Exhibit 3.1
Page 1 of 14
Amended effective 09/01/99
--------------------------
HOST MARRIOTT CORPORATION
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of Host Marriott
----------------
Corporation (the "Corporation") shall be located at such place or places as the
directors may designate.
Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Corporation may have additional offices
------------------
at such places as the directors may from time to time determine or the business
of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the
-----
principal office of the Corporation or at such other place within the United
States as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of the stockholders for the
--------------
election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of
the Corporation shall be held during the month of May of each year, after the
delivery of the annual report referred to in Section 12 of this Article II, at a
convenient location and on proper notice, on a date and at the time set by the
directors, beginning with the year 1999. Failure to hold an annual meeting does
not invalidate the Corporation's existence or affect any otherwise valid acts of
the Corporation.
Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. A special meeting of the stockholders of the
----------------
Corporation may be called by the President or the Board of Directors or by
holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common
Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation in the manner specified in articles
supplementary filed as part of the charter of the Corporation (the "Charter").
The Secretary of the Corporation shall also call a special meeting of the
stockholders on the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority
of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting. A special meeting need not
be called to consider any matter which is substantially the same as a matter
voted on at any meeting of the stockholders held during the preceding twelve
months.
Section 4. NOTICE. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each
------
meeting of stockholders, the Secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled
to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is
entitled to notice of the meeting written or printed notice stating the time and
place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may
be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, either
by mail or by presenting it to such stockholder personally or by leaving it at
his residence or usual place of business. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed
to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the
stockholder at his post office address as it appears on the records of the
Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.
Section 5. SCOPE OF NOTICE. Any business of the Corporation may be
---------------
transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically
designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to
be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting
of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice.
Section 6. ORGANIZATION. At every meeting of the stockholders, the Chairman
------------
of the Board, if there is one, shall conduct the meeting or, in the case of
vacancy in office or absence of the Chairman of the Board, one of the following
officers present shall conduct the meeting in the order stated: the Vice
Chairman of the Board, if there is one, the Chief Executive Officer, if there is
one, the President, the Vice Presidents in their order of rank and seniority, or
a Chairman chosen by the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes
which all stockholders
Exhibit 3.1
Page 2 of 14
present in person or by proxy are entitled to cast, shall act as Chairman, and
the Secretary, or, in his absence, an Assistant Secretary, or in the absence of
both the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries, a person appointed by the Chairman
shall act as Secretary.
Section 7. QUORUM. At any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person
------
or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting shall constitute a quorum; but this section
shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the Charter for the vote
necessary for the adoption of any measure. If, however, such quorum shall not be
present at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote at
such meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall have the power to adjourn the
meeting from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original
record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such
adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be
transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally
notified.
Section 8. VOTING. Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or
------
series of stock (other than Common Stock) to elect additional directors under
specified circumstances, a plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of
stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to
elect a director. Each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are
directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be
voted. Unless otherwise provided in the Charter, a majority of the votes cast at
a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be
sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the
meeting, unless more than a majority of the votes cast is required herein or by
statute or by the Charter. Unless otherwise provided in the Charter, each
outstanding share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each
matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.
Section 9. PROXIES. A stockholder may cast the votes entitled to be cast by
-------
the shares owned of record by him either in person or by proxy executed in
writing by the stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney in fact. Such
proxy shall be filed with the Secretary of the Corporation before or at the time
of the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after 11 months from the date of its
execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.
Section 10. VOTING OF SHARES BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Shares of the Corporation
-----------------------------------
registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, if
entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, a
general partner, limited liability company, trustee or member manager thereof,
as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals,
unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such shares pursuant to
a bylaw or a resolution of the governing board of such corporation or other
entity or agreement of the partners of the partnership presents a certified copy
of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such
shares. Any trustee or other fiduciary may vote shares registered in his name as
such fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.
Shares of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be
voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of
outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held
by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be
counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.
The directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder
may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares registered in the name
of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the
stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may
make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the
form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the
certification is with respect to a record date or closing of the share transfer
books, the time after the record date or closing of the share transfer books
within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any
other provisions with respect to the procedure which the directors consider
necessary or desirable. On receipt of such certification, the person specified
in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the
certification, the stockholder of record of the specified shares in place of the
stockholder who makes the certification.
Section 11. INSPECTORS. At any meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the
----------
meeting may appoint one or more persons as inspectors for such meeting. Such
inspectors shall ascertain and report the number of shares represented at the
meeting based upon their determination of the validity and effect of proxies,
count all votes, report
Exhibit 3.1
Page 3 of 14
the results and perform such other acts as are proper to conduct the election
and voting with impartiality and fairness to all the stockholders.
Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or by a
majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If
there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report
of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of
shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima
-----
facie evidence thereof.
- -----
Section 12. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. The directors shall submit to the
-----------------------
stockholders at or before the annual meeting of stockholders a report of the
business and operations of the Corporation during the prior fiscal year,
containing a balance sheet and a statement of income and surplus of the
Corporation, accompanied by the certification of an independent certified public
accountant, and such further information as the directors may determine is
required pursuant to any law or regulation to which the Corporation is subject.
Within the earlier of 20 days after the annual meeting of stockholders or 120
days after the end of the fiscal year of the Corporation, the directors shall
place the annual report on file at the principal office of the Corporation and
with any governmental agencies as may be required by law and as the directors
may deem appropriate.
Section 13. NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS BY STOCKHOLDERS. (a) Annual Meetings
--------------- ---------------
of Stockholders. (1) 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 to elect directors under specified circumstances, nominations of
persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to
be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of
stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting, (ii) by or at
the direction of the directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation
who was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided
for in this Section 13(a) and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled
to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in
this Section 13(a).
(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an
annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a) (1) of
this Section 13, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in
writing to the Secretary of the Corporation and such other business must
otherwise be a proper matter for action by stockholders. To be timely, a
stockholder's notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal
executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the
60th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 90th day before the date
on which the Corporation first mailed its proxy materials for the prior year's
annual meeting of stockholders. In no event shall the public announcement of a
postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting to a later date or time
commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described
above. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth as to each person whom the
stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director all
information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in
solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is
otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (including such person's
written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to
serving as a director if elected); (ii) as to any other business that the
stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the
business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting
such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such
stockholder and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is
made; and (iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial
owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (x) the name
and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation's books, and
of such beneficial owner and (y) the number of each class of shares of the
Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and
such beneficial owner.
(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted
--------------------------------
at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the
meeting pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting. Except as otherwise
provided for or fixed by or pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the
Corporation relating to the rights of the holders of any class or series of
stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon
liquidation to elect directors under specified circumstances, nominations of
persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting
of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) pursuant to the
Corporation's notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors or (iii) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that
directors shall be elected at such special meeting, by any stockholder of the
Corporation who was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice
provided for in this Section 13(b)
Exhibit 3.1
Page 4 of 14
and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting
and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 13(b).
Except as otherwise provided for or fixed by or pursuant to the provisions of
the Charter of the Corporation relating to the rights of the holders of any
class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation to elect directors under specified circumstances,
in addition to the foregoing requirements, for nominations or other business to
be properly brought before a special meeting by a stockholder, such
stockholder's notice containing the information required by paragraph (a)(2) of
this Section 13 must be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive
offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 90th
day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on
the later of the 60th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day
following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the
special meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of a postponement or
adjournment of a special meeting to a later date or time commence a new time
period for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above.
(c) General. (1) Except as otherwise provided for or fixed by or pursuant
-------
to the provisions of the Charter of the Corporation relating to the rights of
the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common
Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect directors under specified
circumstances, only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 13 shall be eligible to serve as directors
and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall
have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth
in this Section 13. The chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to
determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the
meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 13 and, if any proposed nomination or
business is not in compliance with this Section 13, to declare that such
nomination or proposal shall be disregarded.
(2) For purposes of this Section 13, "public announcement" shall mean
disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated
Press or comparable news service or in a document publicly filed by the
Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13,
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 13, a
stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the
matters set forth in this Section 13.
