation, Inc. , a Delaware corporation, has caused this certificate to be signed by its President and Chief Executive Officer as of May 15, 2018.
ACER REINCORPORATION, INC. , |
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a Delaware corporation |
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By: |
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/s/ Chris Schelling |
Name: |
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Chris Schelling |
Title: |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
2
Board Resolutions
Whereas , Acer Therapeutics Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Corporation ”), owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Acer Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Subsidiary ”);
Whereas , following the reincorporation of the Corporation to the State of Delaware by means of a statutory conversion (the “ Conversion ”), the Corporation (renamed Acer Reincorporation, Inc.) will continue to own all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Subsidiary;
Whereas , it is deemed advisable and in the best interest of the Corporation and the Corporation’s stockholders that, promptly following the Conversion, the Corporation merge the Subsidiary with and into the Corporation pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, with the separate existence of the Subsidiary ceasing upon effectiveness thereof, and the Corporation continuing as the surviving corporation and assuming all of the liabilities and obligations of the Subsidiary and succeeding to all of its assets (the “ Merger ”); and
Whereas , it is deemed advisable and in the best interest of the Corporation and the Corporation’s stockholders that following the Merger, the name of the surviving corporation be changed to Acer Therapeutics Inc.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved , that upon effectiveness of the Conversion, the Merger be, and hereby is, approved;
Resolved Further , that the Chief Executive Officer, President and any other officer of the Corporation (each such person, an “ Authorized Officer ”) be, and each of them hereby is, authorized to prepare and execute a Certificate of Ownership and Merger setting forth a copy of these resolutions, and, following the Conversion, to file the Certificate of Ownership and Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and pay any fees related to such filing; and
Resolved Further , that each of the Authorized Officers be, and each of them hereby is, authorized and empowered to take all such further action and to execute, deliver and file all such further agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, and if requested or required, under its corporate seal duly attested by the Secretary; to pay or cause to be paid all expenses; to take all such other actions as they or any one of them shall deem necessary, desirable, advisable or appropriate to consummate, effectuate, carry out or further the transactions contemplated by and the intent and purposes of the foregoing resolutions.
Exhibit 4.1
SEE REVERSE FOR IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION PRESIDENT AND CEO transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate and the shares represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and to all of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Corporation, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and the holder of this Certificate, by acceptance hereof, assents to all such provisions. INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE COMMON STOCK SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $0.0001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE OF Acer TherApeuTics inc. CUSIP 00444P108 CORPORATE SECRETARY This Certificate is not valid until countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar. WITNESS the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. (Text Box comment SPECIMEN ) Stock transfer
The Corporation will furnish without charge to each holder who so requests a statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Such requests shall be made to the Corporation’s Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation. A statement of these rights is also set forth in the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation on file in the office of the Secretary of State. The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations: TEN COM – as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT- Custodian (Cust)(Minor) TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties under Uniform Gifts to Minors IT TEN -as joint tenants with right of Act (State) survivorship and not as tenants in common TTEE -trustee under Agreement dated Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE, Shares of the common stock represented by this certificate and do hereby irrevocably Constitute and appoint attorney, to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named corporation with full power of substitution in the premises. DATED NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.SIGNATURE GUARANTEED: THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION, (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.
Exhibit 10.3
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC.
2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
You have been granted the following Option (this “ Option ” or this “ Award ”) to purchase shares of Common Stock (“ Stock ”) of Acer Therapeutics Inc. (the “ Company ”) under the Acer Therapeutics Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (as may be amended from time to time, the “ Plan ”):
Name of Optionee: |
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[Name of Optionee] |
Grant Date: |
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[Date of Grant] |
Total Number of Shares Subject to Option: |
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[Total Shares] |
Type of Option: |
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☐ Incentive Stock Option ☒ Nonstatutory Stock Option |
Exercise Price Per Share: |
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$[Exercise Price] |
Vesting Commencement Date: |
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[Vesting Commencement Date] |
Vesting Schedule: |
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The Shares subject to this Option become exercisable over a four-year period, with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and the remaining 75% vesting in equal increments quarterly thereafter (in arrears) over the remaining three years, subject to continuous Service from the Vesting Commencement Date. |
Vesting Acceleration: |
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The Shares will become fully vested immediately prior to a “Change in Control,” as described in the Stock Option Agreement. |
Expiration Date: |
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[Expiration Date] This Option expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the Stock Option Agreement. |
By your written signature below (or your electronic acceptance) and the signature of the Company’s representative below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the term and conditions of the Plan and the Stock Option Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), both of which are attached to and made a part of this document.
