1
Exhibit 3.2
BY-LAWS
OF
THE PIONEER GROUP, INC.
ARTICLE 1 - Stockholders
-------------------------------
1.1 Place of Meetings. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at such
place within or without the State of Delaware as may be designated from time to
time by the Board of Directors or the President or, if not so designated, at the
registered office of the corporation.
1.2 Annual Meeting.
(a) The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors
and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before
the meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday in May in each year, at a time
fixed by the Board of Directors or the President. If this date shall fall upon a
legal holiday at the place of the meeting, then such meeting shall be held on
the next succeeding business day at the same hour. If no annual meeting is held
in accordance with the foregoing provisions, the Board of Directors shall cause
the meeting to be held as soon thereafter as convenient.
(b) Notice of Business at Annual Meetings. At an annual meeting of
stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly
brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting,
such business must be (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement
thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) otherwise
properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors, or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a
stockholder. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a
stockholder, if such business relates to the election of directors of the
Corporation, the procedures in subsection (c) of this Section 1.2 must be
complied with. If such business relates to any other matter, the stockholder
must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary. To be timely,
a stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the
principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 60 days nor more
than 90 days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that
less than 70 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting
is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be
so received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the
date on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public
disclosure was made, whichever occurs first. A stockholder's notice to the
Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring
before the annual meeting (a) a brief description of the business desired to be
brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business
at the annual meeting, (b) the name and address, as they appear on the
Corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (c) the class
and number of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the
stockholder, and (d) any material interest of the stockholder in such business.
Notwithstanding anything in the By-laws to the contrary, no business shall be
conducted at any annual meeting except in accordance with the procedure set
forth in this Section 1.2(b) and except that any stockholder proposal which
complies with Rule 14a-8 of the
2
proxy rules (or any successor provisions) promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is to be included in the Corporation's
proxy statement for an annual meeting of stockholders shall be deemed to comply
with the requirements of this Section 1.2(b).
(c) Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are nominated in
accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as
directors. Nomination for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation
at an annual meeting of stockholders may be made by the Board of Directors or by
any stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of
directors at such meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in
this Section 1.2(c). Such nominations, other than those made by or on behalf of
the Board of Directors, shall be made by notice in writing delivered or mailed
by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary, and
received not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to such meeting;
provided, however, that if less than 70 days' notice or prior public disclosure
of the date of the meeting is given to stockholders, such nomination shall have
been mailed or delivered to the Secretary not later than the close of business
on the 10th day following the day on which the notice of the meeting was mailed
or such public disclosure was made, whichever occurs first. Such notice shall
set forth (i) as to each proposed nominee, (A) the name, age, business address
and, if known, residence address of each such nominee, (B) the principal
occupation or employment of each such nominee, (C) the number of shares of stock
of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by each such nominee, and (D)
any other information concerning the nominee that must be disclosed as to
nominees in proxy solicitations pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including such person's written consent to be
named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected); and (ii) as to the
stockholder giving the notice (A) the name and address, as they appear on the
Corporation's books, of such stockholder and (B) the class and number of shares
of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by such stockholder. The
Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information
as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of
such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation.
The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and
declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the
foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the
meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
1.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of stockholders may be called at
any time by the President or by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of
stockholders shall be called by the President or Secretary upon the written
request of one or more stockholders who hold in the aggregate at least ten
percent of the shares of the capital stock entitled to vote at the meeting; such
request must state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. Business
transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters
relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.
1.4 Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, written
notice of each meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, shall be
given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to
each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. The
-2-
3
notices of all meetings shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting. The
notice of a special meeting shall state, in addition, the purpose or purposes
for which the meeting is called. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in
the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his
address as it appears on the records of the corporation.
1.5 Voting List. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the
corporation shall prepare, at least 10 days before every meeting of
stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the
meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each
stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.
Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose
germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least
10 days prior to the meeting, at a place within the city where the meeting is to
be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the
meeting during the whole time of the meeting, and may be inspected by any
stockholder who is present.
