BY-LAWS
OF
COMMUNITY BANCORP OF NEW JERSEY
Section 1. LAW, CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND
BY-LAWS
1.1. These by-laws are subject to the certificate of incorporation of the
corporation. In these by-laws, references to law, the certificate of
incorporation and by-laws mean the law, the provisions of the certificate of
incorporation and the by-laws as from time to time in effect.
Section 2. SHAREHOLDERS
2.1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held 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 which time the
shareholders shall elect a board of directors and transact such other business
as may be required by law or these by-laws or as may properly come before the
meeting.
2.2. Special Meetings. A special meeting of the shareholders may be called
at any time by the chairman of the board, if any, the president or the board of
directors. A special meeting of the shareholders shall be called by the
secretary, or in the case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the
secretary, by an assistant secretary or some other officer, upon application of
a majority of the directors. Any such application shall state the purpose or
purposes of the proposed meeting. Any such call shall state the place, date,
hour, and purposes of the meeting.
2.3. Place of Meeting. All meetings of the shareholders for the election
of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such place within or
without the State of New Jersey as may be determined from time to time by the
board of directors. Any adjourned session of any meeting of the shareholders
shall be held at the place designated in the vote of adjournment.
2.4. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, a written
notice of each meeting of shareholders stating the place, day and hour thereof
and, in the case of a special meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is
called, shall be given not less then ten nor more than sixty days before
the meeting, to each shareholder entitled to vote thereat, and to each
shareholder who, by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by these
by-laws, is entitled to notice, by leaving such notice with him or at his
residence or usual place of business, or by depositing it in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to such shareholder at his address as it
appears in the records of the corporation. Such notice shall be given by the
secretary, or by an officer or person designated by the board of directors, or
in the case of a special meeting by the officer calling the meeting. As to any
adjourned session of any meeting of shareholders, notice of the adjourned
meeting need not be given if the time and place thereof are announced at the
meeting at which the adjournment was taken except that if after the adjournment
a new record date is set for the adjourned session, notice of any such adjourned
session of the meeting shall be given in the manner heretofore described. No
notice of any meeting of shareholders or any adjourned session thereof need be
given to a shareholder if a written waiver of notice, executed before or after
the meeting or such adjourned session by such shareholder, in person or by
proxy, is filed with the records of the meeting or if the shareholder attends
such meeting, in person or by proxy, without 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 meeting of the shareholders or any adjourned session thereof need be
specified in any written waiver of notice.
2.5. Quorum of Shareholders. At any meeting of the shareholders a quorum
shall consist of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting,
except where a larger quorum is required by law, by the certificate of
incorporation or by these by-laws. Any meeting may be adjourned from time to
time by a majority of the votes properly cast upon the question, whether or not
a quorum is present. If a quorum is present at an original meeting, a quorum
need not be present at an adjourned session of that meeting. Shares of its own
stock belonging to the corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of
the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other
corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by the corporation, shall neither
be entitled to vote nor be counted for quorum purposes; provided, however, that
the foregoing shall not limit the right of any corporation to vote stock,
including but not limited to its own stock, held by it in a fiduciary capacity.
2.6. Action by Vote. When a quorum is present at any meeting, a plurality
of the votes properly cast for election to any office shall elect to such office
and a majority of the votes properly cast upon any question other than an
election to an office shall decide the question, except when a larger vote is
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required by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws. No
ballot shall be required for any election unless requested by a shareholder
present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election.
2.7. Action without Meetings. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate
of incorporation or by applicable law, any action required or permitted to be
taken by shareholders for or in connection with any corporate action may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent
in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the
holders of outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon. The writing or writings
comprising such unanimous consent shall be filed with the records of the
meetings of shareholders.
Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or by
applicable law, any action required or permitted to be taken by shareholders for
or in connection with any corporate action may be taken without a meeting,
without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth
the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of that number of shares of
outstanding stock which would have been entitled to cast the minimum number of
votes necessary to approve the action taken at a meeting of shareholders at
which all of the shareholders entitled to vote on the action were present and
voting, and the provisions of N.J.S.A. ss.14A:5-6(2) are complied with.