By your written signature below (or your electronic acceptance), you further agree that the Company may deliver by e-mail all documents relating to the Plan or this Award (including without limitation, prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements). You also agree that the Company may deliver these documents by posting them on a website maintained by the Company or by a third party under contract with the Company. If the Company posts these documents on a website, it will notify you by e-mail. Should you electronically accept this Agreement, you agree to the following: “This electronic contract contains my electronic signature, which I have executed with the intent to sign this Agreement .”
2
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC.
2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
The Plan and Other Agreements |
The Option that you are receiving is granted pursuant and subject in all respects to the applicable provisions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan. The attached Notice, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this Award. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this Option are superseded. This Agreement may be amended by the Committee without your consent; however, if any such amendment would materially impair your rights or obligations under this Agreement, this Agreement may be amended only by another written agreement, signed by you and the Company. |
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Tax Treatment |
This Option is intended to be an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code or a nonstatutory option, as provided in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. Even if this Option is designated as an incentive stock option, it will be deemed to be a nonstatutory option to the extent required by the $100,000 annual limitation under Section 422(d) of the Code. |
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Vesting |
This Option becomes exercisable in installments, as shown in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. The Shares will become fully vested immediately prior to a “Change in Control” as defined in the Plan. This Option will in no event become exercisable for additional Shares after your Service as an Employee or a Consultant has terminated for any reason. |
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Term |
This Option expires in any event at the close of business at Company headquarters on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Grant Date, as shown on the Notice of Stock Option Grant (fifth (5th) anniversary for a more than ten percent (10%) shareholder as provided under the Plan if this is an incentive stock option). This Option may expire earlier if your Service terminates, as described below. |
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Regular Termination
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If your Service terminates for any reason except due to your death or Disability, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three (3) months after the date your Service terminates (or, if earlier, the Expiration Date). The Company determines when your Service terminates for this purpose and all purposes under the Plan and its determinations are conclusive and binding on all persons. |
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Death |
If your Service terminates because of your death, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after the date your Service terminates (or, if earlier, the Expiration Date). During that period of up to twelve (12) months, your estate or heirs may exercise this Option. |
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Disability |
If your Service terminates because of your Disability, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after the date your Service terminates (or, if earlier, the Expiration Date). |
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3
For purposes of this Option, your Service does not terminate when you go on a military leave, a sick leave or another bona fide leave of absence, if the leave of absence was approved by the Company in writing and if continued crediting of Service is required by the terms of the leave or by applicable law. But your Service terminates when the approved leave ends, unless you immediately return to active work. If you go on a leave of absence, then the vesting schedule specified in the Notice of Stock Option Grant may be adjusted in accordance with the Company’s leave of absence policy or the terms of your leave. If you commence working on a part-time basis, then the vesting schedule specified in the Notice of Stock Option Grant may be adjusted in accordance with the Company’s part-time work policy or the terms of an agreement between you and the Company pertaining to your part-time schedule. |
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Restrictions on Exercise |
The Company will not permit you to exercise this Option if the issuance of Shares at that time would violate any law or regulation. The inability of the Company to obtain approval from any regulatory body having authority deemed by the Company to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of the Stock pursuant to this Option will relieve the Company of any liability with respect to the non-issuance or sale of the Stock as to which such approval will not have been obtained. |
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Notice of Exercise |
When you wish to exercise this Option you must provide a written or electronic notice of exercise form (substantially in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A ) in accordance with such procedures as are established by the Company and communicated to you from time to time. Any notice of exercise must specify how many Shares you wish to purchase and how your Shares should be registered. The notice of exercise will be effective when it is received by the Company. If someone else wants to exercise this Option after your death, that person must prove to the Company’s satisfaction that he or she is entitled to do so. |
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Form of Payment |
When you submit your notice of exercise, you must include payment of the Option exercise price for the Shares you are purchasing. Payment may be made in the following form(s): • Your personal check, a cashier’s check, a money order or a wire transfer. • Certificates for Shares that you own, along with any forms needed to effect a transfer of those Shares to the Company. The value of the Shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied to the Option exercise price. Instead of surrendering Shares, you may attest to the ownership of those Shares on a form provided by the Company and have the same number of Shares subtracted from the Shares issued to you upon exercise of this Option. However, you may not surrender or attest to the ownership of Shares in payment of the exercise price if your action would cause the Company to recognize a compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to this Option for financial reporting purposes. |