Section 14. INFORMAL ACTION BY STOCKHOLDERS. Subject to the rights of the
-------------------------------
holders of any class or series of stock (other than Common Stock) to elect
additional directors under specified circumstances and notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 13 of this Article II, any action required or permitted to
be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing, setting forth such action, is signed by all stockholders
entitled to vote on such matter.
Section 15. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election at
----------------
a meeting of stockholders may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall
---------
order or any stockholder present at such meeting in person or by proxy shall
demand that voting be by ballot.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. GENERAL POWERS; QUALIFICATIONS; TRUSTEES HOLDING OVER. The
-----------------------------------------------------
business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of
its Board of Directors. A director shall be an individual at least 21 years of
age who is not under legal disability. In case of failure to elect directors at
an annual meeting of the stockholders, the directors holding over shall continue
to direct the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation until
their successors are elected and qualify.
Section 2. NUMBER. Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or
------
series of stock (other than Common Stock) to elect additional directors under
specified circumstances, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called
for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish,
increase or decrease the number of directors, subject to any limitations on the
number of directors set forth in the Charter.
Exhibit 3.1
Page 5 of 14
Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the directors
---------------------------
shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of
stockholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary. The directors may
provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within or without the State
of Maryland, for the holding of regular meetings of the directors without other
notice than such resolution.
Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the directors may be
----------------
called by or at the request of the Chairman of the Board or the President or by
a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to
call special meetings of the directors may fix any place, either within or
without the State of Maryland, as the place for holding any special meeting of
the directors called by them.
Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting shall be given by written
------
notice delivered personally, telegraphed, facsimile-transmitted or mailed to
each director at his business or residence address. Personally delivered or
telegraphed notices shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting.
Notice by mail shall be given at least five days prior to the meeting. Telephone
or facsimile-transmission notice shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the
meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in
the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If
given by telegram, such notice shall be deemed to be given when the telegram is
delivered to the telegraph company. Telephone notice shall be deemed given when
the director is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which he is
a party. Facsimile-transmission notice shall be deemed given upon completion of
the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the
director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Neither the
business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special
meeting of the directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically
required by statute or these Bylaws.
Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum
------
for convening any meeting of the directors, provided that, if less than a
-------- ----
majority of such directors are present at said meeting, a majority of the
directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further
notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws,
the vote of a majority of a particular group of directors is required for
action, a quorum must also include a majority of such group.
The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and convened
may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the
withdrawal of enough directors to leave less than a quorum.
Section 7. VOTING. The action of the majority of the directors present at a
------
meeting at which a quorum is present when such meeting is convened shall be the
action of the directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is
required for such action by applicable statute, the Charter or these Bylaws.
Section 8. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. The directors may participate in a meeting
------------------
by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment if all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.
Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at
the meeting.
Section 9. INFORMAL ACTION BY DIRECTORS. Any action required or permitted
----------------------------
to be taken at any meeting of the directors may be taken without a meeting, if a
consent in writing to such action is signed by each director and such written
consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the directors.
Section 10. VACANCIES. If for any reason any or all of the directors cease
---------
to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these
Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder. Subject to the rights
of holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common
Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect directors under specified
circumstances, any vacancy (including a vacancy created by an increase in the
number of directors) shall be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special
meeting called for that purpose, by a majority of the directors. Any individual
so elected as director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified.
Section 11. COMPENSATION. (a) The directors shall not receive any stated
------------
salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the directors, may
receive fixed sums per year and/or per meeting and/or per visit to real property
owned or to be acquired by the Corporation and for any service or activity they
perform or engage in as
Exhibit 3.1
Page 6 of 14
directors. Such fixed sums may be paid either in cash or in shares of the
Corporation. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at
each annual, regular or special meeting of the directors or of any committee
thereof; and for their expenses, if any, in connection with each property visit
and any other service or activity performed or engaged in as directors; but
nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from
serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation
therefor.