2.8. Proxy Representation. Every shareholder may authorize another person
or persons to act for him by proxy in all matters in which a shareholder is
entitled to participate, whether by waiving notice of any meeting, objecting to
or voting or participating at a meeting, or expressing consent or dissent
without a meeting. Every proxy must be signed by the shareholder or by his
attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after eleven months from
its date unless such proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy
shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and, if, and only as
long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an
irrevocable power. A proxy may be made irrevocable regardless of whether the
interest with which it is coupled is an interest in the stock itself or an
interest in the corporation generally. The authorization of a proxy may but need
not be limited to specified action, provided, however, that if a proxy limits
its authorization to a meeting or meetings of shareholders, unless otherwise
specifically provided such proxy shall entitle the holder thereof to vote at any
adjourned session but shall not be valid after the final adjournment thereof.
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2.9. Inspectors. The directors or the person presiding at the meeting may,
but need not, appoint one or more inspectors of election and any substitute
inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Each inspector,
before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath
faithfully to execute the duties of inspector at such meeting with strict
impartiality and according to the best of his ability. The inspectors, if any,
shall determine the number of shares of stock outstanding and the voting power
of each, the shares of stock represented at the meeting, the existence of a
quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or
consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection
with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents,
determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or
vote with fairness to all shareholders. On request of the person presiding at
the meeting, the inspectors shall make a report in writing of any challenge,
question or matter determined by them and execute a certificate of any fact
found by them.
2.10. List of Shareholders. The secretary shall prepare and make, at least
ten days before every meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the
shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting, arranged in alphabetical order
and showing the address of each shareholder and the number of shares registered
in his name. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are
shareholders entitled to examine such list or to vote in person or by proxy at
such meeting.
Section 3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
3.1. Number. The number of directors which shall constitute the whole
board shall not be less than one nor more than twenty-five in number.
Thereafter, within the foregoing limits, the Board of Directors shall determine
the number of directors and the shareholders at the annual meeting shall elect
the number of directors as determined. Within the foregoing limits, the number
of directors may be increased at any time or from time to time by the
shareholders or by the directors by vote of a majority of the directors then in
office. The number of directors may be decreased to any number permitted by the
foregoing at any time either by the shareholders or by the directors by vote of
a majority of the directors then in office, but only to eliminate vacancies
existing by reason of the death, resignation or removal of one or more
directors. Directors need not be shareholders.
3.2. Tenure. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the certificate of
incorporation or by these by-laws, each director shall hold office until the
next annual meeting and
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until his successor is elected and qualified, or until he sooner dies, resigns,
is removed or becomes disqualified.
3.3. Powers. The business and affairs of the
corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the board of directors
who shall have and may exercise all the powers of the corporation and do all
such lawful acts and things as are not by law, the certificate of incorporation
or these by-laws directed or required to be exercised or done by the
shareholders.
3.4. Vacancies. Vacancies and any newly created directorships resulting
from any increase in the number of directors may be filled by vote of the
shareholders at a meeting called for the purpose, or by a majority of the
directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining
director. When one or more directors shall resign from the board, effective at a
future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who
have resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote or
action by writing thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations
shall become effective. The directors shall have and may exercise all their
powers notwithstanding the existence of one or more vacancies in their number,
subject to any requirements of law or of the certificate of incorporation or of
these by-laws as to the number of directors required for a quorum or for any
vote or other actions.
