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THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BY-LAWS
of
SPAR Group, Inc.
A Delaware Corporation
Adopted as of: May 18, 2004
Section Title Page
ARTICLE I. CERTIFICATE, BY-LAWS, AGENT and OFFICES.....................................1
Section 1.01. Certificate of Incorporation................................................1
Section 1.02. By-Laws and Restatement.....................................................1
Section 1.03. Registered Agent............................................................1
Section 1.04. Registered Office...........................................................1
Section 1.05. Chief Executive Office......................................................1
Section 1.06. Other Offices...............................................................1
ARTICLE II. Meetings of Shareholders....................................................1
Section 2.01. Annual Meetings.............................................................1
Section 2.02. Special Meetings............................................................2
Section 2.03. Notice of Meeting...........................................................2
Section 2.04. Quorum and Manner of Participation; Treasury Stock..........................2
Section 2.05. Adjournments................................................................2
Section 2.06. Inspectors..................................................................2
Section 2.07. Voting......................................................................3
Section 2.08. Proxies.....................................................................3
Section 2.09. Action by Written Consent...................................................3
Section 2.10. List of Shareholders........................................................3
Section 2.11. Stockholder Proposals and Nominations.......................................4
ARTICLE III. Board.......................................................................5
Section 3.01. Number......................................................................5
Section 3.02. Power5
Section 3.03. Term of Office..............................................................5
Section 3.04. Vacancies and Additional Directorships......................................5
Section 3.05. Meetings....................................................................5
Section 3.06. Quorum, Manner of Participation and Voting..................................5
Section 3.07. Action by Written Consent...................................................6
Section 3.08. Resignation of Directors....................................................6
Section 3.09. Removal of Directors........................................................6
Section 3.10. Compensation of Directors...................................................6
ARTICLE IV. Committees of the Board.....................................................6
Section 4.01. Standing Committees, Designation of Additional Committees, Etc..............6
Section 4.02. Committee Charters, Powers, Etc.............................................6
Section 4.03. Appointment and Term........................................................7
Section 4.04. Committee Chairman..........................................................7
Section 4.05. Meetings, Notices and Records...............................................7
Section 4.06. Quorum, Manner of Participation and Voting..................................7
Section 4.07. Action by Written Consent...................................................8
Section 4.08. Resignations................................................................8
Section 4.09. Removal.....................................................................8
Section 4.10. Vacancies...................................................................8
Section 4.11. Compensation................................................................8
ARTICLE V. Officers....................................................................8
Section 5.01. Positions, Election, Executives, Etc........................................8
Section 5.02. Term of Office, Resignation and Removal.....................................8
Section 5.03. Vacancies...................................................................9
Section 5.04. General Authority, Etc......................................................9
Section 5.05. The Chairman................................................................9
Section 5.06. The Vice Chairman...........................................................9
Section 5.07. The Chief Executive Officer.................................................9
Section 5.08. The Chief Financial Officer.................................................9
Section 5.09. The President..............................................................10
Section 5.10. Senior, Executive and other Vice Presidents................................10
Section 5.11. Assistant or other Vice Presidents.........................................10
Section 5.12. The Secretary..............................................................11
Section 5.13. Assistant Secretaries......................................................11
Section 5.14. The Treasurer..............................................................11
Section 5.15. The Controller.............................................................12
Section 5.16. Assistant Treasurers.......................................................12
Section 5.17. Compensation of Officers...................................................12
Section 5.18. Surety Bonds...............................................................12
ARTICLE VI. INDEMNIFICATION............................................................12
Section 6.01. Certain Defined Terms......................................................12
Section 6.02. Persons Indemnified........................................................14
Section 6.03. Notice of Proceeding.......................................................14
Section 6.04. Defense Counsel............................................................14
Section 6.05. Right to Indemnification, Etc..............................................14
Section 6.06. Right to Advancement of Expenses...........................................14
Section 6.07. Determination of Right to Indemnification..................................14
Section 6.08. Indemnification on Success.................................................15
Section 6.09. Payment Claims to Recover Losses and Expenses..............................15
Section 6.10. Suits Brought by an Indemnitee.............................................15
Section 6.11. Suits on Payment Claims, Etc...............................................15
Section 6.12. Indemnification Enforcement Expenses.......................................15
Section 6.13. Indemnitee's Proper Conduct................................................15
Section 6.14. Continuation of Rights.....................................................15
Section 6.15. Non-Exclusivity of Rights..................................................15
Section 6.16. Insurance..................................................................15
Section 6.17. Indemnification of Officers, Employees and Agents of the Corporation.......16
Section 6.18. Savings Clause.............................................................16
Section 6.19. Changes in Indemnification Rights..........................................16
Section 6.20. Contractual and Beneficial Rights..........................................16
ARTICLE VII. Shares.....................................................................16
Section 7.01. Certificates...............................................................16
Section 7.02. Use of Pre-Signed Certificates.............................................16
Section 7.03. Subscriptions..............................................................16
Section 7.04. Transfer of Shares.........................................................16
Section 7.05. Returned Certificates......................................................17
Section 7.06. Lost Stock Certificates....................................................17
ARTICLE VIII. Record Dates and Dividends.................................................17
Section 8.01. Record Dates...............................................................17
Section 8.02. Dividends..................................................................17
ARTICLE IX. Miscellaneous Corporate Powers and Restrictions............................17
Section 9.01. Execution of Instruments Generally.........................................17
Section 9.02. Transactions with Interested Parties.......................................18
Section 9.03. Deposits...................................................................18
Section 9.04. Checks, Notes, Etc.........................................................18
Section 9.05. Proxies....................................................................18
Section 9.06. Fiscal Year................................................................18
Section 9.07. Corporate Seal.............................................................18
ARTICLE X. Amendments and Interpretation..............................................19
Section 10.01. Amendments.................................................................19
Section 10.02. Notices, Electronic Messages, Copies, Etc..................................19
Section 10.03. Number and Gender..........................................................19
Section 10.04. Section and Other Headings.................................................19
Section 10.05. Severability...............................................................19
Section 10.06. Conflicting Provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation & Applicable La.19
Section 10.07. Applicable Law.............................................................19
Section 10.08. Non-Exclusive Provisions...................................................19
TABLE OF DEFINITIONS
Section Term Page
4.01 Additional Committee...........................................................6
10.07 Applicable Law................................................................19
4.02 Additional Committee Charter...................................................6
5.13 Assistant Secretary...........................................................11
5.16 Assistant Treasurer...........................................................12
5.11 Assistant Vice President......................................................10
4.01 Audit Committee................................................................6
4.02 Audit Committee Charter........................................................6
1.02 Board..........................................................................1
1.02 By-Laws........................................................................1
1.01 Certificate....................................................................1
5.05 Chairman.......................................................................9
5.07 Chief Executive Officer........................................................9
5.08 Chief Financial Officer........................................................9
4.01 Committee......................................................................6
4.04 Committee Chairman.............................................................7
4.02 Committee Charter..............................................................6
4.01 Compensation Committee.........................................................6
4.02 Compensation Committee Charter.................................................6
5.15 Controller....................................................................12
1.01 Corporation....................................................................1
6.01 DGCL..........................................................................12
10.02 Electronic Delivery...........................................................19
6.01 Entity........................................................................13
5.01 Executive......................................................................8
5.10 Executive Vice President......................................................10
6.06 Expense Advances..............................................................14
6.01 Expenses......................................................................13
6.01 Final Decision................................................................13
4.01 Governance Committee...........................................................6
4.02 Governance Committee Charter...................................................6
6.01 Indemnification Rights........................................................13
6.01 Indemnitee....................................................................13
6.01 Losses........................................................................13
7.06 Lost Stock Certificate........................................................17
6.09 Payment Claims................................................................15
10.02 Physical Delivery.............................................................19
5.09 President.....................................................................10
6.01 Proceeding....................................................................13
6.01 Proper Conduct................................................................13
6.01 Reimbursement Agreement.......................................................13
6.01 Representative................................................................13
1.02 Restatement Date...............................................................1
5.12 Secretary.....................................................................11
5.10 Senior Vice President.........................................................10
1.06 SPAR Group.....................................................................1
5.14 Treasurer.....................................................................11
5.06 Vice Chairman..................................................................9
5.10 Vice President................................................................10
ARTICLE I.