(b) The Corporation may lend money to, guarantee an obligation of or
otherwise assist a director or a trustee or director of a direct or indirect
subsidiary of the Corporation; provided, however, that such director or other
person is also an executive officer of the Corporation or of such subsidiary, or
the loan, guarantee or other assistance is in connection with the purchase of
Shares. The loan, guarantee or other assistance may be with or without interest,
unsecured, or secured in any manner that the Board of Directors approves,
including a pledge of shares.
Section 122. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Subject to the rights of holders of one
--------------------
or more classes or series of stock other than Common Stock to elect one or more
directors, any director may be removed only for cause and only by the
affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two thirds of all the votes
entitled to be cast for the election of directors generally.
Section 133. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No director shall be liable for any loss
----------------
which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and
loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or shares have been
deposited.
Section 144. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no director shall be
------------
obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of
any of his duties.
Section 155. RELIANCE. Each director, officer, employee and agent of the
--------
Corporation shall, in the performance of his duties with respect to the
Corporation, be fully justified and protected with regard to any act or failure
to act in reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of
the Corporation, upon an opinion of counsel or upon reports made to the
Corporation by any of its officers or employees or by the advisers, accountants,
appraisers or other experts or consultants selected by the directors or officers
of the Corporation, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a
director.
Section 167. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.
-----------------------------------------------------------
The directors shall have no responsibility to devote their full time to the
affairs of the Corporation. Any director or officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation (other than a full-time officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation), in his personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate,
employee or agent of any other person, or otherwise, may have business interests
and engage in business activities similar or in addition to those of or relating
to the Corporation.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES
Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATION. The directors may appoint from
--------------------------------
among its members an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation
Committee, each composed of at least three directors, and other committees, each
composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the directors;
provided, that the membership of the Compensation Committee shall consist of a
- --------
majority of Independent Directors and the membership of the Audit Committee
shall consist only of Independent Directors. An individual shall be deemed to be
an "Independent Director" hereunder if such individual is not an affiliate of
the Corporation and is not an employee of the Corporation.
Section 2. POWERS. The directors may delegate to committees appointed under
------
Section 1 of this Article IV any of the powers of the directors, except as
prohibited by law.
Section 3. MEETINGS. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the
--------
same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. One-third,
but not less than two (except for one-member committees), of the members of any
committee shall be present in person at any meeting of such committee in order
to constitute a
Exhibit 3.1
Page 7 of 14
quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting, and the act of a
majority present shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may
designate a chairman of any committee, and such chairman or any two members of
any committee (except for one-member committees) may fix the time and place of
its meetings unless the Board shall otherwise provide. In the absence or
disqualification of any member of any such committee, the members thereof
present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not they
constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another director to act at the
meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified members.
Each committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings and shall report the
same to the Board of Directors at the next succeeding meeting, and any action by
the committee shall be subject to revision and alteration by the Board of
Directors, provided that no rights of third persons shall be affected by any
such revision or alteration.
Section 4. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Members of a committee of the directors may
------------------
participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar
communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear
each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall
constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Section 5. INFORMAL ACTION BY COMMITTEES. Any action required or permitted
-----------------------------
to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the directors may be taken without
a meeting, if a consent in writing to such action is signed by each member of
the committee and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings
of such committee.
Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of
---------
Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any
committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate alternate members to replace any
absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.