1.6 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these By-Laws, the holders of a majority of the shares of the
capital stock of the corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at
the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business.
1.7 Adjournments. Any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned to any
other time and to any other place at which a meeting of stockholders may be held
under these By-Laws by the stockholders present or represented at the meeting
and entitled to vote, although less than a quorum, or, if no stockholder is
present., by any officer entitled to preside at or to act as Secretary of such
meeting. It shall not be necessary to notify any stockholder of any adjournment
of less than 30 days if the time and place of the adjourned meeting are
announced at the meeting at which adjournment is taken, unless after the
adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting. At the
adjourned meeting, the corporation may transact any business which might have
been transacted at the original meeting.
1.8 Voting and Proxies. Each stockholder shall have one vote for each
share of stock entitled to vote held of record by such stockholder and a
proportionate vote for each fractional share so held, unless otherwise provided
in the Certificate of Incorporation. Each stockholder of record entitled to vote
at a meeting of stockholders, or to express consent or dissent to corporate
action in writing without a meeting, may vote or express such consent or dissent
in person or may authorize another person or persons to vote or act for him by
written proxy executed by the stockholder or his authorized agent and delivered
to the Secretary of the corporation. No such proxy shall be voted or acted upon
after three years from the date of its execution, unless the proxy expressly
provides for a longer period.
1.9 Action at Meeting. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the
holders of a majority of the stock present or represented and voting on a matter
(or if there are two or more classes of stock entitled to vote as separate
classes, then in the case of each such class, the holders of a majority of the
stock of that class present or represented and voting on a matter) shall decide
any matter to be voted upon by the stockholders at such meeting, except when a
different vote is required by express provision of law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these
-3-
4
By-Laws. Any election by stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the
votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote at the election.
1.10 Action without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken
at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the corporation may be taken
without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in
writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of
outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be
necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares
entitled to vote on such action were present and voted. Prompt notice of the
taking of corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written
consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.
ARTICLE 2 - Directors
---------------------------
2.1 General Powers. The business and affairs of the corporation shall be
managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors, who may exercise all
of the powers of the corporation except as otherwise provided by law, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws. In the event of a vacancy in the
Board of Directors, the remaining directors, except as otherwise provided by
law, may exercise the powers of the full Board until the vacancy is filled.
2.2 Number; Election; Tenure and Qualification. The number of directors
which shall constitute the whole Board shall be fixed by resolution of the Board
of Directors, but in no event shall be less than one. Each director shall be
elected by the stockholders at the annual meeting and shall hold office until
the next annual meeting and until his successor is elected and qualified, or
until his earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be
stockholders of the corporation.
2.3 Enlargement of the Board. The number of the Board of Directors may be
increased at any time by vote of a majority of the directors then in office.
2.4 Vacancies. Unless and until filled by the stockholders, any vacancy in
the Board of Directors, however occurring, including a vacancy resulting from an
enlargement of the Board, may be filled by vote of a majority of the directors
then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. A
director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of
his predecessor in office, and a director chosen to fill a position resulting
from an increase in the number of directors shall hold office until the next
annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified,
or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
2.5 Resignation and Removal. Any director may resign by delivering his
written resignation to the corporation at its principal office or to the
President or Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless
it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some
other event.
Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, with or
without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote
at an election of directors.
-4-
5
2.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be
held without notice at such time and place, either within or without the State
of Delaware, as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors;
provided that any director who is absent when such a determination is made shall
be given notice of the determination. A regular meeting of the Board of
Directors may be held without notice immediately after and at the same place as
the annual meeting of stockholders.
2.7 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be
held at any time and place, within or without the State of Delaware, designated
in a call by the Chairman of the Board, President, two or more directors, or by
one director in the event that there is only a single director in office.
2.8 Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of any special meeting of directors
shall be given to each director by the Secretary or by the officer or one of the
directors calling the meeting. Notice shall be given to each director in person,
by telephone or by telegram sent to his business or home address at least 48
hours in advance of the meeting, or by written notice mailed to his business or
home address at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. A notice or waiver of
notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors need not specify the purposes of
the meeting.