CERTIFICATE, BY-LAWS,
AGENT AND OFFICES
Section 1.01......Certificate of
Incorporation. SPAR Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as PIA
Merchandising Services, Inc. (the Corporation), was formed pursuant to
a Certificate of Incorporation filed on November 29, 1995, with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware (as the same may have been and hereafter may be supplemented,
modified, amended or restated from time to time in the manner provided therein and under
Applicable Law, the Certificate).
Section 1.02......By-Laws and
Restatement. The Corporation, through the action of its Board of Directors (the
Board), has adopted these amended and restated by-laws for the
Corporation (as the same may be supplemented, modified, amended, restated or replaced from
time to time in the manner provided herein, these By-Laws), dated and
effective as of May 18, 2004 (the Restatement Date). These By-Laws, the
Audit Committee Charter, the Compensation Committee Charter and the Governance Committee
Charter together amend, restate and completely replace all previous by-laws and committee
charters of the Corporation, effective as of the Restatement Date.
Section 1.03......Registered
Agent. The registered agent of the Corporation shall be as set forth in the
Certificate on the Restatement Date and as hereafter may be made, revoked or changed from
time to time by the Corporations in the manner permitted by Applicable Law.
Section 1.04......Registered
Office. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be
located at the office of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware
and may be changed by the Board or registered agent from time to time in the manner
permitted by Applicable Law.
Section 1.05......Chief Executive
Office. The chief executive office of the Corporation shall be located in Westchester
County, New York, or in such other place as may be designated from time to time by the
Board or Chairman.
Section 1.06......Other
Offices. The Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (together with the
Corporation, collectively, the SPAR Group) also may have such other
offices at such other places, within or without the State of Delaware or State of New
York, as from time to time may have been (a) approved by the Board or (b) required by the
business of the SPAR Group and approved by an Executive of the Corporation.
ARTICLE II.
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section 2.01......Annual
Meetings. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for the election
of directors and for the transaction of such other business as properly may come before
such meeting shall be held on such date and at such time and place within or without the
State of Delaware as may be designated by the Board from time to time.
Section 2.02......Special
Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders for any proper purpose or purposes may
be called at any time by the Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman or the Chief Executive
Officer to be held on such date and at such time and place (within or without the State of
Delaware) as the person or persons calling the meeting shall direct. A special meeting of
the stockholders also may be called by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary at the
direction of the Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer. A
special meeting of the stockholders shall be called promptly by the Chairman, the Vice
Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary whenever such officer receives
Physical Delivery of the written request for such a meeting from stockholders owning
one-fourth (25%) of the shares of the Corporation then issued and outstanding and entitled
to vote on matters to be submitted to stockholders at the meeting. Any such written
request by the stockholders shall state a proper purpose or purposes for the meeting, to
which other purposes may be added by the Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman or the
Chief Executive Officer (or by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary at the direction of
any of them) in submitting notice of the special meeting to the stockholders. At any
special meeting, however called, only such business as is related to the purpose or
purposes set forth in the notice to stockholders may be transacted.
Section 2.03......Notice of
Meeting. Written notice of every meeting of stockholders stating the place, date and
hour of the meeting shall be signed by the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief
Executive Officer or the Secretary, or by any other officer authorized to do so by the
Board or these By-Laws. Such notice shall be given, either personally, by Physical
Delivery or (to the extent the recipient has consented specifically thereto as required by
the DGCL) Electronic Delivery, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such
meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the meeting, except as
otherwise provided by Applicable Law. Notice of a special meeting also shall state the
purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called (which may include the election of
directors if so stated) and the person or persons calling the meeting. A notice sent by
Physical Delivery shall be directed to a stockholders address listed in the records
of the Corporation, which may be changed by a written notice to the Secretary of a new
address. Notice need not be given to any stockholder who submits a signed waiver of
notice, in person or by proxy, either before or after the meeting. The attendance of any
stockholder at a meeting, in person or by proxy, without protesting prior to the
conclusion of the meeting the lack of notice of such meeting, shall constitute a waiver of
notice by such stockholder.
Section 2.04......Quorum
and Manner of Participation; Treasury Stock.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate or Applicable Law: the presence
at any meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of record of a majority of
the shares then issued and outstanding and entitled to vote shall be necessary
and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; and a
quorum present at the commencement of a meeting shall not be broken by a
subsequent withdrawal of one or more stockholders. For purposes of the
foregoing, two or more classes or series of stock shall be considered a single
class if the holders thereof are entitled to vote together as a single class at
the meeting.
(b)
Any one or more stockholders may participate in a meeting of the stockholders by
means of a telephone conference or other electronic communication allowing all
persons participating in the meeting to hear each other. Participation by such
means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.
(c)
Shares of the capital stock of the Corporation owned by the Corporation or any
of its direct or indirect subsidiaries shall not be entitled to vote and shall
not be counted for quorum purposes; provided, however, that
the foregoing shall not limit the right of the Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries to vote any of the capital stock of the Corporation held by it in
any fiduciary capacity for any officer, employee or other unrelated person or
the right of the Corporation to count such shares for quorum purposes.
Section
2.05......Adjournments. In the absence of a quorum, the stockholders holding a
majority of the shares entitled to vote and present at the time and place of any meeting,
in person or by proxy, or, if no stockholder entitled to vote is present in person or by
proxy, any officer entitled to preside or act as secretary of such meeting, may adjourn
the meeting from time to time without notice, other than the announcement at the meeting
of the date, time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum is present. However,
if the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new
record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be
given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 2.06......Inspectors.
The Board, in advance of any stockholders meeting, may appoint one or more
inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If inspectors are not so
appointed, the person presiding at a stockholders meeting may, and on the request of
any stockholder entitled to vote thereat shall, appoint one or more inspectors. In case
any person appointed fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made
by the Board in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the person presiding thereat.
Each inspector shall execute faithfully the duties of inspector at such meeting with
strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability, and if requested to do so
before entering upon the discharge of his duties, each inspector shall give or sign an
oath to do so. If inspectors have been designated, the inspectors (or if there are no
inspectors, the secretary of the meeting) shall determine the number of shares outstanding
and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a
quorum and the validity and effect of proxies, and the inspectors shall receive votes,
ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection
with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the
result, and do such other things as are proper to conduct the election or vote with
fairness to all stockholders. On request of the person presiding at the meeting or any
stockholder entitled to vote thereat, the inspectors shall make a report in writing of any
challenge, question or matter determined by them and execute a certificate of any fact
found by them. Any report or certificate made by them shall be prima facie
evidence of the facts stated and of the vote as certified by them.
Section 2.07......Voting.
Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate or Applicable Law: (a) each stockholder
shall be entitled to one vote for each share of the Corporations stock entitled to
vote on the matter registered in his name on the books of the Corporation on the
applicable record date, as determined in accordance with Section 7.01 of these By-Laws;
and (b) at any meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present, (i) directors shall
be chosen by a plurality of the votes cast, (ii) directors may be removed by the votes of
a majority of the shares then entitled to vote for directors, and (iii) all other
questions brought before the stockholders shall be determined by a majority of the votes
cast. For purposes of the foregoing, two or more classes or series of stock shall be
considered a single class if the holders thereof are entitled to vote together as a single
class at the meeting.
Section 2.08......Proxies.