Section 7. EMERGENCY. In the event of a state of disaster of sufficient
---------
severity to prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of
the Corporation by its directors and officers as contemplated by the Charter and
these Bylaws, any two or more available members of the then incumbent Executive
Committee shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full conduct and
management of the affairs and business of the Corporation in accordance with the
provisions of this Article IV. In the event of the unavailability, at such time,
of a minimum of two members of the then incumbent Executive Committee, the
available directors shall elect an Executive Committee composed of any two
members of the Board of Directors, whether or not they be officers of the
Corporation, which two members shall constitute the Executive Committee for the
full conduct and management of the affairs of the Corporation in accordance with
the foregoing provisions of this Section 7. This Section 7 shall be subject to
implementation by resolution of the Board of Directors passed from time to time
for that purpose, and any provisions of the Bylaws (other than this Section 7)
and any resolutions which are contrary to the provisions of this Section 7 or to
the provisions of any such implementing resolutions shall be suspended until it
shall be determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under this Section
7 that it shall be to the advantage of the Corporation to resume the conduct and
management of its affairs and business under all the other provisions of these
Bylaws.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall
------- ----------
include a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer and may include a Chairman of
the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, a Chairman of the Board, a Vice
Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Operating Officer, a
Chief Financial Officer, a Corporate Counsel, one or more Vice Presidents, one
or more Assistant Secretaries and one or more Assistant Treasurers. In addition,
the directors may from time to time appoint such other officers with such powers
and duties as they shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the
Corporation shall be elected annually by the directors at the first meeting of
the directors held after each annual meeting of stockholders. If the election of
officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon
thereafter as may be convenient. Each officer shall hold office until his
successor is elected and qualifies or until his death, resignation or removal in
the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except President and
Vice President may be held by the same person. In their discretion, the
directors may leave unfilled any office except that of President and Secretary.
Exhibit 3.1
Page 8 of 14
Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights
between the Corporation and such officer or agent.
Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Corporation
-----------------------
may be removed at any time by the directors if in their judgment the best
interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be
without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any
officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice of
his resignation to the directors, the Chairman of the Board, the President or
the Secretary. Any resignation shall take effect at any time subsequent to the
time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective is not
specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. The acceptance of a resignation
shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the
resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights,
if any, of the Corporation.
Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the
---------
directors for the balance of the term.
Section 4. CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The directors may from
---------------------------------------
time to time appoint a Chairman of the Board and a Vice Chairman of the Board.
The Chairman of the Board shall preside over the meetings of the directors and
of the stockholders at which he shall be present and shall in general oversee
all of the business and affairs of the Corporation. In the absence of the
Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board shall preside at such
meetings at which he shall be present. The Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the
Board may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except
in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the
directors or by these Bylaws to an officer or some other agent of the
Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed. The Chairman
of the Board and the Vice Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties
as may be assigned to him or them by the directors.
CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman of the Board shall preside
- ---------------------------------------
over the meetings of the Trustees and of the shareholders at which he shall be
present and shall in general oversee all of the business and affairs of the
Trust. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the
Board shall preside at such meetings at which he shall be present. The Chairman
and the Vice Chairman of the Board may execute any deed, mortgage, bond,
contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall
be expressly delegated by the Trustees or by these Bylaws to some other agent of
the Trust or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed. The Chairman of
the Board and the Vice Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties as
may be assigned to him or them by the Trustees.
Section 5. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The directors may designate a Chief
-----------------------
Executive Officer from among the elected officers. The Chief Executive Officer
shall have responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation,
as determined by the directors, and for the administration of the business
affairs of the Corporation. In the absence of both the Chairman and Vice
Chairman of the board, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside over the
meetings of the directors and of the stockholders at which he shall be present.
Section 6. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The directors may designate a Chief
-----------------------
Operating Officer from among the elected officers. Said officer will have the
responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Chief Executive Officer, the
President or the directors.
Section 7. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The directors may designate a Chief
-----------------------
Financial Officer from among the elected officers. Said officer will have the
responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Chief Executive Officer, the
President or the directors.
Section 8. CORPORATE COUNSEL. The directors may designate a Corporate
-----------------
Counsel from among the elected officers. Said officer will have the
responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Chief Executive Officer, the
President or the directors.
Section 9. PRESIDENT. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman of
---------
the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, the President shall preside over the
meetings of the directors and of the stockholders at which he shall be present.
In the absence of a designation of a Chief Executive Officer by the directors,
the
Exhibit 3.1
Page 9 of 14
President shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall be ex officio a member
of all committees that may, from time to time, be constituted by the directors.
The President may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other
instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly
delegated by the directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of
the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in
general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such
other duties as may be prescribed by the Chief Executive Officer or the
directors from time to time.
Section 10. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the President or in the
---------------
event of a vacancy in such office, the Vice President (or in the event there be
more than one Vice President, the Vice Presidents in the order designated at the
time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order
of their election) shall perform the duties of the President and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
President; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the directors.