2.9 Meetings by Telephone Conference Calls. Directors or any members of any
committee designated by the directors may participate in a meeting of the Board
of Directors or such committee by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other, and participation by such means shall constitute
presence in person at such meeting.
2.10 Quorum. A majority of the number of directors fixed pursuant to
Section 2.2 shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Board of Directors.
In the event one or more of the directors shall be disqualified to vote at any
meeting, then the required quorum shall be reduced by one for each such director
so disqualified; provided, however, that in no case shall less than one-third
(1/3) of the number so fixed constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum at
any such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting
from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the meeting,
until a quorum shall be present.
2.11 Action at Meeting. At any meeting of the Board of Directors at which
a quorum is present, the vote of a majority of those present shall be sufficient
to take any action, unless a different vote is specified by law, the Certificate
of Incorporation or these By-Laws.
2.12 Action by Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at
any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee of the Board of
Directors may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board or
committee, as the case may be, consent to the action in writing, and the written
consents are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.
-5-
6
2.13 Removal. Any one or more or all of the directors may be removed, with
or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to
vote at an election of directors.
2.14 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a
majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to
consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The Board may
designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may
replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In
the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or
members of the committee present at any meeting and not disqualified from
voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint
another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of
any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent
provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors and subject to the
provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, shall have
and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the
management of the business and affairs of the corporation and may authorize the
seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Each
such committee shall keep minutes and make such reports as the Board of
Directors may from time to time request. Except as the Board of Directors may
otherwise determine, any committee may make rules for the conduct of its
business, but unless otherwise provided by the directors or in such rules, its
business shall be conducted as nearly as possible in the same manner as is
provided in these By-Laws for the Board of Directors.
2.15 Compensation of Directors. Directors may be paid such compensation
for their services and such reimbursement for expenses of attendance at meetings
as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. No such payment shall
preclude any director from serving the corporation or any of its parent or
subsidiary corporations in any other capacity and receiving compensation for
such service.
ARTICLE 3 - Officers
--------------------------
3.1 Enumeration. The officers of the corporation shall consist of a
President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers with such other
titles as the Board of Directors shall determine, including a Chairman of the
Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, and one or more Vice-Presidents, Assistant
Treasurers, and Assistant Secretaries. The Board of Directors may appoint such
other officers as it may deem appropriate.
3.2 Election. The President, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected
annually by the Board of Directors at its first meeting following the annual
meeting of stockholders. Other officers may be appointed by the Board of
Directors at such meeting or at any other meeting.
3.3 Qualification. The President shall be a director. No officer need be a
stockholder. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.
3.4 Tenure. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of
Incorporation or by these By-Laws, each officer shall hold office until his
successor is elected and qualified,
-6-
7
unless a different term is specified in the vote choosing or appointing him, or
until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
3.5 Resignation and Removal. Any officer may resign by delivering his
written resignation to the corporation at its principal office or to the
President or Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless
it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some
other event.
The Board of Directors, or a committee duly authorized to do so, may
remove any officer with or without cause. Except as the Board of Directors may
otherwise determine, no officer who resigns or is removed shall have any right
to any compensation as an 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 such
compensation is expressly provided in a duly authorized written agreement with
the corporation.
3.6 Vacancies. The Board of Directors may fill any vacancy occurring in
any office for any reason and may, in its discretion, leave unfilled for such
period as it may determine any offices other than those of President, Treasurer
and Secretary. Each such successor shall hold office for the unexpired term of
his predecessor and until his successor is elected and qualified, or until his
earlier death, resignation or removal.
3.7 Chairman of the Board and Vice-Chairman of the Board. If the Board of
Directors appoints a Chairman of the Board, he shall, when present, preside at
all meetings of the Board of Directors. He shall perform such duties and possess
such powers as are usually vested in the office of the Chairman of the Board or
as may be vested in him by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors
appoints a Vice-Chairman of the Board, he shall, in the absence or disability of
the Chairman of the Board, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the
Chairman of the Board and shall perform such other duties and possess such other
powers as may from time to time be vested in him by the Board of Directors.