3.5. Committees. The board of directors may, by vote of a majority of the
whole board, (a) designate, change the membership of or terminate the existence
of any committee or committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the
directors; (b) designate one or more directors as alternate members of any such
committee who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of
the committee; and (c) determine the extent to which each such committee shall
have and may exercise the powers of the board of directors in the management of
the business and affairs of the corporation, including the power to authorize
the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which require it and the
power and authority to declare dividends or to authorize the issuance of stock;
excepting, however, such powers which by law, by the certificate of
incorporation or by these by-laws they are prohibited from so delegating. In the
absence or disqualification of any member of such committee and his alternate,
if any, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not
disqualified from voting, whether or not constituting 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. Except as the board of
directors may otherwise determine, any committee may make rules
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for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the board or
such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as may be in the same
manner as is provided by these by-laws for the conduct of business by the board
of directors. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and
report the same to the board of directors upon request.
3.6. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the board of directors may be
held without call or notice at such places within or without the State of New
Jersey and at such times as the board may from time to time determine, provided
that notice of the first regular meeting following any such determination shall
be given to absent directors. A regular meeting of the directors may be held
without call or notice immediately after and at the same place as the annual
meeting of shareholders.
3.7. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board of directors may be
held at any time and at any place within or without the State of New Jersey
designated in the notice of the meeting, when called by the chairman of the
board, if any, the president, or by one-third or more in number of the
directors, reasonable notice thereof being given to each director by the
secretary or by the chairman of the board, if any, the president or any one of
the directors calling the meeting.
3.8. Notice. It shall be reasonable and sufficient notice to a director to
send notice by mail at least forty-eight hours or by telegram at least
twenty-four hours before the meeting addressed to him at his usual or last known
business or residence address or to give notice to him in person or by telephone
at least twenty-four hours before the meeting. Notice of a meeting need not be
given to any director if a written waiver of notice, executed by him before or
after the meeting, is filed with the records of the meeting, or to any director
who attends the meeting without protesting prior thereto or at its commencement
the lack of notice to him. Neither notice of a meeting nor a waiver of a notice
need specify the purposes of the meeting.
3.9. Quorum. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, by the
certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws, at any meeting of the
directors a majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum;
a quorum shall not in any case be less than one-third of the total number of
directors constituting the whole board. Any meeting may be adjourned from time
to time by a majority of the votes cast upon the question, whether or not a
quorum is present, and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further
notice.
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3.10. Action by Vote. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, by the
certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws, when a quorum is present at
any meeting the vote of a majority of the directors present shall be the act of
the board of directors.
3.11. Action Without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be
taken at any meeting of the board of directors or a committee thereof may be
taken without a meeting if all the members of the board or of such committee, as
the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and such writing or writings are
filed with the records of the meetings of the board or of such committee. Such
consent shall be treated for all purposes as the act of the board or of such
committee, as the case may be.
3.12. Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone. Members of the
board of directors, or any committee designated by such board, may participate
in a meeting of such board or committee by means of conference telephone or
similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in
the meeting can hear each other or by any other means permitted by law. Such
participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
3.13. Compensation. In the discretion of the board of directors, each
director may be paid such fees for his services as director and be reimbursed
for his reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his duties as
director as the board of directors from time to time may determine. Nothing
contained in this section shall be construed to preclude any director from
serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving reasonable
compensation therefor.
3.14. Interested Directors and Officers.
(a) No contract or transaction between the corporation and one or more of
its directors or officers, or between the corporation and any other corporation,
partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of the
corporation's directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a
financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely
because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of
the board or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or
solely because his or their votes are counted for such purpose, if any one of
the following is true:
(1) The material facts as to his relationship or interest and
as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of
directors or the committee, and the
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board or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the
affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the
disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or
(2) The material facts as to his relationship or interest and
as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the shareholders
entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically
approved in good faith by vote of the shareholders; or
(3) The contract or transaction is fair as to the corporation
as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the board of
directors, a committee thereof, or the shareholders.
(b) Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the
presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or of a committee
which authorizes the contract or transaction.
