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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT
REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 7, 2007
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
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1-2960
(Commission
File Number)
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72-1123385
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
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2700 Research Forest Drive, Suite 100
The Woodlands, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)
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77381
(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (281) 465-6800
3850 North Causeway, Suite 1770, Metairie, Louisiana 70002
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously
satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.13a-4(c))
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 5.02 |
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Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of
Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of
Certain Officers |
On
March 7, 2007, the Board, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved a change
of control benefits policy to all executive officers of the Company and approximately 23 other key
executives and employees of the Company. Included within the executive officers receiving such
change of control benefits are the following executive officers of the Company who are expected to
be identified as named executive officers in the Companys proxy statement for its 2007 annual
meeting: Paul L. Howes, James E. Braun, Mark J. Airola, Sean D. Mikaelian, Bruce C. Smith and
Samuel L. Cooper. The change of control and severance benefits require a change of control of the
Company and the termination of employment under certain circumstances described below to trigger
the benefits to the executives and employees (often referred to as a double-trigger). Benefits to
the executives and other employees under the policy are described below:
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Payment of accrued but unpaid salary and a prorated annual bonus through the date of
termination. |
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A lump sum payment in an amount equal to a multiple of such executives (i) base
salary, plus (ii) a target bonus which will equal the higher of the bonus to which the
executive would be entitled under the Companys 2003 Executive Incentive Compensation
Plan for the fiscal year preceding the termination or the highest bonus received by the
executive under such incentive plan. The multiples established under the policy are:
three times for the chief executive officer, two times for the other executive officers
and divisional presidents (a total of six individuals), and one time for the remaining
designated key executives and employees. |
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Full vesting of all options, restricted stock and deferred compensation (whether
time or performance based). |
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Payment of outplacement fees up to $20,000 for the chief executive officer; $10,000
for the other executive officers and divisional presidents; and $5000 for the remaining
employees. |
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Continuation of life insurance, medical and dental health benefits, and disability
benefits for a period ranging from one year to three years. |
A change of control will be deemed to occur if:
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there is a merger or consolidation of the Company with, or an acquisition of the
Company or all or substantially all of its assets by, any other entity other than any
such transaction in which members of the Board immediately prior to the transaction
constitute a majority of the board of the resulting entity for a period of twelve
months following the transaction; |
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any person or group becomes the direct or indirect beneficial owner of 30% or more
of the Companys outstanding voting securities; |
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any election of directors occurs and a majority of the directors elected are
individuals who were not nominated by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board
or the Companys Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; or |
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the Company effects a complete liquidation. |
Under the
policy, an executive or employee shall not be entitled to such benefits unless his
employment is terminated, during the period commencing upon the date when the Company first has
knowledge that any person or group has become a beneficial owner of 30% or more of the Companys
voting securities or the date the Company executes an agreement contemplating a change of control
and ending two years after the change of control, for any reason other than:
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death; |
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disability; |
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cause; or |
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resignation without good reason. |
The Company
shall enter into change of control agreements with the designated executive officers
and employees except that with respect to Paul L. Howes, many of these benefits are provided under
the terms of his previously disclosed employment agreement and may not be repeated in his change of
control agreement.
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Item 5.03 |
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Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year |
On March 7, 2007, the Board of Directors (the Board) of Newpark Resources, Inc. (the
Company) approved amendments to the Companys existing Amended and Restated Bylaws (the Former
Bylaws) and adopted the Amended and Restated Bylaws (Effective as of March 7, 2007) (the Restated
Bylaws). Various provisions of the Companys Former Bylaws were either revised, reworded or
reordered or new provisions were adopted to update the Former Bylaws for changes in the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the DGCL), and to clarify certain provisions. The Restated Bylaws
became effective immediately upon their adoption by the Board on March 7, 2007. A copy of the
Restated Bylaws has been included as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. A description
of the changes to the Former Bylaws is provided below.
Article I
Offices
Art. I, § 2 was amended to clarify that the Company is not required to maintain a principal
place of business in the State of Delaware and that the Company may have such other offices, both
within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board may determine or the business may require.
Article II
Stockholders Meetings
Art. II, § 1 was amended to more closely track the language of the DGCL regarding stockholder
meetings. In addition, Art. II, § 1 was amended to allow for stockholder meetings by remote
communication as permitted by recent amendments to the DGCL.
Art. II, § 3 was amended to provide that the special meetings of the Companys stockholders
may also be called by the Chief Executive Officer or by a majority vote of the Board and to delete
the provision permitting the stockholders of the Company to call a special meeting of stockholders.
The section has also been amended to provide that only such business as specified in the notice
may be conducted at the special meeting.
Art. II, § 4 was amended to conform the notice provisions with stockholder meetings by remote
communication and to provide for notice by electronic transmission. The waiver of notice
provisions were deleted and are addressed in Art. IX, § 2.
Art. II, § 5 was moved to new Art. II, § 7 and was amended to provide that where a separate
vote by class or series or classes or series is required, a majority of the outstanding shares of
such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. In
addition, Art. II, § 7 was amended to expressly state the vote required for approval of any action
by the Companys stockholders, including the election of directors.
New Art. II, § 5 was added to provide that commencing with the 2008 annual meeting of
stockholders, any stockholder seeking to submit a proposal for consideration at an annual meeting
must provide written notice of such proposal to the Company not less than ninety (90) days prior to
the meeting. The notice must include a brief description of the proposal, the name and address of
the stockholder, the class and number of shares of stock owned by such stockholder, and any
material interest of the stockholder in the proposal.
Art. II, § 6 was moved to new Art. II, § 8 and was amended to delete the provisions relating
to proxies which are now included in Art. II, § 9.
New Art. II, § 6 was added to set forth the procedures for nominations of directors.
Commencing with the annual meeting of stockholders in 2008, any stockholder seeking to nominate one
or more persons for election at a meeting of stockholders must provide written notice to the
Company not less than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting. The notice must include the name and
address of the stockholder, a representation that the stockholder is entitled to vote at such
meeting and intends to appear at the meeting either in person or by proxy, such information
concerning the nominee as is necessary for the Companys proxy statement, the consent of the
nominee, and a statement of whether the nominee, if elected, intends to deliver an irrevocable
resignation in accordance with the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines.
Art. II, § 7 was moved to a new Art. II, § 10 and was amended to give effect to recent
amendments to the DGCL that the stock list must be available ten days before stockholders
meetings: (1) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information
required to gain access to the stock list is furnished with a notice of the stockholders meeting
or (2) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Company.
Art. II, § 8 was moved to new Art. II, § 14 and was amended to provide that any action of the
stockholders by written consent must bear the date of each signature and will not be effective
unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest consent, written consents are signed by a sufficient
number of stockholders and delivered to the Company. The section was further amended to provide
for consent action to be taken by electronic transmission.