The directors may designate one or more Vice Presidents as Executive Vice
President, Senior Vice President or as Vice President for particular areas of
responsibility.
Section 11. TREASURER. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the funds
---------
and securities of the Corporation and shall keep full and accurate accounts of
receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall
deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of
the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the directors.
The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered
by the directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall
render to the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the directors, at the
regular meetings of the directors or whenever they may require it, an account of
all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the
Corporation.
If required by the directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a
bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to
the directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for
the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation,
retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, moneys and
other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging
to the Corporation.
Section 12. SECRETARY. The Secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the
---------
proceedings of the stockholders, the directors and committees of the directors
in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are
duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by
law; (c) be custodian of the trust records and of the seal of the Corporation;
(d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall
be furnished to the Secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of
the share transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive
Officer, the President or the directors.
Section 13. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The Assistant
----------------------------------------------
Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as
shall be assigned to them by the Secretary or Treasurer, respectively, or by the
Chief Executive Officer, the President or the directors. The Assistant
Treasurers shall, if required by the directors, give bonds for the faithful
performance of their duties in such sums and with such surety or sureties as
shall be satisfactory to the directors.
Section 14. SALARIES. The salaries and other compensation of the officers
--------
shall be fixed from time to time by the directors and no officer shall be
prevented from receiving such salary or other compensation by reason of the fact
that he is also a director.
ARTICLE VI
CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS
Section 1. CONTRACTS. The directors may authorize any officer or agent to
---------
enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of
and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined
to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document
executed by one
Exhibit 3.1
Page 10 of 14
or more of the directors or by an authorized person shall be valid and binding
upon the directors and upon the Corporation when authorized or ratified by
action of the directors.
Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the
-----------------
payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of
the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in
such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the directors.
Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed
--------
shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such
banks, trust companies or other depositories as the directors may designate.
ARTICLE VII
SHARES
Section 1. CERTIFICATES. Each stockholder shall be entitled to a
------------
certificate or certificates which shall represent and certify the number of
shares of each class of stock held by him in the Corporation. Each certificate
shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President or a Vice President and countersigned by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer and may be sealed with the
seal, if any, of the Corporation. The signatures may be either manual or
facsimile. Certificates shall be consecutively numbered; and if the Corporation
shall, from time to time, issue several classes or series of shares, each class
or series may have its own number series. A certificate is valid and may be
issued whether or not an officer who signed it is still an officer when it is
issued. Each certificate representing shares which are restricted as to their
transferability or voting powers, which are preferred or limited as to their
dividends or as to their allocable portion of the assets of the Corporation upon
liquidation or which are redeemable at the option of the Corporation, shall have
a statement of such restriction, limitation, preference or redemption provision,
or a summary thereof, plainly stated on the certificate. In lieu of such
statement or summary, the Corporation may set forth upon the face or back of the
certificate a statement that the Corporation will furnish to any stockholder,
upon request and without charge, a full statement of such information.
Section 2. TRANSFERS. Certificates shall be treated as negotiable and
---------
title thereto and to the shares they represent shall be transferred by delivery
thereof. Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the
Corporation of a share certificate duly endorsed or accompanied by proper
evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, the Corporation
shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old
certificate and record the transaction upon its books.
The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any
share or shares as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be
bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or
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 the State of
Maryland.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of stock of the
Corporation will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms
and conditions contained therein.
Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer designated by the directors
-----------------------
may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate previously
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
to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing the issuance of a new
certificate, an officer designated by the directors may, in his discretion and
as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such
lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or the owner's legal representative to
advertise the same in such manner as he shall require and/or to give bond, with
sufficient surety, to the Corporation to indemnify it against any loss or claim
which may arise as a result of the issuance of a new certificate.
Section 4. CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS OR FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The
--------------------------------------------------
directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or
determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the
allotment of any
Exhibit 3.1
Page 11 of 14
other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other
proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of
business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days
and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders not less than ten days, before the
date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of
stockholders of record is to be held or taken.