(a)
Any stockholder entitled to vote may vote by proxy, provided that
the instrument authorizing such proxy to act is dated and has been signed by the
stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney, officer, director, employee or
agent, who may affix such signature by any reasonable means (including
facsimile). A proxy need not be sealed, witnessed or acknowledged. A proxy shall
expire six months after it is created unless it is coupled with an interest or
it expressly provides for a longer period (which in any event may not exceed
seven years from the date of its creation). A proxy shall be presumed to be
revocable unless it expressly provides otherwise. Proxies may be delivered to
the Secretary before the meeting begins or to the secretary of the meeting or
the inspectors of election at the meeting.
(b)
A duly executed proxy may be made irrevocable by an express statement to that
effect if, and only so long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient under
Applicable Law to support an irrevocable power. A proxy may be made irrevocable
regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled is an interest in
the stock itself or an interest in the Corporation generally.
(c)
A stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for him as proxy by
transmitting, or authorizing the transmission of, an email, fax, tested telex,
cable, telegram or other reliable electronic transmission (i) to the person who
will be the holder of the proxy, or (ii) to a firm that solicits proxies or
similar agent who is authorized by the person who will be the holder of the
proxy to receive the transmission. Any such email, fax, tested telex, cable,
telegram or other reliable electronic transmission must either set forth or be
submitted with information from which it can be determined that such email, fax,
tested telex, cable, telegram or other reliable electronic transmission was
authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that the email, fax, tested
telex, cable, telegram or other reliable electronic transmission is valid, the
persons appointed by the Corporation to count the votes of stockholders and
determine the validity of proxies and ballots or other persons making those
determinations must specify the information upon which they relied.
Section 2.09......Action by
Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders may
be taken without any meeting, vote or notice if authorized (whether before or after such
action) in a written consent or consents signed by those stockholders entitled to vote on
such action having sufficient shares to have authorized it in a duly convened meeting at
which all stockholders entitled to vote were present and voted. Notice of any action so
authorized shall be given promptly to any stockholder not signing any such consent, but
failure to give that notice shall not affect the validity of the consent. Written consents
of the stockholders shall be filed with the minutes of the Corporation.
Section 2.10......List of
Shareholders. At least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, the officer in
charge of the Corporations stock ledger shall prepare and make, or cause to be
prepared and made, a complete list of all of the stockholders of the Corporation entitled
to vote at the meeting, which list shall be arranged in alphabetical order and show each
stockholders address and the number of shares registered in the name of each
stockholder; provided, however, that if there have been no changes in
the stockholders of record since the last list was prepared, a new list need not be
prepared. This list shall be opened to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose
germane to the meeting, and shall be made available by the Corporation during normal
business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either at the
place where the meeting is to be held or any other place designated within the city where
the meeting is to be held that may have been designated in the notice to stockholders.
This list also shall be produced and made available throughout the meeting of stockholders
and may be inspected by any stockholder present. No such list need be prepared if the
actions to be taken at an annual meeting instead are approved by the written consent of
the stockholders.
Section 2.11......Stockholder
Proposals and Nominations. If and for so long as any shares of capital stock issued by
the Corporation are listed for trading on any securities exchange or registered under
Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the following provisions
shall apply:
(a)
At an Annual Meeting, only such business shall be conducted, only such nominees
for director shall be considered, and only such proposals shall be acted upon,
as shall have been brought before the Annual Meeting: (i) by any stockholder of
the Corporation (acting in his or her capacity as stockholder) who complies with
the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.11 of these By-Laws; or (ii)
by, or at the direction of, the Board.
(b)
For any business, nominee or proposal to be properly brought before an Annual
Meeting by a stockholder (acting in his or her capacity as stockholder), such
stockholder must have given timely written notice thereof by Physical Delivery
to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholders notice
must be delivered to, or received at, the principal executive offices of the
Corporation not less than 120 calendar days in advance of the date of the
Corporations proxy statement released to stockholders in connection with
the previous years annual meeting of stockholders except that if no annual
meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been
changed by more than thirty (30) calendar days from the date contemplated at the
time of the previous years proxy statement, a proposal shall be received
by the Corporation a reasonable time before the solicitation is made.
(c)
A stockholders notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter
the stockholder proposes to bring before the Annual Meeting (i) a brief
description of the business, nominee or proposal desired to be brought before
the Annual Meeting and the reasons for considering the same at the Annual
Meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporations
books, of the stockholder proposing such business and any other stockholders
known by such stockholder to be supporting such proposal, (iii) the class and
number of shares of the Corporations stock which are beneficially owned by
the stockholder on the date of such stockholder notice and by any other
stockholders known by such stockholder to be supporting such proposal on the
date of such stockholder notice, and (iv) any financial interest of such
stockholder (or any affiliate or family member of such stockholder), whether
current or at any time within the past three years, in such business, nominee or
proposal. In addition, if the notice is a nomination of a candidate for
director, the stockholders notice also must contain (A) the proposed
nominees name and qualifications, including five year employment history
with employer names and a description of the employers business, whether
such individual can read and understand basic financial statements, and board
memberships (if any), (B) the reason for such recommendation, (C) the number of
shares of stock of the Corporation that are beneficially owned by such nominee,
(D) a description of any business or other relationship, whether current or at
any time within the past three years, between such nominee (or any affiliate or
family member of such nominee) and either the Company, any of its directors or
officers, its auditor, or any of its customers or vendors, and (E) a description
of any financial or other relationship, whether current or at any time within
the past three years, between the stockholder (or any affiliate or family member
of such stockholder) and such nominee (or any affiliate or family member of such
nominee).
(d)
If the Governance Committee determines in advance of the Annual Meeting, or if
it has not passed on the proposal, if the presiding officer of the Annual
Meeting determines at the Annual Meeting, that a stockholder proposal was not
made in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.11, such officer shall so
declare at the Annual Meeting and any such proposal shall not be acted upon at
the Annual Meeting.
(e)
This Section 2.11 shall not prevent the consideration and approval or
disapproval at the Annual Meeting of reports of officers, Directors and
Committees of the Board or any other matter that comes before the meeting with
the consent of the Board, but, in connection with any such report on a
stockholders proposal, no business shall be acted upon at such Annual
Meeting unless stated, filed and received as herein provided.
Section 3.01......Number. The
number of directors that shall constitute the whole Board shall be fixed from time to time
by resolution of the Board or stockholders (any such resolution of either the Board or
stockholders being subject to any later resolution of either of them), but in no event
shall the number of directors be less than one or more than fifteen.
Section 3.02......Power. To
the extent not inconsistent with the Certificate, these By-Laws or Applicable Law, the
Board may adopt such policies, rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings, the
exercise of its powers and the management of the business of the Corporation as it may
deem necessary or desirable. In addition, the Board may exercise all powers of the
Corporation and carry out all lawful acts not required to be exercised or done by the
stockholders under the Certificate, these By-Laws or Applicable Law.
Section 3.03......Term of
Office. Each director (whether elected at an annual meeting, to fill a vacancy or
otherwise) shall continue in office until his successor shall have been duly elected and
qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal in the manner provided in
these By-Laws or Applicable Law.
Section 3.04......Vacancies and
Additional Directorships. If any vacancy shall occur among the directors by reason of
death, resignation, or removal, with or without cause, or as the result of an increase in
the number of directors, the directors then in office shall continue to act and may fill
any such vacancy by a vote of the majority of directors then in office (including any
director resigning as of a future date), though less than a quorum, or by the sole
remaining director, or any such vacancy may be filled by a vote of the stockholders.
Section
3.05......Meetings.
(a)
A meeting of the Board shall be held for organization and for the transaction of
such other business as may properly come before the meeting, within thirty (30)
days after each annual election of directors.
(b)
The Board by resolution may provide for the holding of regular meetings and may
fix the time and place at which such meetings may be held, which may be within
or without the State of Delaware. Notice of regular or scheduled meetings shall
not be required to be given, provided that, whenever the time or
place of regular or scheduled meetings shall be first fixed or later changed,
notice of such action shall be sent to each director who was not present at the
meeting at which such action was taken at his residence or usual place of
business by (i) Electronic Delivery not later than two (2) days before the day
on which the new or changed meeting is to be held or (ii) Physical Delivery not
later than five (5) days before the day on which the new or changed meeting is
to be held.