Section 4. OFFICERS AND AGENTS
4.1. Enumeration; Qualification. The officers of the corporation shall be
a president, a treasurer, a secretary and such other officers, if any, as the
board of directors from time to time may in its discretion elect or appoint
including without limitation a chairman of the board, one or more vice
presidents and a controller. The corporation may also have such agents, if any,
as the board of directors from time to time may in its discretion choose. Any
officer may be but none need be a director or shareholder. Any two or more
offices may be held by the same person. Any officer may be required by the board
of directors to secure the faithful performance of his duties to the corporation
by giving bond in such amount and with sureties or otherwise as the board of
directors may determine.
4.2. Powers. Subject to law, to the certificate of incorporation and to
the other provisions of these by-laws, each officer shall have, in addition to
the duties and powers herein set forth, such duties and powers as are commonly
incident to his office and such additional duties and powers as the board of
directors may from time to time designate.
4.3. Election. The officers may be elected by the board of directors at
their first meeting following the annual meeting of the shareholders or at any
other time. At any time or from time to time the directors may delegate to any
officer their power to elect or appoint any other officer or any agents.
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4.4. Tenure. Each officer shall hold office until the first meeting of the
board of directors following the next annual meeting of the shareholders and
until his respective successor is chosen and qualified unless a shorter period
shall have been specified by the terms of his election or appointment, or in
each case until he sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified.
Each agent shall retain his authority at the pleasure of the directors, or the
officer by whom he was appointed or by the officer who then holds agent
appointive power.
4.5. Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Vice President. The
chairman of the board, if any, shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors. Unless the board of
directors otherwise specifies, the chairman of the board, or if there is none
the chief executive officer, shall preside, or designate the person who shall
preside, at all meetings of the shareholders and of the board of directors.
Unless the board of directors otherwise specifies, the president shall be
the chief executive officer and shall have direct charge of all business
operations of the corporation and, subject to the control of the directors,
shall have general charge and supervision of the business of the corporation.
Any vice presidents shall have such duties and powers as shall be set
forth in these by-laws or as shall be designated from time to time by the board
of directors or by the president.
4.6. Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers. The treasurer shall be the chief
financial officer of the corporation and shall be in charge of its funds and
valuable papers, and shall have such other duties and powers as may be
designated from time to time by the board of directors or by the president. If
no controller is elected, the treasurer shall also have the duties and powers of
the controller.
Any assistant treasurers shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors, the president or the
treasurer.
4.7. Controller and Assistant Controllers. If a controller is elected, he
shall be the chief accounting officer of the corporation and shall be in charge
of its books of account and accounting records, and of its accounting
procedures. He shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated from
time to time by the board of directors, the president or the treasurer.
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Any assistant controller shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors, the president, the
treasurer or the controller.
4.8. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The secretary shall record all
proceedings of the shareholders, of the board of directors and of committees of
the board of directors in a book or series of books to be kept therefor and
shall file therein all actions by written consent of shareholders or directors.
In the absence of the secretary from any meeting, an assistant secretary, or if
there be none or he is absent, a temporary secretary chosen at the meeting,
shall record the proceedings thereof. Unless a transfer agent has been appointed
the secretary shall keep or cause to be kept the stock and transfer records of
the corporation, which shall contain the names and record addresses of all
shareholders and the number of shares registered in the name of each
shareholder. He shall have such other duties and powers as may from time to time
be designated by the board of directors or the president.
Any assistant secretaries shall have such duties and powers as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors, the president or the
secretary.
Section 5. RESIGNATIONS AND REMOVALS
5.1. Any director or officer may resign at any time by delivering his
resignation in writing to the chairman of the board, if any, the president, or
the secretary or to a meeting of the board of directors. Such resignation shall
be effective upon receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time,
and without in either case the necessity of its being accepted unless the
resignation shall so state. A director (including persons elected by directors
to fill vacancies in the board) may be removed from office with or without cause
by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares issued and outstanding
and entitled to vote in the election of directors. The board of directors may at
any time remove any officer either with or without cause. The board of directors
may at any time terminate or modify the authority of any agent. No director or
officer resigning and (except where a right to receive compensation shall be
expressly provided in a duly authorized written agreement with the corporation)
no director or officer removed shall have any right to any compensation as such
director or officer for any period following his resignation or removal, or any
right to damages on account of such removal, whether his compensation be by the
month or by the year or otherwise; unless, in the case of a resignation, the
directors, or, in the case of removal, the body acting on the removal, shall in
their or its discretion provide for compensation.