In lieu of fixing a record date, the directors may provide that the share
transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not longer than 20 days.
If the share transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders, such
books shall be closed for at least ten days before the date of such meeting.
If no record date is fixed and the share transfer books are not closed for
the determination of stockholders, (a) the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall
be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed
or the 30th day before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the meeting;
and (b) the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any other rights shall be the
close of business on the day on which the resolution of the directors, declaring
the dividend or allotment of rights, is adopted.
When a determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of
stockholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall
apply to any adjournment thereof, except when (i) the determination has been
made through the closing of the transfer books and the stated period of closing
has expired or (ii) the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days after
the record date fixed for the original meeting, in either of which case a new
record date shall be determined as set forth herein.
Section 5. SHARE LEDGER. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal
------------
office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an
original or duplicate share ledger containing the name and address of each
stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.
Section 6. FRACTIONAL SHARES; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The directors may issue
------------------------------------
fractional shares or provide for the issuance of scrip, all on such terms and
under such conditions as they may determine. Notwithstanding any other provision
of the Charter or these Bylaws, the directors may issue units consisting of
different securities of the Corporation. Any security issued in a unit shall
have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the
Corporation, except that the directors may provide that for a specified period
securities of the Corporation issued in such unit may be transferred on the
books of the Corporation only in such unit.
Section 7. EXEMPTIONS FROM TITLE 3, SUBTITLE 7 OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL
-----------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATION LAW. The Corporation hereby exempts from the provisions of Title 3,
- ---------------
Subtitle 7 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") the acquisition
of voting shares by Marriott International, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(together with its successors and permitted assignees, if any, "Marriott
International"), pursuant to the exercise of its right to acquire up to 20% of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation following the merger of Host
Marriott Corporation, a Delaware corporation, with and into the Corporation, in
accordance with, and subject to the terms and restrictions of, that certain
Distribution Agreement dated September 15, 1993, as amended (the "Distribution
Agreement"). Notwithstanding anything contained in Article XIV of these Bylaws
to the contrary, this Section 7 may not be amended, altered or repealed without
the consent of Marriott International as long as Marriott International has the
right to acquire up to 20% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation in
accordance with, and subject to the terms and restrictions of, the Distribution
Agreement.
Subject to the following, to the extent, if any, solely as the result of
the repurchase from time to time of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation
pursuant to the terms of a stock repurchase program authorized by the
Corporation on September 1, 1999 (the "Stock Repurchase Program"), Southeastern
Asset Management, Inc. ("Southeastern") through accounts over which it exercises
investment discretion, voting authority or both, is deemed to have "acquired"
(for purposes of Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL) beneficial ownership of an
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock equal to or in excess of 20% of the
outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation, such "acquisitions" are deemed
approved in accordance with Section 3-702(b) of the MGCL. The foregoing approval
shall not apply to any shares acquired by Southeastern (other than shares that
may be deemed to have been "acquired" solely as a result of repurchases of
Common Stock by the Corporation pursuant to the Stock Repurchase
Exhibit 3.1
Page 12 of 14
Program) directly or through accounts over which it exercises investment
discretion, voting authority or both, after such time as Southeastern "acquires"
beneficial ownership of an aggregate number of shares of Common Stock equal to
or in excess of 20% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation as a
result of repurchases of Common Stock by the Corporation pursuant to the Stock
Repurchase Program; it being understood that all shares of Common Stock owned by
-- ----- ----------
Southeastern and any accounts over which it exercises investment discretion,
voting authority or both shall at all times continue to be aggregated for
purposes of Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL. If, after expiration, completion or
termination of the Stock Repurchase Program, Southeastern's beneficial ownership
of Common Stock of the Corporation is reduced to less than 20% of the
outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation, the foregoing approval shall not
apply to any subsequent acquisition of shares of Common Stock that would result
in Southeastern's beneficially owning directly or through accounts over which it
exercises sole or shared voting power, 20% or more of the outstanding Common
Stock of the Corporation following such acquisition; provided, however, that, if
-------- -------
such reduction is a result of dispositions of Common Stock of the Corporation in
the ordinary course of trading for its clients' accounts within a five (5)
consecutive trading day period, the foregoing approval shall continue in effect
to the extent that, within 20 consecutive trading days immediately after such
five (5) day trading period, Southeastern reacquires through accounts over which
it exercises investment discretion, voting authority or both, again in the
ordinary course of trading for its clients' accounts, shares of Common Stock up
to the number of shares owned immediately prior to such five (5) consecutive day
period. Nothing herein is intended to grant, or shall be construed as granting,
to Southeastern, any of its affiliates or any of Southeastern's funds or
accounts a waiver from the ownership limit (or any provision thereof) under the
Charter of the Corporation.