(c)
Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chief Executive Officer or
any director. Except as otherwise required by Applicable Law, notice of each
special meeting shall be sent to each director at his residence or usual place
of business by (i) Electronic Delivery not later than two (2) days before the
day on which the meeting is to be held or (ii) Physical Delivery not later than
five (5) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held. That notice
shall state the place (which may be within or without the State of Delaware),
date and time of such meeting, but need not state the purposes for the meeting
unless otherwise required by the Certificate, these By-Laws or Applicable Law.
(d)
Notice of any meeting need not be given to any director who attends such meeting
in person without protesting the lack of notice or who shall waive notice
thereof, before, at or after such meeting, by email, fax, tested telex, cable,
telegram or other reliable electronic transmission or other writing.
Section 3.06......Quorum,
Manner of Participation and Voting.
(a)
At each meeting of the Board the presence of a majority of its members then in
office (but not less than one-third of the entire board) shall be necessary and
sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the
absence of a quorum, a majority of those present at the time and place of any
meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be
present and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice or
waiver.
(b)
Any one or more members of the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board
by means of a telephone conference or other electronic communication allowing
all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other. Participation by
such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate or Applicable Law, each director
shall be entitled to one vote, and all questions brought before the directors
shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast at any meeting at which a
quorum is present.
Section 3.07......Action by
Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be
taken without a meeting if all members of the Board consent in writing to the action.
Written consents by the Board shall be filed with the minutes of the Board.
Section 3.08......Resignation of
Directors. Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice of such
resignation to the Board (in care of the Corporation) and to the Chief Executive Officer,
the Secretary or any other Executive. Any such resignation shall take effect on the date
specified in such notice, or if no effective date is specified, upon receipt and
acceptance thereof by the Board or any such officer.
Section 3.09......Removal of
Directors. Any director or directors may be removed from office, either with or
without cause, with the approval of stockholders required by Section 2.07 hereof at any
special meeting of the stockholders, duly held as provided in these By-Laws, or by their
written consent as provided in these By-Laws. At such a meeting or in such consent a
successor or successors may be elected by a plurality of the votes cast or represented, or
if any such vacancy is not so filled, it may be filled by the directors as provided in
Section 3.04 hereof.
Section 3.10......Compensation of
Directors. Directors shall receive such reasonable compensation for their services as
directors, whether in the form of salary or a fixed fee for attendance at meetings, with
reimbursement of expenses, if any, as the Board from time to time may determine. Except as
otherwise provided in these By-Laws, any Committee Charter or Applicable Law, any director
may serve the Corporation in any other capacity and receive compensation for that service.
ARTICLE IV.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Section 4.01......Standing
Committees, Designation of Additional Committees, Etc. The Board shall have standing
committees for audit matters (the Audit Committee), compensation
matters (the Compensation Committee) and governance matters (the
Governance Committee), and from time to time may have such other
committees as the Board, in any meeting duly held or action duly taken as provided in
these By-Laws, may create (each an Additional Committee, and together
with the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance Committee, each a
Committee).
Section 4.02......Committee
Charters, Powers, Etc. (a) Contemporaneously with the adoption of these By-Laws, the
Board has adopted (i) the Amended and Restated Charter of the Audit Committee of the Board
of Directors of SPAR Group, Inc., Dated (as of) May 18, 2004 (as the same may be
supplemented, modified, amended, restated or replaced from time to time in the manner
provided therein, the Audit Committee Charter), (ii) the Charter of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of SPAR Group, Inc., Dated (as of) May
18, 2004 (as the same may be supplemented, modified, amended, restated or replaced from
time to time in the manner provided therein, the Compensation Committee
Charter), and (iii) the Charter of the Governance Committee of the Board of
Directors of SPAR Group, Inc., Dated (as of) May 18, 2004 (as the same may be
supplemented, modified, amended, restated or replaced from time to time in the manner
provided therein, the Governance Committee Charter). The Audit
Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance Committee shall have the duties, power
and authority respectively granted to them in the Audit Committee Charter, Compensation
Committee Charter and Governance Committee Charter.
(b)
Each Additional Committee shall have the duties, power and authority provided in
the resolution or action creating such Committee or any charter adopted for such
Committee by the Board (such resolution, action or charter, as adopted, and as
the same may be supplemented, modified, amended, restated or replaced from time
to time in the manner provided herein for these By-Laws, will each be referred
to as an Additional Committee Charter).
(c)
Each Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Governance
Committee Charter and Additional Committee Charter (each a Committee
Charter), except to the extent specifically provided otherwise
therein, shall by governed by and construed and amended in accordance with these
By-Laws as if such Committee Charter were part of these By-Laws.
(d)
In addition, except as otherwise provided by the Certificate, these By-Laws, the
applicable Committee Charter or Applicable Law, each Committee in the exercise
and performance of its specific duties, power and authority shall have and may
exercise any and all duties, power and authority of the Board reasonably
incidental thereto and may make rules for the conduct of its own business.
Section 4.03......Appointment and
Term. Except as otherwise provided in any applicable Committee Charter, each Committee
shall consist of one or more directors, and any advisory Committee also may have one or
more non-directors as members. Each member shall serve a term of office of one year,
unless otherwise fixed from time to time by the Board, subject to earlier termination and
removal as provided in this Section, or until his or her successor shall be duly elected
and qualified. The Board, in any meeting duly held or action duly taken as provided in
these By-Laws, at any time may (a) appoint a person to be a member of any Committee, and
(b) remove any Committee member, either with or without cause. Any Committee member who
ceases to be a member of the Board automatically shall simultaneously cease to be a member
of each applicable Committee. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate
members of any Committee, who, in the order specified by the Board, may replace any absent
or disqualified member or members at any meeting of the Committee.
Section 4.04......Committee
Chairman. The Board, in any meeting duly held or action duly taken as provided in
these By-Laws, at any time may (a) appoint a chairman of any Committee (each a
Committee Chairman) from among the Committees members who also
are directors of the Corporation, and (b) remove any Committee Chairman, either with or
without cause, and whether appointed by the Board or the Committee. If the Board has not
appointed a Committee Chairman, the members of a Committee may designate its Committee
Chairman by majority vote of the full Committee membership. Any Committee Chairman who
ceases to be a member of the Board or Audit Committee automatically shall simultaneously
cease to be Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Section 4.05......Meetings,
Notices and Records. (a) Each Committee may provide for the holding of regular
meetings and may fix the time and place at which such meetings may be held. Notice of
regular or scheduled meetings shall not be required to be given, provided
that whenever the time or place of regular or scheduled meeting shall be first
fixed or later changed, notice of such action shall be sent to each Committee member who
was not present at the meeting at which such action was taken at his residence or usual
place of business by (i) Electronic Delivery not later than one (1) day before the day on
which the new or changed meeting is to be held or (ii) Physical Delivery not later than
two (2) days before the day on which the new or changed meeting is to be held.
(b)
Special meetings of each Committee shall be held upon call by or at the
direction of its chairman, or by or at the direction of any of its members, any
other director or the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, at the
time and place specified in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof.
Notice of each special meeting of a Committee shall be mailed to each member of
such Committee, the other members of the Board, the Chairman, the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, in each case to
such person at his residence or usual place of business by (i) Electronic
Delivery not later than one (1) day before the day on which the meeting is to be
held or (ii) Physical Delivery not later than two (2) days before the day on
which the meeting is to be held. That notice shall state the place (which may be
within or without the State of Delaware), date and time of such meeting, but
need not state the purpose(s) for the meeting unless otherwise required by the
Certificate, these By-Laws or Applicable Law.