New Art. II, § 9 sets forth the means under the DGCL by which a stockholder may authorize
another person or persons to act for the stockholder by proxy.
New Art. II, § 11 adds procedures for the establishment of rules regarding the conduct of
stockholders meetings.
New Art. II, § 12 describes the duties of inspectors of election for stockholders meetings.
New Art. II, § 13 sets forth the criteria under the DGCL for allowing stockholders to
participate in meetings by remote communication, if authorized by the Board.
Article III
Board of Directors
Art. III, § 1 was amended to provide that the number of directors may be fixed from time to
time by the Board and to delete the provision requiring a special meeting of stockholders if the
Board is not elected at an annual meeting.
Art. III, § 3 was amended to provide that vacancies on the Board shall be filled only by the
Board and not by any other person.
Art. III, § 5(b) was amended to clarify that meetings of the Board may be held at such place
as determined by the Board.
Art. III, § 5(c) was amended to permit the Chief Executive Officer to call special meetings of
the Board.
Art. III, § 6(d) which pertained to waivers of notice for meetings of the Board was deleted
and is addressed in Art. IX, § 2.
Art. III, § 7 was amended to permit the Board to take action without a meeting by electronic
transmission.
Art. III, § 9(b) was amended to permit committees of the Board to establish subcommittees.
Art. III, § 9(d) was amended to clarify that committee meetings may be held at such place as
designated by the committee and to delete the provisions pertaining to waivers of notice which are
addressed in Art. IX, § 2.
Article IV
Officers
Art. IV, § 1 was amended to provide that the officers of the Company shall include a Chief
Executive Officer. The section was further amended to provide that the Board may elect a Chairman
of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board and at the time of such election, the Board may
determine whether the Chairman of the Board or Vice Chairman of the Board shall serve in an
executive or non-executive capacity.
Art. IV, § 3 was amended to clarify that the Board may remove any officer at any time and such
removal shall be without prejudice to any contract rights of such officer.
Art. IV, § 4 was amended to clarify that the Board shall only be required to fill vacancies in
any office of the Company which is to be elected by the Board.
Art. IV, § 5 was amended to provide that the compensation of officers elected by the Board may
be determined by the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board.
Art. IV, § 6 was amended to describe the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.
Art. IV, §§ 7-10 were renumbered and were amended to describe the duties of the Chief
Executive Officer, President, Vice Presidents and Secretary of the Company.
New Art. IV, § 11 was added to describe the duties of the Chief Financial Officer.
Art. IV, §§ 11 and 12 were renumbered as §§ 12 and 13 and amended to describe the duties of
the Treasurer and Controller.
Article V
Execution of Corporate Instruments and
Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation
Art. V, § 1 was amended to clarify the Boards authority to designate officers empowered to
execute instruments on behalf of the Company and to delete the provision limiting the Boards
authority to designate such officers where otherwise provided by law.
Art. V, § 2 was amended to provide that the President and any Vice President authorized by
either the Chief Executive Officer or President may be authorized to take action with respect to
the securities of other business entities owned by the Company.
Article VI
Shares of Stock
Art. VI, § 1 was amended to allow uncertificated shares of stock as provided in the DGCL.
Art. VI, § 2 was amended to permit the Company, rather than the Board alone, to direct the
issuance of new certificate or certificates in place of any lost, stolen or destroyed certificate
or certificates.
Art. VI, § 3 was amended to provide for the procedures applicable to the transfer of
uncertificated shares.
Art. VI, § 4 was amended to conform to the provisions of the DGCL pertaining to the fixing of
record dates.
Article VII
Other Securities of the Corporation
Art. VII was deleted as unnecessary.
Article VIII
Corporate Seal
Art. VIII was renumbered as Art. VII.
Article IX
Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Employees and Agents
Art. IX was renumbered as Art. VIII.
Article X
Notices
Art. X, § 1 was renumbered as Art. IX, § 1 and amended to allow, with respect to directors,
oral notice given telephonically or written or printed notice either in person, by mail, wire,
telephone or electronic transmission, and with respect to stockholders, written or printed notice
either given personally or by mail, wire or electronic transmission to the extent permitted by the
DGCL. The waiver of notice provisions were deleted and are addressed in Art. IX, § 2.
New Art. IX, § 1(b) adds the DGCL definition of electronic transmission, which is used
elsewhere in the Restated Bylaws.
New Art. IX, § 2 was added to provide for waivers of notice and to permit a written waiver of
notice to be provided by electronic transmission. The section further provides that the attendance
of a person at a meeting shall constitute waiver of notice of that meeting except where the
attendance is for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the
transaction of any business at such meeting.
Article XI
Amendments
Art. XI was renumbered as Art. X and amended to delete the provision thereof inconsistent with
the Boards authority under the Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation to amend the
Companys bylaws.
The foregoing summary of the Restated Bylaws is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the
Restated Bylaws which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
On March 7, 2007, the Board adopted amendments to the Companys Corporate Governance
Guidelines (the Governance Guidelines) to add three new sections. Section 1.5 implements a
director retirement age policy and provides that any person who is 72 years of age or more shall
not be eligible to be elected as director although any director reaching the age of 72 while in
office may serve the remainder of his term until the next annual stockholders meeting.
Section 1.6 provides for a majority vote policy in the election of directors. Under this
policy, in an uncontested election (i.e., an election where the number of nominees is not greater
than the number of directors to be elected), any nominee who receives a greater number of votes
withheld from his election than votes for his election shall tender his resignation to the
Chairman of the Board. The Governance Guidelines also provide that the Board may require, in order
for any incumbent director to become a nominee for further service on the Board, such incumbent
director to submit to the Board an irrevocable resignation. The irrevocable
resignation shall be conditioned upon, and shall not become effective until there has been (i)
a failure by such nominee to receive more votes for his election than votes withheld from his
election in any uncontested election of directors, and (ii) acceptance of such resignation by the
Board. In the event a director receives a greater number of votes withheld from his election
than for his election, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the Governance
Committee) will make a recommendation to the Board regarding the action to be taken with respect
to such tendered resignation. A director whose resignation is being considered will not
participate in any committee or Board consideration regarding such resignation. The Board will act
on the Governance Committees recommendation within 90 days following the certification of the
stockholder vote and the Board will promptly and publicly disclose its decision.
In order to encourage the non-employee directors of the Company to achieve and maintain an
appropriate ownership interest in the Company, the Board approved stock ownership guidelines for
the Companys non-employee directors. Section 8 of the Governance Guidelines requires each
non-employee director to own shares of the Companys common stock valued at three times his annual
cash retainer. Existing non-employee directors will have five years from the date of the adoption
of the stock ownership guidelines to obtain such level of ownership. Non-employee directors
elected to the Board after March 7, 2007 will have five years from the date of election to reach
such level of ownership. In the event of an increase in the annual cash retainer, the non-employee
directors will have three years from the effective date of such increase to acquire any additional
shares needed to meet the stock ownership guidelines.