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Section 6. VACANCIES
6.1. If the office of the president or the treasurer or the secretary
becomes vacant, the directors may elect a successor by vote of a majority of the
directors then in office. If the office of any other officer becomes vacant, any
person or body empowered to elect or appoint that officer may choose a
successor. Each such successor shall hold office for the unexpired term, and in
the case of the president, the treasurer and the secretary until his successor
is chosen and qualified or in each case until he sooner dies, resigns, is
removed or becomes disqualified. Any vacancy of a directorship shall be filled
as specified in Section 3.4 of these by-laws.
Section 7. CAPITAL STOCK
7.1. Stock Certificates. Each shareholder shall be entitled to a
certificate stating the number and the class and the designation of the series,
if any, of the shares held by him, in such form as shall, in conformity to law,
the certificate of incorporation and the by-laws, be prescribed from time to
time by the board of directors. Such certificate shall be signed by the chairman
or vice chairman of the board, if any, or the president or a vice president and
may be countersigned by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer or by the
secretary or an assistant secretary. Any of or all the signatures on the
certificate may be a facsimile. In case an officer, transfer agent, or registrar
who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed on such 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 time of its
issue.
7.2. Loss of Certificates. In the case of the alleged theft, loss,
destruction or mutilation of a certificate of stock, a duplicate certificate may
be issued in place thereof, upon such terms, including receipt of a bond
sufficient to indemnify the corporation against any claim on account thereof, as
the board of directors may prescribe.
Section 8. TRANSFER OF SHARES OF STOCK
8.1. Transfer on Books. Subject to the restrictions, if any, stated or
noted on the stock certificate, shares of stock may be transferred on the books
of the corporation by the surrender to the corporation or its transfer agent of
the certificate therefor properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
assignment and power of attorney
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properly executed, with necessary transfer stamps affixed, and with such proof
of the authenticity of signature as the board of directors or the transfer agent
of the corporation may reasonably require. Except as may be otherwise required
by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws, the corporation
shall be entitled to treat the record holder of stock as shown on its books as
the owner of such stock for all purposes, including the payment of dividends and
the right to receive notice and to vote or to give any consent with respect
thereto, regardless of any transfer, pledge or other disposition of such stock
until the shares have been properly transferred on the books of the corporation.
It shall be the duty of each shareholder to notify the corporation of his
post office address.
8.2. Record Date and Closing Transfer Books. In order that the corporation
may determine the shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting
of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate
action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to
exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or
for the purpose of any other lawful action, the board of directors may fix, in
advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten
days (or such longer period as may be required by law) before the date of such
meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action.
If no record date is fixed:
(a) The record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of or
to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall be at the close of business on the
day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at
the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is
held.
(b) The record date for determining shareholders entitled to express
consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action
by the board of directors is necessary, shall be the day on which the first
written consent is expressed.
(c) The record date for determining shareholders for any other purpose
shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board of directors
adopts the resolution relating thereto.
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A determination of shareholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote
at a meeting of shareholders 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.
Section 9. CORPORATE SEAL
9.1. Subject to alteration by the directors, the seal of the corporation
shall consist of a flat-faced circular die with the word "New Jersey" and the
name of the corporation cut or engraved thereon, together with such other words,
dates or images as may be approved from time to time by the directors.
Section 10. EXECUTION OF PAPERS
10.1. Except as the board of directors may generally or in particular cases
authorize the execution thereof in some other manner, all deeds, leases,
transfers, contracts, bonds, notes, checks, drafts or other obligations made,
accepted or endorsed by the corporation shall be signed by the chairman of the
board, if any, the president, a vice president or the treasurer.
Section 11. FISCAL YEAR
11.1. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be determined from time to
time by the board of directors.