(c)
Notice of any meeting of a Committee need not be given to any Committee member
who shall attend the meeting in person or who shall waive notice thereof by
email, fax, tested telex, cable, telegram or other reliable electronic
transmission or other writing. Notice of any adjourned meeting need not be
given.
(d)
The notice of a meeting may provide, or the Committee may request, that members
of the Corporations senior management or others attend a meeting of the
Committee and provide pertinent information as may be necessary or desirable and
readily available.
Section 4.06......Quorum,
Manner of Participation and Voting.
(a)
At each meeting of any Committee the presence of a majority, but not less than
two, of its members then in office shall be necessary and sufficient to
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum,
a majority of the members present at the time and place of any meeting may
adjourn the meeting from time to time and until a quorum shall be present.
(b)
Any one or more members and guests of any Committee may participate in a meeting
of the Committee by means of a telephone conference or other electronic
communication equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to
hear each other. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person
at a meeting.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate or Applicable Law, each member
of a Committee shall be entitled to one vote, and all questions brought before
the Committee shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast at any meeting
at which a quorum is present.
(d)
Each Committee shall maintain minutes or other records of its meetings and
activities, which shall be maintained with the minutes of the Board, and shall
report the same to the Board as and when requested.
Section 4.07......Action by
Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by any Committee may be
taken without a meeting if all members of the Committee consent in writing to the action
(whether before or after such action). Written consents by the members of a Committee
shall be filed with the minutes of the Board.
Section
4.08......Resignations. Any member of a Committee may resign at any time by giving
written notice of such resignation to the Board, the Chairman, the Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Secretary (or any Assistant Secretary). Any
such resignation shall take effect on the date specified in such notice, or if no
effective date is specified, upon receipt and acceptance thereof by such person(s).
Resignation from a Committee shall not constitute resignation as a director, but
resignation as a director shall be deemed to be a simultaneous resignation from all
Committees.
Section 4.09......Removal. The
Board, in any meeting duly held or action duly taken as provided in these By-Laws, at any
time may remove any member from any Committee, either with or without cause, and may
appoint the successor Committee member(s). If any vacancy created by such removal is not
so filled, it may be filled later at any time by the Board.
Section 4.10......Vacancies.
If any vacancy shall occur in any Committee by reason of death, resignation,
disqualification, removal or otherwise, the remaining members of such Committee, though
less than a quorum, shall continue to act until such vacancy is filled by the Board. The
Board may appoint a successor to fill any such vacancy in any meeting duly held or action
duly taken as provided in these By-Laws.
Section
4.11......Compensation. Committee members shall receive such reasonable
compensation for their services as Committee members, whether in the form of salary or a
fixed fee for attendance at meetings, with reimbursement of expenses, if any, as the Board
from time to time may determine in its discretion. Nothing contained in these By-Laws,
however, shall be construed to preclude any Committee member from serving the Corporation
in any other capacity and receiving compensation for that service.
Section 5.01......Positions,
Election, Executives, Etc. The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a
Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, a
President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Controller, who shall each be elected or
appointed by the Board, and such other officers (including, without limitation, one or
more Senior Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice
Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, and Assistant Treasurers) as from time to time may be
elected by the Board or appointed by the Executive or other officer(s) authorized to make
such appointments by the Board or these By-Laws. Any two or more offices may be held by
the same person, and any officer also may serve as a director of the Corporation. However,
no officer other than the Chairman or Vice Chairman must be a director of the Corporation.
The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President,
Secretary, Treasurer, Controller (if so designated by the Board) and each other person
designated as an executive officer by the Board or appropriate Committee shall be an
executive officer of the Corporation (each an Executive).
Section 5.02......Term of Office,
Resignation and Removal. Each Executive or other officer serves at the discretion of
the Board. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of such resignation
to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary. Any
such resignation shall take effect on the date specified in such notice, or if no
effective date is specified, receipt thereof by the Board or any such officer. Each
officer may be removed at any time by the Board, either with or without cause. Any officer
of a class who may be appointed by another officer (irrespective of whether actually
appointed by the Board or another officer) also may be removed, either with or without
cause, by the Chief Executive Officer or by any officer senior to such officer.
Section 5.03......Vacancies. A
vacancy in an office by reason of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or
otherwise shall be filled in the manner prescribed by these By-Laws for regular election
or appointment to such office. In the event of the temporary absence of any officer of the
Corporation, the Board or (with respect to more junior officers) the Chief Executive
Officer or the Vice Chairman may confer for the duration of such absence the absent
officers powers and duties, in whole or in part, on such other person(s) as they may
specify.
Section 5.04......General
Authority, Etc. Each Executive (a) shall have the power and authority to sign
contracts, deeds, notes and other instruments and documents in the name of the Corporation
and on behalf of the Corporation (subject to the limitations imposed by these By-Laws, the
Certificate or Applicable Law and any applicable resolutions of or approvals required from
the Board), (b) shall have the power to employ and discharge more junior officers,
employees and agents of the Corporation (except those persons who hold their positions
through appointment by the Board), (c) may exercise such powers and perform such duties as
may be delegated or assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board or any senior
Executive or as may be provided by these By-Laws, the Certificate or Applicable Law, and
(d) may in good faith delegate his or her powers to other Executives, officers, employees
and agents under the direct or indirect supervision of such Executive. Each other officer
of the Corporation (i) to the extent authorized by the Board or a more senior Executive,
shall have the power to sign contracts, deeds, notes and other instruments and documents
in the name and on behalf of the Corporation (subject to the limitations imposed by these
By-Laws, the Certificate or Applicable Law and any applicable resolutions of or approvals
required from the Board), and (ii) may exercise such powers and perform such duties as may
be delegated or assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board or any senior
Executive or as may be provided by these By-Laws, the Certificate or Applicable Law. In
addition, each Executive or other officer of the Corporation shall have the authority,
relative seniority and duties specifically conferred in the officers election or
appointment and by these By-Laws, together with the powers and duties reasonably
incidental thereto, subject, however, to any limitations contained in such election or
appointment, the Certificate, these By-Laws or Applicable Law.
Section 5.05......The
Chairman. The Chairman of the Board (the Chairman) shall be a
member of the Board and shall preside at its meetings and at all meetings of stockholders.
If there shall be no Chairman, the Vice Chairman (or if such office is vacant, the Chief
Executive Officer, or if such office is vacant, the Chief Financial Officer, or if there
is no Chief Financial Officer, the most senior President or Vice President) shall act as
Chairman until a successor is duly elected, with such powers and duties as may have been
held by the former Chairman.
Section 5.06......The Vice
Chairman. The Vice Chairman of the Board (the Vice Chairman)
shall be a member of the Board and in the absence of the Chairman shall preside at its
meetings and at all meetings of stockholders.
Section 5.07......The Chief
Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation (the Chief
Executive Officer) shall, subject to the direction and under the supervision of
the Board, the Chairman and the Vice Chairman, be the chief executive officer of the
Corporation and be responsible for the general and active management of the business of
the Corporation and supervision and direction over the other junior officers, employees
and agents of the Corporation. The Chairman (or if such office is vacant, the Vice
Chairman) also shall hold the position of Chief Executive Officer unless another
individual is specifically elected or appointed by the Board to be the Chief Executive
Officer. If there shall be no Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman (or if such office is
vacant, the Vice Chairman, or if such office is vacant, the Chief Financial Officer, or if
there is no Chief Financial Officer, the most senior President or Vice President) shall
act as Chief Executive Officer until a successor is duly elected, with such powers and
duties as may have been held by the former Chief Executive Officer.