The foregoing summary of the amended Corporate Governance Guidelines is qualified in its
entirety by the full text of the Corporate Governance Guidelines attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1
and incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the amended Corporate Governance Guidelines will
be posted on the Companys website.
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Item 9.01 |
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Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
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Exhibit Number |
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Description |
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3.1
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Amended and Restated Bylaws of Newpark Resources, Inc. |
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99.1
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Newpark Resources, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
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Dated: March 13, 2007 |
By: |
/s/
James E. Braun |
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James E. Braun, |
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Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit Number |
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Description |
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3.1
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Amended and Restated Bylaws of Newpark Resources, Inc. |
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99.1
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Newpark Resources, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines |
exv3w1
Exhibit
3.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
a Delaware corporation
(Effective as of March 7, 2007)
ARTICLE I
Offices
Section 1. Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation in the
State of Delaware shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other
places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to
time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
Stockholders Meetings
Section 1. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation
shall be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be
designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. In lieu of holding a meeting of
stockholders at a designated place, the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine
that any meeting of stockholders may be held solely by means of remote communication.
Section 2. Annual Meetings. The annual meetings of the stockholders of the
Corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may lawfully
come before it, shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time
by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of meeting.
Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or
purposes, by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or by a majority
vote of the Board of Directors at any time. Only such business shall be conducted at a special
meeting of stockholders as shall have been specified in the notice of the special meeting.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law or the
Certificate of Incorporation, written notice of the place, if any, date and time of each meeting of
the stockholders, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy
holders may be deemed present in person and vote at the meeting and, in the case of a special
meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given, not less than ten
(10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date on which such meeting is to be held, to each
stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. Such notice shall be given in accordance with, and
shall be deemed effective as set forth in, Sections 222 and 232 (or any successor section or
sections) of the General Corporation Law of Delaware. When a meeting is adjourned to another time
or place, notice of the adjourned meeting need not be given if the time and place, and the means of
remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present
in person and vote at such adjourned meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment
is taken unless the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or unless, after the adjournment
a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which event a notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 5. Business at Annual Meetings. At any annual meeting of the
stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the
meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be (1) specified in the
notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors, (2) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors, or (3) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder. Commencing with
the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2008 and at each succeeding annual meeting, for
business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, in addition to any other
applicable requirements, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the
Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholders notice must be delivered to or mailed
to and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90)
days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than one hundred (100)
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 tenth day following the date on which such notice of the date of the annual
meeting was mailed or such public disclosure made.
A stockholders notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder
proposes to bring before the annual meeting (1) a brief description of the business desired to be
brought before the annual meeting, the text of the proposal or business and the reasons for
conducting such business at the annual meeting, (2) the name and address, as they appear on the
Corporations books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (3) the class and number of
shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder, and (4) any
material interest of the stockholder in such business. Notwithstanding anything in the Bylaws to
the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 5.
The presiding officer of an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare
to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this
Section 5, and if the presiding officer should so determine, the presiding officer shall so declare
to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be
transacted.
Section 6. Procedures for Nominating Directors. Notwithstanding anything in
these Bylaws to the contrary, commencing with the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2008
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and at each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, only persons who are nominated in accordance
with the procedures hereinafter set forth in this Section 6 shall be eligible for election as
directors of the Corporation.
Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the
common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nominations for the election of directors may be
made by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board of Directors or by any
stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors and who complies with the procedures set
forth in this Section 6. Any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally
may nominate one or more persons for election as directors at a meeting only if written notice of
such stockholders intent to make such nomination or nominations has been timely given to the
Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholders notice must be delivered to or mailed
to and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90)
days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than one hundred (100)
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 tenth day following the date on which such notice of the date of the annual
meeting was mailed or such public disclosure made.
Each such notice shall set forth: (1) the name and address of the stockholder who intends to
make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated; (2) a representation that the
stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and
intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified
in the notice; (3) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and
each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the
nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder; (4) such other information regarding
each nominee proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement
filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission had the nominee been
nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors; (5) the consent of each nominee
to serve as a director of the Corporation if so elected; and (6) a statement whether such nominee,
if elected, intends to tender, promptly following such nominees election, an irrevocable
resignation to become effective upon such nominees failure to receive a greater number of votes
for his election than votes withheld from his election in any uncontested election of directors and upon acceptance of such resignation by the Board of
Directors, in accordance with the Corporations Corporate Governance Guidelines.
If the presiding officer of the meeting for the election of directors determines that a
nomination of any candidate for election as a director at such meeting was not made in accordance
with the applicable provisions of these Bylaws, such nomination shall be disregarded.
Section 7. Quorum. At all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise
provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the presence, in person or by
proxy duly authorized, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of stock
entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Where a separate vote
by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority of the issued and outstanding
shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy,
shall
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constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. In the
absence of a quorum, any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned, from time to time, by the
presiding officer of such meeting or by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented
thereat, but no other business shall be transacted at such meeting. At such adjourned meeting at
which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the original meeting. The stockholders present at a duly called or convened meeting
at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding
the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum. When a quorum is present at any
meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock having voting power on the question,
present in person or represented by proxy, shall decide any question brought before such meeting
other than the election of directors, unless the proposed action is one upon which, by express
provisions of statutes or the Certificate of Incorporation, a different vote is specified and
required, in which case such express provisions shall govern and control with respect to that vote
on that matter. Where a separate vote by a class or classes is required, the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares of such class or classes present in person or represented
by proxy at the meeting shall be the act of such class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, directors
shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by
proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors at each meeting of the
stockholders at which a quorum is present.
Section 8. Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by law, only persons in
whose names shares entitled to vote stand on the stock records of the Corporation on the record
date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at a meeting shall be entitled to vote at
such meeting. Shares standing in the names of two or more persons shall be voted or represented in
accordance with the determination of the majority of such persons, or, if only one of such persons
is present in person or represented by proxy, such person shall have the right to vote such shares
and such shares shall be deemed to be represented for the purpose of determining a quorum.
Section 9. Proxies.
(a) Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize
another person or persons to act for the stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be
voted or acted upon after three years from its date. Without limiting the manner in which a
stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy, the
following shall constitute a valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority:
(1) a stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for the
stockholder as proxy, which may be accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholders
authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing such
persons signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means; or (2) a
stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy by
transmitting or authorizing an electronic transmission (as defined in Article IX of these
Bylaws) to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm,
proxy support service organization, or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be
the holder of the proxy to receive such electronic transmission, provided that any
electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it
can be determined that the electronic
4
transmission was authorized by the stockholder. If it
is determined that the electronic transmission is valid, the inspectors of election for the
meeting or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall
specify the information upon which they relied.