3.8 President. The President shall be the chief operating officer of the
corporation. He shall also be the chief executive officer of the corporation
unless such title is assigned to a Chairman of the Board. The President shall,
subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, have general supervision and
control of the business of the corporation. Unless otherwise provided by the
directors, he shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board
of Directors (except as provided in Section 3.7 above). The President shall
perform such other duties and shall have such other powers as the Board of
Directors may from time to time prescribe.
3.9 Vice Presidents. Any Vice President shall perform such duties and
possess such powers as the Board of Directors or the President may from time to
time prescribe. In the event of the absence, inability or refusal to act of the
President, the Vice President (or if there shall be more than one, the Vice
Presidents in the order determined by the Board of Directors) shall perform the
duties of the President and when so performing shall have all the powers of and
be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Board of Directors
may assign to any Vice
-7-
8
President the title of Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or any
other title selected by the Board of Directors.
3.10 Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary shall perform such
duties and shall have such powers as the Board of Directors or the President may
from time to time prescribe. In addition, the Secretary shall perform such
duties and have such powers as are incident to the office of the secretary,
including without limitation the duty and power to give notices of all meetings
of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, to attend all
meetings of stockholders and the Board of Directors and keep a record of the
proceedings, to maintain a stock ledger and prepare lists of stockholders and
their addresses as required, to be custodian of corporate records and the
corporate seal and to affix and attest to the same on documents.
Any Assistant Secretary shall perform such duties and possess such
powers as the Board of Directors, the President or the Secretary may from time
to time prescribe. In the event of the absence, inability or refusal to act of
the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, (or if there shall be more than one, the
Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors) shall
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary.
In the absence of the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary at any meeting
of stockholders or directors, the person presiding at the meeting shall
designate a temporary secretary to keep a record of the meeting.
3.11 Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers. The Treasurer shall perform such
duties and shall have such powers as may from time to time be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors or the President. In addition, the Treasurer shall
perform such duties and have such powers as are incident to the office of
treasurer, including without limitation the duty and power to keep and be
responsible for all funds and securities of the corporation, to deposit funds of
the corporation in depositories selected in accordance with these By-Laws, to
disburse such funds as ordered by the Board of Directors, to make proper
accounts of such funds, and to render as required by the Board of Directors
statements of all such transactions and of the financial condition of the
corporation.
The Assistant Treasurers shall perform such duties and possess such powers
as the Board of Directors, the President or the Treasurer may from time to time
prescribe. In the event of the absence, inability or refusal to act of the
Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, (or if there shall be more than one, the
Assistant Treasurers in the order determined by the Board of Directors) shall
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer.
3.12 Bonded Officers. The Board of Directors may require any officer to
give the corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as
shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors upon such terms and conditions
as the Board of Directors may specify, including without limitation a bond for
the faithful performance of his duties and for the restoration to the
corporation of all property in his possession or under his control belonging to
the corporation.
-8-
9
3.13 Salaries. Officers of the corporation shall be entitled to such
salaries, compensation or reimbursement as shall be fixed or allowed from time
to time by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 4 - Capital Stock
-------------------------------
4.1 Issuance of Stock. Unless otherwise voted by the stockholders and
subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the whole or any
part of any unissued balance of the authorized capital stock of the corporation
or the whole or any part of any unissued balance of the authorized capital stock
of the corporation held in its treasury may be issued, sold, transferred or
otherwise disposed of by vote of the Board of Directors in such manner, for such
consideration and on such terms as the Board of Directors may determine.
4.2 Certificates of Stock. Every holder of stock of the corporation shall
be entitled to have a certificate, in such form as may be prescribed by law and
by the Board of Directors, certifying the number and class of shares owned by
him in the corporation. Each such certificate shall be signed by, or in the name
of the corporation by, the Chairman or Vice Chairman, if any, of the Board of
Directors, or the President or a Vice-President, and the Treasurer or an
Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
corporation. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile.