Section 5.08......The Chief
Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation (the Chief
Financial Officer) shall, subject to the direction and under the supervision of
the Board, the Chairman and the Vice Chairman, be the chief financial officer of the
Corporation and be responsible for the financial books and records of the Corporation and
supervision and direction over the Controller (if any) and other financial (including,
without limitation, payroll, benefits and accounting) officers, employees and agents of
the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer also shall hold the position of Treasurer
unless another individual is specifically selected to be the Treasurer. Except to the
extent that the Board may delegate any of the following duties or responsibilities
exclusively to the Treasurer or Controller, the Chief Financial Officer shall:
| (a) |
have charge of and supervision over and be responsible for the funds,
securities, receipts and disbursements of the Corporation; |
| (b) |
cause the moneys and other valuable effects of the Corporation to be deposited
in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such banks or trust
companies or with such bankers or other depositaries as shall be selected in
accordance with these By-Laws or to be otherwise handled in such manner as the
Board may direct; |
| (c) |
be empowered to endorse all commercial documents requiring endorsements for or
on behalf of the Corporation and sign all receipts and vouchers for payments
made to the Corporation; |
| (d) |
be empowered to cause the funds of the Corporation to be disbursed by checks or
drafts upon the authorized depositaries of the Corporation, and cause to be
taken and preserved proper vouchers for all moneys disbursed; |
| (e) |
render to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Vice Chairman, whenever
requested, a statement of the financial condition of the Corporation and of all
his transactions as Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer or Controller (as
applicable); |
| (f) |
cause to be kept at the Corporations principal office correct books of
account of all its business and transactions and such duplicate books of account
as he shall determine, and upon request cause such books or duplicates thereof
to be exhibited to any director; |
| (g) |
see that the financial reports, statements, certificates and similar documents
and records required by Applicable Law (including, without limitation, those
required under applicable securities laws) are properly prepared and filed; |
| (h) |
be empowered to require from the officers or agents of the Corporation reports
or statements from time to time giving such information as he may desire with
respect to any and all financial transactions of the Corporation; |
| (i) |
be empowered to sign (unless the Treasurer, Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
or an Assistant Treasurer shall sign) certificates representing stock of the
Corporation, the issuance of which shall have been duly authorized (the
signature to which may be a facsimile signature); and |
| (j) |
in general, exercise the powers and perform all duties incident to the office of
Chief Financial Officer. |
During the absence or disability of
the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer (or if such office is vacant, the Controller or
Assistant Treasurer, or if there are more than one, the one so designated by the Board,
the Chief Executive Officer or the Treasurer), may exercise all of the powers and shall
perform all of the duties of the Chief Financial Officer.
Section 5.09. The President.
The President of the Corporation (the President) shall, subject to the
direction and under the supervision of the Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the
Chief Executive Officer, be the chief operating officer of the Corporation and be
responsible for the general and active operation of the business of the Corporation and
supervision and direction over the other junior officers, employees and agents of the
Corporation. The Chairman (or if such office is vacant, the Vice Chairman) also shall hold
the position of President unless another individual is specifically selected to be
President.
Section 5.10. Senior, Executive
and other Vice Presidents. The Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief
Executive Officer or the President from time to time may appoint one or more persons to be
one or more Senior Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents and other Vice Presidents of
the Corporation, and the Chief Financial Officer from time to time may appoint one or more
persons to be one or more financial Vice Presidents of the Corporation, with such titles
and relative seniority, authority and duties as may be specified (each a Vice
President). If the appointment of any Vice President does not specifically make
him or her an executive officer of the Corporation, such person shall not be considered
(or deemed or construed to be) an Executive unless and until the Board or appropriate
Committee determines otherwise.
Section 5.11. Assistant or other
Vice Presidents. The Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice Chairman or (in the
case of financial officers only) the Chief Financial Officer from time to time may select
one or more persons to be Assistant Vice Presidents of the Corporation, or Vice Presidents
whose titles include divisional, functional or other designations (such as Vice
President-Sales, etc.), with such titles and relative seniority, authority and duties as
may be specified (each an Assistant Vice President). An Assistant Vice
President shall not be considered (or deemed or construed to be) an Executive unless and
until the Board or appropriate Committee determines otherwise.
Section 5.12. The Secretary.
The Secretary of the Corporation (the Secretary) shall, subject to the
direction and under the supervision of the Board, the Chairman and the Vice Chairman, be
the secretary of the Corporation and be responsible for the corporate (but not financial)
books and records of the Corporation and supervision and direction over those in his or
her charge. The Secretary shall:
| (a) |
record all the proceedings of the meetings of the stockholders, the Board and
any Committees in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; |
| (b) |
cause all notice to be duly given in accordance with the provisions of these
By-Laws and as required by Applicable Law; |
| (c) |
whenever any Committee shall be appointed in pursuance of a resolution of the
Board, furnish the chairman of such Committee with a copy of such resolution; |
| (d) |
be custodian of the records and of the seal of the Corporation, cause such seal
to be affixed to all certificates representing stock of the Corporation prior to
the issuance thereof, and from time to time to cause such seal to be affixed to
all such duly authorized instruments, agreements and other documents as may be
necessary or desirable; |
| (e) |
see that the lists, books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents
and records required by Applicable Law are properly kept and filed (other than
those for which the Chief Financial Officer is responsible); |
| (f) |
have authority over of the stock and transfer books of the Corporation, and at
all reasonable times shall cause such stock books (or if maintained by a
transfer agent, shall cause the transfer agent to produce such stockholder
lists) to such persons as are entitled by statute to have access thereto; |
| (g) |
be empowered to sign (unless the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or an
Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer shall sign) certificates
representing stock of the Corporation, the issuance of which shall have been
duly authorized (the signature to which may be a facsimile signature); and |
| (h) |
in general, exercise the powers and perform all duties incident to the office of
the Secretary and such other duties as are given to the Secretary by these
By-Laws or as from time to time may be assigned to the Secretary by the Board or
the Chief Executive Officer. |
During the absence or disability of
the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, or if there is more than one, the one so
designated by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice Chairman or the Secretary,
may exercise all of the powers and shall perform all of the duties of the Secretary.
Section 5.13. Assistant
Secretaries. The Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary from time to
time, in writing or by resolution, may select one or more persons to be Assistant
Secretaries of the Corporation, with titles and such relative seniority, authority and
duties as may be specified (each an Assistant Secretary). The Board,
the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary from time to time, in writing or by
resolution, may delegate or assign any or all of the powers and duties of the Secretary,
and to the extent so delegated or assigned, those officers (in such capacities) shall
carry with them the corresponding powers and duties of the Secretary. An Assistant
Secretary shall not be considered (or deemed or construed to be) an Executive unless and
until the Board or appropriate Committee determines otherwise.
Section 5.14. The Treasurer.
The Treasurer of the Corporation (the Treasurer) shall, subject to the
direction and under the supervision of the Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the
Chief Financial Officer, be the treasurer of the Corporation and be responsible for the
supervision and direction over those in his or her charge. Except to the extent that the
Board, the Chairman or the Vice Chairman may delegate any of the following duties or
responsibilities exclusively to the Chief Financial Officer or Controller, the Treasurer
shall:
| (a) |
cause the moneys and other valuable effects of the Corporation to be deposited
in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such banks or trust
companies or with such bankers or other depositaries as shall be selected in
accordance with these By-Laws or to be otherwise handled in such manner as the
Board may direct; |
| (b) |
be empowered to endorse all commercial documents requiring endorsements for or
on behalf of the Corporation and sign all receipts and vouchers for payments
made to the Corporation; |
| (c) |
be empowered to cause the funds of the Corporation to be disbursed by checks or
drafts upon the authorized depositaries of the Corporation, and cause to be
taken and preserved proper vouchers for all moneys disbursed; |
| (d) |
render to he Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive
Officer, the President or the Chief Financial Officer, whenever requested, a
statement of all his transactions as Treasurer; |
| (e) |
cause to be kept at the Corporations principal office correct books of
account of all its business and transactions and such duplicate books of account
as he shall determine, and upon request cause such books or duplicates thereof
to be exhibited to any director; |
| (f) |
be empowered to sign (unless the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or an
Assistant Treasurer shall sign) certificates representing stock of the
Corporation, the issuance of which shall have been duly authorized (the
signature to which may be a facsimile signature); and |
| (g) |
in general, exercise the powers and perform all duties incident to the office of
Treasurer and such other duties as are given to the Treasurer by these By-Laws
or as from time to time may be assigned to the Treasurer by he Board, the
Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the
Chief Financial Officer. |
During the absence or disability of
the Treasurer, the Chief Financial Officer (or if such office is vacant, the Controller or
Assistant Treasurer, or if there are more than one, the one so designated by the Board,
the Chief Executive Officer or the Treasurer), may exercise all of the powers and shall
perform all of the duties of the Treasurer.