(b) Any copy or other reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission
authorizing another person or persons to act as proxy for a stockholder may be substituted
or used in lieu of the original writing or electronic transmission for any and all purposes
for which the original writing or electronic transmission could be used, provided that such
copy or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing
or electronic transmission.
Section 10. List of Stockholders.
(a) The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and
make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the
stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the
address of 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 ten (10) days prior to the meeting,
either (1) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information
required to gain access to such list is furnished with the notice of the meeting or (2)
during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation.
(b) If the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network,
the Corporation may take reasonable steps to insure that such information is
available only to stockholders. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list
shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time and
may be inspected by any stockholder who is present at the meeting. If the meeting is to be
held solely by means of remote communication, then the list also shall be open to the
examination of any stockholder during the whole time of that meeting on a reasonably
accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be
provided with the notice of that meeting. Nothing contained in this Section 10 shall
require the Corporation to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact
information on that list.
Section 11. Conduct of Meetings. At each meeting of stockholders, the
Chairman of the Board, or in his absence, the Chief Executive Officer or President shall preside,
and the Secretary shall keep records, and in the absence of any such officer, his duty shall be
performed by a person appointed at the meeting. The Board of Directors may adopt rules and
regulations for the conduct of any meeting of the stockholders as it shall deem appropriate.
Except to the extent inconsistent with any such rules and regulations adopted by the Board of
Directors, the chair of any meeting of the stockholders shall have the right and authority to
prescribe rules and regulations and do all acts, as, in the judgment of that chair, are appropriate
for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations, or procedures, whether adopted by
the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chair of the meeting, may include, without limitation,
the
5
following: (1) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (2) rules
and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (3)
limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record, their duly
authorized and constituted proxies, or such other persons as the chair of the meeting shall
determine; (4) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement; and
(5) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. Unless and to the
extent determined by the Board of Directors or the chair of the meeting, meetings of stockholders
shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
Section 12. Inspectors of Elections. The Board of Directors shall, in advance
of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a
written report. The Board of Directors may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors
to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a
meeting of stockholders, the chair of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at
the meeting. The inspectors shall: (1) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting
power of each; (2) determine the shares represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and
ballots; (3) count all votes and ballots; (4) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record
of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and (5) certify
their determination of the number of shares represented at the meting and their count of all votes
and ballots. The inspectors may appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist the
inspectors in the performance of the duties of the inspectors.
Section 13. Meetings by Remote Communication. If authorized by the Board of Directors, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as
the Board of Directors may adopt, stockholders and proxy holders not physically present at a
meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication, participate in the meeting and be
deemed present in person and vote at the meeting, whether such meeting is to be held in a
designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (1) the Corporation
shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote
at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxy holder, (2) the
Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxy holders a
reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the
stockholders, including the opportunity to read or hear the proceedings in the meeting
substantially concurrently with such proceedings and (3) if the stockholder or proxy holder votes
or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or
other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.
Section 14. Action Without Meeting.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required
by statute to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of a corporation, or
any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents
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 such
action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and
such consent or consents are delivered to the Corporation in
6
the manner prescribed by the
General Corporation Law of Delaware. Every written consent shall bear the date of the
signature of each stockholder, and no written consent shall be effective to take the
corporate action unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent, written
consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the
Corporation in the manner prescribed by the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
(b) Electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a
stockholder or proxy holder, or by a person authorized to act for a stockholder or proxy
holder, shall be deemed to be written, signed, and dated for purposes of this Section 14,
provided that any electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from
which the Corporation can determine: (1) that the electronic transmission was transmitted
by the stockholder, or proxy holder; and (2) the date on which the stockholder, proxy holder
or authorized person or persons transmitted the electronic transmission. The date on which
the electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date that the consent
was signed. No consent given by electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been
delivered until such consent is reproduced in paper form and delivered to the Corporation in
the manner prescribed by the General Corporation Law of Delaware. Notwithstanding the
foregoing limitations on delivery, consents given by electronic transmission may be
otherwise delivered to the principal place of business of the Corporation or to the
Secretary of the Corporation to the extent and in the manner provided by the Board of Directors. Any copy or other
reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted for or used in lieu of the
original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used,
provided that such copy or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire
original writing.
(c) Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than
unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who did not consent in
writing and who would have been entitled to notice if the action had been taken at a meeting
having a record date on the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of
holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.
ARTICLE III
Board of Directors
Section 1. Number and Term of Office. The number of directors which shall
constitute the whole of the Board of Directors shall be not less than five (5) and not more than
ten (10) as may be fixed or determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Except as provided in Section 3 of this Article III, the directors shall be elected by the
stockholders at their annual meeting in each year and shall hold office until the next annual
meeting and until their successors shall be duly elected and qualified. Directors need not be
stockholders.
7
Section 2. Powers. The powers of the Corporation shall be exercised, its
business conducted and its property controlled by or under the direction of the Board of Directors,
except as may be otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 3. Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Vacancies and newly
created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors shall be
filled by the Board of Directors, and may not be filled by any other person or persons, and each
director so elected shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the director whose
place shall be vacant, and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. A
vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to exist under this section in the case of the
death, removal or resignation of any director, or if the stockholders fail at any meeting of
stockholders at which directors are to be elected to elect the number of directors then
constituting the whole Board.
Section 4. Resignations. Any director may resign at any time by delivering his
written resignation to the Secretary, such resignation to specify whether it will be effective at a
particular time, upon receipt by the Secretary or at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. When
one or more directors shall resign from the Board, effective at a future date, a majority of the
directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the
vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each
director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the director whose
place shall be vacated and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 5. Meetings.
(a) The annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after the
annual stockholders meeting at the place where such meeting is held or at the place
announced by the Chairman at such meeting. No notice of an annual meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be necessary, and such meeting shall be held for the purpose of electing
officers and transacting such other business as may lawfully come before it.
(b) Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any place within or
without the State of Delaware which has been determined by the Board of Directors.
(c) Special meetings of the Board of Directors for any purpose or purposes may be
called at any time by the Chairman of the Board or by the Chief Executive Officer or the
President and shall be called by the Secretary on the written request of a number of
directors constituting not less than one-third of the Board of Directors. The director or
officer so calling, or the director so requesting, any such meeting shall fix the time and
place either within or without the State of Delaware, as the place for holding such meeting.
(d) Written notice of the time and place of all special meetings of the Board of
Directors shall be delivered personally to each director, or sent to each director by mail,
or by other form of written communication, at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the time
of such meeting. In lieu of written notice, notice by telephone, facsimile
8
transmission (when directed to a number at which the director has consented to receive notice) or by
electronic transmission (when directed to an electronic mail address at which the director
has consented to receive notice) may be given to each director at least twenty-four (24)
hours prior to the meeting.