Each certificate for shares of stock which are subject to any
restriction on transfer pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, the
By-Laws, applicable securities laws or any agreement among any number of
shareholders or among such holders and the corporation shall have conspicuously
noted on the face or back of the certificate either the full text of the
restriction or a statement of the existence of such restriction.
4.3 Transfers. Subject to the restrictions, if any, stated or noted on the
stock certificates, 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 representing such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a
written assignment or power of attorney properly executed, and with such proof
of authority or the authenticity of signature as the corporation or its transfer
agent 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 vote with respect to such stock, regardless of any transfer, pledge or other
disposition of such stock until the shares have been transferred on the books of
the corporation in accordance with the requirements of these By-Laws.
4.4 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The corporation may issue a
new certificate of stock in place of any previously issued certificate alleged
to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon such terms and conditions as the
Board of Directors may prescribe, including the presentation of reasonable
evidence of such loss, theft or destruction and the giving of such indemnity as
the Board of Directors may require for the protection of the corporation or any
transfer agent or registrar.
-9-
10
4.5 Record Date. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a date as a
record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of or
to vote at any meeting of stockholders or to express consent (or dissent) to
corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of
any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights in respect of any
change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful
action. Such record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before
the date of such meeting, nor more than 60 days prior to any other action to
which such record date relates.
If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders
entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the
close of business on the day before the day on which notice is given, or, if
notice is waived, at the close of business on the day before the day on which
the meeting is held. The record date for determining stockholders 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. The record date for determining stockholders
for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the
Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating to such purpose.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote
at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting;
provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the
adjourned meeting.
ARTICLE 5 - Indemnification
---------------------------------
5.1 Actions, Suits or Proceedings Other than by or in the Right of the
Corporation. The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the
fact that he is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the
Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, employee or trustee of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (all such persons being
referred to hereafter as an "Indemnitee"), or by reason of any action alleged to
have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against costs, charges, expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if he acted in good faith
and in a manner he reasonably believed to be, or not opposed to, the best
interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The
termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement,
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of
itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a
manner which he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article, except as set forth in
Section 5, the Corporation shall not indemnify an Indemnitee seeking
indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part
-10-
11
thereof) initiated by the Indemnitee unless the initiation thereof was approved
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
5.2 Actions or Suits by or in the Right of the Corporation. The
Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in
the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the
fact that he is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the
Corporation or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in
such capacity, against costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with the
defense or settlement of such action or suit and any appeal therefrom, if he
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not
opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of Delaware or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of such liability but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such costs, charges and expenses which the Court of Chancery or
such other court shall deem proper.
5.3 Indemnification for Costs, Charges and Expenses of Successful Party.
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article, to the extent that an
Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the dismissal of an action without prejudice or the settlement of an
action without admission of liability, in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article, or in defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, or on appeal from any such action, suit or
proceeding, he shall be indemnified against all costs, charges and expense
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his
behalf in connection therewith.
5.4 Notification and Defense of Claim. As a condition precedent to his
right to be indemnified, the Indemnitee must give to the Corporation notice in
writing as soon as practicable of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation
involving him for which indemnity will or could be sought. With respect to an
action, suit, proceeding or investigation of which the Corporation is so
notified, the Corporation will be entitled to participate therein at its own
expense and/or to assume the defense thereof at its own expense, with legal
counsel reasonably acceptable to such Indemnitee. After notice from the
Corporation to the Indemnitee of its election so to assume such defense, the
Corporation shall not be liable to the Indemnitee for any legal or other
expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with such claim,
other than as provided below in this Section. The Indemnitee shall have the
right to employ his own counsel in connection with such claim, but the fees and
expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Corporation of its
assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of the Indemnitee
unless (i) the employment of counsel by the Indemnitee has been authorized by
the Corporation, (ii) counsel to the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be a conflict of interest or position on any significant issue
between the Corporation and the Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such
action or (iii) the Corporation shall not in fact have employed counsel to
assume the defense of such action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses
of counsel for the Indemnitee shall be at the expense of the Corporation, except
as
-11-
12
otherwise expressly provided by this Article. The Corporation shall not be
entitled to assume the defense of any claim brought by or on behalf of the
Corporation or as to which counsel for the Indemnitee shall have reasonably made
the conclusion provided for in (ii) above.