Section 5.15. The Controller.
The Controller of the Corporation (the Controller) shall, subject to
the direction and under the supervision of the Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and
the Chief Financial Officer, be the Controller of the Corporation and be responsible for
the supervision and direction over those in his or her charge.
Section 5.16. Assistant
Treasurers. The Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer,
the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer from time to time may appoint one or more
persons to be Assistant Treasurers of the Corporation, with such titles and relative
seniority, authority and duties as may be specified (each an Assistant
Treasurer). The Board, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer from time to time may delegate or
assign to such persons any or all of the powers and duties of the Chief Financial Officer
or Treasurer that may be delegated by them, and to the extent so delegated or assigned,
those officers (in such capacities) shall carry with them the corresponding powers and
duties so delegated. An Assistant Treasurer shall not be considered (or deemed or
construed to be) an Executive unless and until the Board or appropriate Committee
determines otherwise.
Section 5.17. Compensation of
Officers. Officers shall receive such reasonable compensation for their services as
officers, whether in the form of a salary or otherwise, as may be determined from time to
time by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, but this power may be delegated by the
Board or the Chief Executive Officer to any officer with respect to any other officer
under the supervision of or otherwise junior to such person.
Section 5.18. Surety Bonds. No
Executive, other officer, employee or agent of the Corporation shall be required to
provide to the Corporation any bond other form of credit support from any surety
respecting the faithful discharge of his or her duties, including (without limitation)
respecting any negligence or the accounting for any property, funds or securities of the
Corporation that may come into his or her hands, except in each
case as and to the extent the Board or an appropriate Committee may from time to
time specifically require such a bond or other credit support.
ARTICLE VI.
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 6.01. Certain Defined Terms.
(a)
DGCL shall mean the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, as the same currently exists and from time to time hereafter may be
amended or restated, and any succeeding statute, but in the case of any such
amendment or succeeding statute, only to the extent that it permits the
Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted
the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment.
(b)
Entity shall mean any association, business trust, company,
corporation, employee benefit plan, estate, governmental authority, group
(including, without limitation, one under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), joint venture, limited liability company,
partnership, syndicate, trust or other entity or enterprise.
(c)
Expenses shall mean the reasonable fees, disbursements and
expenses of attorneys and other necessary professionals representing the
Indemnitee in any Proceeding, provided that such attorneys and
professionals are permitted under Section 6.04 hereof and have been approved in
advance by the Corporation, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed by the Corporation; and provided further that to
the extent covered by insurance, the selection of such attorneys and other
professionals shall be made in accordance with the applicable policies. Expenses
shall not include any amounts attributable to services performed prior to the
Corporations receipt of the Indemnittees written request for such
approval unless the Board in its discretion consents otherwise.
(d)
Final Decision shall mean with respect to a particular issue
any (i) final decision of such issue pursuant to Applicable Law of a court,
other governmental official or arbitrator having proper substantive and personal
jurisdiction and venue from which there is no further right to appeal, or (ii)
final settlement of such issue in a written settlement agreement approved by the
Board, as the case may be. A Proceeding may involve more than one issue, and
whether the Indemnitee has met the applicable standards of Proper Conduct shall
be deemed to be a separate issue from the existence or amount of any Losses or
Expenses.
(e)
Indemnitee shall mean (i) any person who is or was a director
of the Corporation or an Executive of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries
(meaning any officer so designated in these By-Laws or in such officers
appointment), (ii) any person who is serving or served as a director or
executive officer of an affiliate of the Corporation at the request of the
Corporation, or (iii) any other officer or Representative of the Corporation or
any subsidiary designated in writing from time to time by the Board or by
agreement with the Corporation as being entitled to Indemnification Rights,
whether serving in such capacity or serving at the request of the Corporation as
a Representative of (A) any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the
Corporation or (B) any other Entity.
(f)
Indemnification Rights shall mean the rights of each
Indemnitee to be defended, to be indemnified, reimbursed and held harmless from
and against Losses and Expenses, and to receive advances of Expenses, in
each case as, to the extent and under the circumstances
specifically provided in this Article.
(g)
Losses shall mean any and all losses, damages, liabilities,
payments, settlements, judgments, awards, fines, penalties, fees, charges or
costs, in each case to the extent determined in a Final
Decision, but excluding any and all Expenses.
(h)
Proceeding shall mean any action, suit, arbitration,
mediation, investigation or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, whether pending, threatened or otherwise.
(i)
Proper Conduct shall mean any action or conduct of the
Indemnitee if all of the following are true with respect thereto: (i) the
Indemnitee acted in good faith, (ii) the Indemnitee acted in a manner the
Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates, (iii) with respect to any
criminal Proceeding, the Indemnitee had no reasonable cause to believe such
action or conduct was unlawful, and (iv) such action or conduct does otherwise
disqualify the Indemnitee from receiving indemnification under the DGCL.
(j)
Reimbursement Agreement shall mean an unconditional agreement
or other undertaking in favor of the Corporation from an Indemnitee to promptly
repay the Expense Advances if, when and to the extent determined in a Final
Decision that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such
Expenses under this Article or otherwise.
(k)
Representative shall mean any shareholder, partner, equity
holder, member, director, officer, manager, employee, consultant, agent,
accountant, advisor or other representative of the referenced person.
Section 6.02. Persons
Indemnified. The Indemnification Rights granted under this Article apply to each
Indemnitee who was or is made a party or who is threatened to be made a party to or who is
otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of the Indemnitees position with the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or with any other Entity (including, without
limitation, any affiliate of the Corporation) at the request of the Corporation, in
each case irrespective of whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged
action in any such official capacity, in any other capacity while serving in any such
official capacity or otherwise.
Section 6.03. Notice of
Proceeding. If any Proceeding is commenced, asserted or overtly threatened against an
Indemnitee in respect of which a claim or demand may be sought against the Corporation
under this Article, the Indemnitee shall give written notice thereof to the Corporation as
promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter; provided, however,
that an Indemnitees failure to give such notice shall not relieve or
otherwise affect the Indemnification Rights of such Indemnitee except to the extent the
Corporations ability to defend such Proceeding is materially prejudiced thereby
(e.g., expiration of time periods to defend, etc.).
Section 6.04. Defense Counsel.
The Corporation shall have the right to engage counsel to defend itself, its subsidiaries
and affiliates and all applicable Indemnitees in any common Proceeding, and the
Corporation shall directly pay the Expenses of such counsel. In such case, each Indemnitee
shall enter into a common defense agreement with the Corporation in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to all parties. However, an Indemnitee or group of Indemnitees shall
have the right to engage separate counsel approved by the Corporation (which approval will
not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) in any covered Proceeding if counsel to the
Corporation or such Indemnitee(s) advises the Corporation in writing that, in the
professional judgment of such counsel, (a) one or more legal defenses or counterclaims may
be reasonably available to such Indemnitee(s) and reasonably could be inconsistent with,
different from or additional to those available to such other parties, or (b) use of
counsel selected by the Corporation could reasonably be expected to give rise to a
conflict of interest. Notwithstanding the preceding portions of this Section, if the
Losses and Expenses could reasonably be expected to be covered by insurance, counsel shall
be selected in accordance with the applicable insurance policies.