Section 6. Quorum and Voting.
(a) A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the exact number
of directors fixed from time to time in accordance with Section 1 of Article III of these
Bylaws, but not less than one; provided, however, at any meeting whether a quorum be present
or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn from time to time until the
time fixed for the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors, without notice other than
by announcement at the meeting.
(b) At each meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present, all questions and
business shall be determined by a vote of a majority of the directors present, unless a
different vote be required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws.
(c) Any member of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate
in a meeting by means of conference telephone or similar communication equipment by means of
which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a
meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 7. Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any
meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if
all the members of the Board or of such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing,
or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or electronic transmission or
electronic transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee. Such
filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and in electronic form if
the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
Section 8. Fees and Compensation. Directors and members of committees may
receive such compensation, if any, for their services, and such reimbursement of expenses, as may
be fixed or determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. Nothing herein contained shall be
construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an
officer, agent, employee, or otherwise, and receiving compensation therefor.
Section 9. Committees.
(a) Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a
majority of the whole Board, appoint an Executive Committee of not less than one member,
each of whom shall be a director. This Executive Committee, to the extent permitted by law,
shall have and may exercise all powers of the Board in the management of the business and
affairs of the Corporation, including, without limitation, the power and authority to
declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock, except such committee shall not
have the power or authority to amend the Certificate of
9
Incorporation, to adopt an agreement of merger or consolidation, to recommend to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of
all or substantially all of the Corporations property and assets, to recommend to the
stockholders of the Corporation a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a
dissolution, or to amend these Bylaws.
(b) Other Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a
majority of the whole Board, from time to time appoint such other committees as may be
permitted by law. Such other committees appointed by the Board of Directors shall have
such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the resolution or
resolutions creating such committee, but in no event shall any such committee have the
powers denied to the Executive Committee in these Bylaws. Unless otherwise provided in the
resolution of the Board of Directors designating the committee, a committee of the Board of
Directors may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more
members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and
authority of the committee.
(c) Term. The members of all committees of the Board of Directors shall serve a
term coexistent with that of the Board of Directors that appointed such committee. The
Board, subject to the provisions of subsections (a) or (b) of this Section 9, may at any
time increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of
a committee; provided, that no committee shall consist of less than one member. The
membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of his death or voluntary
resignation, but the Board may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee
member and the Board may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, removal
or increase in the number of members of the committee. The Board of Directors may designate
one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or
disqualified member at any meeting of the committee, and, in addition, in the absence or
disqualification of any member of a committee, the member or members thereof 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.
(d) Meetings. Unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide, regular
meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee appointed pursuant to this
Section 9 shall be held at such times and places as are determined by the Board of
Directors, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member
of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter;
special meetings of any such committee may be held at any place which has been designated
from time to time by resolution of such committee or by written consent of all members
thereof, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon written
notice to the members of such committee of the time and place of such special meeting given
in the manner provided for the giving of written notice to members of the Board of Directors
of the time and place of special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the
authorized number of members of any such committee shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business, and the act of a majority of
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those present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Section 1. Officers Designated. The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chief Executive Officer, President, one or more
Vice Presidents, any one or more of which may be designated Executive Vice President or Senior Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer and Controller. The Board of Directors may also elect a Chairman of
the Board and by resolution create the office of Vice Chairman of the Board and define the duties
of such office. The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers and agents, including
Assistant Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers, as it shall deem
necessary, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform
such duties as shall be determined by the Board. Any two or more offices may be held by the same
person. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board shall be elected from among the directors and
at the time of election, the Board of Directors shall determine whether the Chairman of the Board,
and Vice Chairman of the Board (if such office is created by the Board of Directors), shall serve
in an executive or non-executive capacity. With the foregoing exceptions, none of the other
officers need be a director, and none of the officers need be a stockholder of the Corporation.
Section 2. Selection and Term of Office. The officers of the Corporation shall
be elected annually by the Board of Directors at its first regular meeting held after the annual
meeting of stockholders or as soon thereafter as conveniently possible. Each officer shall hold
office until his successor shall have been chosen and shall have qualified or until his death or
the effective date of his resignation or removal, or until he shall cease to be a director in the
case of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Section 3. Removal and Resignation. Any officer or agent elected or appointed
by the Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, at any time, by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any removal of an officer is without prejudice to
the rights, if any, of either the officer or the Corporation under any contract to which the
officer is a party. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the
Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at
any later time specified herein, and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such
resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 4. Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring by death, resignation, removal or
otherwise in any office of the Corporation elected by the Board of Directors may be filled by the
Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 5. Salaries. The salaries of all officers of the Corporation elected
by the Board of Directors shall be fixed by the Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee
thereof) or pursuant to its direction; and no such officer shall be prevented from receiving such
salary by reason of his also being a director.
11
Section 6. Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board (if such office is created by the Board) shall preside at all
meetings of the Board of Directors or of the stockholders of the Corporation. In the Chairmans
absence, such duties shall be attended to by the Vice Chairman of the Board (if such office is
created by the Board). The Chairman shall perform such other duties as usually appertain to the
office or as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
Section 7. Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the control of the Board of
Directors, the Chief Executive Officer shall have the responsibility and the power necessary for
the general management, oversight, supervision and control of the business and affairs of the
Corporation, and to ensure that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried
into effect. He shall perform all duties normally incident to the office of Chief Executive
Officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.
The Chief Executive Officer shall have the power to appoint and remove subordinate officers, agents
and employees, except those elected or appointed by the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive
Officer shall keep the Board of Directors fully informed and shall consult with them concerning the
business of the Corporation. Subject to the control of the Board of Directors, he may sign with
the Secretary or any other officer of the Corporation thereunto authorized by the Board of
Directors, certificates for shares of the Corporation. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board
or the Vice Chairman of the Board (if such office is created by the Board of Directors), the Chief
Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and, should he be a director,
of the Board of Directors.
Section 8. President. If the Board of Directors has not elected a Chief
Executive Officer, the President shall have all of the powers granted by these Bylaws to the office
of the Chief Executive Officer. If the Board of Directors has elected a Chief Executive Officer of
the Corporation, the President shall, subject to the powers of supervision and control conferred
upon the Chief Executive Officer, have general supervision, direction and control of the business
and the officers of the Corporation and such other duties and powers as assigned to him by the
Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board,
the Vice Chairman of the Board (if such office is created by the Board of Directors) and the Chief
Executive Officer, the President shall preside at all meetings of stockholders and, should he be a
director, of the Board of Directors. Subject to the control of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer, he may sign with the Secretary or any other officer of the Corporation thereunto
authorized by the Board of Directors, certificates for shares of the Corporation.