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• By delivery on a form approved by the Company of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Shares that are issued to you when you exercise this Option and to deliver to the Company from the sale proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the Option exercise price and any withholding taxes. The balance of the sale proceeds, if any, will be delivered to you. The directions must be given by providing a notice of exercise form approved by the Company. • By delivery on a form approved by the Company of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker or lender approved by the Company to pledge Shares that are issued to you when you exercise this Option as security for a loan and to deliver to the Company from the loan proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the Option exercise price and any withholding taxes. The directions must be given by providing a notice of exercise form approved by the Company. • If permitted by the Committee, by a “ net exercise ” arrangement pursuant to which the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option will be reduced by the largest whole number of Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price (plus tax withholdings, if applicable) and any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price (and/or applicable tax withholdings) not satisfied by such reduction in the number of whole Shares to be issued will be paid by you in cash other form of payment permitted under this Option. The directions must be given by providing a notice of exercise form approved by the Company. • Any other form permitted by the Committee in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payment may not be made in any form that is unlawful, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. |
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Retention Rights |
Neither this Option nor this Agreement gives you the right to be employed or retained by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company in any capacity. The Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate your Service at any time, with or without cause. |
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Shareholder Rights |
This Option carries neither voting rights nor rights to dividends. You, or your estate or heirs, have no rights as a shareholder of the Company unless and until you have exercised this Option by giving the required notice to the Company and paying the exercise price. No adjustments will be made for dividends or other rights if the applicable record date occurs before you exercise this Option, except as described in the Plan. |
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Adjustments |
The number of Shares covered by this Option and the exercise price per Share will be subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, a stock dividend or a similar change in Company Shares, and in other circumstances, as set forth in the Plan. The forfeiture provisions and restrictions described above will apply to all new, substitute or additional stock options or securities to which you are entitled by reason of this Award. |
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Successors and Assigns |
Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or this Agreement, every term of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns. |
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Notice |
Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement will be given in writing and will be deemed effectively given upon the earliest of personal delivery, receipt or the third (3rd) full day following mailing with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party hereto at the address last known in the Company’s records or at such other address as such party may designate by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to the other party hereto. |
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Section 409A of the Code |
To the extent this Agreement is subject to, and not exempt from, Section 409A of the Code, this Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A, and its provisions will be interpreted in a manner consistent with such intent. You acknowledge and agree that changes may be made to this Agreement to avoid adverse tax consequences to you under Section 409A. |
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Applicable Law and Choice of Venue |
This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction that might be applied because of the conflicts of laws principles of any state.
For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises directly or indirectly from the relationship of the parties evidenced by this Award or this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Texas and agree that such litigation will be conducted only in the courts of Montgomery County, Texas, or the federal courts for that district, and no other courts, where this grant is made and/or to be performed. |
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BY SIGNING THE COVER SHEET OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
8
ACER THERAPEUTICS INC.
2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
NOTICE OF EXERCISE OF STOCK OPTION
OPTIONEE INFORMATION: |
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Name: |
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Social Security Number: |
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Employee Number: |
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Address: |
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OPTION INFORMATION: |
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Grant Date: |
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Exercise Price per Share: |
$ |
Total Number of Shares of Acer Therapeutics Inc. (the “ Company ”) Covered by Option: |
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Type of Stock Option: |
☐ Nonstatutory (NSO) |
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☐ Incentive (ISO) |
Number of Shares of the Company for which Option is Being Exercised Now: |
(“ Purchased Shares ”) |
Total Exercise Price for the Purchased Shares: |
$ |
Form of Payment: |
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Cash or Check for $
☐ Cashless exercise ☐ Net exercise |
Name(s) in which the Purchased Shares should be Registered: |
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The Certificate for the Purchased Shares (if any) should be sent to the Following Address: |
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A-1
1. |
I understand that all sales of Purchased Shares are subject to compliance with the Company’s policy on securities trades. |
2. |
I hereby acknowledge that I received and read a copy of the prospectus describing the Acer Therapeutics Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan and the tax consequences of an exercise. |
3. |
In the case of a nonstatutory option, I understand that I must recognize ordinary income equal to the spread between the fair market value of the Purchased Shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price. I further understand that I am required to pay withholding taxes at the time of exercising a nonstatutory option. |
4. |
In the case of an incentive stock option, I agree to notify the Company if I dispose of the Purchased Shares before I have met both of the tax holding periods applicable to incentive stock options (that is, if I dispose of the Purchased Shares prior to the date that is two (2) years after the Grant Date and one (1) year after the date the option was exercised). |
SIGNATURE AND DATE:
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A-2