Section 12. INDEMNIFICATION
12.1. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. The corporation shall, to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify any person (and the
heirs, executors and administrators thereof) who was or is made, or threatened
to be made, a party to an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, whether involving any actual or alleged breach
of duty, neglect or error, any accountability, or any actual or alleged
misstatement, misleading statement or other act or omission and whether brought
or threatened in any court or administrative or legislative body or agency,
including an action by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment
in its favor and an action by or in the right of any other corporation of any
type or kind, domestic or foreign, or any partnership, joint venture, trust,
employee benefit plan or other enterprise, which any director or officer of the
corporation is serving or has served in any capacity at the request of the
corporation, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was
a director or officer of the corporation, or is serving or has served such other
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise in any capacity, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in
settlement, and costs, charges and expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred
therein or in any appeal thereof.
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12.2. Indemnification of Others. The Corporation shall indemnify other
persons and reimburse the expenses thereof, to the extent required by applicable
law, and may indemnify any other person to whom the Corporation is permitted to
provide indemnification or the advancement of expenses, whether pursuant to
rights granted pursuant to, or provided by, the New Jersey Business Corporation
Act or otherwise.
12.3. Advances or Reimbursement of Expenses. The corporation shall, from
time to time, reimburse or advance to any person referred to in Section 12.1 the
funds necessary for payment of expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in
connection with any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 12.1, upon
receipt of a written undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such
amount(s) if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or
officer establishes that his acts or omissions (i) constitute a breach of his
duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) were not in good
faith, (iii) involved a knowing violation of law, (iv) resulted in his receiving
an improper personal benefit, or (v) were otherwise of such a character that New
Jersey law would require that such amount(s) be repaid.
12.4. Service of Certain Entities Deemed Requested. Any director or
officer of the corporation serving (i) another corporation, of which a majority
of the shares entitled to vote in the election of its directors is held by the
corporation, or (ii) any employee benefit plan of the corporation or any
corporation referred in clause (i), in any capacity shall be deemed to be doing
so at the request of the Corporation.
12.5. Interpretation. Any person entitled to be indemnified or to the
reimbursement or advancement of expenses as a matter of right pursuant to this
Article may elect to have the right to indemnification (or advancement of
expense) interpreted on the basis of the applicable law in effect at the time of
the occurrence of the event or events giving rise to the action, suit or
proceeding, to the extent permitted by applicable law, or on the basis of the
applicable law in effect at the time indemnification is sought.
12.6. Indemnification Right. The right to be indemnified or to the
reimbursement or advancement of expenses pursuant to this Article (i) is a
contract right pursuant to
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which the person entitled thereto may bring suit as if the provisions hereof
were set forth in a separate written contract between the corporation and the
director or officer, (ii) is intended to be retroactive and shall be available
with respect to events occurring prior to the adoption hereof, (iii) shall
continue to exist after any elimination of or amendment to this Article 12
hereof with respect to events occurring prior thereto, and (iv) and shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any person claiming
indemnification hereunder may be entitled.
12.7. Indemnification Claims. If a request to be indemnified or for the
reimbursement or advancement of expenses pursuant hereto is not paid in full by
the corporation within thirty days after a written claim has been received by
the corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the
corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in
whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled also to be paid the expenses of
prosecuting such claim. Neither the failure of the corporation (including its
Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) to have made
a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of
or reimbursement or advancement of expenses to the claimant is proper in the
circumstances, nor an actual determination by the corporation (including its
Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that the
claimant is not entitled to indemnification or to the reimbursement or
advancement of expenses, shall be a defense to the action or create a
presumption that the claimant is not so entitled.
Section 13. AMENDMENTS
13.1. These by-laws may be adopted, amended or repealed by vote of a
majority of the directors then in office or by vote of a majority of the stock
outstanding and entitled to vote. Any by-law, whether adopted, amended or
repealed by the shareholders or directors, may be amended or reinstated by the
shareholders or the directors.
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