Section 9. Vice Presidents. If there is more than one Vice President, the
Board of Directors may designate one or more of them as Executive Vice President or Senior Vice
President among the Vice Presidents and may also grant to such officers and other Vice Presidents
such titles as shall be descriptive of their respective functions or indicative of their relative
seniority. In the absence of the President, or in the event of his inability or refusal to act,
the Executive Vice President (or if there shall be no Vice President designated Executive Vice
President, any Vice President designated by the Board) shall perform the duties and exercise the
powers of the President. Any Vice President may sign, with the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, certificates for shares of the
Corporation. The Vice Presidents shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to them by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors.
12
Section 10. Secretary. The Secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the
meetings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of directors, provided,
however, that the Secretary shall not be required to be present at any sessions of non-management
or independent directors contemplated by any stock exchange listings to which the Corporation is
subject; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws
and as required by law; (c) maintain custody of the corporate records and of the seal of the
Corporation, and see that the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof is affixed to all
certificates for shares prior to the issue thereof and to all documents, the execution of which on
behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of
these Bylaws; (d) keep or cause to be kept a register of the post office address of each
stockholder which shall be furnished by such stockholder; (e) sign with the Chairman of the Board,
the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or an Executive Vice President or Vice President,
certificates for shares of the Corporation, the issue of which shall have been authorized by
resolution of the Board of Directors; (f) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the
Corporation; and (g) in general, perform all duties normally incident to the office of Secretary
and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer,
the President or the Board of Directors.
Section 11. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall be the
principal financial officer of the Corporation and shall have general charge and supervision of the
financial affairs of the Corporation. Unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors, the
Chief Financial Officer shall serve as the Treasurer of the Corporation and shall (a) have charge
and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Corporation, receive and give
receipts for moneys due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever and deposit all
such moneys in the name of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as
shall be selected by the Board of Directors; (b) prepare, or cause to be prepared, for submission
at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors, at each annual meeting of the stockholders, and
at such other times as may be required by the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer or the
President, a statement of financial condition of the Corporation in such detail as may be required;
and (c) in general, perform all the duties incident to such office and such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of
Directors. If required by the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer shall give a bond
for the faithful discharge of his duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Board
of Directors shall determine.
Section 12. Treasurer. The Treasurer, if there shall be a separate office of
the Treasurer, shall perform such duties and have such powers as are commonly incident to such
office and shall perform such duties as from time to time may be prescribed for him by the Board of
Directors, Chief Executive Officer or the President. The Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer or the President
may direct the Treasurer to assume and perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in the
absence of the Chief Financial Officer or in the event of his inability or refusal to act. If
required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of
his duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Board of Directors shall determine.
Section 13. Controller. The Controller shall be the chief accounting officer
of the Corporation and shall have charge of general accounting books, accounting records, and forms
of
13
the Corporation and general supervision of the accounting practices of all subsidiaries. He
shall compile and file, or in cooperation with the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and such
other financial officers as shall be elected by the Board of Directors, cause to be compiled and
filed or assist in the preparation of such reports, statements, statistics and other data as may be
required by law or assigned by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the
President. He shall assist and cooperate with the standing committees of the Corporation and have
such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time
prescribe and as may be necessary or appropriate to perform the duties of the Controller.
ARTICLE V
Execution of Corporate Instruments and
Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation
Section 1. Execution of Corporate Instruments. The Board of Directors may, in
its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer or officers, or other
person or persons, to execute on behalf of the Corporation any corporate instrument or document, or
to sign on behalf of the Corporation the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into
contracts or agreements on behalf of the Corporation, and such execution or signature shall be
binding upon the Corporation.
Section 2. Voting of Securities Owned by Corporation. All stock and other
securities of other corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships or other entities owned
or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and
all proxies with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution
of the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chief Executive Officer,
the President or any Vice President authorized by either the Chief Executive Officer or the
President.
ARTICLE VI
Shares of Stock
Section 1. Form and Execution of Certificates; Uncertificated Shares. Shares of the stock of the Corporation may be certificated or uncertificated, as provided
under the General Corporation Law of Delaware. Every holder of stock in the Corporation
represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of
the Corporation by, the Chairman of the Board (if there be such an officer appointed), or by the
Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or Assistant
Treasurer or the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, certifying the number of shares owned by him in
the Corporation. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any
officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed
upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such
certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer
agent, or registrar at the date of issue. If the Corporation shall be authorized to issue more than
one class of stock or more than one series of any class, the powers, designations, preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof
and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/ or rights shall be set
forth in
14
full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate which the Corporation shall
issue to represent such class or series of stock, provided that, except as otherwise provided in
the General Corporation Law of Delaware, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set
forth on the face or back of the certificate which the Corporation shall issue to represent such
class or series of stock, a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each
stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications,
limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.
Section 2. Lost Certificates. The Corporation may direct a new certificate or
certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by
the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost or destroyed. When authorizing such issue
of a new certificate or certificates, the Corporation may, in its discretion and as a condition
precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate or
certificates, or his legal representative, to indemnify the Corporation a surety bond in such form
and amount as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation
with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost or destroyed.
Section 3. Transfers. Shares of stock may be transferred only on the books of
the Corporation, if such shares are certificated, by the surrender to the Corporation or its
transfer agent of the certificate therefor properly endorsed or accompanied by a written assignment
or power of attorney properly executed, or upon proper instructions from the holder of
uncertificated shares, in each case with such proof of the authenticity of signature as the
Corporation or its transfer agent may reasonably require.
Section 4. Fixing Record Dates. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to
vote at any meeting of stockholders or any action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to
receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to
exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of
any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which (1) in
the case of a determination of stockholders entitled to receive notice of or to vote at any meeting
of stockholders or adjournment thereof, shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10)
days before the date of such meeting; (2) in the case of a determination of stockholders entitled
to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, shall not be more than ten
(10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board
of Directors; and (3) in the case of any other action, shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior
to such action. If no record date is fixed: (1) 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 next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of
business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; (2) 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; (3) 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 thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to
vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to
15
any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however,
that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
Section 5. Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to
recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive
dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other
claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it
shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
ARTICLE VII
Corporate Seal
The corporate seal shall consist of a die bearing the name of the Corporation and shall
otherwise be in form and substance as determined by the Board of Directors. Said seal may be used
by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
ARTICLE VIII
Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Employees and Agents
Section 1. General Right to Indemnification. 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 a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be indemnified by the
Corporation against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding 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, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceedings,
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 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.