5.5 Advances of Costs, Charges and Expenses. In the event that the Company
does not assume the defense pursuant to Section 4 of this Article of any action,
suit, proceeding or investigation about which the Corporation receives notice
under this Article, any costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred by an Indemnitee in defending a civil or criminal action, suit,
proceeding or investigation or any appeal therefrom shall be paid by the
Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such matter, provided,
however, that the payment of such costs, charges and expenses incurred by an
Indemnitee in advance of the final disposition of such matter shall be made only
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay all
amounts so advanced in the event that it shall ultimately be determined that
such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as
authorized in this Article.
5.6 Procedure for Indemnification. Any indemnification or advancement of
expenses pursuant to Section 1, 2, 3 or 5 of this Article shall be made
promptly, and in any event within 60 days after receipt by the Corporation of
the written request of the Indemnitee, unless with respect to requests under
Section 1 or 2, a determination is made within such 60-day period by the Board
of Directors of the Corporation by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested
directors that such Indemnitee did not meet the applicable standard of conduct
set forth in Section 1 or Section 2, as the case may be. In the event no quorum
of disinterested directors is obtainable, the Board of Directors shall promptly
direct that independent legal counsel shall determine, based on facts known to
such counsel at such time, whether such Indemnitee met the applicable standard
of conduct set forth in such Sections; and, in such event, indemnification shall
be made to the Indemnitee unless within 60 days after receipt by the Corporation
of the request by such Indemnitee for indemnification, such independent legal
counsel in a written opinion determines that the Indemnitee has not met the
applicable standard of conduct. The right to indemnification or advances as
granted by this Article shall be enforceable by the Indemnitee in any court of
competent jurisdiction if the Corporation denies such request, in whole or in
part, or if no disposition thereof is made within the 60-day period referred to
above. Such Indemnitee's costs and expenses incurred in connection with
successfully establishing his right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in
any such proceeding shall also be indemnified by the Corporation.
5.7 Subsequent Amendment. No amendment, termination or repeal of this
Article or of relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any
other applicable laws shall affect or diminish in any way the rights of any
Indemnitee to indemnification under the provisions hereof with respect to any
action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of, or relating to any
actions, transactions or facts occurring prior to the final adoption of such
amendment, termination or repeal.
5.8 Other Rights. The indemnification provided by this Article shall not
be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnitee seeking
indemnification may be entitled under any law (common or statutory), agreement,
vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action
in his official capacity and as to action in any other capacity while
-12-
13
holding office for the Corporation, and shall continue as to a person who has
ceased to be a director or officer, and shall inure to the benefit of the
estate, heirs, executors and administrators of such person. Nothing contained in
this Article shall be deemed to prohibit, and the Corporation is specifically
authorized to enter into, agreements with officers and directors providing
indemnification rights and procedures different from those set forth herein. In
addition, the Corporation, acting through its Board of Directors, may grant
indemnification rights to other employees or agents of the Corporation and such
rights may be equivalent to or greater or less than those set forth in this
Article.
5.9 Partial Indemnification. If an Indemnitee is entitled under any
provision of this Article to indemnification by the Corporation for some or a
portion of the costs, charges, expenses, judgments or fines actually and
reasonably incurred by him in the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement
of any proceeding but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the
Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee for the portion of such
costs, charges, expenses, judgments or fines to which such Indemnitee is
entitled.
5.10 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at
its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of
the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss incurred by him in any
such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the
Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense,
liability or loss under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
5.11 Merger, Consolidation, Etc. If the Corporation is merged into or
consolidated with another corporation and the Corporation is not the surviving
corporation, or if substantially all of the assets or stock of the Corporation
is acquired by any other corporation, or in the event of any other similar
reorganization involving the Corporation, the Board of Directors of the
Corporation or the board of directors of any corporation assuming the
obligations of the Corporation shall assume the obligations of the Corporation
under this Article, with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or
investigation arising out of or relating to any actions, transactions or facts
occurring prior to the date of such merger, consolidation, acquisition or
reorganization.