Section 6.05. Right to
Indemnification, Etc. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, to the fullest
extent authorized by DGCL, each Indemnitee shall be indemnified, reimbursed and held
harmless by the Corporation from and against any and all Losses and Expenses actually and
reasonably incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding or
portion thereof by reason of the Indemnitees position with the Corporation or any of
its subsidiaries or with any other Entity (including, without limitation, any affiliate of
the Corporation) at the request of the Corporation, except in each
case to the extent determined in a Final Decision to be attributable to any action
or conduct of the Indemnitee other than Proper Conduct. However, if such Proceeding or
portion thereof has been brought by or in the right of the Corporation (including, without
limitation, any derivative suit), such Indemnitee shall not be indemnified, reimbursed or
held harmless under this Article in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such
person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the
extent that the 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 Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such Losses and Expenses as the Delaware Court of Chancery or
such other court shall deem proper.
Section 6.06. Right to Advancement
of Expenses. The Indemnification Rights of each Indemnitee shall include the right to
have the Corporation advance the Expenses actually and reasonably incurred in defending
any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition (Expense Advances);
provided, however, that the Indemnitee shall execute and deliver a
Reimbursement Agreement to and with the Corporation if and to the extent the DGCL requires
such a Reimbursement Agreement under the circumstances. The Corporation shall not require
collateral or other security or the support of any spouse or other surety (whether by
co-signature, endorsement or otherwise) for any of the Indemnitees obligations under
any such Reimbursement Agreement.
Section 6.07. Determination of
Right to Indemnification. Any indemnification or reimbursement under this Article
(unless otherwise ordered in a Final Decision by a court on such issue) shall be made by
the Corporation only as authorized respecting a specific Proceeding upon a determination
by the Corporation (as provided in this Section) that indemnification and reimbursement of
the Indemnitee by the Corporation is proper under the circumstances, including (without
limitation) a determination that the Indemnitee has met the applicable standards of Proper
Conduct. Such determination by the Corporation shall be made (i) by the Board through the
majority vote of the directors who are or were not parties to such Proceeding, even though
less than a quorum, (ii) by a committee of such disinterested directors designated by a
majority vote of such disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum, (iii) by
independent legal counsel in a written opinion if (A) there are no such disinterested
directors, or (B) such disinterested directors so direct, or (iv) by the stockholders of
the Corporation.
Section 6.08. Indemnification on
Success. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article, to the extent that
an Indemnitee has been successful (on the merits or otherwise) in any Final Decision in
defense of any Proceeding covered by this Article, the Indemnitee shall in any event be
indemnified and reimbursed for and against all Losses and Expenses actually and reasonably
incurred by such Indemnitee in connection therewith
Section 6.09. Payment Claims to
Recover Losses and Expenses. If and to the extent the Indemnitee owes any unpaid
Losses or Expenses for which the Corporation is responsible under this Article, the
Indemnitee may request that the Corporation pay such Losses and Expenses directly to the
applicable persons. If and to the extent the Indemnitee has directly paid any Losses or
Expenses for which the Corporation is responsible under this Article, the Indemnitee may
request that the Corporation reimburse the Indemnitee for such payments. The Indemnitee
shall request such payments through delivery of a written notice to the Corporation,
together with supporting documentation reasonably evidencing the amounts of such Losses,
Expenses and payments (each a Payment Claim). The Corporation shall
promptly comply with any valid Payment Claim or (to the extent applicable) request its
insurer to do so.
Section 6.10. Suits Brought by an
Indemnitee. Except as provided in Section 6.11 of this Article, the Indemnification
Rights of any Indemnitee shall not apply to any Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by
such Indemnitee unless such Proceeding (or part thereof) was approved by the Board in
advance. In the case of a compulsory counterclaim required to be initiated by the
Indemnitee, the Corporation agrees that such approval will not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed but may require some reasonable sharing of Expenses in the event the Indemnitee
recovers any Losses pursuant to such counterclaim.
Section 6.11. Suits on Payment
Claims, Etc. If a valid Payment Claim by an Indemnitee under of this Article is not
paid or satisfied in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after such claim has
been received by the Corporation, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit
against the Corporation to enforce the direct payment or recover the unpaid reimbursement
of the Payment Claim, as the case may be.
Section 6.12. Indemnification
Enforcement Expenses. If an Indemnitee is successful in whole or in part (a) in any
suit by the Indemnitee for a Payment Claim, or (b) in defending a suit brought by the
Corporation to recover Expense Advances pursuant to a Reimbursement Agreement, the
Indemnitee also shall be entitled to be paid the Indemnitees court costs and
reasonable attorneys fees, disbursements and expenses in prosecuting or defending
any such suit, subject to the other provisions of this Article and the DGCL.
Section 6.13. Indemnitees
Proper Conduct. The Indemnification Rights of each Indemnitee are each subject to the
Indemnitees satisfaction of the applicable standards of Proper Conduct . In any suit
for any Payment Claim (other than for Expense Advances), the Corporation shall have
available to it the defense that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standards of
Proper Conduct. In any suit brought by the Corporation to recover any Expenses Advances
pursuant to a Reimbursement Agreement or Applicable Law, the Corporation shall be entitled
to recover such Expense Advances upon a Final Decision that the Indemnitee has not met the
applicable standards of Proper Conduct. An Indemnitee shall not be presumed in any such
suit to have either satisfied or failed to satisfy the applicable standards of Proper
Conduct as a result of any determination or non-determination thereof by the Corporation,
its Board, Executives or other representatives, any of its stockholders or its independent
legal counsel. In any such suit, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee has not met the
applicable standards of Proper Conduct shall be on the Corporation.
Section 6.14. Continuation of
Rights. The Indemnification Rights of each Indemnitee shall continue in full force and
effect with respect to and for the benefit of any person who has ceased to be a director,
officer, employee or agent of or at the direction of the Corporation and shall inure to
the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives of
such person.
Section 6.15. Non-Exclusivity of
Rights. The Indemnification Rights of each Indemnitee shall not be exclusive of any
other right that any Indemnitee, Representative or other person may have or hereafter
acquire under any statute, the Corporations Certificate of Incorporation, these
By-Laws, any employment or other agreement, any vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors, or otherwise.
Section 6.16. Insurance. The
Corporation shall have the right in its discretion to from time to time purchase,
maintain, modify and surrender directors and officers liability and other insurance,
in each case from such insurers, in such amounts, upon such terms and
conditions, and subject to such deductions, in order to protect itself or to directly or
indirectly protect any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another
Entity against any expense, liability or loss whatsoever, whether or not the Corporation
would have the obligation or power to indemnify such person against such expense,
liability or loss under this Article or the DGCL.
Section 6.17. Indemnification of
Officers, Employees and Agents of the Corporation: Without in any way limiting its
right, power or authority under Applicable Law to grant any indemnity, the Corporation
may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board in its discretion, grant
rights to defense, indemnification, reimbursement and the advancement of expenses by the
Corporation to any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or other Entity up to the
maximum extent permitted for any Indemnitee by this Article, the DGCL and other Applicable
Law.
Section 6.18. Savings Clause.
If this Article or any provision hereof shall be finally determined to be superseded,
invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable pursuant to Applicable Law by a court having
proper jurisdiction and venue, then the Corporation shall nevertheless, to the fullest
extent permitted by the remaining provisions (if any) of this Article (i.e., those not so
determined to be superseded, invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable) and (subject to
such remaining provisions) the DGCL, indemnify, reimburse and hold harmless each
Indemnitee from and against any and all Losses and Expenses actually and reasonably
incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding or portion
thereof by reason of the Indemnitees position with the Corporation or with any other
Entity at the request of the Corporation, except in each case
to the extent determined in a Final Decision to be attributable to any action or conduct
of the Indemnitee other than Proper Conduct.
Section 6.19. Changes in
Indemnification Rights. The Indemnification Rights may be changed at any time and from
time to time through a change in these By-Laws, all without notice to or the approval of
any Indemnitee; provided that except as otherwise required by or reflecting
a change in the DGCL, any ch |