Section 2. Indemnification in Derivative Actions. 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 a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall be indemnified by the Corporation
against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with the defense or settlement of such action or suit 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 and except
16
that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such
person shall have been judged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his
duty to the Corporation unless, and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
Section 3. Determination or Right to Indemnification. Any indemnification
under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation
only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director,
officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article. Such determination shall be made
(1) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not
parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if
obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a
written opinion, or (3) by a majority vote of a quorum of the stockholders. Anything hereinabove
set forth to the contrary notwithstanding, to the extent that a director, officer, employee or
agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action,
suit or proceedings referred to in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article, or in defense of any claim,
issue or matter therein, he shall in any event be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by
him in connection therewith.
Section 4. Authority to Advance Expenses. Expenses incurred in defending a
civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the Board of Directors in the
specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or
agent to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be
indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article.
Section 5. Provisions Nonexclusive. The indemnification and advancement of
expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other
rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any
Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action
in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office and shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
Section 6. Authority to Insure. The Corporation is authorized to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against any liability asserted against him and 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 him against
such liability under the provisions of this Article.
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Section 7. Definition of Corporation. For the purpose of this Article,
references to the corporation shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any
constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or
merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to
indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under the provisions of this Article with respect to the resulting or surviving
corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence
had continued.
Section 8. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Article shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article.
ARTICLE IX
Notices
Section 1. Notices.
(a) Whenever, under the provisions of applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation
or these Bylaws, notice is required to be given to (1) any director, it shall be construed
to mean, in addition to any other provisions contained in these Bylaws, oral notice given
telephonically or written or printed notice given either personally or by mail, wire,
telephone or electronic transmission, or (2) any stockholder, it shall be construed to mean,
in addition to other provisions contained in these Bylaws, written or printed notice either
given personally or by mail, wire or electronic transmission in the manner and to the extent
provided by Section 232 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, in each case, addressed
to such director or stockholder, at his address as it appears on the records of the
Corporation, with postage or other charges thereon paid, and such notice shall be deemed to
be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail or the
appropriate office for transmission by wire, or in the case of electronic transmission, at
the time specified by Section 232 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
(b) For purposes of these Bylaws, electronic transmission means any form of
communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a
record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient, and that may be directly
reproduced in paper form by such recipient through an automated process.
Section 2. Waivers. Whenever notice is required to be given pursuant to a
statutory provision, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a written waiver of that
notice, signed by the person entitled to that notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the
person entitled to that notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed
equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of
that meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of that meeting, to the transaction of any business because that meeting is not lawfully
called or
18
convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of any regular or
special meeting of stockholders, Board of Directors or committee of the Board of Directors need be
specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission.
ARTICLE X
Amendments
These Bylaws may be repealed, altered or amended or new Bylaws adopted by written consent of
stockholders in the manner authorized by Section 8 of Article II, or at any meeting of the
stockholders, either annual or special, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the stock entitled
to vote at such meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these
Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall also have the authority to repeal, alter or amend these Bylaws
or adopt new Bylaws (including, without limitation, the amendment of any Bylaws setting forth the
number of directors who shall constitute the whole Board of Directors) by unanimous written consent
or at any annual, regular, or special meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole
number of directors, subject to the power of the stockholders to change or repeal such Bylaws.
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exv99w1
Exhibit
99.1
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The following Corporate Governance Guidelines (the Guidelines) has been approved by the
Board of Directors (the Board) of Newpark Resources, Inc. (Newpark or the Company), and,
along with the Companys Code of Ethics and the charters of its Audit Committee, Compensation
Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, constitutes the framework for the
governance of Newpark. These Guidelines may be revised periodically to maintain its relevance and
efficacy.
1. Board Membership.
1.1 Number of Directors. The Bylaws provide that the number of directors is a minimum
of five and a maximum of ten, with the exact number to be set by the Board.
1.2 Director Qualifications. The general qualification criteria for Board membership
are set forth below. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may establish different or
additional criteria from time to time.
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Each director shall be a person of the highest integrity and character. |
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Each director shall be willing and able to devote sufficient time to satisfy
the director responsibilities set forth in Section 3 below and such additional
responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Board or
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
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Each director shall have the objectivity, ability and desire to represent
the interests of the stockholders as a whole, free from any conflict of
interest that would violate any applicable law or regulation or interfere with
the proper performance of the responsibilities of a director. |
1.3 Independence.
(a) At least a majority of the directors must be Independent Directors, hereby defined as
follows:
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an independent director, as defined under the rules of the New York Stock
Exchange or other securities exchange or association on which Newpark stock is
listed or traded, as amended from time to time (the Rules), except as may be
otherwise permitted under the Rules; and |
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a non-employee director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act). |
(b) Whenever it is necessary for the Board to determine whether a relationship between Newpark
and a director or prospective director is material (such that the
individual cannot be considered an Independent Director), the Board shall consider all
relevant facts and circumstances.
1.4 No Term Limits. Each directors term expires when his or her successor is
elected, and he or she may be re-elected. There is no limit on the number of terms, consecutive or
not, for which a director may be elected.
1.5 Retirement Age. Any person who is 72 years of age or more shall not be eligible
to be elected as a director or to hold a directorship; provided, however, that any person who
reaches the age of 72 while a director may serve the remainder of his or her term of office until
the next annual stockholders meeting.
1.6 Majority Vote Principle.
(a) In an uncontested election of directors (i.e., an election where the number of nominees is
not greater than the number of directors to be elected), any nominee for director who receives a
greater number of votes withheld from his or her election than votes for his or her election
shall, unless such nominee has previously submitted an irrevocable resignation in accordance with
paragraph (b) below, promptly tender his or her resignation to the Chairman of the Board following
certification of the stockholder vote.
(b) The Board may require, in order for any incumbent director to become a nominee of the
Board for further service on the Board, such incumbent director to submit to the Board an
irrevocable resignation, which shall become effective upon the occurrence of all of the following
conditions: (i) such person having been elected a director in an upcoming uncontested election of
directors, (ii) such person not receiving a greater number of votes for his or her election than
votes withheld from his or her election in any uncontested election of directors, and (iii)
acceptance of such resignation by the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in these
Guidelines for such purpose.
(c) The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will promptly consider the resignation
submitted by a director receiving a greater number of votes withheld from his or her election
than votes for his or her election, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will
recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation. In considering
whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee will consider all factors deemed relevant by the members of the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee, including, without limitation: the stated reasons why stockholders
withheld votes for election from such director; the length of service and qualifications of the
director whose resignation has been tendered; the directors contributions to the Company; the
relevant provisions of these Guidelines; compliance with listing standards; and the best interests
of all stockholders.
(d) The Board will act on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees recommendation
no later than 90 days following the date of the certification of the stockholder vote. In
considering the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees recommendation, the Board will
consider the factors considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and such
additional information and factors the Board believes to be relevant. Following the Boards
decision on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees recommendation, the Company will
promptly publicly disclose the
2
Boards decision whether to accept the resignation as tendered (providing an explanation of
the process by which the decision was reached and, if applicable, the reasons for rejecting the
tendered resignation) in a Form 8-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.