5.12 Savings Clause. If this Article or any portion hereof shall be
invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the
Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each Indemnitee as to any costs,
charges, expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation,
whether civil, criminal or administrative, including an action by or in the
right of the Corporation, to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion
of this Article that shall not have been invalidated and to the full extent
permitted by applicable law.
5.13 Definitions. Terms used herein and defined in Section 145(h) and
Section 145(i) of the Delaware General Corporation Law shall have the respective
meanings assigned to such terms in such Section 145(h) and Section 145(i).
5.14 Subsequent Legislation. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is
amended after adoption of this Article to further expand the indemnification
permitted to Indemnitees,
-13-
14
then the Corporation shall indemnify such persons to the fullest extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended."
ARTICLE 6 - General Provisions
------------------------------------
6.1 Fiscal Year. Except as from time to time otherwise designated by the
Board of Directors, the fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the first
day of January in each year and end on the last day of December in each year.
6.2 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall be in such form as shall be
approved by the Board of Directors.
6.3 Execution of Instruments. The President or the Treasurer shall have
power to execute and deliver on behalf and in the name of the corporation any
instrument requiring the signature of an officer of the corporation, except as
otherwise provided in these By-Laws, or where the execution and delivery of such
an instrument shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some
other officer or agent of the corporation.
6.4 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice whatsoever is required to be
given by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws, a waiver
of such notice either in writing signed by the person entitled to such notice or
such person's duly authorized attorney, or by telegraph, cable or any other
available method, whether before, at or after the time stated in such waiver, or
the appearance of such person or persons at such meeting in person or by proxy,
shall be deemed equivalent to such notice.
6.5 Voting of Securities. Except as the directors may otherwise designate,
the President or Treasurer may waive notice of, and act as, or appoint any
person or persons to act as, proxy or attorney-in-fact for this corporation
(with or without power of substitution) at, any meeting of stockholders or
shareholders of any other corporation or organization, the securities of which
may be held by this corporation.
6.6 Evidence of Authority. A certificate by the Secretary, or an Assistant
Secretary, or a temporary Secretary, as to any action taken by the stockholders,
directors, a committee or any officer or representative of the corporation shall
as to all persons who rely on the certificate in good faith be conclusive
evidence of such action.
6.7 Certificate of Incorporation. All references in these By-Laws to the
Certificate of Incorporation shall be deemed to refer to the Certificate of
Incorporation of the corporation, as amended and in effect from time to time.
6.8 Transactions with Interested Parties. No contract or transaction
between the corporation and one or more of the directors or officers, or between
the corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other
organization in which one or more of the 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 of Directors or a committee of the
Board of Directors which authorizes the contract or transaction or solely
because his or their votes are counted for such purpose, if:
-14-
15
(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 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;
(2) The material facts as to his relationship or interest and as to
the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the
stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or
transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of
the stockholders; 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 of the Board of Directors, or the
stockholders.
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.
6.9 Severability. Any determination that any provision of these By-Laws is
for any reason inapplicable, illegal or ineffective shall not affect or
invalidate any other provision of these By-Laws.
6.10 Pronouns. All pronouns used in these By-Laws shall be deemed to refer
to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the
person or persons may require.
ARTICLE 7 - Amendments
----------------------------
7.1 By the Board of Directors. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or
repealed or new by-laws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of
the directors present at any regular or special meeting of the Board of
Directors at which a quorum is present.
7.2 By the Stockholders. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed
or new by-laws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares of the capital stock of the corporation issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote at any regular meeting of stockholders, or at
any special meeting of stockholders, provided notice of such alteration,
amendment, repeal or adoption of new by-laws shall have been stated in the
notice of such special meeting.
-15-