ARTICLE VIII
FISCAL YEAR
The directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal
year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.
ARTICLE IX
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the shares
-------------
of stock of the Corporation may be authorized and declared by the directors,
subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other
distributions may be paid in cash, property or shares of the Corporation,
subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.
Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other
-------------
distributions, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation
available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the directors
may from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve
fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for
repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other
purpose as the directors shall determine to be in the best interest of the
Corporation, and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the
manner in which it was created.
ARTICLE X
INVESTMENT POLICIES
Subject to the provisions of the Charter, the Board of Directors may from
time to time adopt, amend, revise or terminate any policy or policies with
respect to investments by the Corporation as it shall deem appropriate in its
sole discretion.
ARTICLE XI
SEAL
Section 1. SEAL. The directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the
----
Corporation. The seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation
and the year of its formation. The directors may authorize one or more duplicate
seals and provide for the custody thereof.
Exhibit 3.1
Page 13 of 14
Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required
-------------
to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements
of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word "(SEAL)"
adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on
behalf of the Corporation.
ARTICLE XII
INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES
To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to
time, the Corporation shall indemnify (a) any director or officer or any former
director or officer (including among the foregoing, for all purposes of this
Article XII and without limitation, any individual who, while a director or
officer and at the express request of the Corporation, serves or has served
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or
any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee of such
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise) who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense
of a proceeding to which he was made a party by reason of service in such
capacity, against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the
proceeding, and (b) any director or officer or any former director or officer
against any claim or liability to which he may become subject by reason of such
status unless it is established that (i) his act or omission was material to the
matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the
result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) he actually received an
improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (iii) in the case of
a criminal proceeding, he had reasonable cause to believe that his act or
omission was unlawful. In addition, the Corporation shall, without requiring a
preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or
reimburse, in advance of final disposition of a proceeding, reasonable expenses
incurred by a director or officer or former director or officer made a party to
a proceeding by reason of such status, provided that, in the case of a director
or officer, the Corporation shall have received (i) a written affirmation by the
director or officer of his good faith belief that he has met the applicable
standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Corporation as
authorized by these Bylaws and (ii) a written undertaking by or on his behalf to
repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the Corporation if it shall ultimately be
determined that the applicable standard of conduct was not met. The Corporation
may, with the approval of its directors, provide such indemnification or payment
or reimbursement of expenses to any director or officer or any former director
or officer who served a predecessor of the Corporation and to any employee or
agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation. Neither the
amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other
provision of the Charter or these Bylaws inconsistent with this Article, shall
apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of this Article with respect
to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or
adoption.
Any indemnification or payment or reimbursement of the expenses permitted
by these Bylaws shall be furnished in accordance with the procedures provided
for indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses, as the case may be,
under Section 2-418 of the MGCL for directors of Maryland corporations. The
Corporation may provide to directors and officers such other and further
indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses, as the case may be, to
the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL, as in effect from time to time, for
directors of Maryland corporations.
ARTICLE XIII
WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or
Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the
person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time
stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither
the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set
forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by statute. The
attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of
such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting
is not lawfully called or convened.
Exhibit 3.1
Page 14 of 14
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
The directors shall have the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any
provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.
ARTICLE XV
MISCELLANEOUS
All references to the Charter shall include any amendments thereto. In
these Bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires, words used in the singular
or in the plural include both the plural and singular and words denoting any
gender include all genders.
* * * *