(e) To the extent that one or more directors resignations are accepted by the Board, the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will recommend to the Board whether to fill such
vacancy or vacancies or to reduce the size of the Board.
(f) Any director who tenders his or her resignation pursuant to this provision will continue
to serve on the Board and remain active and engaged in Board and Committee proceedings while the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board decide whether to accept or reject the
tendered resignation; provided, however, such director will not participate in the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee recommendation or Board consideration regarding whether or not to
accept the tendered resignation. If a majority of the members of the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee received a greater number of votes withheld from their election than votes
for their election at the same election, then the independent directors who are on the Board who
did not receive a greater number of votes withheld from their election than votes for their
election (or who were not standing for election) will appoint a special Board committee amongst
themselves solely for the purpose of considering the tendered resignations and will recommend to
the Board whether to accept or reject them. This special Board committee may, but need not,
consist of all of the independent directors who did not receive a greater number of votes
withheld from their election than votes for their election or who were not standing for
election. If the number of independent directors on the Board who did not receive a greater number
of votes withheld from their election than votes for their election together with the directors
who were not standing for reelection is two or less, then the decision to accept or reject the
tendered resignation shall be made by the Board, subject to the provisions of the initial sentence
of this Section 1.6(f).
(g) This corporate governance guideline will be summarized or included in each proxy statement
relating to an election of directors of the Company.
2. Board Committees.
2.1 The Board has established three committees that are integral to the corporate governance
of the Company. They are the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee, and their charters are attached to these Guidelines as Exhibits A,
B and C, respectively.
(a) As set forth in its charter, the purpose of the Audit Committee is to provide independent
review and oversight of: the integrity of the Companys financial statements; the financial
reporting process; the Companys systems of internal accounting and financial controls; the
performance of the Companys internal audit function and independent auditors; the independent
auditors qualifications and independence; and the Companys compliance with ethics policies and
legal and regulatory requirements.
(b) As set forth in its charter, the purpose of the Compensation Committee is to discharge the
Boards responsibilities with respect to all forms of compensation
3
of the Companys senior officers, administer the Companys equity incentive plans and produce
an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement.
(c) As set forth in its charter, the purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is to assist and advise the Board with respect to the size, composition and functions of
the Board, to identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board and to recommend that
the Board select a group of qualified nominees for each annual meeting of the Companys
stockholders, and to develop and recommend to the Board a set of corporate governance principles
applicable to the Company.
2.2 The Board may establish other committees from time to time in accordance with the Bylaws.
3. Director Responsibilities. Each director is expected to devote sufficient time to
the affairs of Newpark to fulfill the responsibilities of a director and a member of each committee
on which he or she serves, including developing and maintaining sufficient knowledge of Newpark and
its industry; reviewing and analyzing reports and other information important to Board and
committee responsibilities, preparing for, attending and participating in Board and committee
meetings and participating in the orientation and continuing education programs offered by Newpark.
4. Meetings of Non-Employee Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee shall schedule in advance and convene at least two regular meetings during each calendar
year for the non-employee directors, without senior management present. The Committee may require
the presence at such meetings or portions thereof of such management employees, if any, including
senior management and subordinate management, as the members of the Committee shall determine. The
non-employee directors may meet without management present at such other times as they shall
determine. Such meetings (in addition to the two regularly scheduled meetings) may be called by
any two non-employee directors or by the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee.
5. Access to Senior Management. The Board, as well as the non-employee directors and
each Board Committee involved in corporate governance, shall have complete access to the management
of Newpark at reasonable times during normal business hours.
6. Code of Ethics. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall develop and
recommend to the Board a Code of Ethics to be maintained by the Company. The Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee shall be responsible for amending the Code of Ethics from time to
time, as needed, and the Audit Committee shall oversee compliance therewith.
7. Compensation of Directors. The Board shall determine the compensation and benefits
of the non-employee directors, taking into account the recommendations of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee. In making their recommendations
and decision, the Committee and the Board shall take into account one or more of the following
factors and such other factors as they deem relevant: (a) the compensation paid to their directors
by companies in the industries served by Newpark that are deemed by the Committee and Board to be
comparable in size and scope to Newpark; (b) the amount of time and effort that the directors are
required to expend in order to discharge their
4
duties; (c) attempting to align the directors interests with the long-term interests of the
stockholders; and (d) making the compensation structure easy for the stockholders to understand.
The Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in
the sole discretion of each, may award additional compensation and benefits to their chairpersons,
in view of the additional time and effort such persons are required to expend in order to perform
their duties as chairpersons.
8. Stock Ownership Guidelines. Each non-employee director is required to own shares
of the Companys common stock valued at three times his annual cash retainer. Existing
non-employee directors will have five years from March 7, 2007, the date of the adoption of these
stock ownership guidelines, to attain such level of ownership. Non-employee directors elected to
the board after March 7, 2007 will have five years from the date of election to the Board to attain
such level of ownership. In the event the annual cash retainer is increased, the non-employee
directors will have three years from the effective date of such increase to acquire any additional
shares needed to meet these stock ownership guidelines.
9. Succession Plan. The Board shall develop, approve and maintain a succession plan
for the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives.
10. Director Orientation. Company counsel and the Chief Financial Officer, with
assistance from the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, shall be responsible for
providing an orientation for new directors and for periodically providing materials and briefings
to all directors on subjects that would assist them in discharging their duties. The orientation
of new directors shall include visits to key sites and, to the extent not provided at meetings of
the Board, briefings by senior management on the Companys financial statements, strategic plans,
key policies and key practices.
11. Access to Independent Advisors. The Board, the Audit Committee, Compensation
Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may use reasonable amounts of time of
the Companys internal and independent accountants, internal and outside lawyers and other internal
staff and independent accountants, lawyers and consultants to assist the Board and such committees
in the discharge of their duties.
12. Assessment of Performance. At least annually, following receipt of a performance
assessment of the Board by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board shall
discuss the Committees assessment and recommendations, if any, with a view to improving the
effectiveness of the Board. The Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee shall each perform a similar assessment of their performance.
13. Reporting of Concerns. On or before December 31, 2003, the Company shall
implement procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls or auditing matters, including procedures for the confidential,
anonymous submission to the Audit Committee of such complaints.
14. Disclosure of these Guidelines. These Guidelines, the Companys Code of Ethics
and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee shall be posted on the Companys website and also shall be
5
made available in print to any stockholder requesting it. Such availability shall be noted in
the Companys Annual Report to Stockholders.
Adopted by the Board of Directors June 11, 2003.
Amended by the Board of Directors March 7, 2007.
6